Past and present of Iroquois County, Illinois, Part 11

Author: Kern, J. W
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 792

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to warrant the trust of the business world, for he has ever conducted all transactions on the strictest principles of honor and integrity. His devotion to the public good is unquestioned and arises from a sincere interest in the welfare of his fellowmen. Sheldon has benefited by his efforts in her behalf and he is, without invidious distinction. classed with her foremost representa- tives.

JOSEPH WARREN CONARD.

Joseph Warren Conard, a prosperous citizen who has retired from active farm life, now lives in Buckley but is yet the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of valuable farm land in Artesia township. Upon this there are two sets of good buildings and he also owns a pleasant home in Buckley, where he has resided for four years. His real estate is the visible evidence of a life of close application, energy and discriminating management. Coming to Illinois in 1847, he located in La Salle county. He is a representa- tive of one of the old families of Virginia, where resided his grandfather, David Conard. His fa- ther. . Anthony Conard, was born near Richmond, Virginia. October 16, 1799, and was reared in that state. While still within its borders he wedded Nancy Gregg, who was likewise born and reared there and was a daughter of George and Elizabeth Gregg. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Conard removed to Licking county. Ohio, casting in their lot with its early settlers. There Mr. Conard cleared a tract of land and opened up a farm, upon which he made his home until 1847. when he brought his family to Illinois and settled on a farm which he se- cured near Ottawa in Rutland township, La Salle county. He spent his remaining days there and passed away in 1851, when his son Joseph W. was a lad of ten years. His wife died in La Salle county in 1847. They were the parents of four- teen children, eight sons and six daughters, and with the exception of one of the sons all reached adult age. After the death of the parents the younger children went to live among strangers and four sons and one daughter of the family vet survive.

OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LLAMAIS

Joseph Ni Conarch Ada J. Conard

RESIDENCE OF J. W. CONAARD.

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

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IROQUOIS COUNTY, ILLINOIS

Joseph Warren Conard was born i lacking .county, Ohio, March 17, 1842, but was reared on a farm in La Salle county. He was able to attend school only about four weeks during the year from the age of eight to sixteen years, but be improved his opportunities, so that after reaching early manhood he was well qualified for teaching, and followed that profession in La Salle county both prior to and after the Civil war. He had no other thought during the strug- gle, however, than to aid his country, for his spirit of patriotism was aroused, and on the 14th of August. 1802. he offered huis services to the government, as did his brother. William H. Con- ard. Another brother, George Conard, served m the Mexican war and also entered the Civil war from California. The subject of this review be- came a member of Company E. One Hundred and Fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, the regi ment being raised in La Salle county. He went south to Kentucky, arriving at Louisville, and thence proceeded on the raid after John Mor- gan. The entire regiment. however, was cap- tured at Hartsville by the Confederates under General Morgan and prior to that time had lost one hundred and seventy-five of its men. After being held for about a week the Union troops Were paroled and were thus out of active service for about three months. After returning to duty Mr. Conard was wounded at Chickamauga on the 20th of September, 1803, and after being in the hospital for a time was sent home on a fur- lough, being away from his regiment for about nine months. When able to rejoin his command he took part in the battles of Kenesas Mountain and Peach Tree Creek, also the Atlanta com- paign, and assisted in the capture of Jonesboro and Atlanta. He went with Sherman on the march to the sea and on the campaign through the Carolinas and on to Richmond, while sube- quently he proceeded northward to Washington and there participated in the grand review at the close of the war, being honorably discharged in the capital city, June 5. 1805. after which he returned to Chicago, where he was mustered out. He carries a scar. the result of a gunshot wound. in his left shoulder, and he was also hit with a spent ball in the forehead, although this did not prove a serious wound. The long marches, hard campaigns, the privations of army life, all be

coupe familiar to hin during his active service at the front.

Mr Conard returned to La Salle counts and subsequently purchased a farm there in Allen township comprising eight acres, which he cul- tiated and improved until 1874. He then sold that property to his brother and removed to Ar- teria township. Fromquons county, where he pur- chased one hundred and sixty acres of raw land. He then broke this and opened up the farm. Later he erected good buildings and tiled and fenced Fis land He also extended the bound- aries of his property by additional purchase from time to time until he was the owner of six han- dred and forty acres, all of which was cultivated and improved under his immediate supervision. The years passed and success came to hin , owing to his careful management of his farming in- terest and the excellent crops which he raised owing to the care and labor which he bestowed upon the fields He has since disposed of some of his land and now owns a farm of three han- dred and sixty acres, which is a well improved property, there being two sets of good farming buildings upon it. He continued actively in farn work until about 1902, when he put aside the more arduous care of business life and is now living retired in Buckley.

Mr. Conard was married October 9. 1807. 10 Miss Ada T Bucker, a native of Freedom town- ship, La Salle county, where she was reared and educated. She was a teacher prior to her mar- ringe. Her father, Levi Tucker, was a native of New Hampshire and an early settler of lat Salle county, where he wedded Mars Been, an Ohio lady. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Conard have been born seven children, of whom five are living. El- len, who became the wife of John Stroup. of Iro- quois county, died in 1003. leaving a daughter. Gladys, and since that time Mr Stroup has mar- ried agam Vina became the wife of George Moore and also deceased. The living members of the fantih are. Mary N. the wife of Wal- lace Moore, of Columbus, Ohio, George 1. a farmer, who is married and resides at Lennox. low .. Rosa, the wife of George Hull, a farmer living near Buckley : Charles A , who owns and operates a farm in Artesia; and Josephine, the wife of t harks M. Crane, who operates the Con- ard farm.

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PAST AND PRESENT OF

Mr. Conard is a member of the Methodist church and is serving on the board of trustees. He also belongs to the Grand Army post. His political allegiance is given to the democracy where national issues are involved but at local elections he regards only the capability of the candidate for the discharge of the duties of the office. He has served as township school trustee and highway commissioner and has been a school director for many years. He has a wide ac- quaintance in Buckley, Watseka and Iroquois county and has manifested in his life many traits of character which have commended him to the friendship and regard of those with whom he has come in contact. Almost his entire life has been passed in Illinois and he is known as a valued and representative citizen. It is usually found that a veteran is ever loyal and progres- sive, for the sacrifice which he made in days of war for his country brought to him a realiza- tion of the value of patriotism and a love of coun- try and he ever continues true to the old flag.

ALBERT ECKER.

Albert Ecker, a prosperous merchant of Wood- worth, carrying a complete line of hardware, buggies, wagons and all kinds of farm imple- ments and undertakers' supplies, is a native of Germany, his birth having there occurred April 8, 1870, a son of August Ecker, likewise a na- tive of the fatherland. He followed farming in that country and was there married to Miss Au- gusta Wagner, and in the spring of 1871 the family emigrated to the new world, hoping to en- joy better business advantages in this country. They made their way direct to Iroquois county, where the father purchased one hundred and five acres of land in Loda township, and he there engaged in agricultural pursuits, thus providing a good living for himself and family. He added many valuable improvements to his land and thereon built a good house and reared a family of six children, of whom our subject is the eldest. Both the parents are still living and now make their home in the village of Buckley.

Albert Ecker was less than a year old when brought by his parents to this country. lle was

reared to the occupation of farming, assisting his father in the work of the fields during his boy- hood and youth, and when not busy in the fields, he pursued his studies during the winter months in the district schools near his father's home, and later attended the schools of Watseka for two- terms, thus acquiring a liberal education which fitted him for carrying on business when he la- ter started out in business on his own account. During the period that he was pursuing his stud- ies in Watseka, he was employed outside of school hours as a clerk in a store at that place. He then returned home and secured employment as a clerk in the store of Fred Meyer, at Wood- worth, with whom he remained during the suc- ceeding four years. In. 1887 he and Henry Mun- stermann purchased the stock of goods belonging to Mr. Meyer, the relationship being continued for two years, when Mr. Ecker purchased his partner's interest, and has conducted the business alone since that time. He carried a complete line of hardware, buggies, wagons and farm imple- ments, and in addition to this has a stock of fur- niture, and is also engaged in the undertaking business, having a full line of caskets, and he- owns one of the finest funeral cars in Iroquois county. He employs four men in his establish- ment the year round, and has built up a large and increasing patronage in his mercantile enter- prise, for he is ever found honorable and straight- forward in all his business dealings. His serv- ices are also in great demand all over the county in connection with burial services, for he is well fitted for conducting a business of this char- acter.

Alr. Ecker has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Mary Weber, their wed- ding being celebrated June 6. 1897. She was born in Artesia township, Iroquois county, a daughter of Fred Weber, a native of Germany, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Ecker died in 1898, and on the 6th of Octo- ber, 1901, Mr. Ecker was again married, his second union being with Miss Clara Hartman, a native of this county and a daughter of John Hartman, a native of Will county, this state, and a prosperous farmer of Ash Grove town- ship. Iroquois county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ecker have been born an interesting little son and daughter. Leonard and Elma.

ALBERT ECKER.

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

315

In his political views Mr. Ecker is a stalwart was spread regret when un Apel to be with r. republican but has never been active in local po litical affairs, preferring to give his individ df attention to his business interests, in which Is has met with gratifying success. The only pub lic office he has ever held was that of notary pub lic, serving in that capacity for six years. Both est of the imps, a resident of I relagt, hol- and while the sister, Are Darroch, Is also living there. he and his wife are valued members of the her man Lutheran church of Woodworth

Entering business life in the humble capacity of a clerk. Mr. Ecker has worked his way stead ils upward to the topmost round of the Holder and is now conducting a good paying busin .. in the village of Woodworth, where he is a counted one of the leading citizens in mercantile life. He possesses those qualities of industry and worth of character which are over to be found in the German race and both he and his wife are highly esteemed in the community where they make their home.

GEORGE ML. SAMMONS.

The progress and prosperity of a town of city depend upon its commercial and industrial activity and the real promoters and upbuilders of a com- munity therefore are they who are active's con- corned in its business life, in which connection Mr. Sammons is well known in Milford, having for ten years figured prominerthy in mercantile circles. He is one of the worthy citizens that the neighboring state of Indian las furnished to Iroquois county. He was born in Vesti county. August 25. 1804. He comes of trade ancestry, for his parents. Vill 'as D. and Mar garet ( Wordnought Samo ns, were bach miles of Canada. The father was roired and d .can. 1 in that country. after whill cr . l'e spending about a seat in ka kake cesty then removed to Newto onies, hain, where of business for several years. Man 188 1.

which business he es tillige for the ar ish years in the village of Milford, and the in the hotel business, belle when riool - tive bị bu-non hức mỹ thế tình from 00 Thus his Forth was the ted

Gauge V. Simmons spent the first selten

during that persie des tel much fi h's tore to scheda, In INK he cam , Wird with his parents and worked on a faremoment ! KES when

returned to Millet, where he d' ched for Mar hil & Mogg for hont four years, At the chỉ of that time he cobarked in business for limusdi. establishing a dry gods and grocery store. 1 which he pha at work sred at about two present large and profitable mercantil enterprise suck from ver to your mind it is now sa ned at ton of twove top- and lower The store is commodious, is neatly and tastefully arranged. and he will write the Dura patronage which is accordel lent 18 can be put forth current offerte to plans his patr es. to reais i like it hs prices any hm fill i - dealing Vert all enterprising. I. i. watchful of every medic ton painting to more- and his efforts are discern- ing's directed aling well defined lives of the

A placa " I cilie for Mr. Sapois bad

the praia with gradons and can't

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PAST AND PRESENT OF

no aspiration for office. However, he is now sery- ing on the town board as one of the trustees. He has attained the degree of a Master Mason in Milford lodge and is an exemplary representa- tive of the craft, being in hearty sympathy with its teachings and its principles. He is adaptable, accords to all the courtesy of an interview, and while leading a busy life yet finds time to devote to the public welfare, so that in his business and social relations lie has maintained a character and standing that has impressed all with his sincere and manly purpose to do by others as he would have others do by him.

CAPTAIN GEORGE WEST.

When growth and development have been car- ried forward to a condition which is worthy of note it is always of interest to look back and learn something of the begining of things-the establishment of those plans and movements which have resulted in the progress and develop- ments bringing about existing conditions. The pioneer history of a community is always one which awakens attention, standing as it does in marked contrast to the elements of life as found at the present time. It was during the pioneer cpoch in the history of Iroquois county that Captain George West became identified with this section of the state, settling here about 1848. He was closely associated with early industrial and agricultural life here as a millwright and farmer and when the great struggle for the su- premacy of the Union involved the country in a mighty war he demonstrated his loyalty by put- ting aside all business and personal considerations and serving as a captain in defense of the stars and stripes.

A native of Ohio, he was born in Champaign county, May 20, 1819. his parents being John and Azuga (Wilson ) West. The father, a native of Georgia, became a resident of Champaign con- ty, Ohio, when it was a frontier district and there engaged in farming until 1833, when he removed to Warren county. Indiana, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits until his death. His wife also passed away in that locality.

Captain West of this review began his educa- tion in the common schools of his native county and continued his studies in Warren county, where he acquired a good education. Putting aside his text-books, he began preparation for a business life by learning the millwright's trade, it being arranged that he should work only on the wheel parts. He entered the employ of a Mr. Dunlap at Rainsville, Indiana, and subse- quently was with Eli Hawkins, with whom he began building mills throughout that part of In- diana. He assisted in the construction of the old and well known Parker water wheel and was employed at his trade at various places until his removal to Iroquois county about 1848. This was largely an undeveloped section of the coun- try, with only here and there a pioneer cabin or a little group of houses to show that the work of progress and improvement had been begun. Captain West took up his abode in the village of Texas, in Middleport township, where he entered into partnership with Joseph Thomas. He purchased the old Courtright gristmill and began its operation. As the county became more thickly settled their business developed and in 1855 and 1856 they built two sawmills, which they conducted in addition to the gristmill. Dur- ing this period Captain West also engaged in building mills throughout this part of the coun- try, his handiwork being seen in sixteen differ- ent structures of that character.

It was while he was engaged in the milling business that the Civil war was inaugurated and his spirit of patriotism prompted his enlistment as a member of Company I, One Hundred and Thirteenth Illinois Infantry. Hle was first cap- tain of a company with Colonel Hoag, of Kanka- kee. Illinois, in command of the regiment. Not long after his enlistment Captain West became ill and was therefore assigned to guard duty. He suffered a severe attack of typhoid pneu- monia, which necessitated his resignation in May, 1863. after which he returned to Iroquois county. He never again enjoyed the robust health which had been his prior to his military service. Again locating in Texas, he continued in the milling business, operating both the grist and saw mills until 1866, when he soll out and purchased a farm in Middleport township about four and a half miles northeast of Watscka. There he

- Grasse West

OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

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IROQUOIS COURTS BEVOR

carried on general agricultural pursuits for me ill - rv dir ic bmlas tale' je- than twenty years, bringing his and tryp & var a Milliport townsend, was fi high state of cultivation and also suce ssiuly conducting stock-raising interests. His manage other tressel p offices, rendering active and ment of his farm showed keen discernment and marked business enterprise and the work of til ing the soil and raising stock claimed lus undi- vided attention until April 19. 1887, when on account of ill health he retired from business life and took up his abode in Watseka.

Captain West was married twice. In Jasper county, Indiana, he wedded Miss Rachel J. Earl. a native of Wayne county, Indiana, born August 30. 1830, a daughter of Phillip and Mary ( Hawkins) Earl, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Ohio. At an early period in the settlement of Indiana Phillip Earl became a resident of Jasper county, where he en- gaged in farming for several years. He after- ward removed to Wayne county, that state, where he also carried on general agricultural pursuits. llis wife died there in 1866 and he afterward wedded Mrs. Lydia Hawkins, who is also de- ceased. Mr. Earl continued to make his home upon a farm in Newton county and during his okl age, while on a visit at the home of Captain West in Watseka, he passed away at the vener- able age of eighty-eight years. In 1849 Captain West was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife, who died in Middleport township on the 4th day of November of that year. There had been but one child of that marriage. Henry. who died at the age of eighteen months. On the 8th of June, 1851, Captain West married Miss Phebe Aun Earl, a sister of his first wife and a native of Wayne county, Indiana, born June 6, 1832. There was one child of this marriage. Thomas W., who was born March 27, 1852, and married Ruth A. Moore. They resided on a farm in Middleport township until his death May 30, 1888, when he was thirty -seven years of age. They had one child. Ray, who was accidentally killed in the grain dlevator in Wat- seka. The widow of Thomas West afterward became the wife of John Zuwalt, a retired farmer now living in Watseka.

The death of Captain West occurred Novem- ber 25, 1800, and he was laid to rest with military honors in Oak Hill cemetery, the interment being in charge of the Grand Army post of Watska.

which divided the two great parties. His study of the political situation of the country kad himi to give an carnet support to the republican party. In addition to his membership in the Grand Arms post he was identified with the Wild Fellow - lodge at Wat-cka, and both he and his wife were devoted members of the Christian church, taking an active and helpful part in its work.

His long residence in the county made him widely known and no man was more closely as- sociated with the industrial development in early days than he. He also figured prominently for many years as an agriculturist but shortly before his death sold his farm. His business interests had been carried on in accordance with progres- sive ideas and his success was the legitimate out- come of his perseverance, close application and capable management. In all life's relations he manifested those sterling traits of character which in every land and clime awaken confidence and respect and his life was of such signal service to his fellowmen in many directions that his death came as a personal bereavement to many. Mrs. West still resides in Wat-cka, owning and occupying a nice home at the corner of Fifth and Oak streets.

THEOPHILE GERBER.

The spirit of diligence and perseverance which dominates Theophile Gerber has made him one of the prosperous agriculturists of Ash Grove township, where he owns a farm of about two hundred atol fifty acres, his home being situated un section 24. He is one of the more recent arrival in Iroquois county but had been here fer only a brief period when he demonstrated his right to be classed with the progressive agricul- turlots of the community. A native of France, he was born near Paris, February 17, 1803 Hc

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reached adult age in that country and was afforded good school advantages in both the French and German languages. He emigrated to the new world in 1883, when a young man of twenty years, and came at once to Illinois, set- tling in Peoria county. His capital was very limited and as it was necessary to obtain imme- diate employment he began making fence rails, thus following the illustrious example of our Lincoln. Subsequently he engaged in ditching in the summer months and in the fall he worked in a Peoria distillery, continuing there for three winters. Saving his earnings, he resolved to en- gage in farming on his own account by renting land in Woodford county, where he tilled the soil for three years.

Mr. Gerber was married in Peoria in 1889 to Miss Julia Bach, also a native of France, and for four years thereafter he continued to follow farming in Woodford county. In 1894 he came to Iroquois county and has since been identified with agricultural pursuits in Ash Grove town- ship. For the first five years he was upon a rented farm in that township and subsequently cultivated rented land in Artesia township for five years, but during that time he carefully bus- banded his resources and in 1902 he made pur- chase of two hundred and fifty acres of land on section 24. Ash Grove township. Locating there- on at a later date, he at once began to further develop and improve the property and has ra- cently erected a pleasant home. There is also a good barn which he built and he has tiled and fenced the land and put up a granary and corn crib. Fruit has been set out by him and the work of the farm is carried forward along progressive. modern lines, so that he is deriving therefrom an excellent income and has worked his way up- ward until he is accorded recognition as one of the substantial and leading farmers of Iroquois county. His present financial position is in marked contrast to his condition when he came to the new world. His only capitil then was a strong heart and willing hands, and he took up any work that would yield him an honest living. As the years have gone by he has prospered and may well be proud of what he has accom- plished. In addition to his home property he also owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Kansas.

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Past and present of Iroquois County, Illinois, Part 11

Author: Kern, J. W Publication date: 1907 Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Number of Pages: 792

Author: Kern, J. W
Publication date: 1907
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke
Number of Pages: 792