USA > Illinois > DeKalb County > Past and present of DeKalb County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 40
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About that time he was married, the lady of his choice being Miss Lena Schmidt. The wedding was celebrated on the 20th of February, 1890. and Mrs. Schultz was born in Squaw Grove township in 1871. Her parents are also natives of Germany and came to this country in early life, the father following the occupation of farming. He still carries on general agricultural pursuits in Squaw Grove township, where he owns and cultivates two hundred acres of rich and productive land. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt are still living in Squaw Grove township and are now about eighty-four years of age. Mrs. Schultz is the oldest of nine children, the others being: Mollie, Ernest, Lenora, Anna, John, Emma, Otto and Le Roy. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schultz have been born three children: Fred Edward, born February 22, 1891; Adlai John,
born November 11. 1892 : and Irene Eleanore, born April 15, 1898.
Mr. Schultz has always followed farming and after his marriage rented a tract of land which he cultivated until he was enabled to purchase a farm in Clinton township. He thus became owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 1, which he has since further cultivated and devel- oped and now operates this farm with good sue- cess. annually gathering rich harvests. His polit- ical allegiance is given the democracy and that he is prominent in its ranks is indicated by the fact that he is now serving as one of the committee men. Ile is also road commissioner and for sev- eral years has filled the office of school director. Both he and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church in Squaw Grove township and are much esteemed in the community, having a host of warm friends. In his business affairs Mr. Schultz has met with an enviable measure of sue- cess and now in addition to the cultivation of his fields is engaged quite extensively in raising stock. Ilis diligence and perseverance constitute the basis of his prosperity, making him a leading larmer of Clinton township.
ORVILLE MEAD BLOOD, M. D.
Dr. Orville Mead Blood, of De Kalb, who in the practice of his profession has largely made a spe- cialty of surgery, in which he has received superior training, was born at Bloods, Steuben county, New York. July 26. 1862. The ancestry of the family can be traced back through several generations. The paternal great-grandfather of the Doctor was Frederick Blood. the first settler of Steuben conn- ty, New York. and the founder of the town of Bloods, the postoffice being established in 1826. The great-grandfather conducted a hotel at Bloods Corners as early as 1800, it being the first hostelry in that section of the country. His son and name- sake. Frederick Blood, Jr., devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and became what was then considered a very wealthy man.
James H. Blood, the son of the latter and the father of Dr. Blood, was born in the town of Bloods, New York, in 1838. He was there
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reared and on reaching his majority adopted farm- ing as a life work. At the outbreak of the Civil war, however, he put aside all business and per- sonal considerations and volunteered his services in defense of the country, enlisting in Company L, Fourth New York Heavy Artillery. He was accidentally killed while on his way to the front when but twenty-six years of age. He had pro- viously married Hannah M. Raymond and unto them had been born two children: Frederick J .. now a commercial salesman at Burlington, Ver- mont : and Orville Mead, of this review. Following the death of her first husband Mrs. Blood afterward married Thaddeus Spike and died about 1890. leaving a daughter of the second marriage, Blanche Spike, who is now residing in Chicago.
Dr. Blood of this review spent his boyhood days in his mother's home and attended the public and high schools of his native town, also the Geneseo State Normal at Geneseo, New York. For three years he devoted his attention to teaching and in 1884 determined to enter upon the practice of medicine, to which end he began reading, and in the fall of 1885 matriculated in Bennett Eclectic College of Medicine and Surgery at Chicago. He pursued the full course and was graduated in the spring of 1888. He served as interne at Cook County Hospital and in 1889 located at Lily Lake. Illinois, where he remained for three years, re- moving to Elburn, Illinois, in 1892. There he continued in practice for fourteen years. As a general practitioner and surgeon he has been un- usually successful and has won the unqualified confidence of his many patients. In the spring of 1906 he served as externe in Augustana Hos- pital. Chicago, in the service of Dr. A. J. Ochsner, one of Chicago's most eminent surgeons. Follow- ing his externeship in the Augustana. he took a post-graduate course at the Chicago Polyclinic. In September, 1906, seeking a >till broader field, he. removed to De Kalb, where he has already secured a liberal and constantly growing patronage. His study in recent years has largely been along the lines of surgery, in which he has become very proficient, and indeed he has been very successful. Itis ability is widely acknowledged and in addi- tion to his own extensive practice he is frequently called in consultation with others in surgical cases. He is a member of the De Kalb County Medical and Illinois State Medical Societies, and through
continued reading and investigation he has con- stantly promoted his knowledge and efficiency.
In 1884 Dr. Blood was married to Miss Alice Clark, of Rochester. New York, who died in 1886. and in 1893 he wedded Miss Jennie Marvin of Maple Park, Illinois, a daughter of George W. Marvin, a prominent farmer of that place. Unto this marriage has been born one daughter. Mar- cella. Dr. Blood belongs to the Masonic fra- ternity and also has membership relations with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Yeomen of America and the Mystic Workers. His political support is given the republican party and for many years he served as health officer at Elburn. While a recent addition to the ranks of the profession in De Kalb, through his pleasing personality and his skill as a medical practitioner and surgeon he is rapidly acquiring an enviable practice and is al- ready accounted one of the foremost members of the profession at this place.
JOSEPH C. PIERCE.
In every community are found men who are leaders in business and public life, who leave the impress of their individuality for good upon the general welfare and who by their enterprising spirit and unfaltering endeavor promote public prosperity as well as individual success. To this class belongs Joseph C. Pierce, whose worth and ability have been recognized by his fellow towns- men in various elections to local offices. He is. moreover. a representative business man, now con- nected with the coal and grain trades. Born in Sullivan county, New York, on the 23d of April, 1844, he was the second in order of birth in a family of five children, whose parents were John and Frances ( ('urrey) Pierce, both of whom were natives of Sullivan county, New York, the former born in July, 1812, and the latter on the 4th of July. 1820. A maternal unele of our subject. Stephen Currey, was a soldier of the Revolutionary Army.
Joseph C. Pierce arrived in De Kalb county, Illinois. in the spring of 1866, locating at Syca- more. He was educated in the common schools of the Empire state and in the Normal Schoo'
& C. Pierce
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX DET FOUNDATIONS.
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at Liberty, Sullivan county, New York, and he came to the middle west when a young man of twenty-two years. In October, 1864, he removed from Sycamore to Malta, where he embarked in general merchandising, continuing in that trade for fourteen years, or until 1881. In 1890 he began dealing in grain and coal and has since continued in this line of activity, handling a large amount of fuel and of grain annually. In fact his business has grown to extensive proportions And he has thus won gratifying success. Hle owns n large elevator and a half block upon which it stands, and he is also the owner of much village property, including the residence which he occupies.
Before coming to the middle west, Mr. Pierce proved his loyalty to his country by active serv- ice in the Civil war. He joined the army in July 1863, as one of the boys in blue, in Company , One Hundred and Forty-third New York Infan- fry, and in October, 1864, he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant. On the 21st of March following he was brevetted captain and was as- signed to the command of Company G of the same regiment, acting in that capacity until mus -- lered out after the close of the war in August, 1865. lle participated in a number of important engagements, including the battles of Savannah, Georgia, Averysboro, Goldsboro, Raleigh, a num- ber of skirmishes and the celeberated march to the sea under General Sherman. He was always at his post of duty whether upon the picket line or the firing line, and no word was ever uttered against his valor or his fidelity. In fact his per- sonal bravery inspired his men to deeds of cour- uge and he was recognized as an able officer.
Mr. Pierce is a member of Dement lodge, No. 320. A. F. & A. M., Wayside lodge, No. 54t. K. P., and Edward Bridge post, No. 328, G. A. R .. thus maintaining pleasant relations with his old army comrades. Ilis political allegiance is given 10 the republican party. Hle attends and supports the Congregational church, of which he has served as treasurer for fifteen years. He has also hold many political offices within the gift of the people. Fe was village treasurer for two years. super- visor of his township for four years, tax collector two years, alderman eight years and mayor for four years. He has also been justice of the peace for twenty-six years and is still the incumbent in that office.
Mr. Pierce was married in UIster county, New York, April 14, 1820, to Phebe A. Brundage , who was born in that county, July 18, 1843. Her father was Francis Taylor Brundage, and her mother Catherine ( Porter) Brundage. Both were natives of the Empire state, the former of Sulli- van county and the latter of Dutchess county, and of their five children Mrs. Pierce was the fourth in order of birth. By her marriage she has be- come the mother of two daughters: Katherine B., born December 1, 1813, and Mrs. Frances C. Richardson born May 5, 1876, both of whom are members of the Daughters of the American Rev- olution. The family live in a beautiful home on Sprague and Fourth streets in Malta.
Mr. Pierce deserves all the credit and praise that is implied in the term of a "self-made man," for he had no special family or pecuniary advant- ages to aid him at the outset of his career. He has overcome difficulties and obstacles by deter- inined purpose and by probity and unflagging industry, has pushed his way forward in the midst of these scenes and has attained a measure of success in excess of that of most men. He keeps informed upon matters of public moment and has decided views upon many of the questions of the day. He has indeed made a creditable record for honorable citizenship and for progressiveness in business. He has contributed to the material, intel- lectual and moral progress of his community and has exercised his official prerogatives to support many valuable community measures and inter- ests. Indeed his public and private life are alike above reproach and without invidious distinction he may be termed one of the foremost citizens of Malta and De Kalb county.
ORVIN W. BEEMAN.
Orvin W. Beeman. at one time an active farmer of De Kalb county, now living retired in Syca- more, was born in Allegany, now Wyoming. coun- ty, New York, June 4, 1832. He was one of twins in a family of fourteen children but only three of the number are now living, while he is the only one in Illinois. The parents were Orange and Hannah ( Kilbourne) Beeman, natives of Vermont. They were people in limited circumstances and al-
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though the father carried on farming he did not own land. Ile died at the venerable age of eighty years, while his wife passed away at the age of sixty-six.
Orvin W. Beeman received but little education. Until twelve years of age he was a sufferer from what was called white swelling and at the age of fourteen years he went to work on a farm by the day, eagerly accepting any employment that he could secure. During the last year spent in New York he worked at a salary of eighteen dollars per month. the largest wage being paid for farm labor at that time. Ile then sought a home in the mid- dle west. He was twenty-four years of age when in 1852 he came to Illinois, where he again worked as a farm hand, by the month up to the time of his marriage in February, 1859. On the 16th of February of that year he wedded Miss Mary C. Car- penter. a native of Ohio and a daughter of William Carpenter, who at an early day came to Illinois. where he followed farming.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Beeman and his brother owned eighty acres of land in Shia- wassee county. Michigan, and he removed to that place, there engaging in farming for a few years. In 1865 he returned to De Kalb county, where he purchased eighty acres of land in Mayfield town- ship. Upon this place was a small frame house and a prairie stable. With characteristic energy Mr. Beeman began the further enltivation and im- provement of the property and as the years passed by brought his fields under a higher state of culti- vation and continued in the active work of the farm, annually harvesting large crops as he car- ried on the work along progressive lines of agri- culture. He now owns a good farm of two hun- dred acres. all well improved. The land was open prairie but Mr. Beeman planted a grove thereon and is now getting his fuel from his own timber. On retiring from active farm life he took up his abode in the city of Sycamore, where he now re- sides.
U'nto Mr. and Mrs. Beeman were born three children. but the second died in infancy. The others are Frederick William and Isabelle, the latter at home. The son is living on his own farm in MeHenry county, Ilinois. lle married Miss Alice Clark and they have one son, Leslie, who is now attending school in Sycamore and is living with his grandparents. Mr. and Mrs. Bee-
man have always been hard workers. taking care of what they have made and they have every reason to be proud of their record. They now own and occupy a nice residence at No. 227 East State street and also have two other residences in the city. Mr. Beeman has ever given his political allegiance to the republican party since casting his first presidential vote for Fremont. He served as road commissioner, as school director and as school trustee, and the cause of education has found in him a warm friend, who believes in providing good schools for the youth of the country. His life rec- ord is an indication of what may be accomplished even under adverse circumstances and although he had no assistance at the outset of his career he has through his own labor and diligence gained a place among the prosperous residents of the county, so that he is now enabled to live retired.
BERNHARD II. OLESON.
Bernhard H. Oleson, son of Ole and Elsie (Hendrickson) Oleson, was born in the city of Solvesburg. province of Blenkinge. Sweden. Octo- ber 6, 1864. His father owned a fine home in Sweden and his parents, brothers and sisters ro- mained in the old home on the shores of the Baltic sea. Mr. Oleson canie to Sycamore twenty- five years ago and was employed by Honorable Isaac Ellwood, and later became a clerk in the grocery and drug store, where he has remained as clerk and proprietor. the firm being now known a- the Oleson. Walrod & Whittemore Grocery & Drug Store.
Mr. Oleson married Huldah Anderson, daughter of August and Annie Anderson, both natives of Sweden. They have an adopted daughter eight years of age, a bright, beautiful child, who is cer- tainly fortunate in the care of her foster parents. Mr. Oleson is an active, progressive business man and has enjoyed a splendid remunerative patron- age. In politics he is a republican, being at present a memberof the republican county central commit- tee. He is an enthusiastic member of the Masome fraternity and was eminent commander of Syca- more commandery in 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Oleson are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church. We present him as an example of that sturdy ele-
B. IL. OLESON AND FAMILY.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX TILDLI FOUNDATION"
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ment known as the Swedish-American; one who has made opportunity and in spite of drawbacks and discouragements has attained a lasting posi- tion among the business men and one of influence among the citizens of Sycamore.
JOHN H. LATHAM.
With varied and extensive business interests claiming his time and attention John H. Latham has so directed his labors and energies that he has made steady advancement in the business world, having long since left the ranks of the many to stand among the successful few. He is a son of Joseph F. and Charlotte A. ( Esterbrooks) Latham. The Latham family was established in De Kalb county in 1838 and the Esterbrooks in 1835, so that in both the paternal and maternal lines John H. Latham comes from an ancestry long connected with the history of this part of the state and figuring prominently in connection with its pioneer development and early progress and upbuilding. llis father drove an ox team from Sandwich to California in 1849, in company with his brother, attracted by the gold discoveries which. as a lodestone, were drawing so many from the east and middle west to the Pacific coast in the hope of rapidly realizing a fortune there. Because of ill health Mr. Latham returned by way of the water route to New York and thence to Chicago. reaching his home after an absence of two years. Once more he took up farming but later again went to California and to Colorado, each time. however, returning to his farm after a period spent in the mining regions. He married Charlotte A. Ester- brooks, a daughter of James L. Esterbrooks, a farmer, who came originally from Pennsylvania. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Latham were born eight chil- dren, of whom four are yet living: Ada L. is the wife of Howard Tuttle, of Webster City, Iowa; John H. is the subject of this review : Justin is associated with his brother in merchandising and farming interests: and Mary L., is the wife of J. B. Castle, of Sandwich, mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
John H. Latham was born upon the home farm in De Kalb county, March 16, 1856. and at the usual age entered the public schools to acquire an
education, which he completed in the high school of Sandwich. He was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, and when he put aside his text-books, thinking to find mercantile pursuits more congenial than the labors of the fields, he began elerking in an implement house, where he remained for four years. At that time, however. he returned to the farm and engaged ac- tively in general agricultural pursuits until 1890. Later he purchased the interest of J. B. Castle in the hardware business and joined his brother Justin in a partnership under the name of Latham Brothers. This business had been established in 1892 under the style of Castle & Latham and in 1899 it became the property of the present firm. They have a large and well appointed store, carry- ing a carefully selected stock of goods, and their patronage has continually grown. John H. Latham is one of the directors of the Sandwich Manufac- turing Company.
On the 26th of April, 1894, Mr. Latham was united in marriage to Miss Helen C. Culver, a daughter of George W. Culver. She was born April 1. 1868. and by this marriage there is one son, Hollis Culver Latham, born December 11. 1898. The family attend the Presbyterian church and are generous contributors to its support. Mr. Latham is a. Mason and past master of his lodge. He is also a past high priest of Sandwich chapter, No. 107, R. A. M., belongs to the Knight Templar commandery at Aurora, Illinois, and to the Mystic Shrine at Rockford. For a number of years he served as road commissioner and while not an aspirant for office he has discharged every duty devolving upon him in a publie connection with promptness and fidelity. For a half century he has made his home in De Kalb county, an inter- ested witness of its changes and its growth and an active participant in the development that has been wrought in Sandwich through its business inter- ests and through those avenues into which public- spirited men turn their energies for the general good.
Justin Latham, associated in business with his brother. John H. Latham, was born February 18, 1858. and after completing a high-school course in Sandwich he spent sometime in business posi- tions in Chicago. In 1892 he joined J. B. Castle in the conduet of a hardware store, this partner-
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ship being maintained until 1899, when Mr. Castle sold his interest to John Il. Latham and the pres- ent firm of Latham Brothers was established, con- tinning the business to the present time with grow- ing and well merited snecess.
Justin Latham was married November 21, 1895, to Miss Grace Abbott, of Sandwich. a daughter of Asher M. AAbbott. who was a merchant. They have two children: Wendell A .. born March 16, 1891: and Charlotte. born May 28. 1900.
Justin Latham was at one time alderman of Sandwich but has preferred a strictly business life to political service and his concentration of his en- ergies upon his mercantile interests has been an element in the success which has attended the store from its establishment. The brothers are both en- terprising men of keen discernment and progressive spirit, who do honor to a name that has figured in the history of De Kalb county from earliest pio- neer times.
BENJAMIN HARVEY WESTLAKE.
Benjamin Harvey Westlake, a public-spirited man and one of the best citizens of De Kalb. ac- cording to public report. is now engaged in the feed and livery business. Ile was born in New- burg. New York. March 21, 1855. Ilis father David B. Westlake, also a native of New York. died in August. 1906, but the mother, who bore the maiden name of Catharine N. Du Bovce, was born in New York state and is still living. David B. Westlake was a farmer by occupation and in the year 1851 came to Illinois, settling in Mayfield township. De Kalb county. Three years later he bought a farm in Sycamore, where he remained until his death. In the family were nine children of whom Benjamin was the second in order of birth. Five of the number are now deceased.
Benjamin Harvey Westlake is indebted to the public-school system in Sycamore for the educa- tional privileges he enjoyed. He was only two years old when brought by his parents to De Kalb county and after leaving school began farming on his father's land. continuing actively in general ag- ricultural pursuits until 1886. when he entered the implement business in which he continued for a vear. Subsequently he devoted two years to the
conduct of a grocery and restaurant business. after which he established a feed barn on a large scale and four years later added a livery barn and is now conducting both branches of the business. He has built up an excellent trade and has made this a profitable venture.
On the 14th of November, 1815, at Clinton Junction. Wisconsin, Mr. Westlake was united in marriage to Miss Rhoda Wood, who was born in Cortland township. De Kalb county, Illinois, No- vember 1. 1854. ller father, David Wood, was born in Ohio and came to Ilinois at an early date. He wedded Ruth Carey, a native of Ohio, and they became the parents of seven children, of whom Mrs. Westlake was the sixth in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Wood were early settlers of Illinois and were numbered among the prominent pioneer people of De Kalb county. Ento Mr. and Mrs. Westlake were born eight children: Hiram D .; Gilbert A. : Mabel C .: Myrtle, deceased; Charlotte Anna E. : Lena May : Ethel Mand : and Emma, de- ceased.
Mr. Westlake exercises his right of franchise in support of the republican party. He is a member of the United Brethren church and his family are all believers in the Christian faith. He belongs to the Modern Woodman camp, No. 46. and is an esteemed and progressive citizen who gives his aid and co-operation to many movements for the pub- lie good. He has through honesty and industry gained a substantial property and paying business and is widely recognized as a reliable business man whose success is well deserved because it has been honorably won. Ho and his family are now pleasantly located at No. 30; Gurler street. De Kalb.
JAMES DIVINE.
James Divine is a member of the real-estate firm of Divine Brothers of Sycamore well known throughout De Kalb county by reason of the im- portant property transfers which they have nego- tiated. The members of the firm are James and John Divine, sons of Eleazer Divine. now deceased. who was born in the town of Grahamville. Sullivan county. New York, March 1, 1820. The paternal grandfather. David Divine, was also born in Snl-
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