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 52
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The death of the husband and father occurred in La Moille October 12, 1891, when he was in his sixty-ninth year. He was worthy the respect and honor of his fellowmen because of the use he made of his talents and his opportunities and because his thoughts were not self-centered, but were given to the mastery of life problems and the fulfillment of his duty as a man in his rela- tions to his fellowmen and as a citizen in his relations to his home locality and his county. Mrs. Fassett still survives her husband and resides in La Motlle, where she has lived for about sixty- four years, being the oldest resident of the vil- lage in years of continuous connection therewith. Her residence in the county covers a period of sixty-eight years, for in 1838 she accompanied her parents on the'r removal to Princeton. Few have longer resided within the borders of the county
and throughout all the decades wirdde boer been added to the cycle of the centuries -me 1838 she has been an interested witness of the changes which have occurred. Her mind bors the im- press of the early historic annals of the county and forms a connecting link between the primi- tive pioneer past and the present with all of its progression and higher civilization.
JAMES WILLIAM COGGINS.
James William Coggins is the owner of a pleas- ant home in the midst of a good farm in Manlius township. ITe first opened his eyes to the light of day in Sheffield, on the 4th of February, 1862, and is of Irish lineage, his parents being Patrick and Katherine Coggins, who came from Ireland. the father crossing the Atlantic at the age of eighteen years. Ile survived to the age of seventy-four years, passing away in 1902, and his widow still lives in Sheffield.
Mr. Coggins of this review is indebted to the publie-school system of his native town for the educational privileges he enjoyed and which quali- fied him to undertake the duties of a business career in later life. Ile first began earning his living by working in the coal mines, and was thus employed until May, 1893, when he purchased his present home of one hundred and sixty acres. His attention has since been given to general agricul- tural pursuits, and he has developed his land, making it productive through the capable manner in which he has tilled the soil and rotated crops. He suffered a great loss by fire on the 16th of July, 1906, when all of the buildings upon his place were destroyed, but with resolute sphit and undaunted courage he set to work to retrieve his lost possessions, and has since erected a beautiful modern residence, containing ten rooms. He has likewise built good barns and made all other mod- ern improvements, and now has one of the best farms in the county. He raises good horses, cattle and hogs, all from registered stock, and this branch of his business is likewise proving to him prof- itable.
Mr. Coggins was married September 15, 1885, the lady of his choice being Miss Kate Frances Condon, of Manlius township, a daughter of John Condon, who is mentioned elsewhere in this vol- ume. They have become the parents of seven children : Anna B., who is engaged in teaching school ; Mildred C .; John C .; Lelloy J. : William; Eugene G. : and Evaline M. The family are now pleasantly situated in their new home, which is tastefully furnished and supplied with many mod- ern comforts.
Mr. Coggins is independent in politics, voting without regard to party ties. He has served as school director, but has never desired publie office. Starting at the very bortom round of the ladder, he has steadily climbed upward, and has made a
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business record which any man might be proud to possess. Ile has faithfully met all obligations and kept all business engagements, and although he started out for himself at the age of twenty-one years without capital, he had a pair of willing hands and strong determination, and with these he has builded his surress, and is now one of the substantial farmers of Manlius township.
VALENTINE WARKINS.
Valentine Warkins, one of the prominent ard influential residents of Burean county, owning and operating a traet of land of one hundred ard twen- ty acres, situated on seetions ? and 18, La Moille township, is a native of Rockingham, Virginia, born on the 10th of January, 1831. He is a son of St. Clair and Jane (Shifleft) Warkins, both natives of Virginia, the former born in 1809 and the latter in 1812. They removed to Illinois in 1851, locating first at Princeton, where they re- mained for several years, but later made their way to Dover township, Bureau county. In their fam- ily were nine children, of whom Valentine War- kins is the second in order of birth.
The subject of this review was reared in Ohio and Indiana, where he received a common-school education, and at the age of sixteen years started out in life on his own account. At that time he came to Illinois, the year of his arrival being 1847, and he first worked as a farm hand by the month, being employed by William Knox, with whom he remained for eight years. His place constituted the present site of Pern. By industry and econ- omy Mr. Warkins was enabled in a few years to purchase land of his own and engage in an inde- pendent business career. As he prospered in his undertakings he added to his property from time to time until he is now in possession of one. hun- dred and twenty acres of valuable land, situated on sections ? and 18, La Moille township. Here for many years he has been engaged in general agricul- tural pursuits, each year adding to his financial resources, and he has placed many improvements upon the farm, including good fences, a nice home and substantial outbuildings, besides a gas well. He has been successful in his undertakings, so that he is now able to lay aside the more arduous tasks of a business life.
On the 27th of March, 185:, Mr. Warkins was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Vickrey, who was born April 2, 1838, a daughter of Christopher and Mary (Aery) Vickrey, natives of South Caro- lina and Greene county, Ohio, respectively. They removed to Illinois at an early day, being num- bered among its first settlers. In their family were born twelve children, of whom Mrs. Warkins is the eleventh in order of birth. She was educated in the schools of Ohio and Illinois, and gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Warkins at the age of about nineteen years. She has become the mother of
twelve children, of whom five hne deceased, while the surviving members are: Amanda E., born December 9, 1858; Mary E., bom April 3, 1866; Sylvia J., April 11, 1869; Wilham A., December 14, 1810; Micha, July 5, 1816; Ada, April 5, 1828; and Maggie, born March 20, 1880.
Mr. Warkin- is a democrat in his political views. He has been a hard working man, for he started out in life as a farm hand, but by industry and economy worked his way steadily upward until after a few years he was enabled to engage in busi- ness on his own account, having purchased a traet of land, to which he added from time to time until now, in his old age, he is the possessor of one hundred and twenty acres, from which he derives a good income, so that he and his wife may enjoy the evening of life in their quiet country home, surrounded by the comforts of life. Mrs. War- kins is an estimable lady, possessing many sterling traits of character, and she is loved wherever known. Having spent the greater portion of their lives in Bureau county, they have a wide acquaint- ance, and are classed among the highly respected citizens of this section of the state.
JAMES W. SMITIL.
James W. Smith, who was formerly engaged in school teaching and is now carrying on farming, has spent his entire life in Bureau county, where he first opened his eyes to the light of day May 20, 1864. In his father's family were but two children, the sister being Elizabeth A., who was born September 15, 1862. The parents are Joseph and Mary J. (McNurlin) Smith, natives of Penn- sylvania. The father came to Illinois in 1852, and was married in this state in 1859.
As a school boy James W. Smith mastered the branches of learning usually taught in the public schools and continued his studies in Aurora (Illi- nois) Seminary. He was thus well equipped by liberal educational privileges for the profession of teaching, which he followed for twelve years, prov- ing a capable educator, who became quite widely known as a representative of public instruction in this state. Under his guidance the schools of which he had charge made rapid and satisfactory progress and maintained a high standard of in- tellectual development and training. On leaving the schoolroom Mr. Smith concentrated his ener- gies upon farmi work, and has so continued to the present time. He now owns an interest in the farm upon which he resides, and although it is not very large, comprising forty acres, it is valuable land, worth from one hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars per acre. He is now meeting with success in what he andertakes, and, moreover. he deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, for he has made his own way in the world, securing his own education with funds that he earned, while since entering business life he has depended en-
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tirely upon his own resonrees. Each advanerd step that he has taken has brought him a broader out- look, and through the improvement of his oppor- tunities he has already gained a good living for his family and is steadily progressing toward the goal of atlluence.
On the 5th of December, 1895, was celebrated his marriage with Miss Ida V. Smith, who was born in this county, September 1, 1825, her par- ents being Mark and Caroline ( Lowe) Smith, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of New Jersey. They came to Bureau county, Illinois, in 1846, and were married in Livingston, this state. In their family were four children, Mrs. Smith being the third in order of birth. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children : Edith M., born December 6, 1896; and Florence B., born December 25, 1898. The family have a nice home, and the two interesting little daughters add life and light to the household.
Mr. Smith stands for all that is progressive in citizenship, is a friend of the cause of education and keeps in touch with the interests and ques- tions of the day through broad and comprehensive reading. Matters of local progress and national advancement are both dear to his heart, and he stands among the representative men who keep in touch with the world's advanced thought, and while not neglectful of business interests or responsi- bilities, yet finds time for the consideration of those matters which bear upon the general inter- ests of society.
MARTIN H. MCMAHON.
Martin H. McMahon owns and operates one hundred and sixty acres of rich and arable land in Manlius township. He was born in Ireland, July 18, 1862, the place of his nativity being in County Clare. He was educated in the public schools of his native country, and when nineteen years and eight months of age came to America. attracted by the favorable reports which he had heard of its possibilities for business advancement. He first settled near Worcester, Massachusetts, where he worked as a laborer and farm hand for about seven months, when he continued on his westward way and became a resident of Bureau county, where lived his unele, for whom he worked on a farm for one year, and three years, summer and winter, on the Cushing farm, west of Providence. He then began farming on his own account on a tract of eighty acres, which he rented, and three years later, having prospered in his undertakings, he purchased his present home place in Maulius town- ship, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of rich and arable land, which responds readily to the care and labor bestowed up on it, yielding large crops. He also raises standard bred cattle, horses and hogs and has excellent stock upon his place.
On the 9th of February, 1888, was celebrated
the marriage of Mr. McMahon and Miss Ellen Frances Dwyer, of Manlius township, a daughter of Patrick and Elizabeth ( Molloy) Dwyer, the former a farmer by occupation. Unto this mar- riage have been born eight children: Bessie, Kath- erine, Paul, Marie, Genevieve, Anna, Margaret and Bertha. The family cirel remains unbroken by the hand of death, and the children are still under the parental roof.
Mr. MeMahon and his family are members of St. Patrick's Catholic church at Sheffield, and his political allegiance is given the democracy, for he is in hearty sympathy with its principles. He has been school director for the past twelve years and elerk of the school board for the same length of time, and he does everything in his power to promote the interests of the schools, realizing how valuable is a good education as a preparation for life's work.
JOHN G. RASMUSSON.
John G. Rasmusson, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Denmark August 5. 1861, and ac- quired his education in that country while spend- ing his boyhood days under the parental roof. Both his father and mother are now deceased, having al- ways remained in Denmark -- their native country.
John G. Rasmusson there remained until nine- teen years of age, when consideration of the busi- ness outlook there convinced him that the oppor- tunities of the country were comparatively lim- ited, and he resolved to try his fortune in America. Accordingly he made the voyage to the new world, having little more than would pay his passage, and in Gold township, this county, he sought and ob- tained farm work. Thus he made his start in life, and he has always been industrious and diligent, realizing that unremitting labor is the basis of all success.
Mr. Rasmusson was married in 1901 to Miss Anna D. Erickson, a native of Gold township and a daughter of Mads Erickson, who was of Danish birth. Two children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Rasmusson: Henry M., three years of age; and Marie, now in her first year. Mr. and Mrs. Ras- musson reside upon his mother-in-law's farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which is situated on section 23. Gold township, and here he carries on general farming and stock-raising, giving his attention unremittingly to the further develop- ment and improvement of the place. He also rents eighty acres on section 24.
He and his wife hold membership in the Danish Lutheran church. Politically he is independent, voting for the candidates whom he regards as best qualified for office, without reference to party af- filiation. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and fidelity, have chosen him for the office of collector for three years, and he has also been a school trustee. He had nothing when he came
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to America, but his stout heart and strong resolu- tion stood him instead of capital, and these qual- ities have enabled him to make progress along the high road to success since his arrival in the new world.
JOHN S. ROBINSON.
John S. Robinson, numbered among the pio- neer residents of Bureau county, where for more than a half century he has made his home, claims the far-off state of Maine as the place of his na- tivity. Ilis birth occurred near Skowhegan, on the 11th of April, 1828, and he represents one of the old families of the Pine Tree state. His father, Josiah Robinson, was born in Hallowell, Kennebec county, Maine, in 1801, and became a pioneer settler of Somerset county, Maine, where he carried on business as a farmer and stock- dealer. He purchased cattle which he drove through to the old Brighton market near Boston, Massachusetts, making the entire journey on foot -- a distance of two hundred and fifteen miles. He was not only active and successful in his busi- ness affairs, but was also one of the influential factors in community life and held a number of township offices. He and his family were mem- bers of the Baptist church and his political al- legianee was given to democratic principles as ad- vocated by Jackson until 1851, when he became a republican. He had been reared in the Baptist faith, his father being a minister of that denon- ination, and his life was in harmony with his profession. He died at the age of fifty-five years, while his wife, who was born in Somerset county, Maine, June 5, 1804, died in the month of May, 1850. In their family were four children : John S .; Richard J., who was born June 6, 1832, and died in October, 1905; Judith, who was born December 19, 1836, and is the wife of C. C. MeDaniels, of Somerset county, Maine; and George H., who was born March 19, 1810, and is living in Macon township, this county.
John S. Robinson in his boyhood days worked on the home farm with his father, who engaged in the live stoc !: business, and the son assisted him in driving cattle from his home in Maine to the Brighton market near Boston, being weeks at a time upon the road, for they journeyed on foot, following the herd of stock. They would travel through the forests and at times late in the year would get caught in heavy snow storms. This was before the Kennebec & Portland Rail- road, now the Maine Central Railroad, was built. After the construction of the line the father shipped his eattle by rail in the winter time.
Mr. Robinson of this review became familiar with all the farm work in its different depart- ments, and at twenty-two years of age he left home to work for himself, being employed in the lumber camps and in driving logs down the Ken-
neber river. He also worked in the shipyards of Reed and Page, continuing his residence in Maine until April, 1852, when he left the Pine Tree state and traveled by rail to Buffalo, New York. There he took passage on the steamer Atlantic for Detroit, Michigan, where he hoarded the Michigan Central Railroad and continued his journey to New Buffalo, Michigan, which was at that time the terminus of the road. He pro- ceeded by steamer to Chicago and then by boat down the Illinois & Michi_an canal to La Salle and across the country by team to Princeton and on to the French Grove postoffice, where the town of Buda now stands. Ile soon purchased forty acres of land on the old state road at three dol- lars per acre. After a brief residence in this county, however, he went to Jowa and up through Minnesota, whence he crossed into Wisconsin and made his way through the woods to Sheboygan, that state. He thenee proceeded by packet steam- er to Buffalo, New York, being five days on the lakes, after which he returned to Maine, where he resided until the spring of 1855. In that year he returned to Bureau county, settling in Macon township, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of wild prairie land, for which he paid six dollars and a quarter per aere. He built thereon a frame residence, which he occupied un- til 1881, when he erected a fine home in which he is now living. He has added to this land until he now owns four hundred aeres constituting a very valuable property. Ilis farm is well im- proved, the rich productive fields yielding him large harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon them. He was formerly engaged extensively and successfully in breeding shorthorn Durham cattle, but at the present time is giving his attention to black Galloway catile, having at this writing, in 1906. more than one hundred and forty head upon his place. He is also a breeder of Shropshire sheep and his floeks number two hundred and twenty-five head of sheep and lambs. He has shipped one carload of lanibs to the Chicago market in the present sum- mer, as well as many summers previous, and there he secures the highest market price. He also breeds Poland China hogs, having seventy head upon his farm at the present time, and he likewise raises good horses, of which he has fifteen head. Ile says it costs less to raise good stock than those of inferior grades, and he is known as one of the foremost stock-raisers of this part of the county, carrying on his business on an extensive scale that results in the acquirement of very gratifying prosperity.
On the 4th of July, 1852, Mr. Robinson was happily married to Miss Rose Bigelow, who was born in Somerset county. Maine. April 13, 1831, and died in November, 1891. She was a daugh- ter of Aholeb and Rebecca Bigelow. Her father was born in Bloomfield, Somerset county, Maine, while his wife was born in Anson, Maine. Mr.
JOHN S. ROBINSON.
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MRS. JOHN S. ROBINSON.
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Bigelow was a carpenter by trade and followed that pursuit in the Pine Tree state until 1851, when he came to Bureau county, Ilinois, settling at French Grove, now the site of Buda. He bought eighty acres of land, bordering the old state road, at three dollars per acre, building thereon a house, and engaged in breaking the wild prairie and transforming it into cultivable fields. He was one of the early pioneers of the locality and his labors proved an important factor in reclaiming this district for the uses of civiliza- tion. He was also active in publie life and served as road commissioner. His political support was given to the whig party and he was a member of the Baptist church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bigelow were born six. children, but only two are now liv- ing: Philena, the widow of George HI. Wells; and II. E. Bigelow, who resides near Sioux City, Iowa.
Mr. and Mrs. Robinson became the parents of a daughter and two sons: Lottie May, the wife of Charles Norton, of Neponset; Arthur M. and Richard W. The death of the mother was the occa- sion of deep and widespread regret in Neponset township and Macon and Bureau county, where she had many warm friends. She was devoted to the welfare and happiness of her family, where her loss comes with greatest force. Mr. Robinson has been somewhat active in public life in Macon township, and for four years served as collector. He was also school director for several years, was road commissioner for four years and has held other offices. He cast a ballot for Abraham Lin- coln in 1860 and 1864, but in more recent years has given his political allegiance to the democracy. He has now traveled life's journey for more than seventy-eight years and his has been the record of an honorable, upright man, whose business af- fairs have been carefully directed and whose dili- gence and laudable ambition have constituted the basis of his success. He is, moreover, known as one of the early settlers of the county, having for more than a half century lived within its borders, so that he is largely familiar with its history and what to many are matters of record are to him matters of experience, as he has witnessed the many changes that have occurred. bearing his part in the work of public improvement and development.
SOLOMON C. DOTY.
Solomon C. Doty, engaged in general farining in Gold township, is a native of the Empire state, his birth having occurred in Milan, Dutchess county, New York, August 13, 1828. He is a son of Sam- ucl and Elizabeth (Sanford) Doty, both repre- resentatives of old New England families, founded in America during an early epoch in the history of the country. Joseph Doty, the emigrant, came over in the Mayflower.
Reared to the occupation of farming, Solomon
C. Doty has always followed that pursuit, and it is this line of business which is now utilized as a source of livelihood, bringing to him an annual income that classes him with the substantial resi- dents of Gold township. He has resided in this county since 1826, and while the years have been devoted to the quiet pursuits of the farm and the conduct of his individual interests, he has yet found time and opportunity to manifest the qual- ities of good citizenship, to indorse progressive public measures and to co-operate in behalf of those movements which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride.
Mr. Doty was united in marriage November 25, 1851, to Miss Christine Wilsey, and to them were born three children, but one died at the age of seventeen years. Those living are: Seely, now thirty-nine years of age; and Willis, aged thirty- seven. The latter is married and resides in Ding- ley, where he is conducting a store and is also serving as postmaster, being one of the leading and influential men of the town.
Mr. Doty is a republican, and keeps well in- formed on the questions and issues which divide the two great parties, so that he is able to defend his position by intelligent argument. For fifteen years he has filled the office of justice of the peace, rendering opinions which are strictly fair and im- partial and "winning golden opinions from all sorts of people," as is indicated by his long reten- tion in office. The welfare of the county is a mat- ter of deep interest to him, and he is thoroughly imbued with the spirit of enterprise and progress which have been the dominant factors in the up- building of the middle west.
TIMOTHY FORD.
Timothy Ford, a veteran of the Civil war, has since 1874 lived upon his present farm in Manlius township. His life record began in County Gal- way, Ireland, November 20, 1843, and coming to America in 1855, when twenty-two years of age, he began work on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, being thus employed until 1861, when he gave evidence of his patriotie spirit and his loyalty to the American government by en- listing, on the 4th of October, as a member of Company K, Fifty-seventh Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. This command was engaged in the battles at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh and Corinth, and then marched through Alabama, taking part in the engagements at Decatur, Hunts- ville, Bear Creek, Resaea, Rome Crossroads, Al- toona Pass and Rome. He was with the reserve and the rear guard during the siege of Atlanta, and marched with Sherman to the sea, proceeding northward from Savannah through South Caro- lina and on to Goldsboro and Raleigh, North Caro- lina, to Richmond, and then to Washington, D. C.,
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