USA > Illinois > Whiteside County > History of Whiteside County, Illinois, from its earliest settlement to 1908, Vol. II > Part 29
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HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
James, deceased; Charles C., of this review; Francis, of Fenton township, Whiteside county ; Catherine, who is the wife of James McDonald and resides in Portland, Oregon; John, of St. Louis, Missouri; Irene D., the wife of H. L. Snyder, of Fulton; and Mary and Maggie, who died in childhood.
Charles C. McMahon acquired his more specifically literary education by pursuing the public-school course on Prince Edward Island and in Lyons, Iowa. He also attended school in Fulton township, this county, and after- ward qualified for the practice of his chosen profession as a student in the Northern Illinois College of Fulton. There he finished his course in 1888 and in June of that year was admitted to the bar. He then associated him- self for practice with James De Witt Andrews, with whom he was connected for a year and in 1890 he opened his present office, where he has since been successfully engaged in the practice of law, having a large and distinctly representative clientage that has connected him with much important liti- gation tried in the courts of the district. He prepares his cases with great thoroughness and care, presents his points with clearness and force and is rarely, if ever, at fault in applying a legal principle to any phase of the case at issue. Previous to his admission to the bar he was tax collector of the township and in 1894 was elected city attorney, a position he has eon- tinuously held to the present time.
On the 1st of January, 1907, Mr. McMahon was married to Miss Bertha Fischer, of Fulton, a daughter of Herman and Mary (King) Fischer, the father a native of Germany and the mother of Illinois. Mr. Fischer was brought to America by his parents at the age of eight years, the family home being established in Fulton among the earliest residents of this part of the state.
Mr. McMahon gives his political allegiance to thie democracy and fra- ternally is connected with the Mystic Workers and the Modern Woodmen. He has made a deep impress upon the bar of Whiteside county, both for legal ability of a high order and for the individuality of, a personal char- acter which impresses itself upon a community. An excellent presence, an earnest manner, marked strength of character, a thorough grasp of the law and the ability to accurately apply its principles make him an effective and successful advocate in the courts.
JACOB FELDMAN.
Jacob Feldman, one of the native sons of Morrison, born in 1859, passed away April 3, 1891. His father, Jacob Feldman, Sr., a native of Germany, died in March, 1895, at the age of seventy-two years. Hc eame to Morrison in the '50s and for many years was actively identified with its business in- terests as proprietor of a restaurant. In his later years he lived retired, enjoying well-earned rest from the active cares of business. His religious faith was that of the Lutheran church and in his fraternal relations he was an Odd Fellow. At the time of the Civil war he was drafted for military
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS .
JACOB FELDMAN, JR.
JACOB FELDMAN, SR.
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
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service, but did not go to the front on account of physical disability, which incapacitated him for active field duty. His political allegiance was given to the republican party. In early manhood he married Christina Swartz, who was born in Germany and survived her husband for a number of years, passing away in 1904, at the age of seventy-five. She, too, was a member of the Lutheran church and a lady of many estimable traits of character. The family numbered but two children and the younger dicd in infancy.
Jacob Feldman, reared in his native city, pursued his early education in the schools of Morrison and afterward attended a German school at West Chicago. On putting aside his text-books he entered his father's restaurant and was associated with him in business until his death. He had a wide acquaintance in the city where his entire life was passed and where his many good qualities won for him favorable regard and popularity. In business he was energetic and thoroughly reliable and was therefore regarded as a worthy representative of the commercial interests of Morrison.
In 1882 Mr. Feldman was married to Miss Carrie Schoch, who was born in Geneva; Kane county, Illinois, in 1860, a daughter of Christian and Mag- dalena Schoch, the former a farmer by occupation. Both died during the infancy of their daughter, who was adopted by her uncle, Martin Schoch. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Feldman were born four children: Florence, who was born in 1884 and died in infancy; Alonzo J., who was born in 1886 and is a stenographer in Chicago; Elsie, born in 1888 and now at home; and Ella May, born in 1890 and a student in the public schools.
Mr. Feldman owned a fine home and business block in Morrison in addition to his restaurant interests. Fraternally he was well known, being affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, the Odd Fellows and the Masons. He attained the Knight Templar degree in the latter and the funeral services were conducted by the commandery of Sterling. His religious faith was indicated by his membership in the German Lutheran church, while his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. The fact that many of his stanchest friends were those who knew him from his boyhood, indicates that his life was honorable and upright and that he justly merited the con- fidence and good will of those with whom he was associated. His death was the occasion of deep regret, not only to his family but to many of . Morrison's residents who had learned to esteem and honor him.
J. L. CRAWFORD.
J. L. Crawford, a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, was the founder of Crawford Brothers' general store at the corner of First avenue and Third street, Sterling, in the year, 1858. This store was built by Thomas Robinson, president of thic Winnebago National Bank at Rockford, Illinois, under the supervision of James L. Crawford. The two brothers, James L. and David M. Crawford. were widely known and did an extensive and suc- cessful business with the farming community. They occupied the second
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room in the frame building above mentioned. They were highly esteemed for their integrity of character and honest business dealing. Both men have long since passed away, but their memory is still fresh and dcar to many of the old settlers who arc yet living.
JAMES COBORNE HUBBART.
James Coborne Hubbart, who for many years might well have been termed the first unofficial resident of Erie, so prominent was he in the upbuild- ing and development of the village, passed away May 18, 1886, and his deatlı was the occasion of the most decp and widespread regret, for all who knew him had come to esteem and honor him and to appreciate what he did for the public welfare. He was born in Broome county, New York, October 12, 1822, a son of Elisha and Irena (Cobornc) Hubbart, who were likewise na- tives of the east. Representatives of both the Coborne and Hubbart families settled here in pioneer times before the land had come into market. The father of our subject was a native of Morris county, New Jersey, and in early boyhood removed to the state of New York, where he resided until after his marriage. Attracted by the opportunities of this section of the country, which was then "the far west," he came to Illinois in February, 1838, and established his home in Union Grove township. He thus became identified with agricultural interests in Whiteside county, where both he and his wife continued to reside until they were called to their final rest. Their family numbered eight children, of whom James C. Hubbart was the second in order of birth. The family suffered many hardships and privations incident to pioneer life dur- ing their early residence in this part of the state. They had left New York in the spring of 1837, journeying westward by team. On reaching Mottville, Michigan, however, their funds became exhausted and they were compelled to remain in that town during the summer and succeeding winter. In the fol- lowing February they again started for Whiteside county, reaching their destination about the 25th of that month. The Coborne family had already come to this county, having arrived in July, 1837, and had made a clearing for Elisha Hubbart of one hundred and sixty acres of land located on sec- tions 31 and 32, Union Grove township. Upon this claim Mr. Hubbart erected a log cabin, and in August of that year took possession of his new home. In May of the following year he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away on the 12th of that month. The father survived only until the 8th of March, 1841. The children were all in their minority, and Benjamin Coborne was appointed as administrator of the estate.
James C. Hubbart was a youth of sixteen years when the family arrived in Whiteside county. Upon his father's death, which occurred when the son" was ninetcen years of age, he went to the Wisconsin pinerics, where he re- maincd for a year. Upon his return he found that another party had lo- cated on the claim which his father had secured, and in 1845 he and his brother, Simpson, purchased this claim, then comprising two hundred acres
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of land. They took up their abode thereon and began the development and improvement of the farm, their sister, Irena, aeting as their housekeeper. On the 1st of January, 1852, Simpson Hubbart was married and brought his wife to the elaim, and in 1855 James C. Hubbart was married. He then sold his interest in the original farm to his brother, and purchased the farm which bceame his place of residence, and which had formerly belonged to his wife's parents.
It was on the 14th of October, 1855, that Mr. Hubbart wedded Miss Maria L. Putney, who was born in Adams, Massachusetts, October 10, 1834, and was brought to this eounty by her parents in 1837, soon after the Indians had been driven away by the Black Hawk war. She was a daughter of Arthur and Lucinda (Wood) Putney, both natives of the old Bay State. Her father was the owner of a line of stages operating between Adams, Massachusetts, and Troy, New York, and on removing westward he dis- posed of his business interests there, journeying by way of the water route to Michigan. For a brief period he visited with relatives in Adrian and there bought teams, after which he drove across the country to Whiteside county, Illinois, settling in Erie township. He was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, however, for when this was still a pioneer district he died of the fever which was so prevalent in the new country in 1844. His widow afterward married again and lived upon the old homestead until her death. Their daughter, Mrs. Hubbart, was the only one of three chil- dren who reached mature years, the other two dying in infancy.
As stated, following his marriage Mr. Hubbart purchased the farm which had previously belonged to his wife's parents. His first investment in this property made him owner of one hundred and sixty acres, to which he afterward added from time to time until his possessions included over five hundred aeres of valuable farm land in this county. Upon it he erected three residenees, four barns and other outbuildings, planted an orehard and made other substantial modern improvements. He usually kept about one hundred head of cattle, making a specialty of graded shorthorns, and he also kept from thirty to forty head of cows for dairy purposes. He like- wise raised high grade horses and a large number of hogs and his live-stock interests were an important branch of his business, while his cultivation of erops also brought him gratifying sueeess year by ycar. In addition to his valuable home property of over five hundred aeres he also owned two hundred aeres of land in connection with Arthur McLean, this tract being timber and pasture land in Erie township.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hubbart were born three children: Mary I., the wife of Dr. Eugene Burridge, of Palestine, Illinois; Ella, the wife of William H. James, living on the old homestead in Erie township; and James P., also of Erie.
The conditions of life in this eounty at the time of Mrs. Hubbart's arrival here were vastly different from those of the present day. Many desperadoes and horse thicves infested this part of the state and the settlers had to organize for protection against these lawless characters. Game of all kinds was plentiful and furnished many a mcal for the settlers, venison,
-
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turkey, and prairie chicken being frequent dishes on the pioneer board. In those early days there was only one house upon the present site of the town of Erie and there were no trees in the locality. All grain had to be hauled to Galena and Chicago with ox-teams and travel was done by private conveyance. Through the influence of Mrs. Hubbart's father's however, a linc of stages was established from Chicago to Rock Island on the north side of the river.
When Mr. Hubbart was about twenty years old he returned to New York, where he remained for two or three years. He then again came to this county and owned the Delhi place until he was married, when, as stated, he removed to the farm formerly owned by his father-in-law, which is now the property of his widow. He continued to make his home there until his demise and figured prominently for many years as one of the extensive, enterprising and successful agriculturists of the county. He also built the cheese factory which is now conducted as a creamery, employing a man to conduct this. He likewise built the first grist mill in Erie and it is still in operation. For a number of years he conducted a general mercantile store in Erie and at one time was owner of all of the lots on the east side of Main street. His activity and enterprise made him one of the foremost citizens of the village, his labors contributing in large measure to its growth and progress as the years passed. Without invidious distinction he might well have been designated as the foremost resident of Erie through a num- ber of years. His early political allegiance was given to the democracy but his last votes were cast in support of the prohibition party. He took an active part in good roads and served as road commissioner. Fraternally he was a Master Mason and was an active, prominent and helpful member of the Baptist church, his entire life being in harmony with his professions as a believer in Christian religion. He was never known to take advantage of another in a business transaction but on the contrary was always straight- forward and honorable and to his family left not only a valuable estate but also the priceless heritage of an untarnished name.
JOHN JOSEPH MCCUE.
John Joseph McCue, who owns and operates a valuable and up-to-date farming property of one hundred and sixty acres on section 36, Hopkins township, was born in this township on the 5th of July, 1868, a son of James and Margaret (Doyle) McCue. The grandparents were Thomas and Honora (Ternon) McCue, who lived and died in Ireland.
James McCue, the father of our subject, was born in the parish of Bala- nakiin, County Galway, Ireland, September 24, 1834, and in November, 1854, when a young man of twenty years, emigrated to America, locating in Whiteside county. He possessed no financial resources with which to take up the battle of life in a new country, but his resolute spirit, willing hands and strong physical manhood proved to be ample equipment. For the first six or seven years after his arrival in this county he was employed as a
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farm hand, but in 1859 rented a tract of land, being successfully engaged in its cultivation for about three years. At the end of that time, by reason of the exercise of careful economy and unremitting diligence, he had suc- cceded in accumulating capital sufficient to enable him to purchase eighty acres of land, which he brought under a high state of cultivation, and which eventually became the old homestead. As the years passed he added to his holdings from time to time, until he is now the owner of nine hundred and seventy-thrce acres of rich and productive land in Whiteside county, and is widely recognized as one of its most successful and enterprising citizens. About 1898 he removed to the place where he now resides, on section 19, Hopkins township, having here a beautiful, modern home, and being sur- rounded by all of the comforts and many of the luxuries that go to make life worth living.
On the 1st of March, 1859, Thomas McCue had been married at Dixon, Lee county, Illinois, to Miss Margaret Doyle, the ceremony being performed by the Rey. Father Kinady, C. P. Mrs. McCue was a native of Ireland and a daughter of James and Ellen (Kirk) Doyle, in whose family were the follow- ing children : Mary, Margaret, John, Patrick, Catherine, Sarah and Ellen. In the McCue family were six children: William C., who lives on the old home- stead in Hopkins township; James E., also a resident of that township; Mary, who wedded James S. Quinn, of Chicago, and died about 1895; Thomas E., a resident of Sterling township; John J., of this review; and Edward, who died when about five years old. Mr. McCue has given each of his children a good start in life. He is now spending his remaining days in the enjoy- ment of the fruits of his former toil and, having lived in this county for more than a half century, is widely and favorably known as one of its repre- sentative and influential residents.
John Joseph McCue acquired his education in the common schools and assisted his father in the operation of the home farm until several years after he had attained liis majority, when he was married and established a home of his own on section 36, Hopkins township. His farm consists of one hun- dred and sixty acres, and is one of the best improved properties in the county, being equipped with all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm of the twentieth century. The drive to the residence is entered through an automatic swing gate of the latest device, and the cement walks and many other modern improvements give evidence of the enterprise and progressive spirit of the owner. The fields annually return golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor he bestows upon them, and he has long been recog- nized as one of the wide-awake and prosperous agriculturists of his com- munity.
On the 12th of October, 1898, Mr. McCue was united in marriage to Miss Anna C. Gronis, a daughter of Charles and Bridget (McDermott) Gronis, further mention of whom is made on another page of this work. Unto our subject and his wife have been born six children, five of whom are now living: Mary Frances, Jennie Loretta, John Joseph, Charles Joseph and Leo.
In his political views Mr. McCue is a democrat, while the religious faith of the family is indicated by their membership in the Catholic church. Hav-
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ing spent his entire life in this county, Mr. MeCue is well known, and has gained the respect and confidenee of all with whom he has been associated, for his life has ever been upright and honorable in all relations, and he is now surrounded by many comforts, a beautiful home and a family of bright and interesting children.
C. H. ATWOOD.
The spirit of enterprise and progress which is dominant in the middle west and has led to the rapid upbuilding of this section of the country is manifest in the life of C. H. Atwood, a leading business man and representa- tive citizen of Sterling, where he is successfully condueting an extensive groeery and meat market. The sueeess he has achieved-and it is most creditable-is due entirely to his well direeted labors, his commendable am- bition and strong purpose and perhaps no history given in this volume indi- cates more clearly the value and true rewards of character and of unwearied diligence.
Mr. Atwood was born in Ogle county, Illinois, near Stillman Valley, February 6, 1863, his parents being Patten and Hannah (MePherson) At- wood, both of whom were natives of Canada. Their family numbered but three children, the eldest being Ira, a resident of Kansas; and the youngest, Edward Atwood, of Rockford, Illinois. The father was a farmer by oecupa- tion and on coming to the United States settled in Ogle county at an early day, there following general agricultural pursuits. After the outbreak of the Civil war he espoused the cause of the Union and became a member of a regiment of Illinois volunteer infantry. He laid down his life on the altar of his country, dying in a hospital in Buffalo, New York. His wife still survives him and now makes her home in Rockford. She is a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist church, to which Mr. Atwood also belonged.
C. H. Atwood was only two and a half years old when he became a resident of Whiteside county. Here he was reared by James Seoville in Genesee township and his education was acquired in the distriet schools and in the business college of Roekford. He afterward took up his abode in Sterling, where he was connected with various business interests. At length he began clerking in the grocery store which he now owns, entering this establishment as an employe in 1882. When the firm by whom he was em- ployed closed out their business Mr. Atwood became the suceessor in the enterprise in partnership with L. L. Johnson and one year later bought out Mr. Johnson's interest, sinec which time he has conducted the business alone. He has gradually developed a trade of mammoth proportions, em- ploys a number of clerks and does a nost excellent business.
On the 20th of November, 1886, Mr. Atwood was married to Miss Clara L. McCallister, a daughter of H. W. and Annie (Werntz) MeCallister. They now have one daughter, Lura, and the family residence is at No. 309 West Eleventh street, where Mr. Atwood built an attractive home in 1906.
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The parents are members of the Presbyterian church, in which Mr. Atwood is serving as treasurer. Hc belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp, to the Improved Order of Redmen, to the Knights of Pythias and to the Dramatic Order of the Knights of Khorassan. He is also captain of the Uniformed Rank of the Knights of Pythias and is prominent among his brethren of these fraternities. His strongly marked traits of character are his close application, his earnest purpose and his unwearied diligence. He early came to a realization of the fact that there is no royal road to wealth and he resolved to win success if it could be done by honorable, persistent effort. The result is well known to all his fellow townsmen and his position in the business eireles of Sterling is a most enviable one.
WILHELM HINRICHS.
The agricultural interests of Mount Pleasant township find a worthy representative in Wilhelm Hinrichs, who is located on the southeast quarter of section 13, owning here one hundred and sixty acres of land, which is known as the old P. C. Stone farm. He also has one hundred and forty-nine aeres in Hopkins township, and deserves much credit for what he has accom- plished, his success being due to his well-dirceted and persistent efforts. A native of Germany, he was born in Oldenburg, August 4, 1839, his parents being M. F. and Anna (Johnson) Hinrichs, both of whom died in Germany, where they were respected farming people. Their family numbered four children. Henry, the eldest, died in Germany, but two of his sons are in America-Max, who is successfully following farming in the state of Wash- ington, and Robert, who is a bookkeeper in British Columbia. Wilhelm, of this review, is the second son of the family. Wilhelmina died unmarried. Henrietta is the wife of John Siebles, a resident farmer of Germany.
Wilhelm Hinrichs was reared in the land of his birth, and is indebted to its public school system for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. In 1866 he came to Whiteside county, Illinois, and worked for several months for Charles Ward. He was practically empty-handed when he arrived in America, but he possessed a resolute spirit and strong determination, and carly realized the fact that all honorable success depends upon close applica- tion and unremitting effort. After remaining with Mr. Ward for several months he was employed by a farmer near Dixon for two years, and in the meantime attended school to some extent in order to acquire a knowledge of the English language. He next went to Mount Pleasant township, White- side county, where he rented a farm for several years. He was successful in lis agricultural interests, and finally acquired capital sufficient to enable him to purchase the farmn upon which he now resides. He bought this property in 1880, paying for it the sum of fifty-seven and a half dollars per acre, which was the highest price paid for land in this locality up to that time. He secured one hundred and sixty acres, which constitutes his present place of residence, and here he has followed general farming, raising both grain and
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