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 41
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64
Mr. Lamb received a common-school education and on putting aside his text-books made choice of farming as his life work. He had been trained to habits of industry and economy and with this as a foundation he has advanced year by year in the business world until today he is in possession of a valuable farm property, constituting two hundred aeres, situated in Ohio and Dover town- ships, Bureau county. Here he is engaged in the raising of grain and stock and is meeting with a very desirable measure of success. He has added many modern improvements to his place, including a fine country home and substantial outbuildings, which are kept in good repair, and the neat ap- pearance of the entire place is indicative that the owner is thoroughly acquainted with the best methods of carrying on a business of this charac- ter. He also raises excellent grades of stock for
the market and this brings him a very gratifying income.
On the 23d of December, 1811, Mr. Lumb was united in marriage to Miss Emma Yetu.an, who was born in Ottawa county, Ohio, February 10, 1854. This marriage was blessed with eight chil- dren: Artie, who was born August 21, 1876, and died June 30, 1878; Laura A., born January 31, 1880 ; Jasper, born December 21, 1882: Earl, who was born August 5, 1885, and died October 30, 1889 ; Einna G., born October 21, 1890; Ethel P., born February 25, 1893; and two who died in infancy. Mrs. Lamb was a daughter of George and Edith ( Whiddacre) Yetman, natives of Eng- land. They were married in that country in 1850, and coming to America on their wedding journey and being pleased with the outlook, they remained here. In their family were five children, of whom Mrs. Lamb was the second child. She was edu- cated in the Union schools at Princeton and when about twenty years of age gave her hand in mar- riage to Mr. Lamb, to whom she proved a devoted companion. She has been trained to the duties of the household and was thus capable of taking charge of a home of her own at the time of her marriage. After a happy wedded life of thirty-two years Mr. and Mrs. Lamb were then sep .. rated by the death of the wife and mother, she being called to her final rest on the 21st of March, 1905. Her demise has caused a shadow of gloom over the household, for she was devoted to the welfare and happiness of her family. She possessed many good qualities which endeared her to all with whom she came in contact, so that her loss was deeply felt throughout the circle of her acquaintance.
Mr. Lamb gives his political support to the men and measures of the republican party but is not active in political work, for his extensive farming and stock-raising interests require his entire time and attention. He and his family are members of the Methodist Protestant church, with which Mrs. Lamb was also identified. Mr. Lamb started out in life on his own account with litt'e of this world's goods but has through the careful man- agement of his business interests and judicious investments accumulated valuable and extensive farming interests which classes him among the most influentiat and prosperous residents of Bu- reau county, where he has spent his entire life, and where he has taken an active aud helpful part in the development of this portion of the state.
THOMAS HENRY DALE.
Thomas Henry Dale, who is engaged in general farming in Manlius township, was born in Bureau county, January 18, 1858, his parents being Thomas Edward and Eliza ( Spargo) Dule. The father's birth occurred in East Kent, England, October 11, 1821, his parents being John and Elizabeth Dale, who were likewise natives of that
806
PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
place, where they spent their entire lives. They were the parents of eighteen children, nine of whom reached years of maturity, but only one daughter and Thomas Dale ever became residents of Bureau county.
It was in March, 1850, that Thomas E. Dale came to the United States, landing in New York. He spent some time in traveling over Arkansas and other southern states and in January, 1852, he came to Bureau county, where he purchased eighty acres of land, which he afterward sold. He then operated a rented farm for three years, on the expiration of which period he bought one hun- dred and eighty acres, continuing to add to the old homestead from time to time as his financial resources increased until he was the owner of a valuable traet of four hundred and twenty acres. When he became a naturalized American citizen he supported the democracy and remained one of its stalwart advocates until his death. He was married in this county, October 25, 1855, to Eliza Spargo, a native of Cornwall, England, and a daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (Richards) Spargo. She became the mother of eleven chil- dren : Elizabeth, Thomas H., John R., William C., King J., Emeline, James H., Eliza J., Carrie L., Mary C. and Priscilla S. Dale.
Thomas Henry Dale was educated in the com- mon schools of Fairfield township and afterward turned his attention to farming. He had been reared to that occupation, early becoming familiar with the work of the fields. In 1888 he and his brother, John R. Dale, purchased a tract of land of six hundred acres. They worked together until 1903, when he bought out a part of his brother's interest, becoming owner of four hundred of the six hundred aeres. This constitutes his present home place. It is a thoroughly modern and up-to- date farm, upon which is a good residence, sub- stantial barns and all the outbuildings necessary for the shelter of grain, stock and farm machinery. He raises good grades of stock, including horses, cattle and hogs, and the farm is lacking in no modern accessories. In fact it is a valuable and well improved property and brings to the owner a very gratifying annual income. Ile is also one of the stockholders and directors of the Farmers' Ele- vator Company of Manlius.
Mr. Dale was married January 3, 1884, to Miss Laura Chapman, of Manlius township, a daughter of Elisha A. and Miranda C. Chapman. They now have eight children and they lost two in in- fancy. Those still living are: Louie May, Jennie Lenora, Ava Belle, Laura Bernice, Florence Ada, Clara Elizabeth, Thomas Edward and John How- ard, all of whom are yet under the parental roof.
Mr. Dale is identified with the demoeratie party and is aetive in its work but has never sought the honors nor emoluments of office as a reward for party fealty. He has served. however, as eommis- sioner of highways for five years, was tax assessor for eight years and then resigned the office, and for
four years was supervisor. Ile was called to these positions by his fellow townsmen, who recognize his worth and ability, and every trust reposed in him was well placed, for he proved a capable official, never faltering in his devotion to the pub- lie good. He belongs to the Masonic lodge at Sheffield and the Odd Fellows lodge at New Bed- ford. A native son of the county and a repre- sentative of one of its old and prominent families, his life record has been in harmony therewith and as a business man and citizen he is highly es- teemed.
CHARLES S. HECHTNER.
Charles S. Hechtner is the owner of one of the fine farms of Bureau county, having three hun- dred and forty aeres of land in Bureau township, which yields bountiful harvests of oats, corn and other cereals. In addition he is raising pure blooded cattle and sheep and is aecounted one of the foremost stockinen of his locality. Therefore as a representative citizen we present his life record to our readers, knowing that it will be re- ceived with interest by many. Mr. Hechtner was born in 1822 in the township where he still re- sides, his parents being John and Elizabeth ( Mahlin) Hechtner, the former a native of north- ern Germany and the latter of Switzerland. He was born in 1836 and died in 1891, while the mother is still living. The year 1854 witnessed the arrival of John Hechtner in America. He did not tarry on the Atlantic coast but inade his way at once to the interior of the country and located in Princeton, where he worked at the shoemaker's trade for about two years, having learned that pursuit in his native country. Desiring to follow agricultural life, however, as soon as possible he put aside the shoemaker's tools and located upon a farin in Bureau township, after which his atten- tion was given to general agricultural interests until his life's labors were ended in death. Unto him and his wife were born seren children, namely: Mary. Emma, John, Charles, Lizzie, Caroline and Minnie.
Charles S. Hechtner supplemented his early education, acquired in the country schools, by study in Davenport Business College at Daven- port, Iowa, and also in Princeton Business Col- lege and thus, well trained for the transaction of business interest. he put aside his text-books and took up the active work of the farm. which he has followed continuously since with the exception of one year. That he is a prosperous agriculturist is indicated by the fact tthat he is today the owner of three hundred and forty aeres of fine land which yields bounteous harvests. The place is well tilled and everything about the farm is indi- eative of the careful supervision and progressive spirit of the owner. Mr. Hechtner raises pure blooded cattle and sheep and is one of the foremost stockmen in the township. He has always been a
80%
PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
hard working man and his life of industry and] enterprise are now erowned with a gratifying measure of prosperity. He has placed his de- pendence not upon any outside aid or influence, but, realizing that labor is the basis of all success, he has worked persistently and with determination to secure the prosperity tthat he now enjoys.
In 1896 Mr. Hechtner was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Westbrook, who was born Angust 4, 1878, and this union has been blessed with four children: Ethel, Grace, Martha and Charles. Mr. Hechtner is a member of Bureau lodge, No. 428. A. F. & A. M., and Beausant lodge, No. 19, K. P. He is also connected with the Fraternal Life Reserve and in politics is independent. He is yet a young man, but has made a splendid rec- ord and in all life's relations commands the con- fidence and good will of those with whom he is associated, while in farin life his example might be profitably followed by those who desire to enter upon a prosperous agricultural life.
JAMES M. ENNIS.
James M. Ennis. a man of varied business in- terests, all of which, successfully controlled, have been elements in the garnering of a prosperity which now makes him one of the substantial citi- zens of Princeton, is today closely associated with the grain trade and with real-estate operations. He was born in Walnut township, Bureau county, No- vember 18, 1852. His father, Theodore Ennis, was a native of Ohio and in his boyhood days be- came a resident of Bureau county, where he was reared to manhood. Ile then followed the oecu- pation of farming in Walnut township and still lives upon the old homestead, where for sixty-four years he has resided. He has reached the age of seventy-three and is one of the respected and hon- ored pioneer residents of the community, having contributed in substantial measure to the develop- ment and improvement of the county. especially along agricultural lines. He has never been active in politics but has been negleetful of no duty of citizenship and is a most public-spirited man. whose interest in the general welfare has been marked by the tangible support which he has given to inany measures and movements for the public good. He has always been a keen sportsman and has shot buffalo and other big game all over the United States. He has been a fine trap shot of national reputation and has many medals as the result of his skill in that direction. He married Miss Sarah Atkinson, a native of Ohio, and there has been neither sickness nor death in their family. Their daughter Lizzie is now the wife of Lucien Bass. of Princeton.
The only son, James M. Ennis, began his edu- cation in the schools of Walnut township, pur- sued a high school course and afterward attended the Northern Illinois College. He was reared to
agricultural pursuits, early becoming faithar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the farmer, and for a number of years after putting aside his text-books he gave his attention to the tilling of the soil. Later he concentrated his ener- gies upon the grain trade and the stock business and has been so engaged for a quarter of a cen- tury. He is one of the extensive grain operators, having a line of elevators in various sections, so that he makes extensive annual purchases and shipments. He has also been engaged in dealing in horses for many years and has found this equally profitable owing to his sound judgment and excellent business sagacity. He has dealt largely in real estate in Chicago, where he owns considerable property, and he is also handling farming lands on a large scale, having at the pres- ent time more than two thousand acres. His in- vestments have been carefully placed and the rise in value of the property which he has handled has made him one of the prosperous residents of his native county. He is thoroughly reliable in all of his business dealings, being never known to take advantage of the necessities of another in a trade transaction, and his name has become a most honored one on commercial paper.
On the 23d of September, 1880, Mir. Ennis was united in marriage to Miss Hanna N. Lindsay, a daughter of Isaiah Lindsay, of this count. They have two children, Lindsay T. and Valley Naomi. Mr. Ennis is a prominent Mason, belonging to Walnut lodge, to Princeton commandery and Princeton council. He is also identitied with other fraternal organizations and societies and has been president of the County Agricultural Society for two years. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he was supervisor of Walnut township for six years. He represents one of the old and prominent pioneer families of this part of the state and his lines of life have been east in harmony therewith. His career clearly illustrates the possibilities that are open in this country to earnest, persevering young men, who have the courage of their convictions and are determined to be the architects of their own fortunes. When judged by what he has accomplished his right to a first place among the representative citizens of Princeton cannot be questioned.
MRS. SARAH E. ROLLINS.
Mrs. Sarah E. Rollins, living in Sh-Grid, is a representative of one of the old New England families and the ancestry can be traced back to a Mr. Squire, who was born in England about the year 1:35 and was captain of an English sailing vessel. He came to America, settling in Vermont, and his son, Josiah Squire, was there born Janu- ary 22, 1165. The latter lived in Vermont until his removal to Steuben county, New York. He married Miss Lucinda Martain, and they had eight
808
PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
children : Permelia, Elizabeth, Josiah, George W., Clemmon, Nathan, Martain and Iliram. At a later date Josiah Squire removed to Ohio and thence to Tiskilwa, Illinois, where he purchased land from the government. He died near Shef- field at the home of his son, George Squire, on the 16th of May, 1851.
George W. Squire was born in Steuben county, New York, May 4, 1809, and accompanied his parents on their removal to Ohio. When fourteen years of age he went to Mississippi, where he lived for two years, and then returned to Ohio, residing there until March, 1838. In that year he made his way to Tiskilwa and was employed on a farm in that locality until April 16, 1810, when he mar- ried Susan Riley, by whom he had six children: Josiah, Riley J., George Thompson, Mary L., Wil- liam P. and Sarah E. Mr. George W. Squire was always associated with the United Brethren church. He bought land of the government and had to go to the land office at Dixon for his deeds. He was closely associated with the carly develop- ment and progress of the county and assisted ma- terially in the work of improvement in pioneer times. He died March 3, 1899, after long years of residence here and thus passed away one of the honored pioneer settlers of the county. His wife, who was born near Dayton, Ohio, April 5, 1820, lived in that state until fifteen years of age and in April, 1835, accompanied her parents on their removal to Sheffield, where she resided until the 16th of April, 1840, when she gave her hand in marriage to George W. Squire and went to live with him on his farm. She, too, was a member of the United Brethren church, and her death oeeurred April 19, 1899.
Josiah Squire, the eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Squire, was born August 1, 1811, and died September 30, 1843.
Riley J. Squire, the second inember of the fan- ily, was born September 8, 1842, attended a eoun- try school and afterward engaged in farming. He now lives on the old homestead. He was married May 12, 1864, to Franees M. Campbell, who was born June S, 1840, and went with her husband and family to Ogallala, Nebraska, on the 1st of March, 1887. They lived upon a farm there and two years later Mrs. Frances Squire passed away, her death occurring on the 18th of November, 1889. She was a member of the United Brethren church at Barren Grove and her husband is also a mem- ber of the same church. They had four children : Eva O., Loyal T., Harvey R. and George. Of these Eva O. Squire was born August 9, 1865, attended school in Sheffield and went west with her parents on the 1st of March, 1887. For two years she taught school near Ogallala, Nebraska, and died June 5, 1890. She was a member of the Methodist church in Mineral, Illinois. Loval T. Squire was born in Mineral township, Bureau county, November 2, 1866, and attended the dis- trict schools until he went west with his parents to
Ogallala, Nebraska. le married Miss Mabel Green, of Ogallala, and they now file in Boulder. Colorado. They have a little daughter, Archie, four years old. Loval T. Squire is connected with the Methodist church. Harvey R. Squire, the third member of this family, was born October 12, 1868, lived with his parents on a farm near Shef- field and attended the country schools until eight- een years of age, when on the 1st of March, 1887, he went west to Ogallala, where he lived for two years, after which he returned to Illinois and is here engaged in farming. George Squire, the fourth child of Riley Squire, was born May 10, 1829, and died September 8, 1881.
George Thompson Squire, son of George W. Squire, was born August 21, 1811, and attended the country schools until seventeen years of age, when in March, 1862, he joined the army as a member of Company E, Sixty-tifth Illinois Regi- ment, serving his country for three years and six months. Ile was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant. When the war was over he returned home and was married October 15, 1865, to Elina Rollins, who was born July 30, 1849, in Manches- ter, New Hampshire. She lived in that city with her parents to the age of twelve years, after which the family home was established upon a farm near Neponset, Illinois. Both Mi. and Mrs. George Thompson Squire were members of the Methodist church in Mineral and Mr. Squire served as post- master of Mineral from May 8, 1896, until 1903. Ile also served as supervisor from 1890 until 1892, and is a member of T. T. Dow Post, No. 290, G. A. R., of Annawan. They had three children : George O., Susie O. and Clair M. Of this family George O. was born January 6, 1868, was reared in Mineral and attended school until March 1, 1887, when he went to Nebraska, where he spent a year. He afterward returned home and is now living in Mineral. He was married October 15, 1888, to Frances M. White and they have two children, Vera and Elna. Susie O. Squire, the second child of George Thompson and Elma Rol- lins Squire, was born January 15, 18:2, attended school in Mineral and on the 2d of September, 1882, gave her hand in marriage to Frank Bar- ringer. She is a member of the Methodist church of Mineral and has three children : Elma, Ora and Fay. Clair M. Squire, the third child of George Thompson and Elma Squire, was born May 21, 1888, attended school in Mineral and was gradu- ated May 30, 1904.
Mary L. Squire, daughter of George W. Squire, was born May 16, 1853, lived on the home farm with her parents and attended the country schools. She was married December 25, 18:4, to Samuel L. Case and died March 17, 1876. in the faith of the United Brethren church of Mineral township, of which she was a member.
William P. Squire, the fifth member of the fam- ily, was born March 13, 1855. and attended the country schools until eighteen years of age, after
809
PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
which he turned his attention to farming. Ile was married December 12, 1826, to Euna 'T. John- son, of Mineral, and to them have been born two sons: Laurence, who was born October 16, 1817, and died August 26, 1878; and Everett F., who was born October 6, 1883, and was educated in the Sheffield schools. He passed the examinations and would have graduated May 29, 1902, but died on the Sth of that month. He was associated with the Unitarian church of Sheffield.
Sarah E. Squire, daughter of George W. Squire, was born January 19, 1857, and lived on a farm near Sheffield in her girlhood days, attending the country schools until the age of fifteen, after which she spent two years as a student in the Sheffield high school. She was married September 17, 1846, to Orra L. Rollins, who was born De- cember 9, 1855. He was a son of Lyman P. and Olive L. (Wadleigh) Rollins. The father was born January 15, 1823, near Grafton, New Hamp- shire, and went to the city of Manchester to work in the cotton mills. Ile was married in March, 18-13, to Olive L. Wadleigh, who was born in Graf- ton, July 15, 1826, and afterward became a resi- dent of Manchester, New Hampshire. In March, 1862, Mr. and Mrs. Lyman P'. Rolling removed to Illinois and ho began farming near Neponset. They were both members of the United Brethren church of Barren Grove and unto them were born four children: Elma F., Albert W., Orra L. and Byron A. Orra L. Rollins attended the district school and was engaged in farming until January 15, 1902, when he and his family removed to Shef- field. He has practiced as a veterinary surgeon for about eighteen years. His wife is a member of the Methodist church of Mineral. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Orra L. Rollins have been born three children : Edna O., Elmer P. and Esther V. Of these Edna O. Rollins was born August 8, 1877, and attended a country school until thirteen years of age. She was afterward a student in the Shef- field schools and was graduated with the class of May 30, 1896. In September following she began teaching and followed that profession two years. She was married October 15, 1898, to Clyde Baty. who was born in Sheffield, April 4, 18:1, and at- tended school until he secured a situation in a printing office. He afterward began farming near Sheffield. Both he and his wife became members of the Unitarian church of Sheffield, and unto them was born one son, Laurence C., born July 30, 1899. The mother died November 16, 1899.
Elmer P. Rollins, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Orra Rollins, was born on the home farm in Min- eral township, November 2, 1879, and attended the district schools until twelve years of age, after which he spent six years as a student in the Shef- field schools and when eighteen years of age he turned his attention to farming. He was married, December 18, 1902, to Edith M. Case, of Henry, Illinois, who was born May 4, 1881, lived with her parents near Henry and attended the Henry
schools, from which sh. was graduates May 30, 1900. On the 7th of March, 1906, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer P. Rollins removed to Mount Vernon, South Dakota, where he is engaged in farming. Unto him and his wife has been born a son. Alden, who was born January 22, 1901. Mrs. Edith Rol- lins is associated with the Methodist church of Henry, Illinois.
Esther V. Rollins, the second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Orra Rollins, was born July 19, 1893, and on the 15th of JJanuary, 1902, her parents re- moved to Sheffield. She is now a student in the fourth grade of the Sheffield schools.
WILLIAM CHESNEY.
William Chesney, who is engaged in farming on section 12, Milo township, is one of Bureau coun- ty's native sons, born on the 17th of July, 1857. He is a son of William Chesney, Sr., and his grandfather, a resident of West Virginia, bore the same name. The father of our subject came to Bureau county ahout 1854 and settled at Lone Tree, in Wheatland township, but subsequently re- moved to Macon township and afterward took up his abode in Milo township near where his son now resides. Ile was married to Miss Hulda Merritt, a native of New York, and they became the parents of six children, but only two are now living: William and Judith, the wife of Leslie Wilkins, a druggist of Tiskilwa. The father made his home in Bureau county for fourteen years, when his life's labors were ended in death in 1868. llis wife survived him for about eight years and died in 18:6.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.