USA > Illinois > Iroquois County > Past and present of Iroquois County, Illinois > Part 55
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537
IROQUOIS COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
now draws a pension from the government Is - cause of disease which he contracted while ser - ing the government as a soldier. He has always been recognized as a good and worthy citizen and he and his family enjoy the respect of the entire community.
PHILLIP IL. HARGREAVES.
Phillip H1. Hargreaves is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of excellent farm land on section 31. Ashkum township, and with the exception of two years spent in the grain and elevator business has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. Ile is the oldest member of the family of John and Margaret (Clifton) Hargreaves, and was born in Watertoot. Eng- land. August 14. 1804. He was brought to Illi- mois by his parents in 1865. the family settling in Kendall county, where they remained for two years and then removed to Iroquois county. There were four children, the two brothers and sister of our subject being: George Il. who is now in the grain and elevator business at Manhattan. Ilinois : Mary, the wife of David Nichols, proprietor of a furniture store in Kan kakve : and James, now deceased, who was for merly a member of the firm of Hargreaves Broth- ers, in which connection he was associated with his brother George in the grain and elevator trade at Manhattan and at Cullom, Illinois,
Phillip 11. Hargreaves was only a year old when brought by his parents to the United States and was but four years of age when the family home was established in Iroquois county. The work of the farm carly became familiar to him. as he assisted in the task of plowing, planting and harvesting, and his educational privileges were those afforded by the public schools. Be- sides his farm in this county he now owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Hughes coun- ty, South Dakota.
Mr. Hargreaves was married in Clifton. Illi- nois, on the 28th of January, 1891. to Miss Clara Chapman, a daughter of C. C. and Anna (Sturdy ) Chapman, of Ashkum township. Mrs. Hargreaves was the eldest daughter in a family of ten children, the others being : Mabel, the
wife of Theodore Anderson, a mail carrier of Ashkin township: Eunice, the wife of George P. Deiter, a weighmaster connected with the board of trade, at Chicago : Charles, who is train dispatcher for the Ilinois Central Railroad, at Kankakee, Ilinois; Mark, who is adjuster for the Tobey Furniture Company, at Chicago; Guy. anditor for R. F. Cummings, engaged in the grain trade at clifton, where he owns an eleva- tor: Ora, the wife of Henry Keken, a farmer of Ashkum township; Forn, Geneva and Olive, all at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Hargreaves have seven children : Mabel, born November 22. 1801 : Harry. May 22. 1804: Ada, June 1. 1800: Gilbert, May 1. 18gy: Margaret, March 5, 1901: Phillip, Feb- ruary 5. 1903 : and Bernice. June 21. 1905.
Mr. Hargreaves supports the republican party and has served as school director for four years. while at the present writing he is a school trustee. Fraternally he is connected with the Old Fel- lows and with the Modern Woodmen at .Ash- kum, and he supports the Congregational church. Almost his entire life has been passed in this county and for about four decades he has been a witness of its growth and development, while since attaining man's estate he has borne his full share in the work of public improvement and progress. At the same time he is carefully con- ducting his business interests and in the opera- tion of the farm has gained a very desirable competence.
SILAS BROCK.
Silas Brock has for about seven years been a prominent business man at Cissna Park, and his career clearly illustrates the possibilities that are open in this country to earnest, persevering young men who have the courage of their con- victions and are determined to be the architects of their own fortunes. When judged by what he has accomplished, his right to a first place among the representative residents of Cisna Park, and this part of Iroquois county cannot be questioned.
Born in this county. December 12. 1841, he is the son of Lewis R. and Mary Ann ( Bishop) Brock His paternal grandfather who also bore
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the name of Lewis Brock, was one of the first settlers of Indiana, and in the '3os he removed with his family to Iroquois county, Illinois, cast- ing in his lot with the pioneers who were just laying the foundation for its later growth and improvement. Few settlers had penetrated into the forest districts or established homes on the prairie and many years went by ere deer ceased to be seen in the locality, while other kinds of wild game were to be had in abundance. Lewis R. Brock, father of our subject, was born in Indiana and accompanied his parents to Illi- nois, where he was reared amid the wild scenes and environments of a pioneer existence. Hay- ing reached years of maturity, he wedded Mary Ann Bishop, a native of Ohio, and he followed farming in Ash Grove township, where he reared his family and passed away in 1855, when in the prime of life. His wife long survived him and devoted herself to the care and education of her children, of whom Silas was the eldest. The others are: Charles, now living in Henrietta. Indian Territory: Mary A., the wife of John Gilbert, of Onarga ; and Mrs. Sarah .\. Ruley. also of Onarga.
No event of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for Silas Brock in his boyhood and youth. He mastered the elementary branches of learning in the common schools and afterward had the advantage of study in Green- castle, Indiana, attending what was then known as Asbury but is now DePauw University for eighteen months. He enlisted in 1862-the year in which he attained his majority-as a member of Company E. Seventy-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry under command of Colonel .1. W. Mack, and later under Colonel S. T. Busey. The regiment was attached to the Western AArmy and participated in the siege and capture of Vicks-
burg and the batti. ₸ 1.con. He was also with various scouting ....... · 1 in a num- ber of skirmishes and was subsequently in the battle of Fort Blakely. He served throughout the war and on one occasion was slightly wound- ed. He was mustered out at Galveston, Texas. July 22, 1865, and was honorably discharged at Chicago, having made a creditable military record as one who was found faithful whether on the firing line, ou the lonely picket line or on the tented field.
Mr. Brock returned on the 7th of August. 1865, and after the war engaged in farming ser- eral years. He then worked in a drug store and later in a general mercantile establishment. He next embarked in the drug business on his own account and conducted a general store at Ash Grove for about fifteen years, after which he closed out his business there and removed to Cissna Park, opening a new store. Later he bought the old Bundy store and a stock of drugs and he now carries a large stock of drugs and sundries, paints, oils, books and stationery. He has built up a nice trade and his patronage has steadily increased, so that he derives from his business a very desirable income.
Mr. Brock has always been interested in po- litical questions and issues and keeps well in- formed on political conditions of the country. as every true American citizen should do. He proudly cast his first vote in 1868. supporting U. S. Grant, and since that time has supported each presidential nominee on the republican ticket. He filled the office of justice of the peace, has been township treasurer, township clerk, col- lector and assessor. In these various positions his duties have been discharged with promptness and fidelity. Ile believes in honesty in public office and efficiency in public service and has thus proven himself worthy of the trust reposed in him in his election to office.
On the 7th of August, 1860, at Ash Grove, Mr. Brock was united in marriage to Miss Maria L. Ave, who was born in Indiana, and reared in Vermilion county, that state. They now have three living children: Mary L. is the wife of Austin Pierce, of Milford, Illinois. Bertha A. died in early womanhood, in September. 1904. Mrs. Rose E. Bishop, a widow, is living with her father. She has five children, Clarence, Virginia. Eunice, Dorothy and Buryl. The youngest is Mark A. Brock, of Cissna Park, who is married and has one child.
Mr. and Mrs. Brock and their daughter are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is a valued representative of the Grand Army post, in which he has served as commander for five or six years. ITis has been a creditable rec- ord, characterized by honesty and enterprise in business, by loyalty and progressiveness in cit- izenship, and by fidelity in social circles. He is
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BROOOOIS COUNTY, HEIINOIS
Interested in all that pergunte to the general se timovements tuling to alvance the material up hu ding and the intellectual and merid progress vi Cissna Park.
ILANDER SCHON KK
Leander Schmurry onsagol m taping and
father. Michael Sel mur, was also a thative of that 'and, where le followed farming. He mar ried Viss Rosa Hinz, she was also of German birth, and they had a family of five children. Their son Lander was reared on the h me farm and was educated in the common schoods. When ighten vwars of age fe came to America with his two older brothers; Ignats, now of hell counts, low; and Daniel, who is having in Nis Hampton, Iowa. The savage was made on a sailing vessel in m Havre, France, and they were fifty-four days on the sea, encountering some severe storms. They landed at Ves Orleans and proceeded by steamer up the Visi-
Leander Schorr at one found work in a comper shop and was this employed for three vars. after which is removed to Woodford com- 13. Ilinois, settling at Longerville. There be was again amployed as a cooper for a year. at the end of which time he scored a situation a farm band and spent two years in that w.a. working the first year for deven dollars and the second year for thirteen de Har- per month attempt of the sith to overthrow the Union awakened his patriotic spirit and on the 8th of Max. It, he enlisted at Eureka, Illinois, as a iantrs. He was with General Grant's fore - part of the time and was afterward under command . i General Sherman. The regiment went into ramp at l'ora and themed proceeded to Alton, Minis. "mr. after which the returned to St. Louis and Illinois, The next wave took them to Sulphu Springs, theme to Frederickstown and i
Mr Schmitt part -paced was ; let Die and later he was : the battles of . Ich
having Mired
fist tter Ies arduous nilfarro op 1 1 at salreement's book ip harow it. long erpad m that was for a year, lest destring that Ins It hot should Fre chreal bemutat hundli he rented land and took up farming on his own Account.
Mr. Schnur was mart d'untider 1. 1805. 11 France, How Germany, and a Cinghtor of Chris tim Mosers, Alo came to lli is with his tam . and settled in Wolford county. After his mar ringe Mr. Schnurr continued to operate reme Ind for thirty years and during that time he also reared a large family. From his earnings ln avenmulated enough to come to Proquo's counts and in 1804 purchased two hundred and forts acres of land in Artesia township, where he now resides. There were no improvement upon the place at the time but he has since erected a good two story residence, two substantial bions and an elevator. He has also fenced and till his place and made it a meat and valuable prop erty. He likewise has a young orchard of hits trees and m addition to his horticultural pursnit- and the production of various cereals he like wise raises good grad s of stock and also feels wat for the market.
U'mto Mr. and Mrs Schnurr have been born ton children: Victor Emanuel, who died at the age of sixteen years. Frank, who is living in Montana : Amelia, at home: William, who is on a plantation in Louisiana : " who is farm ing in Floyd county, Iowa; Charles. Albert. Julius, Ehna and Louis, al of whom are at home.
Vr Schnurr holds membership with the Grand Arms post at marga. He las sted continuons It with the republican party, Four Bling a presidential election since he cast a bullet for Abraham Line In His present abode and well improved farm are the visible evidence of his life di untiring in lustry and thrift, together with the assistance render o lum by his wife and His
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PAST AND PRESENT OF
children. The family worked together stren- uously and earnestly in order to gain a home and are now comfortably situated in life. Mr. Schnurr has resided in Illinois for more than a half century and while he found that in America it is as necessary to work diligently to procure success as in any other land he has never had oc- casion to regret his determination to seek a home in this country, for here, where labor finds its stre reward and where effort is not impeded by any class or caste distinctions, he has gradually advanced and the years have at length crowned his efforts with prosperity. He has recently pur- chased a home in Onarga, where he will soon move and live retired from active labor.
JAMES H. EASTBURN.
James H. Eastburn is now living retired in Sheldon. His is an honorable record of a consci- entious man who by his upright life has won the confidence of all with whom he has come in con- tact. He has been closely associated with agricul- tural and commercial interests and is justly num- bered among the honored pioneers and leading citizens of Iroquois county. In fact he is one of the oldest native sons, having been born in this county, January 2, 1838. His parents were Jesse and Jane (Smedley) Eastburn.
The family is of English lineage and was es- tablished in America by the great-grandfather of our subject who, on coming from England, took up his abode in Maryland. There occurred the birth of Jesse Eastburn, Sr., the grandfather of our subject, in 1770. He married Abigail Phil- lips, of Pennsylvania, and in 1833 they removed westward to Iroquois county, Illinois, casting in their lot with its earliest settlers. The coun- try was very wild at that time. The lands were undrained, the streams unbridged and the tracts of prairie were uncultivated. Mr. Eastburn aided in laying broad and deep the foundation for the present growth and prosperity of the county, maintaining his residence here until his death. He served his country as a soldier of the war of 1812 and because of this his descendants were given a land warrant.
His son, Jesse Eastburn, Jr., was born in .Ad- ams county, Ohio, January 28, 1809. and in that state was reared and married. On the 7th of April, 1831, he wedded Jane Smedley, who was born in Pennsylvania, January 18, 1809, and was a daughter of George J. Smedley, who re- moved from the Keystone state to Lawrence county, Ohio, in which county was celebrated his daughter's marriage. In 1847 he came to Iro- quois county, Illinois, where he resided for two years, and then returned to Ohio, where he spent his remaining days. The year 1835 witnessed the arrival of Jesse and Jane ( Smedley ) Eastburn in Iroquois county. They located in Concord town- ship, on the 25th of March of that year, and from the government secured land, a part of which is now in possession of their son James. Prospering in his business undertakings, Mr. Eastburn became one of the extensive landowners of the county, his possessions at one time ag- gregating about one thousand acres. He was one of the first settlers of Concord township, al- though others came the first year. Both a me- chanic and farmer, in connection with the culti- vation of his land, he carried on a wagon shop in the early days of the settlement and displayed a spirit of industry and perseverance that prom- ised well for success. He was reared in the faith of the democracy and cast his first presidential ballot for Andrew Jackson but his later stundly and investigation of this important question led him to become a stanch abolitionist, and in 1856 he voted for John C. Fremont, after which he continued to support the republican party until his death. He was the first supervisor of Con- cord township and served in that office for a number of terms. A leading and influential cit- izen he was very prominent in public affairs and left the impress of his individuality for good upon the history of the county. In 1840 hic united with the Methodist Episcopal church. served as one of its officers, and his house was the recognized home of the circuit rider. He was never so happy as when entertaining a half dozen ministers and he did all in his power to advance the cause of his denomination. Before his death he removed to Sheldon and assisted in building the Methodist church at that place. His educational privileges were limited but by ex- tensive reading he made himself a well informed
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IROQUOIS COUNTY, ILLINOIS
man, and while serving as school director for a number of years he did effective service for the cause of education in this community. He also the much to and in the growth of the camis and lived to see it take a front rank among the com- ties of the state. He was one of nature's now! - men and his death, which occurred September 13. 18,3. was mourned by many friends. His wife passed away in 1805.
This worthy couple were the parents of fine children, three of whom are now living, the eldest being Isaac H. Eastborn, who was born Decen ber 5. 1833. in Ohio, and is now living in han- kaker, Illinois. The youngest is David J. Fast- buri, who was born in this county, May 10, 1845. and is now residing in Indianapolis. Indiana.
The common schools afforded James 11. East burn his early educational privileges, and in 18,50 he entered Asbury University, at Greencastle. Indiana, where he spent two terms as a student. while for one year he was at Battleground. In- diana. The outbreak of the Civil war aroused bis patriotism and he enlisted in the Union Army. August 8. 1862, as a member of Company E. Seventy-sixth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. while his brother. Isaac 11., became a member of the same company. George C. Harrington was ma- jor of the regiment, which was in the west most of the time. Mr. Eastburn served for three years, was advanced from the ranks to sergeant. then became first sergeant, afterward first lieu- tenant and acted in that capacity until mustered out. The troops went into camp at Kankakee and after two weeks proceeded southward in Columbus, Kentucky. Later they were sent 10 Tennessee, subsequently to Mississippi, and were afterward attached to the Army of the Giuli. They were in several skirmishes but Mr. East- burn was first regularly under fire at the siege of Vicksburg. On the 7th of July, 1804. he participated in the battle of Jackson Gruss Roads, at Jackson, Mississippi, where his brother Isaac was twice slightly wounded, once in the right arm and once in the right hand. The com- mand was later sent to Morganza Bend, Louis iana, and with his company Mr. Eastburn par- dicipated in the skirmishes at Washington. Loni- iana. White River, and Duvall's Bluff, proceed ing thence to Memphis, Tennessee. In the win ler of 1804-05. the Seventy-sixth Illinois was
transferred to the Army of the Guli and went from Memphis to New Orleans and then start of by boat to l'unica, Florida. \ stort arising, the vessel was shipwrecked and they had to throw overboard two hundred and west the head of horses and mules in order to save them selves. They then marched across the country from Pensacola to Fort Blakely and took part in its siege and capture, the Seventy-with Hi- nis Mosing over one hundred men in the assault which took place April @ 1805. Mr. Eastburn was afterward in no regular battles but was in duits until mustered out at Galveston. Texas. July 22, 1805. when the regiment was brought to Chicago and finally discharged and paid off.
When the war was ended Jane. Il. Fast barn returned to Iroquois counts, where he he gan farming and soon bought land. His father gave him eighty acres and he purchased an ad ditional tract of eighty acres, towhich he hits d ) from time to time as his financial re- sources have permitted until he is now the owner of three hundred and thirty acres of valuable land in Concord township. He followed farming actively and successfully until 1888, when he re- moved to Sheldon and embarked in the lumber business in connection with J. D. Watkins, under the firm style of Eastburn & Watkins. This partnership was maintained until 1895. when Mr. Watkins sold his interest to Evlan Clark and the firm name was then changed to Eastburn & Clark. Mr. Eastburn continued in the lumber business for fifteen years but in 1903 sold out and has since lived a retired life in Sheldon. Ile owas one of the most beautiful homes in the city, which he erected in 1880. It is a two-story residence, finished in oak and hard pine, and is richly, bet tastefully furnished. Mr. Eastburn has one of the largest and best private libraries to be found in this part of the state and has been many years in collecting it. His books are all finely bound and embrace the best writing of all ages. With the contents of his library he is very familiar, finding pleasant companionship with the master minds of the present and of the past.
On the 20th of October, 1865. occurred the marriage of Mr. Eastburn and Miss Martha 1. Watkins, a daughter of Jonathan Watkins, She was born in Montgomery county. Indiana, in 1847. Since 1854 Jonathan Watkins has been a
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PAST AND PRESENT OF
resident of Iroquois county and is now one of its most venerable citizens, having passed the eighty- sixth milestone on life's journey. Mr. and Mrs. Eastburn had two children but lost their daugh- ter, Edna, who was born March 14. 1879. and died on the 24th of July of the same year. The son, Ernest, who was born September 21, 1809. is at home.
Politically Mr. Eastburn is a republican and has served on the town board of Sheldon and also as school director. He has been a member of the Masonic lodge here since 1875. and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In manner Mr. Eastburn is free from ostentation and display, but his intrinsic worth is recognized and his friendship is most prized by those who know him best. showing that his character will bear the scrutiny of close acquaintance. He is a generous-spirited, broad-minded man. a true type of the American spirit and the embodiment of that progress which in the last few years has brought to this country the admiring gaze of the nations of the world.
DR. D. L. JEWETT.
There is perhaps no one who comes into such close contact with humanity as does a physician and if he be able and honorable in his chosen calling and possesses sympathy as well as kindly courage in the performance of his duties, there is no man more uniformly respected and beloved. Such was the case with Dr. D. L. Jewett, who was ever spoken of as an honorable citizen and physician of Watseka. He was called to his final rest on the 4th of June, 1906, and the news of his demise was received with deepest regret throughout the community in which he had so long made his home. His birth occurred at North Lyme, Middlesex county, Connecticut, on the 22d of December, 1840, and he was given the name of Daniel Lee Jewett. His parents were Nathan and Lucretia Jewett, and in their - home upon a farm his early life was passed, while his literary education was obtained at Suf- field, Connecticut. Determining upon the prac- tice of medicine as a life work, he was graduated
in 1862 from the New York College of Physi- cians and Surgeons and immediately afterward offered his service to his country to aid in the alleviation of suffering caused by the war. He went to the front to minister to the wounded and sick, joining the Twentieth Connecticut Vol- unteer Infantry as assistant surgeon. He was with that regiment in some of the greatest bat- tles of the Civil war and never faltered in the performance of any duty that devolved upon him in a military way.
When the war was ended Dr. Jewett returned to New England, but in 1866 came to Watseka, where he opened an office, continuing in the practice of medicine in this place until his death. He was married in Jamaica, Vermont, in 1871. to Isabella Brown, who survives him. He re- turned to the east for his wife and brought her as a bride to his new home, where she shared with him in the regard and good will which were so uniformly accorded him.
Dr. Jewett took a deep interest in the affairs of the community and withheld his support from no movement or measure that he believed would prove of public good. He served as a member of the city council and as a school director and was for some years trustee of the Presbyterian church, acting in that capacity up to the time of his death. For thirty-six years he had been United States pension-examining surgeon. He was a prominent member of the Masonic fra- ternity, attaining the Knight Templar degree, being in thorough sympathy with the teachings of this craft. He belonged to the Bi-County Medical Association and his prominence in his profession is indicated by the fact that he was at one time honored with its presidency. That society at its meeting at Gilman following his death, passed resolutions extolling his life work. They paid the highest tribute to his carer as a patriotic citizen who faithfully served his country in war and peace, and who was a worthy repre- sentative of all that is best in the medical pro- fession. They gave expression to their great sorrow and their deep sense of public loss.
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