USA > Illinois > DeKalb County > Past and present of DeKalb County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 13
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COLFAX SCHUYLER, D. D. S.
Dr. Colfax Schuyler, successfully engaged in the practice of dentistry in De Kalb, was born in Nunica, Michigan, February 23, 1868, his parents being James H. and Mary (Sixbury) Schuyler. The name of Sixbury has been closely associated with the history of De Kalb county from pioneer times, for Joseph Sixbury, the maternal grand- father of Dr. Schuyler, was one of the early resi-
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dents of Sycamore, where he located in 183%, when the city was little more than a crossroads village. In fact he was one of the men who as- sisted in locating the county seat at Sycamore and aided in the upbuilding, development and progress of the town. Ile and his wife were devoted mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he held the office of class-leader and steward for several years. He was born in Amsterdam, Mont- gomery county, New York. November 7, 1810, and died at Sycamore, December 28, 1879, after a resi- dence of more than forty-two years there. His wife, also a native of Amsterdam, New York, was born March 2, 1815, and passed away in 1880.
James II. Sehuyler, the father of the Doctor, was born in New York state and after attaining his majority was united in marriage, in Sycamore, on the 9th of May, 1866, to Miss Mary E. Six- bury, whose birth there occurred May 30, 1838. Shortly after their marriage they removed to Nunica, where two sons were born unto them : Colfax, of this review ; and James C. The wife and mother died February 7, 1876.
The father subsequently returned to Sycamore, Illinois, where his little son Colfax was placed under the care of his grandmother, Mrs. Malinda Ellwood Sixbury. He acquired his early education in the public schools, prepared for college, and. having determined to make the practice of den- tistry his life work, he entered the Chicago Col- tege of Dental Surgery, in which he pursued a full and thorough course, being graduated from that institution in the class of 1891. Immediately afterward he opened an office in De Kalb and has since been steadily increasing his hold on popular favor and patronage. He has a splendidly ap- pointed office, supplied with all the latest appli- ances known to the profession and his work is of superior order, so that he has won a reputation as the leading dentist of the city.
On the 20 of September, 1896. Dr. Schuyler was united in marriage to Miss Harriet D. Good- rich, the accomplished daughter of Erastus and Phebe (Dodge) Goodrich. Mrs. Schuyler was born in New York, May 10, 1871. and in 1879 was brought by her parents to De Kalb county, where she was reared to womanhood and acquired her education. I'nto Dr. and Mrs. Schuyler have been born two children: Chancy G., born November 9, 1899; and Harriet, November 13, 1901.
The Doctor finds one of his chief sources of rest and recreation in fishing, being a lover of the sport which has for its object the capture of the finny tribe. In politics he is a republican, thor- oughly in sympathy with the principles and policy of the party, while his fraternal relations connect him with lodge No. 144, A. F. & A. M., and with the Elks lodge, No. 765. He and his family own and occupy the beautiful residence at No. 221 North Second street and the Doctor and his wife are numbered among De Kalb's best citizens. They are representatives of old families of the county and are highly esteemed wherever known. The Doctor, devoting his life to a work wherein advancement depends entirely upon individual merit and skill, has made substantial and steady progress and undoubtedly the future holds in store for him still greater successes.
JOHN CARLSON.
That John Carlson is numbered among the suc- cessful farmers of De Kalb township is due en- tirely to his own labors and perseverance. He is indeed a self-made man, and his life has been one of activity and usefulness, of worthy principles and honorable conduct, so that he well merits the es- teem which is uniformly tendered him.
A native of Sweden, he was born October 24, 1854. a son of Carlson P. and Olina Olson, who were likewise natives of Sweden, in which coun- try they spent their entire lives. John Carlson had no special advantages in his boyhood and youth. In fact he was denied many opportunities which many people regard as essential to success. He attended school to some extent but his youth was largely a period of earnest toil. He soon came to know the value of industry and perseverance, how- ever, and upon these substantial qualities he has builded his prosperity as the years have gone by. Bidding adieu to friends and native land in 1879, he sailed for America to benefit by the broader business opportunities of this country. Since his marriage he has continuously engaged in farming.
In 1882 Mr. Carlson wedded Miss Matilda Fre- dell, who was born in Sweden, September 24, 1862, a daughter of Freedell MI. Johnson and his wife, who were natives of Sweden and died in that coun-
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try. It was in 1846 that Mrs. Carlson came to the Vermont, at an early day. Coming west in 1842, United States, making the trip all alone although only fourteen years of age, from which time until her marriage she provided for her own support. Her industry and frugality have since proven a strong and helpful element in her husband's suc- cess. Following their marriage Mr. Carlson began farming and for seventeen years cultivated rented land year by year adding to his capital as oppor- tunity offered until at length he had acquired a sufficient sum to enable him to purchase one hun- dren and twenty aeres, lying on section 9, De Kalb township. Upon this place he has since carried on general farming. and now has well equipped and improved property.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Carlson were born nine chil- dren : Charles F .. who was born March 10, 1885, and died February 2, 1887: Minnie O., born De- cember 3, 1887; Harry H. and Hattie B., twins, born December 29, 1889, but Harry lived only three months: Arthur G., born May 4, 1893; Florence, March 6, 1896; Esther, March 13, 1899; Walter E. P., February 12, 1903; and Harvey J., December 6, 1905.
Since becoming a naturalized American citizen Mr. Carlson has been a stalwart supporter of the republican party. He and his wife support the Swedish Lutheran church and are among the high- ly respected people of the county, having many warm friends. Time has proven the wisdom of Mr. Carlson's decision to try his fortune in Amer- ica, for as the years have gone by he has prospered in this land where labor finds its just reward and where effort is not handicapped by caste or class.
FREDERICK WAIT.
Among the prominent and up-to-date farmers of Kingston township is numbered Frederick Wait, whose home is on seetion 12. He was born on the 2d of December, 1868, in Boone county, Illinois, only three miles from where he now lives, and has spent his entire life in this locality. His father, William H. Wait, was a native of New York, born in Warren, Greene county, October 28, 1820, and was a son of Henry and Polly (Warren) Wait, who removed to the Empire state from Rutland,
at the age of twenty-two years, William Wait lo- cated in Boone county, Illinois, and took up a quarter section of government land, which he be- gan to improve and cultivate. He was married here in 1855 to Miss Nancy C. Kellogg, a native of Vermont and a daughter of Orlando Kellogg, who was a pioneer in the settlement of this state. Eight children blessed this union and six of the number are still living. The father died on the old home farm in Boone county, in 1892, at the age of seventy-two years, and the mother departed this life in 1890, when fifty-four years of age.
Frederick Wait is the fifth in order of birth in their family and during his minority remained under the parental roof, acquiring a good practical education in the common schools and also an excellent knowledge of farm work in its various departments. His father having accumulated a vast estate of nine hundred acres, he was placed in charge of a farm and for a time rented a traet of one hundred and twenty acres from his father, afterward purchasing the same. Since his mar- riage he has greatly improved his residence, has built a good barn, cribs and outbuildings and to- day has one of the model farms of the locality, it being supplied with all the conveniences and ac- cessories used in the cultivation of an up-to-date farm. Mr. Wait has added to his original pur- chase and now has two hundred acres of valuable land. Ile carries on diversified farming and gives considerable attention to the raising of stock, mak- ing a specialty of Poland China hogs and Norman horses and feeding most of the grain that he raises to his stock.
On the 8th of March, 1891, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Wait and Miss Minnie Adams, who was born in Genoa township, De Kalb coun- ty. Her father, Eli Adams, was a native of Can- ada and on coming to the United States first lo- cated in New York but in 1860 removed to Illi- nois, making his home here throughout the remain- dler of his life. He was a soldier of the Civil war and died in 1902. at the ripe old age of eighty-two years. His wife died January 8, 1907. in her seventy-fifth year. Mr. and Mrs. Wait have be- come the parents of two children but their first born died in infancy, so that Marie is now the only survivor. Mrs. Wait gives considerable at- tention to the raising of barred silver laced Wyan-
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dotte poultry and finds a local demand for all her registered fowls.
In his political views Mr. Wait is a republican, but at local elections where no issue is involved he votes independently, supporting the men whom he believes best qualified for office regardless of party affiliation. For several years he has served as school director but has never cared for office, pre- ferring to give his undivided attention to his busi- ness affairs. He is a man of progressive ideas and his course has ever been such as to command the confidence and high regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact either in business or social life.
HORACE GRIFFITHI.
Horace Griffith, living retired in De Kalb, was born in the town of Reading, Windsor county, Ver- mont, September 16, 1832. His parents, Horace and Phoebe K. (Farnham) Griffith, were both na- tives of the Green Mountain state. The father was a clothier and died when his son Horace was only ten weeks old, leaving a family of six children, all of whom have passed away, with the exception of the subject of this review.
In the common schools of Vermont Horace Grif- fith began his education, which was continued in St. Johnsbury Academy and the Royalton Acad- emy of Vermont. Thus well equipped with liberal educational privileges and advantages, he started out in life and for several terms engaged in teaching school in the Green Mountain state. He came to Illinois in 1855, when a young man of twenty-three years, and was again employed in educational work. He first located in Lake county, this state, and afterward spent one winter in Wis- consin, whence he removed to Sangamon county. Illinois, and in 1861 came to De Kalb county.
It was in the same year, on the 2d of November. that he cast in his lot with the boys in blue of Company G, Fifty-eighth Illinois Infantry, enlist- ing under Captain James .1. Bewley. He partici- pated in the three days' engagement at Fort Don- elson, in the battle of Shiloh, and near Corinth became ill. For a year he remained in the hospital, but was able to do some light duties during the latter part of that time. He was then recom-
mended for hospital steward and received the ap- pointment after being discharged from the Volun- teer service by special order of the war department. in order to enter upon the new duties. He enlisted as hospital steward in the regular army for five years, but by request was honorably discharged at the close of the war in June, 1865. He did his full duty as a soldier, first in the field and, when no longer able for that work. in the hospital de- partment, thus providing his loyalty to the eause which he espoused. Ile is now a member of Mer- ritt Simonds post, No. 283, G. A. R .. and thereby maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades.
When the war was over Mr. Griffith returned to his home and family. He had been married on the 1st of May, 1859, in Nelson, Portage county, Ohio. to Miss Julia A. Cross, who was born in Cazenovia, New York, November 10. 1834. Her parents were Ambrose H. and Nancy A. (Bliss) Cross. Her mother was a near relative of P. P. Bliss, the fa- mous Christian singer, who was killed in the great railroad wreck at Ashtabula. Ohio, in 1876. There were eight children in the Cross family, of whom Mrs. Griffith was the eldest. She proved to her husband a most devoted, faithful and capable help- mate on the journey of life for more than forty years, and was then called to her final rest, pass- ing away in De Kalb, January 27, 1900. There had been five children born of that marriage: George C., born in July, 1860; Mrs. Adeline E. Reetor, who was born October 10, 1861, and died in October, 1900. in Los Angeles, California : Mrs. Cora R. Merry, who died in February, 1894; Mrs. Gertrude B. Kempson, who was born in 1868; and Horace Farnham, born in 1876. The death of the wife and mother was deeply regretted by many friends as well as her immediate family, for she had endeared herself to the large majority of those with whom she came in contact.
In his political views Mr. Griffith has long been a stalwart republican. He holds membership in the First Baptist church of De Kalb and his life has been in harmony with his professions. Follow- ing the war he established a book and notion store in De Kalb, successfully carrying on the enter- prise until 1869, when he sold out and turned his attention to carpentering. Ile afterward spent fourteen years with Brandt & Shipman in their wholesale glove house, but is now living retired.
SRA "
11, LENOX
Mrs. Julia a. Griffith
Horace Griffith
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
AST NOX TILDEN FOIN ATIONS.
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At present he is laying out an addition to the town. known as Griffith's addition. In ail his business relations he was found trustworthy and reliable and the success which he achieved was due entirely to his well directed efforts. Hle has long been rec- ognized as a valuable resident of the city and county and one who in all life's relations has com- manded the respect and good will of those with whom he has been associated. He lives in a beauti- ful home at No. 632 South Third street, which he owns, and there is enjoying the comforts of life, having with him his daughter, her husband and one grandchild. He has lived in the county for about forty-six years and his name is honored wherever he is known.
SERGIUS LLOYD.
Sergius Lloyd, a veteran of the Civil war, is now living in honorable retirement in a pleasant home at No. 313 South Main street, in Sycamore. while he derives an excellent income from his valuable landed holdings in De Kalb county, all of which is well improved and arable land. Mr. Lloyd is a son of Artemas W. and Parthenia ( Haskil) Lloyd, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts, whence they emigrated to THinois in 1855. The father was a member of the State Militia in Massachusetts, serving first as lieutenant and all the grades to colonel, and he was also a member of the legislature of that state. His death occurred in South Grove township in 1885, while his wife had preceded him to the home be- yond, her death occurring in 1868. Their family numbered seven children : Paulina, deceased; W. .1., a retired Congregational minister of Chi- cago; Eli W .. deceased; Mary W., the wife of Archie Vanderem, a miner of Denver, Colorado; Sorgins, whose name introduces this review : Lewis, a manufacturer of Chicago; and Alice, the wife of William Rule, a mining engineer of Denver.
Sergius Lloyd, the fifth in order of birth in his father's family, was born in Stockbridge, Massa- chusetts, June 22, 1839, and acquired his educa- tion in the common schools of that place. He was a youth of sixteen years when he accompanied his father's family on the removal to Illinois. He as-
sisted his father in the work of the home farm, thus gaining practical experience which titted him to engage in business on his own account at a later period, at which time he followed the pursuits to which he had been reared. Ile was early trained to habits of industry and economy and this has proved the secret of his success. He worked diligently and earnestly in his efforts to acquire a good property and as the years passed and he prospered in his nn- dertakings, he made investment in land from time to time until he is now the owner of two valuable farms, one containing three hundred and twenty acres in South Grove township, and a second of two hundred and twenty acres in Sycamore town- ship. Both farms have been placed under a high state of cultivation and are well improved with good buildings, so that he is numbered among the wealthy citizens of De Kalb county.
At the outbreak of the Civil war. Mr. Lloyd put , aside all business and personal considerations and offered his services to his country, enlisting in 1861 as a member of a volunteer company of Chicago, known as WeClelland's Dragoons, this company ading as a body guard for General Mcclellan. Mr. Lloyd participated in the second battle of Bull Ruxx, the battle of Malvern Hill, and various other engagements.and skirmishes until 1862. when, on account of disability, he was honorably discharged. Returning home he once more resumed his farm- ing operations, which he continued for many years, or until he removed to Sycamore, where he is now spending the evening of his days in well earned rest.
Mr. Lloyd chose as a companion and helpmate for life's journey, Miss Julia Gibbs, to whom he was married May 16, 1865, and their union was blessed with six children, as follows: May. the wife of E. H. Edwards, a teacher in the schools at Cleveland, Ohio : Herbert G., a traveling salesman for a Chicago firm; Charles II., who is operating his father's farm in South Grove township; Lewis Edward, who operates his father's farm in Syca- more township; Jennie, now acting as housekeeper for her father; and AAlice, also under the parental roof. After a happy married life of almost thirty-two years Mrs. Lloyd was called to her final rest. her death occurring on the 22d of April, 1894. She was a devoted wife and mother and a kind neighbor and friend, and thus her death was the occasion of deep regret not only to her imme-
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diate family but throughout the community in which she lived.
Mr. Lloyd has always supported the men and measures of the republican party, having cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, belonging to Edward Bridge post. No. 124, at Malta. Illinois, thus maintaining pleasant relations with his old army comrades. While he is not athiliated with any church organization, he attends and supports the Congregational church at Sycamore. fle has ever lived in accord with high and manly princi- ples and has thereby won not only the good will and respect of all with whom he has been associ- ated but has also won many warm personal friends. He has now passed the sixty-fifth milestone on life's journey, and during the greater part of this time has been identified with the interests of De Kalb county. While he has never taken an active part in public affairs he is nevertheless deeply in- terested in the progress and development that has been made in his section of the state and has given his substantial aid to many worthy measures.
ALONZO ELLWOOD.
Alonzo Ellwood. deceased. figured for many years as one of the most prominent residents of De Kalb county and was a leading merchant of Sycamore. While he did not seek the distinction which comes with military or political service, he manifested those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken confidence and regard, being mindful of his obligations to others, reliable in his business and trustworthy in his friendships.
He was born in Minden. Montgomery county, New York. June 12. 1823. his parents being Abra- ham and Sarah ( DeLong) Ellwood. His father was born November 2. 1192. in Montgomery county. New York, and in the early years of his life was a farmer. His worth as a citizen was recognized in his selection by his fellow townsmen for various local offices. He was also an active business man of his locality and constructed ser- eral sections of the New York Central Railroad. He was engaged upon the enlargement of the Erie canal and in the later years of his life conducted
a coopering business. In 1856 he removed to Sye- amore, Illinois, where his remaining years were passed, his death occurring August 24, 1822. Ilis wife died here January 18, 1819, at the age of about eighty-four years, her birth having occurred in Montgomery county, New York, February 23, 1295. They were the parents of eleven children.
Alonzo Ellwood was educated in the public schools of his native county and at the age of fif- teen years went to Mohawk. Herkimer county, New York, where he served an apprenticeship of three years in the acquirement of a practical knowledge of the business of manufacturing ear- riages and sleighs. He remained for several years as an employe in the establishment. where he after- ward became foreman, acting in that capacity for several years. In the spring of 1852 he went to ('alifornia, attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific slope, and was engaged in placer min- ing on the middle fork of the American river un- til 1854, when he returned home.
The spring of 1855 witnessed Mr. Ellwood's ar- rival in Sycamore and he entered business life here as a salesman in the establishment of George Wal- rod. Six months later he formed a partnership with Willis Lott and founded a hardware business. which they conducted successfully for about three years. In 1858 Mr. Ellwood purchased his part- ner's interest and not long afterward admitted his brother Reuben to a partnership in the store. In 1861 he soll his interest to the latter and in com- pany with Chauncey Ellwood and O. M. Bryan built a flaxmill. Previous to the establishment of this enterprise he had been appointed assessor of United States revenue, and when the duties be- came pressing he sold his interest in the flaxmill to Leonard Orendorf. In 1820, associated with N. C. Warren and James S. Waterman. he opened a hardware store at Sycamore, which was in exist- ence for four years. The establishment. with stock and fixtures, was consumed by fire, involving a loss of eleven thousand dollars. partially covered with an eight thousand dollar insurance. Ellwood & Warren became sole proprietors by the purchase of the business and re-established the trade, but a year later soll out.
In the meantime Mr. Ellwood had filled the posi- tion of assessor for eight years and, retiring from that office, he concentrated his energies more largely upon business interests, erecting two stores
ALONZO ELLWOOD.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTON, LENOX TILDEN FOUNDATIONE.
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in Sycamore in company with his brothers, Cham- eey and James E. In 1852 Alonzo and James E. Ellwood opened a drug and grocery store, which they conducted until 1881, when J. E. Ellwood sold out to George M. Sivwright, who a few years later purchased Alonzo Ellwood's interest. Mr. Ellwood was closely, actively and helpfully asso- ciated with the business life and development of Sycamore. He belonged to that class of repre- sentative American men who, while advancing in- dividual interests, also contribute to publie im- provement and prosperity. He was one of the projectors and original stockholders of the Syca- more & Cortland Railroad and was a director of its affairs until it was transferred by sale to the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company. HIS was also a stockholder in the Marsh Harvester Company and in the Marsh Binder Company. At the time of the organization of the R. Ellwood Manufacturing Company he became a stockhokler and remained as one of its directors through its exisIence. His business development was com- mensurate with the growth of Sycamore and. in- deed. he was one of the most active and valued factors in the city's commercial and industrial progress. He knew when the opportune moment arrived and took advantage of it. He was imbued with the spirit of enterprise and successful accom- plishment which have been the dominant factors in the upbuilding of the middle west and his worth was widely acknowledged in commercial circles, while his name became an honored one on business paper.
Mr. Ellwood was also active in local political and official positions in the several places where he re- sided. For three years he was postmaster of Co- Inmbia, New York, and for a similar period was chairman of the board of trustees in Sycamore, by virtue of which position he became supervisor of his town. After Sycamore was incorporated as a city he was elected alderman of the first ward and acted in that capacity for five terms. He became a member of the Odd Fellows lodge on attaining his majority. being initiated into Argus lodge, No. 12, at. Richfield Springs, New York, June 21, 1844. On coming to the middle west he transferred his membership to Sycamore lodge, No. 105, and in 1855 he received the patriarchal degree in Kish- waukee encampment. No. 30. where he remained until after the organization of Ellwood encamp-
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