Past and present of Iroquois County, Illinois, Part 15

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

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HON. THOMAS VENNUM.

No adequate memorial of the Hon. Thomas Vennum can be written until many of the use- ful enterprises with which he was connected have completed their full measure of good in the world and until his personal influence and example shall have ceased their fruitage in the lives of those who were about him when he was yet an actor in the busy places of the world: yet there is much concerning him that can with profit be set down as an illustration of what can be done if a man with a clear brain and willing hands but sets himself seriously to the real labors and re- sponsibilities of life. He was known for many years as a successful banker but it was not alone through his business interests that he contrib- uted to the progress and prosperity of the coun- ty. for in many private ways and through a co- operation with measures instituted for the public good he advocated those plans and purposes which work for civic virtue and civic pride. He came to the county in pioneer times and from its earliest days until his demise was an active factor in its growth and development.

His birth occurred December 25. 1833. in Washı- ington county, Pennsylvania, and his parents

were Christopher C. and Rosanna ( Paul) Ven- num. The spring of 1835 witnessed the arrival of the family in Illinois, the journey being made down the Ohio and up the Wabash rivers. The father entered land from the government on sec- tion 4 in what is now Milford township. Iroquois county, and later by additional purchase in- creased his acreage until he was one of the ex- tensive landowners of the county.

As he advanced in years and strength Thomas Vennum aided more and more largely in the work of the home farm through the summer months, while in the winter seasons he attended the public schools and thus qualified for the performance of life's daily duties. Furthermore he spent one year as a student in Washington College in Penn- sylvania and also attended Asbury University, now De Pauw University, at Greencastle, In- diana. Farm work continued to occupy his time and attention when not busied with the work of the schoolroom until 1856, at which time he be- came a more active factor in public interests of the county as clerk of the circuit court and ex- officio recorder. He was at that time a young man of twenty-three years, who brought to his new duties a spirit of resolution, enterprise and political integrity that made him a most capable official. He was re-elected in 1860 and again in 1864, so that his incumbency covered twelve years, and at the time of the removal of the county seat to Watseka in 1865 he changed his place of residence and remained there until his demise.

Three years after taking up his abode in Wat- seka Mr. Vennum retired from office as he had entered it-with the confidence and good will of all concerned. lle then became a factor in finan- cial circles in Iroquois county by entering into partnership with John L. Donovan and George A. Woodford in establishing the first bank of Watseka under the firm style of Donovan, Wood- ford & Company. That connection was con- tinned until October, 1874. when Mr. Vennum went to Tennessee and for sixteen months was engaged in mining and shipping coal at Tracy City, on contract with the Tennessee Coal & Rail- way Company. This did not prove very profit- able. however, and he returned to Watseka. where in 1876 he again formed a partnership with John L. Donovan in the banking business, open-

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ing the first bank in Milford. Both retaned their restlences in Watseka but managed the bank at Milford, which became one of the strong and substantial financial institutions of the Giants. safe conservative policy was maugurated that has always been maintained and the institution has been one of the utmost value to the community as Well as a source of gratifying profit to the stock- holders. A man of resourceful ability and marked enterprise, Mr. Vennum did not confine his atten tion entirely to one hne but extended huis efforts into other fields of activity with the result that they profited by his wise counsel and co-operation. While a resident of Middleport he was a mem ber of the firm of H. A. Tillinghast & Company. druggists. The business was subsequently trans- ferred to Watseka and on Dr. Secrest becoming a partner the firm name was changed to Secrest. Tillinghast & Company, Mr. Vennum remaining as the silent partner for a number of years, after which he withdrew. During his incumbency 11 the office of circuit court clerk he took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar, but never actually engaged in the practice of the profession because of the fact that he became interested in banking and other business center- prises.

In the 8th of April, 1862, was celebrated the marriage of Thomas Venmom and Miss Lucia A. Tullar, who was born in Brownsville. Le- nawer county, Michigan. The wedding was celebrated in Detroit, Michigan, and the marriage was blessed with five children: Ella Jeanette. now the wife of Otis W. Johnson, a som of this R. Johnson, the well known millionaire lumber- man of Racine, Wisconsin; Irving T., who is connected with the banking business at Milford : Fred D., president of the First National Bank at Milford : and Thomas G., who is an attorney of Wat-cka. One daughter, Mabel, who was the eldest of the family, died in infancy.

Mr. Venmum attained his majority about the time the republican party sprang into existence and he became one of the stalwart supporters of the new organization. In the fall of 1870 he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature and became a member of the twenty - seventh general assembly, where he was appoint ed on the committees of finance, congressional appointment and contingent expenses. He did

active and important work in the om tee- reais and was connected with considera constructive legislation. His official also covered an membres in the wind of nawer of Watski and he th as kersliter ar! navpr hy rendered signal service to his tel w townsmen and his constituents He Bell mare

and in the Presbiterian church, of which his wife is also a member, and his cooperation was always a factor in the mtellectual and moral progress of his community as well as in its business hie and political circles.

The death of Thomas Vernum occurred us 1808. The community regarded hun as a citizen whom it could il afford to lose, so important lad been his public service, and so many were his good traits that he had endeared Mumself in large measure to the majority of its citizens and his death was therefore regarded as a personal he- reavement. He represented one of the oldest pioneer families of the county. His grandfather and his father were both closely associated with the early development of this part of the state and as he advanced from boyhood to manhood he tom became actively and helpfuls interested in all those movements and measures which work out in the progress, advancement and prosperity of the county. This memory compassed the pre- rid of pioneer life here when the homes were largely log cabins and when much of the land was still uncultivated. He lived to see this be- come one of the most flourishing districts of the great commonwealth, situated as it is in the midst of the richest agricultural belt of the entire country. His benevolence was unostentatious and genuine and there is nothing in the story of his life to show that he ever for a moment sought to compass a given end for the purpose of es- alting Himself. He championed measures and added men and accepted as his reward that thrill di delight which always accompanies victories achieved. Endowed by nature with a sound judgment and an accurate, discriminating mind. he feared not that laborious attention to the de- that's of business so necessary to achieve success and the essential quality was ever guided by a sense of moral right which would tolerate the employment onh of those means that w ul ! Iwar the most rigid examination hy a fairness

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of intention that neither sought nor required dis- guise. It is but just and merited praise to say of Mr. Vennum that as a business man he ranked with the ablest ; as a citizen he was honorable, prompt and true to every engagement ; as a man he held honor and esteem of all classes of people, of all creeds and political proclivities ; as a hus- band and father he was a model worthy of all imitation ; unassuming in his manner, sincere in his friendships, steadfast and unswerving in his loyalty to the right. His memory is a sacred inheritance to his children; it will long be cher- ished by a multitude of friends.

PETER MCDERMOTT.

Peter McDermott is engaged in buying and shipping grain at Crescent City and also deals in coal and farming implements. He has been as- sociated with the grain trade here since 1894 and, moreover, figures prominently in financial circles as president of the First National Bank. Keeping in touch with the trend of modern thought and progress as manifest in the business world, he is recognized as one of the valued factors in commercial life in his community and belongs to that class of representative American men who while promoting individual success also contribute to general prosperity.

A native of Will county, Illinois, Mr. McDer- mott was born March 8, 1866, and is a son of John McDermott. Following the removal of the family he was reared and educated in Ford county, early becoming familiar with all the du- ties and labors that fall to the lot of the agricul- turist. At the age of seventeen years he began teaching school, which profession he followed for several years during the winter months, while through the summer he worked on the farm. He followed farming on his own account for some time and then turned his attention to the grain business, being thus engaged at Piper City, Illi- nois, from 1891 until 1894. In the latter year he purchased an elevator at Crescent City, where he has since carried on the grain trade, and also owns a half interest in an elevator at Black, Illi- nois, his brother M. J. being his partner in this enterprise. He now handles about four hundred

thousand bushels of grain at Crescent City an- nually. This rich agricultural district furnishes excellent opportunity to the producer and to the grain merchant and Mr. McDermott's business has constantly grown in volume and importance. He likewise deals in coal and agricultural imple- ments, finding a ready sale in those lines, and he became one of the organizers of the First Na- tional Bank of Crescent City, of which he has continuously served as president, making this a safe, strong and valuable financial institution.

Mr. McDermott wedded Miss Mary E. O'Neill,. of Iroquois county, a daughter of Edmund O'Neill, now residing in Crescent City and one of the old settlers of this part of the state. They have three children: John E. and Mary E., twins, nine years of age; and Francis O., five years of age.

Politically Mr. McDermott is a democrat and for some time was president of the village board, while at the present writing he is acting as presi- dent of the school board of Crescent City. His interest in community affairs is deep and sincere and is manifest in his unselfish devotion to the general welfare. Any movement for the good of his town receives his hearty endorsement and his active co-operation. He and his wife are members of the Catholic church. The circle of their friends is extensive and Mr. McDermott is well known throughout the county as a business man of ability and prominence, well meriting the success that he has achieved.

WILLIAM T. IRELAN.

There is no hetter criterion of the spirit which dominates a community than its newspaper and it is a widely acknowledged fact that the Gilman Signal, of which William T. Irelan is editor and proprietor, has been one of the potent influences in the progress and upbuilding of the city, for this paper has ever been the champion of those interests which are a matter of civic virtue and civic pride, and its editorials have done much to. mold public thought and opinion.

A native of Mercer county, Ohio, Mr. Irelan was born September 29. 1868, and comes of Puri- tan and Revolutionary ancestry. Representatives

MR. AND MRS. PETER MCDERMOTT.

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

IROQUOIS COUNTY, ILLINOIS

of the name settled at Windham Connectent early in the seventeenth century and uf later gen- erations the family furnished to the wars of the country various brave and loval sellers, some of whom were officers that fought for the liberty and rights of the nation, while some give their lives in defense of the interests of the republic

Silas Bowler Irelan, father of our sab- ject, was a native of Ohio and having arrived at years of maturity was married there to Miss Mary Bidlack, who was also born in that state. He was a farmer by occupation, devoting the greater part of his life to general agricultural pursuits, and he died in 1894. at the age of sixty- eight years, while his wife survived him for a decade and passed away in trong, at the age of Seventy one years.

Reared under the parental roof. Wilham T. Irelan acquired a public-school education and early became famihar with newspaper work in its various phases. In early manhood he taught school to some extent but the greater part of his life has been spent in the field of journalism.

Mr. Irelan dates his residence in tilman from (Sub). He had met with financial reverses in the newspaper field in Ohio and giving up all that he possessed, he came to Illinois with only a knowledge of his trade to serve as the capital with which to begin life in a new community. Here he became editor of the Iroquois County Signal and his advancement has been both rapid and consecutive. The paper had been trying for a year to fill the traditional "long felt want" hut without success, and was at that time entirely without influence. Mmost immediaely after Mir. Frelan assumed control a decided change was manifest. He began a series of weekly letters in rural dialect, which he had learned as a boy on the farm, and in these letters he satirized the hide-bound element that opposed public improve- ments. This was an innovation in journalism in Iroquois county and while the progressive ele- ment rallied to the support of the new editor those who received his mowelcome attentions were surprised and shocked and naturally became an- tagonistic. Mr. Irelan, however, continued writ ing humorous farmer talk for his paper, using the nom-de-guerre of Reuben Hardscrabble, and in a year his victory was complete The circula tion of the paper constantly increased and the

Signal alse becante an excellent advertimeg De dım The influence which le bs (viertel ml political circles has also been widely selt.

Mr Irelate has ever been a stalwart adv cale of republican principles and he presente l hi cause through the columns of the paper na clear concise, logical and convincing nather 'The funkce of his writings is inonessurable Init all acknowledge that it has been a potent clement in republican successes in fregues community and the party, acknowledging his worth and allits. have called him to public offer Previous ( Ip) he had never figured in political circles as a can- didlate for office, but in that year he was elected by his fellow townsmen to the position of justice magistrate. Previous to that time lawlessness was practically unchecked owing to mysterious and subtle inthiences, but it was now found that "influence" no longer meant ummunity and ví- fenders against the ordinances made and pro- vided, but seldom enforced, found themselves laboring under penalties of unheard-of severity. Again Mr. Irclan was called to public office. be- ing appointed to an important clerkship in the forty-second general assembly of Illinois, and in December, tool, he received appointment through the influence of Congressman Joseph G. Cannon as assistant enrolling clerk in the house of representatives at Washington.

On the t6th of July, 1902. Mr. Irelan was married to Miss Helen Moore, of Mercer coun- ty, Ohio, a daughter of Francis M. and Sarah (Toner) Moore. Her father, who devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, died in 18003, but her mother is still living in Ohio. Mrs. Irclan ac- quired her education in the public schools and in Coldwater (Ohio) Academy and for four years engaged in teaching. She has become the mother of two children: Zella More and Dallas Bidlack.

Mr. frelan is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Modern Winkelmen of America, while hus religions faith is medicated Is his connection with the Methodist church He is at man of most genial nature and while he has taken an aggressive position on matters of pub he moment he is at the same time never almalve is indebtedness to him for his champions pat

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many plans and movements which have been of direct benefit to Gilman. He is a man of literary tastes, who finds delightful companionship among the master minds of present and former ages, and this gives him rest and recreation from the demands made upon his time and energies by his journalistic interests and his political work.

SAMUEL BUCKLEY.

Samuel Buckley, a retired farmer and con- tractor making his home in Sheldon, was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, April 4, 1849. his parents being Stephen and Eliza Jane ( Har- per ) Buckley. The paternal grandparents were James and Sarah ( Lincoln) Buckley, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Ohio. Mrs. Sarah Buckley died in Tippecanoe county. Indiana, in 1844 and James Buckley afterward wedded Mrs. Jacobs. In 1854 he came to Iroquois county, Illinois, where he lived for about eighteen months and then removed to Carroll county, Indiana, where he spent his remaining days. His son, Stephen Buckley, was born in Preble county, Ohio, January 2, 1823, and was two years of age when his parents re- moved to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, where he lived until 1856. He was married on the 3d of June, 1848, to Miss Eliza Jane Harper, a native of Montgomery county, Indiana. On leav- ing the Hoosier state they came to Iroquois county, Illinois, and settled on land which Mr. Buckley had purchased from the government in 1854. Here he was very successful in his busi- ness life, adding to his original holdings until he owned at one time fourteen hundred and sixty acres of land in this county. He always followed farming and through the careful husbanding of his own resources and his wise investment he won the splendid success which crowned his labor. He died in June, 1904, at the advanced age of eighty-one years and five months. while his wife passed away at the age of sixty-nine years. They were continuous residents of Iro- quois county from 1856 until called to their final rest and were most worthy and esteemed pioneer people. They became the parents of six children, five of whom are now living: Samuel, of this

review ; Mrs. Delilah Amos, who resides in Shel- don; Mrs. Sarah A. Boatman, a widow, living in Chicago: Alonzo, of Sheldon, and Mrs. Maria Elizabeth Roberts, a resident of California.

Samuel Buckley spent the first seven years of his life in the state of his nativity and then ac- companied his parents on their removal to Iro- quois county in 1856. He was educated in the Willow Grove school near his father's home and was early trained to habits of industry, economy and perseverance upon the farm, working dili- gently and persistently and thus becoming well qualified to take up farm work on his own ac- count when he attained his majority. He was continuously engaged in general agricultural pursuits until 1884, when his wife died and he removed to Sheldon. Here he took up carpen- tering and contracting and was thus busy until he retired from active life. He is now one of the wealthy residents of Sheldon and owns a beautiful two-story residence two blocks from Main street. He has here three good lots with cement sidewalks, and the home stands in the midst of a well kept lawn. His farming inter- ests comprise two hundred and sixty acres of good land in Sheldon township and upon this also stands a good two-story dwelling. His farm returns to him a gratifying annual income and provides him with the comforts and some of the luxuries of life.

Mr. Buckley was married to Edna E. Cana- day, a native of Virginia, and they became the parents of one daughter, Nellie, who is now the wife of Ora Smalley, of Sheldon, by whom she has three children, Harold, and Blendine and Geraldine, twins. The wife and mother passed away in February, 1884. and Mr. Buckley was again married, August, 1904, to Agnes A. Cole- man, a native of Indiana.

His political support is given the republican party, of which he is a stalwart advocate. He served as city marshal of Sheldon for four years, was school director while on the farm and is now filling the position of constable. Almost his entire life has been passed in this county and while carefully directing his business interests so as to win success he has also been an inter- ested witness of the changes which have occurred here and the progress that has been wrought, and as a good citizen he has always endeavored

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY CF ILLINOIS

IROQUOIS COUNTY, ILLINOIS

to uphold the political and legal status and to advance the material, intellectual and meral interests of the county.

ALONZO J. HILL.

Alonzo J. Hall. who has won for himself a creditable place as a citizen and as an agricul- turist in Iroquois county and who for some years was a factor in the business life of Milford. where he owned and operated a grain elevator. is now living retired. His birth occurred in Coles county, Illinois, August 24. 1852, his parents being David A. and Mary M. ( Lemmon ) Hall. natives of Ohio and Indiana respectively. With his parents the father removed to Vermilion county, Indiana, in his childhood days, the family home being established there about 1848, and when he had reached manhood he was married there to Miss Mary M. Lemmon. In 1862 he be- came a resident of Chicago, where he engaged in the live-stock and commission business, spend- ing his last days in that city. His death oc- curred in 1884 and his wife passed away in 1876.

Consequent upon the removal of the family from Coles county to Chicago Monzo J. Hall was reared in the western metropolis and is indebted to its public-school system for the educational privileges he enjoyed. Arriving at years of ma- turity, he worked at the stockyards with his fa- ther from 1860 until 1874. or for a period of five years, but thinking to find agricultural life more congenial and profitable he came to Iroquois county and bought land in Lovejoy township. After his father's death he succeeded to a part of the estate and eventually added to his property through judicious investments and as the result of careful business management until he now owns six hundred acres of land in two farms in Milford and Lovejoy townships. Both places are improved with good buildings and are well fenced and altogether constitute fine farming property. He tilled the soil for many years according to modern ideas of agricultural development and raised good crops. He also raised and fed stock and that branch of his business proved profitable. In 1888 he removed to Milford, where he erected an attractive modern residence, but he did not

cease to carry on the far work until so mal years thereafter, when he rented his land Milford he engaged in the gran business, cantar and conflicting an elevator for three years, when he sold out. ils time is now given only 1 : h supervision of his invested interests and his re- from further active labor is well nerited.

On the 22d of January, 1876, occurred the mar- riage of Mr. Hall and Miss Sarah A. Wilson, a native daughter of Iroquois county, her father, John B. Wilson, having come from Indiam to cast in his lot with the early settlers here. There are two children by this marriage : Quincy 1 .. who is a student in the state university, pursuing the mechanical engineering course ; and Alice W .. at home. A lifelong republican in politics, Mr. Hall has done effective service for the party as a champion of its principles and for twelve con- secutive years he was elected and capably served as road commissioner and was also township col- lector for one term. He has frequently been a delegate to the conventions of his party and takes a deep interest in politics as every true American citizen should do. His wife is a member of the Methodist church and he affiliates with Milford lodge. A. F. & A. M .. and with Watseka com- mandery. K. T. Ilis residence in Iroquois coun- ty covers more than a third of a century, where he has become well known because of the extent and importance of his business dealings and by reason of the fact that he has been called to nu- merons offices of honor and trust, in which he has been recognized as a man of tried integrity and worth, meriting and receiving the confidence and esteem of the community. While he inherit- ed some property much of his success is attribut- able entirely to his own labors and the capable management of his business affairs.

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Past and present of Iroquois County, Illinois, Part 15

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