USA > Illinois > DeKalb County > Past and present of DeKalb County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 57
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A few weeks after the celebration of their mp- tials Mr. and Mrs. Stark journeyed westward to the new home which he had prepared, driving across the country with a team of horses. For Three years they occupied the log cabin which he had put up, at the end of which time Mr. Stark built a comfortable frame residence, which they occupied for many long years. Mr. Stark pros- pered in his business undertakings as time passed and was recognized as one of the most energetic and thrifty men of De Kalb county. His wife, too. proved an able and faithful companion and helpmate to him, encouraging him in every pos- sible way. She readily adapted herself to the changed circumstances from a comfortable home in the east to a log cabin in the west in the midst of pioneer surroundings, but success came as the years went by and the primitive home was replaced by a more modern dwelling and they were enabled to secure the comforts and conveniences known to the older east. Mr. Stark also figured in public life and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to the office of sheriff of De Kalb county, in which capacity he served for three years.
During that period Marshall Stark opened a hotel in Sycamore, which he conducted for six years, and also carried on a store in the county seat, but in 1854 he disposed of his business inter- ests in the town and returned to the farm. where he spent his remaining days. His place was pleasantly and conveniently located about a mile and a half from Sycamore and he owned alto- gether five hundred acres of rich and fertile land, which produced excellent crops and made him one of the prosperous agriculturists of the community. {le also became interested in the stock and grain trades and in addition to cultivating his fields he was for years engaged in buying and selling stock and grain, carrying on a large and profitable busi- ness in that way. Later in life he turned his atten-
tion to the Imber trade, spending two winters in the pineries of Michigan. In partnership with his son, Theron M., he opened a large lumberyard in Sycamore and built up an extensive and profitable business here. Ile followed that enterprise from 1814 until 1882, when his life's labors were ended in death. He passed away December 26, 1882, at the age of sixty-nine years, while his wife sur- vived until JJuly 1, 1892. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Sycamore, con- tributed liberally to the creation of its house of worship and also assisted in building two other churches in this locality. They were indeed faith- ful and earnest Christian people and enjoyed in large measure the esteem and confidence of those who knew them. Mr. Stark served as assessor, as school commissioner and as supervisor of his town- ship and was a member of the county board at the time of his death. Local advancement and na- tional progress were causes both dear to his heart and he stood as a high type of our American citi- zenship. imbued with patriotism and with zeal for his party, yet never placing partisanship before the general good.
Mr. and Mrs. Stark were the parents of ten children : Harmon M., a farmer residing in Kings- ton township; Martha S., the wife of Hosea W. Atwood, living in Jasper county, Iowa ; Mary E., the wife of L. C. Harris, of Genoa township; Jef- ferson O., deceased: Henry J., of Sycamore : Theron M .: Ada L., the wife of James Maitland, living in Sveamore township; Ella A., the wife of A. W. Brower, of Sycamore; Emma J., who mar- ried Charles Wiggins and lives in Nebraska; and Hattie M., who wedded Burton W. Lee, of Syca- more township.
Theron M. Stark is indebted to the Sycamore schools for the educational privileges which quali- fied him for business life. Reared to the occupa- tion of farming, he followed that pursuit until 1875 in the vicinity of Sycamore and then turned his attention to the lumber trade in connection with his father, continuing in that line for nine years. Ile then went into the stock business, buy- ing and selling stoek, and has since continued in this line. He has been very successful and is now the leading stockman in this part of the county, his business having reached extensive proportions. He is an excellent judge of stock, seldom at fault
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m placing valuation upon cattle, and this has been one element of his prosperity.
Mr. Stark was married to Wh -- Sylvia Van Galder, who was born in Wisconsin but was reared in De Kalb county. They have four chil- dren : Maude, the wife of J. L. Walrod. a grocer of Sycamore, by whom she has two children: Frank, who is with his father in the stock business: Arthur, who is attending business college at Rock- ford. Hlinois : and Dorothy. at home. The family residence i- a beautiful home and its hospitality is one of its most pleasing and attractive features.
Mr. Stark gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has served as alderman of Sycamore. He belongs to the Methodist church, while his wife is a member of the Universalist church. He is interested in the moral develop- ment of his community as well as in its material and intellectual progress, and he stands as a high type of citizenship. justly valuing his own self- respect and the esteem of his fellowmen as far more to be desired than wealth, fame or position. He has lived in the county for more than a half con- tury and with it- interest- i> thoroughly identified. rejoicing in what has been accomplished here and doing his full share in the work of public improve- ment.
WILLIAM A. MILLER.
William A. Miller, deceased. was for many years an honored resident of De Kalb county and was prominently identified with it> early development along agricultural lines. A native of New York. he was born in Schaghticoke, Rensselaer county. on the 4th of May. 1810. and in that state he was reared and educated. There he was married May 4, 1835, to Miss Patience Allen, and they became the parents of two children: Harriet 1 .. now Mrs. Isaac L. Ellwood. and William Miller. both of De Kalb.
Soon after his marriage Mr. Miller came to Illi- nois and took up his residence on a farm in King- ston township. De Kalb county, where he followed agricultural pursuits for many years. He was one of the leaders of the pioneer band who by their toil. struggle, and sacrifice transformed the virgin prairie and woodland into fruitful farms
and gardens and caused "the waste places to re- joice and bloom as the rose." For more than half a century he was identified with the material, so- cial and political life of De Kalb county. Com- ing to this state a young man with a young wife, he built for himself a log cabin on the banks of the Kishwaukee when a few Indians still lingerel in this locality and almost every day some wan- dering Indian, hunter or land-seeker was the re- cipient of his generous hospitality. A> the years rolled away his practical energy and industry built up and developed one of the largest and most productive farms in the county.
About thirty-two year- prior to his death Mr. Miller leased his farm and removed to De Kalb, where he lived the greater part of the time until called to his final rest on the 13th of November. 1888. During the last three years of his file ne was a great sufferer and for many months ex- pected almost every hour to be his last, but his great vitality and ironlike constitution prolonged his life beyond the allotted years of man on earth and when the messenger came he was glad to he free from the agony that marked each passing day and which was only lightened and brightened bv the ever welcome visits of life-long friends and the undying devotion and tender ministry of his daughter and son.
Mr. Miller, like most men of positive character, had his faults. but no man ever asked his help in vain and the poor and unfortunate over found u. him a generous and helpful friend in their time of need. For many years he was an enthusiastic member of the Masonie fraternity and during his long illness frequently expressed his interest in the prosperity of the order and wa- delighted with the fraternal visits made by his brethren from time to time.
The following is a fitting tribute paid to his memory at the time of his death by one who knew him well: "Once again 'Time's tolling belf' knells forth the solemn requiem of a soul passing from our pre-ence and I would have you rememb :: that the epitaph on the tomb of Sir Christopher Wren, the great architect of St. Paul's Cathedral. London, is 'If you wish to sco his monument look alove you." And -o in the solemn presence of the dead we say if you wish to see his monument and the monument of the heroic band of men and women who laid the broad foundations of em-
minutmirum
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THE NEW YORK POLIC LIBRARY
NATIONS.
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pire and prosperity in this great northwest look at the towns, cities and fruitful acres that lie about you. These are token of their courage, energy, enterprise and self-sacrificing toil more enduring than storied brass or monumental marble."
DANIEL W. TYRRELL.
Daniel W. Tyrrell was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1840, a son of Manlius and Esther Tyrrell, natives of New York and Vermont, re- spectively. They were married in the Empire state, whence they removed to Michigan. The father was of Irish descent and was a blacksmith by trade, following that pursuit for many years. He died in West Union, Fayette county, lowa. in 1860, while his wife, long surviving him, passed away in February, 1896. Her father, Amos Lewis, was a soldier of the war of 1812 and died at Mag- nolia, Wisconsin, at the age of ninety-two years.
Having acquired a common-school education Daniel W. Tyrrell in 1859 learned the: printer's trade at West Union, Iowa, to which place his parents had removed. He was preparing for an academie course when the call to arms, resounding through the land, changed the current of his thoughts, and in September, 1861, he responded to the country's call for aid, enlisting in Company F, Ninth Iowa Infantry, of which he was made fifth sergeant. The company was organized at Du- buque and was sent to St. Louis for drill while awaiting equipments. During the regiment's first winter out the command was employed in guard- ing railroad bridges near Pacific Junction, Mis- souri. In the spring the command marched through Rolla to Springfield in pursuit of the ro- treating Rebel columns that Price had gathered in Missouri, following them into northwestern Arkan- sas and camping at Cross Hollow.
After Price was reinforced the battle of Pea Ridge was fought and Company F lost a number of its men, while the captain and first lientenant were wounded, the latter mortally. Following this battle the regiment was ordered back to Missouri and sent to Batesville and thence to Helena, meet- ing the Texas Rangers in a number of skirmishes before reaching the objective point. Three or four months of inactivity followed, and at the end of
that the the troops started down the river under General Sherman. The Ninth lowa was in the engagement at Chickasaw Bayou and then pro- ceeded to Louisiana to take part in the expedition to capture Arkansas Post, where a number of Com- pany F were killed and wounded. The next move was to Greenville, Mississippi, then toward Vicks- burg, going to Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hills and other points where it marched across bloody fields and left proof of its prowess. The regiment took part in the first and second assaults on Vicks- burg and fought all through the long and desperate siege of forty-seven days. Subsequent to the fall of Vicksburg the Ninth was ordered to Alabama in pursuit of General J. E. Johnston, but not being able to bring him into an engagement returned to Black River and soon afterward went to Corinth. being sent thence to check the movements of the famous Rebel general Wheeler, whose cavalry was active and aggressive. This pursuit was carried into Alabama and at one place had a severe en- counter with his force. Mr. Tyrrell then acting as sergeant-major. Returning, they moved toward Chattanooga and Company F. under General llooker, participated in the battle of Lookout Mountain. The Ninth was then sent to Alabama and camped for the winter. Mr. Tyrrell was de- tailed to go to Nashville to serve in the government printing office, where he remained until November, 1864, then proceeded to Atlanta, where he was mustered out. While at Batesville and Helena he and others were detailed to work in the printing office of General Curtis and at each place issued a little paper.
During the war the mother of Mr. Tyrrell, who had been widowed about two years before, did noble service for the soldiers, spending about two and a half years in the hospitals at St. Louis. Springfield and Pacific Junetion, and while her son was on the march through Missouri to Bates- ville she went over the mountains in an ambulance to meet him. Her daughter, Mrs. Janet Allen, also spent several years in ministering to the needs of the soldiers in southern hospitals and after- ward married a soldier named Henderson whom she had nursed in a hospital at Memphis.
When the war was over Mr. Tyrrell worked in the office of the Independent at Brodhead, Wis- consin, for a short time and then purchased an interest in the paper, which he afterward assisted
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in editing. Later he removed to Monroe, Wis- consin, where, associated with a Mr. Potter. he founded the Green County Republican and con- tinued with it until his removal to St. Charles, Illinois. In 1820 he engaged with the Genera Republican. Later he published the St. Charles Transcript, of which he was afterward sole pro- prietor. continuing its publication until 1815. After coming to De Kalb he was engaged in the office of the News until 1882. when he purchased an interest in the De Kath Review, with which he was connected until April, 1906, covering a period of about a quarter of a century. In 1890 he re- ceived the appointment of postmaster at De Kalb and proved a most competent official.
In 1820. in St. Charles, Mr. Tyrrell was married to Mrs. Sarah E. Akin, a daughter of Charles B. Gray, one of the pioneers of Kane county, Illi- nois. She was born in Missouri and was the mother of one son, Louis G. Tyrrell, born Decem- ber 11. 1823. She died October 19. 190t. in De Kalb.
Mr. Tyrrell is a charter member of Merritt Simonds post. No. 283. G. A. R .. in which he has filled many otlices, including that of commander. lle also holds membership in De Kalb lodge. No. 144. A. F. & A. M., is a member of the local lodge of Elks, and has been connected with the Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows and the Gool Templars. He is a gentleman of wide experience and good judgment and by persistent energy and business ability has made substantial progress in the field of journalism. He takes a deep interest in vital ques- tions and is a recognized champion of many pro- gressive publie movements. the value of which time has proven. He is well known among his oldl army comrades and is equally popular and re- spected among those with whom business and social relations have brought him in contact.
SAMUEL SHARP.
Sammel Sharp. a farmer and live-stock dealer residing in De Kalb. was born in County Armagh. Ireland. on the 12th of July. 1858, his parents being Samuel and Rebecca ( Proctor) Sharp, in whose family of nine children eight are yet living. The parents were also natives of County Armagh,
Ireland, and were of Scotch-hish lineage. Their native county remainel their home during life and both the father and mother are now deceased. Samuel Sharp. Sr .. was reared to agricultural pur- suits and followed farming throughout the entire period of his business career. The Sharp family were all strict Presbyterians in religious faith and were very active in church work. Of the eight living children of the family fonr are now in America: John and James, who are miners of Jefferson county. Ohio: Sammel, of this review : and Anna, who is residing in New York city. The other members of the family are William. Isaac, Jane and Rebecca, all residents of County Armagh, Ireland. The last named is the wife of James Andrews.
Samuel Sharp spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his parents' home and his educational facilities were limited because his parents were in straightened financial circumstances. He there- fore had little chance to attend school and early began varning his own living. In the spring of iss1. when twenty-three years of age. he sailed for the new world. thinking to enjoy better business opportunities on this side the Atlantic. Arriving in New York city in May of that year. he made his way thence direct to Jefferson county, Ohio, where his brother John had preceded him. For a year Mr. Sharp worked in the potteries in Toronto, Ohio, but the following year again turned his face westward, settling in De Kalb county. Illi- nois. Ile was without capital at the time of his arrival and for three years he was employed as a farm hand. Thrifty. industrions and ambitious. at the end of that time he felt he had sufficient capital to enable him to engage in farming on his own account upon rented land. He bought the necessary machinery and equipments and con- tinued to thus engage in the tilling of the soil for three years longer. He then found that his sar- ing> were adequate for the purchase of a farm and invested in ninety acres of land in De Kalb town- ship. From this time his success was assured. Ile has since bought and sold several farms and at the present time owns a farm. together with several houses and lots in Mayfield, one of the suburbs of De Kalb. Hle likewise has a residence and six or seven other properties in De Kalb and his real- estate holdings are now quite extensive and val- able. He has displayed excellent business discern-
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ment in the placing of his investments and much of his success may be attributed to his real-estate transactions.
On the 11th of September. 1889, Mr. Sharp was married to Miss Eleanor J. Smith, of Michigan Cily, Indiana, and they are pleasantly located in De Kalb, where they have many warm friends. Both are members of the Methodist church. Mr. Sharp is unfaltering in his allegiance to the repub- lican party and has served for some years as a member of the school board but otherwise has held no public offices, for he has found that his time and energies have been fully occupied by his business interests. He may truly be called a self-made man, for the success he has achieved has come as the direct reward of unfaltering labor and perse- verance. Ilis life record is an exemplification of the fact that opportunity in America is open to all and that the only path to success is over the highroad of usefulness.
JOHN DEEGAN.
John Deegan, who carries on general farming in Shabbona township is one of Illinois' native sons. He was born June 24, 1859, near Joliet, Will county. His parents were Malachi and Dora (Cushing) Deegan, who were natives of Ireland. They came to America when young people and settled near Chicago.
The boyhood days of our subject were quietly passed. He had few privileges, for his youth was largely a period of earnest toil and his entire life was a busy and active one. In the year 1883 he was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Duffy. daughter of Martin and Bridget Duffy, who are mentioned on another page of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Deegan have become the parents of nine children : Malachi, who was born October 12, 1883, and is now deceased; Elizabeth, who was born April 29, 1885; Martin, who was born May 2, 1887; John, born October 6, 1890: Ellen, born July 20, 1893: Willie, born August 22, 1895; Mary, born September 8, 1898 ; Robert, born Octo- ber 29, 1900: and James, now deceased.
Mr. Deegan owns and cultivates a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Shabbona township. The land is rich and productive, responding readily
to the care and labor he bestows upon it, so that he harvests good erops. He is energetic in his farm work and is meeting with success as the years go by. Ilis political support is given the democracy and his family are members of St. James Catholic church.
GEORGE M. SIVWRIGHT.
Few men have a wider acquaintance in Syca- more and De Kalb county and none are more uni- formly esteemed than George M. Sivwright, in whose life record there has been no esoterie phase. On the contrary it has been an open book which all may read and in it are written lessons of value to all who wish to attain success along honorable lines. Mr. Sivwright was for many years a pros- perous general merchant of Sycamore and now is enjoying a rest which he richly merits, having per- manently put aside business cares.
He was born December 2, 1832, in Cornwallis, Kings county, Nova Scotia, and is a son of James Monroe and Prudence ( Eaton) Sivwright. The father was born in Windsor, Nova Scotia, Feb- ruary 20, 1804, and began his business life as a tanner and boot and shoe manufacturer at Corn- wallis. where he continued in active connection with industrial pursuits until he removed with his family to Sycamore in 1844. The journey from Chicago was made across the country with a team of horses and he reached his destination on the 21st of June, casting in his lot with the carly residents who had founded here an embryo city in the midst of a district that was largely wild and unimproved. He entered a tract of government land in Mayfield township and followed farming throughout his remaining days, passing away on the old homestead December 24. 1878. His wife, who was born in 1807. in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia. belonged to an old family, her ancestors having come to this country on the Mayflower. She died at the home of her youngest son in Sycamore, November 25, 1881. The family numbered eight children : David L. ; Susan H .. deceased : Eunice, who died at the age of seventeen years ; George M. : Alexander : Wentworth E. ; James L. ; and William Wells. deceased. The father was a large hearted man, of generous nature and jovial disposition,
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and was a great Bible student, holding member- ship in the Christian church, of which he was a devoted representative.
George M. Sivwright was a little lad of seven vears when the family home was established in De Kalb county. He was reared to farm life. his time being devoted to the labors of the field, to the duties of the schoolroom and the pleasures of the playground. Upon arriving at man's estate he became the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land in Mayfield township and was actively engaged in general farming until 1825. In that year he accepted a position as conductor on the Sycamore & Cortland Railroad, officiating in that capacity for six years. On the expiration of that period he traveled for some months as collector for the R. Ellwood Manufacturing Company, and then, in March, 1881. became owner of a half in- terest in the general mercantile business with which he was long actively associated, buying out the interest of the senior member of the firm. The style of Ellwood & Sivwright was then assumed It in later years became Sivwright. Johnson & Company. They carried a complete line of gro- ceries, drugs, paints, oi's, crockery, glass and other commodities of a first class general mercantile store, and Mr. Sivwright was active in the man- agement and conduct of the business until the 1st of January, 1902, when he retired. He spent the winter in Florida and his remaining days will be passed in comfort in the enjoyment of a rest which he has richly carned.
On the 26th of December. 1860. Mr. Sivwright was united in marriage to Miss Maria Louise Fairclo. the wedding being celebrated in Kings- ton. this county. Mrs. Sivwright is a daughter of Thomas and Temperance Fairelo and was born December 21. 1840, in Chester, New Jersey. whence she was brought by her parents to this county in 1841. Guy T. Sivwright, their only child, was born August 30, 1861. in Mayfield town- ship, and being the idol of his parents was care- fully educated. completing his studies in the Northern Indiana Normal College, at Valparaiso. He was graduated from that institution and was afterward his father's assistant in business for about a year. fle possessed an admirable character and won the esteem of young and old. He was well fitted for a life of usefulness and the future seemed bright with hope and promise but fate interposed.
and the life of the young man was cut off. In the fall of 1883 he sustained an injury from a fall in a skating rink, which resulted in a spinal abscess and cansed his death June 15. 1884. Ilis many excellent traits, his kindly disposition, his courtesy and consideration for others had so endeared him to all with whom he came in contact that his death was the occasion of the deepest regret to many friends as well as to his parents. who have never ceased to feel the loss of their only child.
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