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 7
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ROLLA LEE RUSSELL.
It is a usual thing to speak of a man who in mercantile and the industrial eireles has worked his way upward from obscurity to prominence as a self-made man, but the term is equally applic- able in the professions, where advancement de- pends even more entirely upon individual effort, owing to the fact that not through gift or inheri- tance ean one seeure the qualities which ate re- quisite to success in any professional line. Mr. Russell has indeed been the architect of his own fortunes and has builded wisely and well. Today he bears an excellent reputation as a strong and
able lawyer, with comprehensive knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence, in the application of which to questions in litigation he is seldom at error.
Born in Shelby county, Illinois, November 21, 1861, upon a farm, he is a son of Daniel Eckert Russell, a native of Loudoun county, Virginia, and of Isabelle ( Allbert) Russell, of Bucking- ham county, Virginia. The father was only a year old when taken by his parents to Ohio and in 1859 he went to Shelby county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising. During the later years of his life he was an invalid and then retired from active business cares, passing away in 1888 at the age of fifty-five years. His sons were thus left to face the world alone with the possibilities of success or failure before them as they should recognize and improve or neglect opportunities.
Rolla L. Russell acquired some education in the country schools and then, ambitious for more ad- vanced education, worked his way through the high school by acting as assistant janitor. When he had completed his course there he became im- bued, as do so many young men, with the desire to seek a fortune in the west, and with one or two companions made his way to Colorado and afterward to Texas. His experience in those states was one of hard struggle and is of interest as showing what determination and indefatigahle energy will accomplish. We arrived in Texas with only a few cents in his pocket but almost immediately found work with a farmer, in whose employ he remained for two years and who at the end of that time leased to Mr. Russell a farm, which he planted to cotton. Unfortunately, how- ever the cotton crop was a failure that year owing to the excessive drought and Mr. Russell was again left without capital. He started to work once more at farm labor for seventeen dollars per month, being transferred to the dairy department at the end of two months, and so satisfactory was his service that his wages were raised to twenty dollars. afterward to thirty dollars and later to thirty-five dollars per month. That he was most faithful and capable and that his service was ap- preciated is indicated by the fact that after a year and a half. when settling up with his em- plover, he was paid for the entire term at the rate of thirty-five dollars per month. During all of this time, as a dutiful son, Mr. Russell was as- sisting his mother and the family, who had been left in straightened circumstances through the long illness and death of the father.
Returning to Illinois, Mr. Russell engaged in teaching school in Lee county and took up the study of law in the College of Law in Dixon. Hle was admitted to the bar by examination on the 17th of May, 1892, and the same year accepted the position of principal of the schools of Ohio. Illinois, where he remained for two years. He then entered upon the active practice of his pro-
R. L. RUSSELL.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
fession in connection with E. U. Overman in Henderson county, under the firm style of Over- man & Russell. In March, 1895, he returned to Ohio, Illinois, and took charge of the Ohio Herald, which he published for two years. He then sold out and came to Princeton, where he has since continued in the practice of law. Ilis reputation has been won through earnest, honest labor and his ereditable standing at the bar is a merited tribute to his ability. The predominant characteristic of his life is strength and the aim of his eloquence is to convince. He has won many notable cases while a practitioner in Bureau coun- ty and now has a large and distinctively repre- sentative clientage.
Mr. Russell was married November 21, 1895, to Miss Helen MeLean, a native of New Jersey, and they have three sous, William MeLean, Robert Lee and Paul. Mr. Russell is a member of the board of trustees of the Methodist Protestant church and is interested in the moral and in- tellectual progress of his city to the extent of giving aetive and hearty co-operation to many movements for advancement along those lines. lle belongs to Princeton lodge, A. F. & A. MI .. and in an active career he has achieved both character and success, advaneing as he has done from a humble position in the business world to a place of considerable prominence in the legal profession.
MARTIN ZEARING.
Martin Zearing, cashier of the Farmers & Miners Bank at Ladd, the success and growth of the institution being attributable in no small de- gree to his efforts, was born in Westfield town- ship, Bureau county, Apri! 26, 1866, and is a representative of one of the distinguished families of this part of the state. His father, the Hon. Louis Zearing, was a native of Cumberland county. Pennsylvania, and came to Bureau county in 1835. when this was a frontier district in which the work of civilization and improvement had been scareely begun. The homes of the settlers were widely scattered and much of the land was still unculti- vated. He secured a farm which he developed into a highly improved property and as the years passed by he prospered in his undertakings and became one of the leading and prosperous agrienl- turists of the community. He also took a promi- nent and influential part in public affairs and filled many local offices of trust, while for a num- ber of years he represented his distriet in the state senate and left the impress of his individu- ality upon many legislative enaetments which he fostered. Ilis wife bore the maiden name of Jean Cochran and was a native of Scotland.
Martin Zearing supplemented his preliminary education, acquired in the public schools, by a course in a business college and through the period
of his boyhood and youth remained upon his fath- er's farm, rendering active assistance in its eulti- vation when not busied with his text-books. Ile left home in 1890, when about twenty-four years of age, and accepted the position of bookkeeper in the Farmers & Miners Bank. Later he was made assistant cashier and has occupied his pre-ent posi- tion since 1894. The bank was established in 1890 and has been a very prosperous institution from the beginning. Its success is largely due to the efforts of Mr. Zearing, who is a very efficient and popular cashier, and during his connection with the institution the deposits have increased from thirteen thousand to two hundred and twenty thousand dollars. lle is thoroughly conversant with the banking business and is an attentive, obliging official, of good business qualifications.
On the 11th of September, 1895, Mr. Zearing was united in marriage to Miss Alva Harvey, a daughter of Leroy Harvey, of Galesburg, Illinois, and they have three daughters: Dorothy A., born August 20, 1896; Helen M., June 30, 1998; and Jean, June 8, 1901. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Zearing is a Mason, belonging to Levi Lask lodge, No. 270, A. F. & A. M .. and Peru chapter, No. 60. R. A. M., of Peru. His political views accord with the principles of the republican party and while not a politician in the sense of office steking he is in- terested in the success of his party and keeps well informed on the questions upon which the two great political organizations differ. In this coun- try, where position in the business, political and social world, largely depend upon the individual, aside from environment or influence, Mr. Zearing has gained a creditable place in his home com- ummmity as a representative of financial eireles, and as one who in his relations with his fellow men has gained warm personal regard.
JOIN E. RILEY.
John E. Riley, who has recently sent in his resignation as postmaster of Mineral, where he is also conducting a restaurant and confectionery store, was born in Mineral township and is a rep-" resentative of one of the old and prominent pio- neer families of this part of the state. He is a son of William Riley, who came with his parents to Bureau county at an early epoch in the devel- opment of this part of the state. Extended men- tion is made of him on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of Wilson Riley, a brother of our subject.
John E. Riley acquired his elucation in the schools of Mineral and spent his younger years upon the home farm, where he was trained to habits of industry, economy and lligen ... After attaining his majority he spent seven years as a farmer at Aurora, Nebraska, But su' sequently turned his attention to commer ial pur-uits, in
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PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
which he has since been engaged. For several years, from 1889 until 1896, he conducted a pen- eral mereantilo store in Mineral and on selling out that business became proprietor of a restaur- ant, which he still conducts, also carrying a line of confectionery. He has a well appointed, neat and tasteful store and restaurant and is receiving a liberal share of the publie patronage. He has also acted as postmaster at Mineral, having been appointed January 28, 1901, by President Roose- velt. He lives upon the old homestead farm and owns one hundred and thirty acres of land which is rich and arable and which yields bounteous har- vests as a reward for the care and labor bestowed upon the fields.
Mr. Riley has always been a stalwart repub- liean in his political views and is recognized as one of the active and influential workers in the local ranks of the party, doing all in his power to promote its growth and insure its success. He has many times been appointed a delegate to the county and congressional conventions and his opinions carry weight in party councils. He has been honored with some local offices, serving as commissioner for nine years and as school director for fifteen years, and he was formerly a member of the town board.
In December, 1878, Mr. Riley was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Morton, a daughter of J. Morton, of Princeton. She died four years later, in 1882, leaving two children, Arthur W. and Bertha B. The former is now engaged in business with his father in Mineral. On the 30th of October, 1883, Mr. Riley was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary Harrison, a daughter of James Harrison, a farmer living at Neponset. They have three children: Glen E .. with father on the farm; Ada M., the wife of Frank Humphrey, a farmer of Mineral township; and Lottie E., at home.
Mr. Riley is a member of the Modern Wood- men of America, but has never figured very promi- nently in fraternal circles, his attention being given more largely to his business affairs and the politieal interests of the county. He is one of the representative men of Mineral and in all that he does, whether of a public or private nature, has manifested a spirit of commendable enterprise.
ARTHUR BRYANT.
Arthur Bryant, senior member of the firin of Arthur Bryant & Sons, nurserymen, has for years been treasurer of the State Horticultural So- ciety, which position is indicative of the foremost place which he occupies in horticultural circles in Illinois. He was born October 15, 1831, in Prince- ton township, and the years of his residence in Bureau county are therefore many, antedating that of most of its well known and prominent men. His father was Arthur Bryant, Sr., a native of
Cummington, Massachusetts, born November 8. 1803, and a son of Dr. Peter and Sarah ( Stell) Bryant, whose second son was the celebrated poet. William Cullen Bryant. Arthur Bryant, Sr., w .. reared in Hampshire county, Massachusetts, at- quiring his early education in the common school, of the locality, while later he became a student in Williams College. He was admitted as a cadet to the West Point Military Academy, but at the. end of a year was obliged to discontinue his studies on account of an attack of inflammatory rheumatism. For a time he engaged in teaching at Round Hill, near Boston, and was later with his brother, William Cullen Bryant, in New York. His health being such that he was obliged to give up all hope of a military or medical careor, hr turned his attention to the west, hoping that tler. new and rapidly developing country would offer him good opportunities. He therefore made his way to Ilinois, arriving in Jacksonville in 1830. Two years later he returned to Massachusetts, where he married Miss Henrietta R. Plummer, a native of Berkshire county, Massachusetts, and a daughter of Edward Plummer. With his bride he again made his way to Jacksonville the same year, but in 1833 removed to Bureau county and secured a claim on section 29, Princeton town- ship, being the first settler within the borders of that township. There he made a permanent home
and in true pioneer style began life in a little log cabin. Ile at once undertook the task of clearing
the land, which was partially covered with tim- ber, and soon transformed it into a highly eul- tivated tract. He was one of the first in this section to engage in the nursery business. He it was who, assisted by his younger brother, planted sugar maples along the roadside in his native town-the first trees that adorned the streets of Cummington, Massachusetts. P.ince- ton's beauty, which is largely the result of its fine old trees, comes from the efforts of Arthur Bry- ant, Sr. It is said that example is stronger than precept and it was he who set the example of planting trees and adorning the streets of the city and the roadsides by the farms. Amid the hard- ships incident to frontier life with its multi- plicity of varied duties, he found time within two or three years after his arrival here to procure and plant sugar maples along the highway, and to the number of trees which he set out the first year he added from time to time until Maple avenue, or Bryant avenue, as it has been variou-ly ealled, became a landmark and now remains one of the monuments to his memory. As soon as the trees could be secured he commenced to plant a. apple orchard and in 1845 established a nurses. business, which has been continued in the Bryant name to the present time. A thorough botanis'. a lover of nature, especially of trees and plants, h. was always looking out for something new or ras. and on the old homestead may now be found 7 tween eighty and ninety varieties of trees, man!
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PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
of them not common in the state, and most of them, except some of the native varieties, planted and cared for by him. He was one of the organiz- ers of the Northwestern Fruit Growers' Associa- tion and a prominent and influential member of the State Horticultural Society of northern Illi- nois, which societies he served as president and in various other official capacities. He was also vice- president of the American Pomological Society and his opinions regarding questions relative to the nursery business were largely received as au- thority. His wife was one of those vigorous pio- neer women to whom, as much as to the men, Illi- nois owes its progress. Of a kind, sympathetic temperament, she had a keen love for nature and, surviving her husband for several years, she passed her declining days amid the shelter of the friendly trees which she had watched over from their early planting. It was in the year 1882 that Arthur Bryant, Sr., passed away, while his wife survived until 1894.
Environment and inherited tendencies com- bined to make it the natural thing that the sons of the Bryant family should become interested in the growing of trees. The eldest son, Arthur Bryant, is now the head of the nursery firm of Arthur Bryant & Son and is widely recognized as a prominent nurseryman and horticulturist. known throughout the state in this connection and honored as one of the ablest representatives of the business to which he has given his entire atten- tion.
Arthur Bryant, whose name introduces this rec- ord, acquired his early education in the public schools and continued his study under the direc- tion of Rev. A. B. Church and James Smith of Princeton. He remained at home until his mar- riage in 1864 to Miss Elizabeth Hughes, a native of Virginia and a daughter of George Hughes. In 1875 Mr. Bryant located on his present place, com- prising one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land, most of which is devoted to the growing of nursery stock. The work of improve- mient has been carried forward here until it is one of the best nurseries in the state. It is pleasantly and conveniently situated a mile and a quarter south of Princeton and about sixty aeres is de- voted to nursery stock, fruits, shrubs, ornamental trees, etc. He also has, south of his homestead, ninety-five acres in nursery and orchard, and, west of town, has two hundred acres which are largely used for the growing of trees. Mr. Bryant has introduced the Salome apple, of which ho is mak- ing a specialty and which because of its size, qual- ity and favor is finding a ready sale, thirty men being upon the road as representatives of the firm in the sale of this product and of the nursery stock. The farm is equipped with fine buildings and offices, having every modern conveniener and accessory necessary to the successful conduct of the business along scientific lines. Mr. Bryant is both progressive and prosperous and is continually
broadening his knowledge concerning host. ulture in its various phases. Few men are better in- formed concerning the best methods of growing fruit, and while interested in all new theories his sound judgment readily recognizes adaptability and usefulness in these. He has for years been treasurer of the State Horticultural Society; has also been its president and vice-president and a member of its executive board. Ile has likewise been president and vice-president of the Northern Horticultural Society and was one of the three members of the commission having in charge the horticultural exhibit at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. He has been and is a prolific writer on horticultural subjects and has thus become widely known throughout the country.
Mr. Bryant takes a deep interest in the causo of education. He has been a member of the school board and has also been supervisor of his town- ship. His religious faith is indicated by his mem- bership in the Presbyterian church and his various relations are with such organizations and interests as stand for material, intellectual and moral prog- ress. Reared to the business with which he is now connected. he has steadily advanced until he is recognized as one of the most prominent horti- culturists of Illinois and is also willely known be- vond the borders of the state.
ALFRED LUNGREN.
Alfred Lungren, a fruit-grower residing on see- tion 6, Leepertown township, where he has a well improved farm of eighty-four acres, was born in Bureau county, March 12, 1859, his parents being Charles and Mary ( Rapp) Lungren. The mother now resides in Des Moines, Iowa, with her daugh- ter, Mrs. Mary Allmart, but the father passed away in 1862, at the age of forty-five years. He was born in the western part of Sweden, near Stock- holm, and came to Bureau county, Illinois, about fifty-five years ago, at which time he parchased land in Princeton township, where he engaged in farming. Unto him and his wife were born four children : Mrs. Anna Norden, who died at the age of thirty-six years; Selma, the wife of Rev. Pier- son, who died at the age of thirty years; Alfred. of this review, and Mrs. Mary Allmart, of Des Moines, Iowa.
Alfred Lungren was reared in Princeton town- ship, where he resided practically all of the time until he purchased his present farm twenty-two years ago. He pursued a public-school education and in early manhood was connected with farm labor. He spent about a year in Oregon but the middle west was a more congenial place of resi- dence to him and he returned here. He now has a finely improved farm and is making a study of horticultural pursuits. llis attention is devoted mainly to fruit, including peaches anl apples,
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PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY.
which he produces in large quantities and of the finest varieties, having from thirteen to fourteen hundred peach trees upon his place.
Mr. Lungren was married in 1883 to Miss Amanda Westerling, who was born November 1, 1861, in Sweden, and when an infant of wight months was brought to America by her parents, August and Anna ( Hansen) Westerling. After twelve years spent in New York state and one in Michigan they came to Bureau county, Illinois, and the father, in response to the country's need, enlisted at Princeton in defense of the Union cause and was mustered in as a member of Company 1, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry at Quines, on the 31st of January, 1865. Following the close of hostilities he was mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, September 5, 1865, and continued his residence in Bureau county throughout his remaining days, passing away in Princeton, December 12, 1903, when seventy-one years of age. His wife died July 12, 1900, at the age of sixty-three. Mrs. Lungren has two sisters in Princeton, Mrs. Frank Reed and Mrs. William Ellis. She also has a sister and brother in Chi- cago, Mrs. Archie MeDonald and Albert West- erling. Mr. and Mrs. Lungren have one daughter, Leah May, born May 10, 1901.
Politically Mr. Lungren is independent, voting for men and measures rather than for party. He served for one term as road commissioner but has never been a politician in the sense of office seek- ing. Hle belongs to the Lutheran church and is interested in all that pertains to general improve- ment and progress along material, social and inte !- lectual lines. He has done much to further the fruit-raising interests of the county and is num- bered among the leading agriculturists of Leepor- town township.
HENRY STABLER.
Henry Stabler owns and operates a valuable farm of one hundred and seventy-seven aeres in Neponset township. He is one of the native sons of this township, having been born March 31, 1859, upon the farin of his father, Robert Joseph Stabler. His mother bore the maiden name of Martha Brambles and they were well known farm- ing people of this portion of the county, repre- sented elsewhere in this work. The son was edu- eated in The public schools and when not busy with his text-books aided in the work of the fields. When twenty-five years of age he started out in life on his own account and the occupation to which he was reared he has made his life work. He at first had sixty acres of land and later he purchased one hundred and seventeen acres, con- stituting a valuable farming property, for the soil is rich and productive and responds readily to the care and cultivation which is bestowed upon it. He has greatly improved his residence, mak-
ing it one of the model farm properties, 400 Er has recently completed a fine barn with coocien foundation and every modern convenience H. has also built a good corn crib and everything about his place is in keeping with modern ideas m. progressive farming. He raises good grades of stock, including cattle, horses and hogs, and h. has now one hundred and eighty-five hoge upon his place.
Mr. Stabler was married, February 13, 1581, to Miss Alice J. Bumphery, who was born in Henry county, Illinois, July 1, 1863, a daughter of J. P. Bumphery, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. There are three children of this marriage ; Glenn, born November 25, 1881 ; Laura M., July 26, 1881; and Ruby L., January 5, 1896.
Mr. Stabler and his wife attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which she is a member and to the support of which he con- tributes. He has never cared for public office or sought to figure prominently in any public light, preferring to concentrate his time and attention upon his business affairs, and as the years have gone by he has met with a gratifying measure of success. His entire life has been passed in thi- county and that he has lived honorably at all times is indicated by the fact that many of hi- stanchest friends are those who have known hin. from his boyhood and are familiar with his life history.
WILLIAM JLAY.
William May is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on section 18. Selby township, white he owns and operates a finely improved farm of two hundred and thirteen acres that he purchased in 1902. He has been closely identified with agri- eullural interests in his locality for many years and is one of the native sons of the town-bip. his birth having occurred about a mile and a half south of Hollowayville, on the 15th of March. 1848. his parents being Mr. and Mrs. John George May. The mother died during the early boyhood of her son William and the father passe ] away a number of years later. Both were native - of Germany and came to Bureau county at an early day, casting in their lot with the pioncer settlers who were aiding in reclaiming this region for the uses of the white race. For a time they resided in Peru, La Salle county, and subsequently took up their abode on a farm in Selby township. Bureau county. In the family were four sons and two daughters : Leonard, a resident of Peru : William; Henry, living in Selby township ; Jarob. whose home is in Berlin township; Mrs. Barbar: Lang, of Berlin township ; and Mrs. Annie Loves. of lall township.
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