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 19
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Mr. Skeffington belongs to Woodmen lodge, No. 3111, of Arlington, and in politics is a democrat. He is now serving as postmaster of the village of Cherry and he has held the office of school director in Westfield township for nine years, being the incumbent at the present time. Ilis good qualities have been manifest in his progressive citizenship as well as in his private business interests, and he deserves much credit for what he has accomplished as a farmer, his success being attributable entirely to his own labors and the assistance of his estini- able wife, who has indeed been a faithful com- panion and helpinate to him on life's journey. The fact that many of his warmest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood days to the present is an indication that he has always so lived as to win uniform confidence and respect and he deserves the admiration of his fellowinen by reason of what he has accomplished in the business world.
CHURCHI OF THE IMMACULATE CON- CEPTION.
For a number of years previous to the forma- tion of the present parish of Ohio the priests of Amboy and Dixon attended to the spiritual wants of the many Catholics living in the northern part of Bureau and the southern part of Lee counties. Mass was celebrated and the sacraments were ad- ministered at intervals in the Gugerty and O'Neil school houses and in the town hall. But in the year 1874 it was decided to build a church in the town of Ohio, and the work was undertaken by Father MeDermott, who was at that time the pastor of Dixon. The exterior of the building was finished under Father McDermott's super- vision.
On March 1, 1825, the Rev. P. J. Gormley as- sumed charge of the parish as its first pastor and took up the work of completing the church. He placed the stained glass memorial windows in the structure and also put in the handsome oak pews. The church was dedicated on November 11, 1875, by Bishop Foley, of Chicago, in whose diocese it then was. Father Gormley continued as pastor of the church till 188?, when he was succeeded by Rev. M. C. O'Brien. Father O'Brien labored zeal- ously for the interests of his flock, and to him is due the credit for organizing the Father Mathew Society, which has done so much good, and which still flourishes as a parish society.
The first parochial residence was purchased by Father O'Brien, and continued to serve the vari- ous pastors who succeeded him till its destruction by fire in 1894. Father O'Brien's pastorate lasted till 1884, when Rev. J. A. Fanning assume 1 charge. Father Fanning made many improve- ments in the church during the four years of his pastorate. The church bell, the gift of a number of the parishioners, was placed in the tower in his
Frances. M. Cheffington
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PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
time. In 1888 the Rev. James O'Rourke was appointed to succeed Father Fanning. Father O'Rourke was a man of frail constitution, and in December of the year of his appointment he was called to his reward.
Rev. B. H. Corley came to the parish in 1889 and remained its pastor till 1892. The beautiful main altar which adorns the church was purchased by Father Corley. Rev. H. W. Finch succeeded Father Corley in 1892, and was pastor of the church till 1899, when he died. Father Finch was the last pastor to occupy the old parochial residence.
On March 12, 1899, Rev. R. F. Flynn, the pres- ent pastor, was appointed to the parish. During his pastorate he has erected the parochial resi- dence, a beautiful brick structure, which was built in 1899. St. Joseph's Academy, also a brick building, erected in 1903, and used by the chil- dren of the parish as a free graded and high school, taught by Sisters of Mercy of Ottawa, Ili- nois, and also in 1901 established a Ilome for the Aged, which is likewise conducted by the Sisters of Merey. The parish as at present constituted comprises about ninety families.
IGNATIUS J. JAGODZINSKI.
Ignatius J. Jagodzinski, a popular, respected and leading citizen of Spring valley, who has been called to several positions of publie trust. serving for three terms as city treasurer, is also a leading merchant of the town, ard is today owner of a most extensive mercantile enterprise here. Ile was born in Poland, a son of Francis and Catherine (Sment) Jagodzinski, who were likewise natives of Poland. The father came to the new world when his son Ignatius was but six years of age, and established his home in La Salle county, Illinois.
Ignatius J. Jagodzinski was educated in the public schools of La Salle county and in St. Francis Seminary, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and also in St. Viateur College. ITis education com- pleted, he engaged in the drug business for a short time, after which he was employed in the office of the county clerk and of the probate clerk in Ot- tawa for two years. On the expiration of that period he came to Spring Valley in 1888 and em- barked in general merchandising, establishing a store, which has grown to be the most extensive in this place. He carries a large and carefully se- lected line of goods, and has a constantly growing trade, which is accorded him in recognition of his conformity to a high standard of commercial eth- ies as well as his reasonable prices. Mr. Jagod- zinski is also a director and vice president of the Spring Valley City Bank, and has the agency for steamships and for foreign banking and exchange. He is likewise agent for various fire insurance com-
panies, and his business interests are +hus extensive and varied. They are likewise profitable, owing to his capable control and keen discernment.
Mr. Jagodzinski has also figured prominently in political cireles in Bureau county, and has done everything in his power to promote the advance- ment and prosperity of his city and section of the state. For three terms he has served as city treas- urer, and has filled other offices of public trust. Ile is a popular man, respected by all and his good qualities are many.
FRANKLIN S. ROGERS.
Franklin S. Rogers is one of the self-made men of Bureau county, who at an early age started out in life on his own account and through unremit- ting toil and business integrity has worked his way steadily upward, gaining the respect of his fel- lowmen by his honorable methods and at the same time winning a comfortable competence. Ile re- sides in La Moille township and is today the owner of six hundred and seventy-five acres. He was born in Morgan county, Ohio, February 27, 1836, while his residence in Bureau county dates from 1866. His parents were John and Susan (Antrim) Rogers, natives of Barlington, New Jersey. On leaving that state they located in Ohio and afterward eame to Illinois, where their remaining days were passed. In their family were eiglit children : J. Antrim, Sarah W., Franklin S., Hannah, William, Edwin, Mary and Charles.
Reared in the state of his nativity, Franklin S. Rogers acquired his education in the public schools there, and when In put aside his fext-books be- came a factor in business life in connection with the hardware trade. Hle was married in Ohio in 1852 to Miss Rebecca J. Yorum, who was born in Behnout county, that state, in 1839. She, too, was educated in the public schools there, and was a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Yocum, who were natives of Belmont county, where they spent their entire lives, dying at the place of their birth . at a good old age.
In the year 1866 Mr. Rogers brought his family to Illinois, settling in Bureau county. Unto him and his wife were born two daughters: Mrs. Susan W. Grisell and Mrs. Mary C. Grisell. After coming to this state he turned his attention to farming, settling upon the place where he now lives. He first had eighty aeres, but he owns alto- gether six hundred and seventy-five acres of choice land, of which they hundred and twenty arres is in Iowa. In 1866 he purchased land at fifty dol- lars per acre, which is now valued at from one hundred and seventy-five to two hundred dollars per acre. The place is improved with good build- ings and all modern equipments, and he is today one of the most substantial farmers of the com- munity.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
Mr. Rogers was formerly a member of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, but his business interests have occupied so much of his attention that he has had no time for active identification with fraternal interests. In politics he is a pro- hibitionist, having given his support for eighteen years to the party which embodies his ideas on the temperance question. He was reared in the faith of the Society of Friends or Quakers, to which he still adheres, but is not a member of any church. His life has been Ienorable, his actions manly and sincere and his principles worthy of emulation. The years have brought him suo esses as the re- sult of his perseverance and industry, and in all of his business transactions he has been found thoroughly trustworthy and reliable As a neigh- bor and friend he is held in high esteem, and he well deserves mention in this volume as one of the representative agriculturists of the county.
HOWARD G. GIBBS.
Honored and respected by all, there is no resi- dent of Princeton who occupies a more enviable position in mercantile and financial circles than Howard G. Gibbs, member of the hardware firm of HI. D. Gibbs & Sons. It is true that he entered upon a business already established, but many a man of less resolute spirit would have failed in en- larging the scope and activities of the concern. His position in public regard is due not only to the success he has achieved but also to the straight- forward, honorable methods that he has ever fol- lowed and which place him in the front ranks of those men who while gaining prosperity also help to hold firm the publie faith in business integrity.
He was born in Princeton, November 25, 1863, a son of Henry D. Gibbs, who is too well known in Bureau county to need introduction to the read- ers of this volume, having for many years been closely associated with industrial and commercial life here. He is a native of Chenango county, New York, and came to Princeton in 1854. He accepted the position of manager of a tanning factory, which was then one of the leading indus- tries of the city and later he engaged in the coop- erage business, which he carried on until 1879, when he turned his attention to the hardware trade, establishing the store which has since been conducted as one of the leading mercantile enter- prises of the city. In 1890 he admitted his sons, Howard G. and Harry A., to a partnership, under the firm style of H. D. Gibbs & Sons. The father is still active and takes an interest in the busi- ness which he established and which he has seen grow and prosper until it is now one of the most extensive in this section of the state. In early manhood he was married to Miss Nancy Windsor, a native of Chenango county, New York, in which state the wedding was celebrated prior to their removal to Illinois.
Howard G. Gibbs was educator in the grammar and high schools of Princeton and on putting aside his text-books joined his father in busines -. He mastered the trade in principle and detail and in 1890 was admitted to a partnership. He brought to the concern the enterprise, energy and ambition of a young man, which, added to the broad experience of the father. has made this one of the strong commercial combinations of Prince- ton.
Howard G. Gibbs has also been active in munic- ipal affairs, wielding a wide influence on public thought and action. He has served for two terms as alderman of the second ward and for four years was supervisor of Princeton township. In April. 1906, he was elected chairman of the board of supervisors and is the present incumbent in the office. With a sense of conscientious obligation, he discharges his official duties, and brings to bear in their performance the executive force and keen discrimination of a practical business man.
In 1887, Mr. Gibbs was united in marriage to Miss Mary K. Waldron, a daughter of Z K. Wal- dron, of Chicago, formerly a respected resident of Bureau county, of which he was a pioneer. He served at one time as sheriff of the county and has long been a respected and influential resident here. He is a native of New Yor', as is his wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Arch- bald. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbs are prominent socially and Mr. Gibbs has attained high rank in Masonic circles. He belongs to Bureau lodge F. & A. M .: to Princeton chapter, No. 28, R. A. M .; to Orion council, R. & S. M .; to Temple commandery, No. 20, K. T .; and to the Order of the Eastern Star. He has held many offices in Masonry, was wor- shipful master of Bureau lodge for six years and eminent commander of the commandery for two years. He holds membership in the Congrega- tional church and is president of the Congrega- tional Church Club. His interest extends to those various movements which work for civic virtue, for progressive development in the city and for intellectual and moral advancement. The busj- ness policy he has ever followed las been that of straightforward dealing. His life typifies the spir- it of the age-the spirit of American progress. Prosperity has come to him as a natural sequence of industry and application and his success bears testimony to his rare judgment in business affairs.
HARRY F. COREY.
Harry F. Corey is the owner of a valuable farm property of three hundred and twenty aeres in Dover township, and is therefore mimibered among the prosperous young business men of Bureau county. Though he inherited a portion of his property, he has added to it, and has male many modern improvements, being today accounted one of the progressive and highly respected farmers
H. G. GIBBS.
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HENRY D. GIBBS.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
of the community. His birth occurred in this county, September 20, 1876. He was the only child born to Hamilton F. and Rachel ( Martin) Corey, the latter s native of Ohio. The father, however, had been previously married to Esther Mead, and unto them were born five children. The father was born in Cayuga county, New York, July 12, 1811, and in 1835 emigrated to Morgan county, Illinois, whence he came to Bureau county in 1850, locating in Ohio township.
At the usual age Harry F. Corey entered the common schools of the county, wherein he mas- tered the elementary branches of learning. His training at farm labor was not meager, and he early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the erops. In early manhood he wedded Miss Frona Huffaker, the wedding being celebrated on the 12th of July, 1899. She was born in Bureau county, December 31, 1874, and is a daughter of Cyrus and Anna E. (Sabin) Huffaker, also natives of Bureau county. In their family were fourteen children, of whom Mrs. Corey was the third in order of birth, and she supplemented her early educational privileges by study in Dover Academy. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Corey has been blessed with one child, Hazel E., born January 2, 1900.
The family home is an attractive residence, sit- uated in the midst of a beautiful grove of shade trees and surrounded by three hundred and twenty acres of choice land, which responds readily to the care and labor bestowed upon it. Mr. Corey in- herited a large share of his property from his father, but has added to it in many ways, and is thoroughly in touch with the progressive spirit of the times. He keeps a fine automobile, and his farm in all its equipments is modern in every respect. While he leads a busy and active life, he is relieved of the necessity for strenuous, unre- mitting labor, and has time for the cultivation of those social and refining influences which de- velop character and add to the aesthetie and moral tone of the community. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant church, and in polities he is a republican, but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him, although in a private capacity he is never neglect- ful of his duties of citizenship, and has given his aid and co-operation to many movement, for the general good. Both he and his wife are repre- sentatives of prominent old families of Bureau county, and with pleasure we present to our read- ers this record.
CHARLES C. CONLEY.
Charles C. Conley, who is engaged in farming two hundred and forty acres of land in Macon township, where he is also breeding Norman and Percheron horses, was born in this township, De- cember 3, 1865. His parents were George W. and
Tryphena (Sturtevant) Conley. Ils maternal grandfather, Church Sturtevant, was born at Cen- ter Harbor, New Hampshire, June 30, 1807, was a son of Hosaiah and Sally (Paine) Sturtevant, and was of Welsh lineage. Fami's tradition has it that a widow and her five sons came from Wales to America at an early day in the colonization of the new world and settled at Be.fast, Massachu- setts. Hosaiah Sturtevant was a Revolutionary soldier throughout the war for national inde- pendenee, and, being captured at Stony Point, was imprisoned for a year in the old angar re- finery in New York city, but was finally exchanged and returned to his home in Halifax. He subse- quently removed to New Hampshire, settling there in the midst of an unbroken wilderness. He took up his abode on an island of about three hundred acres in Squawin Lake and began the cultivation of the land with the assistance of his son. Church Sturtevant, who remained at Center Harbor until he was twenty-one years of age, during which time he attended the common schools and worked on the farm. Ile was married in March, 1822, to Hannah, daughter of Jerry Brown, of Conter Har- bor, and in 1831 removed to Peachum, Vermont, where he carried on agricultural pursuits. After about thirteen years he traded his tarm in Vermont for some wild prairie land in Illinois and started westward in June, 1814, settling in Osceola town- ship, Stark county. For five years he lived in a rented cabin and then built a bare. in which he lived for one winter and two sumn rs. He bought the first lumber that was shipped on the Illinois eanal, and built a part of his residence, to which, however, he made additions from time to time in later years. His home farm consisted of one hun- dred and sixty acres of land, inclosed with an osage orange hedge, and in addition to cultivating the fields he set out a fine apple orchard, and also had many cherry trees upon his place. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sturtevant were born eight children, in- eluding Tryphena, who became M.s. Conley.
George W. Couley, father of Charles C. Conley, was born in Cayuga county, New York. June 2, 1820, and died at his home in Dada, April 21, 1901, in his seventy-second year. He was a son of Robert Conley, and was one of a family of eighteen children. In the spring of 1850, at the age of twenty-one, he left his native heath and came to Illinois, settling in Q ccola township. Stark county. This state was then the "far west," and many hardships and privations were to be borne in the country, which at that time was sparsely settled. The virgin son was to be sub- dued, the cabin was to be built, the eleaving made and roads and bridges had to be constructed. There were a multitude of hardships .to be en- dured if the sett'er would enjoy the advantages known to the older east, and Mr. Conley resolutely undertook the task before him. He was married June 2, 1853. on his twenty-fourth birthday, to Tryphena A. Sturtevant, who was born at Center
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PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
Harbor, New Hampshire, March 11, 1828, and was the eldest of seven children. With her par- ents she emigrated from the old Granite state to Illinois in 1844, it requiring weeks to make the trip from New England. The fail following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Conley removed to Henry, Illinois, settling on what is known as Crow Meadow, where they resided for three years, when in 1856 they bought a farm in Bureau county, south of Walnut Grove, in Macon township. For twenty-five years they resided there and then re- moved to Buda, where, with the exception of five years spent in Nebraska, they resided until called to their final rest. With these advantages they managed, through their economy and thrift, to gather a competence for their declining years and to leave a comfortable legacy to their children. Both Mr. and Mrs. Conley became members of the Methodist Episcopal church on the 8th of March, 1873, and remained faithful to its teachings and to their professions, taking an active and helpful interest in church work and contributing gener- ously to its support. Mrs. Conley passed away on the 10th of February, 1901, at the age of seventy- two years, ten months and twenty-nine days, her husband surviving her for only i brief period, as his death occurred on the 21st of April following. They were a most highly esteeme I couple, worthy the regard of all who knew them and the respect which was so freely accorded them. They were the parents of nine children : Abbie, of Buda ; Frank. of Princeton; Charles C .; Bert, of Waco, Ne- braska ; Mrs. Nettie Zink, of Buda; and Isabella, Jerome, Edward and Ida, who have passed away. Of this number Edward died Jaly 9, 1885, in Waco, Nebraska. He had been married in the previous spring and removed to the west with his bride. His remains were brought back to Bureau county for interment. The daughter Isabella died April 8, 1896, at the age of forty two years. She was born in Henry, Illinois, and was a resident of Bureau county from 1856, while of the Methodist Episcopal church she was a consistent member from 1823 until her death.
Charles C. Conley, whose name introduces this record, attended the public schools in the winter months and worked on the home farm daring the summer seasons. Ilis time was thus passed until he reached adult age, when he began farming for himself on one hundred and twenty acres of land. At the present time he is farming two hundred and forty acres of laws, and is accounted one of the enterprising agricalturists of the community, owing to his capable and progressive methods. le breeds some Norman Percheron horses, but his at- tention is chiefly given to the development and cultivation of the fields, although he is also en- gaged in the raising of Poland China hogs.
On the 11th of January, 1889, was celebrated the marriage of Charles C. Conley and Miss Grace Smith, a native of Buda and a da ighter of Henry Smith. She died on her second wedding anniver-
sary, leaving one son, Charles S. Conley. On the 30th of January, 1891, Mr. Conley was agam married, his second union being with Lizzie F. Sowers, who was born in Perry county, Penn- sylvania, August 26, 1865, a daughter of Emau- uel and Catherine ( Fleisher) Sowers, likewise natives of Perry county, where they were married. The father was born September 1, 1840, and the mother October 17, 1837. He is a carpenter by trade, and was for many years engaged in business as a contractor and builder, but at present is en- gaged in the insurance business. He has served as school director, is an advocate of political prin- ciples as expounded by the democratic party, and is a member of the Lutheran church. Of his seven children six are now living: Mrs. Conley, Silas, Elsie J., Emma T., Carrie E. and Harry O. Three children have been born unto Mr. Conley and his second wife: Harold S., born March 11, 1896; Marion E., May 11, 1901, and Edna May, No- vember 22, 1905.
Mr. Conley votes with the republican party, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Ilis life has been honorable and upright, his ac- tions manly and sincere, and as a lifelong resident of Macon township he has become widely known, while his many good qualities and sterling traits of character have gained him the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been associated.
EDWARD GUITHER.
Edward Guither, who owns, occupies and ope- rates a valuable farm of two hundred and sixty- seven acres in Walnut township, is one of Illinois' native sons, having been born in La Salle county, July 25, 1850. Ilis parents were Henry and Barbara ( Pope) Guither, both of whom were na- tives of Germany. They became residents of La Salle county in 1848 and the father followed farm- ing as a life work, thus providing for his family. A number of years prior to his death he removed to Walnut, where he retired from active business life, spending his remaining days in the enjoy- ment of the fruits of his former labor. He died June 18, 1905, while his wife passed away Sop- tember 15, 1888.
Edward Guither, whose name introduces this record, completed his education in Naperville Col- lege after having studied in the district schools of Walnut township. Ile pursued his college course during the years 1822 and 1823 and after putting aside his text-books began farming in Wal- nut township on section 1, where he has since resided. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Caroline Rapp, to whom he was married on the 20th of September. 1876. She was born June 16, 1853, in this county. a daughter of John and Barbara ( Fauble) Rapp. both of whom were natives of Germany. They became early residents of this part of the state.
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