USA > Illinois > Iroquois County > Past and present of Iroquois County, Illinois > Part 19
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At the usual age William B. Fleager began his education in the public schools, pursuing his studies until he reached the age of fourteen. when he began providing for his own support as a clerk in a general mercantile store, where he remained until twenty years of age. He then entered the establishment of his father, who was a wagonmaker, and under whose direction the som soon became familiar with the use of tools. In 1851 be removed to Peoria, Illinois, and be- came clerk for John 11. Floyd, at first receiving only eight dollars per month for his services, but his employer soon recognized his value and his wages were gradually increased to forty dol- lars per month. He remained with Mr. Floyd for four years and then returned to his father's home with four hundred dollars in gold, which he had saved from his earnings while in the west. After a two weeks' visit in Pennsylvania he returned to Peoria and established a confec- tionery store, but this did not prove a profitable investment and he lost all his capital. He then removed to Cruger, Illinois, and in the interest of others he carried on the store and also com- ducted a grain business, besides serving as the first postmaster of the place. He was likewise made agent for the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw Railroad, and in 1857. at the request of that road. be accepted the position of agent at Gilman, le- ing the first representative of the corporation in both Cruger and Gilman. In the latter place he was also the first agent for the Illinois Central Railroad Company.
While living in Gilman, Mr. Flager was mar- ried in December, 1858, to Miss Maria Brubaker. a daughter of Henry Brubaker, of Lancaster. Pennsylvania, and unto them were born four children, two of whom are now living, George. who is employed in the First National Bank in Chicago; and Arthur B., who was graduated
from the Northwestern University, at Evanston. Illness, June 10, 182, and is now in Chicago. In 1875 Mr Flager was called to mourn the loss of his first wife, who died on the 15th of Mas of that year. On the Ist of March, 1877. he married Frances M. Milliman, a native of New York, and they are the parents of four children, Clarence E . Harry, Eva and Sam
In March, 1860, Mr. Ileager removed to Shel- don, casting m his lot with the early settlers. since which time he has been prominently iden- tified with the history and upbuilding of the town. Going to Chicago be purchased one hun- dred thousand feet of lumber and established a lumberyard. He created the first building in the town, and opened a grocery store in which he continued for some time. He also engaged in general merchandising and became a dealer in coal and grain. Thus his activities have extend- ed to various fields of labor, whereby the com- munity has profited, and at the same time his in- dividual success has been promoted. In 1873 he sold his general mercantile establishment and engaged in the banking business as proprietor of the Sheldon Bank, with which he was connected until May 10, 1891, when he sold out and the institution has since been known as the Citizens Bank. He was likewise instrumental in estab- lishing the Perfection Bag Holder Company in 1801, which was organized as a stock company with Mr. Fleager as president : Mr. Wilkinson as treasurer: and Mr. Whitson as secretary. Mr. Fleager is also operating quite extensivels in real estate. lle is a man of resourceful business abil- its and is a self-made man in the fullest sense of that oft misused term, his prosperity in life being due to his industry and integrity
Mr. Fleager was the first postmaster of Shel don, and the third, and in everything pertaining to the upbuilding of the town he has taken an active part and is a bberal contributor to the en- terprises which insure its progress. He owns several large business blocks in the town besides his beautiful residence, which he and his fanaly occupy. A consistent member of the Methodlist church, he contributes generously to its support and does all in his power to promote its advance- ment. He has been the architect of his own for time and has builded wisely and well. Starting out at an early age, he has met competition, La-
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overcome difficulties and obstacles and has achieved a gratifying measure of success as the reward of earnest labor, at the same time en- joying the confidence and esteem of all who know him by reason of the straightforward methods he has followed. He is a worthy example for young men to pattern after, as showing what in- telligence and probity may accomplish in the way of success in life.
THOMAS McSORLEY.
Thomas McSorley, who has been engaged suc- cessfully for a number of years in buying and handling grain, coal and seeds at Martinton and who is widely recognized as one of the foremost business men of the town, was born in Beaver- ville, September 17, 1854, his parents being James and Fannie ( Woods ) McSorley, the for- mer a native of Scotland and the latter of Texas. James McSorley came to America in early life and located in Beaver township, Iroquois county, Illinois, where he purchased two hundred and forty acres of land, which he improved and brought under a high state of cultivation, trans- forming it into a fine farm, whereon he made his home until his death. Of his children, five in number, three are still living.
Thomas McSorley is indebted to the district schools for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. In his youth he lived at home, assist- ing his parents in various departments of farm labor. He aided in the task of plowing, plant- ing and harvesting as the years went by and con- tinned under the parental roof until twenty-five years of age, when he started out upon an in- dependent business career. He began dealing in hay and grain in Martinton in connection with P. S. Dewitt, with whom he was associated for a short time, after which he bought ont Mr. De- witt's interest and conducted the business alone for two years. He was afterward in partnership with Mr. Swindeman and in 1895 he built an elevator with a capacity of thirty-tive thousand bushels. In 1800 he bought out his partner's interest and was again alone for two years, when he sold out to R. F. Cummings, who enlarged the elevator to a capacity of one hundred thou-
sand bushels. Mr. McSorley has since been man- ager and is thus engaged in buying and handling grain, coal and seeds. In 1902 he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Min- nesota. He has long figured prominently in busi- ness interests of Martinton and his efforts have been of material benefit to the town as well as a source of individual profit.
In 1879 Mr. McSorley was married in Kanka- kee, to Miss Alma Brown, who was born in Iro- quois county in 1856. They became the parents of seven children, of whom three are still liv- ing. Nellie, Blanche and Ruth.
In his political views Mr. McSorley is a stal- wart democrat and has served as president of the town board, in which capacity he has ren- dered signal aid in advancing the general wel- fare. He belongs to the Masonic lodge, to the Independent Order of ()dd Fellows and to the Modern Woodmen camp, and during the long years of his residence in Martinton and Iroquois county his many good traits of character have become familiar to his fellow townsmen and have won him friendly consideration and warm regard.
A. P. SINGLETON.
A. P. Singleton, who for four years has en- gaged in the manufacture of brick and tile at Buckley, is controlling a profitable business and his energy and perseverance constitute the strong elements in his success. He is one of the old- time residents of this part of the state. having for fifty-six years made his home in Illinois. He was but six years old when brought to the state, and as he has advanced in years and strength he has also extended the scope of his activity. thus becoming a valued and representative citi- zen. He was born in Hocking county. Ohio, March 9. 1844, a son of James Singleton, who was likewise a native of Ohio, where he was reared and married. the lady of his choice being Hannah Arnold, a native of Connecticut. He was a mechanic and stone-cutter by trade and also devoted some time to agricultural pursuits. In 1850 he removed westward to Fulton county, Illinois, where he worked at his trade for a con-
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sidetable person, but his last years were spend homme Jeune, the wife of Grunge linhwell. it on the farm. He died about 1800, while his wife survived nut , Of their in b of y . and three daughters, five sors and two cangh- ters reached mature years, while 1. 1. Singleton and one sister are the only survivors.
Brought to Ilmois in 1850. A. P. Singleton was reared in Fulton county upon the home farm and remained with his father until he attamed his majority. He then enlisted in the spring of 1805. at the last call that was made for troops becoming a member of Company 1. Fights there Ilinois Volunteer Infantry, and subsequent's was transferred to Company 1. Sixty-fifth Regi- ment. He was sent south, where he engaged in guard duty and in hunting guerillas in Kentucky and Tennessee until the close of the war, being honorably discharged in September, 185.
Mr. Singleton at once returned to Fulton county and was married there. December 25. In), to Miss Celinda MeIntvre, a native di II Inos, born and reared in Fulton county. The following spring they removed to Ingpois county, locating on a farm east of Loda, which Mr. Singleton operated for several years. Sul - sequently he took up his abode on a farm in Artesia township, near Buckley, where he cir- ried on general agricultural persons for sever- teen years. He had. in the meantime purchased twenty-five acres adjoining Buckley, together with other property, and in 1922 he purchased the brick and tile business a complete manning tory. supplied with modern machinery. He now makes and berg - about thirty two kids per year. and the tile manufactured is from three and a half to fifteen inches in diameter. The local trade takes the entire mitput of the factors.
As the years have gone by seven children have come to the Singleton household, five one and two daughters : Frank S who married C'ları Paterson, of Lastant. La Salle county, a sister of Mrs. I. E. Merritt, and is cashier of the Danforth Bank : J. A., who is his father's partner in the man- ufacture of brick and tile and who married Cora Hull, a daughter of Elwin Hull, a prominent farmer of Artesia township: 1. W., who was for- merly cashier of the Buckley Bank and is now en- Kaged in the grain trade; Herbert, a student in the theological department of the Northwestern University, at Evanston, Illinois: William, at
Politically Mr Singleton is independent and supports candidates regardless of party affiliation 11 and his iam are all men bers of the Methodist Eps copal church, in which he is serving as trustee and steward, and is also a worker and teacher im the Sunday-chowd He takes a most helpful part in the interests of the church and his hie has been characterized In fidelity to its teachings in his business and social relations. Thus he commands uniformi confidence and good will and In life embodies the elements of the worthy and representative citizen.
DALED DI 11:
David Dean, a resident of Onarga, is one of the prosperous farmers and business men of the city. He owns a well improved and valuable tract of land in (marga township and which in its successful control demonstrates his exec- utive ability and keen discrimination. He dates his residence in Iroquois county from 18%) and is a native of Sullivan county, New York, where his birth occurred Jane 11. 1820. His father. Reuben Dem, was born in Orange county. New York, and lost his father when a small bons. He was reared in the place of his nativity and after- ward went to Sullivan counts. New York, where he married bbzabeth Devine, who was born in the Empire state Mr Dean was a farmer bs occupation and reared his family of fourteen chil dren upon the home farm in Sullivan county. The family numbered sis sons and eight daugh- ters. all of whom reached mature years and were married. David, Johnson and George Dean are now the surviving members of this large family
Upon the old Homestead property David Dean was reared and in his youth he attended the com- mon schools of the neighborhood but he is large- Is a self-educated as well as self-made man Ile was married in Sullivan county, New York, en the 20th of April 1858. to Miss Hannah Dass. who was born and reared in that county, a dangh- ter of Henry W. Davis. After his marriage he
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owned and operated a farm there for some years and he had three children born there. In 1869 he removed westward to Iroquois county, Illi- nois, purchasing land in Onarga township, where he also began farming. He at first had but eighty aeres, to which he afterward added until he owned two hundred acres in that farm. There he carried on general agricultural pursuits for twenty-seven years and he placed many substan- tial buildings there and conducted his work along lines of modern progress. At length he sold that property and took up his abode in Onarga, where he purchased seven acres of land, erecting there- on a comfortable and attractive residence and good barn. His attention is now given to the management and further improvement of this property and he keeps some stock for his own use. He purchased another farm in Onarga township of one hundred and twenty-four aeres about two miles from Leonard, and he now rents that place. Although he started out in life a poor man he has steadily climbed the ladder of success and is now in affluent eireumstanees. He has been a hard worker, industrious and ener- getie and careful in his management.
Mr. and Mrs. Dean are the parents of three children. Charles A., who reached mature years and married, became a business man of Syea- more, De Kalk county, Illinois. He was a travel- ing salesman and died in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He had one daughter, Alta. Irving M. is mar- ried and is engaged in business in Indianapolis, Indiana. He has two children, Bessie A. and Vera. Cora May is the wife of F. W. Seyforth, of Chicago. where he occupies a business posi- tion, and they have four children: Dorothy, Isa- belle Louise, Eleanor and Robert Seyforth.
Mr. Dean votes with the prohibition party. of which he has been a stanch advocate for thirty years, while throughout his entire life he has been an earnest temperance man, never using intoxi- cants nor tobacco. He has been without aspira- tion for office for himself but he desires the best interests of the county, state and nation and is always rejoiced to see good men put in office. He and his wife are members of the Onarga Presbyterian church and they are highly esteemed in the city and throughout the county, where for many years they have made their home. They have both displayed traits of character. of heart
and mind which have endeared them to all with whom they have been associated and which have gained for them the confidence and good will of the entire community.
JAMES W. KAY.
James W. Kay, one of the well known busi- ness men of Iroquois county has for thirty-five years been engaged in the real-estate business, controlling a business which at times has been. quite extensive. Moreover he has figured prom- inently in public life, holding various offices to which he has been called by the vote of his fel- low townsmen and in which he has given proof of his public spirit and devotion to the general good. One of the native sons of the county, he was born February 26, 1838. His father, William D. Kay, was born and reared in Ohio. and in 1826 married Ruth Wright. Subsequent- ly he removed from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Indi- ana, and was engaged in the manufacture of lumber at Perrysville until his death in 1837. His widow, seven years after his demise, married the Hon. Isaae Courtright, both of whom died in Iroquois county of cholera in 1854.
James W. Kay was reared in Iroquois county and began his education in the common schools, while later he attended the old Middleport high school. He engaged in teaching in 1858 and taught three years. On the 22d of July, 1862,. while writing in the recorder's office at Middle- port, he put aside all business and personal con- siderations, prompted by a spirit of patriotism which cansed him to enlist in the defense of his country is a member of Company A, Seventy- sixth Illinois Infantry, under command of Major Harrington. He went south, serving three years, during which time he participated in the siege and capture of Vicksburg and also of Mo- bile. Alabama. He was on detached duty a part of the time and served as sales clerk in the post commissary department in Vicksburg after the surrender of the city, nearly sixty thousand dol- lars passing through his hands as a private sol- dier. Later he became a clerk in the quarter- master's department. In the last campaign, re- sulting in the capture of Mobile, Alabama, he
MR. AND MRS. JAMES W. KAY.
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
IROQUOIS COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
was brigade forage master. He lost no time on account of illness or other causes, serving until the close of the war, being mustered out July 22. 1805, and honorably discharged at tial- veston. Texas. He was war correspondent for The Old Iroquois County Republican.
Returning to his home Mr. Kay was elected in the fall of the same year to the office of county clerk, receiving fifteen hundred votes out of the two thousand cast, and after serving one term. he served two years as deputy county treasurer. On his retirement from that office he was chosen public administrator, his incumbency continuing for eight years. He was for eleven years school treasurer at Watseka and he made the second set of abstract books of Iroquois county, which he later sold. His public service has been of the utmost benefit to the county, being always char- acterized by unfaltering devotion to the general good and by faithfulness and ability in the dis- charge of the specific duties of the office.
Mr. Kay has also been engaged in the real- estate business for years. For twelve years he conducted land excursions to Texas, where he made many large sales of land. He has con- tinned his real-estate operations and has de- veloped a good business since his removal to Onarga, January 6. 1900, handling much val- uable property and negotiating many important real-estate deals. During this period he has also served as notary public for eight years and pen- sion attorney. He has been identified with the prohibition party since 1880, previous to which time he acted with the republican party, and it was as the candidate of the latter that he was elected to the offices he has filled, although many supporters of other parties have given him their votes because of their belief in his political integrity and capability.
Mr. Kay has been married three times. He first wedded Mrs. Emma C. Connell, of Attica. Indiana, October to, 1800, and on the 7th of August, INGS, her death occurred. On the 11th of May, 180m). Mr. Kas was married in Kanka- kee. Illinois, to Miss Maline Ellingwood, who died February 18, 1880, leaving four children : Wendel P. an attorney of Watscka, Ilmois; Howard 1 .. , who is engaged in the real-estate business in Spenceville, Ohio : Wilber Jones, who is a teacher of oratory in Washington and Jeffer-
soon College, at Washington, Pennsylvania, and Miriam Ruth, the wife of Ralph 1. Pain, of Saginaw, Michigan. On the oth of January, 1xx), Mr. Kay was married in marga to Mrs. Elizabeth 11. Lindsey, the widow of Thomas Lindsey, who was a prominent farmer of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Kay are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he has been identified for forty years, and he also be- longs to the Grand Army of the Republic. One of the few surviving veterans of the Civil war. he has also helped to make history in Iroquois county, leaving the impress of his individuality for good upon its official life and business inter- ests, while his influence has even been exerted in behalf of truth, justice and right.
STEPHEN CISSY 1.
In a history of pioneer times in Iroquois county mention should be made of Stephen Cissna, who came to this part of the state when it was emerging from primitive frontier condi- tions and taking on the advantages and improve- ments of civilization. He bore an active part in the development of the county, especially along agricultural lines, and for many years was one of its most extensive and prosperous farmers and stock-raisers. Arriving in the county in 1850. he took up his abode in Pigeon Girove township. where he purchased six hundred and eighty acres of land. He was a native of Chillicothe. Ohio, born February 9, 1815. His parents were Stephen and Sarah ( King) Ciona, who were) likewise natives of the Buckeye state. The father served as a soldier in the war of 1812 and throughout his entire business hie engaged in farming, making his home near Chillicothe, where he died during the carly south of his son and namesake.
Stephen Vissna of this review had only the educational advantages afforded by the common schools of his native county and when still but a boy he began learning the tanner's trade, which he followed for a few years. In 1837 be re- moved to Lafayette, Indiana, and was connected with mercantile interests there for several vers. after which he took up his abode in Williams-
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port, Warren county. Indiana, continuing in the same line of business.
It was while residing in Williamsport that Mr. Cissna was first married, on the 13th of April. 1848, to Miss Elizabeth Miller, a native of that place. She died in Pigeon Grove township, Iro- quois county, on the 2d of August. 1858. There were three children of that union : Sarah Fran- ces, who always resided with her parents and now makes her home with her stepmother in Wat- seka: George C., deceased: and Charles, who died in infancy. While residing upon his farm in Pigeon Grove township, this county. Mr. Cissna was again married, his second union be- ing with Miss Clara Hawk, whom he wedded November 6, 1864. She is a native of Erie, Penn- sylvania. and a daughter of Erastus Hawk, who always resided in Erie, where his wife likewise passed away.
After his first marriage Mr. Cissna continued to engage in general merchandising in Williams- port. Indiana, until 1856, when with his family and his brother William he came to Iroquois county. He was the founder and promoter of the town of Cissna Park, which he named and which is now a prosperous village in Pigeon Grove township. Mr. Cissna and his brother purchased over a section of land. or six hundred and eighty acres in Pigeon Grove township and he concentrated his energies upon the work of gen- eral farming and stock-raising. The latter was his principal business but he engaged in both lines upon his original farm until 1867. when he exchanged that property with his brother Wil- liam for four hundred and seventy-one acres of land in Middleport township, two and a half miles cast of Watseka. There he carried on gen- eral farming and stock-raising until 1877. when he took up his abode in the town, although he still retained the ownership of the farm. This property is now owned by Mrs. Cissna and her daughter. In Watseka he gave his attention to no business interests save the supervision of his investments but enjoyed throughout his remain- ing days a rest which he had truly earned and richly merited. For many years he was one of the prominent stock-dealers of the county, car- rying on his business on an extensive scale that made it a gratifying source of revenue. As the years passed his labors added to his financial re-
sources until he became a wealthy man and no word was ever uttered against his honor or his good name, for in all of his business dealings he was strictly reliable and his commercial in- tegrity stood as an unquestioned fact in his life record.
In politics Mr. Cissna was a very stanch re- publican and kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day. While residing in Mid- dleport township he served as supervisor for one term and he held other local offices, acting as road commissioner, while during the greater period of his residence on the farm he was a school director. He was interested in community affairs and was always willing to aid in pro- gressive public measures. He attended and con- tributed to the support of the Methodist Episco- pal church, of which his wife is a member and he was one who in his life upheld the legal and political stability of the county and endorsed its intellectual and moral development. He died April 26. 1900, at the venerable age of eighty- five years, leaving a life record which in its sa- lient characteristics was well worthy of emulation. Mrs. Cissna and daughter own a palatial resi- dence on Hickory street near Third street, which was erected by Mr. Cissna upon their removal to the town. She and her daughter usually spend the winter months in the south, generally at Day- tona. Florida, and have traveled extensively. They are prominent in social circles here and with excellent resources at hand are able to dis- pense a hospitality which is most liberal and gracious.
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