USA > Illinois > DeKalb County > Past and present of DeKalb County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 51
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done in collaboration with William Swern while in the employ of Holabird & Roche. He also designed the Carnegie library at Kokomo, Indiana; was the architect of the Grace English Lutheran church at the corner of Belden avenue and Larrabee streets in Chicago; and the residences of J. K. Farley and P. A. Stark at Edgewater: the residence of J. M. Wilder at Sheridan Park; the home of E. A. Storey at Riverside; and the home of Melville Clark in Chicago. He likewise furnished the do- signs for the residence of James Devine at Syca- more: for David Klein at Rochelle, Illinois; and several apartment buildings for Jerome P. Bowes in Chicago. llis work in De Kalb county in- cludes the residences of Charles Anderson, .J. F. Johnson. J. V. Shipman. F. L. Charles. Peter Christenson, Edwin Kool, and several houses for G. W. Vandergrift. The buildings of more pub- lie nature include three apartment buildings for Sherman Boardman : and an apartment building for J. Cortopassi; a store building for John L'ehlin : a double store building for JJ. S. Wilt- berger ; two store buildings for John Davy ; a store building for H. E. Heise: the Ladies' Club and park pavilion for the city : the patrol barn for the city ; the piano factory and the De Kalb Hospital. All this indicates his high standing in professional circles and the splendid nature of his work. Ile has long since advanced from the ranks of the many to stand among the more successful few in his chosen calling and is now classed with the prominent architects of this portion of the state.
Mr. Marston was married. December 19, 1881. at Harvard, Illinois, to Miss Ella M. Ellis, who was born in Delavan. Wisconsin, July 31. 1861. HIer father, James Ellis, was also a native of Delavan, and died while serving his country in the Civil war. Mrs. Marston's mother, who in her maidenhood was Miss Marcia V. Chapin, was born in Saginaw, Michigan, in 1846, and is now de- ceased. Mrs. Marston was the only child of their marriage. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children: Mabel C., born March 15, 1884; Lonis II., born December 23. 188 :: Mareia V., born November 8, 1890; and Leonard L., born April 25, 1892.
Mr. Marston is a member of the Masonie lodge. the Elks lodge and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, and is thoroughly in sympathy with the beneficent principles of these organizations. In polities he
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
is a republican. Ile is not a member of any church, but is a believer in the tenets of Chris- tian Science. He has justly won the proud Amer- ican title of a self-made man, for he started out to win his own way in the world as a farm hand and in early life also followed school teaching. By industry and energy he has improved the tal- ents which nature bestowed upon him and has made rapid and continuous advancement in his profession until he has won more than local re- nown. In fact his ability places him among the foremost representatives of his calling in the middle west. llis efforts have ever been discern- ingly directed along well defined lines of labor and he has gained that recognition which always re- wards merit well displayed. He and his family reside on South First street in De Kalb and are prominent socially, being numbered among the best residents of the city.
DWIGHT K. CROFOOT.
Dwight K. Crofoot. deceased. was one of the most respected and best loved citizens of Sandwich. He came to De Kalb county in early life, and as the years passed by made an excellent record as one whose business career was crowned with success and whose methods were in strict conformity with a high standard of commercial ethics. Moreover, he was one who held sacredly all the ties of home and friendship. A gentleman of attractive social qualities he won favorable regard wherever he was known and when he was called to his final rest there was a universal feeling of deep sorrow and regret in the city and county of his residence.
Born in Turin, Lewis county, New York, his natal day was November 19. 1851. and his parents were Russell D. and Hannah M. ( Kent) ('rofoot, natives of Connecticut and New York respectively. Removing to the west during the youth of our sub- jeet. truy spent their remaining days in De Kalb county, and the father laid out that part of Sand- wich west of Main street to the fair grounds. Ile sold property on the installment plan, allowing creditors to have any length of time they desired to make payments and thus enabled many to ob- tain homes who otherwise ecull not have done so. A man of benevolent spirit, his charity was thus
of a practical character and its beneficence immo- diate and far-reaching. Ile was a believer in the faith of the Universalist church and he and his wife attended its services. The latter died in January. 189%, at the age of eighty-three years. while Mr. Crofoot passed away in 1904. Their family numbered four children: Adelbert B., who is engaged in the wholesale boot and shoe trade in Peoria : Anna E., who died at the age of thirteen years : Dwight K .: and Ralph, who died at the age of four years.
Dwight K. Crofoot began his education in the public schools of his native town and continued his studies for a brief period following the removal of the family to Illinois in the year 1869. His elder brother. Adelbert, was already engaged in business in Sandwich and it was to this place that Mr. Crofoot came on leaving the east. Putting aside his text-books. he was employed as a salesman in a dry-goods store, and afterward joined his brother and (. H. Pratt in the conduct of a similar enterprise under the firm style of Crofoot Brothers & Pratt. The latter retired and after a few years the mercantile firm of Crofoot Brothers & Man- chester was formed, and when Adelbert Cofoot withdrew two years later, the firm name of ('rofoot & Manchester was assumed, so continuing for twenty years. These two decades constituted a period of gratifying prosperity in the life of the firm. Their trade constantly increased. growing to large proportions, and the house ever maintained an unassailable reputation as one whose business integrity was above question and whose enterprise was most commendable and exemplary. On re- tiring from the field of commercial activity Mr. C'rofoot did not put aside business cares but was connected more or less actively with many im- portant industrial and financial concern .. On leaving the store he entered the Sedgwick Bank for two weeks and there remained for two years. In June. 1892. he was appointed assignee of the Sandwich Enterprise Company. in which capacity he served for three years, when, in connection with S. P. Sedgwick he purchased the business. At his death Mr. Crofoot owned two-thirds of the stock, which is now owned by his wife and children. He was also secretary of the Oak Ridge Cemetery As- sociation for years and it was through his efforts that clear titles to all lots were obtained. for pre- vious to this time titles were absolutely of no
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account. Mr. Crofoot was also one of the or- ganizers of the Sandwich Fair Association and very active in its promotion and development. Ile was widely known as a business man, of marked enterprise, displaying a keen discernment which readily enabled him to solve intricate problems and place upon a substantial basis the interests which led not only to individual success but also contributed to general prosperity.
On the 18th of February. 1825. was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Crofoot and Miss Minnie A. Chapman, a daughter of Captain S. M. Chapman, who spent much of his early life as a sailor and was captain of vessels on the ocean and Great Lakes. He visited many countries in this capacity and his anecdotes and reminiscences enriched his conversation and made him a most entertaining companion. During his later life he was corre- spondent for a number of papers. Years prior to his death he retired from business life and he passed away in 1903. IIe had long survived his wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Spencer, and who died on the 8th of December. 1814. Mr. and Mrs. Crofoot have a daughter. Clara E .. now the wife of Albert H. Adams, with the National City Bank of Chicago, while the other daughters, Olive, Hazel' E., Hannah and Doris Kathlyn, are at home. Their only son. Ralph C., born February 26, 1879. died January 20, 1891.
The death of the husband and father occurred April 22, 1905, when he was in his fifty-fourth voar. Ilis life was one of signal usefulness. His political allegiance was given to the democracy and he frequently represented his party as a delo- gate in various conventions. For years he was a member of the board of review but political honors and emoluments had no attraction for him. He served, however, as alderman of this city, and as a member of the school board did much in shaping the educational policy of Sandwich and in pro- moting the interests of the school. le preferred, however, to aid public progress as a private eitizen and his co-operation was never withheld from any plan or movement which he deemed would prove of actual benefit. He was never reserved or rei- ieent in manner but on the contrary possessed a jovial, cordial disposition that went out in sym- pathy and kindliness to all with whom he came in contact. In spirit he was amiable and his
jovial. hearty good nature was apparent to all. Hle regarded it a privilege as well as a duty to assist those in trouble and the poor and needy found in him a friend. In his home life he was largely an ideal husband and father, considering no personal sacrifice on his part too great if it would promote the happiness and welfare of his wife and children. It is in his home that his death caused an incalculable loss but the memory cherished there is a most precious one. The circle of his friends. too, was almost co-extensive with the circle of his acquaintance and there was in him not only a kindly spirit but also great strength of character that made him stand every- where in support of whatever he believed to be right and follow out a course of action with un- swerving loyally. He looked at life from a broad and practical standpoint that enabled him to use the opportunities ai hand not only for his busi- ness but for the public welfare, and he knew, too. the rare joy of living-that satisfaction and happi- ness which comes from consideration of the rights of others and from close adherence to high ethical standards.
ALFRED P. SELF.
Alfred P. Self. who is now engaged in general merchandising af De Kalb, was born in England. October 9, 1868. His father, Charles Self. 19 a native of that country and was a miller by trade. He wedded Mary Ann Palmer, who was also born in England. and in 1831 they came to the U'nited States, taking up their abode at Malta. There were eleven children born of this marriage. of whom four are now deceased.
Alfred P. Self was the eighth child and is a product of the public schools of De Kalb county. When his education was completed he began farm- ing, continuing actively in the work until nineteen years of age. Ile was afterward employed in a machine shop for three years and subsequently spent eight years in the employ of the Northwest- ern Railway Company. For six years he has been conducting a general store, this being his business connection at the present time.
Mr. Self was married in Sycamore, Illinois, November 25. 1896. to Rose M. Sample, who was
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born in Sycamore. May 6. 18:8. a daughter of Thomas and Lillie Sample, the former a native of Canada and the latter of the state of New York. They came to De Kalb county at an early date and are now living in Sycamore. Mrs. Self is the eldest of four children and by her marriage has two children: Leslie M. and Louis M. The family home is at No. 420 South Second street. which property Mr. Self owns. lle is a member of the Mystic Workers lodge No. 31. and attends the Congregational church, while his political support is given the republican party. Industry and honesty are the basis of his >necess and he is now well known in business circles in De Kalb. Hle and his wife are people of culture and refine- ment. being lovers of education and music and their many good qualities are passports into the best society of De Kalb.
LORENZO CLARK SCHERMERHORN.
Lorenzo Clark Schermerhorn, for many years connected with industrial and commercial inter- esis in De Kalb, is now engaged in dealing in coal, lumber and builders' supplies and has gained a measure of success that places him among the foremost merchants of the city. A native of New York. he was born at Cape Vincent, August 21. 1815. The Schermerhorns are descended from ol.l Dutch stock and came to this country at an early period in its colonization and later furnished man: bright men to the nation.
Lorenzo C. Schermerhorn is a son of Henry and Miranda Schermerhorn, who removed from the Empire state to Ilinois when their son was but six months old, settling in Aurora. Later they took up their abode near Waterman. De Kalb county. where the father entered a claim of three hundred acres of government land, his remaining days being devoted to its cultivation and improvement. In connection with his farming enterprises, he also engaged in carpentering and was one of the most extensive builders in his day in his section of the county. He died at the venerable age of ninety- two years. His wife was also born in the Blac': river country, near Wetert wn, New York. an. l was a member of a pronto en l inthe ntial fam- ily. being an own consin of far nor Inel Mar-
teson, of Illinois while many others of the family were prominent in professional and business life. L. (. Schermerhorn was reared in his parents' home and learned the trade of a carpenter and builder under his father's instruction. In Novem- ber, 1868. he married Miss Mary Josephine Stew- art. a daughter of Charles N. and Phoebe J. ( Andrus) Stewart. The Stewarts were of old Scotch Presbyterian stock and came to this coun- try at an early day. locating in Johnstown. New York. Their descendants figured prominently in public affairs in that section of the state. Major John Little, a relative, was promoted for bravery displayed in the defense of Johnstown in the Her- olutionary war. He was the great-grandfather of Mrs. Schermerhorn. In the maternal line she is descended from James Andrus, also an officer of the Revolution and one of the very wealthy and influential men of Saratoga Springs of that day.
In the spring of 1869. soon after his marriage. Mr. Schermerhorn came to De Kalb and has since been connected with its business development. For several years he followed the trade of car- pentering and building, but later began dealing in coal, lumber and builders' supplies and has de- veloped a trade which places him among the lead- ing business men of De Kalb. He is energetic, diligent and determined and his business meth- ods have advanced him far on the high road to success. Ilis social relations connect him with the Knights of Pythias and his political belief with the republican party. He is well known in De Kalb, where he has made his home for thirty- eight years, and his wide circle of friends in indic- ative of the warm regard in which he is uni- formly held.
HORATIO IL. MASON.
No history of De Kalb county would be com- plete without mention of Horatio II. Mason, who in the spring of 1853 located at Sycamore, his first home here being a log cabin that stood in the milst of a farm that is now included within the corporation limits of the city. For many years he Was prominent in business life and his interests were Drgdy of a nature that contributed to general progress and improvement as well as to individual
L. C. SCHERMERHORN.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX TILDES FOURSATIONS.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
success. In all of his dealings he was strictly roli- able. His path was never strewn with the wreck of other men's fortunes and on the contrary was characterized by straightforward and honorable dealing, his success being due to his sound busi- ness judgment. his keen sagacity and his improve- ment of opportunities which others might have seen.
Mr. Mason was a native of the town of Warren, Herkimer county, New York, where his birth occurred February 19. 1829. Family history has it that there are three distinet branches of Ma-ons in America and that the ancestry is traced back to John Mason, a Puritan, who in 1630 braved the dangers of ocean travel and settled in Massachu- setts. He was a man of prominence who took an active part in settling the Piquod war. Colonel George Mason, a member of the English parlia- ment, established another branch of the family in Virginia and representatives of that line became prominent in the war of the Revolution. The ancestral line of Horatio Mason was traced back to Sampson Mason, known as the "Baptist officer" of Cromwell's army. He was probably a member of the Old Ironsides regiment and a radical. He emigrated to America about 1650, prior to Crom- well's defeat. and established his home in Massa- chusetts. An interesting history attaches to the life of this man as well as to that of his several descendants, by which the strain is brought down to the present. Sampson Mason settled at Reho- both, Massachusetts, and although owning property at Swansea, which he was instrumental in estab- lishing, never removed there. In earlier genera- tions the family lived in Rhode Island or Massa- chusetts. near the border. One of the founders of Swansea became a man of substance and one of the proprietors of the "North Purchase," afterward the town of Attleboro. Hle advanced thirteen pounds, five shillings and ten pence for the prose- cution of King Phillips war, which amount was voted to his wife after his death just at the close of the war. Sampson Mason died in Rehoboth, and was buried September 15, 1676. Ile married Mary Butterworth, who died August 29, 1714.
To Sampson Mason and wife thirteen children were born of whom Peletiah was eleventh. He was born in 1669, married May 22, 1699. Hepzibah Brooks, daughter of Timothy and Mary (Russell) Brooks. The latter was a daughter of Elder John
Russell, Sr., a noted divine of the colony. Peletiah Mason died March 29, 1763. at the age of ninety- four years. He was the last of six brothers. all of whom attained seventy years or over. Three of the sons of Peletiah Mason were ministers. Job. Russell and Jolm were successively ministers of the Second Baptist church of Swansea, Massachusetts. According to old records, Job was a minister for over forty-seven years and was thirty-seven years an elder. Rev. Russell, ninth in a family of ton children, was pastor of the Baptist church at Swansea over forty years. He was born April 21. 1714, and married Rhoda Kingsley. June 5. 1236. by whom he had thirteen children, of whom Phillip was fifth. The latter, born January 29. 1345. mar- ried Mary Scott, born in March, 1645. Of their twelve children, Russell was second. He was born in Providence, Rhode Island. February 25. 1769. and married Ruth Lapham, born . in Smithfie'd. Rhode Island, April 4. 1269. lle removed to Fairfield. Herkimer county, New York, in 1294. where he owned a large timber tract, which he cleared and converted into a fine farm. but later moved to Warren, New York. Hiram, seventh in the family of nine children born to Russell and Ruth Mason, was born in the town of Warren. Herkimer county, New York, September 17, 1805. Hiram Mason, an active, trading, business man. pushed his speculations in real estate into the state of Michigan, where on one of his numerous trips. he died September 14, 1835, and was followed live months later, February 29. 1836, by his wife, who was Miss Fannie Brown. She was born in German Flats, Herkimer county. New York. August 9. 1808, and was the daughter of Henry and Wealthy (Able) Brown, both of whom were native- of Colchester, Connecticut. The former died at the age of sixty-three years, while residing in his native county.
The Masons seem to have all been men of strong physical and mental attainments, men of energy and brains, resourceful. independent and self- reliant. Left an orphan at the age of seven years. Horatio Mason was reared by his maternal grand- father and an uncle. He was dependent upon his own resources for a living. however. from a very early age and before he had completed his first de- cade he was earning six and eight dollars per month for his services on the farm, while many other boys received only their board and clothes.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
When seventeen years of age Mr. Mason went to Culpeper county, Virginia. and being recom- mended by an acquaintance to a merchant in Shenandoah valley he was told that if he would break a certain colt to ride that he would be sent on a collecting tour. Having all his life been familiar with horses the task was an easy one, and so successful was he in making collections that he was given a position as clerk in the store, and there remained for two years.
Upon his return to Herkimer county. New York. Mr. Mason was married in the village of Little Lakes, February 28. 1850. to Miss Mary E. Tread- way. who was born in the town of Warren, New York. April 18. 1832. her parents being Belia and Philotheta ( Marshall) Treadway. Her father was an attorney and the son of David Treadway. a farmer, who was one of the pioneers of Herkimer county. Her mother was a daughter of John Marshall. who died at the age of ninety-seven years, and who was so clear of mind and strong of body that he was able to transact business up to the date of his death.
About two years after his marriage Mr. Mason came to the west, traveling through parts of Michi- gan. Wisconsin and Illinois with a view of selecting a location. His choice fell upon Sycamore and jn the spring of 1853 he was joined here by his family. Hle then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on which was a log cabin-one of the pioneer homes of the then embryo town. Long since this primitive dwelling has been replaced with a commodious residence but the Mason home- stead still stands upon the farm, although long since the land has been divided and used for town lots. On coming to the county MEr. Mason at once began to cultivate and improve the farm. planting an orchard and ornamental trees and bringing the fields under cultivation. Today the farm is city property, dotted here and there with comfortable residences. Mr. Mason began specu- lating in land soon after arriving in De Kalb county and for many years continued in that field. He was an excellent judge of properties, setting a correct valuation thereon, and he was thus enabled to make judicious purchases and profitable sales. At times he owned seven or eight thousand acres of land in Illinois and nearly half as much in lowa. In 1821. in connection with James S. Waterman, he established th . First National Bank
of Sycamore. which was the first enterprise of the kind in De Kalb county. As vice president he assumed the entire management of the bank, with which he was connected until 1815. when he sold his stock therein. He became a stockhokler in the Sycamore & Cortland Railroad and assisted in its promotion and construction. For some time he was in the abstract business as a member of the firm of Bailey & Mason. The last years of his life were devoted merely to the supervision of his financial and real-estate interests.
In 1882 Mr. Mason was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 25th of August of that year. Two of their four children ched in infancy. Those still living are Florence and Mand M. The former is the wife of Walter Loomis, a real-estate dealer in De Kalb county, and they occupy the old Mason homestead. They are repre- sented on another page of this volume. The second daughter married H. H. Halliday, of Cairo. Illi- nois.
Mr. Mason was a radical democrat until 1896. when he gave his political allegiance to the repub- lican party. He was never an aspirant for office and continually refused to serve in public posi- tions, save that for one term he was alderman. The death of Mr. Mason occurred January 27. 1905, after he had been a resident of the county for fifty-two years. His name was honored where- ever he was known. He had a strong personality. a keen perception and excellent business judgment. De Kalb profited by his efforts in her behalf and in his business career he gained a measure of suc- cess that was indeed gratifying. but more than that. he won the respect and honor of his fellow- men by the honorable methods which he followed.
WALTER H. TOWNSEND.
Walter H. Townsend. following the occupation of farming on section 12, Cortland township, was born May 1, 1824, his father being Henry Town- send, a farmer of the same township. In the common schools the son pursued his education and early in his business career was engaged for two years in selling milk in Sycamore. He also worked by the month as a farm hand for some time and two years ago began operating the old home-
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