USA > Illinois > DeKalb County > Past and present of DeKalb County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 56
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comthouse of De Kalb county, which structure was built of brick furnished by the senior Buell. and the one in possession of his son Charles bears the father's name in full. It was in 1834 that Iliram Buell came westward to Illinois, settling in Cook county, three years before the incorpora- tion of Chicago as a city. Indeed the future metropolis was at that time little more than a hamlet in the midst of a swamp and gave but little evidence or promise of its future wonderful growth and development. Shortly afterward the father continued his way to De Kalb county and took up his abode on section 31, Sycamore town- ship, after which he carried on general farming in connection with the operation of his brickyard. Unto him and his wife were born two sons and a. daughter: David W., born February 12, 1839; Mrs. Mary E. Smith. February 18, 1842; and Charles H., of this review.
Mrs. Rhoda Winslow Noreutt, the maternal grandmother of Charles H. Buell, was born Octo- ber 2, 1189, and was one of the direct descendants of the Plymouth Rock colony. She came to Illi- nois in 1834 with her daughter, Mrs. William G. Allen, and resided here until her death. which occurred in November. 1888, lacking less than a year of being a centenarian.
Charles II. Buell began his education in the public schools, and after completing the high- school course in Sycamore further prepared for the duties of a business life by a course in Bryant & Stratton Commercial College in Chicago. Hle engaged in teaching for twelve years and then turned his attention to carpentering. being identi- fied with building operations in the county until 1895. when he became interested in real-estate business and opened an office. He has since con- tinued as a real-estate agent of Sycamore and has negotiated many important property transfers. Hle also owns in his own right eighty acres of good land in North Dakota.
At one time Mr. Buell was a member of the state militia for four years. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen camp, No. 47, of Syca- more. In politics he has always been independent, casting his ballot for the men whom he regards as best qualified for office rather than for party.
On the 6th of May, 1814, Mr. Buell was united in marriage. in Sycamore, to Miss Amanda MI. Deily. who was born in this city. May 6. 1851.
PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
Her father, Jacob Deily, was born in Easton, Pennsylvania. in 1828, and his life span, covering a period of seventy years, was terminated in 1898. His wife was born in Compton, Canada, in 1821. and hore the maiden name of Louisa A. Betts. They were married in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. in 1× 19. and Mrs. Deily is still living. having now attained the age of eighty-three years. By her marriage she had two daughters: Mrs. Buehl : and Eva E. Deily, who was born in 1854. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Buell have been born five children : Arthur J .. born March 2. 1825 : Lynn 11 .. Septem- ber 21. 1822: Charles F., January 10, las0: Eva May. March 15, 1882 ; and Minnie Louisa, JJun 11. 1881. The third son died March IS, 1895. The family home is pleasantly located at No. 125 South California street.
Mr. Buell has throughout his entire life been a restent of De Kalb county and i- a representative of one of its oldest and most valued pioneer fami- lies, the name of Buell having figured promment y in connection with the history of this part of the state for more than six decades. He has watched with interest the progress that has been made in the last half century or more. ha- delighted m what has been accomplished and has stood for all that is progressive in citizenship.
MARTIN DUFFY. SR.
Martin Duffy, Sr., is one of the venerable citi- zens of De Kalb county and receives the respect which should always be accorded to one who ha- advanced far on life's journey. His business interests have been carefully managed. and he is today the owner of four hundred and fifty acres of valuable farming land in Clinton an I Shabbona townships, from which he derives a good income that supplies him with all the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. He was born in King- county. Ireland. October 10. 1826. and his parents were Patrick and Ellen Duffy, who were also na- tives of that country, where they spent their entire lives, the father passing away at the age of sixty- five years and the mother when fifty years of age.
Martin Duffy of this review acquired his educa- tion in his native country. In 1550, when in hi- twenty-fourth vear. he bade adieu to friends and
family and sailed for the United States. He had heard favorable reports concerning the busi- ness opportunities offered in this land and hoped to improve his financial condition by this change of residence. lle realized, too. that unfaltering labor is the basis of all success. He first went to work on a farm in Columbia county, New York, and for five years was the employe ot one man.
In 1-52 Mr. Duffy was united in marriage to Miss Bridget Dugan, who was born in the state o! New York. March 16. 1832. Her parents were natives of Ireland and came to the new world in early life, settling in New York. where the father died at the age of fifty-four years. The mother afterward came west with her daughter, Mrs. Duffy, and reached the venerable age of eighty- four years ere she was called to the world beyond
The year 1855 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Duffy in Illinois, at which time he located at Serena. La Salle county. where for seven years he rented a farm on shares. They lived carefully. economically and frugally, and in 1865 Mr. Duffy was enabled to purchase eighty acres of land in Shabbona township. De Kalb county. He removed to this farm and has since made it his home. .. time has passed. however, he has extended the boundaries of his property. until he now owns four hundred and fifty acres of land. lying partly in Clinton and partly in Shabbona townships. He has also assisted hi- living children to obtain good farms.
I'nto Mr. and Mrs. Duffy were born fourteen children : William, born May 2, 1851: John, born May 29. 1855: Ellen, born October 6. 1856, now deceased : Catherine, born February 10, 1858 : Patrick. born March 28. 1:59: Hugh. horn Or- tober 1. 1861: Lawrence, born April 1. 1861: Martin. born April 1. 1866: Ann. born February 15. 1868 : Margaret, born June 21. 1869 : James. born February 11. 1821: and three who died in infancy. They also have forty-live grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
In politics Mr. Duffy is a stalwart democrat and has always voted that ticket. He was schoo! director of this district for twelve years, but has never been a politician in the sense of office seek- ing though he has always kept well informed on questions of the day. When he crossed the Atlan- tis to the new world he was practically empty- handed. He and his wife are now living a ro-
MARTIN DUFFY, SR.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
tired life on the old family homestead, on section 13, Shabbona township, and their income through their property interests is sufficient to supply them with all the comforts of life. They certainly de- serve much credit for what they have accomplished and their life record proves what may be obtained by diligence, economy and energy. They are now well advanced in years and are honored and re- spected by all who know them ; are a credit to their name and have ever been worthy citizens of the community.
JOHN F. SHOOP.
John F. Shoop, a wide-awake and enterprising agriculturist, owns and operates a well improved farm of one hundred and seventy-eight acres and makes his home in a fine residence in the village of Malta. Mr. Shoop was born on a farm in Pierce township, De Kalb county, February 6, 1857, a son of Solomon and Catherine ( Eberly) Shopp; both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, whede JOHN E. ADEE. their marriage occurred. They made their home in that state for some time and later eame westward, . .. John E. Adee, a native son of De Kalb county, lo Illinois, settling on a farm in Pierce township; "has found in the rich agricultural resources of this De Kalb county, where Mr. Shoop purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, the year of his location thereon being 1848. He improved and cultivated his farm until his death, which there occurred in 1890. He was survived by his wife for only about five years, her death occurring in 1895. Their union was blessed with eleven chil- dren, of whom seven still survive.
John F. Shoop acquired his education in the schools of Pierceville, and he was reared in much the usual manner of farm lads, assisting his father in the duties of the fields during the period of his boyhood and youth. He has carried on general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire busi- ness career and is now the owner of one hundred and seventy-eight acres of land lying near Malta, this being operated by himself. and he makes his home in a pleasant residence in the village.
Mr. Shoop established a home of his own by his marriage on the 20th of October, 1881, to Miss Margaret Wendeberg, who was born in Pierce- ville, December 10, 1860. Her parents, George and Elizabeth (Schule) Wendeberg, came to lili-
nois from Germany, settling first in Du Page county, while later they continued their journey to De Kalb county, locating on a farm in Pierce township, where they lived for a time but later came to Malta township. The father is now de- ceased but the mother still survives and now makes her home in the village of Malta. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Shoop has been blessed with one son, Elmer J., who was bom April 14, 1886, and is still under the parental roof.
Mr. Shoop supports the men and measures of the republican party and for three years served as pathmaster. He belongs to Modern Woodmen camp. No. 217. and to Knights of Pythias lodge, No. 541, at Malta. Both he and his wife are identified with the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has served as trustee and steward for a number of years. They are loyal citizens and have a host of warm friends in Malta and De Kalb county.
section of the state ample opportunity for the scope of his activities and has thereby become the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and eighteen acres, situated on sections 22 and 23, South Grove township. He was born on a farm in this town- ship, April 3, 1859, a son of William and Margaret (Beeker) Adee, who were farming people of Dela- ware county, New York. The year 1843, however, witnessed their arrival in Illinois, and the father pre-empted a section of land on section 15, South Grove township, De Kalb county, on which he made his home until his death, which occurred in 1890. He was a very prosperous man in all his undertakings, and at the time of his death owned a valuable estate comprising five hundred acres. His widow still survives and now makes her home with her son, George Adee, in South Grove town- ship.
Mr. Adee of this review acquired his early edu- cation in the district schools near his father's home, after which he spent two years in the high school at De Kalb, subsequent to which time he engaged in farming in South Grove township, where he has
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made his home to the present time. He has im- proved his place by the erection of substantial buildings, which are kept in good repair and everything about his place denotes a spirit of enterprise and progressiveness.
In Issi occurred the marriage of Mr. Adee and Miss Carrie Shaver, a native of South Grove town- ship. and a daughter of J. S. Shaver, an agricul- turist. Their marriage has been blessed with four «Ildren : Verna. who is now a student in the De Kalb Normal School: John, Alva and Wallace, all under the parental roof.
Mr. Ader gives his political support to the re- publican party. While not identified with any church organization he and his wife attend and support the church in their home locality. being deeply interested in the moral development of the community. Both Mr. and Mrs. Adee have always hved in De Kalb county and therefore are widely and favorably known. for their conduct has ever been such as to win the respect and admiration of all with whom they have been brought in contact. while their own home is noted for its gracious and warm-hearted hospitality.
WILLIAM T. BLAGG.
William T. Blagg. who is engaged in general farming and in breeding and raising thorough- bred Jersey cattle and Poland China hogs. owns and operates the Argyle Park farm, a well im- proved and valuable property on section 22, Sand- which township, within two anda half miles of the town of Sandwich. His life record began in Tishomingo county, Mississippi, on the 30th of December, 1842. His father, Henry Blagg, was a native of Kentucky and was reared near Louis- ville. He was twice married. his second union being with Miss Mary Nix, a native of Knoxville. Tennessee. This worthy couple settled in Mis- aissippi upon plantation, where they lived for a number of years, and the death of Mr. Blagg occurred there in 1861. the interment being made on the 14th of April. His wife long survived him and coming to the north lived in Illinois for several years but her last days were spent in Nebraska.
William T. Blagg was the oldest of six children. two sons and four daughters, his brother being Thomas J. Blagg, now in Idaho. The sisters were: Nettie, wife of Julius Tranblie of Cort- land. Nebraska: Ellen, wife of Clark Deming. a farmer of Cortland. Nebraska: Parthenia, wife of Isaac Tiger. of Idaho: antl Frances, wife of Stacy Kirkbride, of Kansas City, Missouri.
William T. Blagg was reared in Mississippi to the age of lifteen years. The spring before he was fifteen he enlisted for service in the I'nion army, joining Company K. Sixty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He served with the Western Sharp-shooters for six months and eighteen days and acted on detached duty as a spy and guide and was then discharged for disability. He came north in the winter of 1862, making his way to Sandwich with his mother and the family. Hle went to work at anything he could find to do and for four years was employed as a farm hand by the month. He then rented land, which he con- tinned to cultivate for four years, after which 1. engaged in teaming in Sandwich for fourteen years, being quite successful in the latter pursuit.
Mr. Blagg was married in Hinckley. Squaw Grove township. November 28, 1825. 10 Miss Hat- tie A. Hobbs, who was at that time nineteen years of age. She was born in Delhi, Delaware county. New York, a daughter of George E. Hobbs, who in: 1851 made the trip to California by steamer and across the isthmus. He again went in 1857 over the same route and was absent from home for two years, spending his time largely in the mines. On one occasion the ship in which he sailed was wrecked but the crew and passengers were saved. In the year 1865 Mr. Hobby re- moved to the west arriving in Sandwich. Feb- ruary 15. He settled in Squaw Grove township and there followed farming, while upon the oll homestead he reared his family. numbering four children: David A .. now a farmer of Squaw Grove township: Mary, who died in New York at the age of nine years : Nettie M .. wife of George MeWhirter, of Yorkville, Ilinois : and Mrs. Blage.
The last named was only nine years old when brought to De Kalb county. After her marriage she went with her husband to a home in Sandwich where they lived for nineteen years. Mr. Blagg having built a neat residence in the town before his marriage. He afterward located on a farm
MR. AND MRS. W. T. BLAGG.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY -
ASTOR, LENOX TILDEA FOUNDATION8.
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south of Sandwich, where he rented land for two years and then bought the land where he now resides. He has since greatly improved the place, has repaired and remodeled the dwelling, has put up an ice house, has added to the barn, secured farm machinery, enclosed his fields with woven wire and barb wire fences and in fact has made it an excellent property. He is raising pure blooded registered Jersey cattle, to which he has given his attention for eighteen years. He has also engaged in: the business for many years and raises and feeds about a carload of fat hogs each year. In Lis business his determination and enterprise have met with a creditable measure of success as the years have gone by.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Blagg have been born a daughter and a son: Louetta and La Verne, the latter at home and the former now the wife of Professor George W. Davis, who is occupying a chair in the college at Albion, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Blagg are members of the Methodist Episco- pal church at Sandwich and Mr. Blagg is inde- pendent in polities. He has seen Sandwich grow into a thriving city and all the best farms in the township made. His life has been one of energy for he has realized that there is no excellence without labor and that there is no royal road to wealth. Depending upon his own resources from early boyhood. he has labored persistently in his business affairs and has achieved a measure of success which is most gratifying, proving what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do.
HELSON & WALROD.
The firm of Helson & Walrod are proprietors of the most up-to-date livery barn in Sycamore, as their business is located in the Henrie build- ing opposite the county courthouse, at No. 124 West State street. and the owners, T. H. Helson and George Walrod, do all kinds of teaming as well as a general livery business. They have a very large barn and do hearse work for both the undertakers in Sycamore. They keep twenty-four horses all the time and have some of the finest vehicles to be found in the county. Their busi- ness has been sucessfully conducted here since De-
cember 6, 1905, and they have been accorded a liberal patronage, which is indeed well merited.
T. H. Helson, the senior partner, was born in Kane county, Illinois, and is a son of John Hel- son, whose birth occurred in Plymouth, Devon- shire, England, on the 24th of November, 1819. The grandfather. John Helson, Sr., was born in the parish of Braidwood, Widger, Devonshire, about 1800, and died at the age of seventy-four years. In his early manhood he was a workman in the limestone quarries, and about 1823 was nearly killed by a premature blast, a piece being cut out of his face. Subsequent to that time he engaged in general work as a common laborer. llis wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Harris, was a daughter of Joseph Harris, and was born near Plymouth, Devonshire, England, while her death occurred when she was about forty-five years of age.
In his boyhood and youth John Helson, father of our subject, worked at farm labor in Devon- shire but for a period of nine years, beginning at the time he attained his majority. he was employed in mines at Cornwall. On leaving that service he came to the United States, sailing from Plymouth as passenger on the vessel Cordelia, a three mast ship, which weighed anchor on the 4th of April, 1848, and reached Quebec, Canada, after a voyage of six weeks and three days. From there he went to Erie, Pennsylvania, by lake and on to New- castle by the old Petersburg & Erie canal, remain- ing in the latter city from JJune, 1848, until the spring of 1851. He then sought a home in the Mississippi valley, coming to Illinois, where he pur- chased a farm of one hundred and fifty acres lymg on each side of the boundary line between Kane and De Kalb counties. Ile afterward added to his farm until he owned two hundred and seventy-five acres, which he brought under a high state of culti- vation and to which he added many modern im- provements. Ile engaged in both mining and farming for some years but in 1811 retired from active business life and removed to Sycamore. where he spent his remaining days in the enjoy- ment of a rest which he richly deserved. He was married in St. Clear parish, in Devonshire, Eng- land, to Miss Elizabeth Jane. a daughter of Wil- liam and Catherine (Johns) Jaue. in their fam- ily were seven children: George John, of Syca- more township; Mary Jane, the wife of W. W.
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London, of Sycamore: Elizabeth, the wife of Wil- liam Sley. of Sycamore township; Richard John, of lowa: Louisa, the wife of William Sea- mans, of Sycamore ; Catherine, the wife of Nicho- las Johnson, of Sycamore : and Thomas Il., of this review. The mother died June 22. 1896. She was a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was also the father.
T. H. Helson pursued his education in the schools of Kane and De Kalb counties and for thirty-five years has resided in the latter county. He married Miss Adella May Seacord, and they have two children. Hazel and Ray. Mr. Helson is a member of the Odd Follows society and the Modern Woodmen camp. He resides at No. 109 Alma Street, Sycamore.
George Waliod, the junior member of the firm of Helson & Walrod, is a native of Sycamore, his father being Walter D. Walrod, who was born March 13, 1813, in this city. The grandfather. Erasmus D. Walrod, was a pioneer settler of De Kalb county, whose birth occurred in Montgomery county, New York. June 16, 1816. He came to Illinois when nineteen years of age with his par- ents. the year of their arrival being 1835. lle located near Sycamore on a farm and there spent the remainder of his days, developing a home- stead property, which is now owned by Walter D. Walrod. In 1839 he married Melintha Powell, who was born in Monroe county. New York. No- vember 9. 1812. They became the parents of five children but Walter D. Walrod is the only one How living. The father died June 29, 1892, while his wife passed away October 21, 1889.
Walter D. Walrod was roared and educated in Sycamore and for some time engaged in the livery business and also in the sale of buggies and agricultural implements but in later years has followed farming. lle owns a beautiful home at No. 43 West State street, where he resides. lle also owns one hundred and ten acres of finely im- proved land adjoining the city of Sycamore. Ile wedded Mary Watkins, of Kane county, Ilinois. who died three years later. leaving a son. William E., who married Edith Petrie, and resides near his father's home. For his second wife Walter D. Walrod wedded Eva Denmark, of Pennsylvania, a daughter of D. J. Denmark, who died in December. 1906. By this marriage there are six children : Melintha, the wife of George Sell, of Sycamore,
by whom she has one child, Irene: George, of this review : Louis, who married Maud Starks and lives in Sycamore : Walter, in Chicago : Jennie, at home ; and Charles, also in Chicago,
George Walrod has always lived in Sycamore. and at the usual age he entered the public schools. where. passing through successive grades, he ar- quired his education. He married Miss Nellie Spears, and they are located in a comfortable home in Sycamore, Mr. Walrod belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp, and both he and his wife are widely and favorably known here. He has pros- pered in his undertakings and the firm of Helson & Walrod is well known and has a liberal patronage by reason of the reliable manner in winch they conduct their business.
THERON M. STARK.
Theron M. Stark, a stock-buyer and capitalist residing at No. 523 De Kalb avenue. Sycamore. has been engaged in the buying and shipping of stock here since 18st and in this connection has become widely known. He is a native of De Kalb county. Ilinois, born in 1851 where the Ward hotel now stands. His father, Marshall Stark. was born in Luzerne county. Pennsylvania, August 12. 1813. and was reared in the county of his nativity, where he acquired a good practical com- mon-school education, while later he engaged in teaching. His parents. Oliver and Betsy (Dixon ) Stark, were likewise natives of the Keystone state and were descended from New England ancestry connected with the same family of which General Stark of Bennington fame was a member. On attaining his majority Marshall Stark came to the middle west and in the summer of 1834 lo- cated a claim near Rockford. Winnebago county. Illinois, but made no permanent settlement at that time. Returning to Pennsylvania, he taught school through the succeeding winter and in the spring of 1836 he began the journey westward to this state, settling in De Kalb county. He located on what are now sections 20 and 21. Sycamore town- ship. purchasing the land from the general govern- ment as soon as it came into market. On hi- arrival he built a log cabin near the timber and at once began the arduous task of clearing and culti-
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vating the fields. He thus made a good start in his farm work in the west, continuing the improve- ment of his property until the fall of 1841, when he returned to his Pennsylvania home and on the 5th of October of the same year was married to Miss Louisa Tyler, a native of Susquehanna coun- ty, Pennsylvania, born December 16, 1820, in the town of Dimock, her parents being Royal and Mary (Southwick ) Tyler.
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