USA > Illinois > DeKalb County > Past and present of DeKalb County, Illinois, Volume I > Part 50
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able succession of engagements was fired at Major Dustin, his orderly and the captain of his com- mand by the advance guard of the enemy at close range. the captain being shot down by the Major's side.
In July. 1862, Major Dustin resigned, re- turned home and assisted in raising the One Hun- dred and Fifth Regiment of Illinois Infantry. which was mustered into service September 2. 1862. at Dixon. Illinois. Major Dustin received the commission of colonel October 4, 1862, and was placed in command of the regiment. Soon after- ward the One Hundred and Fifth joined the Army of the Cumberland, with which it remained throughout the war. In the spring of 1864 with the One Hundred and Second and One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Illinois, the Seventieth Indiana and the Seventy-ninth Ohio. the regiment formed the First Brigade, Third Division of the Twentieth Army Corps. After the Atlanta campaign Colonel Dustin was placed in command of the Second Brig- ade of the same division and corps and remained its commander during the war. Ile accompanied General Sherman on his march to the sea and after the battle of Averysboro. North Carolina. he was brevetted brigadier general. a promotion which was well merited. His commission was received April 9. 1866, ranking from March 16. 1865, and came to him in recognition of his gallant and valorous service in the campaign in Georgia and in South Carolina. Marching with his brigade to Washing- ton he participated in the grand review. and on the ith of June. 1865, was mustered ont, returning home with a record which reflected credit upon the military history of Illinois during the darkest hour in the annals of the country.
General Dustin. however, was not permitted to retire to private life, for soon after his return home he was nominated for civic honors and on the republican ticket was elected county elerk. in which position he served for four years. He was after- ward county treasurer for two years, and in 1880 was elected circuit clerk, filling the office by re- election for ten years. or until he resigned to ac- cept President Harrison's appointment on the 2d of May, 1890. to the position of state treasurer of the United States treasury at Chicago. In that capacity he served with marked ability until his death, which occurred in Carthage. Missouri. March 30. 1892, while vi iting his daughter there.
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General Dustin was ever deeply interested in the welfare of the soldiers, and during the con- struction of the Soldiers and Sailors Home at Quincy he was president of the board of trustees and served as one of its members until his de- mise. His opinions carried weight in the councils of the republican party and his influence was strongly felt. Twice he was the choice of De Kalb county in the republican conventions for con- gressional honors, but withdrew in favor of per- sonal friends. He attained high rank in Masonry, having been initiated into Sycamore lodge, No. 134, May 6, 1859. He took the chapter, council and commandery degrees, served as the highest of- ficer in all these organizations, and in 1872 was elected eminent commander of the grand com- mandery of the Knights Templar of Illinois. Ile was also appointed representative of New Jersey in the Illinois grand lodge. He attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite and for twenty-five years was a sublime prince of the Royal Secret. He held membership in the Congre- gational church, of which organization his wife and daughter are also members. Mrs. Dustin still occupies her pleasant home in Sycamore, where she has many friends.
The announcement of the death of few people has caused such uniform sorrow and regret as was felt in Sycamore and throughout Illinois when it was heard that General Dustin had passed away. Ilis was a most imposing funeral service. He had lived quietly and unostentatiously in his life, but in his death his many friends, comrades and com- panions honored him as he deserved to be hon- ored and at his grave the Knights Templar formed a triangle around his bier with the Grand Army posts in a square outside and fol- lowing the discharge of ten volleys over the grave taps were sounded, indicating that General Dustin had entered upon a sleep which knows no waking in this life. From all over the state came men prominent in the vari- ous walks to pay their last tribute of respect to a loved comrade and friend. A message was received from Benjamin Harrison, then president of the United States, with whom General Dustin had served while in the army. and also from Congress- man Hopkins. The life of General Dustin was noble and quiet, yet full of good deeds, leaving be- hind a memory which overflowed with charity and
a record that is as elean as the untrodden snow.
General Dustin was the soul of honor, was gen- erous to a degree that prevented the accumulation for self, to which men of his energy and ability too often aspire. No plea of a man in need could be refused by him. His soldiers have so often re- marked that he would give his last dollar to a des- titute comrade. He was the true type of the Christian gentleman. Stern in discipline, but when that military morale so necessary to success was accomplished he was as gentle as a child. Ilis hold upon the hearts of men in the camp, field and civil life marked him for preferment because of his great sympathy and love for humanity. Had his talents been employed in the forum he would have been as forceful as in the field, for when his heart was stirred and his sympathies aroused in a just cause he spoke with a fervency and energy that stirred men. His almost boyish enthusiasm made him a favorite of young men. He could not be half hearted. Such men were the strong support of Sherman and Grant in war. Such men in halls of state were the strong right arm of Abraham Lincoln in those troublous times of 1861 to 1865. No man was more devotedly loved in De Kalb county. while in his home city, to those who met hin daily, he was an object of veneration ; and no man has added gretter luster to this county's history than did this noble patriot. One of his last acts was characteristic of his patriotism and the deep attachment which he ever felt for his country. While upon his death bed he asked that the flag be brought to the bedside, and then turning to those around him requested that three cheers be given for Old Glory, and when he was lowered to his last restoing place there was wrapped about him this same silken emblem of the country, which he had so loved and which he had served so faithfully.
LEWIS M. GROSS.
Lewis M. Gross, the fourth child of William and Harriet (Ault) Gross, was born in Mayfield town- ship, De Kalb county, on the 11th of June, 1863. Ile lived the life of a country lad. attending the distriet school and working on his father's farm. At fifteen his summer work at school terminated.
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Later, however. he attended the Sycamore high school. of which he is a graduate of the class of 1885. He taught for one year in the district school and for two years was principal of the Cortland school and for two years of the Kirkland school. During the summer months he attended different summer schools, receiving special train- ing, and has completed eight extensive courses in United States history in the Chicago Uni- versity. In 1890 he was elected county super- intendent of schools in De Kalb county and by re-election was continued in the office for sixteen years. The schools made substantial progress under his direction. and that the public recog- nized his ability is indicated by the fact that he was so long continued in the position. From 1900 until 1906 he was a member of the Illinois State Teachers' Reading Circle board and for five years was its manager. lle has thus gained recognition in education circles as a foremost representative of the work in the state, aud is par- tienlarly well known as one whose historical knowl- edge is far above the average.
Mr. Gross is a Mason of the thirty-second de- gree and also affiliates with the Modern Wood- men and the Odd Fellows. He was reared a Methodist and is a supporter of that denomina- tion. Hle belongs to the Illinois and National Historical societies and is deeply interested in the research and investigation which are promoting a knowledge of American history, both in its local and national phases. At the present writing. in 1902. he is engaged in business in Sycamore.
HON. CHARLES A. BISHOP.
llon. Charles A. Bishop is one of the most dis- tinguished members of the Illinois bar, who since 1886 has been continuously upon the bench, first as county judge until 1897 and since that time as circuit judge. He is a man of fine physique, be- ing six feet four inches in height and well pro- portioned, and his stature is indicative of his char- acter, for in his life he has displayed a breadth of view together with high and honorable purposes and principles that have everywhere commanded for him the trust and admiration of his fellow- men.
His life record began in Nova Scotia, September 26. 1854. his parents being Adolphus and Joanna (Willett) Bishop. The family was represented in New England at an early period in the colonization of the new world, but more recent generations were natives of Nova Scotia. John Bishop, Sr .. after the French were expelled from Nova Scotia, upon invitation of Governor Lawrence, was one of the colonists who took possession of the land previously occupied by the French-Canadians. Many there were who went from the British colonies along the Atlantic shore to different parts of Nova Scotia and John Bishop, Sr., removed from Connecticut to Horton about the year 1762, accompanied by his four sons, Colonel John Bishop, Captain Wil- liam Bishop and Peter and Timothy Bishop. The line of descent is traced down through Captain William Bishop. Sr .. and Captain William Bishop. Jr. Judge Bishop is the possessor of the sword worn by his great-grandfather, Captain William Bishop, Jr., at the time he was captured by an American privateer in Minas Basin. IIe was cap- tain of a company of militia and when he saw the privateer coming up the bay, got some of his men together. manned a vessel that was faulty. and went out to give battle to the privateer. They were soon, however, captured and placed in irons in the hold of the privateer. Captain Bishop. during the first night, succeeded in getting out of his irons and releasing his men and conceived the idea of capturing the crew of the privateer. Be- ing physically a giant in strength he went on deek, followed by his crew, armed with whatever they could get. Captain Bishop grappled with the guard. fell on the deck holding the man over him, and when the crew of the vessel tried to bayonet him he would shield himself with the guard by moving him from side to side. The struggle was short. The crew of the privateer. being taken by surprise, were soon captured and Captain Bishop and his crew had control shortly of the vessel, which they brought into port. where Wolfville, Nova Scotia, now is. and the sword worn by him on that occasion has been handed down to the oldest in the family and is now in possession of Judge Bishop.
Gordon Bishop, the grandfather of our subject. who was born in Nova Scotia and spent his entire life in Kings county, where through the period of his manhood he followed agricultural pursuits. He
Charles Q. Bishop
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married Lonisa Oakes, and they became the par- personal following and that the general public ents of eight children: Eunice Ann, Mary Eliza. Adolphus, Edward, James L., Allen, Ainsley and Charles A.
Of this number Adolphus Bishop was born in Kings county, Nova Scotia, May 26, 1829, and he, too, has made farming his life work, his home be- ing at Grand Pre, Nova Scotia. IIe wedded Jo- anna Willett, who was born at Annapolis, Nova Scotia. August 27, 1833, the marriage being cele- brated at Horton, on the 30th of March, 1852. The wife died November 3, 1861. Their children were Charles Alford. David Averd and Franklin Willett, but the last named died July 4, 1894. The second son is living at Truro, Nova Scotia. For his second wife Adolphus Bishop chose Mary E. Willett and they had two children : Ernest A .. who died in infancy ; and Nellie May, who passed away December 1, 1896, at the age of twenty-one years. The mother was called to her final rest October 3, 1890, and since that time Adolphus Bishop has married Louise Faulkner.
At the usual age Judge Bishop became a student in the public schools of Nova Scotia and supple- mented his preliminary intellectual training by study in the academy at Arcadia, and afterward in the academy at Mount Allison, Sackville, New Brunswiek, where he pursued a special three years' course. Entering the field of educational work, he was for two years principal of the high school at Sackville and then made his way to Illinois, ar- riving in Syeamore on the 1st of Jnne, 1878. It was his desire to become a member of the bar, and after reading in the office and under the direction of H. A. Jones, he was admitted to practice in June, 1880. His success came soon, because his equipment was unusually good. He thoroughly mastered the fundamental principles of the law and, added to this, was a fine presence and a habit of clear thought and logical reasoning which gave adequate expression in the presentation of his eause before the courts. He entered into practice with his preceptor under the firm name of Jones & Bishop, a relation that was maintained until the 19th of October, 1886.
In that year Judge Bishop was a candidate be- fore the republican convention for the nomination of county judge, but was defeated through political combinations. He then announced himself as an independent candidate, and that he had a strong
placed the utmost confidence in his professional ability and integrity is shown by the fact that he received majorities in fourteen of the eighteen townships of the county and became county judge. Four years later he was nominated in the repub- lican convention by acclamation and again received endorsement at the polls. A similar condition oe- curred in 1894 and he served on the county bench until 1896, when he resigned, having been nomi- nated for circuit judge from the twelfth district on the 3d of February, 1897. When the state was re-districted he was again chosen for the office and now presides over the sixteenth district, compris- ing De Kalb, Kane, Du Page and Kendall coun- ties. He has made an excellent presiding officer in both the county and circuit courts. He is particu- larly free from judicial bias, is an able exponent of the law and recognizes with peculiar clearness and accuracy the relation of the principles of juris- prudence to the points in litigation. His decisions therefore have been strictly fair and impartial and have received the endorsement of the bar as well as the laity.
On the 25th of August, 1880, occurred the mar- riage of Judge Bishop and Parmelia Wharry, of Sycamore, a daughter of Major Evans and Martha (Smith) Wharry. Her girlhood days were spent in Sycamore, her native city, and her education was completed in Wellesley College, in Massachu- setts. Her death. which occurred April 13, 1889, was the occasion of most sincere regret to a very large number of friends. On the 25th of Novem- ber. 1890, Judge Bishop wedded Martha E. Stuart, a daughter of Charles T. and Nancy D. (Hutch- ins) Stuart. Her paternal grandparents were Nathan and Roxanna (Phelps) Stuart. Her fa- ther was born April 13, 1819, and departed this lite October 13. 1892, survived by his widow and a daughter and son. Mrs. Bishop and Charles H. Stuart. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Bishop were Solomon and Nancy (Dillingham ) Hutchins, and to the same family belonged Gov- ernor Paul Dillingham, of Vermont. Judge and Mrs. Bishop have become parents of a son and danghter: Stuart A., born August 21, 1892 : and Marian O., born January 7, 1896.
The Judge and his wife attend the Congrega- tional church. Fraternally he is a member of Sye- amore lodge, No. 134. A. F. & A. M .: Sycamore
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chapter, No. 49, R. A. M. ; Sycamore commandery, No. 15, K. T .; and of Oriental Consistory, Valley of Chicago, and to Medinah Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine: and is a past high priest of Syca- more chapter and past eminent commander of Sycamore commandery. He is likewise a member of De Kalb lodge. No. 165. B. P. O. E. : Sycamore lodge. No. 105, 1. 0. O. F : the Ellwood encamp- ment of Odd Fellows; and also of the Modern Woodmen of America. The Judge and his wife are most prominent socially. while the hospitality of their home-warm hearted and generous-is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.
ADOLPHI PETERSON.
Adolph Peterson is a mason contractor of De Kalb who came to America in 186; and has since remained in this country, feeling a most loyal at- tachment to its institutions and its plan of gov- ernment. Ile found here the business opportuni- tres which he sought and which, by the way, are always open to determined, ambitious young men. and by the improvement of these he has earned a, comfortable living and a goodly competence. Mr. Peterson was born in Sweden on the 19th of April, 1843. his parents being Peter Magmis and Christine Ellis, who spent their entire lives i": Sweden, the father following the occupation of farming in order to provide for the support of his family. The children were: Charles. who lived for ten years in this country, where he en- gaged in business as a carpenter contractor. but now follows farming in Oelland, Sweden : P. A., superintendent of a large furniture factory in Rockford. Illinois: Adolph, of this review; Mrs. Homer, of Oak Park; Mrs. Shogeen, of Sunrise. Minnesota : and Mrs. Johnson. of Smolen, Sweden.
Adolph Peterson. the fourth in order of birth. was reared in his native country, acquired a com- mon-school education there and afterward worked on his father's farm until eighteen years of age. when he began learning the mason's trade, which he has sinee pursued, being engaged in that line for five years in his native country. He then re- solved to come to America, attracted by the broader business opportunities of the new world. and on the 5th of May, 1862. he sailed for this
country, reaching De Kalb on the 28th of the same month. He has since lived in this county and has been continuously connected with the mason's trade in the city of De Kalb, taking many contract jobs during these years. That he has prospered is indicated by the fact that he now owns his residence in the city and other property. Ilis life has been one of continuous activity, in which has been accorded a due recognition of labor.
While in Sweden Mr. Peterson belonged to the militia of his native country. In politics he lias been a republican since becoming a naturalized American citizen and has been somewhat active in local political circles, serving for two years as alderman of the third ward of De Kalb and at all times standing as stalwart champion of the principles and platform of his party. He be- longs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity. his membership being in lodge No. 215, and he is also connected with the Royal Arcanmun and with the Swedish Benefit AAssociation, while his religions faith is indicated by his membership in the Swed- ish Lutheran church.
Mr. Peterson was married February 26, 1862. in De Kalb, to Miss Minnie Lundberg, who was born in Sweden, March 14, 1844. Her parents were John and Christine Lundberg, both natives of that country and in their family were four children, of whom Mrs. Peterson is the youngest. By her marriage she became the mother of two sons : Theodore B., born December 28. 1810; and Elmer S .. born March 1. 18:6. The wife and mother died February 1, 1898. since which time Mr. Peterson lived alone in his own home at No. 51; Pine street. He is a self-made man who came to America without any knowledge of the English language but has through his business integrity and diligence gained a goodly property, has edu- cated his children and has become a substantial citizen of De Kalb.
GEORGE KNELL.
George Knell, who resides on a farm adjoining the village of Shabbona. was born in the county of Kent, England. December 17, 1828. and has therefore passed the seventy-eighth milestone on life's journey. His father. Mathew Knell. was
ADOLPH PETERSON.
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born in England, where he followed the occupa- tion of farming. but was never a landowner. Ile died at the early age of thirty-four years, while his wife passed away at the very advanced age of ninety-four years, about six years ago. She bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Reynolds and was also a native of County Kent, England. After los- ing her first husband she became the wife of Austin Owen. By her first marriage she had two children, the younger being James Knell, who lives in England. By her second marriage there were two daughters, who are also residents of Eng- land, while another daughter and son are deceased.
George Knell spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his native country, residing in England until he was twenty-four years of age. He was married on the 19th of October, 1852, to Miss Harriet Hooper, whose birth occurred in County Kent in 1826. Her father, William Hooper, was also born in that county and followed the ocen- pation of farming as his life work. He died at the age of eighty-one years. His wife, Elizabeth May Hooper, was born in County Kent and her death occurred when she had reached the age of eighty-four years. They had a large family but all are now deceased with the exception of one daugh- ter who is still living in England and Mrs. Knell.
Following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Knell started for the United States and were six weeks and three days on the water as passengers on the sailing vessel Prince Albert. They landed at New York city and with a friend went to Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Knell worked on a farm in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, for sixteen months and in the fall of 1854 drove across country with a team to Illi- nois. He located in Paw Paw township. De Kalb county, near the Grove, and rented a small tract of land. In the fall of 1857, he rented a part of Pierpont Edward's farm, whereon he lived for a year, and in 1858 rented another farm, upon which he lived for two years. On the expiration of that period, he purchased forty aeres in the same neighborhood and also bought the house upon Mr. Edward's farm, which he had removed to his own traet of land. There he lived until the springof 1856 when he sold that property and took up his abode in Shabbona township. He owns one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 32 and devoted his time and energies to its cultivation for eleven years, after which he established his home on his
present farm, adjoining the village of Shabbona. Ile has become one of the extensive landowners of the county, possessing eight hundred and thirty- three acres of land, which he purchased from time to time. This is very valuable and he is now the largest taxpayer in the township.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Knell was born one daugh- ter, Elizabeth II., whose birth occurred in Ohio in 1853 and who is now the wife of George Lover- ing, a merchant of Shabbona. He was born in Boone county, Illinois, in 1851, and since 1826 has been engaged in business in Shabbona. Unto him and his wife have been born two children, Mrs. W. J. Olmstead, of Shabbona township; and William K., sixteen years of age.
Mr. and Mrs. Knell were reared in the Episco- pal faith, but have attended different churches since coming to De Kalb county. Mr. Knell's carly political allegiance was given the republican _party-and he afterward became a supporter of the greenback party, the principles of which he still advocates. For several years, however, he has not voted or taken any active part in political inter- ests. He never aspired to office and has filled 220 position save that of school director. He has dis- played good business qualities, is far-sighted, has made jndicious investments and has become a large property holder.
DAVID WADDELL.
David Waddell, who is now living practically retired, although he engages to some extent in gardening, is a veteran of the Civil war and as snch well deserves mention in this volume, for as long as memory remains to the American peo- ple they will owe a debt of gratitude which can never be repaid to the loyal sons of the nation who fought for the preservation of the Union on southern battle-fields.
Mr. Waddell was born in Belmont county, Ohio. September 13, 1839. His father, David Waddell. Sr., also a native of Ohio was born in 1800 and lived and died in the state of his nativity. He first married Isabelle Frizzell and after her death he wedded Euphemia Garrett, whose birth occur- red in Loudoun county, Virginia, in 1809. The
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