Past and present of Iroquois County, Illinois, Part 54

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

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JOHN NELSON.

John Nelson is a self-made man deserving di much credit for the success that he has accom- plished. He came to the United States when a young man of twenty years with limited capital but an unbounded supply of energy and determi- nation, and upon those qualities to serve as a foundation he has builded the superstructure of his present prosperity. He is now engaged in the grain trade in Donovan, where he owns an elevator, and since the administration of l'resi- sent Garfield has continuously served as post- master of the town save for the periods of den- ocratie rule under President Cleveland.

A native of Sweden, Mr. Nelson was born in August. 1844, and is a son of S. and Anna (Johnson) Nelson, who were farming people of Sweden, where they spent their entire lives. in his native land John Nelson acquired his educ't- tion and the favorable reports which he heard concerning the new world influenced him to seek In fortune in this country. Accordingly he crossed the Atlantic in 1804 and made his way at once to Iroquois county. Having no capital with which to purchase land he first rented a farne in Beaver township, which he operated for two years, subsequent to which time he engaged in clerking in a store in Iroquois. He next re- moved to Sheldon and was in the employ of Mr Hager, but in 1873 came to Donovan and

the hren of Johnson & Nelson, in which he call- tumed unul 1828 He has been identified with the gran trade since 180, and i 18 be built an elevator with a capacity of fifty thousand bushels He also built an office and other build ings. He elevator is equipped with steam power and all modern accessories and m fact is one of the best of the kind in this part of the state. Mr. Nelson buys and ships all kinds of gram. handling about three hundred thousand bushels annuals. His business bas thus steadily grown until he now handles a large part of the grain raised in this district and as the years have passed hus name has become a most honored one on commercial paper. In addition to his man- agement of the elevator and grain trade Mr. Nelson has long served as postmaster, receiving appointment to the office under Presidents har- field. Harrison, Mckinley and Roosevelt. This is a fourth class office and has three rural mail routes in connection therewith, supplying one thousand people daily with their mail. Has ca- pable management of the office is indicated by the fact that he has so long been continued in the position.

Mr. Nelson was married in Watseka. in 1874. to Miss Anna S. Johnson, who was born in Catania, Sweden, June 24. 1853. They became the parents of five children: John W. who is engaged in the Hardware business ; C. A. Ernest, who is deputy postmaster; Oscar I., who is con- nected with the operation of the elevator. Neva S., who is attending the Champaign University : and Almeda C., at home. The family residence 1% a large eleven-room dwelling, which was created by Mr Nelson and which he has sup- plied with a hot water heating plant and many other modern accessories and conveniences. mak- ing it a model home. Mr Nelson has been called upon to mourn the loss of his estimable wife. who after a nine days' illness passed to her heavenly hone January 4. 1907, at the age of fifty-three years, six months and ten days. She was prepared to meet her Heavenly Father and daring her illness she sweetly hummed and sang those beautiful hymns. "Peace. Wonderful Peace" and "Is so Sweet to Trust in Jesus." In 1872 she became a member of the Swedish church in Beaver, to which she belonged until

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the Angel of Death called her. Her last words were to her son, asking if she was home yet. She was tenderly laid to rest in the Swedish cemetery at Beaver, Monday, January 7, 1907.

As his long continuance in the office of post- master indicates, Mr. Nelson is a republican in his political views and is recognized as one of the stalwart champions of the party in Donovan. Various officials honors have been accorded him and in the different positions which he has filled he has always been recognized as one who well merits the trust reposed in him. For two terms he served as supervisor of Beaver township and he has also been town clerk, collector and as- sessor, while since 1877 he has been school trustee. He is a member of O. H. Miner lodge, No. 506, A. F. & A. M., to which his three sons also belong, and his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church. His life exemplifies his belief, for he has ever made it his purpose and effort to follow closely the golden rule. A residence of more than forty years in this county has made him widely known and his enterprise in business, his fidelity in cit- izenship and his loyalty to those with whom he is associated have gained him high regard and warm friendships.

AUGUST KAUFMANN.

Loda township has its full quota of wide- awake, alert and enterprising farmers, whose efforts have contributed to the reputation that Iroquois county has gained as one of the richest agricultural districts of this great state. Mr. Kaufmann, following farming on section 2, Loda township, owns and operates two hundred acres of land, having here a well improved property upon which are two sets of farm buildings. Everything about the place is kept in a state of good repair and the work is carried forward along lines of modern progress. A native of Germany, he lost his father in that country, after which he and his mother came to the new world in 1854, locating in Cook county, where they joined the brothers of our subject, who had already crossed the Atlantic. August Kaufmann was afforded good school privileges, being edu-

cated in both the German and English tongues. He was reared in Cook county and in 1873 came to Iroquois county, where he worked as a farm hand by the month until the following spring, when he rented land and thus engaged in farming on his own account for five years.

On the 5th of March, 1875, was celebrated the marriage of August Kaufmann and Miss Fred- erecke Schoenfeld, a German lady. With re- newed impetus he took up the burdens of busi- ness life and his first purchase of land made him owner of eighty acres where he now resides. He had formerly rented the place, had broken prairie and had improved the farm, working it for six years prior to the time when he acquired the ownership thereof. At a later date he added forty acres adjoining and subsequently another tract of eighty acres, so that his farm now com- prises two hundred acres on section 2, Loda township. He 'has erected a comfortable dwel- ing, a large barn, cribs and a granary, has put in a wind pump and stock scales, also a feed mill and the latest improved machinery. He has likewise planted fruit, has fenced and tiled the land and made the farm what it is today-valu- able and productive property. He has also put up a set of farm buildings for his son Fred, who likewise lives on this farm. The father also owns another tract of land of eighty acres on section 12, Loda township. It was all new and wild when it came into his possession and is now well improved. He has still another tract of land of one hundred and twenty-two and a half acres on section II and sixty-four acres adjoin- ing the town of Buckley, so that his landholdings are now quite extensive and their value has been greatly increased by the modern equipments and improvements he has placed upon them.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kaufmann have been born eleven children: Fred, who is married and fol- lows farming ; Lizzie, the wife of Gus Koschnick, a farmer of Loda township; William, a business man of Buckley ; Clara, at home ; Allie, the wife of Fred Preisel, of Kankakee; Pauline, George, Eddie Lillie, Alma and Martine, all at home.

The parents were reared in the Lutheran faith and are now members of the German Lutheran church of Buckley, in which Mr. Kaufmann is serving as an officer. Politically he is inde- pendent, supporting the best men regardless of

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IROQUOIS COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

party affiliation the has served as highway on By the cardial husbandagent his resource dur- missioner for four and a half years but has never ing that period he was then enabled to en bark in business on his own account and in thos entered into partnership with Carl Purch under the tim style of Porch & Wolff, opening a general mercantile store at thebans. They have since remained proprietors of this enterprise. their business relation proving mutually pleasant and profitable, and as the years have gone by they have developed a small business Into one of grati fying proportions, carrying a good stock and finding a ready sale for those things which they handle. desired office, preferring to concentrate his on ergies ujueen his business affairs. He is truly a self made man, starting out in life empty-handed. set working his way steadily upward to the plane of affluence. "Barn thy reward; the gods give naught to sloth," was said by a brick philosopher centuries ago, and the truth of the admonition has been verified with the passing age. Realizing this Mr. Kaufmann has worked with the persistence of purpose and a strong determination that has enabled him to overthrow the obstacles and difficulties which are always At Chebanse, on the 17th of June, 1903, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Wulffe and Miss Nellie M. Porch, a daughter of James and Ethic Porch of this city. Her father is a banker and general merchant and mentioned chewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Wulffe have tun children, Katherine Effie and Winifred Mable. encountered in a business career and gain a place among the prosperous residents and farmers of Loda township. He has not only won a goodly little fortune but has also gained an honored name, and the methods which he has employed in seeking success constitute an example which is well worthy of emulation.

HENRY W. WULFFE.

Henry W. Wulffe, a representative of com- mercial interests in Chebanse as a member of the firm of Porch & Wulffe, general merchants, was born in Kankakee, Illinois. September 17, 1878. and is a son of C. J. and Katherine ( Walter ) Wulffe, who were farming people of Rib Lake. Wisconsin. In their family of nine children Henry W. was the third in order of birth. Those older were Charles, a contractor, located in Iowa ; and George G., who follows farming at Rib Lake, Wisconsin. The younger members of the family are John J., a resident farmer of Cabery. Ilinoj- ; Mary .A. and Lena B., both at Rib Lake. Wisconsin: Lillian E., who is a school teacher of Chubanse township and makes her home with her brother Henry : William O. and Walter, who are still in school and reside with their parents.

Henry W. Wulffe largely acquired his e luci tion in the schools of Kankakee, vet in the school of experience, where all eventually becem students, he has learned many valuable lessons. He started in business life as an employee of R. I. Cummings, a grain dealer, whom he repre- sented at Chebanse and at Clifton for six years

The parents hold membership in the Congrega- tional church of Chebanse and are prominent so- cially. In political circles Mr. Wulffe is a re- publican and fraternally he is connected with Chebanse lodge, No. 429. A. F. & A. M. and with the Modern Woodmen camp, No. 904. Ilis progress has been made continuously and in safe lines and his business record has at all times been in harmony with that of one whose commercial honor is in like relation to his enterprise and laudable ambition. Moreover, he is a public spirited citizen and co-operates in those move ments that advance the general welfare and pros- perity of the city which he makes his home.

LUCIAN BONAPARTE BROWN, M. D.

Lucian Bonaparte Brown, a physician who- professional ability was widely recognized. With born at Jamacia, Vermont, on the 7th of June. 1834, and shed at Sheldon on the 24th of August. His parents were David Brainard and Louise ( Barry) Brown, and his father as a life work followed the occupation of farming. Both parents were natives of New England and the ancestral history of the Doctor numbers several distinguished names. To the family belonged John S. Barry, governor of Michigan from the

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years 1842 to 1846; also the late General Wil- liam R. Shafter, prominently known as a leader in the Spanish- American war. His grandfather, Samuel R. Barry, an early pioneer from his New England home to northern Indiana, was a pro- nounced leader in the anti-slavery cause and the political issues of the time. IIis labors in that direction, together with the upbuilding of educa- tional measures, filled his active life.

Dr. Brown, whose name introduces this rec- ord, acquired his literary education in his native town, while his medical course was pursued at the Rush Medical College in Chicago, from which he was graduated in the year 1858 and entered at once upon the practice of medicine, in which connection he did a most important ser- vice for his fellow townsmen. He remained actively in the practice of his chosen calling until 1862, when he put aside all business and per- sonal considerations and offered his services to his country. He enlisted in the army and was commissioned first assistant surgeon of the One Hundred and Thirteenth Illinois Regiment. In 1864 he was promoted to the rank of major sur- geon of the regulars and on the 8th of March. 1865. was detached and assigned to the position of surgeon in chief of the post of defense at Memphis. Returning home on the 19th of June. 1865, he located in Sheldon, where he resumed the practice of medicine, so continuing up to the time of his death.

On the 14th of November, 1866, at Moore's Hill, Indiana, Dr. Brown was married to Miss Ella Soper, who survived him four years, dying March 8. 1884. They lost two children, Harry Mamie, while the living are: Nellie, Louise. Grace Lee and Blanche Luella.

Dr. Brown was a member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he attained the Knight Tem- plar degree, belonging to Ivanhoe commandery, No. 33. He was prominent in community affairs and did much for the welfare of the village in which he lived. When Sheldon township was organized on the 7th of April. 1868, he was elected its first supervisor. For five consecutive years, from 1874 to 1879, he was a member of the board of trustees of the village of Sheldon, most of the time officiating as chairman, while at all times he proved himself a careful and hon- est member. At the time of his death he was

a member of the board of directors of the Chi- cago, St. Louis & Cincinnati Railroad. The L. B. Brown post at Sheldon is named in his horor. Wherever known Dr. Brown was respected be- cause his life was in harmony with high ideals of mental, professional and civic virtue. He was a most loyal advocate of his country at the time of the Civil war and in days of peace was as loyal to his nation as when he followed the stars and stripes on southern battle-fields. In hvis profession he made advancement by continued reading, study and investigation and discharged his professional duties with the utmost sense of conscientious obligation. In his family he was devoted to the welfare of his wife and children and counted no personal sacrifice on his part tou great to promote their welfare and happiness.

JOHN H. LINDGREN.

John H. Lindgren, who has been engaged in agricultural pursuits in Beaver township throughout his entire business career, comes of Swedish parentage. He is a son of A. P. and Louise (Sandell) Lindgren, who were born in Sweden, where they were reared and married. after which they emigrated to the United States in 1851, making their way to Lafayette, Illinois, where the son was born February 14, 1804. When he was six weeks old his parents took up their abode in Iroquois county, where the father purchased one hundred and twenty acres of raw land on section 25, Beaver township, developing and improving this until he made it a good prop- erty. Ile followed farming throughout his re- maining days and died on the farm in January. 180)5.

Jolın H. Lindgren was reared on the home farm and in the winter months attended the coun- try schools. Following his father's demise he remained with his mother for one year. assist- ing her in the operation of the home farm. He then bought a farm of eighty acres on section 25, Beaver township. He has added many improve- ments to the place, has tiled the land, set out trees, remodeled and built to the house, while in 1901 he erected a good barn, thirty-four by thirty-six feet. He is here engaged in farming and stock-

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raising, and in addition to the cultivation of his own property, he likewise operates one hundred and twenty acres belonging to his mother. She also owns eighty acres on section 1. Concord township, which she rents. He is practical and progressive in the methods which he follows, using only the latest improved machinery to fa- cilitate the work of the fields, and through the rotation of crops and the proper cultivatim of his land he annually harvests abundant crops.

Mr. Lindgren established a home of his own m i by his marriage to Miss Mary Barnlund. who is a native of the township in which she still makes her home. Their marriage has been blessed with two sons, Lloyd and Harold, both of whom are now attending school. Mr. Lindgren deserves great credit for what he has accom- plished for he started out withont capital, and through his industry and economy has worked his way steadily upward until he is now in pos session of valuable property interests. In his political views and affiliations he is a republican. and he has served as constable of Beaver town- ship. llis religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church.

F. W. DAVIS.

1. W. Davis is one of the active and mp-to- dat farr rs of Onarga township, living on sec- tion 30, where he owns and operates two hundred and seventy - four acres, constituting a well im- proved and valuable farm that is known as the old Davis homestead. He is one of the native sons of the county, having been born upon the Farm where he now resides October o. 1850. His father. W. A. Davis, was a native of Dutchess county. New York, born in 1818, and was there reared, after which he wedded Susan M. West- fall. also a native of that county. He followed merchandising in the Empire state for a number of years, later in the south and afterward in New York city. In 1850, however, he removed Westward to Illinois, taking up his abode at Onarga. He came originally for the benefit of his health, but, being pleased with the country and its prospects, he later bought one hundred and fifty acres of land and opened up a farm.

Only two buildings stood in ( marga at that time. Mr. Davis continued the work of developing and improving the property and successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits until 188o. He is now living retired at the home of his son, F. 1. Davis, his wife having passed away Feb- ruary 13. 1802.

The subject of this review is the only surviv- ing member of their family of four children and was reared on the old homestead farm, acquiring a common school education when winter brought a respite from the active duties of the fields. from the time of early spring planting until crops were harvested in the late autumn he added in the farm work and eventually took entire charge of the place. He has since pur- chased more land and now has two hundred and seventy-four acres, all in one body. It is im- proved with a good residence which stands in the midst of a neat and well kept lawn, sur- rounded by a wire fence. Ornamental trees and shrubs adorn the place and there is also a good orchard upon the farm. The fields produce rich crops and in addition to the cultivation of cereals he also raises and feeds stock for the market and is widely known as a successful stockman. In addition to his property in Illinois he owns a half section of land in Nebraska and a small orange grove in Florida, so that his interests are not con- centrated in one place.

On the 16th of March, 1880, Mr. Davis was married in Onarga to Miss Jennie Ford, who was horn in Columbia county, New York, but was reared and educated in Iroquois county. Ther now have four living children. Chester 11 , Palm- er N .. Frank J. and \my [ ... all at home. They also last three children: Susie, who died when about six months old; Laura, at the age of four years : and Frankie, at the age of four months.

Mr. Davis has followed in the political foot- steps of his father and is a stanch democrat, al- though he cast his last presidential vote for Roosevelt. His first vote was cast for Grover Cleveland. Ile has been elected and served on the school board and has been clerk for fifteen consecutive years. He was also a member of the township central committee for a number of years, has been on the election hoard and has served as a delegate to various county and state conventions. Hle and his wife are members of

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the Methodist Episcopal church at Onarga, and he belongs to Onarga lodge, No. 208. 1. (). (). F., in which he has filled all of the chairs and is a past grand. He has likewise been district grand deputy. has been representative to the grand lodge of the state, while he and his wife are connected with the Rebekah degree of Odd Fellows. Mr. Davis has always lived in the county which is yet his place of residence and upon the farm which is now his home, and his life record has been honorable and upright, win- ning him the respect of his fellowmen and gain- ing for him a measure of prosperity that now classes him with the substantial farmers of his community.

JOHN D. ASIL.

John D. Ash, a resident farmer of Middle- port township, came to the Lyman settlement of Iroquois county fifty years ago and with the ex- ception of the time when he served in the Civil war and a year spent in travel he has lived con- tinuously in one community and has been identi- fied with all of its interests for a full half century.

Mr. Ash was born in Clark county, Ohio, June 8, 1834, and soon after attaining his majority came to Iroquois county, Illinois, on a prospect- ing expedition. He thought he would not re- main three months but on the contrary he has "grown up with the country" and now nothing would induce him to leave it. He has been prosperous and owns some of the best farming land in Middleport township. When he could no longer do the active work on the farm he did not retire to town but built another house for himself where he could oversee the farm and work as he wanted to, with the result that he is always busy and there is something to show for his industry. When he came to Illinois, Middle- port was the county seat but while he was in the army he had instructions front his friends to ad- dress all letters to Watseka. "Old Town" is very familiar territory to him and among the family keepsakes is a ribbon badge bearing date of October 6 and 7. 1858, given to him at the first ammal meeting of the Iroquois County Agri-

cultural Society, which was held in the be of the Iroquois river in Old Town. The I cation of the county seat was shifted a little when : name changed. Mr. Ash has not missed a v.in the township for fifty years and has been a ( tinuous reader of the Iroquois County Times Democrat throughout the period of its existen

In June, 1857, was celebrated the marriage Mr. Ash and Miss Sarah Buck. The date ni their wedding had been delayed, however. account of high water. for the minister lived the other side of the Iroquois river and it wa impossible for him to cross the stream. The sor- born of this marriage were Noah, John and W ,- liam, and their daughters were Mary ar! Doretta. William and Doretta died in early Fic and the others are all now settled in homes t their own. The wife and mother passed away in 1876, and on the 27th of March, 1878. Mr Ash was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary L. Buck, to whom he had be come related through his first marriage. Five children were born of this union but George. Lena and Charles died in childhood. The sur- viving daughters, Eva .and Effie. twins, wer born November 10, 1885, and with their parents constitute the family circle.

.A pioneer of the community. Mr. Ash under- went all of the hardships of frontier life and dir much to reclaim the wet land and develop ile agricultural resources of the locality. He h. - more than one mile of tile drainage and his farm is all under cultivation. He dealt in live stock extensively and made a success of both branches of his business. He always handled a few car- loads of cattle each year and was a most s c cessful farmer and stock-dealer. He still resides upon the old homestead and expects to end li's days where his active life has been passed. Ther is a cemetery on one corner of his farm where members of the family find their last restit. place.

While leading an active business life Mr. 1- put aside all agricultural interests and pers ). dealings at the time of the Civil war, enlisti - in the Union army on the 9th of August. 1802 when the first call was made for volunteer } (liers from Iroquois county. Eighteen months later he was discharged from the service in St. Louis on account of physical disability, and he

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Past and present of Iroquois County, Illinois, Part 54

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