USA > Illinois > DeKalb County > Past and present of DeKalb County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 26
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EDWIN P. KOOL.
Edwin P. Kool, who has been engaged in the tailoring busine>> in De Kalb since 1901. is a native son of the middle west. He was born in Buffalo, Howa. March 5. 1813, his parents being Edward P. and Mary ( Herman) Kool. He is descended in the paternal line from Holland ancestry and in the maternal line is of German lineage. His father was born in Holland. February 22, 1833. and in carly life learned and followed the tailor's trade. The mother's birth occurred in Heidelberg, Ger- many. April 19. 1844. They came to America in 1866 and settled at St. Louis, Missouri, whence they removed to Clinton. Iowa. and afterward to Morrison. Iowa, where they now reside. There were thirteen children in their family of whom two have passed away.
Edwin P. Kool. the fourth in order of birth. is indebted to the public-school system of Morrison. Iowa. for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He passed through successive grades and was grad- uataed from the high school. after which he began learning the more difficult lessons in the school of experience. While still a student in the public schools he learned the tailor's trade. and when he put aside his text-books he engaged in business in that line. In 1901 he removed to De Kalb. where he opened a tailoring establishment at No. 118 North Third street, where he still continues. He carries a large line of tailoring goods. employs expert help and the work which he turns out is most creditable and receives the endorsement of the publie generally.
Mr. Kool was married in Appleton. Wisconsin. January 8, 1898. to Miss Gertrude Kingsbury. who was born there March 4, 1880, a daughter of Frank and Clara (Gross) Kingsbury. Her father was born in Ripon, Wisconsin. July 7. 1864. Mrs. Kool was an only child and by her marriage has no children. Mr. Kool belongs to the Knights of
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Pythias lodge and to the Elks lodge at De Kalb. He was at one time a musician in the state militia and he gives his political allegiance to the repub- lican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church. He and his wife are pleasantly located at No. 315 Augusta street and their home is always open for the reception of their many friends. They occupy an enviable position in social circles and Mr. Kool is equally well known in business, having worked his way steadily upward to a position of promi- nence as a tailor in De Kalb. He well merits the success which has attended his efforts. and as the years have gone by he has become widely and favorably known in commercial circles.
FRANCIS EDWARD FINLEY.
Francis Edward Finley is the owner of one hun- dred and sixty acres of choice land on section 17, Pierce township. He was born in Batavia, Illinois, December 3, 1847, but has resided in Pierce town- ship from the age of eight years, at which time he came to De Kalb county with his parents, Pat- rick and Bridget (Sally) Finley. The father was born in Ireland in 1824 and in the early '40s came to America, settling first in New York where he lived for several years. In 1845 he removed to Batavia, where he resided for eight or ten years, and on the expiration of that period took up his abode in Pierce township, where he resided until his death. He was a farmer by occupation, fol- lowing that pursuit throughout his entire life, and in business met with good success, accumulating considerable property. He died in 1872, while his wife, who was born in Ireland in 1832, long survived him, passing away in 1892.
Francis Edward Finley became a student in the district schools of Pierce township. and, as the years passed by and age and strength increased more and more, he largely engaged in the work of the home farm. On the 15th of December. 1881, he wedded Miss Mary Finan, who was born Octo- ber 28, 1867, daughter of Patrick and Katherine (Gaughan) Finan, both natives of Ireland. Her father, who was born in 1832, died in 1887, while the mother, who was born June 24. 1834. departed this life on the 15th of January, 1907. They came to
America in the later '40s, and, after residing some time in New York, removed to St. Charles, Illi- nois, afterward becoming residents of Victor town- ship, where Mrs. Finley pursued her education in the district schools. Unto our subject and his wife were born eight children : Isabelle M., born Feb- ruary 25, 1888; Francis S., born December 11. 1890 : Sylvester J., born October 22, 1892 ; Kather- ine, born February 22, 1895: Edward, born May 22. 1896: Richard, born November 12, 1899 ; Wil- fred MI., born April 3. 1903; and Dorothy C., born August 1, 1905.
Mr. Finley and his family are members of St. Mary's parish of De Kalb. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the democratic party. Though he inherited some property, the greater part of what he possesses has been accumulated through his own efforts. He has worked diligently and persistently to acquire a goodly measure of success and is now owner of one quarter section of land, which is very valuable. The farm is well tilled and well equipped and the honorable business methods and unfaltering industry of the owner have secured for him the confidence and regard of those with whom he has been brought in con- tact.
WILLIAM E. CLARKE.
William E. Clarke, now practically living retired on his fine farm of over five hundred acres, situ- ated in Mayfield township, is one of the highly honored and respected citizens of De Kalb county, He is a native son of this country. his birth having occurred on a farm in Mayfield township, May 4, 1851. His parents. George and Amelia Lucy ( Munt) Clarke, were both natives of England, the former born in Walthamstow, Essex county, February 1, 1823. He was there reared, educated and married, his wife being a daughter of Samuel Munt. In 1846 the father emigrated with his family to the new world, locating first in Du Page county, Illinois, where he made his home for two years and then took up his abode in De Kalb county, where he entered a traet of one hundred and sixty acres from the government, this land being located on seetion 29 in Mayfield township. In 1884 he left the farm in charge of his son.
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George E. Clarke, and removed to Chicago, where he operated in real-estate to some extent. although he practically lived retired. Ilis death occurred in that city in December, 1902. while his wife had preceded him to the home beyond. her death oc- curring on the old homestead farm, February 2. 1895. Their family numbered three sons and one daughter: William E., of this review; Alfred L .. a farmer of Mayfield township; George E .. who owns and operates the old homestead farm; and Lucy L .. the wife of Orlando Drake. a farmer of Mayfield township.
William E. Clarke, the second member of the family, received his education in the common schools, while he was carly trained to the duties of the home farm. He remained under the parental roof until he had reached the age of twenty-four, when he started out upon an independent career, choosing as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared. As the years passed he pros- pered in his undertakings until he is now the owner of a fine farm of over five hundred aeres. He was for many years actively identified with agrienltural pursuits but he is now practically liv- ing retired. leaving the more arduous duties to his sons, in whom he finds valuable assistants. llis place is well improved with a good residence and modern and substantial ontbuildings for the shel- ter of grain and stock, and thus the property has greatly enhanced in value since coming into his possession. Mr. Clarke is likewise interested in other realty. having land in the west and property in Chicago and in Sycamore, and he is also a stock- holder in the telephone company at Sycamore and in the National Bank of Sycamore. He is every- where known as an upright and honorable citizen, commanding the highest esteem of all with whom he is brought in contact.
On the 29th of June, 1875. occurred the mar- riage of Mr. Clarke and Miss Sophia C. MeMillen, a daughter of Alexander McMillen. a farmer, whose home adjoined that of Mr. Clarke until his removal to Marshall county. Kansas. about twenty- five years ago. By her marriage Mrs. Clarke be- came the mother of six children: Evelyn A., who is acting housekeeper for her father: Flora C .. who is now the wife of George Thompson, of Mayfield township: Della L., the wife of George Drake. also of this township: Ernest G .. who is acting as assistant to his father in the manage-
ment of the farm; and Inez M. and William A., both under the parental roof. The wife and mother passed away in 1900. and thus the community fost one of its most estimable and highly respected women, while the family lost a devoted wife and mother.
Mr. Clarke gives his political support to the men and measures of the republican party, and for the past twenty years has served almost continuously as school director, while at various times he has acted as road commissioner. He attends the ser- vices and contributes to the support of the Methi- odist Episcopal church in Mayfield township. The family is one most highly respected throughout the community in which they live and MIr. Clarke is numbered among the wealthy citizens of this section of the state. Hle has spent his entire life in De Kalb county and the success which he today enjoys is well merited, for it has been won through high and honorable principles and through his own well directed efforts.
ROBERT KIRK RUNNER.
Robert Kirk Runner, manager of the gas plant at De Kalb, was born in Freeport, Illinois. Jan- uary 31, 1826. Ilis father, Americus J. Runner. was born in Pennsylvania. JJanuary 21. 1850, and died in the year 1880. He was a jeweler who during his business career was located at Freeport. where most of his life was passed. It was after his demise that his family changed their place of residence. In early manhood he wedded Ada C. Kirk. a native of Ohio, who is still living. making her home with her son. Robert K., in De Kalb. In the family were two daughters, and one son. our subject, who is the eldest.
Robert Kirk Runner was but five years of age at the time of his father's demise. The family afterward went to Kansas and he was educated in the public schools of that state. Subsequently he worked on a farm for one year, after which he was employed by a telephone company for two years. He then turned his attention to the gas business and for twelve years has been connected with this line of industry. being now manager of the gas plant at De Kalb. He came to this city from Freeport in 1901 and has here made his
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home for six years. Gradually he has worked his way upward in business circles and occupies an excellent and remunerative position, for which he is well qualified, having thoroughly acquainted himself with the business in principle and detail.
In his political views Mr. Runner is a stalwart republican. having supported the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is a member of De Kalb council, No. 1059, R. A .; of De Kalb lodge, No. 155, I. O. O. F .; and in Masonry has taken the degrees of the blue lodge, chapter, commandery and of the Eastern Star. He has held offices in all of these- a fact which indicates his personal popularity with his brethren of the different organizations and his loyalty to the beneficent principles upon which these orders are based. Ile is a member of the First Congre- gational church of De Kalb, to wnich his mother and sisters also belong. Mr. Runner may truly be called a self-made man, for he started out in life without financial aid and has been dependent upon his own resources from early years. Ile has by honesty and energy climbed to a position of trust and responsibility and as manger of the De Kalb County Gas Company he is held in high esteem by his employers and by business men generally.
JONATHAN D. WOOLSEY.
Among the residents of Sycamore who in former years were identified with agricultural interests but are now living retired, is numbered Jonathan D. Woolsey, one of Ohio's native sons. He was born November 17, 1831, of the marriage of Thomas and Parthena (Olmsted) Woolsey. The father, also a native of Ohio, was born in 1800 and became one of the pioneer residents of De Kalb county, where he arrived in 1839, making his way to Sycamore. Soon after he purchased government land and engaged in farming, aiding in reclaiming a hitherto wild and uncultivated dis- triet for the purpose of civilization. He was a self-made man and a great reader, keeping in touch with the trend of modern thought as the years passed by. He became a local preacher and although he never had a regular charge he sup-
plied pulpits whenever a vacancy occurred. He would fulfill any preaching engagement even in the coldest weather and at personal sacrifice, and his influence was an element in the moral develop- ment of the community. Ile preached more fu- neral sermons and performed more marriage ceremonies than any other preacher in the county. His wife, Parthena Olmsted Wool- sey, was born in New York and for many years they traveled life's journey together but were separated by the death of Mr. Woolsey at Sycamore in 1865. Mrs. Woolsey survived to the age of nearly eighty years. In the family were eight children, namely : John, a resident of Knox county, Illinois; Mary, the deceased wife of J. B. Jenness, who served as a musician with the Union army in the Civil war and who was after- ward a resident of Sycamore: Elmira, who be- came Mrs. White and is now living in Minnesota but her husband is deceased; J. D., of this re- view; Meridan, the deceased wife of Chauncy Beckwith of Sycamore: W. B., who is living in California ; Mrs. Minerva Hibbard, a resident of Denver, Colorado; and Russell, who died in child- hood.
J. D. Woolsey is indebted to the public schools for the educational privileges he enjoyed in youth. He spent the first seven and a half years of his life in the state of his nativity and came with his parents to De Kalb county in 1839. Here he was reared to farm labor to the age of eighteen years, when he began learning the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a few years. Subsequently he learned blacksmithing and wagonmaking and was employed in those lines for ten years, but re- turning to the occupation to which he had been reared, he purchased one hundred acres of land in Sycamore township and took possession of the farm, which at that time, however, was little im- proved. He now owns one hundred and forty- seven acres of land under a high state of cultiva- tion. He has made all of the improvements upon this property, adding to it modern machinery, good buildings and well kept fences. For thirty- six years he was actively and successfully en- gaged in farming and but a few years ago he re- tired and took up his abode in Sycamore. He now occupies a house which he owned when a young man but traded it toward his farm. It is now
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again in his possession and he has remodeled it, making it a nice home.
In 1861 Mr. Woolsey was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Parker, a most estimable lady. who has been to her husband a faithful companion and helpmate on the journey of life. She is a very neat housekeeper. everything about her home be- ing most attractive in appearance. and in manner she is pleasant and agrecable. She was born in Indiana and is a daughter of Nelson Parker, who settled on a farm near Kingston, De Kalb county. in 1855 but is now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Woolsey have been born four children, of whom three are living : Thomas, who resides on his fath- er's farm ; Ralph, who married Miss Dora Har- rington and is living in Sycamore: and Lena, at home. The second son. Irving. died at the age of twenty-four years. Mr. and Mrs. Woolsey hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and his political support is given to the republican party. He derives his income from his farm of one hundred and forty-seven acres and he owes liis success in life entirely to his own labors and the assistance of his estimable wife.
T. W. DODGE.
Among the wealthy and substantial residents of Malta is numbered T. W. Dolge, who since 1905 has lived retired in this village. He is one of the most extensive landowners of De Kalb county, having ten hundred and fifty acres situated in this county. Mr. Dodge was born May 30. 1838. in Mount Holly. Vermont, a son of Thomas and Eliza (Conant) Dodge. the former born February 2, 1809, in lower Canada, and the latter September 12. 180℃. From Canada the father made his way to Vermont, where he made his home for some time. In 1863 he removed to De Kalb county, Illi- nois. and here carried on general agricultural pur- suits until his death, which occurred in 1893, when he had reached the very advanced age of eighty- five years. The mother passed away in 1875.
Mr. Dodge of this review acquired his education in the schools of Mount Holly and was graduated from the academy at Chester. Vermont. in 1860. After completing his education he engaged in teaching for seven years in Vermont, and in 1867
was married in that state to Miss Eugenia Upham, who was born in Windham, Vermont. Following his marriage he came to De Kalb county and here engaged in teaching for two years, subsequent to which time he removed to a farm in Malta town- ship. He prospered in his undertakings and as the years passed by and his financial resources per- mitted he added to his landed possessions until he became owner of ten hundred and fifty acres, as stated above. During the years of his active con- nection with agricultural life he worked persist- ently and diligently, thereby acquiring the com- petence and the property that now enables him to live in honorable retirement. In 1905 he aban- doned all business pursuits and removed to the vil- lage of Malta, where he is now spending his days in a pleasant home, surrounded by many friends and all the comforts of life.
Unto our subject and his wife have been born three sons and three daughters. James W., who was born July 26. 1868, is married and has three children. Mabel was born April 30, 18:1. and is now the wife of Charles Adams, by whom she has two children. Arthur V. was born August 3. 1875. Roy E., who was born December 29, 1879, is mar- ried and has three children. He is now a resident of Oak Park, Illinois. Nellie E. was born April 10. 1882. Mary E., who completes the family, was born July 26. 1887.
Mr. Dodge has always supported the men and measures of the republican party and for the past eighteen years has served as supervisor of Malta township, being the present incumbent in that of- fic. He has always kept well informed on political questions and issues of the day, taking an active interest in local political affairs and at all times doing his full duty in citizenship. During his long incumbency in the office of supervisor he has rendered most faithful and efficient service and that he has the endorsement of the public is in- dicated by the many times he has been chosen to the office.
In business life he has made a most excellent record and owes his success to his own labors. He was equipped for life's practical and responsible duties by a liberal education, but otherwise had few advantages to aid him as he started out in life. IIe realized that "there is no excellence without labor" and always fully understood that "there is no royal road to wealth." He therefore
odge
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ASTOR, LEMAY TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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staried o out determined to win advancement through diligence and honorable effort and has thus steadily worked his way upward, winning his prosperity through his indefatigable labor and judicious investments. His judgment is seldom, if ever, at fault in business matters, and he has never been known to take advantage of the neces- sities of his fellowmen in any business transactions. He is a man of exemplary habits and his interests are centered in his home and family. He has passed the sixty-eighth milestone on life's journey and his former years of toil and industry well en- title him to the rest which he is now enjoying. HIe and his family are highly respected, not only in Malta, but throughout De Kalb county, and their own pleasant home is noted for its gracious and warm hearted hospitality.
ESKET BAXTER.
Esket Baxter has for the past three years lived retired in a comfortable home in Creston, Ogle county, but for many years was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits in De Kalb county. He still owns seven hundred acres in Malta town- ship and one hundred and fifty-four and a half acres in Dement township, Ogle county, from which he derives a good annual income. He was born January 2, 1847, at Georgehan, Devonshire, England, a son of James and Mary Ann (Dar- racott) Baxter, who were likewise natives of Georgehan, Devonshire, where they lived until 1858, when they emigrated to the new world. The father passed away in Malta township, August 12. 1885, while his wife had preceded him to the home beyond, her death occurring January 19, 1873.
Esket Baxter was a lad of ten years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world. He acquired his education in the district schools of De Kalb county but his advantages in this direction were very limited. owing to the unsettled condition of the country. However, he has greatly broadened his knowl- edge through experience, reading and observation. Ile was reared in mueh the usual manner of farm lads, assisting his father in the development of new land during the period of his boyhood and youth. He remained under the parental roof
until he attained his majority, when in 1871 he started out upon an independent business venture. Ile began farming on a tract of land on section 19, Malta township, and through his industry and economy he prospered in his undertakings, so that he was enabled from time to time to add to his landed holdings until he became the owner of seven hundred acres of well improved land in Malta township. In addition to this he also owns one hundred and fifty-four and a half aeres in Dement township, Ogle county. He was for a long period engaged in general farming but three years ago abandoned all active business pursuits and with his wife removed to Creston in Ogle county, where he owns a residence, in which he is now living in honorable retirement. He is still remembered by the residents of De Kalb county as an honorable, upright man, who in all his deal- ings with his fellowmen commanded their respect and utmost confidence.
Mr. Baxter was married January 9, 1871, to Miss Harriet Griswold, who was born in Lake county, Ohio, in 1848, a daughter of Francis and Emeline (Warner) Griswold, early pioneers of De Kalb county. Unto our subject and his wife have been born five children, as follows: Amy Eliza, who is still with her parents; Malissa A., the wife of Charles Henderson, who operates a farm belonging to Mr. Baxter in Malta township; James, who married Anna Lang, likewise oper- ating one of Mr. Baxter's farms in Malta town- ship; Emma, the wife of William Lang, who re- sides on one of Mr. Baxter's farms in Dement township, Ogle county ; and William, who wedded Cora Ferguson, also living on a farm in Malta township.
Mr. Baxter has always been an earnest sup- porter of the republican party, easting his first presidential ballot for General U. S. Grant. He served as school director for nine years, also served as pathmaster and filled several other minor offices. Both he and his wife are everywhere known for the charitable deeds which they have performed, ever being ready to lend a helping hand to the poor and needy. He is highly re- spected throughout De Kalb county, where for so many years he made his home, and although his residence in Creston has been brief he has already won many warm and lasting friends. Though starting out in life with a limited education and
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without capital he has worked his way steadily upward from a humble position until today he is one of the most extensive landowners in this sec- tion of the state and his record is another indica- tion of the fact that industry and well directed effort are sure to be rewarded by prosperity.
WILLIAM H. RAY.
There are leaders in every community-men who are prominent in molding public thought and action and whose labors are an essential element in growth. development and progress. Among the leading residents of Shabbona is numbered Wil- liam H. Ray, who has figured prominently in pub- Jie life because of his newspaper interests and also as an official. He has held various offices in the village and in the exercise of his official preroga- tives has largely advanced the work of general im- provement.
Mr. Ray is a native of Nassau. Germany, born November 13, 1843. and in July. 1849, he came to the new world with his parents. John and Eliza- beth Ray, who located in Monroe county. New York. John Ray was a coal miner in Germany but became a farmer in this country. IFe resided in the Empire state for three years and in 1851 removed with his family to Kendall county, Illi- nois, where he first rented land. There he re- mained for four years, after which he spent one year in La Salle county, and in 1858 he came to De Kalb county, purchasing an eighty-acre tract of land in Victor township. For six years his time and energies were devoted to its further enltivation and development and in 1864 he removed to Shah- bona township, where he made investment in two hundred and forty-three acres of land. There he lived until his death, which occurred on the 21st of February. 1892. at the age of seventy-two years. JIe was a good business man, an energetic agri- culturist and at one time was successfully engaged in the dairy business, keeping thoroughbred Hol- stein cattle. In all of his business dealings he was reliable and trustworthy. never taking advantage of the necessities of others in a trade transaction. ITis life was characterized by high and honorable principles. Ile held membership in the Baptist church, in which he served as deacon for many
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