USA > Illinois > Whiteside County > History of Whiteside County, Illinois, from its earliest settlement to 1908, Vol. II > Part 48
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HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
ing: Mrs. Chamberlain; and George H., an agriculturist of Erie township. The deceased members of the family are William A., Rosanna and Charles J. After the marriage of the parents the father engaged in railroading for a year and subsequently conducted a boarding house for five years. In 1865 he removed to Erie township, Whiteside county, where he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, to which he afterward added from time to time until he now owns three hundred and twenty-three and a half acres on section 14, Erie township. In 1858 he again established a boarding house for workmen employed on the Rock Island & St. Louis Railroad, but after- ward returned to the farm, where he now resides, having long been closely, actively and successfully associated with agricultural interests in this county. He is now practically living retired, making his home with his son, George, his wife having died April 4, 1904.
Mrs. Chamberlain taught school for ten years prior to her marriage, and is a lady of culture and refinement. She now has six children, as follows: Clara E., born September 12, 1887, a graduate of the district school when thirteen years of age; E. Clayton, born January 14, 1889, who is now attend- ing St. Joseph's College at Dubuque, Iowa; Ralph L., whose birth occurred July 17, 1890; George W., born May 28, 1892; Alice M., who was born April 21, 1895; and Joseph E., whose birth occurred November 25, 1900, and who died August 8, 1902.
Mr. Chamberlain is a stanch republican in his political views, but without desire for office, for he feels that his entire time is demanded in the conduct of his business interests. Both he and his wife are communicants of the Catholic church, and in the community where they reside are well and fa- vorably known. A native son of Whiteside county and still living on the farm on which his birth occurred, Mr. Chamberlain has not only seen this region grow from a wild country with only a few white inhabitants, to a rich agricultural country, containing thousands of good homes and acres of growing towns, inhabited by an industrious, prosperous, enlightened and progressive people, but he has participated in the slow, persistent work of development which was necessary to produce a change which is so · complete that it has come to be popularly referred to as magical.
GEORGE R. HAMILTON.
One by one the early settlers of Whiteside county are passing away, but they have left a monument to their memory in the political and social or- ganization of the county, in its moral development and in its material growth and progress. Among those who came to Illinois when this was a pioncer district and bore its full share in the work of upbuilding and advancement as the years went by was George R. Hamilton. For many years he figured as one of the leading agriculturists and, dependent upon his own resources in early life, he became the owner of four hundred acres of valuable land in Lyndon township, where he carried on farming until his death.
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GEORGE R. HAMILTON
LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA
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HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
Mr. Hamilton was born February 24, 1820, in Northampton, Massachu- setts. His father, Adam R. Hamilton, was also a native of that place, born October 12, 1791, and came of Irish ancestry. He was a printer by trade, but his health becoming impaired, he took up agricltural pursuits, hoping to find physical benefit in the outdoor life of the fields. In the old Bay state he wedded Miss Nancy Miller, who was born there, and on leaving Massachusetts they became residents of New York, where the father devoted his time and energies to general farming until 1835. In the meantime the west was draw- ing to it men of enterprise and industry, who sought the opportunities of a new and undeveloped country, and after some study into the possibilities that would open before him in Illinois the father determined to establish his home in this state and came to Whiteside county. It was a wild district, sparsely settled. Only three years before had the Black Hawk war occurred and there were still many evidences of Indian occupancy. The sections had not been surveyed but the townships had been laid out and Adam R. Hamilton at once purchased a farm from the government. Eventually he became the owner of two hundred and forty acres, upon which he resided until called to his final rest. For many years the farm was operated under his supervision but in later years he rented the land. He was a soldier of the war of 1812 and in the west he fought the bloodless battles with the wilderness in reclaiming the frontier for the uses of civilization. His wife died in 1860 and, surviving her for about five years, he passed away in 1865. Their family numbered nine children: John M., now deceased; Nancy, who became the wife of Theron Crook, this being the first marriage in the county, and died in 1852; Lovisa, who became the wife of John Swarthout, who died in 1854, after which she became Mrs. Olds and died in 1896; George R., of this review; Mary G., who died in New York at the age of five years; Mary E., who became the wife of John Garlick, of Nebraska, and is now deceased; John,who died in Nebraska, in 1896; Harriet A., now of California, and Adam R., deceased. Harriet Swarthout, daughter of Mrs. Lovisa Swarthout, was the first white child born in Lyndon township, her birth occurring in August, 1839.
At the usual age George R. Hamilton began his education in the schools of his native state, where he resided to the age of fifteen years, when lie accompanied his parents on their removal to what was then the far west. He gained his majority amid the wild scenes and environments of pioneer life and early became a factor in the development of the new farm. Reaching the adult age, he began work as a farm hand, spending two years in that way, but ambitious to own land and engage in farming on his own account, he saved his earnings and at the end of two years made his first purchase, becoming owner of a little tract of five acres. It, however, was a start and to this he kept adding from time to time as the years passed by until he gained a place among the substantial agriculturists of the county. After two years' absence from home he returned and rented the old homestead, which he thus carried on until the death of his father. His entire business career was character- ized by untiring industry and perseverance and in all things he displayed an aptitude for successful management, combined with keen insight into busi- ness situations. Purchasing property from time to time as his financial resour-
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ces permitted, he became the owner of four hundred acres of land in Lyndon township, which was devoted to pasturage and to the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate. During the period of his residence here a small grove near his home grew into stately trees, adding much to the attractive appearance of the place. In all of his farm work he was progressive, keeping in touch with the trend of modern progress along agricultural lines, and his farm at all times indicated his careful supervision and practical ideas in its well kept appearance.
Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Hamilton was married May 28, 1867, to Miss Hannah Belt, who was born in Ohio, June 9, 1833. Her par- ents were also natives of the Buckeye state, whence they removed to Illinois about 1847. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton became the parents of two children, Willie G., the elder, married Nellie Harrison, and died in 1891, leaving a son, W. Vernon. Louie E., the daughter, is now managing the home farm and displays in its control excellent business ability and executive force. The wife and mother died February 6, 1887, and Mr. Hamilton survived her for more than seventeen years, passing away on the 4th of March, 1904. He was a devoted and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church and always stood on the side of progress, reform and moral advancement. His political views were in accord with the principles of the prohibition party. He was a valued member of the Old Settlers' Association, which held its meetings on his farm for many years. Those were notable occasions, when the pioneer residents of the county gathered together and recalled the days of early settle- ment here and noted the progress made. It is to their efforts that Whiteside county owes its present prosperity and advanced position. The name of Hamilton has been associated with the county continuously and honorably since 1835 and has always been a synonym for good citizenship and for prog- ress in various lines of life. George R. Hamilton was a resident of the county for almost seventy years-the scriptural allotted span of life. Wherever he was known he was respected and honored and most of all where he was' best known. A consistent Christian and conscientious man, he was never known to take advantage of the necessities of another in a business transaction and was ever considerate of the rights and privileges of those with whom he came in contact. He gave friendship and he received warm friendship and respect in return and his life record was so inseparably interwoven with the record of Whiteside county's development that no history of the county would be com- plete without mention of George R. Hamilton.
HENRY BROWN.
Henry Brown, the present efficient supervisor of Whiteside county, is numbered among the public-spirited citizens of this section of the state. He owns and cultivates a valuable farm of two hundred and forty acres, situ- ated on section 22, Hume township, and in this line of activity is meeting with good success. He was born in New York city, July 20, 1856, a son
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IIISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
of James and Catherine (Gaulropp) Brown, both of whom were natives of New York, but the mother is now deceased, her death having occurred Janu- ary 2, 1908, when she had reached the age of seventy-two years. The father is still living in Hume township, at the age of seventy-five years. In the family of this worthy couple were ten children, of whom seven still survive, namely: Henry, of this review; Frank, of Hume township; Mrs. Amelia Heckman, of Sterling; Mrs. Lizzie Gaffey and John, both residents of Hume township; George, a resident of Sterling; and Mrs. Mary Pettit, of Cordova, Illinois. The deceased members of the family are William and two who died in infancy.
Henry Brown was a little lad of eight years when he accompanied his parents from the Empire state to Whiteside county. The family home was established in Coloma township, where the father was employed for a time. Later he came to Hume township and purchased eighty acres of land on section 22, which is the present home of our subject. The son received his education in the common schools of the neighborhood, and was early trained to the duties of the home farm, assisting his father in the work of the fields, so that he gained practical experience in the methods of farm labor. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained the age of twenty-two years, when he began farming on his own account, cultivating rented land for three years. He then purchased the homestead property, to which he has since added until the place now enibraces two hundred and forty acres, and he has added all modern improvements and accessories, so that it is.now considered one of the valuable farm properties of Hume township. In addi- tion to, raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, Mr. Brown is also engaged to some extent in raising stock.
On the 8th of June, 1887, occurred the marriage of Mr. Brown and Miss Rose Beck, who was born in Germany, October 11, 1865, a daughter of John and Rose (Haberer) Beck, who, on coming to America in 1877, located in Jordan township, where the father was employed as a laborer. Both the father and mother arc now deceased, the father passing away a year after luis emigration to this country, while the mother survived for one year, passing away in 1879. Their family numbered six children, as follows: Mrs. Chris- tina Wolber, of Sterling; Mrs. Barbara Obendorf, a resident of Carroll county ; Mrs. Annie Brown, of Hume township; Jacob, a resident of Sterling; Rose, now Mrs. Henry Brown; and Mrs. August Stern, of Sterling township.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Brown has been blessed with three children, but the youngest, Blanch, died when twenty-two months old, while the sur- viving members, Etta M. and Ralph H., are still under the parental roof. Mr. Brown formerly gave his political support to the democratie party, but cast his ballot for President Mckinley, and since that time has supported the principles of the republican party. He has filled many public positions of trust and responsibility, having for the past nine years served as county su- pervisor, being the incumbent in that office at the present time. He also served as township clerk for five years, as tax collector for two years, as highway commissioner for six years, while for the past twenty years he has filled the office of school trustee. He is a Modern Woodman, belonging to
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HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
Sterling Camp, No. 12. He is public spirited in an eminent degree and on all matters of public interest he is ever to be found on the right side. He is a man of broad and comprehensive views, and the people of Whiteside county look upon him as an exemplary man, and are proud to number him among its best citizens.
WILLIAM ALLEN BLODGETT.
William Allen Blodgett is numbered among the younger but more sue- cessful menbers of the Morrison bar, and the liberal clientage aeeorded him is proof of the ereditable standing he has gained as a practitioner of law. One of Whiteside county's native sons, he was born in Ustiek township, January 23, 1873, of the marriage of Rufus K. and Luna P. (Martin) Blod- gett. The father was born in Lewis county, New York, in 1827, and was of English and Scotch descent. He acquired his education in the common schools, and in 1854 came to Illinois, teaching school in Fulton and in Ustick township for a number of years. He then purchased land on section 31, Ustick township, and gave his attention to farming, making his home thereon until 1879, when he retired to Morrison and spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He was a man of marked industry and enterprise, who carefully directed his farming interests and thereby won creditable prosperity. He was always reliable in his business transactions and the rules which governed his conduet were such as won for him the high esteem and confidence of his neighbors. He was a man of more than ordi- nary intelligence and education and his opinions carried influenee among many who knew him. Fraternally he was connected with the Masons, and politically with the republicans, and he held a number of township offiees. His wife, who is of German desecnt, is still living in Morrison. Unto them were born six children: W. Lee, a manufacturer of washing machines, etc., in Sterling; Armina M., the wife of Alfred J. McKee, a liveryman of Morri- son; Edwin M., who was formerly a lawyer and manufacturer, but is now living retired in Sterling; William Allen, of this review; Albert M., of Ful- ton, who is agent for the American Express Company; and Harriet E., at home.
Willianı A. Blodgett, rcared under the parental roof, acquired his edu- cation in the public schools of Morrison, and then returned to the farm, where he remained until he was twenty-two years of age, working by the month with the exception of the last two years. During that period he en- gaged in farming on his own account. In 1896 he entered the Northern Illinois College at Fulton, and was graduated therefrom in June, 1900. One year of that time was spent in the business department, and the remainder as a law student. In the spring of 1900 he was admitted to the bar and began practice in Morrison in January, 1901, entering into partnership with John A. Riordon, under the firm style of Blodgett & Riordon. They have been unusually successful in their practice, and now have a large and dis-
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HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
tinctively representative elientage. They also do a loan and insurance busi- ness and are meeting with success in those lines.
Mr. Blodgett is interested in many outside eoneerns which have direet bearing upon the welfare of the eity or promote its social interests. He be- Jongs to the Masonie fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the ladies' auxiliaries of the two first mentioned. He has been secretary of the Whiteside County Central Agricultural Society for a number of years, and is interested in the agricultural development of this part of the state. In polities he is a republican, and in 1903 was elected eity attorney, which position he is now filling for the third term, his re- eleetions indicating elearly the confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. An excellent presence, an carnest manner, marked strength of eharaetcr, a thorough grasp of the law, and the ability to accurately apply its principle, make lıim an effective and successful advocate. *
On the 23d of March, 1908, Mr. Blodgett was married to Miss Alice T. Coonradt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur R. Coonradt, at their home in Riverside, California. Mrs. Blodgett is also a native of Illinois.
OSCAR SMITH PARTRIDGE.
Osear Smith Partridge, an enterprising and prosperous agrieulturist re- siding on scetion 35, Hopkins township, was born on the 4th of September, 1854, in Providence, Rhode Island, a son of Samuel Smith and Luey (Sher- man) Partridge, also natives of that state. The grandfather, Otis Partridge, was born in the little village of Walpole, Massachusetts, February 16, 1764. Reared as he was, in those years of struggle and strife, when our country was fighting so bravely for independenec, he had not the advantage of the thorough system of sehooling that is supported by our government at the present time. However, he possessed strong determination and unfaltering diligenee and, though the road to knowledge was beset with many difficulties and obstaeles, he was successful in obtaining an education. The name of Otis Partridge was honored and esteemed by all, his advice and counsel was mueli sought and freely given, and as a man he was loved and trusted by those with whom he was associated. In 1785, when twenty-one years of age, he was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Smith, also a native of Walpole, and their family numbered eight sons and eight daughters. Ezekiel, of Templeton, Massachusetts, the eldest, was deacon of the Unitarian ehureh at that place for more than fifty years. He was a school teacher and farmer, and married Nancy ' Mowry, of Walpole, Massachusetts. Ruth, the second member of the family, became the wife of Joel Fales, of Walpole, Massa- chusetts. Otis, a farmer and millwright by occupation, married Miss Unity Fales, of Walpole, Massachusetts. Herman, also a farmer and millwright, was joined in wedloek to Miss Harriet Allen, of Walpole, Massachusetts. Hervey, twin brother of Herman, followed blacksmithing and farming, and wedded Miss Rachel Paine, of Foxboro, Massachusetts. Hannah became
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HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
the wife of Aaron Jones, of Templeton, Massachusetts. Grata married Jonas Rice, also of Templeton, Massachusetts. Warren, a physician by profession, wedded Miss Amoret Potter, of Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire. Emmons, who was a blacksinitli and a Universalist preacher for a number of years, married Miss Charlotte Boyden, of Walpole, Massachusetts. Harriet became the wife of Luther Baker, of Templeton, Massachusetts. Lucy wedded Abel Davis, likewise of Templeton, Massachusetts. Maynard, a farmer, miller and lum- ber dealer, was the originator of the celebrated Partridge table for measuring logs into cord feet by caliper measure, which is in general use throughout New England and other states. He was chosen deacon of the Congregational church in 1838, and chose for his wife Miss Mary H: Uphan, of Templeton, Massachusetts. Julia Partridge died while young. Amanda married Uriah B. Moore, of Templeton, Massachusetts. Samuel Smith, the youngest mem- ber of the family, became the father of our subject. Otis Partridge, the grandfather, in association with his oldest son, purchased about four hundred acres of land on Mine Hill and surroundings in Templeton, Massachusetts, removing there in the spring of 1811. Up to the 1st of January, 1882, his descendants numbered one hundred and twelve grandchildren, one hundred and ninety great-grandchildren, and one hundred and five great-great-grand- children. Mechanical skill and musical ability have been the most prominent characteristics of the children.
Samuel Smith Partridge, the father of our subject, was a blacksmith and horeshoer, noted for his skill as a mechanic, having received a diploma as an expert horseshoer at the age of sixteen years. Noted horsemen came to him from all parts of the country to employ his services in the shoeing of their horses. In 1854 he removed westward to Whiteside county, Illinois, and opened a shop in Como, which was then a commercial center, remaining at that place throughout the remainder of his life. He passed away in 1872 at the age of fifty-eight years, and the county mourned the loss of one of its respected and worthy pioneers. He was always a hard working man and had borne his full share in the work of early development and progress here. His wife survived him for many years, passing away in 1896, when about eighty years of age. Those of the grandsons who have gained success in mercantile lines are: George Partridge, of St. Louis; Charlie and Josiah, of New York; and Horace, of Boston. Those who have won a creditable place in literary circles are : Leonard Jones, of Boston; Professor Lucas Baker, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts; and Rev. John Warren Partridge, late of Grecley, Colorado.
Oscar Smith Partridge, the subject of this review, was educated in the common schools and from an early age has been engaged in farming. He owns one hundred and ninety-seven acres of land, all under a high state of cultivation, and in addition to the work of general farming he also carries on stock-raising. He makes a specialty of full blooded Plymouth Rock chick- ens, on which he has been awarded many premiums, and has also met with a large measure of prosperity in the conduct of his farming interests.
On the 3d of September, 1875, Mr. Partridge was united in marriage to Miss Anna Adelia Scott, a daughter of John E. and Anna (Shereer) Scott,
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HISTORY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY
further mention of whom is made on another page of this work. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Partridge have been born the following named: Myrtle, the wife of Ira Shontz, an agriculturist of Whiteside county; Bernice, who became the wife of Melvin Shontz, a farmer residing on Woodlawn farm No. 4, in this county ; Lawrence; Mabel Mildred; Gladys May; and Hazel Ruth.
In his political views Mr. Partridge is a stanch republican and has served as school director for twelve years, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart friend. He is a Methodist in religious faith, and throughout the community is lield in high esteem by reason of the straightforward and honorable principles which have actuated him in all life's relations. Brought to this county in infancy, he has since resided within its borders and has therefore been a witness of the many changes that have occurred as pioneer conditions have given way before the onward march of civilization and de- velopment.
JOHN R. MATTHEWS.
A fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, situated in Prophetstown township, is evidence of the thrift and energy of John R. Matthews, who is here engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He was born near Pond Creek, in Bureau county, Illinois, September 9, 1859, and comes of English parentage. His father, Henry Matthews, was born in Cornwall, England, June 11, 1820, and was married in that country on the 23d of March, 1850, to Miss Grace Spargo, whose birth occurred in 1822. Soon after their mar- riage they emigrated to America, their home being established in Dover, New Jersey, where they remained for five years, subsequent to which time they made their way to Illinois, the family home being established in Bureau county. After a residence of twenty years in that county, Mr. Matthews re- mnoved with his family to Whiteside county, purchasing a farm near Leon, where he made his home until his death, which occurred January 6, 1900, when he had reached the venerable age of eighty years. The mother, how- ever, is still living, making her home in Prophetstown township. Their fam- ily numbered eleven children, of whom four are still living, as follows: Wil- liam, a resident of Prophetstown township; Mrs. Elizabeth Martin, who lives in Iowa; Mrs. Ann Terry, a widow, who lives with her mother; and John R., of this review.
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