USA > Illinois > DeKalb County > Past and present of DeKalb County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 37
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The maternal grandfather, Eli B. Gilbert, was in his day one of De Kalb county's most prominent citizens. He was born at Laurens, Otsego county, New York, April 12. 1822, his parents being Ab- ner and Betsy ( Balcom) Gilbert, the former a native of Massachusetts, and the latter of New York. Their family numbered four children, George MI., Eli B., Elizabeth E. and Martin M. Gilbert but all are now deceased. Of this number Eli B. Gilbert was about eight years of age, when his parents removed to Norwich. Chenango county, New York, where he was reared and there resided until 184%. when he came to the middle west, settling at Sycamore, Illinois. In his native state he attended the common schools to the age of six- teen years, when he entered Norwich Academy, which was then under the management of Benja- min F. Taylor, who later gained distinction as a poet. After two years devoted to academical studies he engaged in teaching, which vocation he followed for six years. spending three years as a teacher in Sycamore after his arrival in De Kalb county. In early life he had acquired a knowledge of the builder's trade and about 1850 he abandoned the work of the schoolroom to devote himself to carpentering. He was thus engaged for six years and in leisure hours during that period he read law. In 1852 he removed to the city of De Kalb and the following year was elected justice of the peace. serving continuously in that position up to the time of his death, which occurred August 30, 1895. So conscientious was he in the perform- ance of his duties and so great was his desire for peace between his neighbors that many litigants who came under his care were placated by his good advice and sent away upon friendly terms without resorting to the law. Few communities are favored with such a man as this. His love for his fellow- men and his desire for good will far outweighed any desire for gain and at the sacrifice of his own financial interests he advised arbitration and the peaceful settlement of difficulties. In 1858 he was admitted to the bar of Illinois by application
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to the supreme court. having previously been ad- mitted to the lowa state bar. In 1866 he was elected president of the village board of De Kalb and became ex-officio supervisor of De Kalb town- ship. In the summer and fall of 1860 he was editor of the De Kalb Leader and advocated the election of Abraham Lincoln. He was among the first newspaper editors of the county and became one of the early and stalwart supporters of the republican party. In Masonry he attained the thirty-second degree and was an active worker for the craft, becoming a charter member of De Kalb lodge and doing everything in his power to advance the interests of the fraternity.
On the 25th of December, 1851, Mr. Gilbert was married to Miss Lois A. Needham, a daughter of Benjamin C. Needham, who was born at Ferris- bury. Vermont, on the 4th of May, 1830. Three children were born of this marriage but only one is now living, Josephine L., the mother of our sub- ject and now the wife of Esquire John Orr, of De Kalb. Mrs. Gilbert. the grandmother of Mr. Blackinan, is also living and is a hale and hearty lady. making her home with her grandson of this review.
Gilbert N. Blackman was one of two children but the other has passed away. Spending the period of his minority in his parents' home. he attended the public schools of De Kalb and was graduated from the high school in June, 1895. He pursued a business course in the Chicago Col- lege of Commerce and subsequently be engaged in teaching stenography in that college for a short time but the salary paid was not sufficient to hold him and he accepted a position with the American Steel & Wire Company in the Rookery building in Chicago, where he remained for six or seven months. He then resigned to accept a clerkship in the offices of the round house and repair shops of the Lake Shore Railroad at Engle- wood, where he was employed for eight or nine months. when, in Angust, 1899, he returned to De Kalb. For fifteen or eighteen months he was clerk at the Normal School, resigning this posi- tion to accept a better one with the De Kalb Elec- tric Company. He has remained with this com- pany for seven years, gradually working his way upward until he is now chief clerk in the office, having a responsible position, the duties of which he discharges with ability and fidelity.
On the 21st of June, 1905, Mr. Blackman was married to Miss Myrtle Montgomery, of Syca- more, a daughter of Emile E. Montgomery, a mer- chant and owner of a gristmill in Sycamore. Mr. and Mrs. Blackman have very pleasant social rela- tions in the city and their own home is justly cele- brated for a charming and gracious hospitality. Mr. Blackman is a republican in politics and holds membership in De Kalb lodge, No. 215, K. P., De Kalb camp, No. 10, W. O. W. and also of the Masonic lodge, No. 144. He is well known in his native city and is popular in both social and business circles.
DR. F. H. BELL.
Dr. F. H. Bell is one of the younger members of the medical profession of Sycamore, where he has practiced since June, 1903, but his years seem no bar to his success, for he has already gained a patronage which many an older physician might well envy. A native son of Illinois, he was born at Woodhull, Henry county, on the 4th of August, 1876. IIis father, Theodore F. Bell, is owner of the electric light plant at that place and a retired merchant. He settled in Woodhull at a very early day, coming to Illinois from New Albany. Indiana, and with the growth and development of the city along commercial, political and other lines he has been closely identified. At one time he was mayor of Woodhull, proving a capable officer, his adminis- tration being characterized by business-like promptness.
Dr. Bell pursued his education in the public schools of his native town, and following his grad- nation from the high school became a student in Lombard University, at Galesburg, from which he was graduated in 1899. He read medicine with his uncle, Dr. N. H. Lowry, at Woodhull, during a part of the time for five years, and received his collegiate professional training in Hahnemann Medical College, at Chicago, completing the course by graduation in May, 1903. In June he came to Sycamore and has since engaged in general prac- tice. ITe has already secured an excellent patron- age in Sycamore and in the surrounding country, and has a well equipped suite of rooms in the Pierce block. He belongs to the State Medical
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Society and the De Kalb County Medical Society and his knowledge is being continually augmented by further reading and study.
Dr. Bell was married to Jessie Colburn. of Woodhull, Illinois, and they have a little daughter, Jessie Virginia, now ten months old. Politically Dr. Bell is a republican and fraternally is con- neeted with the Royal Arcanum. the Knights of the Globe and the Yeomen of America. In his social relations he affiliates with the Commercial Club, the Young Men's Industrial Club. the Tennis ('lub and other organizations at Sycamore and is popular with a large circle of friends, his many good qualities having won favorable recognition socially as well as professionally.
THOMAS MARSHALL.
Thomas Marshall, residing in Sycamore, where he recently purchased a fine home. is one of the prominent farmers of De Kalb county. owning over seven hundred aeres of valuable and well improved land. He has been a resident of the county since 1854, covering a period of fifty-five years. and thus he has broad and intimate knowledge of the devel- opment and growth of this section of the state and of the methods of progress that have been em- ployed in transforming it from a frontier region into one of advanced civilization.
Mr. Marshall is a native of England. He was born in Nottinghamshire, October 16. 1832, and came to the new world in 1851. when a young man of eigliteen years. being passenger on a sailing vessel which weighed anchor at Liverpool and was twenty-nine days in making that voyage. This, however, was considered a very quick trip for that period in the history of navigation. From New York he went by Erie canal and around the lakes to Chicago and thence by team to St. Charles, Illinois. He worked on a farm in Kane county for one year for Mr. Perkins and afterward rented land for a year. His father and mother joined him in Kane county and spent their last years in his home, the father passing away at the advanced age of eighty-seven. while the mother was more than ninety years of age when called to her final rest.
Mr. Marshall continued to rent land for two years and in July, 1854, he made purchase of a tract of eighty acres which was raw and unculti-
rated. He still owns this property, but it bears lit- tle resemblance to the tract which came into his possession. He built a house upon it, improved the place and as a companion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Rachel Siglin, to whom he was married in Sycamore township in August. 1852. Mrs. Marshall was born and reared in Monroe county. Pennsylvania. and was a daughter of Jacob Siglin, who came to Illinois in 1853. In De Kalb county he opened up a farm and spent his last years. Mrs. Marshall was reared and edu- cated in Pennsylvania.
Following his marriage Mr. Marshall farmed and further improved his property and bought more land from time to time until his holdings are now extensive, aggregating more than seven hundred acres in this county. All three of his farms are located in Sycamore township and are well-developed properties, bringing to him a good financial return. He started out here a poor man, but he was diligent and determined in his busi- ness affairs and his property interests are today the visible proof of his life of industry, strong purpose and careful management.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Marshall have been born nine children. George N., who is married and has three children, is president of the First National Bank of Belvidere, Illinois. Edwin is married and resides in Kirkland, Illinois, where he is en- gaged in business as a grain and coal dealer. Tay- lor is engaged in the banking business with his brother in Belvidere. Mary is the wife of Frank Ernest, a farmer of Sycamore township. Wilbur is living on the home farm and assists in its culti- vation. Leslie D. is a grain and implement dealer at Byron, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall also lost a daughter and two sons: Jacob. the eldest. died in 1861, at the age of three years ; Anna .Jane. who became the wife of Joseph M. Carmack and died in 1900, at the age of forty years ; and John Wesley, who died in 1871. at the age of five years.
In his political views Mr. Marshall is a stalwart republican, having supported the party since he became a naturalized American citizen. He was elected and served for nine years as highway com- missioner. proving a capable officer. He is a he- liever in good schools and the employment of competent teachers and has done effective service as a member of the school board. He has also
MR. AND MRS. THOMAS MARSHALL.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
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been a delegate to county and congressional con- ventions and locally is recognized as one of the strong and leading members of the party. He and his wife are worthy Christian people. holding mem- bership in the Methodist Episcopal church of Genoa, in which he is a trustee, and Mr. Marshall is also a Master Mason. As one of the pioncer residents of the county he has helped to improve and make it what it is today and has been a witness of almost its entire development. During the period of his residence here the railroads have been built. telegraph and telephones introduced and all the evidences of an advanced civilization have been secured and Mr. Marshall is one who has ever stood for progress.
F. E. GAMMON.
F. E. Gannon is numbered among the progres- sive and enterprising agriculturists and stock- raisers of De Kalb county. He operates two; hun -.. dred acres of land in Malta township, of which he owns forty acres situated on seetion t, and in addi- tion to carrying on the work of the faint he is sath engaged in raising Angus eattle.
Mr. Gammon is a native son of Malta township. his birth having occurred here, July 13. 1862, of the marriage of J. G. and Jane (Bennet ) Gam- mon. The former was born in Devonshire, Eng- land. July 6, 1838, while the latter was born in that country April 26, 1836. The father was but ten years of age when he emigrated to America. Landing in New York he made his way to Buffalo, where he remained for two years, subsequent to which time he came to the west, settling in De Kalb county. He was here engaged in general agricultural pursuits until the outbreak of the Civil war. when his patriotic spirit being aroused he offered his services to the government, enlisting January 4, 1862. as a member of Company L, Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry under Captain Ford for three years' service. He was discharged at Helena, Arkansas, January 4, 1865, and on the 6th of the following March, re-enlisted, becoming a member of Company G, Fourth Regiment United States Infantry, Hancock's Veteran Corps, with which he served until the close of hostilities, being discharged at Tod Barracks, Columbus, Ohio,
March 6, 1866. He then returned to his native land and was there married to Miss Jane Bennet on the 31st of May. 1866. Following his mar- riage Mr. Gammon brought his bride to Illinois, and settled on a farm in Malta township. De Kalb county. He was there engaged in general agricultural pursuits until the fall of 1812, when he retired and, taking up his abode in Creston. Illinois, has since made his home in that village. U'nto him and his wife were born two sons and one daughter: F. E., whose name introduces this review ; Henry B .. who was born January 1. 1869 ; and Jessie A .. born September 21. 1811.
F. E. Gammon was a little lad of five years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Creston, where he pursued his education in the public schools, passing through successive grades until he had completed the school work. He re- mained under the parental roof through the period of his boyhood and youth and when starting out in life on his own responsibility he worked at the machinists trade in Chicago for two years and then chose agricultural pursuits as his occupation. He is now the owner of forty acres of land lying on section 7. Malta township, and in addition to this he also leases a tract of land. operating alto- gether two hundred acres. He follows the most practical and progressive methods of farm work, using the latest improved machinery to facilitate his labors. In addition to cultivating the fields he is also engaged to some extent in raising Angus cattle. owning the mother of the champion Angus calf Brookside Isla, No. 49519, exhibited at the In- ternational Stock Show at Chicago in 1906. He has a well improved farm supplied with substan- tial buildings. and he is numbered among the alert and enterprising citizens of his community.
Mr. Gammon was married on the 29th of May. 1890. to Miss Clara A. Foster, their marriage being celebrated at Waverly, łowa. She was born De- cember 10. 1869, a daughter of J. R. and Carrie A. Foster. who were born in Bangor. Maine. where they were reared and married, subsequent to which time they removed to the west. taking up their abode at Belvidere, Illinois, where they remained for a time and then went to Marysville, Missouri. From that place the father enlisted in the Civil war, serving for a period of three years. Follow- ing the close of his army service he again returned to Missouri. where he was engaged in farming for
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one year, and then removed to Iowa, the year of his arrival in that state being 1866. Hle there took up a claim of government land, on which he made his home until his death, which occurred in 1891. The mother is now living at Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Unto our subject and his wife have been born six children but only five of the number are now living. namely: Neil A., who was born March 26, 1891 : Alta Maude. born June 9, 1893 ; Clifford A., born August 22, 1898 ; Perry B., born December ?, 1900 ; and Clarence, born January 15, 1902. Their youngest child. Lee Darwin, died at the age of three months.
Mr. Gammon's study of the political issues and questions of the day has led him to give stalwart support to the republican party. He is identified with the Masonic order, belonging to the blue lodge, No. 320, of Creston, and De Kalb chapter, No. 52. He likewise holds membership with the Modern Woodmen camp, No. 474, of Creston. He is a man whose integrity and sterling worth have gained for him the respect and confidence of all with whom he has come in contact and he is today numbered among the enterprising agricul- turists of De Kalb county.
JOHN FARLEY.
John Farley, who owns and cultivates a good farm of two hundred and forty aeres in De Kalb township and who is accounted one of the pro- gressive agriculturists of the county, was born in Malta township, July 17, 1861. and has spent his entire life in this county. He comes of Irish lineage, his parents, Lawrence and Catherine Farley, having been natives of Ireland. The father came to America when seventeen years of age and the mother crossed the Atlantic at the age of sixteen years. They were married at Rock- ford, Illinois, and thence removed to De Kalb county, settling an a farm. In 1861 the father. with the capital he had acquired through his own diligence and economy. purchased eighty acres of land in Malta township and subsequently bought more land adjoining it. adding to his property from time to time until his possessions aggregated five hundred and seventy-one acres. Upon this
place he resided until 1894, bringing it under a high state of cultivation and making it one of the valuable farm properties of the county. In the year mentioned he retired from active business life and bought a fine residence in De Kalb. He and his wife then removed to the city, where he spent his remaining days in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. When he passed away in 1903 the community mourned the loss of one of its val- ued and respected citizens and his death occasioned deep regret to many friends as well as to his im- mediate family. Ilis widow is still living in De Kalb, making her home with her youngest daugh- ter. She was the mother of eight cildren : Thomas, who was born April 11, 1859, and died January 12. 1883: John, of this review: Mary J., born February 12, 1863: Lawrence, born April 14, 1865; James, born July 28, 1867; Catherine. born August 21, 1870 ; Anna, born September 22, 1872; and William II., who was born October 3, 1874, and died March 5, 1875.
In the usual manner of farm lads. John Farley spent the days of his boyhood and youth. He aided in the work of the home farm and acquired his edu- cation in the common schools. Ile made prepara- tion for having a home of his own by his marriage, on the 2d of April, 1890, to Miss Agnes E. Carl, who was born in De Kalb, Illinois, June 28, 1876. IIer parents were Michael and Anna Carl, natives of Ireland, whence they came to America when she was still single, their marriage being celebrated in this country. Mr. and Mrs. Farley began their do- mestic life upon rented land and worked dili- gently and persistently to achieve sueeess. practic- ing economy that they might add to their capital. In this way they were at length enabled to pur- clase a farm. The home place now comprises two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land in De Kalb township and the farm is well im- proved property, everything about the place indi- cating the careful supervision of the owner. Unto Mrs. and Mr. Farley have been born two sons: Thomas C., whose birth occurred October 2. 1896 ; and John H., born March 2, 1899.
Mr. Farley is an advocate of the democracy and he and his wife are members of the St. Mary's Catholic church. His life has been quietly passed and yet it contains characteristics which may well be followed by those who desire to gain success through honorable methods and at the same time
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NFS CATHERINE FARLE
LAWRENCE FARLEY
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win the good will and trust of those with whom they are associated. Mr. Farley is not only a suc- cessful farmer, but is also a public-spirited cit- izen who stands for progressive public measures which tend to benefit the community.
JOHN A. L. STOREY.
John A. L. Storey, following the occupation of farming in Shabbona township, was born on the old Storey homestead farm in that township, April 3, 1865. His parents, Septimus and Mary Storey. were early residents of this locality and the son John was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He attended the district school, also spent two winter seasons as a student in the Shabbona high school and two winters in Jennings Seminary at Aurora. He taught for one term in Greentown and one in his home district but has made farming his life work, and whatever success he has achieved has been won through his devotion to agriculture, which, George Washington said, "is the most useful as well. as the most honorable occupation of man." In 1889 he settled on a tract of eighty acres given him by his father on section 20. Shabhona township, where he now lives. Here he has erected the finest farm residence in the township and made other improve- ments in keeping with the attractive home. He also bought eighty acres from his father, making one hundred and sixty aeres in the home farmn. He feeds cattle to a considerable extent and his stock-raising interests are to him a source of pro- fit, while he also annually harvests good crops that find a ready sale on the market. He is likewise a stockholder in the Shabbona State Bank and is one of the representative men of the township, enter- prising, alert, active, determined and successful.
On the 11th of December, 1889, Mr. Storey was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Kennedy, who was born in Shabbona township on the 12th of May, 1869, a daughter of John and Emma Ken- nedy, who were pioneer farmers of the lownship and are now living retired in the village of Shab- bona. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Storey has been blessed with five children: Lester J., who was born July 24, 1891: Ethel K., who was born
August 24, 1893 ; Ruth L., who was born Septem- ber 24, 1896; and Hazel I. and Ilarry I., twins, born on the 27th of May, 1901. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Storey is a member of the Modern Woodmen camp. ITis political allegiance is given to the republican party and he has filled some local offices, serving as assessor and as school trustee for several years, the eause of education finding in him a warm and stalwart friend. In business life he is energetic and diligent and is accounted one of the leading farmers of the county, while his strong personal characteristics are such as have gained for him the friendship and regard of the great major- ity of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
GEORGE R. BEERS.
George R. Beers, who owns and operates a valu- able farm of over three hundred acres, of which two hundred and forty acres lies on seetions 35 and 36. Kingston township, while about seventy acres is in Sycamore township, has been a resident of the state since 1855. He was at that time a youth of fourteen and accompanied his parents on their removal from New England. His birth occurred in Newtown, Fairfield county, Conneeti- cut, June 4, 1841. His father, Charles Beers, also a native of Connecticut, was there reared to farm life and in that locality married Miss Mary A. Edmonds. They became the parents of seven chil- dren, all of whom reached years of maturity. On arriving in Illinois Charles Beers purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Mayfield town- ship, De Kalb county, and began its cultivation and development, transforming the wild prairie into richly cultivated fields. There he lived throughout his remaining days, his death oceurring in 1877 when he was eighty years of age. His wife reached the very advanced age of eighty-seven years and died in 1896.
George R. Beers, who was the third in order of birth in their family, aided in the development of the new farm and when eighteen years of age he went to California on a prospecting trip, traveling westward by team. His horses, however, became sick and died and he had to walk several hundred
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miles. One year in the far west satisfied him that he preferred Illinois as a place of residence and he returned to De Kalb county. remaining with his father until his twenty-second year. He was then married in April, 1863, to Miss Elizabeth Judd. a native of De Kalb county and a daughter of John Judd. who was born in Ohio and after residing for some time in Indiana came to Illi- nois, where in 1835 he took up a government claim, making him a true pioneer of De Kalb county.
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