USA > Illinois > DeKalb County > Past and present of DeKalb County, Illinois, Volume I > Part 76
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JAMES BRAMEN.
There is no resident of Sycamore who is more uniformly spoken of in terms of good will and genuine regard than is James Bramen, who is a well known merchant. having for many years carried on business in this place. He has been active, too. in politieal circles, representing his district in the legislature, while in community affairs he has been the champion of all those movements and measures which work for good eit- izenship. for public progress and for substantial reform and improvement.
Mr. Bramen was born in Ireland. January 1. 1818, and the same year was brought to America by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Bramen, who settled in Oneida county. New York, where the father followed the occupation of farming throughout his remaining days. On the old family homestead James Bramen spent his boyhood and youth and while working in the fields through the summer months he attended the public schools in the winter seasons. In December, 1869, when twenty-one years of age, he made his way west- ward to Sveamore, attracted by the favorable re- ports which he received concerning business con- ditions in this part of the country and the op- portunity for advancement. For some time he engaged in the grocery trade and also followed other lines of business. He is now proprietor of a well appointed grocery store in Sycamore, located opposite the courthouse on West State street. Neatness and attractive arrangement characterize the business and constitute an element in its suc- cess, while in all of his dealings Mr. Bramen has been thoroughly reliable and trustworthy, having the entire confidence of the trading community.
His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have called him to public office. He was elected to the state legislature and has served for five different terms in the house from this
district, his last term ending on the 1st of Jan- mary, 150 ;. He also served during three special sessions. Ilis legislative acts are a matter of history. He was known as the champion of many movements which have been directly beneficial to the county and the state at large, and it was well known that neither persuasion, bribery, threats nor coercion could swerve him from a conrse that he believed to be right. He has also tilled publie offices in Syeamore, acting as mayor of the city from 1901 until 1903 and then re- tiring from oflice with a most ereditable record, having done his full duty in every particular. He is a stalwart champion of republican princi- ples. yet is never bitterly aggressive.
Mr. Bramen was married to Miss Sarah .J. Hapton, of Kane county. Illinois, and unto them have been born three sons and two daughters: Mary. George. Bessie, James and Charles. The elder daughter is a graduate of Notre Dame Uni- versity, at Notre Dame, Indiana. The parents hold membership in the Catholic church and Mr. Bramen is a member of the United Order of For- esters. He resides at No. 320 Somonauk street in a beautiful home which he owns. While he has made a creditable name in business and political circles it is his personal traits of character which have endeared him to those who know him. He is kindly in spirit. generous in dispositon, and most liberal in his benefactions to the poor and needy or to public enterprises. He holds friendship inviola- ble and a public office as a public trust. Over the record of his private life and official career there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil.
LOUIS STRACK.
Louis Strack. who is engaged in condueting a dairy farm about two miles south of Syeamore. was born April 3. 1858. His father, Michael Strack, was born in Germany, May 23, 1824, and arrived in this county in 1856, having deter- mined to try his fortune in the new world, of whose business advantages he had received most favorable reports. He was a stone-mason by trade, but after coming to Illinois followed the occupation of farming. He remained a respected and worthy resident of this county until his death,
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which occurred November 28, 1882. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Julia Yagle, was born in Germany, July 25, 1826, and died July 25, 1892. Louis Strack had one brother and one sister, but the former is deceased. The sister is the wife of Henry Buck, a retired farmer living at Sycamore.
In the common schools Louis Strack acquired his education and was trained to farm work ou his father's place, early becoming familiar with the labors of plowing, planting and harvesting. lle has always continued in this line of business and is now operating a dairy farm. He owns sixty acres of good land about two miles south of Syea- more, and upon the place has a number of good cows, the milk supplying him with a good income He is diligent in business and neatness and thrift characterizes his place.
Mr. Strack was united in marriage to Miss Mary Lute, who was born at Willow Creek. Lee county, Illinois, July 23, 1864. Her father, John L. Lnte, was a native of Germany, born May 1 1838, and in his family were six daughters and four sons. On coming to the new world he located in New Jersey, where he lived for twenty years and then came to Lee county, where he has since followed farming. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Strack have been born ten children: Leonard, born Sep- tember 25, 1884; Julia, January 17, 1886; Fay and May, September 12, 1887: Amillia. October 23, 1889 ; Lester, October 6, 1891; Hannah, De- cember 16, 1893; Hazel, March 28, 1895; Helen, March 17. 1898; and Clarence, December 26, 1901.
Mr. Strack was a charter member of Cortland Camp, M. W. A., and is an exemplary representa- tive of the beneficent spirit which underlies the order. His political views accord with democratie principles but he never seeks office, being essen- tially a business man.
HON. VARNUM A. GLIDDEN.
Outside of the great cities of the land, where polities and the elections are formed and ruled by "machines." an election to office is pre-emi- nently an honor. It comes as the expression of the confidence and support of the public and that one is called to be the chief executive officer of
a city is a fact of which the individual has every reason to be proud. It is at once an indication of a public-spirited citizenship, of recognized de- votion to the general good and the possession of qualities of manhood which awaken the admira- tion and regard of one's fellowmen.
We are led to this train of reflection in consid- ering the life record of Hon. Varnum A. Glidden, who at this writing, in 1907, is mayor of De Kalb. Hle was born in Clarendon, Orleans county, New York, November 29, 1847. a son of James B. and Juliet (Beard) Glidden, in whose family of five children only three are now living, the sister and brother of our subject being: Mrs. Frances E. Gowery, the wife of George W. Gowery, of De Kalb : and Chase E., also of De Kalb.
The father was born in Vermont about 1820 and was a representative of an old and well known family of the Green Mountain state, representa- tives of the name having there resided for many generations. The father was but a boy when his parents removed to Orleans county, New York, making the journey with ox teams. They passed through Rochester, which at that time was a small village, and upon the frontier James B. Glidden was reared. For many years he was a teacher, following the profession in the winter months, while in the stunmer seasons he engaged! in farming. He did not have the privilege of attending school himself until fourteen years of age but was ever a diligent student and apt scholar and at the age of seventeen years was teaching his first school. His educational work extended over a period of thirty years or more and he was recognized as one of the able repre- sentatives of public instruction in his locality. In 1852 he removed from Orleans county, New York, to Paw Paw. Michigan, where he resided until 1860, when he came to De Kalb county, locating on a farm. He lived in Afton township, about five miles south of De Kalb, for a quarter of a century and in 1885 retired from active life and took up his abode in the city, where he passed away November 9, 1900. He voted with the re- publican party but never sought or desired office for himself. preferring to give undivided atten- fion to his business interests. His wife was born in the state of New York in 1821 and is still living. a well preserved lady. making her home with her daughter in De Kalb.
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Varnum AA. Glidden of this review was reared at home, acquiring his education in the public schools of Afton township and in the city schools of De Kalb. le early became familiar with the duties and labors of field and meadow, rendering valuable assistance to his father through his youth, and after he had attained his majority he began farming on his own account. being thus engaged for seven years. Thinking, however, to find a more profitable field of labor in other lines, on the ist of August. 18:5, he came jo De Kalb and for eleven years was employed in the old gro- cory house of Roberts & Tyler. On the 4th of March. 1882, he purchased the business from his employers and for the past twenty years has con- Incted the leading grocery business of De Kalb.
Mr. Glidden is equally prominent in political circles and is a leading standard bearer of the ro- publican party in the county. He has served is supervisor of De Kalb since 1890 and is the pros- ent chairman of the county board. having served as such for four consecutive terms. In 1905 he was nominated and elected to the office of maver and is now serving in that capacity with honor and eredit to himself and satisfaction to his constitu- ents. He has brought to his official duties the same qualities which have characterized his busi- ness life. He is energetic, methodical and prompt in the execution of any duty that devolve- upon him, and his administration has been directly beneficial to the city.
Mr. Glidden is a member of De Kalb lodge. No. 765. B. P. O. E. Although not identified with any church, he contributes generously to the sup- port of all and is equally free in his gifts to char- itable and benevolent purposes. In 1869 he was married to Miss Emma Noble, of Afton townshin. and they became the parents of two children, of whom one is living. William C., who is now in the store with his father. In May. 18:5. the wife and mother died and in 1880 Mr. Glidden was again married, his second union being with Mrz. Mary Fo-ter. formerly a Miss Collier. She died in 1882 and in 1881 Mr. Glidden wedded Miss Susie E. Stewart, of Bellevue, Jowa. There are the following children of this marriage: Alpha the wife of Henry Johnson of Sycamore. Illinois : Nora. Bessie, Marv. Joseph, James, Clinton and Vergene. all at home.
Coming to De Kalb county at the age of thir- teen years. Mr. Glidden has since resided withia
its borders. so that his history is largely familiar to his fellow townsmen. Investigation into hi- life record shows many commendable elements. There has been nothing sensational in his career. On the contrary it is the life of a business man who in the work-a-day world has been untiring and energetic but who has not made the acquisi- tion of wealth his sole aim and object in life. for he has found opportunity to devote to public good and his efforts have been an element in municipal advancement and progress.
G. SHERIDAN CULVER. M. D.
Dr. G. Sheridan Culver. a practitioner of medi- omne in Sandwich since 1894, entering upon the work equipped by thorough experience that came to him as house surgeon in the Hahnemann Medi- cal Hospital. is now accorded a position of dis- tinction as a representative of the medical fra- ternity of De Kalb county. He was born in Lysander. Onondaga county, New York, March 27. 1848, his parents being Andrew R. and Mary J. ( Taggart ) Culver. His father was a native of Washington county. New York. He became a traveling salesman and was also influential in the ranks of the republican party in Onondaga county. New York. where at one time he served as deputy sheriff. He died at the venerable age of eighty years and is still survived by his wife.
Dr. Culver spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his parents' home and during that period mastered the branches of learning taught in the public schools. His professional training was ro- ceived at Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago. from which he was graduated in the class of 1893. The following year he acted as house surgeon in Hahnemann Hospital. thus putting his theoretical knowledge to the practical test in a wide and thor- ongh experience, which splendidly equipped him for the responsible duties of an independent pro- fessional career. On leaving the hospital he re- moved to Sandwich, where he has since engaged in general practice, but he has nover ceased to be a student of the profession and aside from hi- private reading and study he has pursued a post- graduate course in the Poly-Clinic College in Chicago in 1903.
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In 1897 Dr. Culver was married to Miss Louise Lockwood, who was born in Howden, Yorkshire, England, July 6, 1870, and came to America in 1893. She graduated as a nurse in 1895 and after her marriage entered the College of Physi- cians and Surgeons, Chicago, from which she was graduated in 1901. Since that time she has been engaged in general practice and is a member of the De Kalb County Medical Society, the North Central Illinois Medical Society, the State Medi- cal Society and also the American Medical Asso- ciation. Both Dr. Culver and his wife are widely informed concerning the great scientific princi- ples which underlie their work and in their adap- tation to the needs of their patrons. displaying skill and ability, winning thereby a liberal patron- age.
PROFESOR SWEN FRANKLIN PARSON.
Professor Swen Franklin Parson, of the chair of mathematics of the Northern Illinois State Normal School, of DeKalb, Illinois, was born Jan- uary 27, 1861, in Blekinge, Sweden. He is the son of Pär and Inga Swenson, natives of Sweden, who came to America in 1875. The son received his primary education in the public schools of Sweden until he was fourteen years of age. His studies were Lutheran catechism, Bible stories, penman- ship, arithmetic, a little oral geography and Swed- ish history. In 1877 he commenced school at Cary Station, Illinois, and attended for three years, ex- cept one term at Kirkland, DeKalb county, Illi- nois. For six years he taught county and village schools in DeKalb county. He entered the Normal School at Normal in 1886. On account of sickness he was out of school one year and then taught two years in the DeKalb high school, returning to Normal in 1889. He graduated from Normal in the class of 1892.
The life of Professor Parson gives a remarkable illustration of the possibilities open to energetic and deserving young men in this county. His boy- hood days were passed in simple life in Sweden, coming to America at fourteen years of age, just in time to catch the spirit of progression. His fond- ness for books and his determination to make the best of his opportunities has won for him a place among the educational leaders of the state. Much
of the credit for his advancement is due to in- spiration received from association with such teach- ers as Jackson G. Lucas and later years with John W. Cook. After finishing his work at Normal his reputation for true worth was so well established that he was made principal of the grammar school at the Illinois State Normal University. After two years' of work in this responsible position he sought to widen his scope of usefulness by entering a business career. For three years he successfully managed the large manufacturing establishment of Shipman, Bradt & Company. The educational in- stinct could not be kept out of his mind and in 189: he became principal for a year of the De- Kalb high school. After a year's work in the Uni- versity of Chicago, he accepted the chair at the head of the department of mathematics of the State Normal, at DeKalb and for eight years has filled this position with credit to himself and the state.
Professor Parson is a member of the Royal Ar- canum and the Independent Order of Foresters. Politically he has always affiliated with the repub- lican party and he belongs to the Presbyterian church. It is somewhat strange that this mind trained in mental effort and dry mathematical cal- culation should by way of variety be endowed with great musical abilities. Ilis skill in musical leader- ship and talent as a vocalist has greatly added to his usefulness in the community.
On January 31, 1895, Professor Parson was united in marriage to Laura Luella Bradt, a sis- ter of Charles E. and Samuel E. Bradt of DeKalb. 280 CLARK-3843 6-20 SAUTTER
They are the parents of three children: Leonard Bradt Parson, born May 13, 1896: Eleanor Par- son. born March 2, 1899 : and Charles Elliott Par- son, born March 18. 1903. A few years ago they built a comfortable home on College avenue, where surrounded by his books. his music, his family and in near touch with congenial friends, they enjoy au ideal life.
FREMONT NATHAN ROWAN, D. V. S.
Dr. Fremont Nathan Rowan, who since 1891 has been employed in his professional capacity to look after the livestock holdings of W. L. Ellwood at De Kalb, was born in Franklin township, De
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Kalb county, his parents being Stephen G. and Emeline (Baker) Rowan. The family numbered eix children. of whom five are living. The father was born in Batavia, Gene-ee county. New York, September 24, 1820. and was a son of William H. and Betsy (Gorham ) Rowan. In the paternal line he was descended from ancestry who came either from Scotland or the north of Ireland, locating in the state of New York, where the family was represented for several generations.
In early life Stephen G. Rowan learned the blacksmith's trade. He became a resident of De Kalb county in 1813. He was one of the found- ers of the town of Kirkland and one of the early pioneer settlers of the county. coming to the west with his parents, brothers and sister. He was one of nine children, his brothers being Boyd D .. Warren C. and James, all deceased : Theron, who 1- living in Kirkland : John, a resident of Bowlder. Colorado : Gurden, who resides in Genoa. Illinois : and Perry, who was killed in the battle of Stone River in the Civil war. One sister, Mary ., is the widow of 1I. P. Grant, of De Kalb. The grandfather of our subject was twice married. his second wife being Mrs. Maria Caswell. ner Gaba. by whom he had two children: William II., a resident of Belvidere: and Sammel P .. a farmer of Franklin township, De Kalb county. The re- moval of the family to the middle west was made after the primitive manner of travel at that time.
Stephen G. Rowan was one of those sturdy pio- neers who withstood the many hardships incident to frontier life and he performed an active and important service in the development of the new country. He was always active in affairs of his town and served as road commissioner. as su- pervisor, as assessor for twenty-six years and as postmaster, being the first postmaster of Kirk- land. He was also enrolling officer during the war. He married Emeline B. Baker on the 11th of July, 1847, and for thirty-six years they trav- eled life's journey together, when they were sep- araied by her death on the 11th of June, 1883. Mr. Rowan on the 11th day of May. Iss2, married Mrs. Lucy Norman. A part of his life was de- voted to farming and he was accounted one of the representative pioneer agriculturists. The surviving members of the family are: Frank S., a real-estate dealer of Belvidere, Illinois : Fred B.,
who is engaged in the practice of veterinary sur- gery at Belvidere; Fremont N .. of this review, Ilarley B., a druggist and merchant at Kirkland. Illinois ; and Emma R., the wife of S. D. Wing, of Pasadena. California.
In the fall of 1885 Dr. Rowan entered the To- ronto (Canada) Veterinary College, which he al- tended for one term and in the fall of 1886 en- tered the Chicago Veterinary College. from which he was graduated on the 31st. of March, 1887. Following his graduation he located in Kirkland, where he practiced his profession until March, 1501. In that year he came to De Kalb to ae- cept a position with W. L. Ellwood to look after his live-stock interest- in a professional capacity. and in this position he has remained continuously -mer. In the same year he was appointed assist- tant stato veterinarian and has also acted in that capacity for sixteen years.
On the 20th of September, Dass, Dr. Rowan was married to Miss Nettie Smith, a daughter of Vincent and Mary ( Kenny ) Smith. of Hampshire, Kane county. Ilinois. By this marriage there has been born one child. Helen Elise. Mrs. Row- an's father wa- a native of Baden, Germany, born in 153%, and when fourteen years of age he came to the United States, locating at Milan, Ohio. whence he made his way to Batavia. Illinois. re- moving afterward to Akron. Ohio. where his daughter Nettie was born. From Akron he went to Marengo, Illinois, thener to Wayne, Illinois, where he lived for eight year -. after which he spent his last days in Hampshire, this state. His widow is still living at Hampshire. Mrs. Rowan was the oldest of their cleven children, seven of whom are still living. Her father was a veteran of the Civil war, serving for three years with Battery B. Taylor's Light Artillery. ITo be- longed to the Masonic fraternity and to the Grand Army of the Republic.
ROBERT EDWARD BLOOM.
The business interests of De Kalb find an active representative in Robert Edward Bloom. dealer in clothing. Ilis life record began in Iowa City, Iowa, on the 12th of March, 1882. his father being Moses Bloom. who for thirty-five years was one of the prominent merchants of Iowa City and
R. E. BLOOM.
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also exerted widely felt influence in political inter- ests there. In faet he was honored by election to the state senate, wherein he served for several years, and upon the legislation of that period ne left the impress of his individuality for good.
Robert E. Bloom, reared in his native eity, entered the public schools at the usual age and passed through successive grades until, leaving the high school, he continued his studies in the University Business College of Iowa City. Later he was a student in Culver Military Academy at Culver, Indiana, and in the State University of Iowa. From his boyhood days he was trained to mercantile pursuits through the assistance which he rendered his father, a man of excellent business capacity, keen discrimination and unfaltering en- terprise. After he had completed his education he was employed by the firm that succeeded his father in business-Bloom & Mayer. In August, 1905, he resigned his position and came to De Kalb to engage in business on his own account, establishing a modern mercantile enterprise here. "Blooms, The Good Clothes Store," has become a household word in De Kalb and for miles throughout the surrounding country. He carries a carefully selected line of goods, anticipating the wants of his patrons, and his trade is steadily growing.
Mr. Bloom is a member of De Kalb lodge, No. 765. B. P. O. E., and also belongs to De Kalb lodge of the Happy Order of Goats. In polities he is independent, voting for men and measures rather than for party. He stands as a worthy representative of the spirit of the times, being wide-awake, alert and determined, and although connected with business interests of De Kalb for only a brief period he has already become widely and favorably known in this connection.
CAPTAIN ALBERT S. KINSLOE.
Albert S. Kinsloe, who for four terms has filled the office of county clerk and one term as county treasurer, retiring from the position as he entered it-with the confidence and good will of all con- cerned-has been a resident of DeKalb county for more than a half century and throughout this
period has been an interested witness of its growth and development, while his public-spirited citizen- ship has been manifest in tangible co-operation in many movements for the general good.
His lite record began in Huntingdon county; Pennsylvania, in December, 1840, his parents be- ing Dr. Lemuel and Isabella (Thompson) Kinsloe. The family comes of Seotch ancestry and was founded in America by James Kinsloe, the grand- father of our subject, who was a native of Scot- land. Dr. Kinsloe was born in Pennsylvania, in 1808, and became a practicing physician. He re- moved from Huntingdon county to Juniata county, Pennsylvania, about 1845, and in 1854 came with his family to DeKalb county, Illinois, settling ai Ross Grove in the spring of that year. Here ha practiced his profession continuously and sueeess- fully until 1859, when he removed to Earlville, Illinois, where he died in 1870. His politieal sup- port was given to the republican party and he held membership in the Associate Reformed church. He was a man of medinin height, of mild disposi- tion, firm in character and strict in his religious views. His wife, a native of Spruce Creek, Penn- sylvania, was of Irish lineage and she, too, was a member of the Presbyterian church, in the faith of which she passed away in 1872. The family numbered four children, of whom Albert S. is the eldest. the others being Allen G. and Clara T., both now deceased, and Ilarris E., residing in Cor- sicana, Texas.
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