USA > Illinois > DeKalb County > Past and present of DeKalb County, Illinois, Volume I > Part 56
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Personally Mr. MeEwen was inclined to be somewhat austere and reserved in manner, but on occasion, with those he knew well and liked, he could be the most companionable of men, bright, witty and delightfully entertaining. His fund ef reminiscences of the early days of the county was
inexhaustible. Hle knew all the men of those times. was connected with every important movement and to hear him describe in his keen incisive man- ner the happenings of those far off days was in- teresting and instructive, as many of the younger men of De Kalb well know. By reason of his great natural ability, reinforced by much reading and deep study and his exceptional grasp of affairs he was one of the chosen leaders of his time and be it said that it never was recorded of him that he was recreant to any trust. Among those who knew him best his friendship was highly prized and a high value placed upon his counsel. He lived a long and useful life, filling out the full measure of his days, active and vigorous to the last, a striking example of what can be accom- plished by dauntless determination and sturdy en- deavor. In going the way of all the old pioneers he leaves behind him an impress on the affairs of his time which shall be his most enduring monu- ment.
SHERMAN T. COLBY.
Sherman T. Colby, a farmer residing on section 33, Milan township, was born February 19, 1865, in Shabbona township, his parents being Edward R. and Deborah (Simpson) Colby, both of whom were natives of the state of New York. The father came to De Kalb county in the '50s, settling on a tract of land of eighty acres in Shabbona town- ship, which he cultivated until 1869. He then sold that property and bought one hundred and sixty acres in Milan township. This he continued to farm until his death, which occurred in 1889. HIe was married in this county about 1863 to De- borah Simpson, who is now living in Lee.
The educational advantages which were afforded Sherman T. Colby in his boyhood days were those offered by the district schools. He has been a farmer throughout his entire life and was early trained to the work of field and meadow. After starting out in life on his own account. he rented the land which is today his property. Upon this farm he located in 1888 and in 1893 bought the place, which is considered one of the best farm properties of the neighborhood, while Mr. Colby is numbered among the enterprising farmers of the
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township. Whatever success he has achieved is attribuitable entirely to his own labors and his life of industry has been followed by a goodly measure of prosperity.
On the 2th of March, 1888, at Shabbona, he was married to Miss Lillie Hurst, daughter of Levi and Sarah (Burden) Hurst, who were farming people and early pioneers of this county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Colby have been born six children : William C .. born May 1, 1889; Wilbur E., born October 4, 1891: Charles L., born October 25. 1895: Edgar S., born January 21, 1899; llaze], bern December 24, 1901; and Helen O., born Sep- tember 4. 1905, all yet at home.
Mr. Colby exercises his right of franchise in sup- port of the republican party and has always been a firm advocate of the party platform. In 1893 ho was elected assessor of Milan township, which post- tion he held tive consecutive years and was re- elected in the spring of 1906. He was census enumerator in 1890 and at various times has served as school director. His wife is a member of the Congregational church at Shabbona and he bo- longs to the Modern Woodman camp. No. 498. at Lee.
DEXTER SEVERY.
Comparatively few settlers who lived in De Kalb county a half century ago or more are now found within its borders. Mr. Severy, however. has lived here for fifty-three years and has not only wit- nessed its growth and development, but has borne his part in the work of progress. especially along agricultural lines, and the visible evidence of his life of thrift and industry is found in a valuable farm of three hundred and twenty acres which he now owns. His home is within two miles of the village of Leland on section 33, Victor township.
Mr. Severy is a native of Maine, his birth having occurred in East Dixfield, March 2, 1820. His father, Jacob Severy, was a native of Massachu- setis, in which state he spent his boyhood and youth, after which he married Rebecca Stevens Worcester, of Oxford, Massachusetts. She bo- longed to one of the oldest familie- of the old Bay stato. it having been established at Marblehead in early days. Jacob Severy followed farming in
Maine. He cleared a tract of land in the midst of the forests of three or four hundred acres, and this opened up a new farm.
It was upon that farm that Dexter Severy was reared, after which he went to Massachusetts. where he spent seven years. He first came west in 1851. traveling by rail to Buffalo and by the Great Lakes to Chicago, while he walked from Elgin to De Kalb county. Illinois. From here he went by team to Janesville, Wisconsin, where he spent about a month in prospecting. In those days one traveled on the railroad by day only. In 1854 Mr. Severy again came to Illinois and established his home upon the frontier in De Kalb county. be- coming closely allied with the early interests of this part of the state. He had been married in Massa- chusetts. September 15, 1848. to Miss Susan llan- son, a native of Vermont. With his wife he came to De Kalb county. first purchasing land in Som- onauk township, where he followed farming for three years. lle had a fine place there, but sold out and bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 33. Victor township. Of this he broke one hundred and fifty acres the first year with ox teams. Ile surrounded the fields with fences, plowed the prairie and built a fair house the first season. As the years passed by he continued the work of general development and improvement upon his farm, prospered in his undertakings and, as his financial resources increased. added to his property from time to time until he now owns three hundred and twenty acres and at one time had four hundred acres. He put up a good barn and has since erected two houses upon the place, now occupying the last one he built. . The build- ings are substantial structures of convenient ar- rangement and are always kept in good repair. He uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and everything about the farm is indicative of the careful supervision and practical methods of the owner. He also made a business of raising and feeding stock and his raised Holstein cattle, having one hundred head of registered Holsteins. He had carried on an ex- tensivo dairy and cheese manufacturing business. this proving a large element in his success, and, in fact, in all the branches of his business he has met with gratifying prosperity. He has set out a fine grove and a large orchard on his farm and, in fact. there is not a- tree on the place which he has not.
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planted. As the years have passed by he has raised timber for himself and tenant. lle has worked continuously and energetically to acquire a competence and his labors have been rewarded with a goodly measure of success, so that for the past twenty-six years he has not been very active in business lite, leaving the work largely to others.
In 1829 Mr. Severy was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died in the month of Sep- tember of that year. They had two sons, Henry A .. an active and prosperous business man of Sandwich ; and Charles A., who for years had charge of the farm. Ile was born May 29, 1856. was reared upon the old homestead and acquired his education in the district schools and in the village school of Leland. IIe was married in La Salle county. December 4, 1880, to Miss Anna H. Harkisen, of La Salle county, and she died De- cember 8, 1891, leaving two daughters: Edna M., now the wife of Levi Olson, of La Salle county : and Fern, a young lady at home. Charles A. Severy was again married September 29, 1895, in Sandwich, his second umion being with Mary Steenns, who was born in Norway, but reared in La Salle county.
Both Dexter and Charles A. Severy are stanch advocates of the republican party where national issues are involved, but east an independent local ballot supporting the candidates best qualified for office. Charles A. Severy is a Master Mason, he- Jonging to Leland lodge, and both he and his wife are affiliated with the Eastern Star lodge, of which Mrs. Severy is an officer. Dexter Severy is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has lived in the county for more than fifty years, his son Charles throughout his entire life, and their efforts have been a factor in the substan- tial development and improvement of this part of the state. The father has seen the Indian chief, Shabbona, whose friendliness to the whites found practical demonstration in the warning which he gave them at the time of the Black Hawk war. The events which are matters of history to other people are matters of practical experience to Mr. Severy, for he has been a witness of them and :0 is familiar therewith. He has lived to see great changes here and at all times has advocated pro- gressive measures, while throughout his entire life he has kept in touch with the advancement which has been made along agricultural lines. His life
has been a busy. active, honorable one, and his many good qualities have gained for him the friendship and regard of those with whom he has come in contact.
WILLIAM BUCK.
William Buck owns and operates fifty-six acres of land in De Kalb township, and the farm is neat- ly kept, while all of the buildings upon the place are in a state of good repair. A native son of New England, he was born in Bethel, Windsor county, Vermont, April 14, 1832, his parents being Tra and Mary (Carpenter) Buck, both of whom were natives of Windsor county and spent their entire lives in the Green Mountain state. There Willian Buck was reared and after acquiring a common ?- school education he learned the trade of cabinet- making, which he followed in the principal cities of the east until the year 1852, when he came to Sycamore, believing that he might have still bet- ter business opportunities in the middle west. Ar- rived in De Kalb county, he continued to follow his trade until 1820, when he returned to Vermont, where he was again employed in that way for five years. Then, on account of ill health, he was compelled to give up indoor work and once more came to the west. locating on the farm on which he now resides. As a mechanic he ranked see- ond to none in De Kalb county, and his home is now decorated with magnificent wood carvings ex- reuted by his own hand.
On the 5th of September, 1861, Mr. Buck was united in marriage to Miss Mary Peasley, a daugh- ter of Stephen and Cynthia ( Sholds) Peasley, pio- neer settlers of De Kalb county. The father died September 12, 1888, while the mother's death oc- curred in December, 1860. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Buck has been blessed with six children-Liz- zie L .. who was born January 26, 1862, and died January 25, 1822: Charles S., who was born Oc- tober 5, 1865, and passed away on the Ist of July, 1812: Cynthia, who was born May 12. 1864, and died on the 12th of August of the same year; Frank W., who was born October 5, 1862, and is a carpenter, making his home with his father: Hat- tie Belle, who was born December 15, 1820, and died July 5, 1822 : and Aaron Fred, who was born
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September 25. 1876, and is a carpenter at Rock- ford. Illinois.
When age conferred upon him the right of fra :- chise William Buck proudly cast his first presiden- tial vote in support of James Buchanan. Since that time, however. he has been an ardent advocate of republican principles and has kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has been school director at various times, but otherwise has not held office. In matters of citizenship. how- ever. he has ever been loyal and progressive. In 1862 he was enrolled as a musician, belonging to the One Hundred and Fifth Illinois Volunteer In- fantry, enlisting at Sycamore in Company A. Hlis constitution, however, was not strong enough to enable him to stand the strain of active service. so after remaining at the front for over a year he was honorably discharged and returned to his fam- ily in Sycamore. For a year thereafter he was unable to do any business because of his impaired health, but finally he recuperated and. complain- ing not at the sacrifice he had been compelled to make to his country. he again took up business cares and has since been an active factor in indus- trial and agricultural interests in the county. He now belongs to Potter post. G. A. R .. at Sycamore, and is much interested in its work and its pur- poses. while his wife is a member of the Women's Relief Corps. They are both highly esteemed peo- ple and well deserve mention in this volume.
MERRIT J. SIMONDS.
The subject of this sketch was born at Cowlett. Rutland county. Vermont. February 24. 1841. and grew to young manhood on the farm adjoining the village now a part of the city of DeKalb. Ilis boyhood days were spent upon the farm and in attendance at private and public schools until the date of his enlistment into the service of the United States army. His attributes are best de- scribed by one of his earliest associates, who speaks of him in highest praise as being of the highest type, embodying the best Christian virtues, with a nobility of character that hespeaks a pure mind. But just at the point where his manhood was nearing completion and the scope of his life's work was unfolding before him, he was impelled
by the patriotic instincts of his heart and the lofty ideals he had encouraged to give himself to his country's services.
To this end he joined Company K of the Forty- second Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry abont August 2. 1862. He passed through the varions campaigns of that regiment. performing his duties in the most honorable manner-no mat- ter how laborious or dangerous the service. he was always ready for anty. Even in the most strenu- ons days of active warfare, with days and nights of constant vigilance and hand-to-hand contests with the enemy his zeal never flagged, but the strain upon his nervous system was so intense that upon the insistence of the surgeon in charge he was ordered to the hospital then located at Stone River. near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. where the famous battle was fought by General Rosecrans and where gallant Phil. Sheridan won fame. But hospital life was very irksome to one of his tem- perament. lle chafed under it exceedingly. The writer had the pleasure of visiting him while there and found him eating his heart out for fear of being accused of cowardice by his comrades. He was continually besceching the commander in charge to send him to the front to his company. Although but illy prepared physically to stand the stress and storm of battle, his wishes were granted, He was ordered to his regiment and company just in time to engage in that awful slaughter at Chickamauga. where he was wounded unto his death, and thus departed a choice life. a brave soldier, a remembered hero. a Christian spirit. While above the din and strife of contending armies
The songhing pines chanted their requiem to the patriotic dead.
The G. A. R. post of De Kalb is named in honor of this gallant youth. who at the age of twenty-two died for his country.
JOEL H. SIMONDS.
It is imperative that mention should be made of Joel H. Simonds in the history of De Kall county. for he located here in 1846 when the dis- triet was still on the frontier and there were many evidences of pioneer life. His birth occurred in
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
Pawlet, Rutland county, Vermont, on the 24th of June, 1814. His grandfather and his father both bore the name of Joel Simonds and the latter was a well educated man, locally prominent in his com- munity. He served as justice of the peace and in other offices and died at the age of seventy-eight years.
Joel II. Simonds of this review was reared to farin life and acquired a public school education. He was one of nine children. three sons and six daughters, all of whom lived to adult age and mar- ried, but all have now passed away with the ex- ception of the youngest, Dr. Justin F. Simonds, who was born in 1826, served as a surgeon in the Civil war and is now in the pension department at Washington, D. C.
After arriving at years of maturity Joel H. Simonds was married in 1840. in Poultney, Ver- mont, to Miss Minerva Dayton, of Middletown. that state. She was born in 1812 and resided in the Green Mountain state until the removal to the west. While living in New England Mr. Simonds served as a member of the Vermont militia. In 1846 he made arrangements to come to the Missis- sippi valley, journeying by team, by canal and the Great Lakes to Chicago. In the summer of that vear he continued on his way to De Kalb county and settled four miles north of Sycamore. There he began farming, establishing a home amid the pioneer settlers who were reclaiming this region for the uses of cultivation. On the 9th of November. 1848, he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on that day. There were three chil- dren by that marriage: Mary J. and Merritt .J .. twins : and Ilelen S. The elder daughter is the wife of Horace D. Hunt. while Helen is the widow of Joseph R. Evans. Merritt was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga and died in a hospital one month later of wounds received.
Mr. Simmonds continued to live upon his first farm until 1850, when he was united in marriage to Miss Almira Hollister, who was born February 17, 1805, in Groton, New York. She came from that state to Illinois in 1841. here joining her three brothers, Amos, Solomon and Hugh Hottister, who had previously located in De Kalb county. She, too, took up a claim from the government, for which she paid a dollar and a quarter per acre, and at the time of her marriage to Mr. Simonds she owned about one hundred and sixty aeres which
she had secured from the government. The first house built thereon stood until fourteen years ago, when it was moved away and a new one built on the same site, being now occupied by Mrs. Evans. The farm extended to what is now Ninth street, in the eastern part of De Kalb.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Simonds were worthy pioneer people. When they came to the west there were many traces of Indian occupancy still in this county. The Black Hawk war had occurred in 1832, but it was some years after before the In- dians ceased visiting this part of the state and there were left evidences of their former residence here. The land was largely wild and uncultivated, much of it still being covered with its native prairie grasses or with the original forest growth. The streams were unbridged and few roads had been laid out. Some of the now thriving towns and villages had not yet been founded and the cities of Sycamore and De Kalb were then little hamlets, containing but 'few homes and fewer business houses. The most far-sighted could not have dreamed of the changes which would bring about the present state of development and advancement in De Kalb county. There were many log cabin homes, in which were to be seen the ohl fireplaces and the houses were largely lighted by candles, while the work of the fields was done with very crude machinery. The life of the agriculturist was a much more ardnous one than at present. for he did much of his work by hand, and instead of riding over the fields on the plow and cultivator he tramped across the furrows, largely scattered his grain by hand and tied his sheaves without any self-binding machinery.
Mr. and Mrs. Simonds lived upon the farm which she had entered from the government and his labors resulted in transforming the once wild tract into richly cultivated fields. They were worthy people, esteemed by all who knew them because of their many good qualities. Mrs. Simonds died at the old home in November. 1875. in the faith of the Congregational church, of which she was long a devoted member. Mr. Simonds sur- vived for about two years and passed away on the 6th of August. 1827. He was a member of the Methodist church and took an active and helpful part in its work, doing all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence. His life was honorable and upright and all who knew him re-
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
spected him. His labors in behalf of the county's development and progress were far-reaching and beneficial and he was numbered among that class of enterprising agriculturists whose efforts consti- tuted the foundation for the county's present de- velopment. Both he and his wife were most highly esteemed and they left behind them many warm friends. Their memory is yet cherished by those who knew them and as worthy pioneer people they deserve mention in this volume.
1
DANIEL PIERCE WILD.
Honored and respected by all, there is no man who occupies a more enviable position in financial and business circles in Sycamore than Daniel Pierce Wild, not only by reason of the success which he has achieved but also on account of the straightforward business principles he has ever followed. He was born in Sycamore, October 11. 1820, a son of George P. and Sarah (Pierce) Wild, who are represented on another page of this volume. The family is descended through his paternal grandmother from Roger Williams, MI -. Wild being a representative in the seventh gen- eration.
Pursuing his education in the public schools of Sycamore, he was graduated from the high school in the class of 1888 and then entered Lom- bard College at Galesburg, Illinois, where he pur- sued the scientific course and was graduated in the class of 1892. He then accepted a clerical posi- tion in the banking house of Daniel Pierce & Company and in 1897 was admitted to a partner- ship. When the business was incorporated under the name of the Pierce Trust & Savings Bank, .July 1, 1904, Mr. Wild was elected a director and vice president and has since been thus associated with the financial interests of the county. He is likewise the owner of considerable real estate in and near Sycamore, together with large tracts of land in Wisconsin and North Dakota. He holds stock in several corporations, manufactur- ing and otherwise, and altogether his business in- terests are extensive and important. making him one of the foremost representatives of business life in De Kalb county.
While all these things have made considerable demand upon his time and attention Mr. Wild has nevertheless found opportunity to aid in mat- ters of public moment and has served as a mem- ber of the Sveamore board of education and vice president of the Sycamore Chautauqua Associa- tion, of which he was one of the promoters. He has always been interested more or less actively in politics and is a champion of republican prin- ciples. Ile holds membership in the Sycamore Commercial Club. of which he is now treasurer. and he is a member of three Masonic bodies. also the Mystic Shrine, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Phi Delta Theta, a college fraternity. A member of the Universalist church. he is serving as its treasurer and is very active in church and Sunday school work.
Mr. Wild was married in Sterling, Illinois. in the First Presbyterian church, on the 4th of Sep- tember, 1895. to Miss Mary Katherine Dillon, a daughter of W. M. Dillon. manufacturer of smooth and barbed wire fencing. Their children are: Margaret Dillon, Sarah Pauline and Katherine Virginia Wild. Their home is the center of a cultured society circle and is justly noted for its gracious hospitality. Mr. Wild has spent his en- tire life in Sycamore and the friends of his boy- hood have remained the friends of his manhood- a fact which indicates that his life has been well spent. In business he has been careful, conserva- tive yet progressive, and has won a gratifying measure of prosperity. while at all times he has found opportunity to co-operate in those move- ments and measures which work for public good.
GILLIS BROTHERS.
The firm of Gillis Brother -- George and Irvin W .- own and operate two hundred acres of land in South Grove township, all richly cultivated and well drained. The entire tract is tillable and everything about the place is indicative of the careful supervision and practical and progressive methods of the owners. Upon the farm only a few rods apart are two comfortable and commodi- ous dwellings, which the brothers occupy, and there they enjoy those interests which fall to the
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lot of the thrifty and up-to-date farmer of the present age.
George Gillis, the senior partner, was born June 30. 1863, on the old family homestead in Sonth Grove township, on which he yet resides, the par- ents being G. A. and Amy T. ( Irvin) Gillis, both natives of the state of New York. Coming to Illi- nois in 1851, G. A. Gillis located in South Grove township. De Kalb county, where he purchased eighty acres of land, and his mother kept house for him until 1855, when he returned to New York and was married. He brought his bride to the home he had prepared for her in this county and as the years passed he kept adding to his land until at the time of his death he owned four hundred and eighty acres in Malta, South Grove and Cres- ton townships. He continued to carry on the oc- cupation of farming throughout life and passed away in 1895. Mrs. Gillis still survives and now makes her home with her son Irvin.
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