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 38
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Mr. Phillips of this review spent his boyhood days in his father's home, and was but eighteen years of age when he enlisted in response to the country's call, joining the boys in blue of Com- pany HI, One Hundred and Forty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, at Buda. The company went to Peoria and was there mustered in, proceeding afterward to Springfield and thenee to Quiney, returning to Springfield in 1865. After the war, in 1866, Mr. Philips became connected with the firm of Huckins & Company, dealers in horses, and was with that firm for about twelve years. On the expiration of that period he began farming on his own account, and has since carried on general agri- cultural pursuits and stock-raising, giving his at- tention at the present time to the cultivation of about ninety acres of land on section 3, Neponset township, where he has lived for fifteen years. The farm is well developed, and under his care and supervision the fields are made to yield a good re- turn in bounteous harvests.
Mr. Phillips was married to Miss Sarah Ellen Ausman, a native of Clerinont county, Ohio, born September 17, 1846, and a daughter of Abraham A. and Elsie C. (Suell) Ausman. Her father, a native of Indiana, died in Leon, Jowa, at the age of sixty-five years, while the mother survives at the age of eighty-nine years. They were married in Ohio, and, on coming to Illinois, settled in Stark county in 1851, Mr. Ausman being numbered
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among the pioneer farmers of that locality. He bought land at a dollar and a half per aere and built there a log house, living in a covered wagon until his pioneer home was completed. He there continued to reside until 1820, when he removed to Iowa, where he spent his remaining days. He served for many years as justice of the peace in Stark county and was a leading and influential citizen there, while his official duties were dis- charged with the utmost promtpess and impar- tiality. His early political support was given to the whig party, and upon its dissolution he joined the ranks of the new republican party. All his life he held membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and was most loyal to its teachings and belief. In the family were eight children, of whom six are now living, as follows: William II., Mis. Phillips, L. T., Melissa, Wesley and Addison.
Mr. Phillips gives his political support to the republican party where national issues and ques- tions are involved, but at local elections casts an independent ballot. He has never cared for publie office, but is as true and loyal to his country as when he followed the old flag to the south in de- fense of the Union. Much of his life has been passed in this county, and he is a typical resident of the middle west, possessing the alert and enter- prising spirit which has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of this section of the country.
MYRON E. WILLIAMS.
Myron E. Williams was born in Bureau county, October 3, 1857, upon the old homestead farm which is yet his place of residence, and is the eldest in a family of four children, the others being Emma 1., Elmer O. and Irving S. Wil- liams. The parents were Onam and Mary 1. (Milis) Williams, the former a native of Am- herst, Massachusetts, and the latter of Ticon- deroga, New York. Mr. Williams was born Au- gust 3, 1820, and in the year 1840 came to Bureau county, Illinois, casting in his lot with its pioneer settlers. On the 1st of January, 1857, he was united in marriage in Bureau county to Miss Mary A. Mills, who was born August 17, 1830, and who arrived in Bureau county about 1850.
At the usual age Myron E. Williams began his education as a public school student. and later continued his studies in the high school at Prince- ton. He represents one of the early pioneer fam- ilies, and is today the owner of a valuable farm property of three hundred and twenty acres, which comprises a quarter section that constituted the original purchase made by his father from the government. This was bought for a dollar and a quarter per acre, and the deed was signed by Zachary Taylor, then president of the United States. The old house first built upon this farm has sheltered some notable characters, including the famous Indian chief, Shabbona, who proved
a friend to the whites during the Black Hawk war and other periods of hostility with the Indians, and who has slept upon the floor of this cabin many a night. In those early days hardships and trials were to be borne that are entirely unfamil- iar to the settler of the present day, with his greater opportunities and advantages. The father would haul his grain to Chicago with ox teams, and the roads were then in poor condition. After coming to this county he began raising grain, and the price of wheat was only three shillings per bushel. He had to take his pay in state money, which he afterward exchanged for gold, giving two dollars and a half in state currency for every dollar in gold, for the government would then only take gold in payment for land. Many were the evidences of pioneer life to be seen here, and the family shared in the hardships and trials in- cident to existence on the frontier. The trip to Illinois from Amherst, Massachusetts, had been made by the father by stage to the nearest point on the Erie canal, thence by canal to Buffalo, and by way of the Great Lakes to Chicago, which was then only an Indian trading post. From Chi- cago he traveled across the country to La Moille. which was then called Greenfield. The journey was completed with freighting teams, as there were no railroads. The father of our subject be- came at once a factor in the agricultural develop- ment and progress of the county, and as the years passed he placed his fields under cultivation, own- ing an excellent property.
Of this Myron E. Williams inherited seventy acres, which constituted the nucleus of his present holdings. He added to the farm from time to time as his financial resources have increased, until he is now one of the extensive landowners of La Moille township, having three hundred and twenty aeres, constituting a valuable farming property. His place is the visible evidence of his life of thrift and enterprise, for he owes his success entirely to his own labors. The farm is improved with good buildings and fine shade trees, and is so located that its value has continually grown. It is one of the oldest farms of the county, having been oc- eupied by the family in very early days, and from that time to the present the work of improvement has been carried forward along progressive lines, until it is now equipped with all modern acces- sories.
On the 9th of March, 1886, was celebrated the marriage of Myron E. Williams and Miss Philena McConnell, who was born March 23, 1859, in Bureau county, her parents being James and Cath- arine (Higgins) McConnell, natives of Scotland, the former born in 1818 and the latter in 1828. There were eight children in their family, of whom Mrs. Williams is the seventh in order of birth, these being John, James, David, Catharine, Ezra, Jannette, Philena and Laura McConnell. Four of the number are now deceased, while four are still living, and the parents both passed away
ONAM WILLIAMS.
MRS. ONAM WILLIAMS.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
in this state. Mrs. Williams acquired her early education in the public schools of Bureau county and completed her studies in Mendota high school. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have two children : Laura E., who was born October 22, 1889, and is now attending the Princeton high school, and Walter H., who was born December 29, 1891, and is at- tending school in La Moille.
At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Williams located upon a farm, and his attention has since been given to general agricultural pur- suits. He is a member of Modern Woodmen camp, No. 227, and is a faithful and zealous adherent of the Congregational church, in which he holds membership. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the re- publican party, and has served as school trustee and school director, but otherwise has never sought nor held publie office, preferring to devote his energies to his business affairs, which are now capably controlled. In a review of his life record we note that the salient features in his career have been those which all men may cultivate and which are always attended with good results. Ile has not looked to outside aid or influence for his suc- cess, but has placed his dependence upon the sub- stantial qualities of energy and watchfulness in business, and has gained for himself a place among the leading farmers of La Moille township. The Williams family has been known in this county for sixty-six years, and the name has ever been synonymous with good citizenship and with honor- able business interests.
WILLIAM S. SEGUINE.
William Sliker Seguine, deceased, was born at Schooley's Mountain Springs, Morris county, New Jersey, October 22, 1845. lle was one of a family of fourteen children born to James and Abbie Ann (Sliker) Seguine. The father was a carpenter and of French descent. The school privileges of our subjeet were very limited, as the large family and the fact that there were no free schools in New Jersey at that time made it necessary for him to start young to earn his way.
At the time the Civil war broke out he was working on a farm for John Miller. When the call came for additional troops the spirit of patri- otism in him beeame supreme and, like the prophet of old, he unhitched his oxen, tied them to the plow handles and responded with the offer of his services, August 13, 1862, at Flemington, New Jersey. Not until two months was he of suffi- cient age to be mustered in, but on October 15, 1862, he became a private in Company H. Fif- teenth New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, and was in the battles at Fredericksburg. Gettysburg, Spottsylvania, the Wilderness, Winchester and several other engagements, being honorably dis- charged June 29, 1865. He was twice wounded
and compelled to spend a short time in the hos- pital. lle was taken prisoner at Winchester, August 17, 1861, by the Thirty-sixth Virginia Volunteers, Gordon's Brigade, Breckenridge's di- vision, Early's Corps. During the six months and four days' imprisonment he was taken successively to Stanton, Lynchburg, Danville, Richmond and Libby; was paroled February 20, 1865, and dis- charged June 29, 1865. His father, a brother Joseph, next younger, and our subject gave nine years' service in the defense of our country.
Soon after the close of the war he came to the home of relatives in Ohio, Bureau county, arriv- ing December 8, 1865, and began to do carpenter work, which he afterward followed for a liveli- hood. In public affairs he stood for what is acknowledged to be right and was energetic in pressing a good cause. He was honored in polit- ical life three times as township collector and various other less remunerative offices, the duties of which he carefully and faithfully performed. His connection with the Buda Baptist church be- gan February 10, 1886, when he was baptised by Rev. J. Coker. ITis religious experience, how- ever, began in his army life and steadily grew stronger. At the time of his death, April 5, 1905. he was a trustee of the church, an office he had held for many years. He joined the Buda Odd Fellow's lodge in 1880 and remained an active member during his lifetime, always attending its meetings when possible, a greater part of the time serving as an officer.
On August 18, 1867, he was united in marriage to Barbara (Buchan) Scaverns, in Ohio town- ship. In June, 1870, they moved to Buda, Illi- nois, which place has since been their home. Five daughters constituted the family, upon which the father and mother devoted their affection, pro- viding for them every advantage they were able to supply in the way of good home surroundings and educational opportunities, all but the youngest completing the Buda high school course. The eldest, Antoinette, was born October 13, 1868, and married Charles J. Markee, January 10, 1889. Gertrude was born October 19, 1870, and married Parker N. Mason, July 3, 1889. Frances, born January 3, 1813, married George F. Sweet, Jr., June 30, 1891. All are residing in and near Buda. Nellie, born August 16, 1825. married A. Frank Bvarlay, March 24, 1901, and lives in Neponset, Illinois. Ruth, born November 4, 1883, and died February 2, 1898, in Denver, Colorado.
Mrs. Seguine was the oldest daughter of Francis G. and Flora (Gilchrist) Buchan, both born in Scotland, but came to Canada young and there they were married January 12, 1836. In the spring of 1839 they came to Bureau county, lo- eating in the north part of Ohio township, near East grove. After three years they moved to Princeton, where Mr. Buchan followed the car- penter trade for a number of years. He worked on the old courthouse in Princeton, helping fin-
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PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
ish the interior, while in a number of the older residences there, among them the Stevens and MeConihe houses, his handiwork still endures, for in those days doors and window sash were fashioned by hand with tools not known to the workmen of today. He afterward moved to a farm in Ohio township, where he remained for twenty years. Then moved to a farm north of Buda, where he remained ten years, until failing health necessitated his leaving the farm, when he came to Buda, where he resided until his death, September 15, 1888. His widow continued to live in Buda until her death, November 28, 1903. Franeis and Flora Buchan were the par- ents of ten children -- Robert, who died in child- hood; Barbara, born November 20. 1838, who married John Seaverns. December 5, 1861, and was left a widow October 2. 1865; William Y., born September 25, 1840, killed at Missionary Ridge. September 20, 1863; Mary Ann, who died in infancy; Eliza Jane, born July 22, 1843, who married Elijah Bashtel, October 29, 1866; Fran- cis G., born October 17, 1845; James B. and Mar- garet Ann (twins), born March 26, 1848, the lat- ter who married E. II. Pierce, and after his death married Walter Williams: Robert D., born No- vember 3. 1850; Nellie, born January 22, 1854, who married Guy T. Norton, September 18, 1813.
PETER PETERSON.
Peter Peterson, deceased, who at one time was a representative agriculturist of Manlius township. was born in Denmark, August 18, 1812, and was a son of Simon and Mary Peterson. He came with his parents to the new world in 1857, the family home being established in Pennsylvania, where his father carried on farming for about eight years. Ile then brought his family to Illi- nois, settling at Sheffield, and in that vicinity Peter Peterson worked as a farm hand for some years. As he was always faithful and capable he had no trouble in obtaining good positions, and in 1872, with the money which he has saved from his earnings, he purchased some land near what is now called the old homestead and began farming on his own account. His parents remained resi- dents of Bureau county until called to their final rest and throughout his life the father followed the occupation of farming.
In 1874 Peter Peterson purchased more land and farmed the home place of two hundred and twenty aeres, which he brought under a high state of cul- tivation, so that the well tilled fields returned to him abundant harvests and his financial resources were thereby annually increased. He devoted his entire time to farming until about three years prior to his death, when he retired from active business life and went to live in Chicago.
On the 10th of March, 1820, Mr. Peterson was married to Miss Ella Nelson, who came from
Sweden to America in 1866. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Peterson were born two children, who are yet liv- ing: Edward Nels; and Josephine Clara, who was born October 25, 1825, and is now in Rock Island, Illinois, having graduated from Augustaua Conservatory of Music in 1905. They also lost one child, Anna Sophie, who was born March 23, 1873, and died on the 4th of September of that year.
The death of the father occurred in Chicago, October 29, 1896, and the mother, who survives, is yet living in Rock Island. 1Ie served as school director and as township school treasurer for about ten years and was interested in having good schools and competent teachers. Noting what was needed for the benefit of his community and the county, he always advocated the employment of measures which would promote the general wel- fare and gave his co-operation to movements for the public good. His life was unmarked by events of exciting importance, but was that of a man who daily follows the routine of a business career and by his honorable methods and straightforward dealing gains success and at the same time wins the respect of his fellow townsmen.
Edward Nels Peterson, son of Peter Peterson, was born in Manlius township, March 1, 1871, and at the usual age entered the public schools, wherein he pursued his studies until he had mas- tered the com!non branches of learning. Later he attended the State Normal School at Dixon, Illi- nois, and after completing his education turned his attention to farming. He resides upon the old family homestead and has his farm well im- proved and developed, carefully cultivating the fields so that rich erops are annually harvested, while throughout the farm neatness and thrift characterize every department.
On the 14th of March, 1900, Mr. Peterson was joined in wedlock to Miss Elizabeth C. Kingery, of Ogle county, Illinois, a daughter of George W. and Mary O. Kingery, who came from Pennsy !- vania. They have two children, Marguerite Evelyn, born June 28, 1903; and Grant Edward, horn October 2, 1906. Mr. Peterson has served his township as school treasurer and is a trustee of the English Lutheran church, to which he and his wife belong. They are highly esteemed resi- dents of their community, and the warm regard of many friends is extended them in recognition of their sterling traits of character.
SAMUEL P. CLARKE.
Samuel P. Clarke, a stockman and farmer, who operated for many years successfully as a raiser and dealer in live stock and is now a resident of Princeton, was born in Bureau county on the 20th of April, 183%, thus representing one of the pioncer families. His father, George Clarke. was a native of Ohio and became a r-sident of Illinois in 1835. The work of development had
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PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
scarcely been begun in this section of the state and people that day believed that the prairies could not be inhabited on account of wind storms and in consequence chose claims along the border of the forest. Mr. Clarke, however, with won- derful prescience, realized that the opportunities were greater upon the open prairie and established his home there. Time proved his wisdom and he remained and prospered. For many years he successfully conducted general agricultural pur- suits and in his later years retired from active business, dealing in lands and loaning money. He ceased to engage actively in the cultivation of the soil in 1850, after which he continued his real- estate speculations and loans. He died in 1891 at the age of eighty years, much respected by all who knew him. He was one of the earliest set- tlers of the county, coming here only three years after the subjugation of the Indians in the Black Hawk war. He found a district largely uninhab- ited and over which wild animals roamed, while herds of deer were frequently seen and many kinds of smaller game could be had in abundance. lle met the hardships and privations of pioneer life with a resolute and determined spirit and over- came the difficulties in his path, working his way steadily upward until for many years he occupied a place among the prosperous residents of the county, which owed not a little of its develop- ment to his business enterprise and active co- operation in measures for the public good. He wedded Miss Nancy Matson, a native of Ohio.
Sammel P. Clarke, born on the old homestead farm, pursued his early education in the Dover schools and afterward continued his studies at Mount Morris, Illinois. He then turned his at- tention to farming upon his farm and for forty- eight years devoted his time and energies to agri- cultural pursuits. He engaged largely in stock- raising and throughout the entire period of his residence on the farm never sold a bushel of grain, but fed it all to his stock and also bought from five to ten thousand bushels annually. In 1881 he began the importation of Galloway cattle, Clydesdale and Shire horses and Shetland ponies, and thus breeding stoek with imported animals he did nmich to uphold the standard of stock-rais- ing interests, thereby promoting prices and ad- vaneing general prosperity for the agricultural elass. In 1899, after a very successful career as a farmer, Mr. Clarko removed to Princeton. where he now occupies a beautiful residence, which he built in that year.
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On the 1st of January. 1860, was celebrated the marriage of Samuel P. Clarke and Miss Anne L. Poole, a daughter of George Poole, a native of Vermont, whence he removed to Bureau county. Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Clarke became the parents of six children. but only one is living, Grace L .. now the wife of Alfred Norris, of La Moille. For almost three score years and ton Mr. Clarke has been a resident of Bureau county. He is one of
the oldest native sons and has intimate knowledge of its history and the events which constituto its annals. His memory compasses many important oceurrences which have direct bearing upon its history in its politieal, material, intellectual, social and moral development. He has never eared for notoriety, but he justly deserves the praise which is given for activity and integrity in business that results in honorable success.
JAMES A. SMITHI.
James A. Smith, who in former years was actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits in Milo township, but is now living in Bradford, having put aside the more arduous cares of busi- ness life, was born in Ithaca, Tioga county, New York, November 25, 1840, his parents being Wil- liam and Huey (Robinson) Smith. The father died when his son James was a young lad and the latter, reared in the Empire state, pursued his education in the common schools there. The re- ports which he heard concerning the middle west and its opportunities attracted him to Illinois in 1863, in which year he located in Milo township, Bureau county. Ile worked out by the month for some time, renting land, and followed farming until 18:3. when he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Milo township that he still owns. He immediately began to think out plans for the further cultivation and improvement of the prop- erty and he has put many rods of tiling upon the place and erected all of the buildings which are now found thereon. He has a nice farm in which none of the modern accessories are lacking, while the latest improved machinery facilitates the work of the fields. He has engaged in raising cereals and stock, feeding hogs on an extensive seale. It was in this manner that year after year passed and his labors brought to him a good financial re- turn. He retired from active life in the spring of 1903 and removed to Bradford, where he pur- chased a pretty home which he now occupies, while his son William J. operates the form.
It was on the 28th of March. 1868, that James A. Smith was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary J. Fox, who came to this county from the Empire state. Their children are four in number: James Henry. who is a resident farmer of Milo town- ship: William J., who is operating his father's farm: George R., a resident of Marshall county. Illinois: and Sarah J., who married William Hardy and lives in Indiana. Following the death of his first wife Mr. Smith was united in mar- riage to Miss Jane Culton, a native of Bureau county and a daughter of John J. Culton, one of the early settlers here.
Mr. Smith is a liberal contributor to various churches and stands for progress and improvement along the lines relating to the county's welfare and permanent development. He has acted as road
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PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
commissioner and as a member of the school board and in both capacities has done effective service for his fellow townsmen. His political allegiance is given to the republican party. It has been through legitimate business channels and as the result of the careful exercise of his native talents and powers that Mr. Smith has won for himself a prominent place in business circles and is now enabled to live retired in the enjoyment of a handsome competence.
FREDERICK G. LINDNER.
Frederick G. Lindner is a prominent factor in business circles in Bureau county, where he is connected with both commercial and financial interests. He has wrought along modern business lines, watchful of opportunity pointing to sue- cess, and his labors have resulted in the acquire- ment of a measure of prosperity which is indica- tive of his eapability in trade circles.
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