USA > Illinois > Iroquois County > Past and present of Iroquois County, Illinois > Part 53
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Mr. Brougher is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred near Harrisburg on the 6th of August. 1846. His father, John Brougher, was born in the same county of Penn- sylvania, and the grandfather. John Brougher.
Sr., was one of the pioneers of the Keystone state. John Brougher, Jr., was reared and mar- ried there, the lady of his choice being Mrs. Eleanor Ann Lutz, nee Gregory. He was a farmer and mechanic, in early life karning the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for some time. Later his energies were more largely given to farm work and thus he provided for his family. Ile spent his entire life in Pennsylvania, passing away there in 1876, having for about two years survived his wife, who died in 1874. Their family numbered four sons and four danghters and all are yet living save the eldest son, Oliver, who after his marriage came to Illi- nois and died in Chicago.
Alben I. Brougher was reared in the usual manner of farm lads upon the old homestead in Pennsylvania. His education was largely ac- quired in the common schools and when eight- een years of age he was married in the Keystone state to Miss Mary Ann Messinger, who later died in Pennsylvania when but a young woman of eighteen years. There was one child of that marriage, Miles Brougher, who is now a busi- ness man of Stephenson, Pennsylvania.
In the year 1871 Alben 1 .. Brougher made his way westward to Indiana, locating first at .Aller- ton, where in 1872 he married his present wife. who bore the maiden name of Nancy E. Brown. She was a native of Indiana, born in Fountain county, and pursued her education there. Fol- lowing his marriage he located where he now resides in Prairie tireen township, his wife hav- ing inherited one hundred and sixty acres of land. This, however, was wild and uncultivated, but Mr. Brougher broke the sod and carried forward the work of improvement until he transformed the once wild land into productive fields. He opened up the farm and bought an adjoining tract of one hundred and sixty acres in 1888. It was also raw land but he soon brought it im- der the plow and he likewise broke three hun- dred and twenty acres of prairie sod. The hard- ships and privations of pioneer life fell to his lot but were bravely met and in the course of years they were no longer experienced, for the comforts of an advanced civilization were intro- duced. Mr. Brougher, by ditching and tiling. drained his land and he enclosed it with a hedge fence, which has since been replaced with a woven
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wire fence. He also bought more land, invest- ing in one hundred and sixty acres adjoining the original tract, and he now has a valuable and well improved farm comprising four hun- dred and eighty acres of very rich and productive land. He has placed good buildings upon it and uses the latest improved machinery in the care of the farm and the cultivation of the crops. lle likewise owns a farm of two hundred and sixty-six acres in Vermilion county. This is also well equipped with modern accessories and the fields have been brought under a high state of cultivation.
U'nto Mr. and Mrs. Brougher have been born six children : John R. and Merwin W., who are twins and are now married: Alben J., at home : Velera Ann, the wife of David Hazner, a farmer of Prairie Green township: Leah, the wife of Edward Duncan, of Ellis Station, Illinois : and Mary, the wife of George Dobson, of Stockland township.
The parents attend the Methodist Episcopal church. In Masonry Mr. Brougher has attained the Knight Templar degree, belonging to the blue lodge and chapter at Hoopeston and to the commandery at Watseka, although he took the degrees of chivalric Masonry in Paxton. Ilis political allegiance is given to the democracy and although he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day he has never sought or desired office, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his business inter- ests. At an earlier date he engaged in breeding and dealing in Aberdeen Angus cattle and he has also raised good horses, one team bringing seven hundred and fifty dollars, another five him- dred and fifty dollars and a third, five hundred and thirty-five dollars. He has this raised some of the best horses in the county and has gained more than local reputation as a stock dealer. Although he had no money at the outset of his career but was dependent upon his own resources and labors for success, he has so directed his work by sound judgment that he is now owner of seven hundred and forty-six acres of fine land in three well improved farms. llis name is synonymous with business integrity as well as enterprise and in all of his life he has never been known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any trade transaction. In manner
he is genial and cordial and his good qualities are such as have endeared him to those with whom he has come in contact and brought him warm friendships.
ORREN GEORGE NOSKER.
Orren George Nosker was a respected business man of Sheklon, whose genuine worth. aside from his industrial interests, was widely ac- knowledged, and it is therefore mete that men- tion be made of him in this volume. He was born in Iroquois county, Illinois, on the 27th of August. 1858, and his death occurred in Paris, Texas, on the 3d of November. 1904. when he had passed the age of forty-six years. His par- ents, George and Mary Jane ( Markley ) Nosker. came to Illinois from Ohio and for some time lived in Iroquois county.
The son was a student in the public schools of Sheldon and there acquainted himself with the common branches of learning, but early in life was obliged to leave school, owing to the death of his father which made it incumbent that he provide for his own support. He became a painter and decorator and did a contracting busi- ness in that line. Many a business house in Shel- don, together with many of the fine homes of the town, bear evidence of his artistic work in this direction. The interior of his own home shows his handiwork and indicates that he possessed much artistic ability and originality, the wood- work and mantel being carved by himself after his own designs.
Mr. Nosker was not only an excellent work- man in the line of painting and decorating, but also possessed much inventive genius and took ont four patents, the latest obtained in 1902. He was the founder of the business which for a time was conducted under the name of the Per- fection Bag Holder Company, and which later was incorporated under the name of the Shel- don Novelty Works. The business has since been moved to Kankakee, Illinois, where it is still carried on. Mr. Nosker's last patent, ob- tained November 11, 1902, was an improvement on the Perfection Bag Holder, and was patented under the name of the Nosker Bag Holder.
ORREN G. NOSKER.
O THE
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On the 24th of May, 1883, Mr. Nosker was united in marriage to Miss Evalinte Lavinia Mitchell, daughter of Lewis and Lah Mitchell. and they had two children, Irma Hard and Kenneth William. Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Nosker continued to reside in Sheldon until June, foot, when they moved to Paris, Texas, where he continued activeh in business as contractor and painter until his death. The remains were brought back to Sheldon fer interment.
Mr. Nosker was a charter member of Dass Crockett camp. No. 552. M. W. A., of Sheldon. Illinois. Politically he was a democrat in the broadest sense of the word. He was thoroughly trustworthy in all business transactions, his com- mercial integrity being above question. To those who knew him, he was warm hearted and generous and held friendship inviolable, but while he was a faithful and progressive citizen and a true friend, his best traits of character were reserved for his own home and fireside. where he was a devoted husband and a kind and loving father.
ROBERT SANFORD SHRIMPLIN.
Robert Sanford Shrimplin, actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits in Concord town- ship. was born in Knox county, Ohio, in 1870 and is a descendant of an old southern family. His paternal great-grandfather. John Shrimplin, traveled on foot with gun and dog from Mary - land to Knox county, Ohio, in 1799. He found that the Indians were very numerous there but this did not deter him from becoming a pioneer resident of the state and in contributing to its substantial improvement ard development at an early day. In iSot he buih the first mill in Ohio. making the machinery for its operation. He traded and dealt with the Indians and became ene of the extensive landowners of the county, hav- ing several thousand acres. He also had a boat- yard and owned a number of flat boats, on which he shipped pri luce bought fr'on the In- dians to the New Orkans market. His log cabin was supplied with a trap door and he med every precaution for protection such as was needed
in these days, yet he had little trouble with the red men. He belonged to that class of repre- sentative pioncer citizens whose labors are stil manifest in the beneficial milucrees which fol- lowed their efforts im planting the sale of e- ilization in a new district.
Hannibal W. Shrimplin, father of our subject. was born in Knox county. This, in 1852 and came to Iroquois county in May, 1881, at which time he purchased one hundred and ninety three acres of land in Concord township from 1. J. East. This was not improved and with charac- teristic energy he began its cultivation and de velogement. In tout he built a barn, sits by forty fest, with twenty font posts. He has put in twenty -five hundred rods of tile, has fenced his place and added all of the modern equipments and accessories. He also purchased the Brown farm, containing eighty-siv acres of land on se- tion 31. Concord township, and from Jacobs Strickler bought two hundred and forty acres ( section to. He has tiled and fenced his land. built a new corn crib and added other evidences of progressive farming. In connection with the cultivation of the soil he has also extensively raised cattle and hogs but he now rents much of his land to his sons. Hannibal Shrimplin was married to Miss Riene Kehren Happy, of Penn- sylvania, and unto them were born three chil- dren, of whom all are yet living. The daughter. Kehren, is at home. In his political views the father has long been a stalwart democrat and for three years he served as road commissioner. His time and attention, however, have been prin cipally given to his farming interests, in which he has prospered. On the Both of June, 1881, he purchased his present farm with a crop on it for thirty five dollars per acre and today it is worth one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre.
Robert Sanford Shrimplin, coming to Iroquois county with his father in 18844. lived at home until about seven years ago and in the public schools acquired his education, while in the sumner months he worked in the fields and became in- miliar with all the duties of farm life. 1& m) Is removed to a farm belonging to his in- ther on section 12, Concord township, where he has since made his home. He has helped put in a half mile of tiling on the place and made other substantial improvements. He bought
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thirty-one acres for himself in Concord township adjoining his father's land, and throughout his entire life he has carried on general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, making a specialty of Poland China hogs. Durham cattle and driv- ing horses. Both branches of his business are proving profitable.
Mr. Shrimplin was married in Kentland. In- diana, in April, 1808, to Miss Sarah F. Denny. who was born in that state in August, 1883. They have four children : Manfred. Clinton, Clayton and Frank Lester. The family are well known in the county and Mr. Shrimplin and his wife have many warm friends who esteem them for their genuine worth and many good qualities.
BON. IRA F. PALMER.
Hon. Ira F. Palmer, who for eight consecutive years has been mayor of Onarga and since 1872 has been an active practitioner of medicine in this city, has performed for his fellow townsmen a work scarcely equalled, for in both professional and official circles his labors have been of the ut- most benefit. Onarga owes her modern improve- ments largely to his labors and influence, for those interests and public utilities which are a matter of civic virtue and of civic pride had their inception, in great measure, in the progressive spirit and practical plans of Dr. Palmer.
.A native of St. Lawrence county, New York, he was born on the 23d of May, 1845. His paternal grandfather, Moses Palmer, was a native of Connecticut, but his parents, Gordon and Bet- sey ( Kelley) Palmer, were born in the Empire state. The father, whose birth occurred Septem- ber 16, 1811, arrived in Chicago with his family on the first passenger train that ran over the Michigan Central Railroad into Chicago arriv- ing on the 21st of May. 1852, and went by rail to Aurora, Illinois, which was then the terminus of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. From there the family proceeded to Newark, Ken- dlall county, by stage, the father having purchased a farm of two hundred acres at Hollenback's Grove. Upon the place was a log cabin from which the former occupants had been driven at the time of the Black Hawk war. While living
in this cabin the Palmers were often visited by Shabbona, a chief of the Pottawattamies, who notified the white settlers of Fox river valley of their danger so that they were enabled to seek safety at the forts of Joliet and Ottawa. A coun- cil of war was held by the Indians under Black Hawk at a point across the river and about three miles from Hollenback's Grove. and Shabbona proved his friendliness to the white settlers by warning different families, including the Hollen- backs of their danger.
The log cabin which became the home of the Palmer family, had not a piece of iron in it. It was a typical structure of pioneer times. such as is utterly unknown to the younger generation. Here the family lived from 1852 to 1853. when they moved into a commodious frame house. In 1864 they removed to a farm of two hundred and fifty acres at Yorkville, Illinois, on the north side of Fox river, where Gordon Palmer built a fine brick farm house, which is now owned and oc- cupied by Fred G. Palmer, a brother of the Doctor.
Gordon Palmer was the father of three sons and five daughters and the family was among the early pioneers of this part of the state. The Palmers came originally from New England ancestry. while in the maternal line they were descended from the Eastmans, of Hopkinton. New York.
Dr. Palmer, the eldest of eight children, was only seven years of age when brought by his parents to Illinois. He began his education in a log schoolhouse near his father's home, his teacher being the Hon. George M. Hollenback, of Aurora, now judge, who was the first white child born in Kendall county. Dr. Palmer assisted his father on the farm when not in school. Later he became a student in the Fowler Institute, Newark, Kendall county, Illinois. When eighteen years of age he responded to his country's call for troops. enlisting in January, 1864. He joined the army at Chattanooga, Tennessee, and was mustered out in February, 1866. Soon after he went to the front he was transferred to the medical service. with which he was connected during the cam- paign of that year, and later became a member of Company C. One Hundred and Forty-seventh Illi- nois Infantry, and at the close of the war was in the United States mail service with head- quarters at Macon, Georgia.
Mrs. Ina. F. Palmer.
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After his return from the war Dr. Palmer In- came a student in the University of Chicago. He was always a thorough student and possessed an unfailing memory. These qualities made a ground foundation for the study of medicine which he began in Chicago, and afterward was graduated from the t'incinnati (Ohio) Medical School in 1872. He first located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. but in August of the same year removed to Onar- ga. Illinois, where he has since remained in the active and successful practice of medicine. This covers a period of more than a third of a century. and almost from the beginning he has been ac corded a position of prominence as one of the most able and learned members of the profession in the county. He has been the recipient of an extensive patronage, which he has well merited Because he has kept in touch with the onward march of the profession.
On the 27th of November, 1872. Dr. Palmer wedded Miss Emma A. Wood, a daughter of Charles R. and Mary .A. (Gilbert ) Wood. They have two children : Paul J .. Lorn December 27. 1874: and Clifford Gordon, born March 7. 1880. The Doctor and Mrs. Palmer are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mrs. Palmer is a lady of culture and refinement, and an enthusi- astic Chautauquan. She has been president of the Woman's Relief Corps of Onarga, and was a member for nine years of the board of education of Onarga public schools.
Dr. Palmer exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the re- publican party, and has, in fact, ben one of its stalwart advocates since casting his first presiden- tial vote for General Grant in 1808 in the city of Chicago. His father was a republican before him, and Dr. Palmer, then a small boy, accompa- ried him when he cast his vote in 1850 for John C. Fremont, the first presidential candidate of the party. lle also remembers the Lincoln-Douglas debate in 1858. This was a year never to be forgotten in the political history of the state and nation. Then occurred the most memorable cam- paign in the annals of Illinois. Dr. Palmer, who regards Lincoln with all the admiration, love, and veneration which are given to the martyred presi- dent by those who have been close students of the history of the nation, attended the joint de- lite between Lincoln and Douglas held in Otta-
Md. He was then a lad in his early teens but the occasion made an indelible impression upon his mind. I rom the time when he heard the debate mentioned. Dr. Palmer became a strong advocate of Lincoln and years have not dimmed his great admiration for the man who seemed destined by a superior power for the place that he filled.
Dr. Palmer has been honored with several local offices, having filled the office of supervisor al- together for twenty years, being first elected in 1877 and in 1870 was elected chairman of the hard. His incumberey at that time continued for five years and in 1888 he was again chosen for the office. He was pension exammer for four and a half years, from 1889 to 1803. during the Har- rison administration. He has been mayor of the city for eight consecutive years and his retention in office is the highest proof of his capability and fidelity. The modern improvements in the city largely owe their existence to him. While in- cumbent in a county office, he took no part in mu- nicipal affairs but after his election to the mayor- alty he made a close study of the needs of the city and opportunities for advancement and develop- ment. During his second term he installed on a paying basis the waterworks and made other pub- lic improvements, both while acting as supervisor and as mayor, and while his administration has ben void of all useless or extravagant expendi- ture of the public funds, he has nevertheless stood for substantial improvement and advancement and that his course receives uniform endorsement from the best citizens, is evidenced by the support given him at the polls.
Dr. Palmer is a member of Babcock post. No. 416. G. A. R., and has been post surgeon. He is also a member of the Palmer Family Reunion of Stonington, Connecticut. He came to ( marga a young man of linnted means, just out of col- lege, but he had equipped himself thoroughly for his profession and soon demonstrated his abil- ity in that direction. Patrons came to him, and as the years passed he prospered. As his financial resources increased he made investments in prop- erty and is now owner of several tine farms in Illinois, besides land in Dakota, Missouri, lowa and Montana, while his home is one of the fine residences of the county, supplied with all the modern convemences and tastefully and richly furnished, but its chief attraction is its gracions
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and cordial hospitality. Dr. Palmer is a gentle- man of genial disposition. The poor always find in him a friend ready and glad to give his time and effort for the assistance of those in trouble. These qualities, combined with his native intel- lectual force, have gained for him the position of leadership which he now occupies in professional, business and political circles in Iroquois county.
WILLIAM C. ESHLEMAN.
William C. Eshleman is one of the prominent business men of Thawville, where he is conduct- ing a wholesale and retail meat market. He is also a public-spirited citizen, whose efforts have been of direct benefit in support of those meas- ures which tend to promote the general welfare. and he is the present assessor of Ridgeland town- ship. He has made his home in Illinois since March, 1866, and in 1869 took up his abode in Iroquois county. He was born in Green Village in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, September 3. 1847. His father, J. W. Eshleman, was also a native of the Keystone state, where he was reared to manhood. He reared his own family there. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Clark, was likewise a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of William Clark, a pioneer settler of the Keystone state. J. W. Eshleman became a business man of Green Village and of Liverpool, Perry county, Penn- sylvania, where he sold goods for many years and was thus a prominent factor in the com- mercial interests of those places.
William C. Eshleman of this review was one of a family of three children and was reared to manhood in the county of his nativity. Good edu- cational privileges were afforded him but he left school in order to join the army when sixteen years of age. enlisting at Chambersburg. Penn- sylvania, as a member of Company E. Twenty- first Volunteer Cavalry, with which he served for two years. He served under General Sheridan in the Army of the Potomac and met the usual experiences and hardships meted out to the soldier.
After the war he came west to Bureau county. Illinois, where he engaged in farming, being em-
ployed in that way for a year. Ile spent the year 1807 in western Nebraska on railroad work. assisting in the construction of the Union Pa- cific Railroad. He then returned to Illinois and in 1869 became a resident of Iroquois county, where he invested his earnings in eighty acres of land in Ridgeland township. Ile at once be- gan to improve this tract and built thercon a good residence and substantial barn. Ile owned and cultivated that farm for about four years, at the end of which time he bought where he now resides, having one hundred and twenty acres in his tract. He has since built a good house, has also put up substantial barns and outbuild- 'ings for the shelter of grain and stock. and has a flowing well upon his place one hundred feet deep.
In the fall of 1872 was celebrated the mar- riage of Mr. Eshleman and Miss Emma Dier- couff, a native of Germany and a daughter of William H. Diercouff, who on coming to Amer- ica settled in Woodford county, Illinois, and subsequently became residents of Iroquois coun- ty. Mr. and Mrs. Eshleman now have five chil- dren: William J., who married Miss Gertrude Gorley and is a business man of Thawville : Kate. the wife of Walter Lee, of Sheldon, Illinois; John II., who is married and lives upon the old home farm about four miles north of Thawville : Lewis E., who is married and resides in the village : and Bert, who is also married and lives in the village.
The parents continued to reside upon the home farm until 1902, when they took up their abode in Thawville, where Mr. Eshleman is con- ducting a meat market in connection with his son Bert. Throughout his business career he has been watchful of opportunities, which he has im- proved, and owing to his business discernment and keen enterprise he has advanced steadily to a position among the prosperous and enterpris- ing business men of the county. In politics hic is an carnest republican, having stanchly sup- ported the party since he cast his first presiden- tial ballot for U. S. Grant. He has never failed to vote at a presidential election since that time and in community affairs he has been active and influential. For some years he served as road commissioner and has been school director and president of the school board. In 1903 he was
HOME OF IRA F. PALMER, M. D., ONARG.A.
O CHE DUFRIT OF ILLOIS
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elected to the office ai assessor and his me till beney in that position will continue for two ceat . longer. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church and Mr. Eshleur is a past grand of Thawville lodge. 1. 0 0 1. while both he and his wife are identified with the Rebekah lodge. He also holds membership in Babcock post. G. A. K., of O marga His interest in the public hie of the community is the mani- festation of a public-spirited citizenship and at all times his aid and co-operation can be counted upon to further progressive public movements What he has accomplished in the business world is an indication of strong purpose and keen dis- crimination and his record is one that has gained In uniform admiration and respect.
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