USA > Illinois > DeKalb County > Past and present of DeKalb County, Illinois, Volume I > Part 67
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On the 17th of November, 1887, Mr. Blee was married to Miss IIelen M. Ingersoll, a daughter of Cornelius J. and Esther L. (Waterman) Ingersoll, both of whom were natives of Oneida county, New York. They were married, however, at Lisbon, Illinois, where they resided on a farm until the
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time of the father's death in 186%. The mother soon afterward removed with her family to Sand- wich, where she yet resides, and she is a devoted member of the Congregational church. Mrs. Blee's only sister is Mrs. Harriet Cooper, wife of I. M. Cooper, of Sandwich, while here eldest brother, E. L. Ingersoll. resides in Sandwich, and Charles at Fairbury, Nebraska where he is engaged in the Rock Island Railway service. Mr. and Mrs. Blee have become the parents of two children, twins. Gerald J. and Gladys E., who were born December 17, 1888. and were graduated from the high school of Sandwich in the class of 1902.
Mr. Blee is a valued member of several fraternal organizations. He has attained the Knight Templar degree in Masonry and is also a member of the Mystie Shrine. He likewise belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge and to the Odd Fellows lodge at Sandwich, of which he is a past grand and past chief patriarch. His wife is very active in the Rebekah branch of Odd Fellows, in which she has served for many years as secretary, has been representative to the grand lodge and is now serving as noble grand. Mr. and Mtrs. Blee attend the Presbyterian church and contribute generously to its support, although they are not members.
Recognized as a leader of the democracy in De Kalb county, Mr. Blee has put forth earnest and effective effort in advocacy of its principles. He has delivered many campaign addresses and is al- ways listened to attentively becanse none doubt his earnestness and loyalty to his principles, while his logieal utterances many times carry conviction to the minds of his hearers. He served as a delegate in every democratic state convention from 1814 until 1894, inclusive, and was a delegate to the national convention of his party in 1884 and an alternate in 1888 and 1892. In 1886, in the Lee Whiteside distriet, he received the nomination of his party for legislative honors and in 1890 made the race for congress against General T. J. Hen- derson in the old seventh district. but as the re- publicans have an overwhelming majority in thoso distriets he was not elected. He has, however. been more successful in his business and profes- sional career. Keen and clear headed, always busy always careful and conservative in financial mat- ters. moving slowly but surely in every transac- tion, he has few superiors in a steady progress
which invariably reaches the objective point. In early life he was known as a vandid, earnest, sub- stantial and reliable young man and student and has maintained that character to this day. He has never aimed at ephemeral brilliancy or signal monetary results, but at a thoughtful and careful avoidance of fatal mistakes and at permanent achievements. Ile has succeeded in all respects which constitute success as an attorney at law, a result attained by a devotion to his profession and close attention to his business. The outcome is not the result of chance, but eventuates from his native abilities, which he has cultivated and given direction to, and he has made good use of his op- portunities. In the walks of life where intelli- gence, honor and manliness are regarded for what they are worth, he has by the practice of these virtues attained an honorable position at the bar and in the community and won the respect of all who know him.
THOMAS II. DURLAND.
Thomas H. Durland, who is now living retired at No. 429 South Fourth street in De Kalb, en- joving the fruits of his former labor, is a native of the state of New York. He was born March 16, 1846, in Brooklyn. Long Island, and is the son of Peter and Lucretia ( Palmer) Durland. He is descended from an old New England family. llis father was born in Stonington, Connecticut, in 1821, and followed the occupation of farming in the east. In the early '40s, however, he started for the middle west, settling in St. Louis. where he died in 1849. TIe had two daughters. Frances and Phoebe, both now deceased.
Thomas H. Durland was very young when taken by his parents to St. Louis and in the public schools of that city he obtained his edneation. He started in business life as a clerk in a grocery store and remained in St. Louis for about twelve years thereafter. when he removed to Chicago, where he resided for thirty years. He was em- ployed in various ways in that city. chiefly. how- ever. in packing houses and at carpentering. He came to De Kalb in 1892 and has since lived in quiet and honorable retirement. having saved from his earnings in former years sufficient to provide him with the necessities and comforts of life. His
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mother remained with him until her death, which occurred in 1895.
On the 16th of April, 1885, Mr. Durland was married to Miss N. A. Palmer, who was born in New Hartford, New York. The residence which they occupy is the property of Mr. Durland and is one of the best homes on South Fourth street In politics he has always been a republican sines age conferred upon him the advantage of fran- chise, but he has never been an office seeker, pre- ferring to give undivided attention to his business affairs. His life has been quietly and unevent- fully passed, though his history contains results which show his true worth of character and that the only honorable success is that which is won by the individual.
SAMUEL LAMONT.
The growth and development of a city always depend upon the enterprise and progressive spirit of its leading residents, in which connection Mr. Lamont is well known as one of the wide-awake and progressive men of Kirkland. In former years he was actively engaged in farming in Ogle and De Kalb counties and he is numbered among the old settlers of this part of the state, for he took up his abode in Illinois in 1861. He was at that time only six years of age, having been born in Chautauqua county. New York. April 9. 1855.
His father, Samuel Lamont, was a native of Scotland, where he was reared and married, the lady of his choice being Miss Agnes Melymont, also a native of Scotland. Mr. Lamont became well known as a stockman, dealing largely in sheep in his native country. He came to the new world in the '40s, settling in Chautauqua county, New York. There he learned the tanner's trade and followed the business for some time. He came to the west in 1861, settling in Ogle county, Illi- nois, after which he opened up a new farm, spend- ing his remaining days there. For a long period his time and energies were devoted to the tilling of the soil and the improvement of the place. upon which he resided until his death on the 10th of November. 1903. His widow still survives him and resides upon the old homestead with some of her children.
Samuel Lamont was largely reared in Ogle county, Illinois, where he enjoyed varied school privileges. Having arrived at years of maturity he was married in that county, in October. 1881, to Miss Elizabeth Bump, a native of Connecticut, who was reared in that state, in New York and in Michigan. Following his marriage Mr. Lamont settled upon a rented farm, which he cultivated for a number of years. He then removed from Ogle county to De Kalb county in 1899 and for two years carried on farming here. He then re- turned to Ogle county, where he again spent two years, and thence once more came to De Kalb county. following farming in South Grove town- ship until the fall of 1906, when he purchased a livery barn and has since been identified with the business life of Kirkland. He has a number of good horses and vehicles of different kinds and is well prepared to carry on business in this line. He was formerly engaged in raising and feeding stock, including horses, cattle and hogs, and w the years pass by he is meeting with creditable snecess.
In 1895 Mr. Lamont lost his wife, who passed away in De Kalb county. They were the parents of four children: Arthur W., who assists his father in business: Bert. who is also with his father: and Mabel and Bessie, who are at home and have charge of the household.
Mr. Lamont exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party. but would never consent to become an office holder. Ile attends the Methodist Episcopal church and contributes to the support of all the churches of the village. Almost his entire life has been passed in this state and he is thoroughly identified with the interests of the middle west, rejoicing in what has been accomplished and bear- ing his full share as a citizen in the work of public improvement.
GEORGE PECKMAN.
An excellent farm property of one hundred and sixty acres, known as the old Henry Peckman homestead. pays Tribute to the care and labor be- stowed upon it by George Peekman of this ro- view, who is an active and progressive farmer
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and stock-raiser. Ilis place is pleasantly and conveniently situated about two and a half miles from Somonauk. ITere he was born on the 3d of January, 1866, his father being Henry Peckman, whose birth occurred in Germany in 1831. In that country he was reared and when a young man, hearing of the more favorable opportunities and advantages of the new world, he crossed the Atlantie in 1852 and at once made his way to De Kalb county, Illinois. Here he was married to Miss Catherine Hance, a Germany lady, who was born and reared in Alsace. Mr. Peckman rented land, on which he engaged in farming for a number of years, and when his labors had brought him sufficient capital he purchased eighty acres where his son now resides and three years later bought an adjoining tract of eighty acres, so that he owned one hundred and sixty acres. This he placed under the plow, put a good house and barn upon it and otherwise improved the property. He likewise owned another farm of nearly one hundred and twenty acres. He was a stock raiser and feeder and was well known as a leading stockman and prosperous farmer. He deserved much credit for what he accomplished and justly won the proud American title of a self- made man, for when he came to the new world he had little capital and by his own determina- tion and energy worked his way steadily upward to success. He died here. August 26. 1902, and his wife passed away Angust 21, 1895. Their family numbered four sons and three daughters. who are yet living.
George Peckman, whose name introduces this review, was reared to manhood on the old home- stead farm and was educated in the district school near by. He remained with his father through the period of his minority and greatly aided him in the work of developing and improving the property. As a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Lillian Banzet. to whom he was married in La Salle county, Illinois. D .- cember 16, 1891. She was born in that county. acquired a liberal education and successfully en- gaged in teaching prior to her marriage. Her parents were Charles and Louise Banzet, early settlers of La Salle county and of French an- cestry. The young couple began their domestic life upon a farm in Somonauk township, where Mr. Peckman carried on general agricultural pur-
suits for eleven years. He first rented land and later bought property there. Subsequently he sold out and purchased the old homestead farm, which he has since tiled and fenced, enclosing the fields with woven wire. He has greatly im- proved the property according to modern methods of farming and has developed a valuable place, which in its neat and thrifty appearance gives proof of the care, cultivation and practical methods of the owner.
Mr. and Mrs. Peckman have a daughter, Hazel, who is now a student in the schools of Somonauk. The family are members of the Congregational church at Somonauk and Mrs. Peckman takes :1 very active part in the work of the church and Sunday school and is a member of the Ladies Aid Society. Politically Mr. Peckman is a stalwart democrat and has served as highway commissioner of Somonauk and has also been an election judge. Ile is a man whom to know is to respect and honor, for in all business relations he has been found straightforward and honorable. while in every relation of life he has manifested those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime command confidence and awaken regard.
WILLIAM GROSS.
William Gross was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, near the city of Wilkesbarre, De- cember 5, 1835. His parents were George and Mary ( Keithline ) Gross. At the age of two and a half years he removed with his parents to Muncy township, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, where his father purchased a hill farm. which he carried on in connection with his work as a blacksmith until his death, in 1845, at the age of less than thirty-eight years. Ilis wife, being left alone with a family of six children, the youngest an infant, car- ried on the farm with the aid of a nephew. William Remala, and her sons, until 1855, when she sold the farm and decided to more to Illinois. Her sons. William and Joseph, spent the summer of 1855 in Stephenson county, during which time they visited in De Kalb county. Both boys suffered from se- vere sickness and returned to Pennsylvania in the fall of 1855. The next spring the family moved
WILLIAM GROSS.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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to De Kalb county, where the mother purchased sixty acres of land on section 5, Mayfield town- ship.
William Gross attended the country schools of his native township, clerked in a store for a time, and upon coming west in company with his brother Joseph bought sixty acres of land. In 1863 he sold his interest and bought eighty acres, which was known as his homestead and to which he removed in 1865. He was married in 1858 to Har- riet Ault. and to them were born eight children : Laura MI., wife of Charles Townsend; M. F .. who resides on the old homestead : Nora, wife of E. E. Johnson, of Sycamore; Lewis M., who resides in Sycamore: Amanda J., wife of E. L. Nichols, of Jowa : George, who died at the age of nine years ; Mary C., who died at the age of eleven ; and Alice, who resides in Sycamore. Nora and Alice were for years teachers of the district and graded schools of Sycamore, Alice still teaching in her home city. Amanda was for years a teacher of the graded schools of Kingston.
To the original eighty acres Mr. Gross added from time to time, until at the time of his death he was owner of two hundred acres of land. He removed from the farm in 1886, when his son M. F. assumed charge of the old homestead. His death occurred May 2. 1886. ITis wife Harriet died in 1870. He was married in 1822 to Julia Fagne, who died in 1898. William Gross was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, served his town and community in different capacities and for fourteen years was teacher of the Bible class of the Wesleyan Methodist church. He was a success- ful farmer and a man known for his integrity, a useful citizen in all walks of life.
JOHN MINOR CRISTMAN.
John Minor Cristman, who during his residenes in De Kalb has been employed in connection with the manufacture of barb wire, was born in Cort- land township. this county, on the 25th of August, 1863. His grandfather, John J. Cristman, was born April 15, 1299, in the Mohawk valley in the state of New York and died March 16, 1866. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rachel Eyga- broat. was born in the same place July 20, 1803,
and died November 1, 1834. He afterward came to Illinois a little later than 1852 and spent ms remaining days in De Kalb county. The parents of our subject were John and Philany (Pooler) Cristman. The father was born in Jordanville, New York, May 25, 1825, and the mother in German Flats, Herkimer county, New York, July 9, 1835. Mr. Cristman was a farmer and black- smith and in the year 1852 he brought his family westward to Illinois, settling in Cortland town- ship, De Kalb county, upon a farm which re- mained his home until his death. He was killed by accident in a threshing machine on the 9th of October, 1863, when his son John was but six weeks old. Ile was a republican in polities, was prominent in county affairs in his day and served for a time a highway commissioner.
Mr. Cristman of this review was educated in the common schools of his native township and in the public schools of De Kalb. and after putting aside his text-books he worked for his mother on the home farm. being thus employed for about five years. He then came to De Kalb and began work in the manufacture of barb wire, in which he has since continued, becoming very proficient in that line as a machine operator, so that he is now an important employe in the factory. He has been on the police force of De Kalb for one year but otherwise has held no publie oflice. Hi- political allegiance, however, is given to the re- publican party and he keeps well informed con- verning the questions and issues of the day, as every true American citizen should do.
Mr. Cristman was married in Cortland town- ship. February 26, 1885, to Miss Vida Gandy, who was born in that township. September 10, 1865. Her father, Joseph Gandy, is a native of Union county, Ohio, born November 1, 1834. He was brought to Illinois by his parents in 1831. the family being established on a farm in Cort- land township. His father, Henry II. Gandy. was born in Trumbull county, Ohio. April 16. 1810, and died February 10. 1893, on the farm on which he located in 1837 when this was a wild and unimproved district, few settlers having located within the borders of the county. Joseph (andy was reared amid the scenes and environ- ments of pioneer life. Ilaving arrived at years of maturity. he was married in Cortland town- ship. on the 9th of October, 1859. to Miss Mary
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Jane Parker, who was born in Hillsdale county, Michigan, December 10, 1839. She is a daughter of Abel Parker, who was born in the state of New York. December 14, 1800, and died in Camden, Hillside county, Michigan, in 1851. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Climena Pease. was born in the state of New York, July 4, 1813, and died in California township, Branch county, Michigan, on December 13, 1879. Mr. Parker was a farmer by occupation. His family numbered five children, of whom Mrs. Cristman was the fourth in order of birth, the others being Douglas, born July 18, 1860; Mrs. Sarah E. Davis, born July 24, 1862; Mrs. Ada Renwick, born January 29. 1864: and Henry Harris, born April 9. 1874.
Mr. and Mrs. Cristman have many warm friends in De Kalb and throughout the county, where they have spent their entire lives. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, belonging to Barb City camp, No. 46. in which he holds the office of venerable consul, having occupied this chair for six years. He has taken the degrees of the subordinate lodge and of the uniformed rank of the Knights of Pythias, his membership being in lodge No. 215. He has the high regard of his brethren of these fraternities and is an exem- plary representative of the orders.
BENJAMIN BENSON.
Benjamin Benson. living on section 33. Victor township. is one of the prosperous and up-to-date farmers and stock-raisers and his place of one hundred and sixty acres gives evidence of his care- ful supervision in its neat and attractive appear- ance. It is situated on section 33. about three miles from Leland. Mr. Benson was born in La Salle county, Illinois. November 19. 1861.
His father. Swen Benson. was a native of Nor- way, born in 1833. Ile was reared to manhood there and came to the new world about 1855 but did not tarry long on the Atlantic coast. He made his way into the interior of the country. working by the month as a farm hand for several years in La Salle county, Illinois. Thus he gained a start in America and whatever success he en- joyed and achieved is attributable entirely to his
own efforts. He was married in La Salle county to Miss Ann Olson, who was born in that county, the daughter of Michael Olson. one of the first settlers of the county. He developed a new farm there and in early days hauled grain to Chicago with ox teams. Swen Benson continued to en- gage in farming in La Salle county for a number of years and later, when his capital had substan- tially increased as a result of his earnest labor, he purchased land in Paw Paw township, De Kalb county, and settled thereon. At one time he owned three hundred and sixty acres which he farmed and improved. He later bought a farm in Victor township and thus owned two good properties comprising five hundred and twenty acres. For many years he was recognized as one of the suc- cessful and substantial agriculturists of the county and his life record could well serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to others, show- ing what can be accomplished by determined spirit and unfaltering enterprise. le reared his fam- ily upon the place and spent his last days here, continuing an honored and valued citizen until death claimed him in the year 1900. Ile had then survived his wife about fifteen years, she having died in 1885. Their family numbered three sons and two daughters, all of whom were reared in La Salle county and educated in the district schools.
Benjamin Benson remained with his father until he had attained his majority and in retrospect one can see him as he trudged off to school-a farm boy in his youth. early becoming acquainted with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He had received ample training in farm work when he started life on his own account.
As a companion and helpmate for life's jour- ney Mr. Benson chose Miss Emma Anderson, whom he wedded in Leland. Illinois. on the 9th of Jan- mary. 1890. She was born in La Salle county. where her girlhood days were passed. The young couple began their domestic life upon the Ben- son homestead farm. where they lived for two or three years, after which Mr. Benson purchased the farm upon which he now resides. With char- acteristic energy and enterprise he began the fur- ther development and improvement of this prop- erty and has wrought a noticeable transformation in the appearance of the farm. He erected a good two-story dwelling. which is neatly furnished and
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is one of the attractive homes of the locality. There is also a large barn, tool house and granary upon the place. a wind pump and feed mill, and the fields are enclosed with woven wire fence. The land has all been well tiled so that there is a good system of drainage and everything about the farm bespeaks the enterprise, care and labor of the owner. Mr. Benson also has another well im- proved farm in Paw Paw township. comprising ninety acres, which he now rents out. In con- nection with tilling the soil he raises and feeds stock and feeds a large number of hogs for market annually. He is a stockholder in the First Na- tional and the Farmers & Merchants Banks of Leland and is a prosperous agriculturist and sue- cessful business man, who carries forward to com- pletion whatever he undertakes and has gained a high standing in the business world because of his diligence, perseverance and keen discernment.
In 1897 Mr. Benson was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife, who died on the 27th of August of that year. Their living children are: Rosa Anna, Sophus Ernest and Burton Ehner. Mr. Benson was again married in Leland on the 15th of December, 1898, his second wife being Cora Anderson, a sister of his first wife. Politi- cally he is a republican. He is much interested in the schools and has served on the school board. He attends the Methodist church and his influence is given in behalf of all progressive public niove- ments which tend to promote intellectual and moral progress and uplift the legal and political status of the community.
WALLACE A. HINES. .
Wallace A. Hines, who carries on general farm- ing and stock-raising on section 3, Victor town- ship, is one of the native sons of the connty, his birth having occurred on the 1st of November, 1870, in the township where he yet resides. Like many of the worthy and representative citizens of the locality, he comes of German ancestry. His father, John Hines, was a native of Germany and when a lad of twelve years crossed the Atlantic to the United States, making his way at once to Do Kalb county, Illinois. He cast in his lot with the early settlers of this portion of the state and bore
his full share in the work of development and in- provement. He married Miss Ada Abell, a native of Connecticut, who was reared, however, in this state. In order to provide for his family Mr. Hines followed farming and became a prosperous agriculturist. For a long period he carried ou general agricultural pursuits, but is now retired from active business life and is enjoying a well earned rest at the age of sixty-mine years. His wife died in 1896.
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