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 4
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Mr. Williams is independent in politics, sup- porting the men whom he thinks best qualified to fill office regardless of party ties. While keeping thoroughly informed on political questions and issues of the day he is not active in party work. preferring to give his time to his private business interests, in which he has met with excellent suc- cess. His wife holds membership with the United Brethren church at Van Orin.
Mr. Williams resides on the old homestead, and, having spent his entire life in this county, has aided in the development and progress that bas here been made. He possesses excellent busi- ness ability and today he is one of the most exten- sive landholders of Bureau county, having nine hundred and fifty acres of valuable land situated in La Moille township. He is assisted in his farti work by his sons, whom he has trained to habits of industry and economy, so that he is able to rest somewhat from the more arduous tasks of carry- ing on the work of the property. He has a beauti- ful country residence, over which Mrs. Williams presides in a hospitable manner. He is quiet and unassuming, one whom it is a pleasure to meet. giving to both friend and stranger a cordial wel- come. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are excellent peo- ple, enjoying the highest esteem of all who know them, and their acquaintance is extensive.
MARION DOTY.
Marion Doty, one of the worthy and repre- sentative citizens of Berlin township, always help- ful and interested in matters of publie progress. while at the same time carefully and successfully conducting his individual business interests, is a native of the neighboring state of Indiana, his birth having occurred in Steuben county on the 15th of August, 1863. He is a son of Henry and Rebecca A. ( Ilite) Doty, the former a native of the state of New York, while the latter was al- born in the cast. In their family were seven chil- dren, of whom Marion was the fifth in order of birth. Two of the number died in childhan !. When their son Marion was thirteen years of age the parents left the beautiful lake regions of St ...:-
MIR. AND MRS. J. H. WILLIAMS.
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ben county, Indiana, and removed to Greene coun- ty, Missouri, where they lived for four and a half years. On the expiration of that period they re- traced their steps to Steuben county, Indiana, but Marion Doty stopped in Bureau county, Illinois, where he has remained continuously since, a wor- thy and respected resident of this part of the state.
In consequence of his parents' removals Mr. Doty spent his boyhood days at various intervals in Indiana, Missouri and Illinois and for about twenty-five years has made his home in Bureau county. Here, starting out in life on his own ac- count, he chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey Miss Bettie M. Dancy, to whom he was married on the 18th of November, 1886. She was born September 28, 1861, and her parents both died in this county, but passed away many years ago. When six years of age she went to live with John M. Isaac, who gave her a home until her marriage. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Doty have been born three children : Conway L., Vera M. and Lee E., aged respectively eighteen, sixteen and eight vears.
The family residence is upon a farm in Berlin township and Mr. Doty is one of the self-made men of the county, who has forged his way to the front among the representative agriculturists of his community as the result of hard and unremit- ting toil and honesty which is above question. He is a man of sterling worth, measuring up with the foremost, not because of the acres which he owns but because of a strong and sturdy charac- ter which commands unqualified respect and con- fidence. In his religious views he and his family are Congregationalists, having recently joined the church of that denomination at Dover. They were brought to take this step through the influence of Rev. William Sunday, the noted Evangelist, who held revival services in Princeton in the winter of 1905-6. Mr. Doty is a member of Dauntless lodge, No. 150, K. P., of Malden, Illinois. The cause of education finds in him a warm and stalwart friend and an able helper, who has done effective service in behalf of the public schools through twelve years' service on the school board. He stands for all that is progressive in the community and for all that is just and upright in man's relations with his fellowmen and his many sterling traits have gained him warm friendships. His political alle- giance is given to the republican party.
ROY L. FAIRBANKS.
Roy L. Fairbanks, who is engaged in the furni- ture and undertaking business in Buda, was born in that village, June 24, 1882, and is a representa- tive of old pioneer families of this part of the state. His paternal grandparents were Alexander H. and Catherine (Purdue) Fairbanks. The for- mer was born in Lawrenceburg. Indiana, Septem- ber S, 180;, and was married on the 2d of Febru-
ary, 1832, to Catherine Purdue, whose birth oc- curred in New York city, February 2, 1812. He came to Bureau county in 1855 and followed the occupation of carpentering and farming, retaining his residence here until his death, which occurred March 16, 1886. His wife survived him for about ten years, passing away January 22, 1896. In their family were eleven children, of whom four are yet living : Amanda, born December 25, 1832; Thomas, born March 18, 1834; Sewell, September 25, 1811; and James O., March 7, 1853. There were five sons who served in the Union army dur- ing the Civil war, but all have now passed away with the exception of the eldest, Thomas, who now resides at Clay Center, Iowa.
Lorenzo D. Fairbanks, father of our subject, was born at Wright Corners, in Indiana, February 2, 1836, was reared in the usual manner of farm lads on the frontier and came with his parents to Illinois in 1855. On the 22th of January, 1858, at Boyd's Grove, in Bureau county, he married Miss Martha Ann Gordon, who was born in Putnam county, Indiana, January 15, 1842, and is a daugh- ter of Granville and Eveline (Sutherland) Gor- don, both of whom are now deceased. They came to Illinois in the early '50s and were pioneer set- tlers of Knox county, whence they afterward came to Bureau county and in 1868 they went to Indi- ana, where their remaining days were passed. They had five children, of whom three are now living, namely : Mrs. Fairbanks; Margaret; and Priscilla.
Soon after his marriage Lorenzo D. Fairbanks began farming on his own account in Macon town- ship and carried on general agricultural pursuits until 18:3, when he removed to Kewanee, where he established a furniture store, which he con- dueted until 1881. In that year he took up his abode in Buda, where he spent his remaining days in the furniture and undertaking business. He served in the Union army toward its close, enlist- ing on the 11th of February, 1865. for one year or during the war, as a private of Company K, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiment of Illi- nois Volunteers. He received an honorable dis- charge at Nashville, Tennessee, as sergeant, on the 5th of September, 1865. He held membership in the Odd Fellows lodge and also with the Good Templars and was a member of the Congregational church. All who knew him respected him, for his life was ever upright and honorable. He died November 25, 1900, and is still survived by his widow, who is now living in Buda. They were the parents of six children : George E., born An- gust 10, 1861; Eddie E., who was born May 10, 1863, and died March 29, 1864; Thomas W., who was born February 4, 1867, and died February 6, 1898, losing his life while acting as engineer, a wreck occurring on the Grand Trunk Railroad at Imlay City, Michigan; James E., who was born April 9, 1869, and is now a music professor in Bos- ton; Nellie J., who was born September 24, 1872, and died in infancy ; and Roy L., of this review.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
In taking up the personal history of Roy L. Fairbanks we present to our readers the record of a representative of one of the old pioneer families of the county and one who has justly gained for himself a creditable place in business circles in Buda. He pursued his education in the Buda schools, and afterward mastered a course in the art and science of embalming and funeral direct- ing at Boston, Massachusetts, with David Fudge & Son. He also took a post-graduate course un- der Professor Carl Lewis Barnes of Chicago in 1902, and he at present holds a state license issued by the Illinois state board of health. On the 1st of October, 1903, he engaged in the furniture and undertaking business on his own account as sue- cessor to his father and now carries a fine line of furniture and undertaking goods. Ile is well equipped for the conduct of a successful business in this way and has recently purchased a new fu- neral car and an ambulance. He carries a large line of furniture and has a liberal patronage ow- ing to his reasonable prices and his earnest desire to please his customers.
In his fraternal relations Mr. Fairbanks is a Mason, belonging to Buda lodge. No. 399, A. F. & A. M., and Princeton chapter, No. 28, R. A. M. He also affiliates with Arena lodge, No. 615, K P., of Buda, and he is a member of the Illinois State Undertakers' Association.
On the 24th of June, 1903, Mr. Fairbanks was married to Miss Grace C. Aten, who was born at Brimfield, Illinois, July 28, 1883. They now have an interesting little daughter, Lucile Vincent, born December 6, 1905. Mrs. Fairbanks is a daughter of Vincent and Mary E. (Snyder) Aten. Her father, a native of New Jersey, is now living in Ransom, La Salle county, Illinois, and is a minis- ter of the Methodist Episcopal church, having charge of three churches. His wife is a native of Boonville, Missouri. In their family were five children, of whom three are now living: Fred S., Grace and Warren B. Mr. and Mrs. Fairbanks are prominent socially in Buda, where their circle of friends is almost co-extensive with the circle of their acquaintances.
EDGAR D. LARKIN.
The commercial prosperity and community in- terests of Arlington are greatly promoted through the activity of Edgar D. Larkin, who for ten years has served as postmaster of the village and is proprietor of its leading general store. He is honored and respected by all because of the suc- cess which he has achieved and by reason of the straightforward business methods he has ever fol- lowed. He was born July 29, 1853, in Harris- ville, Harrison county, Ohio, and his parents, Townsend T. and Julia Anne ( Richardson) Lar- kin, were also natives of the same state. In the year 1855 they removed from Ohio to Bureau
county, Illinois, settling in the village of Arling- ton, where the father followed the trade of cabinet- making. He thus became closely associated with its industrial interests, and was a representative citizen there for many years, or until the day of his death. He passed away in 1826 at the age of seventy-four years, his birth having occurred in 1802. the year in which Ohio, his native state, was admitted to the Union. His wife passed away at the age of sixty-eight years. On the spyentieth anniversary of the birth of Townsend T. Larkin the family held a reunion at the old homestead at Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, the date being May 1, 1872. On this occasion there were present all of his living brothers and sisters, including Mrs. Pennell, Mordecai Larkin. Mrs. Eliza I. Thomas, Mrs. Hannah Sharpless, Mrs. Martha Yost and John Larkin, Jr. The last time a family reunion had been held was on the 5th of May, 1824, forty-eight years previously, at the marriage of one of the sisters. On that oc- casion all of the children, ten in number, were present, but in the interim death had removed three, so that the living members of the family numered seven, of whom the youngest was sixty- eight years of age. AAll are now deceased. and the youngest, who at that gathering was sixty- eight years of age, lived to be ninety years of age, passing away in 1904.
Edgar D. Larkin, reared under the parental roof, completed his education in the Arlington schools and afterward learned the jeweler's trade, which he followed for a number of years in the village which is now his home. In 1880, however. he went to the west, and was identified with mining interests until the succeeding fall, when he returned to Arlington, where he has since en- gaged in merchandising. He has prospered in his undertakings and is today the owner of the lead- ing general mercantile establishment in the town. Ile carries an extensive and well selected stock of goods, and his reasonable prices, straightfor- ward dealing and earnest desire to please his cus- tomers have secured to him a large patronage, making the business a profitable investment. He likewise owns eleven and a half acres of land in the village, and upon this place his residence stands, being one of the attractive homes of the town.
On the 3d of May, 1877, Mr. Larkin was mar- ried to Miss Alferetta Berry, who was born April 1, 1852, and is a daughter of Rufus B. and Julia A. (O'Brien) Berry, the former a native of Maine and the latter of London, England. They became residents of Bureau county in the later '403, and resided in Clarion township upon a farm up to the time of Mr. Berry's death. His widow still survives and is now living in New York city. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Larkin has been blessed with four children: Justin E., Blanche E., Juliet and Townsend T., who are still under the parental roof.
EDGAR D. LARKIN.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
For many years Mr. Larkin has been an exem- plary member of the Masonic fraternity, and is affiliated with Levi Lusk lodge, No. 270, A. F. & A. M., of which he has been treasurer for about ten years. He is now venerable counsel of the Modern Woodmen camp, No. 3111, and in his fraternal relations is popular. ITis father organized the Temple of Ifonor of Harrisville, Ohio, and afterward asisted in instituting various lodges in that state. He, too, was a prominent Mason. In his political views Edgar D. Larkin is a stalwart republican, and for eight years acted as assistant postmaster of Arlington, while for the past ten years he has served as postmaster. He is also one of the trustees of the village, having been elected for a two years' term. His first pres- idential ballot was east for General Grant, and he has since supported each nominer at the head of the ticket, while in local interests of his party he is recognized as a leader, his opinions often proving a decisive factor in republican councils in Bureau county. ITis intense and well directed activity in business has gained him his present position in commercial circles, while his well known publie spirit and devotion to the general good have made him a prominent representative of the citizenship of Arlington.
WILLIAM S. MATTESON.
William S. Matteson, one of the leading and representative residents of La Moille township, was born in this county, January 29, 1867. His parents were Theodore B. and Elizabeth ( Harris) Matteson, the former a native of Oswego, New York, and the latter of Tuscarawas county, Ohio. They were married in Bureau county, Illinois, in 1860, and unto them have been born two children : William S. and Bertha B.
The son, reared under the parental roof, was educated in the public schools of this county and in Fulton College, of Fulton, Illinois When not busy with his text-books his time was de- voted to the pleasures of the playground or to the work of the fields, for in his youth he assisted in the improvement and operation of the home farm. The occupation to which he was reared he has made his life work, and he is now the owner of one hundred and eighty-one acres of valuable land, the sun shining upon no finer traet in all Bureau county. He raises considerable grain, but the products of his fields are used in feeding cattle and hogs, which he prepares for the market.
Mr. Matteson was married on the 21st of No- vember. 1889, to Miss May Perkins, who was born in Bureau county, Illinois, August 28, 1868. They now have one daughter, Gertrude B. Mr. Matteson belongs to the Masonie fraternity. and exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party. His
religious faith is indicated by his membership in the United Brethren church, with which his family are also identified. Viewed in a personal light, he may well be said to be a successful man, hav- ing gained not only a handsome competence, but also the reward and esteem of his fellow citizens. Ilis business affairs have been carefully managed and his laudable ambition and strong purpose have been salient features in his career. He and his family are prominent socially and in the church, and they have a beautiful home which is the abode of warm hearted and attractive hos- pitality.
JOIIN J. GINGRICHI.
Noting the fact that John G. Gingrich started out in life empty handed, his enterprise and suecess can be measured when one knows that he is the owner of an excellent and valuable farm of two hundred and forty aeres in Macon township. His birth occurred in Putnam county, Illinois, on the 10th of September, 1861, and he comes of German lineage. His father, Jacob Gingrich, was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and was eighteen years of age when he bade adieu to that country and sailed for the new world in company with his parents, who located at Tonica, La Salle county, Illinois. Soon afterward Jacob Gingrich took up his abode in Woodford county, Illinois, where he began business life for himself, and later he came to Bureau county. Subsequently, how- ever, he was numbered among the pioneer resi- dents of Livingston county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of raw land. This he improved, making his home thereon until the time of his death, which occurred on the 5th of April, 1874, when he was forty-one years of age. He held membership in the Mennonite church, voted with the democracy, and for many years served as a school director. His wife bore the maiden name of Veronica Roggey, and was born in Granville, Putnam county, Illinois, where their marriage was celebrated. She is now living in Bradford, this state, and on the 7th of September. 1906. reached the age of sixty-eight years. By her marriage she became the mother of four chil- dren : John J .. Lena N., Mary and Peter M.
John J. Gingrich pursued his studies in the public schools and was early trained to habits of industry and economy upon the home farm. De- sirous of engaging in farming on his own account, when twenty-two years of age he started out in life for himself, securing eighty aeres of land in Macon township. Subsequently he acquired more land, buying first a traet of forty acres, and to this he has since added from time to time. until his present holdings comprise two hundred and forty aeres of as fine land as can be found in Bureau county. He has made splendid improve- ments upon his farm, inchiding the erection of a commodious and attractive residence in 1889.
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while in 1902 he built a large barn. His home is surrounded by shade and fruit trees of his own planting, and he has been an extensive breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle for about fifteen years, but sold his fine cattle in 1905. Ile has also raised Poland China hogs and Norman horses, and has always fed and shipped his own stock.
Mr. Gingrich was married February 4, 1884, to Miss Katie A. Eigsti, who was born in Taze- well county, Illinois, August 9, 1864, a daughter of Jacob and Veronica ( Albrecht) Eigsti, who are mentioned an another page of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Gingrich have become the parents of eight children: Alvin J., born December 12, 1884; Jessie W., June 11, 1886; Orville C., who was born February 26, 1888, and died May t, 1904: Albert J., April 24, 1891; Wilfred C., March 6, 1894; Elsie F., November 12, 1895; Irving H., July 22, 1897; and Percy P., April 5, 1901.
Mr. Gingrich has been called upon to serve in several positions of public trust, the duties of which he has discharged with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. At the pres- ent writing he is commissioner of highways, and is serving for the third term as school trustee. His political support is given the republican party. and he is in thorough sympathy with its principles as regards governmental policy. Ile holds membership with the Mennonite church, and is one who in his relations of citizenship and of private life has gained the regard of his fellow- men by his many sterling qualities.
SAMUEL P. PRESCOTT.
Samuel P. Prescott is one who has wielded a wide influence in community affairs and is the first republican in thirty-five years to be elected supervisor of Westfield township, which position he is now filling. He has made a ereditable record as a lawyer, being recognized as one whose knowl- edge of the principles of jurisprudence and de- votion to his clients' interests well entitles him to the liberal patronage accorded him in the courts. He was born in Rowley, Essex county, Massa- chusetts, October 14, 1841, and is a representative of one of the old families of New England. The original ancestors in this country were of English birth and came to America at an early period in the colonization of the new world, settling in New Hampshire. Asa Prescott, the grandfather, and S. P. Prescott, the father of our subject, were both natives of New Hampshire and members of the family have figured prominently in the public life of both that state and of Massachusetts, in- eluding noted men in the professions, while Hon. B. F. Prescott, governor of New Hampshire, was a cousin of our subject.
Sammel P. Prescott, Sr., was reared to man-
hood in the old Granite state, whence he removed to Essex county, Massachusetts, and was there married to Miss Mary M. Carleton, whose birth occurred in the old Bay state. For many years Mr. Prescott engaged in the manufacture of shoes at Haverhill and was not only a representative business man but also figured in public life a- one who wielded a wide and beneficial influence. He heldl various positions of public trust, includ- ing that of alderman.
Samuel P. Prescott. Jr., spending the days of his boyhood and youth at his parents' home in Haverhill, was provided with excellent educa- tional privileges. After attending the public schools he continued his studies in Phillips Ex- eter Academy and was graduated from Dartmouth College in 186: with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, while in 1814 his alma mater conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts. Follow- ing the completion of his collegiate cour-e he engaged in teaching for a time and for two years was principal of the Francestown Academy of New Hampshire. Ile regarded this, however, merely as a forward step to other professional labor, as it was his desire and ambition to become a member of the bar and to this end he began reading. The year 1869 witnesses his arrival in Illinois and he took up his abode in Princeton. where the following year he was admitted to the bar and entered into partnership with Judge George W. Stipp, who afterward occupied the bench of the district court. For two years Mr. Prescott remained a member of the Princeton bar, after which he spent a similar period in Chicago and then took up his abode in Arlington, where he opened a law office. He has since re- mained a practitioner in Bureau county, practic- ing in all of the courts of this section of the state. He is strong in argument, logical in his deduc- tions and correct in his conclusions and he pre- pares his eases with masterly thoroughness and skill, indicating a mind well trained in the sc- verest school of investigation.
On the 8th of October, 1871, in Princeton, Mr. Prescott was united in marriage to Miss Frances A. Van Velzer, who was born in Joliet but was reared and educated in the city where the mar- riage was celebrated. Her father, Granville Van Velzer. was a pioneer merchant of Princeton. M .. and Mrs. Prescott became the parents of five chil- dren, of whom three survive: Mabel, now the wife of Isaao W. Wright of Chicago, by whom she has two children, their names being Ellis and Benlah; Carl; and Warren. Two children of the family died in early youth.
In his political views Mr. Prescott is an earnest republican, thoroughly in sympathy with the party, its policy and its principles, and he is no" a member of the county republican central com- mittee. He has been a delegate to various count: . congressional and state conventions and his opin- ions are frequently a decisive factor in the cont-
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PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
eils of his party, and yet he is not an office seeker nor does he desire the rewards of office for party fealty. He holds membership in Levi Lusk lodge, No. 210, A. F. & A. M., of Arlington, in which he is now serving as master, and he also belongs to the chapter and commandery at Mendota. At a recent election he was chosen supervisor of West- field township, the first republican elected to that office in thirty-five years -- a fact which indicates his personal popularity and the confidenee reposed in him. While he is neglectful of no duty of citizenship his attention is chiefly given to his practice with the result that he has attained an enviable place among the able lawyers of the Bu- reau county bar with a clientage that is at once extensive and important.
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