Past and present of Iroquois County, Illinois, Part 29

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

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PAST AND PRESENT OF

support of the church and m all life's relations whether in church. in business life, or in social and home circles, he carried with him an atmos- phere of joyousness that was contagious. Surely the world is better for his having lived.

MARTIN J. RUSH.

Years of continuous and well directed activ- ity have resulted in placing Mr. Rush in a finan- cial condition that enables him now to live com- fortable upon his farm, which is pleasantly and conveniently situated about a quarter of a mile west of Milford. The attractiveness of Iroquois county as a place of residence is indicated by the fact that many of her native sons have re- tained their residence within her borders, enjoy- ing its opportunities and its advantages and find- ing here full scope for business activity and win- ning therein a gratifying degree of prosperity. To this class belongs Martin J. Rush, whose birth occurred in Milford township, January 6, 1801.

He is descended from one of the oldest fam- ilies of Pennsylvania, his grandfather and his father, both of whom bore the name of Samuel Rush, having been natives of the Keystone state. The latter came to Illinois when a young man and followed farming in Iroquois county. Here he wedded Miss Nancy Martin, a native of Iroquois county. Having now a wife for whom he must provide. Mr. Rush thus had an added stimulus for business activity and energy and he reso- lutely took up farm work, which he diligently followed and carefully managed until he became one of the most prosperous and extensive land owners of this part of the state, his holdings aggregating fourteen hundred acres. It was a splendid success, for it was all acquired by the time he reached the prime of life and the methods which he followed were most honorable and straightforward. He passed away in 1874, at the age of fifty-five years, being long survived by his widow, who reared her family and man- aged the property. She died in June, 1905, at the age of seventy-two years, and her death was greatly regretted by many friends as well as her immediate family, for she had endeared herself to many with whom she came in contact.

Martin J. Rush was one of eight children and was reared to farm life. working in the fields through the summer months, while in the winter seasons he pursued his education. On attaining his majority he was given his share of his father's estate, comprising one hundred acres of land, and thus he started out on his own account. lle built a good house and barn. together with other outbuildings for the sheher of grain and stock, and carried on farm work along progres- sive lines. Realizing that the fertility of the soil could be greatly increased by draining the land. he laid many rods of tiling and also made ditches for the further purpose of carrying off the ex- cess water. He likewise built fences to mark his boundaries and to apportion the farm into fields, and thus the work of farming was carried en year after year and more land was purchased until his holdings now embrace three hundred and ninety-seven acres. all in a high state of cultivation. In 1903 he parchased thirty-seven acres where he now resides within the city limits of Milford, and built an attractive two-story residence. It is largely a model home and Mr. and Mrs. Rush are now occupying it for the pur- pose of educating their children in the city schoals.

The lady who now bears the name of Mrs. Rush was in her maidenhood Miss Minnie Mote. a native of Montgomery county. Indiana, and a daughter of James H. Mote, who came to Iro- queis county in 1870. It was on the 24th day of March, 1884, that his daughter Minnie gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Bush, and their home has since been blessed with four children : llarry 1 ... Charles M., Laura A. and Geneva. The parents attend the Methodist Episcopal church at Milford and are freely accorded the hospitality of the best homes in the city and through out the surrounding district.

Withont aspiration for office, Mr. Rush is nevertheless ardent in his republicanism, for he believes that the platform of the party contains the best elements of goal government. For several years he has served on the school board ard the cause of public education has been ad- vanced through his efforts. He has always lived in Iroquois county and has witnessed much of its growth and development, for in the period of his youth there were still various evidences of

IROQUOIS COUNTY ILLINOIS

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PAST AND PRESENT OF

farm, upon which he spent his subsequent years. His first purchase of land made him owner of two hundred acres, for which he paid cash, hay- ing earned the money through the operation of rented farms in Indiana. His widow still owns the home place, which has never had a mort- gage upon it. Mr. Fidler added to his property from time to time as his financial resources in- creased until he became the owner of three hun- dred and twenty acres. He broke the sod, tilled the fields and carried forward the work of im- provement, making this farm very productive and valuable. He also erected all of the build- ings. He hauled the lumber for their first house from thirty-five miles south of Lafayette, Indi- ana, at which time there was no such a town as Watseka known here. One had to go long dis- tances to mill and to market. From early pio- neer times until his death he followed general farming and stock-raising and he always had good grades of cattle, horses and hogs upon his place. In all of his business dealings he was strictly reliable and honorable, being never known to take advantage of the necessities of others in any business transaction.

In early manhood Mr. Fidler married Miss Hattie Parker, of Indiana, and they became the parents of ten children, five of whom are now living namely : D. A., a retired farmer of Wat- seka, who has a family of four sons and four daughters; Mrs. Joseph Miller, who resides near Watseka; Mrs. David Miller, also of Watseka : William M., a well-to-do farmer living near Martinton, who is married and has two children : and Owen, who wedded Caroline Ortman and operates the home farm.

Mr. Fidler voted with the democracy and kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day. Both he and his wife attended the Chris- tian church and they also contributed to the sup- port of other denominations. Mr. Fidler was ever interested in the development and progress of this community and aided in laying the foun- ‹lation for the present prosperity and progress of this part of the state. He lived to see many changes here as the wild swamp land was re- claimed for the uses of the white race and con- verted into productive farms, while here and there thriving towns were built, the railroad, the telegraph and the telephone were introduced, and

thus Iroquois county was brought into close con- nection with the older settled portions of the country. In all of his business life Mr. Fidler was honest and upright. He was considerate in his opinions of others and kindly in manner, and his good qualities won him many friends. He died December 12, 1881, leaving behind him an honorable name as well as a goodly heritage. Mrs. Fidler now owns eighty acres of good land which is operated by her son Owen, and her home is on sections 4 and 5, Iroquois township.

AQUILLA C. CAST.

.Aquilla C. Cast, who since 1886 has been liv- ing retired, occupying one of the most beautiful homes in the county at Crescent City, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, March 13, 1837, and is a son of Hiram V. Cast, of the Buckeye state, who in 1840 became a resident of Danville, Illi- nois, where he spent his subsequent years. He devoted his time and energies to farming. Three of his brothers are still living-William, who resides at Danville and passed his eighty-fifth milestone on life's journey in April, 1906; John E .. eighty years of age, living in Clinton county, Ohio; and Jackson, seventy-eight years of age, a resident of Blanchester. Ohio.

Aquilla C. Cast is the only survivor of his father's family. The common schools of this county afforded him his educational privileges. He came to Iroquois county with his mother and stepfather. Henry Alexander, who also went to Crescent City, where he spent his remaining days. Farm work and the duties of the school- room divided the time and attention of Mr. Cast in his boyhood and youth, and after his educa- tion was completed he spent two years as a farm hand. In 1858 he purchased forty acres of land which he still owns but from time to time he has added to his property until his possessions now aggregate three hundred and twenty acres of the rich farming land of this section of the state. Of this a quarter section is situated a mile and a half west of Crescent City in Iroquois township. while one hundred and sixty acres is near Del- rey, in Onarga township, which is his wife's share of her father's estate, the land having been

A. C. CAST.

O. THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

IROQUOIS COUNTY, ILLINOIS

entered by Mr. Robinson. Mr. Cast broke the dents of the county and enables 1 1 11 & 1 - land, placed it under the plow, continued the Ja many of the comfort and luxury of his in honorable retirement in a pleasant home in work of cultivation through many years and now has two good farms. He successfully carried off Crescent City. farming and stock-raising, making a steady progress, and in both branches of his business met with gratifying success. For twenty years he has lived retired, having put aside the active JOHN T. KIDD work of the farm in 1886, in which year he re moved to Crescent City, where he has since lived. He there buih a commodious dwelling. sur- rounded by broad porches and constituting alle of the beautiful home of Iroquois county. It was created in 1905 and in its furnishings shows regard to both taste and comfort.

Mrs. Cast, who has for many years traveled life's journey by his side, was in her maidenhond! Miss Isabelle J. Robinson, a native of Indiana, and a daughter of William D. Robinson, who came to this county at an early day, settling near Delrey. Eight children have been born to this union, of whom four have passed away, while four are yet living. The family record is a- follows: Nettie is the wife of Theodore ti- christ, who resides near her father in Crescent City, and who is supervisor of the Crescent town - ship. They have three children. Carrie is the wife of Charles (. Parkman, a resident of Wash- ington and they have two sons. Elmer \ .. who is a professor in a college in Spokane. Washing- ton, married Nora Torbut, and they have six children. Aha E. is residing at home and de- votes her time to teaching and to music. Ama Grace became the wife of hate Bude and died leaving a daughter, who is living with her father near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania William died at the age of nine years, and two children die in youth.

Mr. Fast votes an independent ticket and las served as collector, assessor and in other local positions. He is a member of Standard lodge. No. 67. 1. 0. O. F., at Crescent City, and his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. to which he contributes generously. Investiga- tion into his life history- and it will hear the closest scrutiny-shows that in his business he has ever been careful, systematic energetic and reliable. These are always essential qualities of success and have brought him a measure of pros- perity that classes him with the substantial resi-

The Kidd family has been well known and prominent in agricultural circles in Progress county for many years and John T. hold is now a well known and successful farmer and strick- man of Danforth township. He was born in l'eoria county, Illinois, in that, a son of Richard and Mary A. (Twitchell) Kidd. The father, who died here in 1875, was born in Winchester, West Virginia, in 1810. Having been reared in the state of his nativity, he came to Ilmois about 1833. when a young man of twenty -three years, and located at Peoria. Subsequently be pur- chased a farm which remained his home until his removal to Iroquois county in 1871. He then rented a farm in Danforth township, upon which he made his home until his death. In business life he was active and energetic and m commu- nity affairs was influential. He served for ten vear- as township treasurer and also acted as school director in l'eoria county He also as- sisted in dividing that county into townships and his pubhe life was of material benefit to the community, as he stood for development and progress along all lines. The township elections were held at his home for some ten years before a township hall was created That he was a man in whom his fellow citizens reprised trust and confidence is shown not only by the fact that he Was often called to public office but also by reason of the fact that he was administrator in in may estates. No trust reported in him was ever betrayed in the slightest degree and he was fair and honorable in all relations.

Richard Kidd was married to Miss Mary 1. Twichel, who was born in Oswego county, Ven York, in 1823. a daughter of Mr. and Mlr- Sawyer I'wichell. Her father died in the Empire state, but her mother passed away in l'enria county, Illinois. Mrs Kidd had four sisters who came to this state: Hannah, the wife of Judge William Hall, a very prominent and early

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resident of Peoria : Mrs. Ruth Easton, who re- moved to lowa and is now deceased : Mrs. W. Holmes, who has passed away ; and Ann, who was the second wife of Mr. Holmes and has also departed this life.

Unto Richard and Mary Kidd were born nine children. Hester is the wife of \. Harrison, liv- ing in Peoria county, Illinois. Mary H., who is at home, has taught school for forty years in both Peoria and Iroquois counties, and also in Ford and Stark counties. She is still in the pro- tession though not teaching at the present time. James R., living in Peoria county, is a blacksmith by trade but is now retired from active business. Amanda is the wife of George W. McMillan. who is residing in Richland township, Iroquois county. Hannah is the wife of C. W. Davis, of Eldorado. Kansas, Emma is at home. W. A .. who died at his home in Gilman in 1902. owned a farm near Onarga and at his death left a widow who is residing in Gilman. Idla A. is the wife of W. J. Peters, of Calhoun county, lowa.

The other member of the family is John T. Kidd, whose name introduces this record. lle is the youngest of the family and is an enterpris- ing and energetic farmer of Danforth township. operating the old home place in addition to which he owns eighty acres of land on section 3. Dan- forth township, which he is cultivating. He is practical in all his methods of farm work and carries on his tasks in the same energetic, deter- mined manner, so that gratifying success is at- tending his labors. Politically he and his brothers are all republicans, stanch in support of the party, and he has served for two terms as school di- rector. In religious faith part of the family are connected with the Methodist Episcopal church and others with the Presbyterian church.

ALONZO F. GOODYEAR.

Among the strong and able members of the Iroquois county bar at Watseka who have won public recognition as indicated by a liberal and growing clientage, is numbered Alonzo F. Good- year. He was born August 30. 1801, in Taze- well county, Illinois, and is a representative of one of the old American families, his ancestors

coming originally from Cumberland, England. while for generations previous the family had been residents of that country. The Goodyears of America are descended from a branch of the family which had settled in Middlesex. England, George Stephen Goodyear having been born in Monken Hadley, that county. He was the first of the family in the new worldl, having crossed the Atlantic to America in 1638, and he served as deputy governor of New Haven colony from 1043 until 1658. His son was Lieutenant John G. Goodyear, and the line of descent is traced down through Timothy. Seymour. Marks and Alonzo Pryor Goodyear to our subject.

The father, Alonzo Pryor Goodyear, was born in New York and wedded Mary Humphrey, of an old family prominent in the history of the Empire state in colonial times. In 1837 Alonzo P. Goodyear came to Illinois with his father, Marks Goodyear. the family settling at Tremont. In 1874 be removed to Iroquois county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming until 1001. He then retired from active business life and now resides at Woodland. He has for many years been a highly respected resident of this part of the state and while not an office seeker he has been a man of considerable activity and influence in public affairs.

Alonzo F. Goodyear was educated in the pub- lic schools of Illinois and after thorough prelimi- nary training engaged in teaching, which profes- sion he followed in Iroquois county for several years, recognized as one of the able educators of the locality. He also acted for two years as assistant county superintendent of schools and while following the profession of teaching he took up the study of law, while later he matric- ulated in the Northwestern Law School at Chi- cago. Admitted to the bar in 1886, he began practice in connection with the late Judge Ilil- scher and has made steady progress in a profes- sion where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit and ability. In 1888 he was elected to the office of state's attorney. His part- nership with Judge Hilscher was continued until the latter's elevation to the bench, since which time Mr. Goodyear has practiced alone. A large and distinctively representative clientage has been accorded him, and in the trial of causes he has been found strong and forceful. presenting

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1 HE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

IROQUOIS COUNTY HILINOIS

his case In clear and foglal statuer, so that he never in to impress court of jury alto we'd en falls to win the verdict desired. He has been the children drive in a one har wagen He master in chancers. has served on the lol brasil and has acted as akkerman of Watched. to, became a resident of Dong's township. Ir ap is county, and for a long period was also. ciated with the agricultural interests . 1 ths port of the state in all of which positions he has rendered signal service to his fellow citizens. He is highly re spected as a man of loyalty of patriation and public spirit and is both popular and successful. His political allegiance is given to the republican parts and as a champion of its principles he has denw effective service in its behalf.

In January, IN0. Mr Goodyear was married to Miss Stella MI Mers, a daughter of M D. Myers, of Iroquois counts, and they have two children: Robert, who was born August 20. 1503. and Lawrence, born September 5. 1807. The parents are members of the Methodist church and fraternalls Mr. Goodyear is com nected with the Masons and other societies. He has attained the Kmght Templar degree in the craft and is one of the worthy representatives di that organization

JOHN LEVIE

'The name of Levie has long figured conspicu mushy and honorably in connection with the his- tory of agricultural development and progress in Traquons county. John Levie was born in Vir gina. August to, 1820, and came to Ilinois about 1830. This was the pioneer spoch in the history of the state and antedating the era of rail- road construction. In early days he drove a stage between Chicago and Morris, Ines, being thus engaged until about 18%), when he came to Ire quais county and investel hes savings in forty acres of land. He has sine lived in Douglas township and has long ranked with the leading and representative agrienfturists of the commit- nity, known and honored for his sterling worth and Is fidelity to honorable principles

On the 4th of October, 1849), John Levie was united in marriage to Miss Martha Dial, of Kendall contts, Hneis, a daughter of Fhas and Hhzabeth (Dean) Deal, who came to the side about 1840 from South Carolina The at first settle near Aurora, where Ur Dial engaged in

Termin Ater Long Min wie he walk e trytil Inens to las ed hemne in South Cambia and

Int . Mr. and Mrs John Levi wer barn four children who are vet living, and they also test and win, Elmer, who was born April S. 1808, and de parted this Kie September 5. 18 The me-

(arra, chest, in the wife of Llward L Dver. who is engaged in the insurance business in Aurora. Mum follows farming in Nebraska Frank, bern December 10. 1850. has devoted his entire life to agricultural parents in Douglas township, hving upon the old lone plac- In connection with his brother Charles he conducts the farm of three hundred and four acres ci rich and arable land. They are enterprising agriculturists and stock raisers, having brought their fields under a high state of cultivation, so that rich crops are annually produced. Their stock-raising interests are also proving a profit- able source of income to them and. being men of marked business ability and enterprise, they have also extended their efforts into other fields of ac- tivity and are now conducting a sawmill and buying considerable timber. Frank Leve has filled the office of school director for the past fifteen years and is a stalwart champion of the cause of education. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and in all matters of citizenship he is progressive and public- spirited.

Charles Lavie, who is a partner of his brother in various business ventures, was born Septem- ber 22. 1800, in fromquots counts, and was cdu- cated in the public schools. He carly received thorough training in the practical work of the tarm on the old homestead and, as stated, Is in partnerslop with his brother Frank in the farm- ing and stock raising interests and In the sawmill Respei Broadland, Hinos, a daughter of Koh- Mr. thanks Lave Ds have three children Later Arouca, born January 21. 1kg, Bem

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min Curtis, September 5. 1895; and Charles Franklin, July 21. 1807.

Like his brother. Charles Levie is a stalwart republican and has served as school director for six years. Both brothers are progressive business men, diligent and industrious, and through the utilization of the opportunities that have come to them they have made steady progress in the business world. In all trade transactions they are found thoroughly reliable and trustworthy and the name of Levie has been an honored and respected one in agricultural circles since the father, John Levie, established his home in Iro- quois county forty-six years ago. Ile is now a venerable man of eighty-six years, being one of the oldest residents of his township.

JOHN MILTON BALTHIS.

The measure of success which John Milton Balthis has attained as the result of close appli- cation and unfaltering diligence enables him now to live retired and he leaves the active work of the farm to others. He owns two hundred and eighty acres on section 11. Chebanse township. in the midst of which stands a convenient and comfortable residence with modern appoint- ments. It is surrounded by a magnificent grove of trees, which were planted by Mr. Balthis, the grove containing three thousand maple, six hun- dred apple and one hundred cherry trees, beside many other varieties in smaller quantities. He has probably planted the largest collection of trees of any man in the county. The home farm is one of the attractive features of the landscape and indicates in its excellent appearance the care- ful supervision of the owner.

Mr. Balthis has now reached the venerable age of almost eighty years, his birth having occurred in Zanesville, Ohio. October 5. 1827. Ilis par- ents were Major John and Lenity ( Morton ) Bal- this, early residents of the Buckeye state. The father was born at Strasburg. Shenandoah county. Virginia, in 1798 and died in Zanesville. Ohio, August 17. 1872. Ilis wife was born in Eastport. Maine, July 4. 1794. and passed away in Zanesville, Ohio, September 22, 1872. Colum-

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Past and present of Iroquois County, Illinois, Part 29

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