USA > Illinois > Whiteside County > History of Whiteside County, Illinois, from its earliest settlement to 1908, Vol. II > Part 63
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FRANZ S. HUBBART.
The attractiveness of Whiteside county as a place of residence is indi- cated by the fact that many of her native sons have retained their residence within her borders, enjoying the advantages and benefits which she offers and finding here good opportunities for the attainment of success in the business world. To this class belongs Franz S. Hubbart, who was born in Whiteside county, Illinois, November 13, 1870, his parents being S. S. and Adaline (Remer) Hubbart, who are mentioned on another page of this volume. At the usual age the son began his cducation, which he continued until he was graduated from the Erie high school. After putting aside his text-books he remained at home until he had attained his majority and then started out upon an independent business carcer, working at a restaurant and lunch room in Denrock, Illinois, for a year. He next made a trip to Scattle, Washington, where he remained for two years, after which he went to Port- land, Oregon, working in an icc plant for one scason. He then again came to Whiteside county and for a year cultivated a rented farm, after which he
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invested his savings in sixty aeres of land on section 8, Erie township. He improved this by building a fine house and adding substantial buildings for the shelter of grain and stock. He also used the latest improved maehin- ery, and everything about the place is indicative of his careful supervision and practical methods. Whatever he undertakes he carries forward to suc- cessful completion, forming his plans readily and executing them with determination. He has become widely known through the raising and breed- ing of fine poultry, making a specialty of barred Plymouth Rock chiekens.
On the 20th of December, 1898, Mr: Hubbart was married to Miss Della Campbell, who was born in Ohio in 1878, and was one of a family of three children. Her mother is now deceased, but her father is still living in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Hubbart lost their only child, Beatrice, and they are now rear- ing an adopted daughter, Nettie M. Mr. Hubbart and his wife are members of the Christian church and contribute liberally to its support and take an active part in its work .. Mrs. Hubbart is a lady of culture and refinement who was graduated from the Erie high school and was engaged in teaching prior to her marriage. Mr. Hubbart exercises his right of franchise in sup- port of the prohibition party, being a stalwart advocate of the cause of tem- perance. In fact, his influence is always found on the side of reform, im- provement, justice and truth, and his position in support of all that is right is never an equivocal one. His fellowmen respect him because they know him to be honest and trustworthy, and because they know he is ever reaching upward to higher ideals.
HENRY TUCKER.
The great agricultural state of Illinois claims among its residents many inen of excellent business ability, marked enterprise and comprehensive understanding of the qualities which are necessary for success in business. To this elass belonged Henry Tueker, who was closely associated with agricultural life both as a farmer and breeder and raiser of thoroughbred stoek. His en- ergy intelligently applied, brought him a gratifying measure of success that enabled him to leave his family in comfortable financial circumstances.
He was born April 6, 1839, in Chenango county, New York, and was the youngest in a family of two sons and two daughters, all of whom are now deceased. The family came of Irish ancestry. Henry Tueker spent his boy- hood days in the Empire state and was left an orphan at the age of ten years. He attended the publie schools, thus acquiring his education, and when a young man of twenty-two years he sought a home in Illinois, for he believed that the newer and less thiekly settled west afforded superior advantages to the ambitious young man than the older east afforded.
On reaching this state he settled on a farm in Mount Pleasant township, Whiteside county, in 1861, and as the years passed prospered in his under- takings, becoming one of the leading and successful farmers of the locality. As time passed he added to his original holdings until he had secured over
HENRY TUCKER
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two hundred aeres of land, in the midst of which stood one of the finest country residenees in Illinois. To his place he added all modern equipments, ac- cessories and convenienees. He built large and commodious buildings, seeured the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and provided ample accommodations for the shelter of grain and stoek. He became widely known as a breeder of shorthorn eattle and thoroughbred hogs and also raised good horses. He brought to his business a sound judgment and keen diserimination which were important factors in winning his prosperity. More- over, he was frugal and industrious, and his salient characteristies were sueh as to win for him the high esteem of those with whom he eame in contaet.
On the 2nd of March, 1861, Mr. Tueker was married to Miss Lydia Jane Hiddleson, who was born in Pennsylvania, in 1839, a daughter of Areade and Caroline Hiddleson, of whom mention is made in connection with the sketch of W. P. Hiddleson on another page of this work. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Tueker were born five children, as follows: Amy C., who was born October 24, 1862, died January 10, 1877 ; Mary L., born August 31, 1864, is the widow of Daniel Berry, an attorney, and they had two children; Arkey, born October 14, 1866, married Irene Deets, who was born in Genesee township in 1875, and is a daughter of William and Katherine Deets, the former a farmer by oeeupa- tion. Mr. and Mrs. Arkey Tueker now have two sons, William H. and Harry D. Tueker. For many years the father engaged in farming but has now retired and is a resident of Morrison. The third member of the family of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Tucker died in infaney. Hallie J., born April 11, 1873, married Minnie Norton, and died February 14, 1896.
Henry Tueker was a member of the Odd Fellows society and was in through sympathy with the beneficent spirit of the order. He voted' with the republican party and his fellow townsmen called him to several loeal offices, yet he was never a politician in the sense of office seeking. Naturally of strong mind, he readily determined the value of a situation bearing upon his business eareer and won his sueeess by capable management and honor- able effort. He was charitable in his disposition and kindly in action and the many sterling qualities which he displayed gained for him a favorable posi- tion in publie regard. He died on the 2d of December, 1906.
ROBERT H. PRITCHARD.
Robert H. Pritchard, a prominent agriculturist and stoek-raiser of Prophetstown township, was born in Henry county, Illinois, on the 4th of October, 1869, a son of Samuel and Alice Pritchard, natives of Ireland. The parents came to America in an early day, first loeating at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, whence they removed to Rock Island county, Illinois, where the father carried on farming for a few years. Subsequently they settled in Henry county, where Samuel Pritchard is extensively engaged in raising and feeding stock, and also does quite a large business as a fruit grower. He is now the owner of one thousand acres of rich and productive land in Henry
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county, and the splendid success which has crowned his labors has all been attained since his arrival in the United States. He found in the new world the opportunities for business advancement which he sought, and throughi their utilization has gained a well merited and gratifying degree of pros- perity. He also served his adopted country as a soldier in the Civil war for three years, loyally defending the interests of the Union in many hotly con- tested engagements. Unto him and liis wife have been born eight children, namely: Robert H., of this review; Jennie, the wife of Samuel Allen, of Henry county, Illinois; William J., who also resides in Henry county ; Anna and Lizzie, both deceased; David R., Alice G., and Charles B., all at home.
Robert H. Pritchard acquired his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until the year 1901, when he was married and made further arrangements for having a home of his own by the pur- chase of two hundred and forty acres of land on sections 15 and 22, Proph- ctstown township, Whiteside county. He has brought the property up to a high state of eultivation and added many modern improvements, while in addition to the work of general farming he makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock. He is recognized throughout the community as an enterpris- ing citizen and successful business man, straightforward and reliable at all times.
As stated, in 1901 Mr. Pritchard was united in marriage to Miss Emma H. Baker, a native of Bureau county, Illinois, and a daughter of W. P. Baker, who was born in the state of Maine, but now resides in Henry county, Illinois. Mrs. Pritchard was one of a family of nine children and taught school for nine years prior to her marriage. She has one daughter, Lila Myrl.
Mr. Pritchard is a stanch republican in his political views, and has served as school director, the cause of education ever finding in him a stal- wart friend. Both he and his wife are members of the Congregational church and have gained the warm esteem and friendship of many with whom they have come in contact by reason of their genuine personal worth and upright lives.
JOHN GRIERSON.
John Grierson, possessing many of the strong and sterling characteristics of the Scottish race, is now serving as postmaster of Morrison and is a worthy and popular citizen here. He was born in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, in 1841, a son of Thomas and Agnes (McQueen) Grierson, who were also natives of the same shire. The father was a miller by trade and was quite successful in his business life. He lost his wife in 1849 and continued a resident of Scotland for some years thercafter, but in 1858 he came to the United States, settling in western New York, where he again followed mill- ing. There he died in 1866 at the age of fifty-six years. He had been a member of the Odd Fellows' society in Scotland and held membership in
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the Presbyterian church, to which Mrs. Grierson also belonged. Their family numbered ten children, nine of whom reached adult age, and four sons and one daughter eame to this country. The youngest, a son, died in infaney.
John Grierson, whose name introduees this record, attended the Free chureli school, Maxwelltown, Scotland, and also taught school in his native land and in western New York. On the 2d of September, 1861, lie enlisted at Portville, New York, for service with Company D of the Eighty-fifth New York Infantry. He remained with that command for about a year, when he was discharged on aeeount of disability, but when he had recovered his health he re-enlisted on the 7th of December, 1863, serving in companies G and H of the Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, with which he con- tinued until the elose of the war, being honorably discharged at Washing- ton, September 26, 1865. He participated in a number of important engage- ments, including the siege of Yorktown under General MeClellan in 1862 and the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, White Oak Swamp, Charles City Crossroads and Malvern Hill, Virginia. This was during his connection with the Eighty-fifth New York Regiment. While with the artillery he par- tieipated in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottslyvania, North Anna River, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. While before Petersburg during the siege he was captured and taken as a prisoner of war into the city, July 30, 1864. He was then transferred to Danville, where he was incarcerated until February 22, 1865, when he was paroled. He then went to Annapolis, the parole camp, and afterward helped man the forts near Washington, while subsequently he marehed in the grand review in the eap- ital city. After being mustered out he returned to his home in New York. When taken prisoner he had his shoulder broken by coming in contact with the butt end of a musket in the hands of a Confederate officer. Fifteen years afterward, while in the south, he learned the name of the man who elubbed him. It was Captain McDonald of the Twenty-third Alabama, who was also a Seotehman. Mr. Grierson was discharged with the rank of first lieutenant, promotion having come to him in recognition of his fidelity and meritor- ious serviee.
After the war Mr. Grierson eame to Illinois in 1866 and settled at Mor- rison, working in the Annan mill for four years. He afterward spent three years as an employe in the D. S. Spafford grocery store and thirteen years in the Anderson store. He was appointed postmaster of Morrison during the. Harrison administration in 1891 and remained in the office for five years. On the 11th of April, 1900, President MeKinley appointed him postmaster and he was reappointed by President Roosevelt in May, 1904, so that he is now the ineumbent of the office. Three terms of service have not only brought him intimate knowledge of the duties connected therewith but have also demonstrated his fidelity to the trust reposed in him and his prompt and able discharge of his duties. In publie office he is as true and faithful to his country as when he followed the stars and stripes upon the battlefields of the soutlı.
In 1877 Mr. Grierson was married to Miss Mary Robertson, who was born in Albany, Whiteside county, Illinois, in 1851, a daughter of Jolin and Har-
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rict (Bliss) Roberston. Her father was a stone-mason and a builder and was one of the carly settlers of the county, driving from Michigan in a single buggy about 1843, the eldest daughter being carried in her mother's arms. The family located in the village of Albany, becoming very early settlers of the county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Grierson were born three children: Janet A., who was born in Morrison, November 5, 1879, and is now the wife of Clarence C. Foster, of Seattle, Washington; and Walter G. and William A., twins, born August 4, 1882. The former, who was graduated from the State University at Champaign, Illinois, in June, 1907, is now with the Memphis Bridge Company at Memphis, Tennessee, as draughtsman. The wife and mother died December 4, 1904. She was a devoted and faithful member of the Presbyterian church and a lady whose many excellent traits of character endeared her to a large cirele of friends.
In liis fraternal relations Mr. Grierson is a Mason and also belongs to Alpheus Clark Post, No. 118, G. A. R., of which he is a past commander. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party since he became an American citizen. He has served as constable, superintendent of streets, and was a member of the board of education for seven years. As postmaster he has given a public-spirited administration and over the record of his offieial career there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil.
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ELISHA LOCKHART.
Elisha Loekhart, a successful agriculturist and stockman of Garden Plain township, was born on the farm where he now resides on the 16th of Sep- tember, 1861, his parents being Andrew and Naney (Randall) Lockhart, natives of Adams county, Ohio. The Lockhart family were early settlers of the Buckeye state, while the Randalls also removed to Ohio in an early day, having previously resided in New York. Andrew Lockhart came to White- side county, Illinois, in 1845, entering a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of land at a dollar and a quarter per acre, which is now the home of our sub- jeet. At the time of the father's arrival here the only settlers were Abel Parker, his six sons, David, Truman, Francis, Edward, Hiram and Jacob, and two daughters, Joseph Snyder, the Burch family, James Sweet and a few others. Chicago was the nearest market, but eventually trading was done at Dixon and subsequently at Fulton, this fact alone indicating that the region was becoming settled and that the work of civilization was being steadily car- ried forward. Mr. Lockhart made the journey alone from southern Ohio, bringing with him a teanı of horses, and on locating in this county, as before stated, he entered land, creeting thereon a small frame house consisting of three rooms with an attie above. Ile brought with him just enough money to pay for his land and when one of his horses died the first year he had no funds with which to buy another and did not wish to go in debt. However, though the path to prosperity was beset with many of the difficulties and obstacles which abound in a pioneer region, he worked carnestly and per-
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sistently and as the years passed by his efforts were handsomely rewarded. At the time of his death he owned four hundred and ninety acres of rich and valuable land in Garden Plain township, three hundred and seventy acres of which were situated on section 14. . In the year 1882 he had removed to Garden Plain Corners, where he owned seventy-four acres of land, there mak- ing his home until the time of his demise in January, 1894, when he had attained the age of seventy-two years. He was not actively interested in poli- tics, although he served as school director for many years. When death claimed him the county mourned the loss of one of its honored and respected pioneers, successful agriculturists and upright citizens. Unto him and his wife were born six children, namely: America F., the wife of Mortimer Baker, of Fulton, Illinois; Melissa, the widow of Peter Mattson, who died at his home in Morrison, April 10, 1908, leaving onc daughter, Eleta; Elisha, of this review; Sarah, who became the wife of H. J. Bowen and resides in Sterling; Robert L., of Rock Falls; and Angelina, the wife of B. F. Byers, of Powhattan, Kansas.
Elisha Lockhart acquired his preliminary education in the public schools at Garden Plain and subsequently attended the Northern Illinois College. After attaining his majority he worked for his father on the old homestead farm for ten years and then for two years operated land which he rented of his father. On the latter's death Elisha Lockhart inherited the farm on which he now resides-one hundred and twenty acres of the finest land in Garden Plain township. He has placed many improvements on the place and brought it under a high state of cultivation, the fields annually respond- ing in golden harvests to the care and labor he bestows upon them.
In 1892 Mr. Lockhart was united in marriage to Miss Effie C. Allen, of Fulton, who was born September 17, 1866, and was educated in the Fulton public schools, graduating in 1885. For seven years she was a successful teacher in the public schools of Illinois and Iowa, teaching in the school from" which she was graduated at the time of her marriage. Her father, O. T. Allen, was born in New York, March 29, 1818, and in early life went to Ohio, where he was married December 19, 1849, to Miss Hannah Randall, the ceremony being performed in the house where she was born, July 19, 1829. In 1852 they came to Whiteside county, Illinois, in company with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Washington Randall, and the other children of the Randall family, William, Sarah, Mary, Martha and Nancy.' The journey was made with teams. Mr. Allen settled in the northern portion of Garden Plain township, where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land, for which he paid one dollar and a quarter per acre. After residing there for twenty years he removed to Fulton, where his death occurred in 1893. His wife survives him and makes her home with her daughters, Mrs. Lockhart and Mrs. Lewis. They had five children who reached years of maturity, namely: Amanda, who was born in Ohio, September 27, 1850, and is now the wife of L. A. Lewis, of Ustick township; Isaac B., who was born in Illi- nois, May 27, 1853, and is a resident of Fulton; William E., born December 19, 1856, agent for the Northwestern Railroad at Aurora; Mrs. Lockhart, who is the next of the family; and Minnie I., deceased, who was born September
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11, 1869, and married W. H. Dabler, of Manlius, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Lockhart have one son, Allan A., whose birth occurred in March, 1893.
Mr. Lockhart votes with the democracy, and his wife is a inember of the Presbyterian church at Garden Plain. Having spent their entire lives in this county, they are widely and favorably known and are familiar with the many changes which have oeeurred here as the country has been transformed from an undeveloped and sparsely settled region into one of the richest agricultural districts of the United States.
TRUMAN H. CROCKER.
Truman H. Crocker, well known in Whiteside county as a breeder and raiser of live stock and fine poultry, is doing much through his private busi- ness affairs not only for his own financial condition, but also to improve the grade of stock raised in this county. He was born in Newton township, this county, February 24, 1862, and is a son of John W. and Amarette (Hill) Crocker, who were natives of Michigan, in which state they were rearcd. The mother came to Illinois with her parents and the father with his brother. They became residents of Albany, and both are now living in Morrison Mr. Crocker having retired from aetive business life. Their family num- bered nine children: Truman H .; Mrs. Mary Elinyra Sherman, of Chicago; Bertha, the wife of William Sprinkle, of this county; Frank E. and Franeis B., twins, who are residents of Fenton township; Carrie, the wife of Burt Strayer, of Missouri; Jennie, who is with her parents; William, a mail carrier of Fenton; and Carl, at home.
When Truman H. Crocker was two years of age his parents removed to Fenton township, where he was reared to the occupation of farming, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agri- culturist. He continued to assist his father in earrying on the home farm until he had attained his majority, when he started out in life on his own account. He first purchased a farm of eighty acres, but after two or three years sold that property, and for two years afterward rented land. He next purchased his present farm, comprising one hundred and thirty aeres on section 27, Fenton township. There was nothing on the place when it came into his possession, and all of the buildings and improvements stand as inonuments to his thrift and enterprise. He now has an excellent place equipped with modern accessories and conveniences, and everything about the farm is kept in a state of good repair. His success is attributable entirely to his own efforts, for he had no capital when he started out in life, working, however, persistently and earnestly to gain a start, and eventually winning. a place among the substantial residents of the county. He is now exten- sively and successfully engaged in raising draft and road horses, making a specialty of the Clyde and Major Mason stoek. Hc keeps on hand from eightcen to twenty-five head of thoroughbreds and he also makes a specialty of white-faced shorthorn cattle and raises from seventy-five to one hundred
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and twenty-five head of hogs. This is one of the best stock farms of the locality. He never sells a bushel of corn but fecds all to his stock, although he has raised as high as six thousand bushels of corn in a year. He not only cultivates his own fields, but also rents land for this purpose. Mr. Crocker is well known as a poultry fancier and has raised some of the finest poultry found in Whiteside county. He now has six hundred chickens upon his place and is preparing to raise them on a still more extensive scale. In all of his business he is very progressive, brooking no obstacles that can be over- come by determined and honest effort, and as the years have gone by he has met with a success that is as commendable as it is gratifying.
On the 21st of May, 1883, Mr. Crocker was married to Miss Pluma Mickle, who was born in Ustick township, this county, August 13, 1866, a daughter of Lorenzo Mickle. Their children are four in number: Effie Myrtle, now the wife of William J. Forth, postmaster and merchant of Fen- ton; Maggie Elmyra, the wife of Clifford Breed, of Spring Hill, Portland township, this county; and Forest Emory and Nina D., both at home.
Mr. Crocker is an earnest republican in his political views, and has held minor township offices. For many years he has served as a director in the schools, and the cause of public education finds in him a stalwart champion. In a review of his life it will be found that his advancement in the business world has come to him as the direct result of his close application and un- faltering perseveranee. He has known how to use his time and his oppor- tunities to the best advantage, and no resident of the locality is a better judge of the value of stock, so that he is able to make judicious investments while from his sales he derives a good profit.
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