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 5
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BENJAMIN F. DOW.
Benjamin F. Dow, a farmer and stock-raiser living on section S, Fairfield township, came to Bureau county in 1847 and has since lived in the township which is yet his home. He was born in Freedom, Cattaraugus county, New York, May 26, 1831, and is a son of Whitcher and Eunice ( Bump) Dow, who, arriving in this county in 1842, took up their alnie at York- town, where the father secured a large tract of land. At one time he operated over four hun- dred aeres and was an extensive farmer and stock-raiser, successfully conducting his business interests. Both he and his wife were natives of Vermont, and the former was of English lineage, while the latter was of Scotch descent. They were married in Cattaraugus county, New York, in February, 1828, and traveled life's journey together for almost a half century. They were separated by the death of Mrs. Pow. November 29, 1872. Mr. Dow survived until June, 1882, and passed away at the age of seventy-seven years. He was the first supervisor of Fairfield township, being chosen to that office in 1849, and serving for several years. In connection with his general agricultural pursuits he was also engaged in the dairy business, made cheese and raised stock. His farm work, therefore, was of a varied nature, but in all departments was carefully conducted and resulted in the acquirement of a handsome competenee. Ilis was indeed a busy and useful life and aside from his agricultural interests he found time to assist in the promotion of those matters which affect the general welfare and ad- vance publie progress.
In the family were eight children, all of whom were at one time residents of this county. Emily beame the wife of O. W. Mckenzie, and died at Yorktown, November 5, 1888, while her husband passed away in July, 1892. Emeline became the wife of John MeKenzie, and died at Tampico, December 27, 1879, having for six years survived
her husband. Benjamin F. is the third of the family. Thomas, residing in Tampico, where he is engaged in the steamfitting business, married Miss Willet and has a family of eight children. Edward W. died in Watertown, Illinois, in Octo- ber, 1905, at the age of sixty-seven years, leav- ing a family, but his wife, who bore the maiden name of Fannie Greenman, had passed away in 1903. H. II., a resident of Pasadena, Califor- nia, was married first to a Miss Brown, a sister of the late h. W. Brown, who for many years was supervisor of Fairfield township. His present wife bore the maiden name of Susan Gray. Al- bina became the wife of J. E. Greenman and died in March, 1903, at Tampico, where her husband still resides. H. Clay, living at West Point, Mis- sissippi, where he follows farming and well drill- ing, was married first to Mrs. Pitney.
Benjamin F. Dow was reared to the age of six- teen years in Cayuga county, New York, and during that period attended the public schools. As stated, he became a resident of Bureau county in 1847, and in 1850 he left here to continue his education in Whiteside county. While work- ing in Whiteside county at a later date he pur- chased a part of his present farin of one hundred and eighty aeres on section S, Fairfield town- ship, and he has made this his home since his marriage, which important event in his life was celebrated on the 25th of November, 1856, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah E. Jones, who was born in MeDonough county, Illinois, July 2, 1838, a daughter of Permenas and Anne (Diekinson) Jones. Her father died at Tennes- see, Illinois, in 1812, when a comparatively young man, and Mrs. Jones made her home for forty years in MeDonough county. Mrs. Dow was the eldest of five children ant was the first white child born in Tennessee township, MeDon- ough county. The other members of her father's family were: Martin L., who died in that county about 1858; Naney A., who became the wife of Earl Durat, and died in Whiteside county in 1871; and twins who died in infancy. After losing her first husband Mrs. Jones became the wife of Patterson Aber, who went to California about 1850 or 1851 and died there. They had one child, John W., who now resides in the Indian Territory. Her third husband was L. Underhill and they resided for a time in Bureau county, but later took up their abode in MeDon- ough county and subsequently removed to the Indian Territory, where both passed away. the death of Mrs. Underhill occurring in 1898, when she had reached the advanced age of eighty years. By her third marriage she had three children : Margaret, who became the wife of William Love, and died in 1903; Charles, who was married in McDonough county. Illinois, to Mary MeKenzie, and is now living in Missouri; and Elizabeth, the wife of William Lane, of the Indian Territory. Mrs. Dow was about fourteen years of age
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when she became a resident of Whiteside county, Illinois, there living with her aunt, Mrs. Nancy Foy, until her marriage. By this union there have been born four children, all born on the home farm in Fairfield township. Pleasant L., born in January, 1859, and now living on the old homestead on section 5, Fairfield township, married Miss Louie Seott and has six children. Zillah A., born October 5, 1860, is the wife of William Shear, of Henry county, Illinois, and they have two children. Lauer J., born in 1866, resides in Sacramento, California, and is an eles- trician and engineer. He married Miss Daisy D. Hogeboom and they have four children. One child of the family, Glee, born in 1819, died in infancy.
Politically, Mr. Dow has always been a repub- lican and attended the first convention of the party at Princeton in 1854 when John H. Bryant was nominated for congress. In 1856 he voted for Fremont and he also attended the convention when he was nominated. He has served in vari- ous township offices and has always been found a trustworthy official. The long years of his resi- dence here and his upright life well entitle him to mention with the representative pioncer settlers, and from memory he can relate many interesting incidents of the early days when Bureau county was still a frontier district and when the work of improvement and progress seemed scarcely begun. Great changes have occurred, converting cross- roads villages into thriving towns and cities, wherein are found many commercial and indus- trial interests, while the broad prairies indicate the splendid labor that has been put forth by the agricultural class, reclaiming the wild land for the uses of civilization.
HUGH G. GUNNING.
Hugh G. Gunning is the owner of two hun- dred acres of rich farming land in Neponset township and operates altogether two hundred and eighty acres, in addition to which he feeds cattle for the market. A life of enterprise and in- dustry has been crowned with success, and he is today accounted one of the leading fariners of his community.
A native of Neponset township, he was born April 8, 1862, and is a son of John and Margaret (Porter) Gunning, who were born near Belfast, in County Down, Ireland, the former February 22, 1828. Their wedding journey was the voy- age to America, made in June, 1819. The ves- sel on which they embarked was wrecked off the banks of Newfoundland, lost three men overboard, was dismantled of her spars, and it was with diffi- "culty that she was kept afloat, but by working the pumps for three weeks she was saved, although she drifted back to the coast of Ireland. There repairs were made and she sailed again, this time
reaching the harbor of New York in safety. On coming to America John Gunning and his young wife located at Troy, New York, and in 1856 arrived in Neponset. Soon afterward he pur- chased land and to his original tract he added until he had a half section. Upon this he placed many excellent improvements, making it one of the fine farms of the township. He voted with the republican party and served as road commissioner and in other public offices of trust. In Ireland he was a member of the Presbyterian church. while in Neponset he became a member of the Congregational church, to which his wife also belonged. Her death occurred in 1880, when she was sixty years of age, while Mr. Gunning died in 1903, when about seventy-five years of age.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Hugh G. Gunning in his boyhood days and when twenty-two years of age he began farming on his own account. He has since followed this occupation, and is now controlling two hundred and eighty acres of rich land, of which he owns two hundred acres. The fields return to him rich crops and he also buys, feeds and fattens for the market about a carload of cattle annually. He raises from one hundred to one hundred and fifty head of hogs annually, and in 1906 shipped three carloads of hogs.
On the 25th of March, 1885, Mr. Gunning was married to Miss Emma E. Pickering, whose birth occurred in Neponset township, May 19, 1866, a daughter of George and Sarah Ann (Stabler) Piekering. ller father, a native of Yorkshire. England, born December 17. 1829, is now living in Neponset, while her mother, whose birthi oe- eurred in Yorkshire, March 22. 1837, died August 28. 1895. They were married February 4, 1855, and soon afterward came to America, crossing the Atlantic on a sailing vessel which dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. Making their way to Illinois, they settled in what is now Neponset township, where the father followed the occupa- tion of farming. In 1880 he purchased land in that township and successfully devoted his energies to the cultivation and improvement of the prop- erty until 1900, when he purchased a home in the village of Neponset, where he has since lived retired. In politics he is a democrat and has served as a school director, but has not held nor desired other office. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Picker- ing were born sixteen children. of whom twelve are now living: Betsy, the wife of Henry Burnett : Jennie, the wife of William Hood: Susan, the wife of R. C. Carpenter: Harriet, who married Henry Augustin: David: Mrs. Gunning: George W .: John E .: Isabel, the wife of Oliver Slates: Lottie May, the wife of George Kopp: Charles: and Fred.
Mr. and Mrs. Gunning have become the parents of nine children : Mabel M., who was born June 16. 1886. and is the wife of William Bennett : Stella A .. born November 2, 1858; Laura, who
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PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
was born March 1, 1890, and died in infancy ; George Il., born April 23, 1893; Robert M., January 24, 1895; Neitha E., October 31, 1897; John M., in December, 1900; Leslie R., August 9, 1903; and Lottie L., December 13, 1905.
Politically. Mr. Gunning is a republican. He has never sought or desired office as a reward for party fealty and has served only as school director, acting in that capacity for nine years. IIe is in- terested, however, in matters of general improve- ment and upbuilding and can be counted upon for aid in movements of progressive citizenship.
DYER EGBERT KIPP.
Dyer Egbert Kipp is a retired farmer residing in Mineral. In former years he was actively associated with agricultural interests, and through his close application and unfaltering energy he acquired the capital that now enables him to rest from further labor and enjoy the fruits of his former toil. He was born in Steuben county, New York, January 18, 1846, a son of Dyer Lathrope and Jane Evaline ( Parker) Kipp. His education was obtained in the common schools of his native state and he came to Illinois in 1862. He was at that time sixteen years of age and soon afterward he entered Grand Prairie Seminary, where he remained as a student for two years, while for one year he attended the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, Illinois. He was thus provided with good educational privi- leges which well fitted him for life's practical and responsible duties. When twenty-two years of age he went to Missouri and worked as a farm hand. Following his return to Illinois he resided for six years in La Salle county and then re- moved to Livingston county, where he followed the vocation of farming, residing there from 1879 until he came to Mineral in 1903. Here he has since lived in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. his competence being sufficient to supply him with all of the necessities and many of the comforts and luxuries of life.
Mr. Kipp was married on the 31st of January. 18:0, to Miss Mary Emily Bassett, of La Salle, Illinois, and they became the parents of six chil- dren. Julia Inez, a graduate of Grand Prairie Seminary and of the Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois, was appointed a missionary to Aligarh, India, whither she went in 1906. Ray Bassett is also engaged in missionary work, hay- ing spent the past three years in the mission schools at Quionga, Africa. Cora Irene, a gradu- ate of the Grand Prairie Seminary, has for two years been a student in the Chicago College of Physicians and Surgeons. Karl Parker, also a graduate of Grand Prairie Seminary, has for the past three years engaged in farming in Henry county, Illinois. Orin Lansing Garfield and Marion D. are students in Cornell College at
Mount Vernon, Iowa. On the 1st of June, 1897, Mrs. Mary E. Kipp passed away and Mr. Kipp has since married Mis- Emma Denning, a daugh- ter of Valentine H. Denning, of La Salle county, and a cousin of Rev. John O. Denning, of India, who for years was a presiding elder and who now for a long period has been a missionary in India. Another cousin, Lou B. Denning, spent many years as a missionary in South America. Both the Kipp and Denning families have been devoted to church work, many of their number giving their time and energies to labor in the missionary field.
Mr. Kipp. of this review, has filled the office of justice of the peace, and for many years was school director. He was a trustee and steward in the Methodist Episcopal church at Wing. Illi- nois, which he helped to organize, and is now a steward in the Methodist church of Mineral. His life has been in harmony with his professions, characterized by a consideration for others, by straightforward dealing and by strict conformity to manly principles at all times. Ile thus merits and enjoys the confidence and goodwill of his fellowmen and wherever known he is held in the highest respect. He holds a St. John medal for being one of the men that voted for St. John in 1881. and he has votel the prohibition ticket ever since.
E. A. LA DUE.
The commercial interests of Spring Valley find an active factor in E. A. La Due, who is con- ducting a drug store and who in his business career keeps in touch with modern ideas of prog- ress and development. He was born in New York state. August 21, 1839. His father, Abraham La Due, was likewise a native of the Empire state, as was his wife, who bore the maiden name of Hannah Young. Throughout an active busi- ness career he devoted his time and energies to farming, and he died in 1898, at the very vener- able age of ninety years.
In his boyhood days E. A. La Due was a public school student in Wadesport, New York. where he pursued the high school course, and later he continued his studies in Monroe Academy at El- bridge, New York. When sixteen years of age he became interested in a general store. which he conducted successfully in Montezuma. New York. for three years, but thinking that the middle west would offer better business opportunities. he made his way to Illinois in 1860 and located in York- town. There he opened a general store, which he conducted for three years. after which he de- voted one year to farming. He then again en- tered commercial lit, as a merchant of Yorktown. Two years later he removed to Tampico, when that town was organized, and there engaged in business as a merchant and druggist for fifteen
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PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
years. He has continued in the latter line since 1873, and in ISST he came to Spring Valley. After removing twice he erected the commodious and attractive store building which he now oceu- pies, carrying on a large and growing trade. He has a full line of drugs and sundry goods and a liberal patronage is accorded him. He has also erected two handsome residences in Spring Valley, one of which he occupies.
In 1861 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. La Die and Miss Cecelia M. Lane, a native of Michi- gan. They have become the parents of two sons and two daughters: Dr. B. La Due, a practicing physician of Ottawa; F. M., who conduets a farm in Whiteside county, which was purchased by his father forty-four years ago: Emma, now the wife of J. C. Pinkley, of Spring Valley; and Mary, the wife of N. II. Smith.
Mr. La Due belongs to S. M. Dalzall lodge, No. 805, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a charter member, and he attends the Congregational church, being a charter member at Yorktown. Ilis political allegiance has always been given to the republican party, but he has never sought or desired office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs, which, being capably conducted, have led to substantial and gratifying success. Hle stands among those to whom prosperity has come as the reward of earn- est and diligent effort and he has won simul- taneously an honored name.
LOUIS C. STADLER.
Louis C. Stadler has throughout his entire busi- ness career been identified with the mercantile in- terests of Hollowayville, where he is now pro- prietor of a good general store and also has charge of the postoffice, his father, Christian Stadler, hav- ing served as postinaster since 1869, and also for a term previous to that time. The latter was born in the city of Munchen, Bavaria, Germany, May 20, 1821, and, after the death of his father, came to America with his mother, who died here at the age of eighty-four years. It was in 1846 that Christian Stadler took up his residence in Bureau county, locating on a farm near Hollowayville. The following year he became interested in the store of which his son is now owner, and in 1857 gave it his personal supervision, being actively engaged in mercantile pursuits until he turned the store over to our subject, in 1898. He still owns two good farms near Hollowayville, and, al- though now eighty-five years of age, he is still well and active. As a prominent and influential eit- izen of his community he has been called upon to serve in several local offices of honor and trust, having been supervisor, town clerk, school treas- urer and road commissioner.
In 1848, in this county, Christian Stadler mar-
ried Elizabeth Lehrer, who was also born in Mun chen, Bavaria, March 9, 1829, and came to the new world in 1816. For over half a century they traveled life's journey together, but the wife passed away in April, 1905. To them were born eleven children, of whom four reached years of maturity. namely: Louis C., of this review; Hannah, the wife of Rev. Ernest Nabholz, a minister of the Lutheran church, now located in Lancaster, Wi -- consin ; Lizzie, the wife of Fred Merkel, of $ .1; township, and Christian G., who married Emma Hardtle, who resides on a farm near Holloway- ville. in Selby township.
A native of Bureau county, Louis C. Stadiet was born on his father's farm, near Hollowayville, in 1852, and was here reared and educated. When a small boy he entered his father's store, and as the years passed he became thoroughly familiar with the business in all its departments. Since 1898 he has conducted the store under his own name, and as a good and reliable merchant he has built up an excellent trade.
Mr. Stadler was married in 1550 to Miss Mary Merkel, a daughter of Jacob and Anna M. Merkel. Her father, who was a farmer by occupation, is now deceased, but her mother is still living. and resides in Hollowayville. Mrs. Stadler was born in Selby township, where her parents located about 1849, and she is one of a family of seven children. the others being Fred, Louis, Jacob, Mrs. Tillie Golden, Mrs. Christiana Helmer and Miss Kate Merkel, who resides with her mother in Holloway- ville. Mr. and Mrs. Stadler have three children : Emma K., Christian L. and Bertha H. The son now assists his father in the store.
Mr. Stadler and his family are members of St. John's German Lutheran church, and socially he is quite prominent. being a member of the bice lodge of Masons at Arlington and the chapter at Princeton, the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows at Hollowayville and the Knights of Pythias at Seatonville. The Democratic party usually re- ecives his endorsement and support, but he is somewhat independent in politics, and is a reeng- nized leader in public affairs, having served as president of the village board for the past twelve years, though he recently resigned. He has also filled the otlices of town elerk and school treasurer. and gives his support to any enterprise which he believes will advance the social, moral or material welfare of his town or county.
SERING P. SALMON.
Sering P. Salmon, who died at Princeton on the 9th of February. 1903, was a well known and highly esteemed carly settler of this part of the state and for many years was closely associato? with its agricultural interests, while the qualithe - of a noble manhood as exemplified in his bu- - ness career, in his public spirited citizenship am!
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PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
his relations with his fellowmen, won for him the sincere and unqualified regard of all with whom he came in contact. He was born in Morris county, New Jersey, January 28, 1830, his par- ents being John and Caroline (Bartley ) Salmon, who came to Illinois in 1853, locating in Prince- ton. The father was engaged in farming for a considerable period, making his home in the out- skirts of the city, and there he and his wife lived until they were called to their final rest.
Sering P. Salmon, reared in the state of his nativity and educated in the common schools, was married in New Jersey, April 3, 1851, to Miss Angeline Salmon, of Morris county, that state, who still resides in Princeton at the age of seventy- five years.
Coming to-Illinois at an early period in the development of Bureau county, S. P. Salmon was for many years engaged in farming, placing his land under a high state of cultivation and equip- ping it with all modern improvements and acces- sories. Everything about his farm was kept in excellent condition and the fields brought to him rich harvests in return for the care and labor he bestowed upon them. He continued his farming operations until his retirement from active busi- ness life, when he took up his abode in Prince- ton, where he spent his remaining days. In his political views he was a stanch democrat and for several years capably filled the office of super- visor of Selby township, where he also served as assessor and in other local positions. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church, in the work of which he took an active and helpful part, serving as an elder for many years. He was a man of high ideals, and upright principles characterized his entire life, so that when he passed away on the 9th of February, 1903, he left behind him an untarnished record and a good name.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sering P. Salmon were born two sons. The elder, J. B. Salmon, born in Ohio in 1853, is still a resident of Princeton. S. J. Sahnon, born in this eity in 1861, was reared under the parental roof and was educated in the city schools of Princeton. For the past seven years he has been with the J. I. C. Thresh- ing Machine Company as traveling salesman, and is an enterprising, alert business man, who now controls a large patronage and is popular with those with whom he has trade relations. He was first married to Miss Mary Belle Boggs, of Prince- ton, who died February 8, 1902, at the age of thirty-seven years, leaving three children: Mary Ethel, at home: John J., who died January 24, 1906, at the age of sixteen years; and William B., at home. Mr. Salmon's present wife was formerly Miss Myrtle C. Everett. of Chicago. The family home is at No. 517 Sonth Church street, and the members of the houschold occupy an enviable position in social circles in Bureau county, where the family has so long been widely
and favorably known, the representatives of the name of earlier generations having come here more than a half century ago.
DAVID E. PATTERSON.
David E. Patterson, whose well improved farm of three hundred and twenty acres is the reward of diligence and carefully directed business inter- ests, dates his residence in Burcan county from 1853. He was born in Chester county, Pennsyl- vania, July 22, 1832, his parents being William and Rachel ( Reader) Patterson, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state, where they spent their entire lives, both having now passed away.
David E. Patterson is indebted to the public- school system of Pennsylvania for the educational privileges and opportunities whereby he was fitted for the practical duties of life. Thinking to en- joy better business opportunities in the middle west he came to Bureau county in 1853, when a young man of twenty-one years, and has since been identified with industrial and agricultural pur- suits in this part of the state. He first worked at the carpenter's trade in La Salle county an 1 then returned to Bureau county, where he has resided continuously since, giving his attention to farm- ing. Year by year he has labored earnestly and persistently and as his financial resources have in- creased he has made judicious investments in prop- erty and is today the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of finely improved farming land. IFis fields, which are enclosed with well kept fences, are always highly cultivated and the latest im- proved machinery facilitates the work of the farm.
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