USA > Illinois > Whiteside County > History of Whiteside County, Illinois, from its earliest settlement to 1908, Vol. II > Part 15
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to Saratoga county, New York. In the meantime, however, he had wedded Miss Mary Johnson, who was usually ealled Polly. She, too, was a native of Vermont and was a daughter of Jedediah Johnson, who was born in that state and served his country as a soldier of the Revolutionary war. He died in Saratoga county, New York, at an advanced age. After the removal of the parents of our subject to the Empire state they remained residents of Saratoga county for a number of years and then came to the middle west, settling in Stark county, Illinois, where Benjamin Packer died at the venerable age of ninety years, his wife having passed away only a few years before. He was called out during the war of 1812 but engaged in 110 active service.
Harvey Packer was only about two years of age at the time the family removed to New York and was reared in the town of Galway, Saratoga county, upon the home farm, which he assisted his father in clearing and improving as the years passed by. The educational advantages which he received were those offered by the distriet sehools. Attracted by the opportunities of the growing west he came to Stark county, Illinois, in 1851, the ehoiee of his des- tination being deeided by the fact that he had a brother here. A few months later, however, he removed to De Kalb county, Illinois, where he carried on farming for two years and also engaged in general merchandising. He fur- ther extended the scope of his activities by beeoming manager of a factory for the inanufacture of agricultural implements. In 1878 he eame to Roek Falls and entered the employ of the Keystone Manufacturing Company, engaged in the manufacture of agricultural implements. Mr. Paeker is a man of marked mechanical ingenuity and inventive ability, his research, investigation and . experiment resulting in the invention of a power eorn sheller and eorn eul- tivator, walking and riding plows and other implements, together with farm windmills for watering stock. Thus he has given to the world many useful devices. He also had charge of the improvements made in the Keystone Man- ufacturing Company but in 1886 he sold his interest in the business and re- moved to Aurora, where he lived for twelve years. He then returned to Roek Falls, where he has inade his home continuously to the present time, and during the last period of his residence here he has lived retired.
On the 9th of May, 1849, occurred the marriage of Mr. Packer and Miss Charlotte Bass, a daughter of Samuel and Charlotte (Hagedorn) Bass, who were natives of the state of New York, where occurred the death of her pater- nal grandfather. The maternal grandfather was Jonathan Hagedorn, who was one of the best known men of Saratoga county. He was a thrifty business man and aecumulated a handsome fortune for those days. He married Abi- gal York, whose father was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. The father of Mrs. Packer died in Fulton county, New York, in 1841, at the age of forty- nine years. He served his country as a soldier in the war of 1812. His first wife died in 1835, at the age of thirty-five years, and he afterward married Louisa Lewis. By his first marriage there were four children, of whom two are now living, the brother of Mrs. Paeker being Jonathan Bass, who resides in Rochester, New York, at about the age of ninety years. Her father by his second marriage had three children, two of whom survive: Frances Augusta, the wife of Hiram Shipman, who is now living in the village of Northville,
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Fulton county, New York; and Margaret Jane, the wife of Michael Newton, of Northville.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Packer were born six children, namely: James H., resides in Chicago, where he is identified with the Board of Trade. He mar- ried Eve Cottrell, by whom he has a son, Elery. John F. is engaged in the livery business at La Grange, Illinois. For his first wife he wedded Josephine Cox, who died leaving two daughters, Grace and Jessie. For his second wife he wedded Mrs. Emma Cottrell, a sister of his brother James' wifc. She became the mother of two sons, Fay and Harley, and is now deceased. Mr. Packer was married a third time, this union being with Mrs. Idel Rogers, by whom he has one son, Jay. George W. Packer, the third member of the family, is deceased. He was at one time identified with the Keystone Works, acting as superin- tendent of the plant but afterward went to Chicago, where he was mechanical expert for the Deering Harvester Company, from whom he received a salary of six thousand dollars per year. He wedded Miss Lydia Rogers, by whom he had three children, Ray, Pearl and Glen. Frank Packer died at the age of eight months. Harriet is the wife of J. M. Bickford, of Sterling, Illi- nois. Their marriage has been blessed with three children, Viola May, Mark Dean and Charlotte. Nettie Viola Packer is the wife of E. S. Tucker, a resi- dent of Oakland, California, by whom she has three children, Dorothy, Gor- don and Elizabeth Viola.
Mr. Packer has long been a stalwart advocate of the republican party but has never sought nor desired office. His wife belongs to the Baptist church. They have now traveled life's journey together for almost sixty years, their mutual love and confidence increasing as time has passed by. In a review of the life record of Mr. Packer we note that his sterling qualities have been such as are worthy of emulation and have commanded for him uniform respect. He has ever been true to the trust reposed in him, whether in business or in private life, and his industry and inventive genius have given to the world various valuable devices. His career has indeed becn of use to his fellowmen, and his present rest is well earned.
CHARLES MERRITT WORTHINGTON.
The name of Charles Merritt Worthington figures prominently on the pages of Whiteside county's history. His birth was almost coincident with the founding of Sterling, for he was the first white male child born within the borders of thic city. He lived to become an active factor in its business affairs and public life and his influence was ever found on the side of progress and improvement. His personal qualities, which commanded the entire respect of all who knew him, gained for him lasting friendships, so that his memory is enshrincd in the hearts of thic great majority of those with whom he came in contact.
The Worthington family, of which the subject of this review is a repre- sentative, was founded in America in the seventeenth century by ancestors
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who settled in Connecticut. Thomas Worthington, the grandfather of C. M. Worthington, was born in that state, served his country as a soldier of the war of 1812 and throughout his business carcer engaged in merchandising. He married Elizabeth Bulkley, and both reached an advanced agc. Their family numbered six children and the last survivor, Thomas Worthington; passed away at a recent date at the very venerable age of ninety-seven years.
Elijah Worthington, son of Thomas Worthington, Sr., and father of C. M. Worthington, was born in the state where his ancestors had lived from colonial days but, departing from the ancestral home, became a resident of Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, and subsequently removed westward to Illinois about 1836. He settled on the bank of Rock river at a point that is still known as Worthington Place. He married Elizabeth Merritt, also a native of Con- necticut and a daughter of William Merritt, who was born in the same state and was a descendant of William Merritt, of an old English family, which has its branches in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The death of Elijah Worthing- ton occurred in 1839, when he was about forty years of age and his widow afterward married a Mr. Goss and removed to Mount Carroll, Illinois.
It was there that Charles Merritt Worthington spent his boyhood days and acquired his early education. His father had followed the occupation of farm- ing in connection with merchandising and had conducted the first store in Sterling, so that the family name is inseparably associated with the history of this city. Charles Merritt Worthington, moreover, is entitled to representation in this volume because of the fact that he was the first male child born in Sterling, his natal day being September 16, 1838. In later years he became an active factor in its business and public life. He spent a few years of his boyhood in Mount Carroll but at the age of fifteen years returned to Sterling, where he continued to make his home until called to his final rest. He learned the printer's trade, afterward became a journalist and owned and edited the Sterling Gazette for many years, making it one of the best papers published in this part of the state. /He was a man of clear, efficient and sound judg- ment, never hesitated in forming his opinions and presenting his ideas through the columns of his paper with a clearness and force that left no doubt as to his position and always carried influence in forming public opinion. His public service was characterized by the utmost loyalty and devotion to the duties which devolved upon him. He held office under the United States government, serving as gauger at the Sterling distillery for four or five years, while for eight years he was postmaster of the city.
Mr. Worthington was married in 1863 to Miss Elizabeth Page, of Ster- ling, and to them was born a daughter, May, who became the wife of Cyrus Cass Collins, of River Forest, Illinois, and died leaving a daughter, Elizabeth M. Collins, now living in River Forest. In 1865 Mr. Worthington wedded Miss Anna Wadsworth, of Dixon, Illinois, and they had a son, Walter, now of Dixon. On the 16th of September, 1900, Mr. Worthington was united in marriage to Miss Fanny McCartney, a daughter of David and Elizabeth Augus- ta (Agge) McCartney, and a lady of rare literary tastes, well known upon the lecture platform.
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Mr. Worthington's patriotism found tangible evidence in his valiant service at the time of the Civil war. He became the first lieutenant of Com- pany A, One Hundred and Fortieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for one hun- dred days' service and was reported by his colonel as the bravest man in his regiment. A prominent Mason, he attained high rank in the order, bclong- ing to Rock River Lodge, No. 612, A. F. & A. M .; Sterling Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M .; and Sterling Commandery, No. 57, K. T, while both he and Mrs Worthington were members of the Order of the Eastern Star. A man of broad inind, of liberal culture and advanced ideas, he left the impress of his in- dividuality upon public thought and action and aided in molding the des- tiny and shaping the history of the county with which he was so closely identified through a long, active and useful life.
NICHOLAS VOCK.
Among the residents of Whiteside county of foreign birth who, loyal to public interests, are today numbered among the stalwart American citizens, is Nicholas Vock, a native of Germany, born May 26, 1862. The parents were John and Anna Vock, also natives of Germany. They had a family of ninc children, namely: Nicholas, the subject of this review; Barbara; Phillip; Lizzie; Margaret, deceased; Lawrence; George, who has also passed away ; George, the second of the name; and one who died in infancy.
Nicholas Vock remained under the parental roof until eighteen years of age, and then came to America. This country, with its miles upon miles of broad prairie, its rich mining districts and great forest tracts, has been the land of opportunity for thousands of people who have come from the old world, and, moreover, it is the land of opportunity for character development as well, where the individual is not hampered by caste or class, but makes his way by reason of real personal merit. After landing on eastern shores Mr. Vock continued his journey into the interior of the country until he reached Whiteside county. Here he began working by the month, and that he was faithful, reliable and capable is indicated by the fact that he was employed by one man for eight years. He then married and began farming on his own account, cultivating a tract of rented land for six years, during which time he saved from the proceeds of his sales of crops a sufficient sum to enable him to purchase a farm in Whiteside county. He then lived upon his orig- inal place for seven years, when he sold that property and bought two hun- dred acres of land on sections 1 and 2, Montmorency township, whereon he took up his abode in 1902. The fields have been brought under a high state of cultivation and good farm machinery is used in carrying on the work. He also raises and fecds stock, and this adds materially to his annual income.
In 1889 Mr. Vock was united in marriage to Miss Sabine Billinger, who was born in Sterling in 1864, a daughter of John and Johanna (Reichet) Billinger, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to America in 1858, the father working here as a laborer. He died in the year 1895, and
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the mother, who still survives, now makes her home with a daughter in South Dakota. Mrs. Vock was one of a family of five children, and by her marriage has become the mother of ten children: Edward, Clara, Carl, Frances, Eva,. Marie, Helen, Anna, Joseph and Albert.
In his political views Mr. Vock is a republican, his study of the ques- tions and issues of the day having led him to give stalwart allegiance to the grand old party. He has been a school director for nineteen years, has been road commissioner for seven years and drainage commissioner for seven years. In these positions he has discharged his duties with a promptness and fidelity that none question, and which have led to his long retention in office. He and his wife are communicants of the Catholic church, and he is a member of the Knights of Columbus. When he arrived in Whiteside county his cap- ital could almost literally have been. contained in a nutshell, for he possessed but one dollar. Today he is one of the substantial and prosperous agricul- turists of the community, and what he has accumulated has been won through hard work day after day. None question his thrift nor his honesty, and his example may well serve as a source of inspiration to others, showing that success is not a matter of genius, but is the outcome of clear judgment, ex- perience and indefatigable labor.
JAMES THOMAS JACKSON.
While more than a quarter of a century has passed since James Thomas Jackson was called from the activities of this life he is yet remembered by many friends who knew him as a leading farmer of Mount Pleasant township, where he passed away on the 9th of November, 1881. He was born at Wood- stock, Madison county, New York, on the 28th of February, 1825, his parents being Orson and Patience (Anthony) Jackson, who were old settlers of Otse- go county, New York. Both died in the Empire state, where the father had followed the shoemaker's trade in order to provide for his family. He had two sons, of whom Lucius Jackson, coming to the west, lived for many years at Cedar Falls, Iowa, where his death occurred.
James Thomas Jackson was reared and educated in New York and in early life learned the shoemaker's trade. It is a well known fact that the west has always been the land of opportunity and attracted by the chances open here for business development and growth he came to Whiteside county in 1856. Although he had no previous experience in farm life, he deter- mined to engage in agricultural pursuits and settled in Mount Pleasant town- ship. When this farm came into his possession it was a tract of one hundred and twenty acres of unimproved land, but with characteristic energy he began its development and soon the track of the plow was seen across the fields. When the sod was broken and the harrowing done the seed was planted and in due time the once raw prairie brought forth rich crops. As the years passed modern improvements were added to the place and in 1876 the present residence was erected. While carrying on general farming Mr. Jackson also
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worked to some extent at his trade in Unionville and other places while mak- ing his home upon his farm. Here he resided until his death and was recog- nized as one of the valued citizens of the community.
At the time of the Civil war Mr. Jackson put aside all business and per- sonal considerations and enlisted as a member of Company E, Forty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in 1862. He was promoted from the ranks to corporal and served for five months, when his health failed him and he was honorably discharged. He was never a well man afterward and thus practically gave his life for his country.
Mr. Jackson was married in Madison county, New York, to Miss Sarah S. Burton, who was born at Eagle Village in Onondaga county, New York, January 3, 1828. She is a daughter of Sylvanus and Theodosia (Miller) Bur- ton, who removed fromn Vermont to the Empire state. In the fall of 1857 Mr. and Mrs. Burton removed westward to Whiteside county and several years later went to Benton county, Iowa, where they made their home until called to their final rest, the father dying in 1884 and the mother in 1882. Mrs. Jackson was one of six children, of whom three are now deceascd. Her sister, Mrs. Harriet Rockwell, resides in Forestville, New York, while her brother, George H. Burton, is a resident of California.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jackson were born five children. Florence, born in 1857, is now the wife of James Larkin, of Moville, Iowa. Charles, born in 1859, died in Whiteside county in 1879. Nora E., born in 1863, became the wife of Joseph A. Myers, who was born in Mount Pleasant township, this county, December 5, 1858, a son of Joseph and Maria (Austin) Myers, who came to this county at a very early day, settling in the timber among the pioneers. Joseph Myers entered land from the government on section 1, Mount Pleasant township-the place now owned by H. A. Reynolds. Both he and his wife continued here as prominent and worthy pioncer people up to the time of their demise, their remains being interred in Morrison. They had ten children, of whom three are yet living: John C. Myers, a resident of Bellingham, Washington; Mrs. Victoria McLennon, of Morrison; and Joseph A. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Myers have been born two children: Paul, who was born in 1886 in Clarke, South Dakota, and is at home; and Ruth, who was born in Lee county, Illinois, in 1898, and is now in school. Kate L. Jackson, the fourth member of the family, was born in 1865 and became the wife of James McCulla and died in Albany, New York, in 1888. Her hus- band now resides in Ireland. Albert L., born in 1871, is a farmer residing at Livermore, Humboldt county, Iowa.
In his political views James T. Jackson, the father, was a stalwart repub- lican but was never a politician in the sense of office seeking. However, he served as school director and was interested in all that pertained to the wel- fare and substantial upbuilding of the community. He belonged to the Masonie fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a member of the Methodist Protestant church, to which Mrs. Jackson also be- longs. He was a man higlily esteemed by all who knew him by reason of his upright life, the straightforward methods which he followed in business and the honorable principles which characterized him in every relation. Like
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her husband, Mrs. Jackson well deserves mention in this volume, having for more than a half century resided in the county. She is one of the worthy pio- neer women and can relate many an interesting tale of the early days and of the changes which have brought the county to its present condition of develop- ment and prosperity.
TRUMAN CULVER.
Truman Culver, deceased, was born in Boonville, New York, September 9, 1835, a son of Truman H. and Catharine (Campbell) Culver. The pater- nal grandfather, Solomon Culver, was a colonel in the Revolutionary war and was killed in the defense of a fort during an attack by the British. Tru- man H. Culver, the father of our subject, was descended from English ances- try and was born in New York in 1805. He followed the profession of teach- ing for about twenty years, and in an early day removed with his family to China township, Lee county, Illinois, his death occurring in that county in the year 1866. His wife's birth occurred in 1810 and she passed away at Cambridge, Nebraska, in the '80s. In the family of this worthy couple were fifteen children, eleven of whom grew to maturity, while four died in infancy and early childhood. Of the sons, Herman was a member of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry and now makes his home at Port Angeles, Washington. Staunton, a sergeant of the Fifth Wisconsin Infantry, after participating in all the battles of the Army of the Potomac, was killed at the battle of the Wilderness. He received seven wounds and was buried upon the field. Wil- liam, a member of the Twelfth Illinois Infantry, was killed in the attack upon Fort Donelson, being among the first to scale the fortifications. He was also buried on the field. .
Truman Culver, after acquiring a good literary education, taught school for several terms. In 1859, lured by the prospect of attaining wealth quickly, he went to Pike's Peak, but his experiences there were not all that he had anticipated and after a short time he returned to the east. Subsequently he taught school at Oswego, New York, for one term, after which he accom- panied his parents to Lec county, Illinois, locating in Union Grove township.
While still residing there the Civil war broke out and he at once raised a company and was selected its captain, but he finally resigned his com- mission and the company disbanded. On the 2d of September, 1861, hc enlisted as a private in Company C, Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and was mus- tered into service at St. Charles on the 18th of .September. It was soon discovered that he knew more of military tactics than any other member of his company and that he employed himself almost nightly in drilling the company. In a short time the regiment proceeded to their winter quarters at Alexandria. The command was ordered to the front and took up its line of march for Richmond. Before reaching Manassas, Sergeant Culver reconnoitered alone and on sccing seeing a rebel concluded to capture him,
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but he was suddenly confronted by two more, who commanded him to sur- render, firing upon him at the same time. Mr. Culver at once started to return to his comrades, but the enemy were reinforced by two more men, who also began firing on him. Throwing himself on the side of his horse, he managed to escape their bullets and at length reached camp in safety. Moving on in the advance, with an occasional skirmish, the command reached Rappahannock Station, where they dislodged the enemy, number- ing thirty thousand strong, driving them across the Rappahannock. The Fourth New York Cavalry, while out on a foraging expedition, became con- fused and scparated into two squadrons and, each mistaking the other for rebels, began firing upon cach other. The Eighth Illinois came to the rescue and soon settled the difficulty by capturing both squadrons. During the winter of 1862-3 the regiment was chiefly employed in picket duty and on seouting expeditions in that section of the country. On the 24th of May, 1863, Sergeant Culver was promoted to the position of second lieutenant. The spirit of patriotism was strong within him, for the blood of Revolu- tionary ancestors flowed in his veins and he had added new laurels to the already splendid military record of the family. Throughout his long and interesting career as a soldier his conduct was especially distinguished for a rare and indomitable courage under all the peculiar and trying circum- stances by which he was surrounded. He rose from the ranks to the posi- tion of first lieutenant and on many occasions commanded his company when in action. During the first day's battle at Gettysburg he took com- mand of a special detachment of two companies on the left flank. and throughout the remainder of his life he carried in his foot a ball that hc received in this engagement. On the 1st of October, 1864, he received his honorable discharge, having served his country long and well and with a bravery questioned by nonc.
Returning to the pursuits of civil life, Mr. Culver conducted a grocery business in Rock Falls for about fourteen years, his annual sales amounting to from forty to fifty thousand dollars. Subsequently he was engaged in the boot and shoe business on an extensive scale and also met with a gratifying degree of success in the conduct of this enterprise. His reliable and straight- forward business methods gained for him the confidence and csteem of all with whom he was associated and he was widely recognized as one of the most prominent merchants and public-spirited citizens of Whiteside county.
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