USA > Illinois > Bureau County > Past and present of Bureau County, Illinois : together with biographical sketches of many of its prominent and leading citizens and illustrious dead > Part 16
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64
JACOB HANLEY.
Jacob Hanley owns and operates a farm of two hundred and seventy-six acres in Macon town- ship and is engaged in the raising of black Gallo- way cattle. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Blair county, July 25, 1814, and acquired a public-school education in that state. His par- ents, Christian C. and Barbara (Snowbarger) Hanley, were both natives of Blair county, Penn- sylvania, where their marriage was celebrated on the 1st of September, 1836. For fifty-nine years they traveled life's journey happily together as man and wife. The father was born May 5, 1811, and the mother was born in June, 1822. His life was devoted to agricultural pursuits and for many years he served as supervisor of roads, doing much to improve the publie highways in his loeality. Both he and his wife were members of the Dun- kard church and died in that faith, Mr. Hanley passing away in Taylor township, Blair county, September 1, 1885, while his wife survived until October 7, 1904. They had become the parents of eleven children, of whom seven are now living : Christina. the wife of Christ Markey, of Blair county, Pennsylvania; Susan, who is the widow of Peter Kurtz and lives in the same county; Mar- garet, the wife of Peter Hite, of Blair county; John S., of Buda, Illinois ; Jacob ; David C., living in Blair county, Pennsylvania; and Andrew S., whose home is in Blair county.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Jacob Hanley in the days of his boyhood and youth. He worked in the fields when not occupied with the duties of the schoolroom and early became familiar with the methods then in vogue of carrying on the task of plowing, planting and harvesting. In 1866 he came to Bureau county, Illinois, and 1871 he be- gan farming on his own account. In the fall of 1874 he purchased eighty acres of land, to which he has since added until he is today the owner of two hundred and seventy-six aeres of valuable land in Macon township, of which twenty-three aeres is covered with timber. In 1899 he built the greater part of the residence which he now oceu- pies, having in that year erected all of the newer portion. . He has modern equipments upon his place that facilitate the work of the fields and everything about his farm is in keeping with ideas of progressive agriculture. He makes a specialty of the raising of black Galloway cattle.
In early manhood Mr. Hanley responded to the country's call for military aid and on the 13th of February, 1865, joined Company B of the One Hundred and Ninety-second Regiment of Penn- sylvania Volunteers, to serve for a year or during the war. Ile was at the front until August 24, 1865, when he received an honorable discharge.
On Christmas day of 1873 he was married to Miss Catharine Horton, who was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, August 31. 1847, a daughter of Eli and Mary (Hamilton) Horton, who were likewise natives of the same county, the former born April 14, 1824, and the latter December 23, 1823. On the 4th of November, 1854, Mr. Horton came to Illinois, settling in Macon township, where he first farmed forty acres of land, living in a log cabin. Ile was one of the earliest settlers of Macon township and aided in reclaiming the wild land for the uses of civilization. Later he bought more land from time to time and built a frame house, in which he and his wife spent their remaining days, his attention being successfully given to general farming. He served as a school director for a number of years and he stood for general progress and improvement along many lines. ITe held membership in Buda lodge, A. F. & A. M., and he also belonged to the Metho- dist Episcopal church, of which his wife was a member. He voted with the whig party until its dissolution and then joined the ranks of the re- publican party, on whose ticket he was elected road cominissioner, while for a considerable period he served as school director. He passed away April 24,. 1891, and was survived by his wife until the 15th of February, 1898. They had a family of eight children, of whom five are yet living: Mis. Hanley; Allen, of Princeton; Thomas, of Wyanet township; Lavica, the wife of Jefferson Osborn, of Clay county, Nebraska ; and Charity B., the wife of Ilet Couch, of Keith county, Ne- braska.
By their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hanley have become the parents of five children, of whom four still survive: Eva May, born in April, 1876; William E., February 8, 1878; Chester G .. March 4, 1880 ; and Lena E., born March 3, 1854.
In connection with his other business interests Mr. Hanley is one of the directors of the Neponset and Macon townships Farmers' Insurance Com- pany, with which he has thus been associated for the past twenty years. He has served as school director for the past eighteen years and for six years has been road commissioner, filling -he posi- tion at the present time. No public trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest de- gree. On the contrary he is true to all his duties and obligations of citizenship as well as of private life. He belongs to Buda lodge, No. 5:5, I. O. O. F., and to Emory post, No. 198, G. A. R., of Buda, and through the latter he maintains pleas- ant relations with his old army comrades. Such is the life history of Jacob Hanley. a man secure
618
PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
in the esteem of his fellowmen by reason of the inany excellent traits which he has displayed and by his devotion to a high standard of principles.
BENJAMIN LORD SMITH.
Benjamin Lord Smith, deceased, was one of the first settlers of Princeton, locating here in 1835 when there were but seven houses in the town. He was one of the first merchants and he also held county offices. From that time to the present the family has figured prominently in the public life of the county and the son, Selby L. Smith, is now president of the largest bank in Princeton. The name in this locality has become synonymous with- commercial integrity and progress, and no history of the community would be complete with- out mention of him whose name introduces this review and who in pioneer days aided in laying broad and deep the foundation for the present upbuilding and prosperity of the county. He was born on a farm near Utica, New York, September 15, 1806. His father, Benjamin Smith, first wedded Abigail Platt, who died in the state of New York on the 20th of June, 1805. He after- ward wedded Abigail Cooper Lord, likewise a na- tive of the Empire state. Benjamin Smith was born in that state, July 18, 1769, and throughout his business eareer carried on farming, continuing in that occupation up to the time of his death, which occurred July 11, 1816, while his second wife survived until May 1, 1833.
Benjamin L. Smith, a son of the second mar- riage, was reared to general agricultural pursuits, assisting in the work of the home farin when not oceupied with the duties of the schoolroom. He pursued his education in the country schools near Utica and the fact that he was in poor health in his boyhood days induced him to come to the west. Ile remained at home, however, until after his marriage, which was celebrated on the 15th of September, 1836. Miss Catherine Seeley becoming his wife, She, too, was a native of New York, born March 26, 1816. Her parents were also farming people and both died in the east. Four children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Caroline L., who was born April ?, 1839, died Au- gust 13, 1813. Laura Ann, born February 25, 1842, remained at home with her parents and eared for them in their old age. She still resides in Princeton and owns one of the fine residences of the city, which she recently erected at No. 30 East Peru street. Nathan, born August 5, 1843, died February 26, 1841. Selby L., born December 15, 1847, is president of the State Bank of Prince- ton and is represented elsewhere in this work.
On account of the condition of his health Mr. Smith, on the day succeeding his marriage, started westward, covering the broad expanse of country between New York and the Mississippi valley in a wagon. They were four weeks upon the road,
after which Mr. Smith visited several of the cent- ral states and finally chose Princeton, Ilinois, as a favorable location, taking up his abode here in the fall of 1835. Soon afterward he established a dry-goods store, which he conducted for a few years, and then purchased a farm a short distance east of Princeton. He gave his time and energies to general agricultural pursuits for several years but he found the arduous duties of farin life too great a drain upon his health and energy and again took up his ahode in the city. Soon after- ward he was elected county clerk of Bureau coun- ty and held that oflice for eight years, discharging his duties in a most prompt and capable manner. He then retired from active business life, spending his remaining days in Princeton, his death occur- ring August 23, 1900, when he had reached the venerable age of ninety-four years and eleven months. His wife passed away July 10, 1901, at the age of eighty-eight years. They had traveled life's journey together for the remarkable period of sixty-five years, sharing with each other in the joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity which checker the careers of all.
In politics Mr. Smith was a stanch democrat, thoroughly in sympathy with the principles and policy of the party. By investing his money in town and country property in the early days when prices were low he became very well-to-do owing to the appreciation of land and real-estate values. He possessed broad business judgment and keen discrimination, as was indicated by the judicious plaeing of his investments, which in course of years made him one of the most substantial resi- dents of Princeton and Bureau county. He was. moreover, a man of high ideals as exemplified in his straightforward business career as well as in his relations with his fellowmen, and wherever known he was held in the highest esteem. As a pioneer resident and representative citizen he was widely and favorably known in the county and his name should be inscribed among those who were the founders and promoters of her best inter- ests in an early day.
MELCHERT D. GARTEN.
Melchert D. Garten, an enterprising farmer of Ohio township, where he owns thirty-two and seventeen hundredths aeres of land, situated on seetion 25, was born in that township, March 18, 1864. He is a son of Azariah D. and Emily F. (Browning) Garten, the former born in 1830, and the latter in 1833, both natives of Indiana, whence they removed to Illinois in the early '503, being among the first settlers of Bureau county. In their family were born seven children, of whom the subject of this review is the fifth in order of birth.
Melchert D. Garten receivedl a common-school education, and after putting aside his text-books,
Benjamin d' Smitte
ford C. Smith
623
PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
started out in life on his own account. He now owns and operates thirty-two and seventeen hun- dredthis acres of land, situated on section 25, Ohio township, which is a valuable traet, being today worth from one hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars per acre. Ile inherited some of this prop- erty, but by hard work and good management has added to and improved his property until he has made it an excellent piece of land, on which he is carrying on general agricultural pursuits, annually harvesting erops, for he is thoroughy familiar with the best methods of cultivating the soil and caring for the crops. His wife also inherited a tract of forty aeres, situated on section 2, Ohio township, so that together they have a good farm property.
On the 1st of February, 1894, Mr. Garten was united in marriage to Miss Emma S. Compton. who was born in October, 1873, a daughter of David and Sophia Compton, both natives of Ohio, whence they removed to Illinois, settling in Bureau county at an early day. Mrs. Garten was reared and educated in this county and is the youngest of the five children born unto Mr. and Mrs. David Compton. Mrs. Garten is an excellent lady, pos- sessing many sterling traits of character, and by the careful management of the household affairs has proved to her husband an able assistant.
In his political views Mr. Garten is a repub- lican, but is not active in the work of the party, although he is conversant with the political issues of the day. He and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Protestant church at Ohio. Al- though they have come into possession of some of their property through inheritance, they have dis- played marked ability in the management of their business affairs so that they have been enabled to add to their interests from time to time and are thus meeting with gratifying and merited success. They are highly respected young people and the hospitality of the best homes in the county is cordially extended to them.
JAMES J. MORAN, M. D.
Dr. James J. Moran, one of the younger and more successful members of the medical fraternity practicing in Spring Valley, was born in Scotland, July 2, 1875. His father, Patrick Meran, was also a native of that country, but was born of Irish parentage. He wedded Miss Mary Mc- Manus, likewise a native of Scotland, and in the year 1881 he brought his family to the United States, settling first in Braidwood, Illinois. He was a miner and followed that pursuit in his new location. In 1886 he left Braidwood and came to Spring Valley, then a recently founded town. and again he engaged in mining. He still resides in Spring Valley.
Dr. Moran was only about six years of age at the time of the emigration of the family to the new world, and his education, begun in the schools
of Braidwood, was continued in the high school of Spring Valley, from which he was graduated in the class of 1891. For several years thereafter he engaged in teaching school in this county, at Spring Valley and Marquette, but regarded this merely as an initial step to other professional labor, for it was his desire to become a member of the medical fraternity and while teaching he de- voted much time, outside of the schoolroom, to the study of medicine. In 1900 he entered the North- western University at Chicago, as a student in the medical department, from which he was gradu- ated with the class of 1905. 1Ie then located for practice in Spring Valley, where he has already met with very flattering success, having a practice that many an older physician might well envy.
In 1899 Dr. Moran was united in marriage to Miss Aura H. Barrowman, a daughter of Thomas Barrowman, of Will county, Illinois. They now have two sons: Thomas L., born March 13, 1900; and James II., born March 10, 1903. Dr. Moran belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp and other societies and is a member of the Roman Catholic church. He has a bright future for he is attentive to the duties of his profession, has comprehensive knowledge of the principles which underlie active practice and is unusually correct in the diagnosis of a case. Moreover, he is personally popular and has many warm friends in Spring Valley, where the greater part of his life has been passed.
HARRY C. BOOTH.
Harry C. Booth, superintendent and treasurer of the Illinois Third Vein Coal Company, oper- ating at Ladd, has for a number of years been con- nected with the development of the coal fields of Bureau county-one of its leading sources of wealth. He was born in Newark New Jersey, April 10, 1864. His paternal grandfather, George Booth, still lives in New Jersey, at the advanced age of ninety-four years, and is a representative of an old family of English descent that was founded in America in 1607. His son, George C. Booth, also a native of New Jersey, married Charlotte Curtis, a native of New York. Both are at present living.
In the public schools of his native city Harry C. Booth began his education, and later continued his studies in Bryant & Stratton Business College, in Newark. He entered upon his business career in connection with clerical and office work in New York city, and at the age of eighteen years went upon the road as a traveling salesman, being thus engaged for a number of years. Each change which he made was a step in advance, bringing him a broader outlook in the business world and greater opportunities. At length he became con- nected with the Spring Valley Coal Company, and he worked his way steadily upward beginning with the very humble wage of a dollar and forty cents
62 1
PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
per day. Gradually he was advanced from one position to another until he became sales agent for the company, one of the most important positions to be filled in connection with the conduct of its business. When the Illinois Third Vein Coal Company was organized, August 20, 1901, he came to Ladd as superintendent and treasurer, which constitutes his present connection therewith, and in the performance of his duties in this capacity he has contributed in no small measure to the success of the enterprise.
In November, 1894, Mr. Booth was united in marriage to Miss Jennie L. Davies, a native of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and they have one son, Harold, born February 8, 1897. Mr. Booth is a member of the Masonic lodge at Spring Valley and the_chapter at Peru He is a member of the Con- gregational church, and has taken a most active and helpful interest in the cause of education, serving now as president of the board of education of Ladd, while his efforts have been potent ele- ments for advancement along material, political and moral lines in Ladd.
HENRY W. IMIMKE.
Henry W. Inmke is one of the oldest plio- tographers of Bureau county, located on North Main street in Princeton, where he has a large and splendidly equipped studio, scarcely surpassed in its appointments in the state. He has been in business in Princeton since 1866 and has been located in the northern part of the city since 1867. His capability as well as the years of his continuons connection with the photographic in- terests place him foremost among the representa- tives of the art and he today enjoys much more than local reputation.
Mr. Immke was born in the province of Hessen, Germany, in the village of Wendershausen, March 9, 1839, his parents being John and K. Christina (Apel) Imumke. The paternal grandparents were John Henry and Anna K. ( Yaeger) Immke. The father was an expert weaver of damask linen, pos- sessing skill of such superior order that he was employed only by wealthy people. He was born January 7, 1811, and died in 1818, at the com- paratively early age of thirty-six years. Both he and his wife were members of the German Re- formed church. Mrs. Immke was born January 28, 1818, and died in Waake in the province of Hanover, near Gottingen, Germany, March 31, 1896, at the age of seventy-eight years. Henry W. Immke is the eldest of their five children, the others being as follows: Maggie, the wife of William Blume, who resides ncar Worthington, Minnesota; Henry, who is living near Pontiac, Livingston county, Ilinois; Mary, the widow of Fred Wisthuff, who followed farming near Chats- worth, Livingston county : and M. Elizabeth, who
died at Odell, Livingston county, in 1873, at the age of twenty-four years.
In the schools of his native land Henry W. Immike acquired a good education and in 1855, at the age of sixteen years, he crossed the Atlantic to America, making his way direct to Peru, Illi- nois, where for eight years he was employed as a farm hand. Feeling that he might enjoy better business opportunities in other fields of labor he took up the study of photography under the late S. M. Fassett, of Chicago, who had one of the largest and best equipped galleries in the United States during the period of the Civil war. Under his direction Mr. Immke learned the business and in September, 1866, he located in Princeton, where he purchased an interest in the gallery of W. H. Masters and has since been identified with photography in this city. The partnership con- tinned for about five and a half months, when it was dissolved, Mr. Imike establishing his studio in the north end of Princeton, while Mr. Masters remained in the south end. Mr. Imnike has since been successfully engaged in business, doing all kinds of work along his line. He is an artist of more than ordinary ability, of which faet incon- trovertible proof is given in his pictures. A few years ago he photographed a group of old settlers in which are over four hundred faces in a frame forty-four by fifty-six inches. As a work of art this is an interesting study, being a faithful like- ness of those honored pioneers who came to Bu- rean county when it was little more than wilder- ness. The picture, too, plainly indicates that it was executed by a master hand and Mr. Immike deserves great commendation, not only for the ex- celleney of this work. but more for the enterprise and generous publie spirit with which he per- formed this difficult undertaking. He keeps in- formed concerning the latest processes which have improved and revolutionized the methods of pho- tography and is not only thoroughly versed in the technical side of his art, but also has the keenest appreciation for effects of light, shade and color as well as pose. His work is certainly of a most artistic nature and has gained for him a liberal patronage, which places him among the leading photographers of this part of the state.
On the 29th of Mav, 1864, Mr. Immke was united in marriage to Miss Mary R. Steinbrook, who was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, July 13, 1843. Her father, Henry Steinbrook, was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, October 1. 1796, but in his youth was taken by his parents to Muskingum county, Ohio, where he afterward engaged in farming and later gave his attention to the manufacturing of salt and to coal mining. He was, however, a wheelwright by trade. In 1821 he married Sarah Leffler, who was born Jan- uary 28, 1806, and died in April, 1892, while his death occurred May 4. 1823. Fourteen children were born to them, of whom three died in in- fancy. The others were: Samuel. Henry, Sarah,
:
RESIDENCE OF THE LATE B. L. SMITHI.
627
PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
Catherine, Peter, Caroline, Margaret, Anna, Eliza- beth, Mary R., George and Matilda. Mr. and Mrs. Immke became the parents of four children, of whom two are living. Henry William Immke, Jr., born March 20, 1865, married Martha S. Slavens, of Kansas City, Missouri, a daughter of Judge L. C. Slavens. They had two children : William Luther ; and Martha, who died at the age of four months. Henry W. Immke, Jr., is con- nected with the firm of Haskins & Sells, of New York city, as public accountant. R. Minetia Immke, born January 24, 1867, is now the wife of Fred II. Bacon, of Canton, South Dakota, by whom she had four children: Neva, Amelia, Freda and Alberta, but the last named is now deceased. Pansy M. Immke, born January 13, 1875, became the wife of Walter .1. Williamson. who is in the employ of the large grocery house of Reid, Murdock & Co., of Chicago. She died February 18. 1902, leaving one daughter, Mary Immke. LeRoy S., born April 2, 1881, died March 6, 1893.
Mr. Immke has always been deeply interested in educational affairs and has done effective service in behalf of public instruction while serving as a member of the school board. Both he and his wife are earnest members of the Presbyterian church, contribute generously to its support and take an active and helpful interest in its work. Mr. Immke has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the United States. for in the new world he has found the business opportunities he has sought and has won success, by his thorough understanding of the business which claims his attention, by his close applica- tion and reliable methods. Ile has also made steady advancement in his art and his position is not only that of financial success, but of artistie prominence as well.
THEODORE J. BERGE.
Theodore J. Berge, a farmer and stock-raiser, living on section 17, Fairfield township, was born in Tazewell county, Illinois, in 1862, and is a son of Andrew Berge, who now owns and occupies a farm in Fairfield township. The father was born in Hessen Cassel, Germany, and came to America in 1861. He made his way westward to Peoria by boat and located in Tazewell county, Illinois, where he resided continuously until his removal to Bu- reau county. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Muensterman, was also born in Hessen Cassel. Germany, and they have now reached the ages of sixty-eight and sixty-four years, respective- Iv. In their family were nine children, of whom Theodore J. Berge is the eldest. Three brothers now reside in Lincoln, Nebraska, two of whom are lawyers, while one is engaged in the real estate business. G. W. Berge, who is a member of the bar there, was a car.didate for governor of the state
on an independent ticket in 1904. Another brother is living in Kansas City, Missouri, and two sisters are residents of Minnesota, the family thus being widely scattered.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.