USA > Illinois > DeKalb County > Past and present of DeKalb County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 58
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Mr. Sivwright exercises his right of franchise in the support of the men and measures of the republican party and has served as a member of the school board and also as alderman of Sycamore but has always preferred that his public service should be done as a private citizen. For nearly forty years he has been connected with the Odd Fellows society as a member of both lodge and en- campment. He has passed through all of the chairs, has several times been representative to the grand lodge and has filled the office of past grand for twenty-five years. Both he and his wife are connected with the Rebekah lodge. In Sycamore their circle of friends is almost co-extensive with the circle of their acquaintance. for they are people of genuine personal worth, whose salient character- istics have been such as to win kindly regard. They have exemplified in their lives the Emer- sonian philosophy "The way to win a friend is to be one," and by reason of this neighbors and friends accord them a high place in their esteem.
MRS. ANNA JOHNSON.
Mrs. Anna Johnson, deceased, was a resident of De Kalb county for nearly a half century and was widely and favorably known. Great changes were made in this locality as the years went by and time also wrought many changes in Mrs. John- son. She bore the maiden name of Anna Wel- lander and was born in Vesteland, Sweden, on the 7th of February, 1830. It as in 1854 that she crossed the Atlantic to the United States, and after spending four years in Boston, Massachus- etts, she came to De Kalb.
On the 22d of May. 1858. shortly after her arrival here. she gave her hand in marriage to
MRS. ANNA JOHNSON
AS M. E. .. TIL NU NUATIONS.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
Nels M. Johnson, and they became the parents of seven children, namely: A. G., who was born January 29, 1859, and now lives in Rockford, Illinois; Emma C., who was born December 30, 1860, and is now Mrs. Nelsenius, of Brooklyn, New York; J. Henry, who was born October 6, 1862, and died February 23, 1863; J. Martin, who was born August 2, 1865, and is still a resident cf this county ; H. Mary, who died in infancy; Hannah E., who was born June 2. 1868, and is living at the family residence at No. 412 North Sixth street, De Kalb; and Hulda M., who was horn October 6, 1870, and died Marel 4, 1874.
For seven years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Johnson lived in De Kalb. Industrious, energetic people, they carefully saved the earn- ings of the husband and were then enabled to purchase forty acres of land, onto which they moved, living there for three years. Mr. Johnson next purchased eighty acres on section ?, De Kalb township, took up his abode there and as the years passed and his financial resources increased he kept adding to his property. He first bought sixty aeres adjoining the original tract, then one hundred and sixty acres also adjoining the home place. This made a valuable farm of three hun- dred acres, which he brought under a high state of cultivation, tilling the fields until they brought forth rich and bounteous harvests. He made the best use of his opportunities and a few years later he invested in four hundred and forty acres of lind in Nebraska.
When Mr. Johnson came to Illinois he worked at day's labor, scorning no employment that would yield him an honest living. He saved his money and was greatly assisted by the capable manage- ment of his wife, who carefully conducted the household affairs, being watchful of all expenses there, and thus through their united efforts they managed to get a start and by reason of unfalter- ing diligence accumulated a fortune, for at the time of Mr. Johnson's death they owned seven hundred and forty acres of land. It was on the 6th of January, 1886, that he passed away, being then fifty-eight years of age, for his birth oc- curred on the 6th of July, 1827. His life record demonstrated what it was possible to accomplish through determined, unfaltering energy. and his successful business career and many good quali-
ties gained for him the respect and confidence of his fellowmen.
After her husband's death Mrs. Johnson pur- chased a nice home at N. 412 North Sixth street. De Kalb, where she resided until she, too, was ealled to her final rest on the 18th of March, 1902. On the organization of the Swedish Lutheran church in 1858 she became one of its active mem- bers and her earnest Christian life gained her the respect and esteem of all with whom she came in contact, so that at her death she left many warm friends.
DAVID LIPP.
Although beginning life in a humble capacity, David Lipp has gradually worked his way upward until he is today the owner of a valuable property comprising one hundred and twelve acres situated within a mile of the village of Malta. Mr. Lipp was born in Unity township, Columbia county. Ohio, January 15, 1853, and comes of German parentage. His father, Philip A. Lipp, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, August 31, 1815, and in 1832, when a young man of seventeen years, he emigrated to the new world, locating on a farm in Columbia county, Ohio. The mother was likewise born in Wurtemberg, but it was in Columbia county, Ohio, that she was married, in 1842, to Mr. Lipp. Their marriage was blessed with six sons and two daughters. The mother passed away in 1870, while the father survived until 1883. At the time of his death he was the owner of eighty- three acres of land in Columbia county, which has become a very valuable property.
Mr. Lipp pursued his studies in the common schools of his native county, and during the period of his boyhood and youth he assisted his father in the work of the home farm. When starting out on his own account he made his way westward to Illinois, where he engaged in general agricultural pursuits in De Kalb county. He first operated a rented farm for two years. after which he pur- chased his present property, comprising one hun- dred and twelve aeres situated within a mile of the village of Malta, so that the family, while enjoying all the comforts of a rural existence, also enjoy the convenienees afforded by the village.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
Mr. Lipp established a home of his own by his marriage to Miss Carrie L. Ilueber, who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany. September 4, 1861. a daughter of William JJ. Hneber, who was likewise born in Wurtemberg, March 3, 1829, while the mother's birth occurred January 2, 1832. They emigrated to America in 1867 and located on a farm which he purchased in Malta township, this tract comprising two hundred acres of land. Of their family of eight children, consisting of one son and seven daughters, only two are now living. The parents are both now deceased, the father passing away in 1889. while the mother's death occurred November 6, 1905. Mrs. Lipp was a little maiden of six years when the family emi- grated to the new world, and it was in the schools of De Kalb county that she acquired her educa- tion, while on the 22d of December, 1891. she gave her hand in marriage to David Lipp. By her marriage she has become the mother of four chil- dren, of whom three still survive, namely: Vida May, who was born December 20, 1891 : Harvey P., born July 21, 1896 ; and Emma E .. who was born December 6, 1899. A twin of Emma E. died at birth.
Mr. Lipp's study of the political issues and questions of the day has led him to give stalwart support to the democratic party. His fraternal relations are with Forester lodge. No. 420. at Malta, while he and his wife attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which they give liberal support. Though starting out in life without capital Mr. Lipp possessed a strong will and determination to succeed and that his labors have been rewarded by a goodly measure of pros- perity is indicated by the fact that he is today in possession of a valuable farm. and in addition to his own strength of purpose much credit is due his estimable wife, who has proved to him a worthy helpmate on lite's journey.
W. G. TIPPLE.
W. G. Hipple is a native of Clinton township and >till resides within its borders, his home at present being on section 14. His birth occurred April 16, 1835, and he was reared to farm life. working in field and meadow at an early day. He
began his education in the common schools and afterward had the advantage of a course of instruc- tion at Aurora, Illinois, being thus well qualified for the practical and responsible duties of life.
Ilaving arrived at years of maturity, Mr. Hipple was married to Miss Minnie Heeg, who was born in Shabbona, Illinois, March 2, 18:3. Her parents, Christian and Henrietta ( Petrie) Heeg. were na- tives of Germany, the father born in 1844 and the mother in 1819. They were married in Illinois. The father came to the United States in 1853 and first located in Ohio. Later he came to lliinois and is now living retired at Shabbona. The mar- riage of Mr. and Mrs. Hipple was celebrated on the Sth of February, 1898, and has been blessed with three children but the two younger died in infancy and Mabel G., the oldest, born February 3. 1899, died at the age of thirteen months and twenty days.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Hipple are consistent and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Waterman. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he is loyal to the business interests and to the welfare of the community but never socks or desires office. Hle now owns and operates one hundred and twenty aeres of land on sections 11 and 23, Clinton town- ship, and the farm is an excellent property, which he has brought under a good state of cultivation.
MARTIN E. ANDERSON.
During the greater part of his business life Mar- tin E. Anderson has been closely associated with the industrial interests of De Kalb county. holding various important and responsible positions which have been indicative of his skill and trustworthi- ness. A native of Sweden. he was born December 19. 1863. He is a brother of the gentlemen who constitute the well known mercantile firm of An- derson Brothers of De Kalb and in connection with their history mention is made of the family.
Martin E. Anderson was educated in the com- mon schools of his native country and when six- teen years of age came to the United States, ar- riving in May, 1880. He had been reared to farm labor but after reaching the new world he located in De Kalb and began working at the carpenter's
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
trade, which he followed as a journeyman for seven years. He then engaged in contracting and build- ing in Chicago for two years, in partnership with John Anderson, after which he returned to De Kalb county, and for about four years was fore- man in the planing mills of the Patten Manu- facturing Company in De Kalb. He next accepted a position as foreman of the Shipman & Bradt Wagon Factory in De Kalb, remaining in that capacity for nine years, or until the plant was sold. In 1902 he became foreman in the Haish manure spreader factory, which position he has since filled, being in charge of the plant. His thorough under- standing of mechanics and his long experience in constructive works well qualifies him for this posi- tion. in which he has supervision of the labors of many men.
Mr. Anderson was happily married on the 3d of May, 1890. to Miss Hannah Olson, a native of Sweden, who came to the United States in 1880. Six children have been born unto them, of whom five are living : Paul. Hazel, Al Martin, Vernie and Clarence, all yet at home. Mr. Anderson is a member of the independent Order of Vikings and of the Swedish Benevolent Society, while his political allegiance is given the republican party. He is a man of exemplary habits and worthy principles, and his record does credit to the history of a family that is much respected in De Kalb. the brothers all being reliable and enterprising business men.
.
GEORGE W. DUNTON.
George W. Dunton, whose success at the bar in former years enables him now to live retired, has figured for a long period as one of the represent- ative and prominent residents of Sycamore. He is a man of genuine personal worth, trusted by his friends and all with whom he comes in contact, and at all times he has been found loyal to those he meets professionally or socially. He is a prod- uct of the state and the schools of Illinois. His birth occurred in Belvidere, Boone county, on the 6th of August. 1854, his parents being William S. and Almira (Baldwin) Dunton. His father, a native of Dorset. Bennington county, Vermont.
was born on the 31st of August, 1813, and his parents were William B. and Hulda (Sykes) Dunton. William B. Dunton was a native of the Green Mountain state, while his father was a native of Connecticut, whence he removed to Ben- nington county, Vermont, where he followed his chosen occupation of surveying. The Duntons were of English ancestry and the family was founded in America by one of the name who came from England during Cromwell's time and settled in Boston. Since that time representatives of the family have been residents of New England.
William S. Dunton, father of George W. Dun- ton, was reared in the state of his nativity and acquired his education in the public schools. Dur- ing the pioneer epoch in the history of central Illinois he became a resident of this state, taking up his abode in Belvidere, Boone county, in 1846. He was at first identified with its mercantile in- terests and later with manufacturing, conducting a plow factory. He also carried on general agri- cultural pursuits and extended his efforts to the field of banking at the time of the organization of the national banking system. He became a di- rector of the First National Bank of Belvidere and in 1866 was elected to the presidency, oc- cupying that position with ability and discretion for abont twenty years, when he resigned on ac- count of failing eyesight. He was at that time. however, elected vice president of the institution. He also served as a director of the Second National Bank of Belvidere from its organization about 1884, and thus his labors and influence were promi- nent elements in the business growth and develop- ment of Belvidere as well as a source of gratifying income to himself. His political allegiance was given to the republican party from its organiza- tion, for he warmly endorsed its principles and purposes. In early manhood Mr. Dunton wedded Miss Almira Baldwin, a native of Dorset, Ver- mont. and a daughter of David Baldwin, In religions faith she was a Universalist. Mr. Dun- ton, while a member of no church, led an upright life, possessed an even temperament and kindly disposition and in all life's relations commanded the respect of those with whom he was associated. In the family were two sons and two daughters: Wilbur, who died in childhood ; Mary, the wife of Samuel Kerr, an attorney of Chicago; Nellie. of Belvidere ; and George W.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
The boyhood days of George W. Dunton were passed in Belvidere and his public-school education. there acquired, was supplemented by study in the State I'niversity of lowa at lowa ('ity. He matriculated in 1821 and graduated in 1815 upon the completion of the classical course. He had determined to make the practice of law his life work and to that end, in the fall of 1845, became a student in the Union Law College of Chicago. from which he was graduated in June, 1872, hay- ing in the meantime come under the instruction of 1. B. Denslow. Harvey B. Hurd, Judge Lyman Trumbull, Senator J. R. Doolittle, James L. High and Judge Booth, distinguished members of the legal fraternity. Following his graduation Mr. Dunton located for practice in Sycamore and en- tered into partnership with R. L. Divine, then one of the leading members of the bar of De Kalb. Ilis first few years in practice were mostly spent in preparing cases and drawing up pleadings for the causes. Typewriters were not then in use and, as Mr. Divine was a very busy man with an ex- tensive practice. this duty devolved upon the junior partner. It proved. however, a good drill and in his later years of practice has been very useful to him. Hlis connection with Mr. Divine was terminated in 1880. after which Mr. Dunton practiced alone until the fall of 1889, when he joined Duane J. Carnes in the formation of the firm of Carnes & Dunton. In 1902 they were joined by John Faissler under the firm style of Carnes. Dunton & Faissler. and this connection was continued until Mr. Dunton's retirement from active practice on the 1st of January, 1907. He was regarded for many years as a leading lawyer of the Sycamore bar, being especially proficient in chancery cases and probate, in preparing cases for trial and drawing up pleadings. To him has been entrusted some of the most important litiga- tion heard in the courts of DeKalb county. He was ever. while in active practice, an interested student of the law. reading broadly and assimilat- ing what he read. He was also a safe. reliable counselor and that the consensus of public opinion regarding his ability was favorable found proof in the very extensive clientage which was given him. Aside from his law practice Mr. Dunton figured prominently in business circles and is a stockholder and vice president of the Sycamore National Bank. In community affairs he is
deeply interested and his co-operation may always be depended upon as an element in the further- ance of any movement for the general good. He has been president and member of the board of education, the cause of the public schools finding in him a stalwart champion, while the republican party receives his earnest and unfaltering endorse- ment.
On the 6th of August, 1885, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Dunton and Miss Lavinia S. Denton, a native of De Kalb county and a daugh- ter of Solomon and Olive Denton, who were natives of Dutchess county, New York. Her father, who was a farmer by occupation, died in 1864. The family numbered seven children : Rebecca. Julia, Mary, Lavinia S .. Gilbert H., Elizabeth and George, all of whom are living except the last named. Mr. and Mrs. Dunton have two dangh- ters : Martha A .. born July 2, 1888 ; and Mary O .. horn March 18, 1892. The family are prominent socially and the hospitality of their own home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.
Mr. Dunton is a man of fine personal appear- anice. tall and of excellent physique, and. more- over, he is a man of splendid character, esteemed for those sterling traits which in every land and lime command confidence and regard. The legal profession lost one of its representative and valued members when he retired From active connection with the bar but his rest is well merited, for during almost thirty years he has been an active practi- tioner.
BLOMQUIST BROTHERS.
Blomquist Brothers is the name of a firm well known in business cireles in DeKalb. The part- ners are John Adolph, G. Albert and Edward T. Blomquist. the leading shoe merchants of the city. They are native sons of DeKalb, born on the 29th of November, 1870. on the 15th of October. 1878. and on the 6th of February, 1882. respectively. Their parents were John and Mary (Johnson) Blomquist. both natives of Sweden. Coming to this country in early manhood and womanhood, they were married in DeKalb. The father. who em- igrated to the new world in 1868, was employed for a period of two or three years as a farm hand in
ITH NEW YORK PITY LIBRARY
2 i
IM. LENOX ~ FIINDATIONS.
J. A. BLOMQUIST.
ALBERT G. BLOMQUIST.
- F. . E. NEW YORK. DA ICHIBRARYI
LEVOX YLATIONS.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
the vicinity of DeKalb and afterward went to Chicago, where he was engaged in teaming for a year or more. He then returned to this county and began farming on his own account, being thus engaged for twelve years as a renter. His life of frugality and enterprise, however, enabled him in the fall of 1884 to purchase a valuable tract of land of three hundred and twenty aeres six miles south of DeKalb in Afton township. He removed to his new home in the fall of 1885 and there re- sided up to the time of the death of his wife on the 15th of December, 1898. In March, 1899, he rented his farm and removed to the city, where he is now living a retired life. Since he became a naturalized American citizen he has given his po- litical support to the republican party. He is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church and dur- ing the long years of his residence in this county has so lived as to win the respect and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. In his family are six children, his daughters being: Christine, at home; Sophia, the wife of Edward Westeberg, and Millie. the wife of Frank Ande"- son.
Ilis sons, who now constitute the firm of Blom- quist Brothers, were educated in the public schools and John A. and Edward T. also attended the Rockford (Illinois) Business College, while G. Al- bert pursued a business course at Valparaiso, In- diana. In their early manhood days they came to DeKalb and secured positions in different mer- cantile establishments. The two elder brothers served for a period in the shoe factory in this city and on the 20th of January, 1902, they embarked in the retail shoe business at their present loca- tion-249 East Main street-under the firm nante of Blomquist Brothers. They purchased the stock of the Bain Shoe Company, to which they added until they now have the largest shoe store in the county, carrying a full line from the cheapest work shoe to the finest dress shoe. They buy all their shoes from the best eastern factories. They are all young men of good business ability, am- bitions, energetic and resolute, possessing also geniality and unfailing courtesy, so that their friends are legion.
John A. Blomquist, the eldest, was married June 29, 1904, to Miss Marie Jacobson, of DeKalb, and Edward T. Blomquist was married October 12, 1904, to Miss Edna Peterson, of this city. The
brothers are all supporters of the republican party and are members of the Swedish Lutheran church. They withhold their support and co-operation from no movement or plan for the benefit of the com- munity, while at the same time giving careful at- tention to their business interests, which are capably managed. They have a well appointed store, modern in all of its equipments, and their patronage has steadily increased from the begin- ning, while from the first the business has proved a profitable investment.
MRS. ANNA A. LUNEY.
In a record of the leading and well known resi- dents of De Kalb mention should be made of Mrs. Anna A. Luney and her family who have long re- mained in this city. A native of Malta, Illinois. she was born April 14, 1856. Her grandparents in both the paternal and maternal lines were na- tives of Ireland and there spent their entire lives. Her father, Timothy Solon, was born in Ireland. May 15, 1822, and on the 4th of February, 1842, he was married to Miss Mary Welch, who was born on the Emerald isle in August, 1823. In the year of their marriage they crossed the Atlantic to the new world and as time passed there were added to the household nine children, of whom Mrs. Luney was the fourth. For several years after his arrival in the United States the father lived in New York and in 1850 brought his family to IHli- nois, settling in Belvidere, whence in 1856 he re- moved to Malta. In 1822 he turned his attention to farming, which he followed successfully until 1894, when he abandoned the work of the fields and removed to De Kalb, where he and his wife spent their remaining days.
Anna A. Solon pursued her education in the schools of Malta and of De Kalb and remained in her parents' home up to the time of her mar- riage, which was celebrated in De Kalb, September 3, 1818, when she became the wife of Thomas A. Luney. who was born in Rockford, Illinois, July 2, 1853, and died on the 16th of July, 1904, in De Kalb. His father was Edmond Luney, a native of Ireland, born about 1819, while the mother, Mrs. Catherine (Hogan) Luney. was born in Ireland about 1821. There were five children in this
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PAST AND PRESENT OF DE KALB COUNTY.
family, of whom Thomas Luney was the second. He was educated in the public schools, completing his course in the De Kalb high school, and at the age of fifteen years he obtained employment in the bank of R. Hopkins & Company, of De Kalb. Throughout his entire life he was connected with the banking business in that institution. winning successive promotions as he demonstrated his abil- ity and faithfulness. Finally the institution was organized as the De Kalb National Bank and in 1824 Mr. Luney was made cashier, in which capa- city he served until his death, covering a period of thirty-six years-a fact which stands in unmis- takable evidence of his trustworthiness and his popularity as a bank official. The success of the institution is attributable in no small degree to his efforts. He was thoroughly acquainted with bank- ing in all its departments, was an accurate judge of men and while he did everything in his power to favor the patrons of the bank. to whom he ever extended unfailing courtesy, he never forgot that he owed a still higher allegiance to the >tock- holders and depositors. In business he was pene- trative and practical and had the ability of seeing from the outside to the center of things and to clearly determine the value of any measure or proposition bearing upon the bank.
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