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 47
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Mr. Maloney was married in January, 1876, to Miss Nora Jones, a daughter of Roger Jones, who came from Wales in 1870 and was employed at railroading and on public works. His last days were spent in the east, where he went to live with relatives, and there he died in 1898. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Maloney have been born two children: William, who at the age of twenty-six years, is at home and assists his father in the operation of the farm; and Rosa May, nineteen years of age, also at home.
In his political views Mr. Maloney is a stalwart democrat, and keeps well informed on the ques- tions and issues of the day. About two deeades ago he was chosen for the office of bridge and road commissioner, and served in that capacity for about six years. Ile was also tax collector for one year and distriet overseer for one year, and his official duties have been promptly and faithfully exe- cuted. He and his wife are Catholics in religious faith and attend St. Patrick's church at Shefficid.
SYLVESTER WALRATII.
Sylvester Walrath, who by earnest, persistent toil has gradually worked his way upward from a humble financial position to one of affluence, and is now the owner of good farming property in Walnut township, was born Angust 25, 1816, in the state of New York, and when only two years of age was brought to Illinois by his parents, Daniel and Mary Ann (Shaffer) Walrath. In the paternal line he comes of German ancestry, the father having been born in Germany in 1821. The mother, however, was born in England, in 1826. The former was not long permitted to en- joy his new home, for, arriving in Illinois in 1843. he passed away in 1851. He had located with his family in Hennepin, and there his death occurred about three years later. llis wife long survived him and died in 1886.
Sylvester Walrath was largely reared in Bureau township, and acquired his education in the dis- triet schools When twenty-five years of age he removed to Walnut township, where he has since resided, and he is now the owner of one hundred and fifty-six acres of very rich and productive land, situated on sections 12 and 13, Walnut town- ship. He started out in life a poor boy, but he has toiled and saved until he has a fine home, standing in the midst of a valuable farm. and is accounted one of the substantial agriculturists of the community. He has continuously made his home in Walnut township for thirty-five years,
MR. AND MRS. SYLVESTER WALRATH.
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and is one of its well known residents, respected by all for his genuine personal worth.
On the 15th of March, 1868, Mr. Walrath was married to Miss Hattie Westbrook, who was born September 21, 18-19. They traveled life's journey happily together for more than a third of a cen- tury, and were then separated by the death of the wife, on the 20th of June, 1906. She was a lady who possessed many excellent traits of character, and her good qualities of heart and mind endeared her to all with whom she came in contact. By her marriage she had become the mother of three children, one of whom is deceased. The others are Albert Melvin, born June 9, 1869. and Amy L., born December 3, 1822.
Mr. Walrath gives his political allegiance to the democracy. He is a member of the Church of Christ, and he has in his possession an old bible which belonged to his grandparents, and which was printed in the eighteenth century. It is one of the oldest bibles of the county, and is a treas- ured heirloom in the family. A life of activity, usefulness and honor have won for Mr. Walrath the confidence and good will of those with whom he has been associated, and his name is a synonym for business integrity and honor wherever he is known.
THEODORE B. MATTESON.
Theodore B. Matteson, living upon a farm in La Moille township, was born in Oswego county, New York, September 12, 1845. His parents were Syl- vanus and Mary (Turk) Matteson, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Germany. In their family were twelve children, of whom Theo- dore B. is the sixth in order of birth. He remained a resident of the east until eighteen years of age, when in 1863 he came to Bureau county, Illinois, and was employed at farm labor, thus making a start in his new home. ITis education had been acquired in the publie schools of his native county and under the parental roof he was trained to habits of industry, frugality and perseverance.
On the 29th of January, 1866, Mr. Matteson was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Wilkie, a resident of this county at the time of her mar- riage and a native of Ohio. They became the par- ents of two children: William S., born January 29, 1867; and Bertha B., born March 20, 1874.
As soon as his labors had brought him sufficient capital to justify his purchase of land Mr. Matte- son began farming on his own account and is now the owner of one hundred and fifty-five acres of choice land, upon which he has lived for thirty- three years. It is improved with a commodious residence and substantial barns and outbuildings, which afford ample shelter for grain and stock. There are fine old trees upon the place, some good fruit, and the fields are well enltivated, while in the pastures are seen good grades of cattle and
horses. A life of industry has been crowned with success and his farm is now a valuable property, bringing to him a gratifying annual income.
Mr. Matteson has long supported the republican party and is in thorough sympathy with its policy and its principles. Both he and his wife are de- voted and faithful members of the United Breth- ren church. Mr. Matteson has served as school director and roadmaster, but while neglectful of no public duty his time and attention have been chiefly given to his farming interests. Both he and his wife enjoy the confidence and good will of all who know them, for they have led lives of uprightness and integrity. Mr. Matteson is a man of public spirit, generous and kindly, and their neighbors attest the excellent qualities of this wor- thy couple.
EUGENE A. RIPPLEY.
Eugene A. Rippley, a progressive farmer of Bu- reau county, operating one hundred and twenty acres of land in Ohio township, is a native of England, having been born in Sheffield county, April 15, 1839. His parents are Dustin and Mel- vina (Palmer) Rippley, likewise of English birth. They removed to America in 1811, believing that in this country they might enjoy greater business opportunities than were offered in their native land. Accordingly they made their way to Bos- ton, Massachusetts, where they remained until 1889, when they took up their abode in Bureau county, Illinois. In their family were three chil- dren, of whom Eugene A. is the eldest and the only surviving member.
Eugene A. Rippley was only two years old when brought by his parents from England to the United States. He was reared in the east and acquired a good education in the schools of Bos- ton. After completing his education he followed the sea for a time but later learned the boiler- maker's trade, but thinking agricultural pursuits would be more congenial to him, he engaged in farming and for the past four years has operated a tract of one hundred and twenty acres, which is situated in Ohio township. He has been very successful in this venture and follows practical methods in the cultivation of his fields. He raises corn, oats and hay and each year reaps abundant harvests as the result of the eare which he bestows upon the land.
Mr. Rippley was married to Miss Emmagene MI. Remsburg, who was born in Bureau county, Illinois, November 6, 1868. Their marriage has been blessed with four children: Waldo R., born December 15, 1886; Edward E., March 15, 1888; Louis E., February 16, 1894; and Willie, May 14. 1898. Mr. Rippley is a republican in his po- litical faith but is not active in the work of the party, giving his entire time and attention to his business interests, in which he is meeting with desirable success. He is orthodox in his Christian
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belief but is not identified with any church organi- zaiton.
Mr. Rippley is a great student of nature and has traveled extensively through the United States as well as in foreign lands, so that he is an interesting conversationalist, having gained that broad knowl- edge which can only be acquired by visiting the different points on the globe. Honesty and in- dustry have marked his business career and through these good qualities he has gained grati- fying success and is accorded the high esteem of his business as well as social friends.
CLEMENT V. FIELD.
One of the attractive farm properties of Bu- reau county is in possession of Clement V. Field. A splendid set of farm buildings, commodious and substantial, stand in the midst of beautiful shade trees and green fields which promise golden har- vests. In front of the same stretches a green, vol- vety lawn, while flowers and shrubs adorn the place. Everything about the farin indicates the cultured taste, progressive spirit and marked eu- terprise of the owner, who is a careful. acenrate business man, and who has added to his property until he is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of rich land. It is indeed a valuable farm, worth two hundred dollars per acre, and its own- er is accounted one of the foremost representatives of agricultural interests in Berlin town-hip. Mr. Field was born in this township November 15. 1865, and is the fifth child of John and Catharine (Schnebly) Field, who were married in Peoria, Illinois, and came to Bureau county in 1853. The father was born in Virginia. May 22. 1818, and at an early age became a resident of Ohio, whence he removed to Illinois, taking up his abode in Bu- reau county more than a half century ago. His wife was born in Peoria. Illinois, in 1836, and is still living, but Mr. Field passed away in 1900.
The usual experiences which fall to the lot of a farmer bov came to Clement V. Field in the days of his boyhood and youth. He aided his father in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting, and in the winter months attended school. lle was a student in Dover Academy and completed his course at Dixon, Illinois. He was married on the 5th of October, 1892, to Miss Letitia Barrett, a daughter of John Il. and Martha ( Perkins) Bar- rett, who on coming to this state located first in La Salle county, whence they afterward removed to Bureau county. In their family were five chil- dren, of whom Mrs. Field is the youngest.
Following his marriage Mr. Field located on his present farm, and he nearly doubled the property which he inherited from his father. This is one of the attractive homes of the county. He has splendid buildings upon his place and beautiful shade trees, which shelter his residence from the hot rays of the summer sun and add to the attrac-
tive appearance of the farm. A well kept lawn surrounds his home, and everything is as attrac- tive as skill, labor and a knowledge of scientific farming can make it. In the care of the fields he is never at error in matters of business judgment, his practical experience and enterprise having made him a man of sound discernment.
Politically Mr. Field is a democrat, following in the footsteps of his father, and giving stanch support to the party principles. He and his wife are Presbyterians in religious faith, attending and supporting the Arlington church. For six years he has served as school director, but other- wise has never been an office holder. The cause of education, however, finds in him a warm friend, and his efforts in its behalf have been far-reach- ing and beneficial. Mr. Field has not been active- ly engaged in farming since 1902, since which time he and his wife have spent a portion of each year in travel and sight-seeing. Ile is hardly yet in the prime of life, but has gained a measure of success which many an okler man might well envy, and his position in business circles is attributable not to the fact of his inheritance. but to his capa- bility and strong purpose, supplemented by a broad outlook into business conditions and by thor- ough deference for the rights and privileges of others. He is regarded as a man thoroughly ro- liable in all that he does, and has thus won an hon- ored name, as well as a fine property.
W. S. REMSBURG.
W. S. Remsburg, representing the agricultural interests of Bureau county, where he owns and operates a valuable tract constituting one hundred and ten acres, situated on the southeast quarier of section 8, Ohio township, is a native son of the township in which he vet makes his home, having here been born March 29, 1868. His parents were Louis F. and Emily J. (Cole) Reinsburg, the for- mer a native of Sandusky county, Ohio, born De- cember 28, 1831, and the latter a native of Marvin, Chautauqua county. New York, born in 1832. The father came to Bureau county in the year 1853, and the mother arrived a year later. In their fam- ily were born six children, of whom our subject is the fourth in order of birth.
W. S. Remsburg received his education in his native township, and on putting aside his text- books started out in life on his own responsibility. He inherited some property, but through indus- try and the careful management of his business affairs he has added to this until he now owns a farm of one hundred and ten acres, situated on the southeast quarter of section 8, Ohio township, where he is engaged in general agricultural pur- suits. Ile has here added many improvements and accessories, making his property one of the val- uable farms of the county. He has a nice home and substantial outbuildings, good farm machin-
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ery which is used in the care and cultivation of the fields, and each year good erops are harvested as the result of his well directed labor.
On the 14th of January, 1903, Mr. Remsburg was united in marriage to Miss Maggie C. Har- dersen, a popular young lady of Ohio township, where she was born on the 3d of October, 1881. She is a daughter of Claus and Elizabeth (Par- chen) Hardersen, the former a native of Germany, whence he came to this country at the age of eighteen years. The mother was born in Bureau county, Illinois. Mrs. Remsburg is the eldest of five children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Hardersen. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Remsburg has been blessed with two little daughters: Lila M., born February 27, 1904, and Etta J., born July 16, 1905.
Mr. Remsburg has always supported the men and measures of the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, al- though he takes no active interest in political questions, preferring to give undivided attention to his farming interests, and that he has been suc- cessful in his undertakings is indicated by the fact that he is now in possession of a valuable tract of one hundred and ten acres, on which are found many modern improvements and conven- ienees. Mr. Remsburg and his wife are excellent young people, the hospitality of their home being greatly enjoyed by their many friends.
JOSEPH ALBRECHT.
Joseph Albrecht, a prominent merchant of Ohio, Bureau county, where he is engaged in the hard- ware business, having conducted his store for the past fifteen years, is a native son of Bureau county, Illinois, his birth having occurred on the 11th of August, 1856. He is a son of Jacob and Barbara Albrecht. natives of Bavaria, Germany, and our subject is the sixth in order of birth in a family of seven children born of the father's second marriage. By a previous marriage there are four children.
Joseph Albrecht, whose name introduces this record. was educated in the schools of his native town and at Princeton, and after putting aside his text-books started out to make his own way in the world. He had no capital, but possessed a strong will and a determination to succeed, and that he has not been thwarted in his plans is in- dicated by the fact that he is today conducting a prosperous business in Ohio, Jealing in all kinds of hardware and farm implements, in which he has built up a large and increasing trade. He has studied the needs of his patrons and carries a large and well selected line of goods to meet the general demands of the public. He is ever straight- forward in his business methods, and has by hou- esty and fair dealing won the good will of all with whom he comes in contact. In addition to his
hardware business Mr. Albrecht also owns three hundred and twenty aeres of land in Wisconsin, besides a house and lot and a store building in the village of Ohio and one hundred and sixty acres near the town.
On the 23d of May, 1878, Mr. Albrecht was united in marriage to Miss Emma Knuth, who was born in Bureau county, December 21, 1859, a daughter of Ludwig and Louisa Knuth, both natives of Germany, whence they emigrated to America in the early '50s. In their family were nine children, of whom Mrs. Albrecht is the sixth in order of birth. She has lately come into pos- session of a part of the estate left by her parents, who are now deceased. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Albrecht has been blessed with five children, of whom one died in infancy. Those surviving are: Maria L., born February 23, 1880; Peter . J., November 13, 1883; Lee R., April 16, 1891; and Mabel J., born February 7, 1897.
In politics Mr. Albrecht is a republican, al- though he does not adhere strictly to party ties, often casting an independent ballot, supporting the men whom he regards best qualified for office, regardless of party affiliation. He holds inom- bership with the Mennonite church, and fraternally is connected with camp No. 17, M. W. A .; lodge No. 47, Mystic Workers; and lodge No. 627, I. O. O. F., in which he has passed all of the chairs.
Mr. Albrecht is a self-made man, for he started out in life with nothing save industry and perse- verance, and with the possession of these qualities he worked his way upward year by year until he accumulated a comfortable competence. Later he inherited some property from his father's cetate, and to this he has added until he is now numbered among the wealthy and prominent citizens of Bureau county, having for the past fifteen years conducted a hardware business in the village of Ohio, which is one of the leading enterprises of the town, and in addition to his interests here he also owns a fine tract of land, constituting three hundred and twenty acres, situated in Wisconsin, and one hundred and sixty acres near the village of Ohio, and also owns a store building and a nice home, which he occupies. He is an enterprising business man, ever watchful of opportunities that will lead to success, and he has many business and social friends, all of whom speak of him in terms of highest praise and commendation.
WALLACE D. ANDERSON.
Wallace D. Anderson, who has already achieved a measure of success in farming interests that ar- gues well for the future, makes his home in La Moille township, where he owns one hundred and sixty acres of good land. Ile was born November 5, 1867. in this county, his parents being David and Sarah ( Kennedy) Anderson. The father, &
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native of Pennsylvania, came to Illinois in 1858 and the year of the mother's arrival here was 1860. Five children were born of their marriage, of whom Wallace D. is the third in order of birth. Reared to manhood under the parental roof, with- out special event to vary for him the routine of life, he devoted considerable of his youth to the mastery of those branches of learning which con- stitute the public-school curriculum and when not busy with his text-books aided in the labors of the home farm. Ile has always carried on general agricultural pursuits and his holdings today com- prise one hundred and sixty acres of land, which is well located and is very arable. From the age of seven years to the present time he has lived upon this place and it is now a valuable farm, to which he has added many modern equipments and ac- cessories. The home is surrounded by well tilled fields and every evidence of care and progressive supervision are here seen.
On the 28th of January, 1892, Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Alice MeDonald, who was born April 3, 1813, in this county, and is a daugh- ter of Lester and Rachel (Clark) M. Donald, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. In the family were seven children, of whom Mrs. Anderson is the second, and by her marriage she has become the mother of one daughter, Alta F., born December 22, 1893.
The social relations of the parents are very gratifying, being indicative of the genuine per- sonal worth which always wins recognition by those who have regard for intelligence and culture. Mr. Anderson attends the United Brethren church, of which his wife is a member, and he votes with the republican party, but while keeping well informed on questions and issues of the day he has never sought or desired office as a reward for party fealty, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, and although he is yet a young man he has won a place among the leading farmers of the county and it needs not the spirit of proph- ecy to foretell a still more prosperous future. Ife stands as a champion of education, of substantial development and of improvement in all those lines which have direct bearing upon the welfare of the community. He possesses. moreover, a generous spirit which has prompted him to extend a helping hand to friend and neighbor. ITis nephew, Cadet Anderson, seventeen years of age, is living with him and assists in the operation of the home farm.
WILLIAM H. WINTER.
William H. Winter displays in his business career that elose application and persisteney of purpose, combined with a thorough understanding of his trade, which never fails to win success, and he is now recognized as one of the leading paint- ing contractors and paper-hangers of Bureau county, employing a force of about fifteen work- men throughout the year. He also conducts a
store for the sale of wall-paper, mixed paints, white lead and oil, etc., and has a large and liberal patronage in this line as well as in his con- tracting business as painter and paper-hanger.
Mr. Winter is one of Princeton's native sons, having been born in this city in 1861. Ilis father, W. M. Winter, eame here in the early '50s from New York, and had previously settled in the Empire state on his emigration from England to the new world. He was a grover and conducted a bakery for some time, but is now living retired, his home being on East South street, in Prince- ton. He and his wife are well preserved old peo- ple and are highly esteemed, their good qualities having gained for them many warm friends. Mrs. Winter bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Ab- bott, and is also a native of England.
At the usual age William H. Winter began his education in the schools of Princeton and passed through successive grades. In 1815 he went to Hastings, Nebraska, when that was a small and inconsequential town. Later he engaged in the drug business in Juniata, Nebraska, not far from Hastings, where he remained until 1893, when he returned and began business in his present line, which he has since followed. Gradually he has developed his business until it has assumed very extensive proportions, and he now does more painting and paper-hanging than any other house of the kind in the county. His work always gives satisfaction, and he shows considerable artistic ability in the adornment of homes through the utilization of the industrial art with which he is connected. He carries the largest and best stock of wall-paper in this part of the state, together with a complete line of mixed paints, also the leading brands of white lead and oil and paste for wall-paper. Ile buys in very large quantities, thereby getting the bottom price and also securing a big saving in time for his mnen, who would other- wise have to do the mixing by hand. Ilis large store is located just east of the postoffice in Prince- ton, and Mr. Winter is the best posted man in his line of trade in this part of the state. He is about to add to his store and enlarge his stock by placing a complete line of painters' supplies, being the only establishment of its kind in Bureau county. His pay roll is more extensive than that of any other representative of industrial, mann- facturing or commercial interests in Princeton, and he has the ability to capably control the labors of those who work for him, so that pleasant rela- tions are ever maintained between employer and employe.
In 1881 Mr. Winter was married to Miss Clara B. Gentsch, who was born in South Bend, Indiana. They now have two children living, and they lost their first born, Alice Lucile, who died in Sep- tember, 1901, at the age of seventeen years. Those living are Marguerite, born February 17, 1900; and William S., born February 9, 1901. The
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PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
faniily home is at No. 420 South Church street, in Princeton.
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