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 33
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On the 26th of September, 1893, Mr. Pierce was united in marriage to Miss Arloa E. Spaulding, who was born in Lee county, Hlinois, May 4, 1873. Their children are: Verna E., born July 14, 1894, and Eugene H., August 2. 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce hold membership with the Congregational church at Dover and take an active part in its work and contribute generously to its support. Mr. Pierce has served as one of its trustees for ten years and has also filled the office of deacon. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and ke has been collector of his township and di- rector of the school board. He takes an interest in political questions and issues as every Ameri- can citizen should do, and he keeps well informed on the political situation of the country. He he- longs to Crystal Fount lodge, No. 547. 1. O. O. F., at Malden, and in his life exemplifies its benefi- cent spirit. He is a young man of enterprise and energy, well known in the county, where his entire life has been passed and where he has so directed his labors as to win recognition as a leading and worthy citizen.
HECTOR GERMAIN.
Among the representatives of agricultural inter- ests in Bureau county who have been enabled to put aside the more active and arduous daties of the farm. is numbered Hector Germain, who is now residing in Wyanet. He is one of Illinois' native sons, his birth having occurred near Elgin. on the 1-tth of February. 1810. His father, James Germain, came from England to the new world! and died about 1842. The son was educated in Elgin and came to Bureau county in 1851, when fourteen years of age, at which time he settled in Bureau county. Although then but a young lad he had previously been working at a salary of six dollars per month herding sheep. Owing to his father's death he was early thrown upon his own resources and whatever success he has achieved is the direct reward of his earnest and persistent labors. He was employed in this county until 1860, when he went to Pike's Peak in search of gold and he was in Omaha, Nebraska, when the ground was broken for the Union Pacific Rail-
road. He worked at freighting in loba and Ne- braska from isot until 1862, and remained in the west altogether for fifteen years. He pub-ted in the militia and served during 1863 and 1861, and in September of the latter year he re-enlisted, this time becoming a member of Company 1, Fourth Colorado Cavalry, with which he was connected until after the close of the war in July. 1865. He was on detailed duty, guarding mail routes and in other such service.
Mr. Germain then followed the Union Pacific Railroad as it was being built westward, buying and selling town property and keeping pace with the construction. He would go ahead of the rail- road, buy and build, and when the place would be at the height of its boom he would sell and again move forward. He always made good money on his investments during those times. In the mean- time, however, he engaged in the livery and feed business in Georgetown and in Black Hawk, Colo- rado. His brother managed his interests in that state while Hector Germain was buying and soll- ing town lots along the lines of the Union Pacific. He went through the usual experiences and hard- ships of frontier life, roughing it in the west until 18:5, when he sold out and returned to Bureau county. He purchased land here in 1823, and for two years he bought and shipped brood mares to Colorado. He still carries on business interets in the latter state. When he returned to Bureau county in 1835 he located in Wyanet township on one hundred and sixty acres of land, two miles east of the village of Wyanet, which property he still owns. He has always fed the products of his farm to cattle and hogs and is well known as a stock-raiser. In December. 1901. however, he re- tired from active business life and removed to the village of Wyanet, where he built a beautiful resi- dence, which he now occupies. He now has two lots, giving him a frontage of one hundred feet.
Mr. Germain was married in 1823 to Miss Phila Hart, who was born in Ohio and is a daughter of Andrew Hart, who enlisted in the army from Peoria, Illinois, and served for four years during the Civil war. He residel near Tiskilwa for sov- eral years and his death occurred about 1596. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Germain have been born three children: Charles, who married Mary Mount, a daughter of Elisha J. Mount, their home being on his father's farm : Gertrude, the wife of Ehner Wheeler, of Ottawa, Ilinois ; and Gale, who is liv- ing at home.
The parents are members of the Methodist church and Mr. Germain was a member of the Odd Fellows lodge in Colorado, becoming a charter member of the first lodge organised at Black Hawk. In political views he is a stalwart repub- lican and he carried a torch light at the organic- tion of the party in 1856, when Fremfor was a candidate for the presidency. He has always been deeply interested in the success of the padly and upon its ticket was elected and servel a highway
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commissioner. He has also been school trustee for twelve years and his official duties have been discharged with promtpness and fidelity. In Wya- net, where he is widely known, he is esteemed as a man of generous impulses, high personal worth and splendid business ability. He owes his suc- eess to his own labors and though he has led a busy life he has found time for consideration for his fellowmen, being generous and kindly, his good qualities winning him the esteem of those with whom he has been associated.
BENJAMIN F. BASIL.
Benjamin F. Bash, who is largely engaged in raising and fattening stock for the market, resides upon a farm in La Moille township. He was born January 10, 1856, in Morrow county, Ohio, and eame to Bureau county with his parents in 1865. He is the ninth in order of birth in a family of eleven children born unto David and Catherine (Shoop) Bash, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, the father born in June, 1813, and the mother in 1812. They have now passed away.
Benjamin F. Bash was educated in the public schools of Bureau county and in Western College in Iowa. Ile was but nine years of age when he accompanied his parents to Bureau county, and here he was reared to farm life. On leaving school he took up farming as a life occupation, and has always followed that pursuit. being today the owner of two hundred and forty-two acres of excellent land, which is valued at the highest market price for land in this locality. There is a good gas well on the farm, of sixteen pounds pressure. Mr. Bash is well known as a promi- nent stockman, not only feeding all of the products of his own fields to his stock but also buying large quantities of feed for purpose of fattening stock for the market. In 1888 he purchased the home farm, on which he has lived continuously since. and it is a valuable property, equipped with many modern conveniences. He paid thirty-two dollars per acre for the land and it is today worth from one hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars per acre. In the care and improvement of the prop- erty he has displayed good management, and through his own labors has brought it under its present high state of cultivation. He has erected the buildings and planted trees which today have grown into fine shade trees, forming an attractive ornament to the place. An air of geniality and good cheer pervades the home, and the farm is regarded as a model property, indicating in its neat and thrifty appearance the care and super- vision of the owner.
Mr. Bash was married January 22, 1880. to Miss Bertha R. Eddy, who was born August 11. 1855, in Preston, Minnesota, a daughter of Shel- don and Mary ( Eddy) Eddy. The father was a
native of New York and became a resident of Lee county, Illinois, in 1810, when but ten years of age. Ile was married in Minnestota in 1855 to Miss Mary Eddy, and unto this union there were eight children, of whom Mrs. Bash is the eldest. Her father is still living, but her mother passed away January 20, 1899. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bash have been born two children: Mrs. Ethel R. Field; and C. Millicent Bash, now at home. There are also two grandchildren: Frank Lester and Robert Emerson Field, the former born Janu- ary 8, 1901, and the latter March 15, 1906.
Mr. Bash votes with the republican party, and he and his wife are members of the Baptist church, in the work of which they take au active and help- ful part. Ile is also a factor in political cireles, has served as a member of the republican town- ship central committee and has held the office of justice of the peace. In the church he has acted as trustee and as superintendent of the Sunday- school, and he is likewise president of the Citizens' Memorial Society. The various duties which de- volve upon him in these connections are promptly and faithfully performed. and he is likewise presi- dent of the Reed Drug Company and one of its directors. He is a man of high character and in- telligence, who, in the race of life, has forged ahead by reason of his industry and integrity. Both he and his wife are held in the highest es- teem by all who know them, and Mr. Bash is rec- ognized as a man of genuine personal worth, who in his public and private relations manifests those sterling traits which in every land and clime awaken respect and confidence.
JAMES W. TEMPLETON.
James W. Templeton, whose public record has been distinguished by all that marks the public- spiritel citizen who has been a student of possi- bilities for general progress and development and in his official service has labored not alone for present needs, but has looked beyond the exigen- cies of the moment to the possibilities of the fu- ture, dates his residence in Princeton from 1863. He was born in St. Clair-ville, Belmont county. Ohio, and for forty-three years has been a promi- nent factor in the history of the city in which he now makes his home.
Mr. Templeton had resided here for only a brief period when his fellow-townsmen gave evidence of their recognition of his ability and trustworthi- ness by calling him to public office. He we- pointed depats county clerk and served from 1861 until 1869, when he was elected county clerk for a four years' term. In April, 18:5, he received presidential appointment to the office of postmas- ter of Princeton, and acted in that capacity for twelve years. He was elected to the state sen .. te in 1891 and was re-electel in 1898 and 1902. mak- ing twelve wars of faithful service in the upper
MRS. B. F. B.ASH.
B. F. BASIL.
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house of the general assembly. His reputation for integrity and ability is state wide. If any measure of a doubtful character is to be forwarded, Senator Templeton is not consulted, as it has been gener- ally known through his long service that he is not in the senate for that purpose ; but when any meas- ure is presented that has for its aim the better- ment of the commonwealth, then his good judg- ment and broad experience are sought, a fact for which he and his friends may be justly proud. Ilis record in office shows capable public service, re- sulting from a thorough understanding of the po- litical situation of the country and a broad knowl- edge of the questions which are attected by the state government and bear upon the issues of the people. He was appointed president of the Pan- American commission by Governor Yates to build the Illinois building at the Pan-American Expo- sition, the state appropriating seventy-five thou- sand dollars for that purpose, of which amount Mr. Templeton returned twenty thousand dollars as not needed-a very unusual occurrence.
On the 21st of December, 1870, Mr Templeton was married to Miss Mandana MI. Stevens, a daughter of Justus Stevens. of Princeton, and two children gladden their home: Stephen and Gladys. Mr. Templeton is a man whose breadth of view and liberal education, which has been ac- quired through research and study of the prob- lems and issues of the day. have made him a leader of publie thought and action, and no man in the community is held in higher regard.
WILLIAM A. VAN SICKLE.
William .1. Van Siekle is the owner of one hun- dred and sixty aeres of good farming land in Ma- con township, upon which he located in 1894. He was born in Stark county, Illinois, May 22, 1865, and acquired a publie-school education while spending his boyhood days in the home of his par- ents, Aaron B. and Mary (Kelley) Van Sickle. The father was born in New Jersey in 1830, while the mother's birth occurred in Ireland. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Stark county, where he first worked at a salary of ninety dollars per year. He lived frugally and economically, and as the result of his diligence and perseverance at length obtained the money with which he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. He then began farming on his own account, built a home and successfully and energetically carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1901, when he retired from active business life and is now living in Tou- lon. His wife, however, passed away when forty- seven years of age. He has filled the offices of school director and road commissioner, and in pol- ities is an earnest republican. In the family were four children: Harriet, the wife of William A. Barr; George, who married Ellen Scheats; Jose- phine. the wife of Robert Laing, and William A.
The father was one of the pioneer sothers of this part of the state, where he has always resulod since corning to the west, and during the period of his residence here he has watched many n dable changes that have brought about the present prog- ress and prosperity of the locality.
William A. Van Sickle, reared to farin life, early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. Soon after his marriage, which was celebrated January 1. 1589, he began farming on his own account, and in 1894 removed to Bureau county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. on which he has erected a fine residence. Here he has tille 1 the soil and raised stock, shipping from one to two earloads of hogs to the Chicago market each year. He also breeds his own Norman draft horsts, and altogether has a well improved farm property.
On the 1st of January, 1889, Mr. Van Sickle was joined in wedlock to Miss Alma Wiley, who was born in Stark county, Illinois. April 2, 1867, a daughter of John and Sarah ( Aten) Wiles. Her father, who was born in New Jersey in 1832. now living in Stark county, Illinois. Her mother was born in the Buckeye state and died at the age of forty-five years, Mr. Wiley came to Illinois when a young man, settling in Stark county an.id its pioneer residents, and there he has made his home for the past half century. Ile bought both timber and prairie land, and he also built a hor .. s. Ile has kept his farm in touch with the modern ideas of progress, and is today the owner of about five hundred acres of very valuable land devoted to general farming. He has served as school director and in other local offices, and his political allegi- anee is given to the republican party. He likewise belongs to the Christian church. Unto him and his wife were born five children, namel: : Mrs. Van Sickle: Ira L .: Edward T., who married Tillie Nelson; Emma T., the wife of Fre ? Sweet, and Clara, the wife of Clayton Egbert.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Van Sickle has been blessed with two children: Imla Leota. horn in 1892, and Floyd Wiley, in 1896. Mr. Van Sickle is a republican, and, while never seeking office, he yet is deeply interested in the success of l's party because he believes its principles are most condu- eive to good government. Hle is a representative citizen of the middle west, possessing the spirit of enterprise which has been the dominant fotor in the rapid and substantial growth of this section of the state.
CHARLES W. COLEMAN.
Charles W. Coleman, interested in gen : 1 farm- ing. has resided at his present home for more than a half century. He was born in Porta= . county. Ohio, October 1, 1833, and is a son of Warson and Harriet (Gray) Coleman. His education was ob- tained in the public schools of his native care, and
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after putting aside his text-books he worked in a dairy until he came to Bureau county. He re- moved from Clark county, Ohio, to Illinois in 1854, and here started in business life upon rented farms. In 1864 he purchased his present farm, after living upon it as a renter for ten years, and the place has therefore been his home for more than a half century. Here he has one hundred and twenty aeres of well improved land that returns golden harvests in reward for the care and labor he bestows upon the fields. He also owns one hun- dred and sixty acres in lowa. In this county are his well tilled fields, carefully cultivated after ap- proved modern methods of farming, and he uses the latest machinery in carrying on the work of the fields. Moreover, he brings to bear practical com- mon sense in all of his work, and as a result he has been enabled to add to his capital year by year.
On the ?4th of August, 1852, Mr. Coleman was married to Miss Emily Miller, of Clark county, Ohio, who was there reared, her parents being Aaron and Jane (Smith) Miller, the former a farmer by occupation. After a little less than two years' residence in Clark county the young couple started westward, and, as before stated, they be- came residents of Bureau county in 1854. They have always resided on their present homestead, and as the years have passed their marriage has been blessed with eight living children, while three of the family have passed away, these being: Will- iam, who died when a year old, and two who died in infancy. The eight who still survive are: Mary Ann, who is the wife of Mason Utrine, a resident farmer of South Dakota : Horace G., who married Emma Hewitt and follows farming in Emmet county, Iowa; Sarah Jane, the wife of Oliver Van Ormer, a farmer of Charles Mix county, South Dakota ; Jerome N., who married Anna Hartz and is a farmer of Carroll county. Iowa, where he owns one thousand acres of land; Ida E., the wife of Rufus F. Lathrop, who is condueting a livery and sale stable in Glidden, Iowa; Hattie E., the wife of Charles E. Hite, a resident farmer of Emmet county, Iowa; Julia, the wife of II. F. Caskey, a grain merchant of La Salle, Illinois, and Lizzie G., the wife of George Pittman, of Manlius.
The family attend the United Brethren church, and are people of high respectability, enjoying the friendship and regard of many with whom they have been associated. Mr. Coleman is a republican, but without aspiration for office. In addition to his farming interests he is a stoekholder in the First State Bank at Manlius. He has lived in Bu- reau county for fifty-two years, while his life ree- ord covers seventy-three years. Here he has so di- reeted his labors and guided his conduct by up- right principles that he has won the goodwill of his fellowmen, and is today numbered among the honored early settlers. He is largely familiar with the history of the county during the greatest pe- riod of its progress and development. for when he came here there were still evidences of frontier life
in the uncultivated tracts of land and in the porini- tive homes. As time has gone by he has rejoiced in the progress which has transformed the county, and has borne his full share in the work of pubhe improvement.
JACOB ATTIG.
Modern methods of farming are employed by Jacob Attig in the care and improvement of his farm, which is an excellent property of two hun- dred and fifty aeres in Walnut township, valued at one hundred dollars per acre. There are good buildings upon the place and the well tilled fields are proof of earnest, enterprising labor.
Mr. Attig is a native of Woodford county, Illi- nois, born December 22, 1858, a son of Jacob and Mary Attig, natives of Germany. They were married in Woodford county, Illinois, where they located at an early day, and the mother died when her son Jacob was only a year and a half old. The father continued to engage in farming for many years and made his home in that county until his death, in November. 1898. He came to this coun- try a poor man, hoping to benefit by the broader business opportunities of the new world, and at the time of his death he was the owner of a good farm of one hundred and forty acres.
The district schools of his native county af- forded to Jacob, Attig the educational privileged he enjoyed and he was trained to the work of the farin, for at an early age he took his place behind the plow and also assisted in the tasl: of planting and of harvesting. Ambitious to gain a good liv- ing for himself and family, he has labored untiring and persistently and as hi- financial resources hive increased he has invested in choice farming proper- ty. owning now two hundred and fifty acres in one body in Walnut township, worth on an aver- age more than a hundred dollars per acre. Hr keeps good grades of stock, including shorthorn eattle and Poland China hogs, but his attention is given chiefly to the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and climate. The buildings are commodious and substantial and are kept in good repair, and the farm is well filed.
On the 16th of February. 1886. Mr. Attig was married to Miss Sarah Iwig, who was born March 13. 1866, a daughter of Jacob and Mary ( Smith) Iwig, the former a native of Germany and the latter of the state of Ohio. They were farming people and for many years resided in Woodford county. Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Attig have become the parents of four children. of whom Harvey R .. the third in order of birth, died in infancy. The others are Chester J., Alma M. and Lilah P., aged respectively nineteen, fifteen and eleven years, and all vet at home. The son was graduated from the Walnut high school at the age of sixteen. winning the honors of his elass. During the surnners he assisted bi- father on the farm and ong voir sub-
PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
sequent to the completion of his course in Walnut he matriculated in Northwestern college, at Na- perville, Illinois. He is now in the junior year, pursuing the scientific course, and will graduate with the class of 1908. Alma is now a sophomore in the high school at Walnut, while the younger daughter is yet attending the district schools.
Mr. Attig and his family are members of the Evangelical church at Red Oak, and his political support is given to the republican party. The honors and emoluments of office have no attrac- tion for him, however, as his ambition centers in his family and his business, utilizing the latter that he may provide a good home and the comforts of life for his wife and children.
ASA W. KASBEER.
Asa W. Kasbeer, owning and operating one hun- dred and forty-six acres of valuable land in Ohio township, Bureau county, and also the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Al- len county, Kansas, is a native son of the county in which he makes his home, his birth having oc- curred December 28, 1852. He is a son of J. S. and Hannah ( Ross) Kasheer, the former born in Tnsearawas county, Ohio, December 28, 1818, and the latter in 1836, and both still survive. In their family were twelve children, of whom eight are living, while four have passed away.
Asa W. Kasbeer, the fifth member of his father's family, was educated in the public schools of Bu- reau county, and after putting aside his text- books, started out upon his own responsibility. He has been very successful in all his undertak- ings and is now the owner of one hundred and for- tv-six acres of land situated in Ohio township. Part of this property was inherited by him, but he has added all of the improvements and acces- sories, thus enhancing its value until it is today worth from one hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars per acre, while it was worth but fifty dol- lars per acre when it came into his possession. On this tract are found modern and substantial build- ings and all the conveniences of a model farm. He has also set out many shade trees, which add to the attractive appearance of the place and show the owner to be progressive in the conduct of his business interests. He has all the latest improved farm machinery to facilitate his work and ex- ereises excellent ability in all that he undertakes. Beside this tract of land he is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of valuable farming land in Allen county. Kansas, which he has improved until it has doubled in value since it enme into his possession.
Mr. Kasbeer was united in marriage to Miss Alice M. Staples, who was born in London. Eng- land, on the 14th of April. 1860. a daughter of John and Annie (Leech) Staples, both natives of that country. Mrs. Kasbeer accompanied her par-
ents on their emigration fren Eoplond to Ane tha in May, 1869. They first settled at Cedar Rapid-, lowa, where they remained for only about a month, and then made their way to Bureau county, Illi- nois, where the daughter was reared and educated, completing her high school education in Princeton, and after reaching womanhood gave her hand in marriage to the subject of this review, the wedding ceremony being performed on the 8th of March. 1882. The father is still living, but the mother passed away on the 230 of November, 1894. In their family were tive sons and six daughters, of whom two are deceased, Mrs. Kasbeer being the fourth in order of birth.
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