USA > Illinois > DeKalb County > Past and present of DeKalb County, Illinois, Volume II > Part 59
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In politics Mr. Luney was a democrat. recog- mized as one of the leaders of the party in this locality. He served as township treasurer from 1812 up to the time of his death and his reliability in money matters was ever above question, so that his official integrity was assured. lle was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus and was a communieant of the Roman Catholic church. of which his entire family are members.
Mr. Luney provided well for those dependent upon him. He became one of the stockholders of the bank and owned considerable valuable prop- erty, his widow now having a farm of one hun- dred and seventy acres and a house and lot at No. 234 North Fourth street besides some vacant prop- erty. All this was acquired by Mr. Luney as the result of untiring diligence and unabating energy. Difficulties vanished before him as mists before the morning sun, because he was persistent and reso- lute, as well as thoroughly reliable. He was wett versed in the law and upon current topics. indeed was a well informed man of decidedly scholarly tastes. Wherever he was known he made friends
by a genial manner, kindly disposition and his def- erence for the opinions of others, and when İle passed away his death was deeply deplored in business circles, in the ranks of citizenship and among his many friends, but most of all in his own home, for he reserved the best traits of his char- acter for his own fireside and did everything in his power to promote the welfare and happiness of his wife and children.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Luney were born five chil- dren: Ella A., born July 16, 1879; Francis S., May 12, 1884; Ellzey H., February 5, 1889; and E. Ross and T. Ray. twins, born June 2, 1891. Ellzey will graduate from the De Kalb township high school in the summer of 1901. Mrs. Luney owns and occupies a beautiful home and has her children all with her except her son Francis, who is now attending the University of Illinois, from which he will graduate as a mechanical engineer in the summer of 1902. The daughter, Ella A., has been a student at the Chicago Musical College and is now a successful music teacher. The family are popular socially in De Kalb and the name Luney is an honored one in the city.
WILLIAM D. CASS.
William D. Cass, who is engaged in carpenter- ing in Sycamore, having been identified with build- nig operations here for many years, was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, August 18, 1831, and is a son of Josiah and Phoebe ( Conger) Cass, both of whom were born in Cayuga county, New York. The father was engaged in the operation of a factory for the manufacture of woolen goods. In his family were nine children, of whom Wil- liam was the seventh in order of birth. In 1850 Josiah Cass came with his family to Illinois. settling in De Kalb county. where he spent his remaining days, and his wife also departed this life here. Daniel Cass, a brother of our subject. served as a soldier of the Civil war for three years.
William D. Cass pursued his education in the schools of Gowanda, New York. and after putting aside his text-books he learned the wagon-maker's trade. following this pursuit for a number of years. He then took up carpentering. in which he has con- tinued to the present time and has been identified
EDWARD T. BLOMQUIST.
. GE NEW YORKI 12 . BLIC LIBRARY
ENOX NDATIONS.
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with the erection of many fine structures of this city. He has always done a good business and is well known as a representative of the trade in Sycamore. He owns his own residence al. No. 204 East High street, where he is living.
On the 6th of December, 1874, Mr. Cass chose as a companion and helpmate for life's journey Miss Maria Hubbard, who was born in Vermont in November, 1836. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Hubbard, natives of Vermont, who came to Illinois about 1850, settling in Sycamore. They were parents of four children, of whom Mrs. Cass is the eldest.
Mr. Cass is an exemplary member of the Ma- sonic fraternity, belonging to Sycamore lodge, No. 134. In politics he has always been a democrat and is a stalwart champion of the principles of the party. For five years he has served as alderman of the city exercising his official prerogatives in support of those measures which he deems will prove of public benefit and advance the promo- tion of good here. He has lived a life of industry, thrift and honesty and is a well preserved man of seventy-five years, yet capable of working every day at the bench. He and his wife are. a most. excellent couple, who have spent many years in Sycamore and have gained a host of warm friends here.
ERNEST F. ELMBERG.
Ernest F. Elmberg is proprietor of one of the largest and most complete stores of its kind in De Kalb. He entered business life here as the owner of a mercantile establishment somewhat unique in character, a five and ten cent store, which he conducts under the name of the Economy store. He carries no articles above the prices designated and yet he has an establishment in which are found many articles of utility in household affairs. Re- cently, however. he has decided to convert his busi- noss into a general department store and this will be one of the foremost establishments of the city.
Mr. Elmberg was born in Sweden, his natal day being April 5. 1879, and when only a year and a half old he was brought to the United States by
his mother, who located in Mayfield township, De Kalb county, Illinois. There he was reared to his fourteenth year, when his mother removed to Chicago. His early education was acquired in the public schools and later he pursued a business course in the Athenaeum Business College of Chi- cago. Not long after the removal of his mother to the metropolis he obtained a situation as a bundle boy with the retail house of Carson. Pirie. Scott & Company, and rose from that position until he became head of stock in the corset and under- wear department. After eighteen months with that firm he accepted a position with Butler Brothers, wholesale jobbers, in the packing room, remaining with the firm for eleven years. his fi- delity and ability winning him promotion from time to lime until he became superintendent of the warehouse and original packing department. On the 1st of January. 1905, he was sent upon the road by that firm as a commercial salesman, in which capacity he acted until the following Sep- tember, when he resigned his position lo engage in business on his own account, establishing a five and ten cent store at No. 1757 North Clark street, Chicago.
On the 29th of June. 1906, he opened a branch store in De Kalb, which proved so profitable that he sold his Chicago store some months later that he might give his undivided attention to Ins rap- idly growing business in this city. Mr. Elmberg is a gentleman of genial personality and is re- garded as one of the alert business men of De Kalb. His patronage is steadily increasing even beyond his fondest expectations, and he now has a well equipped establishment, in which he is enjoy- ing a gratifying trade. At the present time he is adding a new building to his store which will be two stories in height and basement and will be divided as follows: the first floor will be given to house furnishings and ladies' furnishings: the second floor will be divided into four rooms, in one of which will be the largest crockery department in town; the second will be a ladies' rest room, with telephones, writing desks, etc. : the third room will be devoted to pictures and art, including pyrography and hand-painted china: and the fourth room will be devoted to ladies' furs. suit- cases and trunks. In the rear of the first floor is a balcony on which are located the offices, while the basement is used for additional stock.
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On the 6th of December, 1905, Mr. Elnberg was married to Miss Selma E. Johnson. of Syca- more, Illinois. Ile and his wife are members of the Swedish Lutheran church and are people of genuine personal worth who. although residents o? De Kalb for only a comparatively brief period, have yet made many warm friends here. Mr. Elni- berg votes with the republican party and in mat- ters of citizenship is progressive and public spir- ited.
WILLIAM REID.
William Reid, who now owns and operates the old Reid homestead of one hundred and twenty acres on section 24, Clinton township. was born in Washington county, New York, September 21. 1861. His parents were also natives of that place and are of Scottish lineage. They were Alexander H. and Mary L. ( Bliven ) Reid and were married in the state of New York. They came to the west in 1868, settling in Clinton township. De Kalb county, where the father secured a tract of land and carried on general agricultural pursuits in order to provide for his family. He became the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land. which remained his property up to the time of his death on the 8th of March. 1888. His widow still survives and resides with her son William. She taught school in the state of New York for several years prior to her marriage and is a lady of good education and is much esteemed by her many friends. In the family were five children : Laura. born October 28. 1851, and now located in Sandwich. Illinois: William. of this review ; George, who was born May 24, 1864: Hattie, who was born January 5. 1862. and is the wife of W. S. Thorp. a farmer of Clinton township : and Phoche May. born August 14, 1872.
In his boyhood days William Reid was a public- school student. He received ample training at farm labor under the direction of his father and since the latter's death has purchased the old home- stead, comprising one hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land on section 24, Clinton township. The fields are richly cultivated and annually yield golden harvests for the care and labor bestowed upon them. He keeps everything
about the place in good condition and in connection with general farming he makes a specialty of rais- ing full blooded polled Durham cattle. He leads a busy and active life, his labors being crowned with a gratifying measure of success, so that he is now numbered among the substantial farmers of the community.
Mr. Reid exercises his right of franchise in sup- port of the men and measures of the republican party and he now holds the office of road commis- sioner. He has also served as school director for several terms and is interested in everything per- taining to general progress and improvement. lle belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp at Water- man and he and his mother support and attend the Presbyterian church. The family is one well known in this community and Mr. Reid is every- where esteemed as one reliable in business, enter- prising in citizenship and faithful to the ties of friendship.
LOUIS E. BARTON, M. D.
Dr. Louis E. Barton, engaged in the practice of medicine in Malta township. with residence and office in the city of Malta, was born in Rural. Rock Island county, Illinois, March 4, 1860, and is a son of John and Mary ( Burns) Barton. both of whom were natives of Allegheny county, Penn- sylvania. The father, who was born in 1828. was a farmer by occupation. He came to Illinois in 1856. accompanied by his family, and settled in Rock Island county, where both he and his wife spent their remaining days. Both had a brother who were soldiers of the war of the Rebellion and lived to return home, but the paternal uncle of our subject was wounded in the battle of the Wil- derness.
Dr. Barton was the second in order of birth in a family of five children, of whom two are de- ceased. He acquired his education by attending successively the public schools of Coal Valley, Cor- nell College at Mount Vernon, Iowa. and the State Medical University of Iowa, from which he was graduated in the class of 1886. He had deter- mined to make the practice of medicine his life work and after careful preliminary training he lo- cated for practice in Secor. Illinois, where he re-
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mained for thirteen years. He then removed to Deer Creek, this state, where he practiced for four years and later he was engaged in the lumber busi- ness in Texas for one year. On the expiration of that period he came to Illinois and has since re- mained in Malta. He owns his residence in the village and also a well equipped office, and in the practice of his profession he is continually demon- strating his ability to cope with the intricate problems that confront the physician in his efforts to restore health and prolong life. By constant reading and study he has kept abreast with the times in the line of development in the medical science and his knowledge is broad and compre- hensive.
In Eureka, Illinois, in 1889, Dr. Barton was united in marriage to Miss Metta Hart, who was born in Madison, Wisconsin, February 26, 1863, and died August 31. 1893. She was a graduate of Eureka College and a most highly educated lady, who became assistant principal of the high school of Eureka. By her marriage she had three chil- dren, of whom two sons are living : Jolm F., born June 25, 1890 : and Henry C .. December 5, 1891. The daughter, Metta, born August 17, 1893, died three months later.
The favorable opinion which the world passed upon Dr. Barton at the outset of his professional career has in no degree been set aside or modified but on the contrary has been strengthened as the years have gone by and he has proven his worth and ability in practice.
WILLIAM H. MENK.
William HI. Menk is proprietor of a hardware store in Hinekley which he has conducted since 1875, being one of the oldest and best known merchants of the village. His birth occurred in Germany, December 26, 1841, his parents being William and Christina (Steindorf) Menk, who were likewise natives of the fatherland, the former born March 6, 1806, and the latter in 1812. The mother's death occurred in 1859, while Mr. Menk passed away on the 8th of March, 1892. He was for many years a prominent educator in Germany. following that profession for fifty-five years. In celebrating his fiftieth year as a teacher, he re-
ceived a gold medal from the king of Prussia and the occasion was made one of general rejoicing, all the teachers and superintendents of the county being present. For five years thereafter he con- tinued in the work of the schoolroom and then retired. after which he was granted a teacher's pension. Honored and respected by all. he was one of the most popular men in his part of the country and when death claimed him his funeral was the largest ever held there, his many friends gathering to pay their last tribute and respect.
William H. Menk spent the first two decades of his life in his native country and in 1867 came to De Kalb county, locating in Sandwich where he lived for a year. He afterward removed to Chicago where he also spent one year and thence went to Blair, Washington county, Nebraska, in 1869, where he lived for five years, working at the tinner's trade, afterward making his home in St. Louis, Missouri, for two years. He next took up his abode at Indianapolis, Indiana. where another year was passed. and in 1875 came to Hinckley where he has since been located. Here he estab- lished a hardware business and has since conducted the store. He carries a good line of shelf and heavy hardware and for many years has enjoyed a very profitable patronage.
William H. Menk was married on the 19th of November, 1876, to Miss Johanna Sehring, who was born November 18. 1853, her parents being John and Mary (Popp) Sehring. Her father was born in Hessen, Germany, September 22, 1826, and is now living in Marseilles, Illinois, at the ad- vanced age of eighty-one years. Ilis wife was also a native of Hessen, born November 18, 1826, and died on the 13th of March. 1895. The year 1848 witnessed their arrival in America at which time they took up their abode in Joliet, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Menk have become the parents of six children : Rudolph W .. born September 12, 1877; Albert G., born January 28, 1879 ; William F., born September 11, 1880; Frank C., born June 23, 1883 : Paul H., born August ?, 1886; and Ida E., born January 30, 1888. The family circle vet re- mains unbroken by the hand of death. Mr. Menk has been a stalwart republican since becoming a naturalized American citizen and is unfaltering in his advocacy of the principles of the party, while in Hinckley he had been recognized as a leader of its ranks. Ile has served as president
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of the council for two years and was also a member of the council for over twelve years. He belongs to St. Paul's German Evangelical church at Hinckley and at one time belonged to the Odd Fellow's lodge at this place, but it is no longer in existence.
In addition to his stock of hardware Mr. Menk owns two business houses on Lincoln avenue in Hinckley and also a fine residence valued at fifteen thousand dollars. He has long been a very pop- ular citizen in his town, having won regard by reason of his many excellent traits of heart and mind. He came to America empty-handed but realized that the opportunity for success was open to all men of ambition and determination so that he assiduously cultivated those qualities and by reason thereof has become one of the prosperous merchants and business men of the community.
MORRIS WILLEY.
Morris Willey, who is now living retired in De Kalb, was for many years actively identified with the agricultural interests of the county and was recognized as one of the leading farmers of De Kalb township. He was born in Watertown, Jef- ferson county, New York, on the 5th of July. 1821. and is a son of Eleazer and Wealthy ( Marsh) Willey, who were also natives of that state, where the father followed the occupation of farming as a life work. He was a respected and influential member of the community in which he lived and was an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal church, being a class-leader for many years. His death occurred in 1832. his wife surviving until 1837.
Of the seven children born to them Morris Wil- ley is the next to the youngest. During his boy- hood he attended the common schools of his na- tive state and after the death of his parents made his home with S. Richardson and family, who lived near Watertown, New York, until Mr. Willey was sixteen years of age and then removed to Aurora, Illinois. he accompanying them. Under Mr. Richardson's instruction he was taught the rudiments of farming and the occupation being very congenial he decided to make it his life work.
On attaining his majority Mr. Willey started out to make his own way in the world, being em- ployed as a farm hand near Ancora from 1848 until 1850. In the latter year, in company with three others. he went to California by the over- land route and was there engaged in digging gold for about two years, at the end of which time le returned to Aurora by water with about fifteen hundred dollars as the result of his labors. Locat- ing in De Kalb county. he turned his attention bi farming on his own account and in 1855 pur- chased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Dc Kalb township. which he still owns. Later he bought more land from time to time as his finan- cial resources increased. until he had three hun- dred and thirty acres, but in 1901 he left the farm and removed to DeKalb, where his wife was taken ill soon afterward and died. Feeling the burden of the care of so much land he divided his prop- orty, with exception of the original purchase of one hundred and sixty acres, among his married children. He is now enjoying a well earned rest surrounded by all the comforts which make life worth the living.
On the 14th of July, 1855, Mr. Willey was united in marriage to Miss Mary Bovce, who was born in Boone county, Indiana, October 9, 1838, her parents being Richard and Orpha Z. (Parke) Bovec. Her mother, who was born in May. 1811, is still living. a hale and hearty old lady, who is very proud to own that three of her uncles were soldiers of the Revolutionary war and witnessed the hanging of Major Andre, of the British army. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Willey were born nine chil- dren: Warren B., born March 14, 1857; Harry, who was born January 12, 1859. and died March 20, 1884: Sarah 1., who was born April 4. 1861, and died September 29, 1867: Caroline, who was born August 15, 1863, and died February 11, 1894; Eliza C .. born October 30. 1865 : Emily V., born September 21. 1869: Wealthy M., who was born April 3, 1812, and died June 15. 1900; Richard M., born February 13. 1825 ; and Lily L., born July 6. 1818. Warren was married October 1. 1878, to Miss Edith Holderness : Caroline was mar- ried Janaury 19, 1888, to Charles N. Barr : Eliza C. was married November 8. 1888.to William Britten : Emily V. was married January 17, 1889. to Oscar S. Gibbons : and Richard M. was married December 6, 1900. to Miss Beatrice M. Jones. After an ex-
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tended and painful illness Mrs. Willey passed to the great beyond on the 29th of August, 1901, 10 be with her loved ones there. She had lived a consecrated Christian life since she was a little girl, being a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
For almost half a century Mr. Willey has also been connected with that church, and his life has ever been in harmony with his professions. The republican party has always found in him a stanch supporter of its principles and being a great reader has kept thoroughly conversant with the questions of the day. His life has been one of use- fulness and he has the respect and confidence of all with whom he has been brought in contact either in social or business relations.
WILLIAM J. FULTON.
One of the popular citizens of Sycamore is Will- iam JJ. Fulton, attorney at law, who is now filling the office of city attorney and is also official court reporter for the county and circuit courts. He was born in Lynedoch, Ontario, January 14. 1875. His father, James Fulton, of Hartford, Indiana, was the youngest son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Thompson) Fulton, natives of Scotland, who emigrated to Canada in 1842. James Fulton was born in Haldimand county, Ontario, May 12, 1846, spent his boyhood and youth in his father's home and after attending the common schools became a high-school student at Seneca, and later a normal- school student at Toronto. After attaining his majority he engaged in teaching for six years, meeting with excellent success, and subsequently he followed merchandising at Langton, Ontario. where he continued in business for three years. Hle then sold out and came to Sandwich. De Kalh county, where he accepted a clerkship. occupying the position for seven months. In the winter of 1881 he removed with his family to Waterman. Illinois, where he established a general mercantile store, conducting it for several years. The family continued to reside in Waterman until 1893, when they removed to Hartford, where the parents now reside. James Fulton was married, November 14, 1871. in Canada, to Miss Jane E. Gray, who was born in Portage, New York, May 19. 1846. a
daughter of George and Jane (CharIton) Gray. She became the mother of nine children: George T., William J., Annie E., Robert B., Walter S .. James T., Frederick G., Ella C. and Mary B. The parents are members of the Presbyterian church and are people of the highest respectability. enjoying in large measure the good will of all who know them. In politics Mr. Fulton is a stalwart republican.
After acquiring his preliminary education in the public schools, William J. Fulton entered the Uni- versity of Illinois, from which he was graduated with the class of 1898, after which he spent two years in the study of law in the same institution. In the fall of 1900 he came lo Sycamore and after studying for a few months in the office of Carnes, Dunton & Faissler, he was admitted to the bar. Ile remained with that firm for a few months longer, during which time he mastered shorthand reporting, and after a year's work in the law office of J. B. Stephens, in 1904, he opened an office of his own in the Pierce block and has since been engaged in the practice of his chosen profession. Hle is now serving as city attorney for the city of Sycamore besides holding the position of official court reporter for both the county and circuit courts.
In November, 1902, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Fulton and Miss Laura Busey, of Urbana, Illinois, and they now reside in Sycamore. Two children have been born to them : Frederick Henry, who died at the age of fifteen months : and William John, Jr., born February 12, 1907. Mr. Fulton is a young man of good ability and of laudable ambition and his many friends predict for him a successful future.
REV. EZRA E. PLAPP.
Although one of the younger representatives in the work of the ministry, Rev. Ezra E. Plapp has already gained for himself an honored name. He is a native son of DeKalb county. his birth having occurred at Maple Park, May 1, 1877, he being a son of David and Mary Plapp, of Malta town- ship.
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