USA > Illinois > DeKalb County > Past and present of DeKalb County, Illinois, Volume I > Part 71
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
The father of our subject was also a native of Burton, Ohio, and having arrived at years of maturity he married Hattie Graham, who was born in Ridgeville, Ohio, July 2, 1854, and who died in Ligonier, Indiana, March 1, 1884. Unto this marriage there were born three children, of whom John Graham is the eldest. The surviving brother, George Henry, was born August 15, 1877, while another brother, Marcellus Smith, who was born January 24, 1880, died May 29, 1906. After losing his first wife Corwin M. Cook married Ida C. Slate, who was born December 2, 1857. They became the parents of two children: Alta May. born July 22, 1894 ; and Bernie Corwin, born Sep- tember 22. 1888. The father in his active busi- ness life followed railroading. becoming telegraph operator and agent.
John Graham Cook was educated in the com- mon schools of Ohio and Illinois and after com- pleting his education he learned telegraphy under his father and gave his attention to that busi- ness, being this occupied for four years in De Kalb. He then entered the employ of the Amer- ican Express Company and was soon made its agent in De Kalb, continuing in that position for a year and a half. On the expiration of that period he established an express and baggage transfer business, in which he has since continued, while at a later date he has extended the field of his activities by establishing a livery barn and also doing a general teaming business. He has a liberal share of the city trade in his line and js meeting with richly merited success.
Mr. Cook belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, associated with both the subordinate lodges and the uniformed rank. He holds mem- bership in De Kalb lodge, A. F. & A. M., and the Elks lodge, No. 765, of De Kalb, and of all of these organizations is a worthy representative. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and his religious faith is indicated by his being baptized in the Episcopal church.
Mr. Cook was married in De Kalb, July 15. 1896, to Miss Nellie Irene Rolfe, who was born in Malta, Illinois, November 14, 1875. Her grandfather, George Rolfe, was born October 20, 1797, in England and came to America in 1855. He was a mason by trade and died in De Kalh.
January 19, 1882. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Frances Guntrip, was born in Brill, Eng- land, October 14, 1298, and died in Ickford, Eng- land, in August, 1854. They were married in England in 1819 and Mrs. Rolfe never came to the United States. After the death of his first wife George Rolfe crossed the Atlantic to America and was married in this country to Mrs. Ann Baker, whom he had known in England when they were young people. Raymond Rolfe, the father of Mrs. Cook, was born in lekford, Eng- land, February 28, 1835, and came to America in 1855, settling in De Kalb county. He was a mason and contractor by trade and for some years was identified with building operations. In Earlville, Illinois, on the 23d of December, 1864, he wedded Miss Delpha Munger, who was born in Blaine, Boone county, Illinois, December 8, 1843. By this marriage there were six children, of whom Mrs. Cook is the fifth in order of birth. The others are: Henry Edwin, born October 16, 1865; Francis B., who was born September 11, 1869, and lived only three days: Salina Dora, who was born September 1. 1870, and lived only fifteen months: Frank A., who was born May 7. 1873 ; and George Raymond, born March 25, 1881.
Mr. Cook is a self-made man, who started out in life on his own account without financial aid and by his honesty and industry has worked his way upward until he is recognized as one of De Kalb's substantial business men. He has a large sum invested in his business and in addition to this he owns city property of valne. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are pleasant, genial people, who occupy an enviable position in social circles and are es- teemed by all who know them.
OSCAR W. ANDERSON.
Oscar W. Anderson is with the American Wire & Steel Company at De Kalb. Sweden has fur- nished to this city quite a large percentage of its substantial business men-men who are prominent in its industrial and commercial circles and who are found reliable as well as enterprising and pro- gressive. To this class belongs Mr. Anderson,
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who was born in Sweden, July 15, 1856, and is a son of Anders G. Anderson, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume in connection with the sketch of the firm of Anderson Brothers, weil known merchants of De Kalb.
Oscar W. Anderson arrived in the United States in 1881, when a young man of twenty-five years, and came at once to the city in which he now resides. After working for about five months is a farm hand he entered the shops of the Haish barb wire factory. where he was employed for some years. He afterward left there and went to work for the Ellwoods, and when that plant passed into possession of the American Steel & Wire Company Mr. Anderson remained in the shop where he is now employed and where he operates one of the woven wire fence machines.
On the 31st of October, 1890, occurred the mar- riage of Oscar W. Anderson and Miss Amanda Erickson, a native of Sweden, who came to the United States in September, 1886. Three chil- dren were born unto them, of whom two are living : Hattie Caroline and Irene Jeannette. Mr. Anderson gives his political allegiance to the re- publican party but has never sought or desired office. Whatever success he has achieved is due entirely to his own labors, for he had no capital when he came to the new world and his industry and abilities have brought him all of the comforts of life that he has known.
HENRY WHITE.
Henry White, whose life has been somewhat eventful. presenting varied experiences, but who is now living retired at a pleasant home in De Kalb. is a native of England. He was born at Bierton. near Aylesbury, Buckingham. on the 10th of August. 1836. His father. Jacob White. who was born in England. August 24. 1298. spent his entire life in his native country. Ile was an innkeeper and cottager, who conducted a small fruit farm. His death occurred in England. August 2. 1842. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Gray, was also born in England and passed away there. In their family were eleven children.
Henry White of this review was the youngest and was educated in the public schools of his native town. When he considered his education completed he began work as a farm hand and was thus employed until twenty years of age. lle came to America in 1856 on a sailing vessel, which was six weeks and five days in making the trip, and he located in De Kalb county, Illinois, being for two years employed at the depot in the city of De Kalb. On the expiration of that period he went to California, cros-ing the plain- in com- pany with Robert Duffy. William Taylor and Henry AArnold. They made the trip with three yoke of oxen and after traveling for five montha acros- the plains, over the hot stretches of sand and through the mountain passes. they arrived at Carson Valley. Nevada. Mr. White then made a trip to Mono lake, requiring seven days on foot. and for three days he was without food. subsist- ing only on water. Subsequently he cro-sed the mountains to Sonora. California. where he re- mained until his return to De Kalb after an inter- val of four and a half years. Not finding gold. as he had hoped to do. he worked on a ranch and in a grocery store until he again came to the middle west. the return journey being made by water to New York city. Upon his return to Illinois he worked as switchman at the depot at Ashton and later he engaged in farming. He afterward spent fifteen years as baggageman in the employ of the Northwestern Railroad Company at De Kalb. sub- sequent to which time he began teaming. continu- ing in the busines- for six years. In 1883 he bought a meat market in connection with Walter White, conducting the enterprise under the firm style of W. & H. White. He continued in this until 188:, when he bought out his partner's inter- est. after which he carried on business alone until 1896. He then retired and has since enjoyed a well earned rest. having in former years acquired a competence sufficient to supply him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. Hle now owns his residence at No. 22: North Third street and likewise has a store at No. 22: East Main street. which he rents.
On the 16th of March. 1865. occurred the mar- riage of Henry White and Miss Phoeba L. Blount. who was born in Bulwick, Northamptonshire. England. July 14. 1844. Her parents were Wil- liam and Elizabeth (Schulthorp) Blount. both of
MR. AND MRS. HENRY WHITE.
THE NEW YORK "PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
whom were natives of England, in which country they spent their entire lives. In their family were ten children, of whom Mrs. White was the youngest. Her eldest brother, William, was in the war between China and England. Unto Mr. and Mrs. White have been born two children : Rosa Emily, who was born September 28, 1867, and is now Mrs. Willis Hauser : and Clara Ann. who was born October 24, 1869, and is now Mrs. Charles Keefe. The elder daughter has four ehil- dren : Woodling M., Warren C., Evelyn L. and Ruth J. Mrs. Keefe's children are: Henry, Wil- lard, Leonard, Leonora, Robert and Rosa.
Mr. White is a Mason, belonging to De Kalb lodge. No. 144, A. F. & A. M., and he and his wife are members of Normal chapter, No. 357, O. E. S. They are also identified with the Epis- copal church, and in polities Mr. White is a dem- ocrat. He has never sought or desired publio office, however, preferring to concentrate his ener- gies upon his business affairs. He came to Amer- ica empty-handed, but through his honesty and industry has made his way onward and upward until he is now enabled to live retired from busi- ness with an income sufficient to supply him with all of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. He and his wife occupy a beautiful home in De Kalb and enjoy the warm regard and kindly esteem of all who know them. Mr. White has three times gone to the old country and returned and from California he made his way to New York by way of the isthmus route. Mrs. White has spent one winter in California, so that they are both somewhat familiar with the Golden State. Mr. White has undergone many somewhat unique and unusual experiences in his life in the west and elsewhere and as the years have passed by he has not only advanced to a ereditable position in business circles but has also enjoyed in large meas- ure the esteem and good will of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
JOHN JOHNSON.
The farming interests of Afton township find a worthy representative in John Johnson. He was born in Smolen, Sweden, July 20, 1827, and was the youngest child of John and Lena Johnson.
natives of Sweden. His father was a farmer by oceupation and spent his entire life in his native country, where he passed away in 1831. His wire was afterward married, in 1834, to John Gustav- son, and in 185? they came to the United States. Mrs. Gustavson died in 1883.
John Johnson of this review obtained a com- mon-school education in his native country and remained with his step-father until fourteen years of age. He afterward began to earn his own liv- ing by his work as a farm hand and was thus employed until 1853, when he came to the United States. settling in De Kalb, Illinois. He had heard favorable reports concerning the opportuni- ties afforded in the new world and resolved to try his fortune in America. He first worked on the railroad, which was then being builded in this part of the state. After four months he secured employment as a farm hand near Sycamore, where he continued until 1859, when he started west in search of gold, attracted by the discoveries which had been made on the Pacific coast. In company with thirteen others, each having a team and wagon, he made the trip, spending six months' time at Pike's Peak, Colorado, and thence proceed- ing to Red Bluffs, California. After a short time Mr. Johnson continued on his way to Weaverville, California, where he worked in the mines for sixty dollars a month. After four months spent in that way, he went to Siskiyou county, California, where he began to cut and haul cord wood. He was very successful in that business and there remained until the fall of 1861, when he boarded a steamer bound for New York. The vessel weighed anchor at San Francisco and reached the eastern port several months later. In October of the same year Mr. Johnson returned to Illinois, but spent the winter at Chester, Indiana. In the follow- ing spring he came to Afton township, De Kalb county, and bought eighty acres of land on sec- tion 10. Here he still makes his home but as the years have passed, he has added to his pos- sessions as his financial resources have increased, at one time having owned six hundred and eighty aeres of land. He has since sold the greater part of his land to his children but reserves one hun- dred and twenty aeres for his own use. This traet is operated by his youngest son, Albert. He
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
brought his land under a high state of cultivation and developed his farm into very valuable prop- erty. Everything about the place is neat an] thirfty in appearance and indicates the careful supervision of one who has long been recognized as a practical and progressive farmer of De Kalb county.
On December 20, 1862, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Anderson, who was born at Smolen, Sweden, in 1832, and came to the United States in 1851. As the years passed nine children were added to the family: Allen. a farmer in De Kalb township: Ed. who was born August 11. 1865. and follows farming in De Kalb township: Helen, who was born May 23. 1866: Tillie. born August 14. 1868: Fred. born Sep- tember 21. 18:1. and died October 5. 1899: Charles, a farmer in Afton township: Minnie, born April 24. 1814: Albert, born June 25. 18:8. who operates his father's farm : and Victory. who was born February 24. 1882. and died in 1886.
Mr. Johnson is an ardent republican, unwaver- ing in his support of the principles of the party, yet he has never sought nor desired public office as a reward for his party fealty. He and his wife are members of the Swedish Lutheran church and are worthy people who receive and merit high esteem. He came to the United States when a young man twenty-six years of age, anxious to better his financial condition. and as the years have passed he has worked his way steadily up- ward from a humble place to one of affluence. He is now ably assisted by his son. Albert, who is an enterprising and progressive young farmer.
ALLEN JOHNSON.
Allen Johnson, a resident farmer of De Kalb township, was born October 9. 1863, in Afton township, this county, the eldest son of John Johnson. At the usnal age he entered the com- mon schools. pursuing his education in Afton township. and when not busy with his text-books he assisted his father on the farm until twenty- two years of age. Ile then started out in life on his own account and was employed in the vieinity
of De Kalb until 1891. In the meantime he had carefully saved his earnings and when his capital was sutheient he invested in one hundred and ten acres of land on section 33, De Kalb township. This he has improved until it is one of the most productive farms in his part of the county, the fields bringing forth rich harvests annually, while modern improvements were added as opportunity offered. the place being transformed into a splen- did property. Mr. Johnson continued to operate the farm until 1899. his sister acting as his house- keeper. when he went to California, where h . remained for three years, traveling all over the state. He made the trip largely for pleasure and greatly enjoyed his sojourn in the golden west. While on this trip ho carried a camera and was much interested in amateur photography, taking many excellent pictures.
In 1901, while in Santa Cruz, California, MIr. Johnson met and married Miss Daisy Bowman, a resident of that place. Ile remained upon the Pacific coast until 1903, when he returned to De Kalb township and resumed farming upon his own place, which he has since successfully oper- ated. He is also interested in the dairy business at the present time and this is bringing to him a goodly competence. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson now have a little daughter. Mildred Iantha, born March S. 1902.
Mr. Johnson exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the re- publican party. He has served his township as clerk and his school district as director. He and his wife are much esteemed in the community where they reside. while the hospitality of their home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. :
JOSEPII WILLIAM SWANSON.
Joseph William Swanson, the leading contractor and builder of Shabbona. has developed a business of large proportions, executing important eon- tracts and greatly improving the city by the excel- lence of his handiwork and his attractive ideas which are presented artistically. A native of Chicago, Mr. Swanson was born March 11. 1861.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
His father, John Swanson, was born in Sweden and the year 1854 witnessed his arrival in the United States, at which time he took up his abode in Chicago. He was a carpenter by trade and, after serving a regular apprenticeship, followed that pursuit in his native country. He also at- tended school there and when he put aside his text-books, his time and energies were given to the builder's art. He became a skilled workman and found ready employment in Chicago atter coming to the new world. In 1862, however, he leit that city and took up his abode on a farm in Shabbona township, De Kalb county, two mnes west of the village of Shabbona. Hle rented land for some years and then purchased one hundred and sixty aeres about a mile west of the village, where he remained for eight years, bringing th: fields under a high state of cultivation. On the expiration of that period, he sotd his farm and removed to Shabbona, where he again took up work at his trade. Ile assisted in building the Baptist and Congregational churches and many other important structures of that place. He con- tributed in no small degree to its early improve- ment and development and was a member of the Congregational church, in which he served as one of its officers and took an active and helpful part in its work. His early political support was given the republican party. but in later life he allied himself with the prohibition party, being a warm friend of the cause of temperance. He was for some time a member of the village board and did all in his power to further progressive public measures and aid in the work of general improve- ment in Shabbona. In early manhood John P. Swanson married Miss Anna Sophia Johnson, who was born at Sweden and was married in that country. She hokls membership in the Congrega- tional church and is a lady whose many good qualities have gained her a large circle of warm friends. Mr. Swanson died in 1903 at the age of seventy-one years, but his widow still survives him and is now seventy-eight years of age. In their family were twelve children: Christine. the wife of John Erickson of Shabbona township: Jobn, who operates a threshing machine and corn sheller in Waterman : Charles, a carpenter of Earl- ville, Illinois: Joseph. of this review : Theodore.
a carpenter at Whittemore, fowa; Andrew, who Is in the Alaskan gold fields; lua, the wife of William Hemple, who formerly followed mining and is now living in fowa; Amanda and Clara, both now deceased; Amelia, the wife of H. B. Baker, who is on a ranch in California; Emma, a trained nurse in Chicago; and Anna, who died at the age of twelve years.
Joseph W. Swanson lived upon the home farm until seventeen years of age and during that time pursued his education in the district schools and in the public schools of Shabbona. Ile learned the carpenter's trade with his father and worked with him for some time. Since 1886 he has been engaged in contracting and building and has erected practically all the principal residences in Shabbona. He has contracts for the year 1907 in De Kalb and Sycamore. He is the principal con- tractor and builder in Shabbona and his business has reached extensive proportions so that he is now meeting with very gratifying success in his work. Ilis own home is a beautiful residence which was built by him after designs which he made.
Mrs. Swanson, who presides with gracious hos- pitality, over her home, bore the maiden name of Anna Gustavus Strem and was born in Sweden in 1864. Her parents were Peter and Johanna Strem, who came to the United States in 1868, locating on a farm in Clinton township, De Kalb county, Illinois, after living for a year in the city of De Kalb. The father died in 1003, and the mother now makes her home with a daughter in Clinton township. Mr. and Mrs. Swanson have four children: Frank, who is a carpenter in business with his father: Lillie, who died at the age of four years : Raymond and Lois.
The parents are members of the Congregation il church in which Mr. Swanson is serving as trus- tee. They contribute liberally to the support of the church and are active and earnest in this work. Mr. Swanson formerly voted with the republican party, but his views upon the temperance ques- tion led him to give his allegiance to the prohibi- tion party. He has been a member of the village board and has been a school director for many years. In his business life he has made steady progress. Having thoroughly mastered the trade
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
in his youth, as the years have passed by he has become an expert workman, thoroughly acquainted with the business. Ilis skill and handiwork are evidenced in the fine structures of the city, and his patronage has grown to extensive proportions. He is now one of the substantial residents of Shabbona and, moreover, is respected by all with whom he comes in contact.
WILLIAM B. WARD.
William B. Ward, now living on a farm in Ophir township, La Salle county, is a native of Desplaines, Illinois, where his birth occurred Feb- ruary 2, 1872. lle is a son of Henry A. and Mary M. (Root) Ward, who are mentioned on another page of this work. He pursued his educa- tion in the schools of Desplaines, Norwood Park and Sycamore, and throughout his entire life he has followed farming and the hotel business. He now resides on a farm in Ophir township, La Salle county. just outside of Sycamore, and he is well known in De Kalb county. In his farming oper- ations he is energetic and active and has cultivated his fields in most capable manner, making his farm very productive.
Mr. Ward was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Westgate, a native of La Salle county, born October 31, 1878, and a daughter of David W. Westgate. Her father was born in La Salle Salle county, August 10, 1839, and lives on sec- tion 18, Ophir township. His parents were Abner D. and Calrina (Waterman) Westgate, who were married at Marietta, Ohio, May 20, 1830. They came to Illinois in 1833 and in 1834 settled in La Salle county, taking up government land in Ophir township. The family thus became closely associated with pioneer life and with the early development and progress of the county. David W. Westgate, one of a family of eleven children, spent his boyhood days upon the home farm amid pioneer scenes and environments and acquired his education in one of the old time log school houses. At the age of twenty-three years he was married, on the 22d of June, 1862, to Miss Martha Ann Gibbs, who was born in Quincy, Illinois, May
29, 1842, a daughter of Henry and Abbie Ann (Green) Gibbs. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Westgate lived on a farm given to them by his father. A few years later he purchased the farm on which he now lives on section 18, Ophir township. It was partially improved but the house was not finished and the buildings were poor, but with characteristic energy he took up the task of developing the land and adding mod- ern equipments and he now owns five hundred and thirty acres, of which three hundred and thirty- five acres was a part of his father's old homestead. Ile has prospered in his farming operations and has dealt extensively in cattle, buying, selling and feeding for many years. The business has brought him a good financial return and he is well known as an enterprising and successful farmer and stockman. In more recent years, when his success has not made it imperative for him 10 give undivided attention to his business. ne has visited many parts of the country, traveling quite extensively in company with his wife. He is one of the most respected and valued residents of La Salle county, and one of its most honored pioneer citizens, having for almost seventy years resided within its borders.
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