USA > Illinois > DeKalb County > Past and present of DeKalb County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 49
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MRS. LURENA KINGSBURY DE FOREST.
Mrs. Lurena Kingsbury De Forest, who since 183% has been a resident of De Kalb county and now makes her home in the city of De Kalb. where she is widely and favorably known. was born in Lewis county. New York. December 30. 1831. She is a granddaughter of Asa and Lurena ( Hart- sen) Kingsbury. both of whom were natives of Connecticut. Her father, Flavel C. Kingsbury, was born in Connecticut in 1296 and after reach- ing adult age he married Tryphena Holmes, whose birth occurred in Connecticut in 1797. her par- ents being John and Rachel ( Eason) Holmes. Mr. and Mrs. Kingsbury became the parents of eight children, of whom Mrs. De Forest is the seventh in order of birth. The father learned and fol- lowed the trade of cabinet-making, thus providing for his family.
Mrs. De Forest was educated in the common schools of Herkimer county. New York, and in the academy at Rome, that state, which she attended to the age of eighteen years, leaving school in 1849. She lived at home and with an aunt until her marriage. which was celebrated in Utiea. New York. February 5. 1852. She became the wife of Lansing De Forest, who was born in Southville. New York, May 10, 1831. His parents were John and Elizabeth ( Pooler) De Forest. the latter a native of the Empire state. John De Forest was a farmer by occupation and in his family were five children. of whom Lansing De Forest was the second. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lansing De Forest were born seven children, namely : Mary Ella. who was born October 24. 1852. and died Septem- Ler 4, 1902: Albert Eugene. born February 17. 1854: Lizzie Antoinette. December 25. 1855:
Inverna Belle. who was born March 15. 1858, and chied July 20. 1867: Sarah Phenia, born October 18. 1861; Carrie Melvina, January 1, 1864: and Lettie Engenia. July 3. 1820. Mrs. De Forest has the following grandchildren: Fred E. Ing- ham, born April 12, 1870; Roy F. Ingham, born March 31. 1848: Lurena A. Smith, born October 30. 1878; Gertrude G. Mosher, born October ". 1886: Inverna B. Mosher, born June 6. 1888; Harold L. Mosher. born February 2. 1890; Mil- cred L. Mosher, horn December 25, 1892: Gladys A. Mosher, born April 11, 1895 ; Wylda C. Mosher, born June 27. 1897: George E. Mosher, born March 30. 1901: Lynn D. Chambers, born July 26. 1881: and L. De Forest Hunt. born October 17. 1901. There are also seven great-grand- children.
It was in the year 1857 that Lansing De Forest came with his family to De Kalb county, settling in Cortland township, but later he purchased a second farm in Afton township that is still the property of his widow. His time and energies were given to general agricultural pursuits with good success until 1884. when, having acquired a handsome competence, he retired from aetive business life and with his family removed to the city of De Kalb. where he spent his remaining days. passing away July 5, 1898. at the age of sixty-seven years. He was quite active and influ- ential in community affairs and for a third of a century he filled the office of commissioner of highways. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and he was deeply interested in its growth and success. Wherever known he was esteemed for his many good qualities, for he was reliable and honorable in business and pro- gressive in citizenship, faithful in friendship and most loyal to the ties of home and family.
Mrs. De Forest still makes her home in De Kalb and is a most estimable lady. who enjoys the warm regard and friendship of all with whom she has been brought in contact. She stands for all that is right, true and just and co-operates in many movements for benevolent work. She holds mem- bership in the Woman's Relief Corps, in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and in the Home Missionary Society. Mr. and Mrs. De Forest had little means when they came to the west but through their united efforts they won a goodly measure of prosperity. becoming the own-
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ers of a very valuable farm property of three hun- dred and ten acres of choice land and a beautiful home in the city. Although she has reached the age of seventy-five years Mrs. De Forest yet en- joys excellent health and is a most social and entertaining lady, who has been an excellent mother to her family and is popular with her many friends, who are numbered among the rich and poor, the young and old.
ISAAC MORRIS HAY.
Isaac Morris Hay is a retired farmer of Sand- wich, owning five hundred acres of valuable land in De Kalb county, from which he derives an excellent income. He was born in New York city, December 9, 1835, and has therefore passed the seventieth milestone on life's journey. His parents were George P. and Harriet ( Morris) Hay. The father in early life learned the tailor's trade and conducted a clothing business in New York. He was born in the eastern metropolis and belonged to a family of sailors who were of Scotch descent. The grandfather of our subject was a native of New York city but in early childhood was taken back to Scotland, where he lived until he was eleven years of age, when he again came to the United States. He married a Miss Pew, a Virginia lady, and their son, George P., was born in New York, where he continued through his boyhood and early manhood, when, seeking ing broader business opportunities in the mid- dle west, he came to Illinois in 1834. Settling in Kendall county, he there followed the tailoring business until 1854, when he removed to Sandwich and opened a shop and clothing store. This he conducted successfully until 1815. when he re- tired from business life, spending his remaining days in the enjoyment of a well merited rest. He died February 11, 1882. at the age of eighty-two years, while his wife passed away at the advanced age of ninety-six years. She was a native of New Jersey and of Holland Dutch extraction, belong- to the same family of which Gouverneur Mor- ris, the noted financier and the financial savior of the country in the war of the Rebellion. was a member. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hay attended the Methodist church and in his political allegiance
Mr. Hay was a stalwart republican from the time of the organization of the party.
Isaac Morris Hay was brought to Ilinois in 1834 when but two years of age and pursued his education in the public schools at Yorkville. Ite began earning his own living at farm labor, for which he received five dollars per month, and as time passed and his business ability increased his wages were enlarged proportionately. At length from his earnings he was enabled to save a suffi- cient sum to purchase a farm and became the owner of two hundred and fifteen acres of land. which he still owns. He then began farming on his own account and transformed his property into a richly developed tract, the fields returning to him golden harvests as a reward for the care and labor he bestowed upon them. As his financial resources have permitted he has increased his realty holdings until he now has over five hundred acres and from this he derives an excellent income. enabling him to enjoy the comforts and some of the luxuries of life without recourse to further labor.
Mr. Hay has figured prominently in community affairs, his worth and ability being widely recog- nized by his fellow townsmen, who have kept him almost continuously in public office. He was high- way commissioner for twenty-four years in Somo- nauk township and the excellent condition of the roads was due to his efforts and his progressive spirit in this connection. He was also drainage commissioner for district No. 1, Vietor township. for seven years, supervisor of Somonauk township for four years and school director for thirty years. He does not now, however. participate actively in publie office. preferring to leave such duties to others. but still maintains a deep interest in the success of the republican party. of which he has been a stanch advocate since its organization.
On the 16th of January, 1866, Mr. Hay was united in marriage to Miss Arelia Latham, a daughter of Thomas F. Latham, a farmer and miner. Following the discovery of gold in Cali- fornia her father made a trip to the Pacific coast in 1849. traveling across the plains with ox teams and sharing the usual hardships, privations and trials incident to such a journey. He spent four years in the far west and then returned by the water route. After a short period. however. he soon went again, spending a few years in the
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Golden state, after which he located in Colorado, where he remained for ten years. He was a na- tive of Woodstock, Connecticut, and died at the venerable age of eighty-seven years.
Mr. and Mrs. Hay are the parents of five sons. Walter Morris, born November 25, 1871, and now living in Sandwich, was married June 23, 1896, to Miss Kate Lowman and they have two sons, Gil- bert and Isaac M. Archie Thomas Hay, born February 24, 1876. and now a traveling salesman residing in Aurora, was married in June, 1904, to Gertrude Robinson, of Sandwich. Charles P., a farmer of Somonauk township, was born January 11. 1828, and on the 6th of January, 1904. wedded Anna A. Gundson. Fred L., born December 16. 1819, and living at Sandwich, was married Sep- tember 6, 1906, to Dora Burkhart of Somonauk. George 1., born October 11. 1884. is at home. Mr. and Mrs. Hay have also lost two children : Julia ITelen, who was born December 8, 1869. and died at the age of six months: and Hattie A., who was born March 28, 1824. and died April 1, 1904.
Mr. and Mrs. Hay are people of the highest re- spectability. enjoying in large measure the friend- ship, confidence and good will of those with whom they have become acquainted during the long years of their residence in De Kalb county. Mr. Hay has led a busy. active and useful life and his well directed labors have been crowned with a goodly measure of success. Starting out to earn his own living at the meager wage of five dollars per month, he is today numbered among the men of affinence in the county whose financial posses- sions are such as to render further business no longer a ne. essity.
THOMAS ADAMS.
Thomas Adams is one of the worthy citizens that Ireland has furnished to De Kalb county and that he has worked his way from a humbk financial position to one of prosperity is ind :- cated by the fact that he today owns a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres situated on see- tion 28, Malta township. He was born in Canada, May 5, 1842, a son of James and Margaret Adams, who were natives of Ireland. Upon their emigra- tion to the new world they settled in the state of
New York, where they lived for one year, subse- quent to which time they removed to Durham county, Canada, and there the father passed away. The mother passed away in Canada, March 17, 1889. Their family numbered three sons and two daughters.
Thomas Adams was but a small boy at the time of his father's death and he was therefore early thrown upon his own resources. The year 1865 witnessed his arrival in Illinois and for seven year: he was engaged at farm labor, at the end of which time he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land where he now lives, situated on sec- tion 28, Malta township, De Kalb county. Ile began the work of cultivating and improving his farm and as the years have passed by he has pros- pered in his undertakings until he is today the owner of two hundred and forty acres of well im- proved land. thus constituting him one of the substantial citizens of this section of the state. Hc has worked diligently and energetically in carry- ing on his farm and his efforts have been rewarded by the fine property which is today his.
Mr. Adams was married in De Kalb county, February 11, 1813, to Miss Rebecca Mutton, who was born in Canada, February 19, 1850. His parents. John and Elizabeth ( Braden) Mutton, were natives of England, the former born in Corn- wall, November 26, 1825, and the latter Novem- ber 26, 1821. They were married in their native country, after which they emigrated to Canada. and later came to Illinois, settling at Creston, Ogle county. Their family numbered two sons and five daughters. The mother passed away in 1892.
Unto our subject and his wife have been born fourteen children. of whom nine still survive, the family record being as follows: Edith, born Do- comber 6, 1823; George, who was born November 11, 1874, and died at the age of twenty-four years ; John J., who was born July 26, 1876, and died at the age of five months ; Margaret E., born July 20. 1878: William Roy. born June 16, 1879. Charles G., born July 26, 1880: Edgar, born .July 10, 1882; Stanley II., who was born January 12, 1885, and died at the age of about twenty years ; Walter, born July 20, 1886; Frank, born Decem- ber 5, 1887; Ruby and Ruth, twins, who were born October 14, 1890, and the former died at the age of one year: Cornelia, born Angust 6, 1893;
MR. AND MRS. THOMAS ADAMS.
YORK LIBRARYI
HOLYYS HEVEX
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY
and Ferial, who was born April 18, 1895, and died when ten months old.
Mr. Adams has supported the men and meas- ures of the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He served as commissioner of Malta township for three years but aside from that office has never been active in politieal affairs. He and his family attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Adams is truly a self-made man for. being dependent upon his own resources from an early age, he has gradually worked his way upward until he is now in possession of valuable landed inter- ests in De Kalb county. He possesses the sterling characteristics so dominant in the Irish race- those of industry, honesty and economy-and through this means he has gained a place among the well-to-do citizens of this section of the state.
A. G. LINDBERG.
A. G. Lindberg is the owner of a valuable farm property in Affon township and is engaged quite extensively in the raising of Roan Durham cattle, Poland China hogs and Shire horses. His business interests are carefully managed and as the years pass he is making substantial progress toward the goal of prosperity. A native of Sweden, ne was born April 23. 1859. His parents were likewise natives of that country. Mr. Lindberg remained a resident of Sweden until after he had attained his majority, when he bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for the new world. for he had heard favorable reports concerning the oppor- tunities offered in this land and believed that he might enjoy greater success in business in the United States. On the 8th of May. 1881, there- fore. he sailed from the old world, landing at Philadelphia. For a year thereafter he remained a resident of Pennsylvania and in 1882 he came to De Kalb county. Illinois. Here he sought and ob- tained employment in a barb wire factory, where he spent three years. after which he was for two years in the employ of the L. M. MeEwen Com- pany. On the expiration of that period he went to Colorado, where he remained for three years, being employed at various kinds of labor but spend- ing his time largely at teaming over the moun-
tains. He returned to De Kalb in 1890 and has since remained continuously in this county.
It was about that time that Mr. Lindberg was united in marriage to Miss Helen C. Anderson, who was born in Afton township, December 25. 1862, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Anderson, who were natives of Sweden. Her father was born October 21, 1832, and came to America in 1854. first settling in Sycamore. De Kalb county. There he followed farming upon rented land and later he removed to Afton township, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty aeres. To this he kept adding until he owned four hundred and twenty-three acres, constituting a very valuable property. He died March 19. 1894. His wife was born April 30, 1834, and her parents were natives of Sweden. The maternal grandmother of Mrs. Lindberg came to America and died in this county, September 15, 1898. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, parents of Mrs. Lindberg, was celebrated March 19, 1862, and unto them were born six children, of whom their daughter Helen was the eldest. The others were: Theodore. born September 22. 1865: Ella G., born November ?? , 1864: Hannah S., June 21. 1820: John W., who died in infancy ; and Lida W., born January 23, 1815.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lindberg has been blessed with four children: Vendall G. A., born May 20, 1892 : Thyra C., born May 10, 1896; Thora H .. May 10. 1898 : and Lydia M .. February 11, 1901. The family home is a fine residence which was erected by Mr. Lindberg and stands in the midst of his farm of one hundred and three acres. Ile operates altogether two hundred and sixty-three acres of land and is one of the leading agriculturists of the community, having brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and carried on farm work along most progressive lines. In addition to the tilling of the soil he makes a specialty of raising Roan Durham cattle, high grade Poland China hogs and Shire horses and he is now part owner in an imported Shire horse, which is kept for breeding purposes. Itis live- stock interests are to him an important source of revenue. lle and his wife are members of the Swedish Lutheran church. in the work of which they are actively interested. while Mr. Lindberg is serving as one of the trustees of the church. He is a stalwart republican, who has served as tax col-
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lector of Afton township for two years and as school director for ten years, the cause of educa- tion finding in him a warm friend. Investigation into his life history shows that whatever success he has achieved and enjoyed is the reward of his own labors. His farm is the visible evidence of his life of thrift and industry and such a record should serve lo encourage and inspire others who have to start ont empty-handed. Both are well known people of the community and enjoy in large measure the esteem of many friends.
MRS. MARY E. KINGSLEY.
Mrs. Mary E. Kingsley, well known throughout the county where she has a large circle of warm friends, was born in Kane county, Illinois. Feb- ruary 4. 1838. Her husband, Henry Kingsley. now deceased, was born June 22. 1831. in Craw- ford county. Pennsylvania. and was the son of Ransom and Eliza A. (Cornell) Kingsley. His father was born February 11, 1299. and died on the 230 of September. 1822, in Du Page county. Illinois, while the mother was born at Fort Ann. Washington county. New York. December 12. 1802. The Kingsleys are of English ancestry and the father of Mr. Kingsley was a farmer by ocenpation. Under the paternal roof. Henry Kingsley was reared. fle acquired a good common- school education and early became familiar with all the duties and lahors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. Soon after attaining his majority. he came west to Illinois, settling with his sister in Du Page county. He was employed at farm labor in Du Page and Kane counties until March, 1863. when with the money he had acquired through his own energies, he purchased the farm on which his widow now resides. His entire life was devoted to agricultural pursuits and in his farm work he was both practical and progressive.
On the 5th of March, 1863. Henry Kingsley was united in marriage to Miss Mary MeDole, the daughter of Rodney and Abigail (Lounsherry ) MeDole. Her father, born in New Hampshire. January 31. 1809, was of Scotch descent and a farmer by occupation. His wife was born in Chemung county. New York, July 31. 1813. and died January 14, 1816. Mr. and Mrs. Kingsley
were the parents of four children: Nellie, born December 1. 1863, was married on the 15th of October, 1884, to Fred H. Rollins, and now resides in Kane county. Illinois; Addie, born October 25, 1866, became the wife of George Marston and died June 26. 1892, leaving two children who are now living with their grandmother, Mrs. Kings- ley: J. J .. who was born November 1, 1869, and is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; and Walter D., who was born May 16. 1828. and lives with his mother, operating the homestead farm. He is well known as a good business man and has a wide and favorable acquaintance throughout the township and county.
Henry Kingsley gave his political support to the republican party and had firm faith in its principles. Ile hell the office of justice of the peace for many years and his decisions were strictly fair and impartial, so that by re-election he was continued in the office for a long period. He was also supervisor and road commissioner of Afton township. His death occurred August 19. 1884. and was the occasion of deep and widespread re- gret, for many friends, as well as the immediate family. mourned his loss. Wherever known he was respected as a man of good business ability. as a citizen of genuine worth and as a gentleman who held friendship inviolable. Since her husband's death Mirs. Kingsley has managed her property interests and business matters with the assistance of her son. She has been a devoted mother and her many good traits have won her a large circle of friends throughout the county.
WALTER H. LOOMIS.
Walter H. Loomis, a real-estate dealer and land speculator residing in Sycamore, was born August 14. 1865. in Georgia. Franklin county, Vermont. and is a son of Samuel Loomis, who belonged to an old family of the east and who in 1862 came westward to De Kalb county, Illinois. He settled in Sycamore. where he engaged in the lumber business. continuing in that line until his death. which occurred in April. 1876. His wife survived him until ahout 1880. They were the parents of two children: Walter H .: and Mrs. Dr. E. G. Colton. of Brooklyn, New York.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
The son was educated in the Sycamore schools and during the greater part of his business career has engaged in speculating and dealing in real estate. He has met with a goodly measure of prosperity along these lines and few men are better informed concerning the value of property, so that his investments have been judiciously made and he is now classed with the substantial residents of the city.
On the 30th of October, 1878, Mr. Loomis was united in marriage to Miss Fannie Florence Ma- son, a daughter of Horatio H. Mason, of Sycamore, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. They have three sons: Mason Watter, who was born March 14, 1881, and is a lumber inspector: Sam Colby, born July 14, 1882, who is a graduate of Annapolis college and an ensign of the United States navy, now in Shanghai, China ; and Harold HI., January 1, 1889, who is in Chicago with Nel- son Morris & Company.
Mr. Loomis is a republican, stalwart in his views vet without aspiration for office. He and his wife own many fine residences in Sycamore and in 1905 laid out a beautiful street, which they very properly called Mason court, erecting severa! beautiful dwellings thereon. Their own home is a most attractive residence and is justly celebrated for its charming and gracious hospitality.
1. E. WRIGHT.
J. E. Wright is the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and fifty-seven and three quarter acres, situated on section 4, Malta town- ship. He is a native son of De Kalb county, born in Shabbona township, March 25, 1861. The father, George Wright, was born in Sheffield. Eng- land, October 10, 1832, and in 1849 emigrated with his parents to the new world. He first to- cated in Oswego, New York, whence he came to De Kalb county, Illinois, locating on a farm in Shabbona township, where he engaged in general agricultural pursuits for a time, and then removed to Lee county, Illinois, where he made his home until his death, which occurred December 9, 1899. His first wife was Elizabeth Scott, the mother of our subject. She was born in 1836 and passed away in 1877. Of their seven children, six still
survive. For his second wife the father married Emily Johnson, who is now living in Knierim, Lowa.
Mr. Wright of this review was reared to the oceu- pation of farming, assisting his father in the operation of the homestead property during the summer season, while in the winter months he pursued his education in the schools near his father's home. He remained under the parentai roof until the time of his marriage. when he started out upon his own account, following the occupation to which he had been reared, and he is today, in connection with his wife, the owner of a well improved and valuable farm of one hundred and fifty-seven and three quarters acres of land situated on section 4, Malta township. He is here engaged in carrying on general agricultural pur- suits and his labors are being richly rewarded by the splendid erops which he annually harvests as the result of the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields.
Mr. Wright further established a home of his own by his marriage on the 3d of December. 1884. to Miss Sarah JJ. Willrett, who was born in Malta township. November 14, 1864. Her parents were natives of Germany, whence they emigrated to the new world in 1855, settling on a farm in Malta township, whereon they made their home until they passed away. Their family numbered ten children, but only eight now survive. Mrs. Wright was the heroine of an adventure which was written up in the De Kalb County News, August 28, 1861, as follows:
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