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 35
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HENRY HURST, SR.
Among the citizens of foreign birth living in Bureau county whose loyalty to America and her institutions makes them valued residents of this locality is Henry Hurst, who was born in Prussia, February 13, 1831, a son of Christian and Caro- lina Hurst. His father, too, was a native of Prus- sia but in the maternal line Mr. Hurst comes of Swedish descent. He was educated in the publie schools and after putting aside his text-books he learned the mason's trade, mastering the business of making both brick and stone structures. He followed that pursuit until he came to America, where he arrived on the 10th of July, 1859. His father was a driver of one of the wagons during the Franco-Prussian war.
The favorable reports which Henry Hurst re- ceived coneerning America and its opportunities led him to seek his fortune in the United States, and after coming to this country he again worked at the mason's trade. He first settled at Prince- ton, where he arrived with just ten cents in his pocket, so that necessity demanded immediate em- ployment. After a brief period, however, he went to Iowa, where he remained for two and a half years, and while there he erected a schoolhouse and many other good buildings. In 1862 he returned to Princeton, where he again worked at his trade, while later he and his step-father rented some land and began farming. Success attended him in this venture, so that he was afterward enabled to pur- chase land in Manlius township, which he bought at twenty dollars an acre. Since then he has added to his farm until he now has three hundred and twenty aeres, having paid sixty-two dollars per acre for the last land which he bought on seetion 13. It is now worth more than one hundred dol- lars per acre and in fact is one of the valuable and well improved farms of the locality. owing to the labor he has bestowed upon it and the natural risc in property due to the rapid settlement of the state.
Mr. Hurst has been married twice. On the 19th of January, 1863, he wedded Miss Augusta Tuhl. a native of Prussia, and they became parents of four children who are yet living: Clara M., born October 2, 1864: Martha. born April S, 1867; Al- bert, born July 18, 1869; and Rose, born May 15,
1822. They also lost twins, Emma and John, the former dying in January, 1811, and the latter in September, 1875. Mrs. Hurst departed this life January 1, 1879, and on the 20th of June, 1880, Mr. Hurst married Miss Amelia Kraft, of Wyanet, Illinois. They have two children: Heinrich F., born March 24, 1881 ; and Emma F. E., born June 4, 1881. One of the daughters, Martha, is now the wife of Oscar Nelson, a farmer, and has two children: Clara, who is a teacher; and Earl, at home. One of the sons, Albert Hurst, married Miss Elizabeth Hartz, of Gold township, and they have four children : Lillie, Chester, Clara and Vir- gil. Heinrich F. Hurst married Miss Nina Hewitt, is a farmer of Greenville township and has one child, Lucile, born in February, 1905.
Mr. Hurst has served as school director for many years and believes in employing competent teach- ers and in upholding a high standard of educa- tion. He is a republican and is a member of the German Lutheran church, of which he has served as trustee. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to try his fortune in America, for here he has found the business opportunities he has sought and through his persistent and earnest labor has advanced steadily toward the goal of success and at the same time has gained a good home and made many friends, so that altogether his residence in America has been a most pleasant olle and now in the evening of life he has a com- petence sufficient for old age.
JUDGE J. A. DAVIS.
Joe A. Davis, county judge of Bureau county, whose knowledge of the law and conscientious re- gard for the obligations of citizenship well qualify him for the duties which devolve upon him in connection with the bench, was born in St. Paul. Minnesota, February 26, 1864. He is a son and only child of John N. and Rosetta 1. Davis, who settled in Princeton, Illinois, in the fall of 1864.
In the public schools of Princeton Judge Davis acquired his education and on putting aside his text-books entered upon a business career as an employe in the express office of this city, where he remained for a year. He afterward accepted a elerkship in a store and was also a clerk in the postoffice. Ambitious to enter upon a profes- sional career, however, he chose the law and in December, 1885, he began studying in the office and under the direction of John Scott. After thorough preliminary reading he was admitted to the bar in December, 1887. and entered into a partnership with his former preceptor, Mr. Scott. which relation was maintained to the time of Mr. Scott's death. Judge Davis then practiced alone and by appointment served for four years as mas- ter in chancery of the circuit court of Bureau county, Illinois. In December, 1902, he was elected county judge, in which position he is now serving.
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Since his admission to the bar he has enjoyed a successful and lucrative practice at Princeton, as the result of his untiring labors, his ambition, his energy and well directed efforts. Ile has been con- nected with a number of prominent cases tried in the courts of the county and district during his connection with the bar and in the trial of a cause he possesses superior power in sifting the evidence of a case and gathering therefrom those points which carry weight with judge and jury. He is a wise counsellor, an able advocate and his high reputation is justly deserved. Since coming to the bench he has proved himself an able jurist with broad and comprehensive knowledge of the law, who in his decisions is strictly fair and impartial, standing as a conservator of justice in an office to which those who are interested in large property rights and the settlement of estates must look for protection.
Judge Davis is a republican who has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the party in state and nation. It is his firm conviction that the principles of this party are for the best inter- ests of the people and for several years he served as secretary of the republican county central com- mittec.
In 1894 Judge Davis was united in marriage to Miss Harriet L. Benson, a native of New York, and they have one daughter, Helen L. Davis. Lay- ing aside the cares and responsibilities of his pro- fessional career, Judge Davis finds his greatest happiness in returning to his home, where his leisure hours are largely spent in the companion- ship of the members of his own household. Early in life displaying a mind eager in the pursuit of knowledge, he has embraced the opportunities which have come to him and in a profession where advancement depends entirely upon individual ef- fort he has won a creditable position as attorney and jurist.
JOHN M. SMITH.
John M. Smith, having extensive business in- terests in Kasbeer, besides owning and super- vising a farmi of one hundred and fifty-five acres in Ohio township, is a native of Bureau county, Illinois, having been born in Ohio township, De- cember 20, 1857, a son of Daniel P. and Rachel (Matson) Smith, the former a native of Massa- chusetts, and the latter of Harrison county, Ohio. The father came to Bureau county in the year 1831, settling on a farm near Princeton. The mother arrived in 1846, and in this county they were married. In their family were thirteen chil- dren, of whom nine have passed away, while the surviving members, with our subject, are all resi- dents of Ohio township, Bureau county.
John M. Smith was reared and educated in Bu- reau county, receiving the advantages afforded by the common schools. After leaving school Mr.
Smith was employed at farm labor for many years, or until 1895, when he entered into partnership with his father and brother, conducting a general mercantile business at Kasbeer under the firm style of Smith Brothers & Company, one of the leading enterprises of the village. They carry on a general mercantile business, having by fair deal- ing and good business ability built up a Inige and increasing trade. Besides his interest in this busi- ness Mr. Smith is also doing a general banking business which amounts to about fifty thousand dollars annually. He also handles coal, lumber, cement, etc., and in this venture is very success- ful, having built up a lucrative trade. IIe also owns a fine farm of one hundred and fifty-five acres in Ohio township, to which he gives his supervision, although he does not carry on the active work of the fields. Here he has a finely improved place, on which are found all modern improvements, including a fine home, sapplied with every convenience for the comfort of the family, and on this place he and his family re- side, although his business interests are in the village of Kasbeer.
On the 24th of January. 1878, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Harriet A. Vickrey, a native of Bureau county, born in Ohio township, October 18, 1858. Her parents are William and Eliza (Adams) Vickrey, natives of Ohio. They came westward to Illinois in 1846. settling in Bureau county, and here Mrs. Smith was born, reared and educated. In their family were eleven children, of whom four are deceased, while Mrs. Smith was the fifth in order of birth.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born a daughter and son: Cora E., born September S, 1818; and Charles A., born June 11, 18-4. Mr. Smith gives his support to the men and measures of the republican party, and is interested in local political affairs, having served as township assessor for four years, as road commissioner for four years, while for eighteen years he was school di- rector, and in all these positions he was loyal to the interests of the general public. Ile is liberal in his religious views and is not identif'ed with any church organization.
Mr. Smith had financial assistance from his father to the amount of four thousand dollars, and by excellent business judgment, industry and integrity he has increased the scope of his in- terests until, through his various business enter- prises, he has accumulated a competence which classes him among the substantial rest lents of Kasbeer and Bureau county. He is active in every movement which tends to advance the wel- fare of his town or county, is interested in educa- tional progress and expects to give to his children every possible advantage in this direction. He is a great lover of music, is fond of his home and family and does everything in his power for their comfort and happiness. Ile is leading a very busy life, conducting extensive business in-
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terests which add to the substantial development of his town, for the firm of Smith Brothers & Company carry a well selected stock of general merchandise, which meets the demands of the gen- eral public, being one of the best enteprises of the kind in Bureau county. Ilis banking, coal and lumber interests are also carefully conducted, and in all of these ventures he is meeting with grati- fying success, adding not only to his own finan- cial resources, but they also prove of benefit to the town and surrounding country. lle makes his home on his farm, where, after the day's cares are laid aside, he can enjoy the rest and quiet of a rural existence, for here he has every comfort which goes to make life worth living. Mr. Smith has a. wide business acquaintance, not only in Kasbeer, but throughout Bureau county, for his extensive interests bring him in contact with a large number of people. He and his wife are prominent socially, the hospitality of the best homes of the county being extended to them, while in their own home their many friends are always received with a hearty welcome.
CHARLES F. ANDERSON.
The growth and development of a community depends not only upon its farmers but upon the men who are at the head of its commercial and industrial interests and who bring to bear in its public life the spirit of enterprise which domi- nates them in the private business interests. Charles F. Anderson is a worthy representative of this class of citizens and is now successfully conducting a grocery and meat market at 820 and 822 North Main street in Princeton. A native of the western part of Sweden, he was born in Vestergotland, June 16, 1866, and is a son of Samuel Anderson, who came to Bureau county with his family in 1821, at which time he took up his abode near Princeton, there engaging in farming for some thine, when he removed to the county seat, where he has since resided. His wife passed away in February, 1894. In the family were two children: Miss Mary, who is living at home, and Charles F., now residing at $14 North Church street.
Charles F. Anderson was a lad of only five summers when brought by his parents to the new world, and his education was acquired in the Princeton schools to the age of thirteen years, when he began providing for his own support as a clerk in a Princeton store. Hle first clerkeJ for Swan Linn & Company in the northern part of the city and he eagerly availed himself of every opportunity of gaining an intimate knowledge of the business and for advancement along commer- cial lines. In 1890 he took a position with Kings- fords & Sons as traveling salesman and continued with them for nearly two years, after which, with capital saved from his own earnings, he began
business on his own account. opening .a givery store in the north end of the eux. where he has since remained. In 1901, at his present location, he erected a store building two stories in height and one hundred and twenty-five by thirty-two feet in size. The front part of the upper story is used as a dentist's office and the rear part of the second story is occupied by the Shabbona Club of Princeton. Mr. Anderson has secured a good trade and has a well appointed grocery and market, which in its neat and tasteful arrange- ment and the excellent line of goods carried at- tracts a large and growing patronage. Mr. An- derson was united in marriage October 16, 1895, to Miss Evelyn M. Larson, who was born July 19. 1822, in Princeton, and is the daughter of P. G. Larson, an old time furniture dealer and undertaker of Princeton, who passed away in February, 1902. In the family were three chil- dren: Earl P., Minerva E. and Evelyn M., the latter now Mrs. Anderson. Mrs. Larson since his death is still continuing the business in Prince- ton. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson has been blessed with one son, Lloyd F., born August 13, 1899. The family are members of the Lu- theran church in Princeton and Mr. Anderson belongs to the Masonic and Odd Fellow's lodges. Politically he is a republican and is now a mem- ber of the board of education, in which he takes a very active interest. He was a member of the city council as alderman for eight years. and at one time was nominated for mayor of Princeton; has twice been a delegate to the state convention, once when Governor Yates was nominated at Peoria, while he and Senator Washburn were del- egates when Governor Deneen received his nomina- tion at Springfield. Ile is a leader in business and republican circles and has wielded a wide in- fluence for progress and improvement along all these lines. Dependent upon his own resources from the age of thirteen years, he has made steady advancement in his business career and his life record proves the value of force of enterprise and diligence in overthrowing obstacles and wresting fortune from the hands of fate.
HENRY FULLER.
On the roster of officials in Bureau county ap- pears the name of Henry Fuller, cireuit clerk and recorder, who since 1892 has filled this position, his long connection therewith bring conclusive evidence of his ability and also of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens. He was born in New York city, December 6. 1852. ITis father, Ira E. Fuller, was a native of New Hamp- shire, and when a young man removel to New York, where he was engaged in business. About 1858 he removed with his family to Princeton and after a few years was connected with com- mercial interests in this city as a grocer until
CHARLES F. ANDERSON.
1
STORE OF C. F. ANDERSON.
PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
1868. In 1870 he purchased a farm in De Kalb county, whereon he resided until his death, which occurred in 1885, when he was seventy-three years of age. Ile wedded Catherine Withall, a native of England.
Henry Fuller of this review is indebted to the publie-school system of Princeton for the edu- eational privileges he enjoyed, and after putting aside his text-books he farmed with his father un- til nineteen years of age. He then went to Wal- nut, Illinois, as a elerk, and in 1879 he embarked in business on his own account, continuing at that place until 1892, when he was elected to the ofliee of circuit clerk and recorder. He has since filled the position and his re-election has come as proof of his capability and fidelity in the discharge of his duties. -
In 1827 Mr. Fuller was united in marriage to Miss Ella Whitver, a daughter of John Whitver, of Walnut, and they have three children: John Edgar, Darlene K. and Gertrude. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fuller are widely known in Princeton and he is a popular eitizen with a wide and favorable acquaintance in business and political as well as social circles. In polities he is a republiean, stalwart and unfaltering in his support of the party, and for the past eight years he has served as secretary of the county central committee, in which connection he has done effective work through party organizations to secure republican suceesses. As a publie spirited and enterprising citizen, he takes an active interest in all public improvement and is liberal in his support of any measure calculated to promote the general wel- fare. He is an optimist in the best sense of the word and looks on the bright side of every- thing.
Z. S. HILLS.
Z. S. Hills, engaged in the practice of law in Princeton, also notary public, loan, insurance and real estate agent, was born in Palmer, Massachu- setts, June 25, 1832, a son of Cyrus and Amanda (Olds) Hills. The father, a native of Connecticut, was a farmer by occupation, and in the year 1843 removed to Illinois, settling at La Moille, Bureau county, where he bought land and began farming. His attention was given to general agricultural pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death. in 1868, when he was seventy-two years of age.
Z. S. Hills, whose name introduces this record, was a youth of about eleven years when the family came to Illinois. He continued his education in the schools of Bureau county and as a student in Smith's Seminary at Princeton, displaying special aptitude in his books and becoming well qualified for the profession of teaching, which he followed for twenty-five years in Bureau county. At one time he was principal of the schools at Neponset and Princeton, afterward at La Moille and lastly
in Ohio, Bureau county, and was thus closely as- sociated with the educational progress of this part of the state, but at length he retired from pro- fessional labors, and from 1879 until 1596 con- ducted a drug store in Ohio. For many years he was interested in law, however, and when in 1896 he gave up his store he took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar in November, 1897. Immediately afterward he began practice in Princeton, and has secured a good clientage here. lle is also notary public, and conducts a loan, in- surance and real estate agency, which is also an important branch of his business.
In 1861 Mr. Hills was united in marriage to Miss Susan A. Hanover, of La Moille, who died in Princeton in March, 1905, leaving one son, P. Fred Hills. In his political affiliation Mr. Hills is independent. In the years of an active pro- fessional and mercantile career he has made a creditable record, and has long been accounted one of the representative business men of this county.
CHARLES L. COREY.
Charles L. Corey, a substantial farmer of Bu- rean . county, owning and operating one hundred and sixty acres of land in Ohio township, was born in this county on the 28th of March, 1869, being the only child born unto John HI. and Phoeba A. (Raynor) Corey. The father was born in Morgan county, Illinois, in 1841, while the mother's birth occurred in Pennsylvania, April S, 1850.
Charles L. Corey received a common-school ed- ucation, and, after putting aside his text-books, started out to make his own way in life, choosing farm work as his occupation. He possessed strong courage and was determined in his purpose, pros- pering year by year in his undertakings, so that he is now in possession of a valuable farm property of one hundred and sixty acres, situated in Ohio township, which is worth one hundred and fifty dollars per acre. Here he is engaged in general agricultural pursuits. He possesses good business ability, uses the latest improved machinery to carry on the work of cultivating his land, has added all modern improvements to his place, including a good residence and substantial outbuildings, so that his farm is now one of the best in the town- ship.
Mr. Corey ehose as a companion and helpmate for life's journey Miss Carrie L. Taylor, to whom he was married on the 5th of February, 1895. She was born in Berlin township, Bureau county, on the 28th of January, 1876, and received her edu- cation in the public schools at Dover, Illinois. Her parents are Henry L. and Anna L. (Rudebaugh) Taylor, the father being a native of Ohio, while the mother's birth occurred in the Keystone state. They accompanied their respective parents to Bu- reau county, Illinois, and were here married. In
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PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
their family were five children, of whom Mrs. Corey is the second in order of birth.
Unto our subject and his wife have been born three children, as follows: Vera, born January 6, 1898; Phoeba, born March 24, 1903; and Lee C., born January 11, 1905. Mr. Corey has always given his political support to the republican party, while in religious faith he is liberal, being identi- tied with no church organization, but his wife is a member of the United Brethren church. Mr. Corey is a member of the Sons of Veterans. He has never sought or desired political office, but prefers rather to give his entire time to his business in- terests, in which he is meeting with splendid suc- cess. He has worked hard to attain success, and his place is evidence that his labors have been richly rewarded, for on his farm of one hundred and sixty acres he has a fine country home and substantial outbuildings, and he has also set out many shade trees, which add to the beauty of the place. He is a great lover of music, and is deeply interested in the cause of education, and intends to give his children every advantage in musical and educational lines. He and his wife are popular among their many friends and are numbered among the leading residents of their native county.
JAMES L. COULTER.
James L. Coulter, owning and operating two hundred and eighty-eight acres of fine farming land in Ohio township, situated on section 29, is one of Bureau county's native sons, his birth having here occurred Janauary 15, 1856. His parents were Robert and Catherine (Smith) Coulter, the former born in Ohio and the latter in Indiana. The mother had removed from her native state to Bureau county, Illinois, in 1828, while the year 18-12 witnessed the arrival of the father, and in this county they were married and reared a family of ten children, while one died at the age of three years. Both the father and mother are now deceased.
James L. Coulter, whose name introduces this review, was reared and educated in Bureau county and after putting aside his text books be- gan farming on his own account, first renting land, which he operated for twelve years, and, being successful in his farm work, was then en- abled to purchase a tract of one hundred and twenty-five acres, situated on section 29, Ohio township. For this traet he paid forty-three dollars and a half per acre, and as his financial resources have increased he has added to his property, making an additional purchase of one hundred and sixty-three acres adjoining the original tract, and his wife owns one hundred and sixty acres near by. He also owns six hun- dred and forty acres of land in Wisconsin. On his home farm are found a beautiful residence
and outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, many shade trees which add to the attrac- tive appearance of the place, and altogether he has a fine farm, on which he is engaged in gen- eral farming, using the latest improved methods in carrying on the work of the fields.
Mr. Coulter chose as a companion and help- inate on life's journey, Miss Malissa Kasbeer, to whom he was married on the 28th of October. 1882. She is a daughter of John S. and Han- nah ( Ross) Kasbeer, the former born in Tus- carawas county, Ohio, December 28, 1818, hay- ing removed to Bureau county, Illinois, in 1815, while the mother's birth occurred in 1836. Both are yet living. In their family were twelve children, of whom four are deceased, while Mrs. Coulter is the ninth in order of birth, her natal day being May 24, 1862. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Coulter have been born four sons, namely : Ray- mond B., born January 10, 1889; L. Dean, born November 2, 1890; J. Milton, April 19, 1896, and Glen G., April 4, 1898.
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