Past and present of Iroquois County, Illinois, Part 17

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

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Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Child removed to Iroquois county, taking up their alxxle here in 1808. Here Mr. Child first pur- chased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Danforth township and it is now a part of the present fine farm which comprises three hundred and twenty acres of rich land. He made excel- lent improvements thereon and continuously fol- lowed general farming until his death, covering a period of twenty-eight years. He possessed considerable skill and ingenuity along mechan- cal lines and was thus enabled to keep everything about his place in excellent condition. In dis- position he was rather quiet and retiring. Fond of reading his kisure hours were largely devoted to the perusal of books and papers and he became a well informed man, keeping in touch with the trend of modern thought.

A stanch republican in his political views Mr. Child supported the party from its organization. At the time of the Civil war he exposed his country's cause, enlisting in Peoria county in 1804. He served for thirteen months, or until after the war was over as a member of Company D. Eighth Ilmois Infantry, and his arduous mili- tary experience partially undermined his health although he was not seriously disabled. While at the front he was attached to the western army. He was reared in the faith of the Episcopal

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church but did not become a member of any de- nomination. Mrs. Child, however, is a member of the Methodist church. In all life's relations Mr. Child was straightforward and honorable, be- ing thoroughly trustworthy as well as active and enterprising in his business life, so that through- out the community where he was known he en- joyed the confidence and good will and the warm friendship of many with whom he came in con- tact.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Child were born four chil- dren : Mary Alma and Maria Amalia, twins, now at home ; James Walter, who died April 21. 1887, when a young man of twenty-seven years ; and Emma E., who is the widow of William A. Kidd, and resides at Gilman. Mrs. Child and her daughters are yet upon the home farm in Dan- forth township, which is a valuable property of three hundred and twenty acres, improved with all modern equipments and under a high state of cultivation.

FREDERICK D. VENNUM.

Frederick D. Vennum, president of the First National Bank of Milford, is in business circles in Iroquois county ranked with the ablest and has displayed in the management of financial in- terests a keen discernment and broad outlook that argue well for greater usefulness and success in the future.

Born in Watseka. July 10, 1868, he is a son of Thomas Vennum, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. Passing through successive grades in the public schools he was graduated from the high school of Watseka with the class of 1886, after which he attended the University of Illinois until he had completed the work of the sophomore year. Putting aside his text-books to become an active factor in business life, he then went to Chicago, where he accepted a position in the First National Bank, remaining there for five years and gaining an intimate knowledge of banking as conducted in that foremost financial institution of the state. On leaving the metropo- lis he went to Milford, where his father was en- gaged in the banking business under the firm name of Donovan & Vennum. On the death of the father in 1898 the bank was re-organized and

became the First National Bank of Milford, with? Frederick D. Vennum as vice president. Mr. Donovan retired in 1900, at which time Mr. Ven- num became president and such has been his connection therewith continuously since. The safe, conservative policy established by his father has been maintained by him and the volume of business annually transacted over the counters. of the institution is constantly increasing.

On the 28th of February, 1900, Mr. Vennun was married to Miss Maud M. Coney, a daugh- ter of William MI. Coney, of Watseka. They have three children: Ella Jeannette, who was born October 22, 1902: Frederick C., December 12. 1903; and Mary Elizabeth. December II, 1905.

The political principles as embodied in the re- publican platform receive the endorsement of Mr. Vennum, who, however, has never sought or de- sired office. He is a gentleman of broad mind and popular in the city of his nativity, where al- most his entire life has been passed. He is a loyal friend of Watseka, who has done much for her welfare, but his influence in this regard has never been inspired by a sense of personal im- provement. He stands as a typical representative of the business life of the times, alert and enter- prising, watchful of opportunities and recog- nizing and improving advantages as they come.

CHARLES W. ANDERSON.

The commercial interests of Donovan find a worthy and active representative in Charles W. Anderson, who is engaged in dealing in hard- ware and farm implements there and who in his business life manifests a spirit of determination and progress such as never fails to overcome dif- ficulties and obstacles and make substantial ad- vancement.

He was born on a farm in Beaver township. Iroquois county. September 24, 1857, and was educated in the common schools. He lived at home until twenty-two years of age and during that period assisted in the labors of the farm. carly becoming familiar with the duties that de- volve upon the agriculturist. On leaving home he went to Minnesota, where he spent one year,

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after which he returned to frompois county and accepted a clerkstup in the hardware store of Scaright & Sandell, with whom he rema ned for about two years. Later he spent fourteen years in the Kankakee insane asylum, first as attendant for two years and afterward as supervisor, and about seven years ago, in connection with Mr. Swanson, he purchased a general hardware and implement business at Darevan. He has since continued in this line of trade and in addition to the goods carried in those lines the firm also han- dles wagons, buggies, paints and oils. The build- ings which they occupy are owned by Mr. Swan- son. They have two buildings one hundred by fifty feet and a warehouse. The firm is enjoying an excellent trade, their patronage increasing year by year, and they belong to that class of men who promote the material development of the community through their well directed and en- terprising efforts.

Mr. Anderson was married in Onarga in the year 1800, to Miss Minnie B. Crider, a native of that place, and they have two children, W. Cri- der and Brainard F., aged respectively four and one and one-half years. In community affairs Mr. Anderson has been actively and helpfully interested. He has served three years as asses- sor of his township but has preferred to do his public service as a private citizen and in many ways has co-operated in the general development and upbuilding of this locality. He votes with the republican party and holds membership with the Masonic lodge at Kankakee and with the Methodist church associations which indicate much of the character of the man, showing his strong purpose and the honorable motives which characterize him in all life's relations.

FRANK W. ANDERSON.

Frank W. Anderson, who is engaged in gen- eral merchandising in Donovan, was born May 30. 1864. upon a farm in Beaver township, and his early youth was passed in the usual manner of farmer lads of the period He mastered the branches of English learning as a student in the district schools and assisted in the operation of the home farm until twenty-six years of age.

when he secured a position as attovlait in the hospital for the insane at kankakee There he remained for nine months, after which he re- moved to Donovan for three years engaged In clerking for the firm of Ilinson & Bramard He nest bought gram for Kisser & Hutchus for five years and on the expiration of that period bought out Mr. Brainard's general mercantile business, which he has since conducted. He car- ries a carefully selected line of goods and his enterprise and close application constitute the strong clements in the success which is now at- tending him. He also has charge of the under- taking business for Mr Miner, of Sheldon.

Mr. Anderson was married in 187, at Wal- nuit Lodge, Indiana, to Miss Anna I. Howe, who was born in Tippecanoe counts, that state, and is a daughter of James 1 .. and Mary C. (Repose) llowe, of New York, who in an early day re- moved to the Hoosier state. Mr. and Mrs. An- derson have become the parents of one child. Raymond, now four years of age. They are prominent socially in the village where they re- side and Mr. Anderson has, moreover, taken an active and helpful part in community affairs, serving as collector of the township and as town clerk for two years. He was also a member of the village board for two terms and his political allegiance is given to the republican party, which finds in him a stalwart advocate. The public duties that have devolved upon him have been discharged with promptness and fidelity and with a conscientiousness of obligation.

CHARLES F. OATHOUT.

Charles F. Oathout, living on section 20. Pigeon Grove township, not far from the village of Cissna Park, owns a farm of eighty acres and in addition cultivates another tract of similar di- mensions owned by his father. From an early | epoch in the history of Ironpois county he has resided within its borders, having been but five years of age, when, in 1858, the family home was established in Illinois. He was born in Albany county. New York, August 16, 1853 His father, Isaac Oathout, was also a native of that county and, having reached adult age, was married there

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to Charity Weaver, who was born in Wayne county, New York. Removing westward about 1858, he developed a new farm in Pigeon Grove township and thereon reared his family, sharing in the hardships and privations incident to the establishment of a home upon the frontier and performing all of the arduous labor necessary to the cultivation and improvement of wild land. He now lives with his son Charles and has reached the venerable age of eighty years. The only daughter of the family is Etta I., the wife of Joel Augsperger, of Cissna Park.

Amid the environments of pioneer life Charles F. Oathout spent the days of his boyhood and youth. He attended the district schools in the winter months and in the summer seasons aided in the work of the farm, remaining with his father and assisting him to carry on the home place, which they brought under a high state of cultivation. Here he wedded Miss Ellen J. Willis, on the Ist of August. 1874. She was a daughter of Thomas Willis, of Loda, who is men- tioned on another page of this volume. The young couple began their domestic life upon the farm where they now reside. on section 20, Pigeon Grove township. The first work which Mr. Oathout did was to build a dwelling and stable and as time passed by he set out fruit and helped to break up the virgin soil. There is now a good corn crib and elevator upon his place and all modern equipments, including the latest improved machinery. The farm in all of its ap- pointments is modern and productive and its ex- cellent appearance is an indication of the life of thrift and industry which the owner has led.

U'nto Mr. and Mrs. Oathout have been born six children: Professor Charles Hubert Oat- hout, who is married and resides in Urbana, Il- linois : Edna Mabel, who is a graduate of the state normal school at Normal, Illinois, and is now a teacher at MeNabb, Putnam county : En- ily Ada, wife of Carl Smith, of Loda ; Lulu Ellen. who is a graduate of the state normal school and is teaching at Aledo, Mercer county ; and Bertha, Leo and Claude Leslie, at home.

In his fraternal relations Mr. Oathout is con- nected with the Modern Woodmen, his member- ship being with Loda camp. He votes with the republican party but has never desired office. Ile has, however, rendered signal service to the cause

of education by effective work as a member of the school board. From his childhood days down to the present he has lived continuously in Iro- quois county, and great have been the changes that have occurred during this period. The splendidly cultivated farms with their fine homes and good buildings and the enterprising towns and cities present a picture that bears little re- semblance to the county into which he came in his boyhood days, for at that time comparatively few roads had been laid out and much of the land was an undrained swamp. The Oathout family at once became active factors in bringing about the changes which have been wrought and Charles F. Oathout of this review has borne his full share in the work of general improvement.

H. C. HENDERSON. M. D.

The medical fraternity has a worthy and ca- pable representative in Milford in Dr. H. C. HIenderson, who through comprehensive study and investigation has become well qualified for the onerous duties of the profession. He was born in Dorchester, Nebraska, July 30, 1874, and when a small lad accompanied his parents on their removel to Illinois, the family home be- ing established in Macoupin county, where he acquired his preliminary education in the com- mon schools. He afterward had the benefit of several years' study in college and subsequently took up the study of medicine, being graduated at Rush Medical College, with the class of 1896. Thus well equipped for the work which he had chosen lie located for practice in Milford, where he has since remained, covering a period of ten years. His practice has constantly increased in volume and importance and he has kept in touch with the best thinking men of the age connected with the medical fraternity. Ilis business comes. not only from Milford but from the adjacent countryside as well, and his professional labors have been attended with a measure of success that shows him well fitted to solve the intricate- and complex problems, which continually con- front the physician.

Dr. llenderson was married in Iroquois coun- ty, in 1896, to Miss Minnie Lindgren, who was.

De. H & HENDERSSIS

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

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born and reared m the county. They now Le velo no mis a convenient w ull here three children. Louge Bran and Harn. spero up a gend tar o why Their home is justly celebrated for its gracias and warm hearted hospitality and both Dr. and Mrs Henderson are eagerly welcomed into those circles where true worth and intelligence are received as passports unter grund sockets Cional and courteous in manner Dr. Henderson is personally popular, while in his profession he has gained the respect of his brethren of the fra- ternity by his close conformity of professional ethics and the consensus of public option is altogether favorable. He is a member of the Iroquois. Ford and Illinois State Medical Societies.

CHARLES MALLORY, JR.

Charles Mallory, Jr., one of the carly settlers of Iroquois county, owning and operating a well improved and valuable farm of one hundred and twenty acres, situated on sections 10 and 11. Prai- rie Green township, is a native of Connecticut, his birth having occurred in Litchfield county, March 15. 1848. His father, Charles Mallory. Sr., was born in Massachusetts, where he was reared, and when he reached man's estate he was there married to Miss Caroline Lockwood, a na tive of Connecticut, in which state the father indl lowed farming for a number of years and in 1954 removed with his family to the west, establishing his home in La Salle county, Illinois, locating on a farm in Deer Park township, being numbered among the first settlers there. He there reared his family and spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1800, while his wife had pre- ceded him to the home beyond many years be- fort, her death occurring in 1800.

Charles Mallory. Jr., was reared and educated in La Salle county, sharing with the fantily in all the hardships and trials of life on the front- tier. He remained with his father until he at- tained his majority, and then starting out in life on his own account, he came to Iroquois county in 1860, and rented a farm, which he operated for three years, subsequent to which time, has ing accumulated a nice competence, he pur chased a tract of forty acres, which was all wild and uncultivated. He broke the land, and di

mamy frut arol shade trees, and he has since added a trust of eighty deres to his original pur chave. » that los mon twins at tract of me hus dred and twenty acres. In addition to carrying on general agricultural pursuit- he also ral . good grades of stock, and he is quite succession his business affairs

Mr. Mallory was united in marriage. Docens ber 21. 1871, to Miss Kate Hobble, who was born in Olmo and was reared there and in Indiana. She is a daughter of George Hobble, who died in the latter state during her early childhood. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Mallory has been blessed with three sons, two of whom survive : Roy C., who is married and resides on a farm in Jasper county, Illinois : Ira l., who is a young man at home: and Fred, who died January 30. 1805. when a young man of twenty-one years. They have also reared two adopted daughters: Sadie Mallory, who became a member of their household at the age of thirteen years, and who has been reared and educated by them and is now a student at the Fisk Missionary Training School in Kansas City, where she will complete the course with the class of 1007 ; and Faith Mal- lory, whom they are also rearing and educating as an own child

In his political view . Mr. Mallory is mdepend- ent. supporting the men whom he regards as best fitted for office, regardless of party affiliation. Il has serve! as road commissioner for three years and is a believer in good schools and com- , petert teachers. His wife and children are mem- here of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Mr. Mallory has lived in Illinois for more than a half century and has been actively interested in much of the progress and development that has here been made. When he first look up his abode in Iroquois county the nearest market was Sheldon, to which place the products of the farm Had to be handled, and there were irany incon- venientes to be met at that early period. Mrs. Mallory is a well educated and accomplished lady and has acted as a correspondent for the Watcha Republican for many years and for- merly was correspondent of the Dans l. Daily

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Democrat. This worthy couple have made their home in Prairie Green township for more than a third of a century and are therefore well known and highly esteemed by their many friends.

1. S. BETZER.

More than a century ago George Washington voiced the sentiment that "farming is the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man." Moreover history shows us that it is the source of all business prosperity. It has been the agricultural countries that are the prosperous countries and Illinois therefore is particularly for- tunate in that her lands are rich and productive, responding readily to the care that is bestowed upon field and meadow. In this line of life I. S. Betzer won the measure of success that now en- ables him to live retired. For many years he followed farming in Onarga township, where he still owns a well improved tract of land of one hundred and sixty acres. He left his farm, how- ever. in September, 1902, and has since resided in the city of Onarga.

His life record began in Ross county, Ohio, May 10, 1838. His parents were Anthony G. and Nancy ( Smith) Betzer. The father was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1808 and was a son of Conrad Betzer. a native of Ger- many, who became one of the early settlers of the Keystone state, whence he removed with his family to Ross county, Ohio, casting in his lot with the carly residents of that locality. There he secured a tract of timber land from which he hewed out a farm, and it was upon the old home -. stead property there that Anthony G. Betzer was reared. Having arrived at years of maturity he wedded Nancy Smith, a native of Maryland, and in order to provide for his family he at different times engaged in farming, merchandising and hotel keeping. . Almost his entire life was spent in Ross county, where he died in 1885. at the age of seventy-seven years, while his wife passed away in 1844. He later married again and con- tinned his residence in Ohio until his life's la- bors were ended in death. By his first marriage he had five sons and two daughters, of whom I. S. Betzer is the only one now living. One brother,

C. S. Betzer, was a soldier of the Civil war and laid down his life on the altar of his country, be- ing shot at the battle of Gettysburg. The eldest son. Conrad Betzer, was reared and married in Ohio. He lived for some time in Pickaway county, that state, and subsequently took up his abode in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he followed merchandising until his death. William Betzer, another son of the family, grew to manhood in Ohio and was a farmer and blacksmith of Ross county, where his last days were passed. Win- field Betzer became an agriculturist of Vermilion county. Indiana, where his death occurred ; and Aaron Betzer, who was fond of travel, went from the old home and nothing is known now concern- ing his whereabouts. The two sisters of the fam- ily were Rebecca, who became the wife of Ste- phen Webster. a farmer of Vermilion county. In- diana, where she died ; and Mrs. Mary Phillips, who has also passed away.

The old homestead farm in Ross county. Ohio, was the playground of I. S. Betzer in his boy- hood days and it was also his training school for active, carnest labor, for there he was taught to grub out the stumps, make rails and perform other arduous toil incident to the improvement and settlement of a new farm. Ile also engaged in general agricultural pursuits on his own ac- count in Pickaway county for nine years. He was married January 26, 1860, to Miss Isabella Miller, a native of Pickaway county, Ohio. and a daughter of Jesse Miller, who was one of the first settlers of that county, to which he removed from Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Betzer con- tinted to reside in the Buckeye state until 1868, when they came to Iroquois county, Illinois, pur- chasing land in Onarga township. No improve- ments had been made on the property but he broke the prairie, tiled the fields and placed his land under a high state of cultivation. He also erected a good residence and substantial barns and outbuildings, planted an orchard and adde 1 the modern accessories and improvements of a model farm to his property, whereon he continued to engage in general agricultural pursuits until 1902. lle then rented the farm and purchased two residence properties in Onarga, where he has since made his home. In connection with his two sons he also owns a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Barton county, Missouri. . At

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the time of their marriage Mr and Mrs Better were in hunted financial circun state- but through the united aff res they have with it

ably situated in an attractive lime in Unarga. their financial resources being sufficient to supply them with an of the necessities atol man of the

In the family of Mr and Mrs Hetzer are the following children: Marv, at home: Wil lam, ci charca: Jesse Stermin, who is having near Joplin. Mastur: Harvey, who carryi. on farions in Ba tor courts . and Jones, who is married and resides in Onarga. I'he parents 'it tend the Preshistorian church and the his political view . Mr. Better is a stalwart repul Nem. While on the farm he served as school trusted and high- was commissioner and was also menter of the school board For thirty eight years he and h wife have continued to reside in this counts and have witnessed it- transformation from a wilder- news and swamp into one of the rich and fertile districts of this great state with splendid agri- cultural posibilities, in the midst of which are thriving towns and cities. At all times Mr. Det- zer has en operated to the extent of his means and abil'ty in measures ard movements ier the general good and is classed with it representa tive and valued residents of frogner county. Moreover his business career has been character ized In the possession of these sterling trait- which awaken confidence and command admira tion. He has always been promis; in meeting financial obligations and in keeping engagements and has thus made a business record that any man might be proud to possess.

CHARLES CHRISTIAN DIETZ.

Charles Christian Dietz is a retired farmer who since 1803 has resided at Galan, although he still owns his farm on the southwest quarter di section 31. Crescent township. He likewise has twenty acres of land within the corporation in- its of falman, of which he carries on gardening and fruit-raising and in this connection he & call ducting a good business. One of the oldest rest dents of Iroquois county, he came to the mobile

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Past and present of Iroquois County, Illinois, Part 17

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