USA > Illinois > DeKalb County > Past and present of DeKalb County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 55
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In 1906 Professor Hall returned to Amherst College, attending the semi-centennial reunion of his class. Twenty-two of the thirty-two living members were present. Many pleasant memories were called forth in this reunion and while the absent-removed by time, space or death-were not forgotten, it was a great delight to meet again with the living and recall the incidents of school life
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
and to review the happenings of the passing years.
Among the most interesting events in the life of Professor Hall occurred on the loth of July. 1906-the celebration of his fiftieth wedding an- niversary. It will long be remembered by all wno participated therein. No preparations had been made toward a formal celebration by Mr. and Mrs. Hall. They had simply invited their friends to call during the afternoon and evening in a social way, but the occasion will long be remembered and it is doubtful if the celebration of their first wed- ding was a happier event. Many friends in Syca- more were present and left substantial token of their regard and esteem for the worthy couple in various beautiful gifts, while a large number of letters and telegrams of congratulation were re- ceived from many living at a distance who were unable to be present.
HENRY NICHOLAS MAY.
Henry Nicholas May. a contracter in the (e- ment business, building houses and sidewalks of cement at De Kalb, was born in Frankfort. Ger- many. June 23, 1876. His parents were Nicholas and Kathryn ( King) May. The father was born in Bingen on the Rhine on the 13th of April. 1838, while the mother's birth occurred in Frank- fort. Germany, October 19, 1817. Nicholas May was a baker by trade and followed that pursuit in his native country until 1853. when he brought hi- family to the new world. settling in De Kalb county at Genoa. The wife and mother died on the 30th of October, 1893. but the father is still living in De Kalb with his son. They were the parents of three children.
Henry Nicholas May, the eklest, was educated n the schools of Sterling, and after putting aside his text-books worked at the baker's trade for four years. In 1895 he bezan learning the cement business, in which le has since continued. being engaged in the construction of cement sidewalks and houses. He is a man of push and progress and is prompt in the execution of contracts awardel him.
Mr. May is well known in military. fraternal and political circles as well as in business life and his position upon any vital question has never been an equivocal one. For seven years he has
been first sergeant of Company A. of the Third Regiment of the Illinois National Guard. lle belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge. No. 211. and the U'niforired Rank. He is likewise a mem- her of the Woodmen of the World and the Fra- ternal Order of Eagles. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the republican party. His religions view- are indicated by his mom- bership in the German Lutheran church. In all of these associations he is deeply interested and gives his aid and co-operation thereto as much as time and business interests will permit.
Mr. May was married in De Kalb. August. 1901. to Miss Sadie Anker, who was born in Clinton. lowa. May 3. 1881. the youngest of the seven chilthen of Hans and Maren Anker, both of whom were natives of Denmark. Mrs. May was educated m the public schools of De Kalb. Her parents located at Clinton, lowa. at an early date and thence removed to De Kalb county about fifteen years ago. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. May has been blessed with two daughters: Evelyn K. Torn April 10. 1903: and Leona M .. born March :, 1906. The family are well known in De Kalb and are pleasantly located at No. 122 North Thir- trenth street. Both Mr. and Mrs. May have many friends here who enjoy their hospitality. They will soon have better facilities for entertaining their many friends as they expect to erect a new block cement house in the spring of 1901. In his business Mr. May has had substantial ad- vancement, having now a literal patronage so that the work bring> him a goodly measure of pros- reiity each year.
FRANK LANGLOIS. SR.
Frank Langlois, formerly connected with busi- ness interests as a dealer in clothing and a real- estate agent. is now living retired. his home he- ing at the corner of State and California streets. Ile was born in New York state, March 13, 1838. When young he went to Canada. where he learned the blacksmith's trade, and in that country he was married to Miss Julia Cusson, a native of Canada. born June 5. 1814.
Mr. Langlois returned to the United States when nineteen years of age, settling in Massachu-
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setts, where he followed his trade for a number of years. He became a resident of Sycamore in 1864, and for ten years was engaged in blacksmithing here, during which period he acquired the cap- ital that enabled him to embark in merchandising at the end of a decade. He purchased a stock of clothing and opened a store, which he conducted for some time and also embarked in the real- estate business. After several years he sold out his clothing business and is now practically living retired, although to some extent he still handles property. The success he achieved is due entirely to his own labors and energy and the assistance of his estimable wife, for he started out empty- handed. Gradually he has worked his way up- ward and hy economy and frugality in former years, by the careful transaction of business in- terests, and by sound judgment they have won the competence that now enables them to practically rest from labor.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Langlois were born three children, all yet living: Walter, who resides at Sycamore, where he is engaged in the real-estate business: May. the wife of David A. Middleton ; and Frank, who is living in Chicago.
Mr. Langlois gives his political allegiance to the democracy. He has been a member of the Odd Fellows lodge in Sycamore for thirty-five years and is one of its exemplary representatives. ITis wife is a member of the Episcopal church and they are well known in this city, where for more than four decades they have resided, Mr. Langlois figuring prominently for a long period in busi- ness cireles. Overeoming the trials and difficulties which always impede progress in the business world he now stands among the successful few. and comfortably situated in life he expects to spend the evening of his days in Syeamore.
JOHN W. WOODS.
John W. Woods is a prominent and influential farmer residing on section 35. Afton township, and his many friends will be glad to read this record of his life for he is a prominent and wealthy citizen and one who is greatly respected by all who know him. He was born September 25. 1866, in this county, his parents being Isaae
and Pluma ( Ovitt) Woods. The father was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, May 17, 1835, while the mother's birth occurred in Kendall county, Illinois, November 26, 1844, her father being S. A. Ovitt, an early setfler. Mr. and Mrs. Woods were married December 20, 1865, and be- came the parents of six children, namely: John W., Minnie E., Charles S., Daisy A .. Ida B. and Emma C. Of this family John, Ida, Minnie and Daisy have all engaged in teaching and have been regarded as very successful and capable teachers.
In 1865 Isaac Woods came to De Kalb county and settled on section 34. Afton township, where he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, becoming one of the leading farmers of the locality. He also soon became quite prom- inent in township affairs and served as tax col- lector and assessor for several terms. In 1892 he was elected supervisor and filled that office nutil 1899, retiring from the position as he had entered it, with the confidence and good will of all con- cerned. In his political allegiance he was always an earnest and inflexible republican, giving his support to the party after attaining his majority. In his religious faith he was a Methodist and he and his family belonged to the church of that de- nomination at Waterman. He took an active part in its work. doing all in his power to promote its growth and extend its influence for the moral de- velopment of the community. His farm comprised one hundred and sixty acres of land and its gen- eral appearance denoted the thrift of its owner. No man in Affon township had a wider circle of friends or was more esteamed for the possession of those qualities of honorable manhood for in all relations of life he was upright and just. Ilis death occurred October 6, 1903.
John W. Woods, whose name introduces this review, pursued his education in the schools of Sugar Grove township. Kane county, Illinois, and afterward engaged in teaching in the district schools for several years. He maintained good order and imparted clearly and readily to others the knowledge he had acquired. Following his mar- riage he turned his attention to farming and is now quite extensively engaged in feeding stock in addi- tion to cultivating his fields.
It was on the 30th of January, 1895, that Mr. Woods was married to Miss Ella Broughton, daughter of Chauncey W. and Caroline C.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
( Churchill ) Broughton. Her father was a farmer residing on the northeast quarter of section 31. Afton township. He was born in Pepperell. Mid- dlesex county, Massachusetts. July 22. 1812, and in 1861 married Miss Caroline C. Churchill, and unto this marriage were born tive children: Ella. now Mrs. Woods: William A., who was born Feb- ruary 19. 1863, and died January 6. 1866; May. born May :. 1862 : Judson. who was born April 21, 1869. and died on the 26th of October of the same year : and Ben, who was born May 25, 18:1. Mr. Broughton, who was a farmer and stock- raiser. came to Ilinois in 184t and located in Kaneville. Kane county, where he purchased two hundred acres of government land. He increased his possessions until he owned about seven hundred aeres and remained there about nine years. le then sold his property and removed to lowa, but a year later returned to Ilinois and located in Alton town-hip. De Kalb county. At the time of his death, which occurred May 8. 1893, he was the owner of between eight and nine hundred acres of land. though at one time he had a thousand acres. He was one of the most prominent and respected farmers of the community and his life was ever honorable and upright. bringing to him the warm regard and friendship of those who knew him. In politics he was a republican and served his township as supervisor for several terms.
tento Mr. and Mrs. Woods have been born seven children: Carrie M .. born January 14. 1896; Addie M., born February 1. 1897; Ruth E .. who was born September 15, 1898, and died January 10. 1899: Alta R., born November 8. 1899: Pres- ton I., born April 30. 1901: JJohn B., born Sep- tember 12. 1903: and Ralph R .. who was born October 10, 1904, and died on the 10th of Novem- ber of the same year. The mother of these chil- ren was educated in the public schools of Afton township and in the De Kalb high school and is a cultured and estimable lady, who presides with gracions hospitality over her pleasant home.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Woods are consistent and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Waterman. Mr. Woods gives his po- litical support to the republican party, with which he has voted since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. For several years he filled the office of school director but has never sought or desired political preferment as a reward for party
fealty. He and his wife now own three hun- dred and fifty aeres of land in Clinton and Afton townships. They are highly estermed people, hav- ing a host of friends throughout the county and deserve prominent mention in this volume as rep- resentative citizens.
WILLIAM FINLEY WILTBERGER.
William Finley Wiltberger, of the firm of Talbot & Wiltberger, insurance and real-estate dealers of De Kalb, has made consecutive advancement in business life, working his way upward by abilit ;. energy and enterprise until he is now one of the leading factors in business circles in his native town. He was born May 8, 1822. a son of Joseph S and Harriet A. ( Wilcox) Wiltberger, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.
At the usual age Mr. Wiltberger entered the public schools and passed through successive grades and also attended the high school. For two years and a half he engaged in cterking and while thus employed received his first practical business training. Subsequently he entered the Metropolitan Business College of Chicago, where he was graduated in May. 1893. Following his ro- turn home, he accepted a position on the 25th of the same month in the office of the De Kalb Fence Company. After a short period, during which he acted as shipping clerk, he was given charge of the books and later was advanced to the posi- tion of cashier, in which capacity he remained for a number of years, when he was promoted to the responsible position of eredit man. He continued to hold that position with the company until he resigned on the 1st of March, 1906. He had the entire confidence of the company and greatly pro- moted its business interests through the capable management of his department. Prior to his res- ignation the firm of Talbot & Wiltberger was or- ganized for the conduct of the insurance, real- estate and investment business and during the vear which has since elapsed the firm has had a large share of the public patronage in their line, enjoying merited prosperity from the beginning.
On the 1st of Angust, 1896, Mr. Wiltberger was married to Miss Helen B. Duffey. a daughter of Robert and Ellen Duffey. of De Kalb. They
1.A. Willingen
THE NEW YORK. WEIL.PMARYI
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
have three sons : William Alden, born October 12, 1897; Kenneth Lyman, born January 4, 1902 ; and Herbert Fox, born April 7, 1905. Mrs. Wilt- berger is an accomplished and cultured lady and she and her husband are well known in social eir- cles. Mr. Wiltberger is a member of De Kalb ledge, No. 144, A. F. & A. M .; De Kalb chapter, No. 52, R. A. M .; and De Kalb lodge, No. 765, B. P. O. E. He likewise holds membership in the Congregational church and for many years was its treasurer. The church finds in him a liberal supporter and he is, moreover, an inter- ested advocate of all those movements and plans which have direct bearing upon the material, in- telleetual and moral progress of the community.
STEPHEN DECATUR COLEMAN.
On the list of Sandwich's honored dead appears the name of Stephen Decatur Coleman, a man who stood four square to every wind that blows. His strength was the strength of high purpose, of stal- wart convictions and honorable manhood and the seventy-seven years allotted to him were fraught with good deeds and kindly actions as well as with business successes and triumphs. He lived to re- alize much of the joys as well as the sorrow of life and in the wise use of the experiences which came to him developed a character worthy of emulation, regard and admiration.
Mr. Coleman was born in Middletown, Vermont, on the 1st of September. 1826. He lost his father when only five years of age and spent the re- mainder of his minority in the home of an unele. during which time he acquired a common-school education and was trained to habits of industry. In compensation for the services which he ren- dered to his uncle through the period of his boy- hood and youth he received, on attaining his ma- jority. a suit of clothes and one hundred dollars in money. Thus equipped, he started out in life on his own account. He possessed, however, in ad- dition a strong purpose, laudable desire for ad- vancement and an unfaltering resolution to make the most of his opportunities. He recognized that the present and not the future holds the moment for action, and he did nobly the task that lay at hand. He became a resident of Illinois in 1856.
On the 11th of September, 1855, Mr. Coleman was nnited in marriage to Margaret Louisa Fraser, a daughter of Lyman Fraser. a representative farmer of the county. In 1854 Mr. Fraser brought his family from Vermont to De Kalb county. He was connected with educational affairs in the east but after coming to Illinois devoted his time and energies to farming. He was born in 1809 and departed this life in 1892, after spending the last twelve years in Sandwich, where he took up his abode in 1880. His wife, who was born in 1809, died in 1864. Mr. Coleman and his young wife took up their abode upon a farm in Somonauk township near her father's place and for a long period Mr. Coleman followed the occupation of farming, bringing his fields under a high state of enltivation and adding many substantial and mod- ern improvements. He stood for progress and was a leader in the agricultural life of his community, many being prompted to put forth more earnest and effective efforts for agricultural advancement through the stimulus of his example and encour- agement. lfe also became one of the early mem- bers of the Somonauk Mutual Insurance Company and also did much to stimulate an interest in agri- cultural advancement through his efforts in connec- tion with the Sandwich Fair Association, of which he was president for twenty years. He was a man actively interested in many other important mat- ters, having direct bearing upon the farming in- terests of the county. Year after year he carefully superintended his own farm, controlling the work of development and improvement there until the fall of 1900, when, with his wife and daughter Grace he removed to Sandwich, where they made their home with his danghter, Mrs. A. E. Wood- ward. His last days were spent in her home and there he passed away on the 22d of February, 1904, at the age of seventy-seven years.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Coleman were born seven children, of whom Willie D., the eldest, died in his seventeenth year. The others are: Mabel L .. the wife of A. E. Woodward. who is assistant treasurer of the Sandwich Manufacturing Company and president of the school board ; Adelbert E., who is president of the Ornamental Iron Company of Chicago ; Lyman H., for many years principal of schools and now a teacher in the public schools of Chicago : Mary E., the wife of William M. Goudy, postmaster of Fairfield, Illinois, and editor and
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
proprietor of the Wayne County Press; Don V .. who was a farmer and died January 12, 1905, at the age of twenty-nine years: and Grace F .. who is with her mother. Mrs. Coleman and her chil- dren are members of the Congregational church. and although Mr. Coleman did not hold member- ship relations therewith he attended its services and contributed generously to its support.
For a long period Mr. Coleman filled the office of school director and he also served as justice of the peace. He was a man of kind and loving dis- position, and therefore made many friends. He always had a cheery smile and pleasant greeting for those with whom he came in contact and was one of that class-too rare in this world-who shed around them much of the sunshine of life. He never forgot a friend and had strong attach- ment for the communities in which he had lived and labored, including the place of his birth, where he also spent the first thirty years of his life. He made frequent visits back to the old home and took great delight in renewing the acquaintances of his earlier years. He was very fond of children. loved to participate with them in their games and sports, and in return was regarded by them as a companion and friend. He always remained young in heart and had a mind very receptive to the in- fluences of nature in all its phases "listening to babes and sages, birds and stars with open heart. allowing good to grow up through the common- place." He contributed generously to the sup- port of the gospel, was much interested in the Sunday school and possessed a reverent character. He was. moreover, a strong advocate of temperance principles and reform and believed in the develop- ment of man's life in accordance with high ideals and recognized that the true joy and fullness of existence comes in this way.
Dr. G. H. Robertson, who knew Mr. Coleman long and well. said of him: "It was not merely for the financial interests of his family that he wrought with such persistent force and energy. lle was always deeply and actively interested in schools in order that his own and other children might receive an education suited to the demands of the time, and that they might start out in life well equipped for the eager, strenuous service before them. So. too, was he anxions for the moral education and welfare of his family that they might take a high and honorable place in this
great world's great affairs. In all these directions his efforts were crowned with success. the success which may always with safety be predicted as the reward of steady, strong and well directed energy. The results of his life work he has left as monu- ments to his activity. There were also other strong elements in his character deserving of recognition and remembrance. On all publie questions where the moral health and interest of the community were involved he could always be found on the right side. On all those matters which pertain to public order and public decency, which so vitally affect the health and morals of the people, he had but one position, fixed and unalterable. Unmoved by public clamor. unterrified by public threats. scorning all such base and unworthy considera- tions as financial loss or gain. in such a contest undismayed by popular opinion, he stood for right, for order. for sobriety. for the protection and con- servation of the home and the moral health of the people. When others feared and faltered he was only the more resolute and aggressive: There was no suspecting nor mistaking his position." As long as there remains on the earth those who knew Stephen D. Coleman, so long will his mem- ory be enshrined in their hearts.
BERT BERGER.
Beit Berger, who is engaged in farming in De Kalb county, was born in Blair county, Pennsyl- vania. June 18. 1856. Ilis parents. John and Susan Berger, were likewise natives of Pennsyl- vania and the mother passed away at the age of forty-four years. The father, however, has at- tained the venerable age of eighty-one years, and is now living in Kansas. Bert Berger spent the days of his boyhood and youth under the parental roof. At an early age he was trained to habits of industry and economy and these have proven valu- able traits in the days of his later life. He came to Illinois in 1826, and has followed the occupation of farming. being for some time connected with general agricultural pursuits and for the past four years has been foreman on the farm of W. L. Ell- wood. In his work he is practical, progressive and energetic. accomplishing much by reason of his capable management and untiring diligence.
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Mr. Berger was married to Miss Anna B. Wilts. who was born in South Grove township, Illinois, February 23. 1860. Her parents were natives of Greene county, New York. Her father, Richard Wilise, was born April 9, 1833, and in the year 1853 came to the Mississippi valley, settling in De Kalb county, Illinois. He took up his abode in South Grove township, where he followed farm- ing. Ilis wife was born June 26. 1836. Ilis death occurred on the 21st of April, 1903, but .Mrs. Wiltse is still living and now makes her home with her daughter Mrs. Berger. In the family were nine children : Freedom, Winslow. Mrs. Berger, Oliver Eugene, Addie May, William H .. Mary E., Leroy, and James C., of which number two are deceased. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Berger was celebrated July 5, 1882, and unto them were born three children: Effa Ada and Iffe Anna, twins, who were born September 16, 1884. The former is now married and lives on a farm in Afton township, while the latter is al home with her parents. The youngest daughter Esther, was born January 1, 1886, and is the wife of E. D. Laub.
Mr. Berger is a prohibitionist in politics, be- lieving firmly in the principles of temperance and standing loyally by his views upon this question, at the ballot box. Hle and his wife are members of the Congregationalist church, and are warmly esteemed throughout the community by all who know them, because of their many excellent quali- ties of heart and mind.
CHARLES HALSEY BUELL.
Charles Halsey Buell, engaged in the real-estate business in the city of Sycamore, is one of De Kalb county's native sons, his birth having oe- curred on section 31, Sycamore township, March 12, 1849. His father, Iliram Buell, was born in Berkshire county, Massachusetts, March 22, 1809. and, having arrived at years of maturity. wedded Sophia Ludby, who was born in Plymouth, Eng- land, January 29, 1815. ITiram Buell was a hat- ter by occupation and followed that pursuit until about twenty-five years of age. Later he carried on farming and brick-making. Charles H. Buell has a red brick which was taken from the old
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