USA > Illinois > DeKalb County > Past and present of DeKalb County, Illinois, Volume I > Part 53
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Kalb, as well as La Salle county. He has now passed the seventy-first milestone on life's journey and is well entitled to the rest which he is now enjoying, for his early years were fraught with toil and his efforts have been crowned with a grat- ifying measure of prosperity.
SIMEON VAN DUSEN.
Simeon Van Dusen is a retired farmer residing at No. 230 East Sycamore street, where he has made his home for the past four years. He was born in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, April 11, 1833, and was ten years of age when he came to Illinois, settling in De Kalb county. He is therefore num- bered among its pioneer residents, his memory forming a connecting link between the primitive past and the progressive present. He was reared to farm life, aiding in the labors of the fields through the summer months, while in the winter seasons he attended the public schools. He cou- tinuously resided upon the old homestead farm until his removal to Sycamore, and he brought the place under a high state of cultivation, adding to i: many modern equipments and improvements, such as are an indication of progressive, practical and successful farming.
On the 18th of March, 1858, Mr. Van Dusen was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Sibley, a daughter of Harris and Lavina (Snow) Sibley. She was born in Clarendon, New York, April 14, 1840, and when but five years of age was brought by her parents to Illinois, the family home being established at St. Charles, Kane county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Van Dusen have been born two sons and a daughter. William, the eldest, now operat- ing his father's farm of two hundred aeres in Syca- more township. married Miss Cora Listy, who was born in De Kalb county. They have three chil- dren-Simeon, Della and Guy. Frank Van Du- sen. living in Sycamore, married Miss Susie Ben- nett of De Kalb county, and has two children, Laura and James. Frank Van Dusen is employed at the electric plant. The only daughter, Della, died December 12, 1882, at the age of twenty-four years. She had married Ed Renwick, who resides at De Kalb, and she left a son, Edwin, who has
been reared by Mr. and Mrs. Van Dusen. Since attaining his majority he has married Lizzie Ben- ecke, who was born in De Kalb county and is a daughter of Emil Benecke, a tailor of Sycamore and a resident of the city for the past twenty years. Mr. and Mrs. Renwick now reside with his grand- parents, Mr. and Mrs. Van Dusen.
Mr. Van Dusen gave his political allegiance to the whig party early in life, thus following in his father's political footsteps. On the dissolution of that party he joined the ranks of the new repub- lican party, of which he has since been an earnest advocate. Since attaining his majority he has almost continuously served in public office, being constable, road commissioner for twelve years, and school trustee of Sycamore township for thirty- three years, and is still serving in that position. He became a member of the Odd Fellows society in 1815 and is identified with both the lodge and encampment at Sycamore, having practically filled all of the chairs in the local organization. He also joined the Rebekah degree. Mr. Van Dusen has now passed the seventy-fourth milestone on life's journey, and he well merits the rest which has been vouchsafed to him, for through a long period he was an active, energetic farmer and one whose business record was characterized by all that is straightforward and honorable. Few men have more intimate knowledge of the history of the county or have longer witnessed its growth and progress than he, and he relates many interesting incidents concerning the early days when this sec- tion of the state was largely an unsettled district, the prairie land having been unclaimed and unenl- tivated. while only here and there was a settlement to give evidence that the tide of emigration w.is flowing westward.
AMEIL GEORGE.
Ameil George, living in Clinton township upon a farm of eighty acres. on section 25. was born in Victor township, this county, February 5, 1869. His parents were natives of France and came to the United States in 1860. The father was mar- ried three times, and by the first union had four children-Frank. Ameil. Ellen and Edward, de- ceased. By the second marriage there was one
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child that died in infancy. and by the third mar- riage there was a daughter. Anna. who is now liv- ing with her father in Somonauk. Illinois. The father has lost his third wife and makes his home with his youngest daughter. having retired from . active business cares.
Mr. George of this review was reared to the life of the agriculturist, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that constitute farm work. Having arrived at years of maturity. he wedded Mary Kukuk and they became the parents of four children-Myrtle, born March 6. 1894: Margaret. August 4. 1895 ; Clarence, May 14. 1892, and Or- ban. January 16. 1901. Having lost his first wife. Mr. George has since married Mary Faivre. who was born in May township. Lee county, Illinois. December 5. 1861. Her parents were natives of France and came to the United States in 185%, lo- cating in Lee county. Illinois. In their family were twelve children. of whom Mrs. George is the eldest. the others being Delphine: Frank : Joseph- ino: one who died in infancy: Louis: Constant : Joseph : Paul and Andrew, who died in infancy : Tillie. who is living : and Albert. the youngest, who died October 2, 1892. The second marriage of MI ... George was celebrated on the 29th of May. 1905. and by this union there has been born one son. Joseph, whose birth occurred March 19. 1906.
The family home is upon a good farm of eighty acres of rich and productive land on section 25. Clinton township, and to its further development and improvement Mr. George gives his time and attention. In politics he is a democrat. and both he and his wife are members of the Catholic church.
HON. JOHN LOWRIE BEVERIDGE.
John Lowrie Beveridge, who served as governor of Illinois from 18:3 until 18:6. was born in the town of Greenwich. Washington county. New York. July 6. 1824. and is a son of George and Ann Beveridge. His paternal grandparents were Andrew and Isabelle Beveridge, who emigrated to this country from Scotland prior to the Revolu- tionary war and settled in Washington county. New York. where they were married. In their family were eight sons. the youngest of whom lived to be sixty years of age. On the maternal
side Mr. Beveridge is also of Scotch descent. his grandparents. James and Agnes Hoy. having come to this country from Scotland after the close of the war for independence. and they. too. located in Washington county. New York. Their eldest child was born while crossing the Atlantic. The parent> of Mr. Beveridge were members of the Associate church, a seceding Presbyterian body. and lived earnest Christian lives.
Mr. Beveridge received a good common-school education, but his parents, who could obtain a livelihood only by economy and industry. could not send him away to college. He was reared upon a farm and was in his eighteenth year when the family removed to De Kalb county. Illinois, when this section of the state was sparsely settled. At that time Chicago contained less than seven thou- sand inhabitants. Here he worked at farm labor and taught school during the winter months to supply the means for an education. In the fall of 1842 he attended one term at the academy at Granville, Putnam county. Illinois, and subse- quently several terms at Rock River Seminary. at Mount Morris, Ogle county. Illinois. completing the academic course. At this time, the fall of 1845. his parents and brothers were anxious to have him go to college, even though he had not money sufficient, but not willing to burden the family he paeked his trunk and with only forty dollars in money started south to seek his for- tune. Poor. alone. without friends and influence. he thus entered upon the battle of life. He first taught school in Wilson. Overton and Jackson counties. Tennessee. in which experience he un- derwent considerable mental drill in book study and in the ways of the world. He read law and was admitted to the bar while in the south. but did not learn to love the institution of slavery. al- though he admired many features of southern character.
Returning north in December. 1847. Mr. Bev- eridge was united in marriage January 20. 1848, to Miss Helen MI. Judson, in the old Clark Street Methodist Episcopal church at Chicago. her fa- ther being pastor of the same at that time. That spring he returned with his wife to Tennessee. where two of his children. Alla May and Philo Judson, were born.
In the fall of 1849. through the mismanage- ment of an associate, he lost what little he had
JohnL Beverly
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
accumulated and was left in debt, but was soon able to pay off all the indebtedness and then re- turned to De Kalb county, Illinois, entering upon the practice of his profession at Syeamore. On his arrival here his cash capital consisted of only a quarter of a dollar and besides this he had only a scanty supply of clothing and bedding for him- self and family. He borrowed a little money. practiced law, worked in public offices, kept books for some of the business men of the town and alid some railroad engineering until the spring of 1854. when he removed to Evanston, but recently laid out under the supervision of the Northwest- ern University. a Methodist institution, of which his father-in-law was then financial agent and business manager. Here Mr. Beveridge prospered and in 1855 opened a law office in Chicago.
On the 12th of August. 1861. his law partner, General John F. Farnsworth, secured authority to raise a regiment of cavalry and authorized Mr. Beveridge to raise a company for it, which he succeeded in doing in a few days, of course hin- self enlisting. This regiment rendezvoused at St. Charles, Illinois, was mustered in September 18. and on its organization Mr. Beveridge was elected second major. On the 11th of October it was at- tached to the Eighth Cavalry and to the Army of the Potomac. He served with the regiment until 1863. participating in some forty battles and skirmishes, being at Fair Oaks, the seven days' fight around Richmond, Fredericksburg. Chancel- lorsville and Gettysburg. He commanded the regi- ment the greater part of the summer of 1863 and it was while lying in camp that year that he origi- nated the policy of encouraging recruits as well as the fighting capacity of soldiery by the whole- sale furlough system. It worked so well that many other officers adopted it. In the fall of 1863 he recruited another company and in the following January was commissioned colonel of the Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry and skirmished around in Missouri. In 1865 he commanded vari- ous sub-districts in the southwest. He was mus- tered out on the 6th of February. 1866, and re- turned to his home.
Mr. Beveridge then resumed the practice of law in Chicago but without a library and no college education and no political experi- ence except to lead others into office. In the fall of 1866 he was elected sheriff
of Cook county, serving one term, and on his re- tirement from that office devoted his attention to the practice of law again. In November, 1870, he was elected state senator and the following fall was elected congressman at large. In November, 1872. he was made lieutenant governor on the tieket with Governor Oglesby, and when the latter was elected to the United States senate Mr. Beveridge became Governor January 21. 1823. The principal events during his administration were: The completion of the revision of the statutes begun in 1869, the partial success of the "Farmers Movement." "Haine's Legislature" and Illinois' exhibit at the centennial.
After his retirement from that office Mr. Beve- ridge became a member of the firm of Beveridge & Dewey, bankers and dealers in commercial paper at No. 21 Dearborn street, Chicago, and in the fall of 1881 was made assistant United States treasurer with office in the Gevernment building. He con- tinued to make his home in Evanston for many vears but now resides in Los Angeles, California. For years he was recognized as one of the most prominent and influential inen of Illinois.
MATHEW O'MALLEY.
Mathew O'Malley owns and conducts a farm of « ne hundred and sixty-five acres in De Kalb town- ship, his place being located on sections 24 and 25. His farm is a good property and in its supervision Mr. O'Malley displays practical and progressive methods. He is one of Illinois' native sons, haï- ing been born in Will county, September 17, 1854. His parents were Dominick and Judith (Duffy) ('Malley, natives of Ireland, who came to the United States in 1849, settling in Wisconsin, where they lived for a short time. They afterward re- moved to Dixon, Illinois, and Mr. O'Malley worked on the construction of the Great Western Railroad. Hle afterward went to Kane county, this state. where he was engaged in farming and subsequently took up his abode at Maple Park, Kano county, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1904. His wife had passed away two years prior to that time.
Mathew O'Malley is indebted to the public- school system of this state for the educational priv-
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ileges he enjoyed. He worked for his father until twenty-eight years of age, and early became fa- miliar with all the duties and labors connected with the life of the agriculturist. He has always followed farming and is now the owner of one hundred and sixty-five aeres in De Kalb township, which he has supplied with the latest improved machinery and all modern equipments, which he utilizes in successfully carrying on his farm work.
In 1888 Mr. O'Malley was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Kervin, and they have five chil- dren-William, who was born July 22, 1892, and who is now a high-school student in De Kalb : Frances D., who was born January 19, 1894; Mary, who was born March 8, 1896; Mathew, born December 26, 1898; John, born March 9, 1900. The three younger children are in the district school.
Mr. O'Malley has always been a democrat, and, while not a politician in the sense of office seek- ing, he yet keeps well informed on questions and issues of the day. He has served as school director for the past two years and is still in office. Both he and his wife are communicants of the Catholic church of DeKalb.
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ARVINE W. MARVIN.
The business interests of De Kalb find a worthy representative in Arvine W. Marvin, senior part- ner of the firm of Marvin & Bagg, plumbers. A native of Saxeville. Wisconsin, he is the son of Seth and Sarah ( Billings) Marvin, both natives of the state of New York. After living for some time in the state of Wisconsin, the father brought his family to Illinois in 1866, settling in Oregon, where he has since made his home. He is a car- penter by trade, and throughout his life has been identified with building operations. At the time of the Civil war he espoused the union cause and served for three years and three months in defense of the stars and stripes, with a Wisconsin regi- ment. There were three children in his family, of whom one is now deceased.
Arvine W. Marvin pursued his education in the public schools of Oregon, Illinois, and Mount Mor- ris College, Illinois. His collegiate work being fin- ished. he began following the plumber's trade.
which he had learned during the periods of vaca- tion and in the interval between his public school and college courses. It had been in this way that he had earned the money necessary for his educa- tion. Ile spent several years in Chicago, thence went to Oregon, Illinois, where he remained for a time, and about fourteen years ago came to De Kalb in the same business. In 1906 he started iu business on his own account with Mr. Bagg, form- ing the present firm of Marvin & Bagg. They have met with success even beyond their expecta- tions, have received liberal support from the pub- lic and are doing a good plumbing business. They are recognized as reliable merchants in their line and a thorough knowledge of the trade as prac- tical workmen enables them to carefully direct the labors of those whom they employ.
Mr. Marvin was married in Baraboo, Wisconsin. in 1896, to Miss Mary Carroll, a native of De Kalb. Her father was Mike Carroll, a native of Ireland, and the mother bore the maiden name of Anna Harris. She, too, was born on the Emerald isle, and both parents are now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Marvin has been born a son, Seth C .. whose natal day was June 28, 1902. Mr. Marvin belongs to Bacon camp, No. 1:3. S. V., and in polities he is a republican, but his close applica- tion to business leaves him little time for political work.
He has advanced by his own efforts and is to- day regarded as an enterprising and substantial business man, who, while carefully controlling his individual interests, also finds time to keep well in- formed on the questions of the day and to keep in touch with the trend of modern thought and im- provement.
SAMUEL M. SANDERSON.
Samuel M. Sanderson, who resides on section 30, Milan township. is the owner of four hun- dred acres of well improved land, which is kept under the highest state of cultivation. He was born in La Salle county, Illinois, July 31, 1853. and is the son of Sander H. Sanderson, a native of Norway. who came to the United States with his father, Henry Sanderson, who located in La Salle county, Illinois, being among the first of the Norwegian nationality to locate in that county.
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Sander H. Sanderson was the oldest of a family of six children, all of whom had to walk the greater part of the way from Chicago to La Salle county. In that county he married Ann Moland. a native of Norway, who came to this country in childhood. The occupation in which Mr. Sander- son engaged in La Salle county was that of a farmi- er, and on his removal to De Kalb county, in 1863, he continued that vocation, purchasing eighty acres of unimproved land, to which he later added another eighty acres, giving him a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres of excellent prairie land. Ile became quite a prominent man in Milan township and served ten years as justice of the peace and also held other official positions. lle was very helpful to the Norwegians settling in his neighborhood and did them many a good turn. Ile died in Milan township in 1883, while his wife preceded him only about one week.
Samuel MI. Sanderson was the second in order of birth in the family of five sons and four daugh- ters who grew to mature age, all of whom are yet living and are married. One, Ole, died in infancy. . counties. Our subject was reared in De Kalb county and educated in the common schools, attending during the winter months and assisting his father in the farm work at other seasons of the year. He re- mained with his father until he reached his ma- jority and later formed a partnership with him and engaged in the general mercantile business at Lee for five years, during which time he re- ceived a good business training.
In La Salle county, Illinois, September 10, 1824, Mr. Sanderson was united in marriage with Miss Betsy K. Halverson, a native of La Salle county and a daughter of Knute Halverson, who was born in Norway and was likewise one of the early Norwegians locating in La Salle county. Im- mediately after his marriage Mr. Sanderson rented a farm and later purchased eighty acres, where he now resides, and to which he added eighty acres adjoining, making him a fine farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres. The place was partially im- proved when he purchased, but he has remodeled the house and erected various outbuildings, and is now one of the most successful farmers in the township. He is also a stockholder, secretary and manager of the Lee Creamery Association. an en- terprise which has been quite successful. and has
been cashier of the Lee State Bank since its or- ganization on the 14th of November, 1904.
To Mr. and Mrs. Sanderson twelve children have been born. six of whom died in infancy and early childhood. The living are Harvey C., San- der E., Eva A., Kinnie O., Lester E. and Vira M. Politically Mr. Sanderson is a republican and has given his support to that party since 1876. Hle has taken quite an active part in local politics, and was elected and served one term as township collector, and in 1895 was elected supervisor of his township, has been re-elected, and is now serr- ing his sixth term. Ile has made a very faithful and efficient officer, rendering complete satisfac- tion to his constituents. His influence has always been in favor of good schools, and to that end he has given much of his time as a member of the school board and clerk of his school district. He and his wife are earnest and consistent members of the Lutheran church. His life has been an active one and his friends are many, not only in Milan township but throughout De Kalb and Lee
THOMAS T. WILSON.
Thomas T. Wilson owns and cultivates eighty acres of land on section 20. Victor township, con- stituting one of the well improved farms near Le- land. It is about three miles from the village, and the well tilled fields and improvements upon the place indicate the progressive spirit and untiring energy of the owner, who, since 1855, has been a resident of De Kalb county. He is of English birth, the place of his nativity being Cambridge- shire, while his natal day was March 8, 1834. His father, James Wilson, was also born in Cambridge- shire, where he spent his boyhood and youth. He afterward married Sarah Thornhill, an English lady, and following that important event in his life gave his attention to general agricultural pursuits.
Thomas T. Wilson was reared to the age of eighteen years upon the farm on which his birth occurred. He then determined to establish his home in the new world, for he had heard many favorable reports concerning its superior business opportunities and advantages. Accordingly he
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sailed for the United States in 1853 in company with an uncle, John Wilson, who was an old resi- dent of Jamestown, New York, having come to the United States in 1834. He had been on a visit to England, and on his return his nephew accompanied him to the United States. Thomas T. Wilson continued to reside in the state of New York for about two years and then came westward to Illinois with three other young men. Their destination was De Kalb county, and here Mr. Wilson went to work as a farm hand by the month, being thus employed for several years. In 185: he went to Kansas, where he continued until 1859. For one year of that time he was in a store in Atchison. Returning to Illinois in 1859, he again worked at farm labor by the month until 1820. when he began farming on his own ac- count.
On the 3d of May, 1832, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage in Victor township, De Kalb county, to Miss Mary Ann Bond, who was born in Lincoln- shire. England, and in her childhood days was brought to the I'nited States by her parents. They located on the farm which Mr. Wilson had pre- viously purchased, and his undivided time and energies were devoted to the work of the farm. 1Je drained the land by the judicious use of tile, fenced the fields, erected a comfortable residence, built good barns and outbuildings, set out an or- chard, and. in fact, made the farm what it is to- day-a valuable property, equipped with all mod- ern accessories. Mr. Wilson also raises a good grade of full-blooded shorthorn cattle and also some high grade hogs, and annually places a large number on the market. He is a member of the Victor Township Mutual Insurance Company.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been born two daughters: Sarah Matilda and Esther Jane, the latter now at home. The former is the wife of William G. Parks, a resident of Wright county, Iowa, and they have four sons and two daughters. Politically Mr. Wilson is a republican, and cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont in 1856, while in 1860 he supported Abraham Lin- coln. He has been a member of the school board for two or three years. but has never sought or desired the honors and emoluments of political office. He came to De Kalb county tifty-two years ago, and during the years of his residence here he has not only been prosperous in his undertakings
but has also contributed to the agricultural inter- ests of the community. He started out in life empty-handed, but possessed strong purpose and unfaltering determination, and upon these quali- ties as a foundation he has builded the super- structure of his success.
ITERBERT WELLS FAY.
Herbert Wells Fay, editor of the De Kalb Re- riew, was born February 28, 1859, in Squaw Grove township, De Kalb county, Illinois, and is the son of Edwin Horace and Ann ( Haywood ) Fay, extended mention of whom is made on au- other page of this work. Mr. Fay is a grandson of Horace W. Fay, the second member of the legis- lature from De Kalb county, and his sketch is also to be found in this work.
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