Past and present of Iroquois County, Illinois, Part 62

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

USA > Illinois > Iroquois County > Past and present of Iroquois County, Illinois > Part 62

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

of Light Artillery. He went south with the Army of the Cumberland and participated in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Iuka, Perryville, Stone River, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. Later he was on a gunboat that patrolled the Tennessee river from Bridge- port, Alabama, to Mussel Shoals, Tennessee. Be- coming ill, he was in the hospital and later he did hospital service. He was on detached duty in the medical department for some time but later re- joined his regiment at Bridgeport. Once during the service he was granted a furlough and in Jan- uary, 1864. made a visit to his home. Through- out the time he spent at the front he was wounded but once and then only slightly. He was mus- tered out and honorably discharged in Indianapo- lis, January 10, 1865. and with a ereditable mili- tary record returned to his home, for he had been most loyal to the cause he espoused.

Mr. Cleaver for some years after the war was in Milford and was employed as a elerk in the drug store of Dr. Ira Brown. Again he went to Ind'ana to take charge of his unele's business. remaining there until the death of his uncle, but he had strong attachment for Milford and in No- vember, 1889, returned. For a year thereafter he was engaged in the conduet of a restaurant and was then elected to the office of police magis- trate, in which position he has been continued by re-election for sixteen consecutive years. No higher testimonial of his capability and fidelity could be given than the fact that he has so often been re-elected for the office. He served as post- master of Milford prior to the war for two years and then resigned on removing to Indiana. Subse- quent to the war he again filled the position for two years, being appointed to serve out an unex- pired term. He was likewise postmaster at Col- burn, Indiana, for four years, was justice of the peace in that state and notary public. He is also notary public in Milford. His official record is one over which there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. Hle has manifested honesty in public office and efficiency in public service.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cleaver have been born four children who are yet living: Ernest, who is is married and resides in Milford ; Archibald, who is married and makes his home in Orange county, California : Henry Ward Beecher, who is mar- ried and lives in Chicago; and Barton R., who is

IROQUOIS COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

a resident of Milford. They also lost three chil- dren, of whom Ella died in 1862, at the age of three years. Winifred was married in Indiana to A. P. Galey and died at their home at Battk- ground, Indiana, February 27. 1898, having two sons and two daughters. The daughters, Ruth and Naomi, reside with their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Cleaver, while Goodwin Galey is with his uncle in California and Raymond is living with a family near Battleground.

Mr. Cleaver has always voted with the democ- racy on national issues. He is a Master Mason and chaplain of the lodge, having joined the order at Milford in 1857. being one of the two surviv- ing members of the lodge at that time. He be- longs to Vennum post. No. 471. G. A. R., of which he is the present commander, and he has served in that office several terms. He and his wife are members of the Order of the Eastern Star and he is now worthy patron of Gold chap- ter, No. 56, and his wife is a member of the Woman's Relief Corps. In days of peace as in days of war, Judge Cleaver is loyal and patriotic. manifesting the same fidelity to the old tlag that he displayed when on battle-fields of the south. His justice and impartiality in office have "won him goklen opinions from all sorts of people" and he is widely known as a man of tried integrity and worth.

EDWARD E. WEBSTER.

Edward E. Webster, who is cultivating a good farm of one hundred and twenty acres on sec- tions 33 and 34. Concord township, was born in this township, September 5, 1874. His father. John Webster, a native of England, was born November 11, 1827, and is a son of William and Anna (Smith) Webster. The mother died when he was a lad of only twelve years and he was left an orphan by his father's death when a youth of fourteen. Reared to manhood in his native country he determined to seek a home in the new world, believing that he would have better business opportunities on this side the Atlantic. and when twenty-three years of age he crossed the briny deep. It was in 1850 that he bade goodby to friends and native country and sailed

with his brother for the new world. They located in Clark county, Ohio, where both secured work as farin hands. John Webster has made his home in Iroquois county for half a century and in the spring of 1857 built a little log cabin which is still standing and is one of the few landmarks of pioneer days that yet remain. He made further preparations for having a home of his own by his marriage in the spring of 1858 to Miss Jane 1. Hill, of Clark county, Ohio, and the young couple began their domestic life in the little cabin which he had prepared. Mr. Webster concentrat- ing his time and energies upon the task of culti- vating and improving his farm. Three children were born unto them, of whom two sons are liv- ing. Both are married and reside in Concord township. The wife and mother died in the fall of 1865 and in 186; John Webster was again married, his second union being with Miss Emily Murray, who was born in Concord township. September 30, 1840. There were twelve chil- dren hy this union, of whom eight still survive. namely: Anna E., Sarah J., Minnie F., Clara M., Ora E .. John S., Edward E., Mary M., Ida P .. Margaret G., Emma II. and Letta E.

John Webster prospered in life and became the owner of a valuable farm of three hundred and seventy-two acres on section 33. Concord town- ship. The greater part of this was brought um- der a high state of cultivation and the place is improved with good buiklings, well kept fences and other modern equipments. He laid consid- erable tile and was recognized as one of the rep- resentative and successful farmers and stock- raisers, for in his pastures were found good grades of stock and his annual sale of farm ani- mals added not a little to his income. His first presidential vote was cast for John C. Fremont in 1856 and during the greater part of the time he supported the republican party but twice voted for Grover Cleveland. He served as school di- rector for twelve consecutive years and then after an interval for six years more. He held mem- bership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Sheldon, of which his wife is also a member. He died March 4. 1004, and is still survived by his wife.

Edward F Webster always lived at home and the educational privileges which he enjoyed were those afforded by the district schools. When -

002

PAST AND PRESENT OF

twenty-two years of age he began farming on his father's land and during the past two years has been cultivating two hundred and twenty-two acres of land. He has made substantial improve- ments on the place and keeps everything about the farm in excellent condition. He is thoroughly practical and at the same time progressive in his methods and his labors are bringing to him a merited success. He owns one hundred and twenty acres of land on sections 33 and 34. Con- cord township. all of which is improved, and he makes a specialty of raising Poland China hogs. In his fraternal relations Mr. Webster is a Knight of Pythias, while his political support is given to the republican party. He represents one of the old pioneer families of the county, the name of Webster having long figured honorably in connection with the agricultural development of this section of the state.

ISAAC THOMAS.

The residence of Isaac Thomas in Iroquois county covers more than seven decades, during which time he has witnessed many changes as the work of progress and advancement has been carried forward in the line of agricultural. in- dustrial and commercial development. Mr. Thomas was born near Newmarket. Virginia. September 10, 1826. a son of Marcus M. and Nancy ( Strickler ) Thomas, both of whom were natives of the Old Dominion, the former born March 18, 1795, and the latter November 4. 1800. Their marriage was celebrated in 1816, after which they remained in their native state until the year 1834, when, with a party of friends, they made their way by wagon to Frankfort. Indiana, this being at that time considered the far west. The father there planted and harvested one crop, and in 1835 continued his journey to Iroquois county, Illinois, where he purchased four hundred acres of land in Concord town- ship, of which but ten acres had been cleared. He broke and cultivated the land, making all the improvements which were placed thereon. Hc built a hewed log house, which was supplied with glass for windows, this being considered quite modern for that day. Both he and his

wife worked diligently and energetically in the establishment of their home on the frontier, and while he managed his farming interests his wife carefully looked after her househokl duties, in addition to which she spun flax which she wove into cloth from which to make garments for the family. They, however, were not permitted to long enjoy their new home, for the mother passed away October 9. 1838, while the father survived her only a short period. his death oc- curring Angust 25, 1840.

Isaac Thomas was reared in his native state to the age of eight years, when he accompanied his parents on their removals to Indiana and Illinois, acquiring the greater part of his educa- tion in the latter state. He remained with his parents until they were called from this life. being a little lad of twelve years at the time of his mother's death. and he was left an orphan at the age of fourteen. In early life he entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land in Beaver township, but never resided thereon and finally traded with his brother for his present farm. He continued to live on the old homestead intil 1870. when he removed to his own farmi in Beaver township. This was all wild prairie land when it came into his possession but with ox teams and a twenty-two-inch plow he began the work of breaking the land and cultivating the fields. He laid many rods of tiling, built fences. set out trees and erected a house and outbuild- ings. As time passed and his financial resources increased he made more modern and substantial improvements, in 1895 replacing his first home by a large ten-room residence, which is supplied with all the conveniences and accessories for the comfort of the inmates. In 1886 he built a fine barn thirty-four by forty feet, and all of the improvements which are here seen have been placed by the present owner. He has always followed farming and in addition to those inter- ests he also raises shorthorn cattle. He now owns one hundred and sixty acres of land.

Mr. Thomas has been three times married. His first union was with Fannie Kinney, their marriage being celebrated on Beaver creek in 1866. She was born in Illinois and died in 1870. This marriage was blessed with two children : Bernard, deceased : and Mrs. Cora Smart. In 1872 Mr. Thomas was married a second time in

DRIVERS.I. S: 1LUIS

IROQUOIS COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Newton county, Indiana, to Miss Sarah I'lla Buswell, who was born in Virginia, and her death occurred in 1881. The children of this marriage were: Ira and Mary E., deceased ; George M., at home : Mrs. Blanch Sanders; and May, who is with her father. For his third wife Mr. Thomas chose Mrs. Fannie ( Boyd ) Peebles. a widow of James Peebles, their marriage being celebrated in Martinton, June 20, 1883. She was born in Martin county, Indiana, and when nine years of age accompanied her parents on their removal to Vermilion county, this state. She was married in Georgetown, that county, in 1853. to William Hubbard and in 1857 came to Iro- gnois county, where he died in 1801.

Mr. Thomas has always been a strong advo- cate of democracy, and he holds membership relations with the Christian church. Ile is now eighty years of age but is still carrying on agri- cultural interests, being assisted by his son, George M. He has a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Beaver township, on which he located thirty-six years ago, and this has con- tinned to be his place of residence since that time. He is well kown not only in his own locality but throughout the county and is highly esteemed by all with whom he comes in contact, having won the confidence and good will of all by reason of the reliable and straightforward methods he has ever followed in trade transactions.

JOHN A. FLEMING.

John A. Fleming, whose activity, consecutive and well directed, has been the secret of a desir- able success, now owns three hundred and twenty acres of land on section 21. Chebanse township. It is a valuable property equipped with good mod- ern improvements, a substantial two-story resi- dence standing in the midst of a well-kept lawn. while in the rear are good barns, sheds and cribs. The land is well drained by the judicious use of tile and well kept fences apportion it into fields of convenient size. Everything about the place presents an air of neatness and thrift and Mr. Fleming is justly accounted one of the rep- resentative agriculturists of the community.

.A native of Cook county, Illinois, he was born at Chicago Heights, AAngust 22, 1863. Ilis fa- ther. James Fleming, was a native of Scotland and when a young man came to America, set- tling in Pennsylvania, at which time he was thirty years of age. On removing westward to Illi- nois, he took up his abode at Chicago Heights and followed farming in that locality. He was married there to Miss Margaret Adams, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Samuel Adams, who came to Illinois in the '50s. Mr. and Mrs. Fleming made their home at Chicago Heights until 1860, when they came to Iroquois county and bought two hundred and forty acres of land. upon which their son John now resides. Here the father developed an excellent farm and made a good home. Three children were added to the family as the years passed by.

John A. Fleming, the eldest, was reared upon the old home farm and had good common-school advantages. When twenty-two years of age he went to Dakota and Montana, traveling in the west for two years. He then returned home and took charge of his father's farm. James Flem- ing retired in 1800 and is now living in Kanka- kee at the age of seventy-four years. His wife. however, passed away in 1807. at the age of seventy-eight years.

John Fleming purchased the estate of the other heirs and started out in life on his own account. He built his present residence in 1805 and has carried on general farming along the most pro- gressive lines. He raises good grades of stock. feeding most of his grain, and he now has thirty- two head of cattle upon his place, which he is feeding for the market.

On the 25th of December, 1804. Mr. Fleming was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Estelle Lake, a native of Iroquois county and a daughter of William Lake. One child has been born unto them, Howard Edward Fleming, who is attend . ing school. Politically Mr. Fleming is a stalwart republican, being thoroughly in sympathy with the principles of the party but at local elections he supports candidates without regard to party affiliation. He has never sought or cared for office himself and the only position in which he has consented to serve is that of school director. in which office he has remained for seven years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, he-

606

PAST AND PRESENT OF

longing to Chebanse lodge. No. 429, and he also belongs to Chebanse camp. M. W. . 1. He and his wife attend the Methodist Episcopal church and are highly esteemed people, enjoying in large measure the good will and friendship of those with whom they have come in contact. With the exception of the period spent in the west John A. Fleming has continuously been a resi- dent of Illinois and during much of his life has made his home in Iroquois county. The spirit of enterprise and steady progress which has ever been manifest in this section of the country finds exemplification in him and in his business life he is watchful of opportunities and through the im- provement of the advantages which have come to him he has made a creditable place in business circles.

GEORGE O. BOTHWELL.

George O. Bothwell, engaged in general farm- ing on section 28. Artesia township, about two miles from Buckley, was born upon this farm, October 22. 1860. Ilis father, Elijah II. Both- well, was born at Vinton, Ohio, in 1834 and when a young man came to Ilinois, settling first in Knox county, opening up a farm near Gales- burg. He was married there to Miss Sarah Young, a native of Ohio, who in her infancy was taken to Knox county, Ilinois, by her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Young. Following his marriage Mr. Bothwell engaged in farming in Knox county for a number of years and then sold his property there in 1867, removing to Iro- quois county, where he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of raw land. He settled upon the farm and soon the track of the shining plow was seen across the fields. He built a little shed. in which he lived for a few months, when a better dwelling was erected. Fencing and breaking the land, he opened up the farm and in due course of time had transformed the raw prairie into pro- ductive fields. He afterward built another resi dence, also good barns and outbuildings, and made the farm a valuable property. He planted walnuts and thus raised trees, which are now of good size, from the seed, so that today he has a nice walnut grove upon his place. There are

also cottonwoods and other trees and the farm is attractive in its appearance and gives every evidence of the care and supervision that has been bestowed upon it. Tile was laid to drain the fields, fences were built and the work of im- provement was carried forward along modern lines, Mr. Bothwell thus remaining actively in business until his death, which occurred Febru- ary 28. 1899. His wife survives him and now resides with her son George upon the home farm.

Mr. Bothwell of this review was reared on the old homestead and pursued his education in the district schools. There are but two surviving children of the family, the sister being Susan, the wife of Sidney Camp, who is now living near Spokane. Washington. Through the period of his youth George O. Bothwell aided in the work of the home farm and upon his father's death succeeded to the property and has continued the further development and cultivation until it is now a splendid farm, lacking in none of the accessories of a model property.

On the ist of January, 1890, was celebrated the marriage of George O. Bothwell and Miss Jennie Singleton, who was born and reared here and is a daughter of A. P. Singleton, who is mentioned elsewhere in this work. They now have three children living. Claude. Ethel and Grace, and they also lost a son and daughter; Albert, who died in infancy: and Mabel, who died at the age of nine months.

In politics Mr. Bothwell has been a life-long democrat but without aspiration for office. Ile was elected, however, and served as assessor of Artesia township. He and his wife hold mem- bership in the Methodist Episcopal church and he belongs to the Woodmen camp. His entire life has been passed upon the farm which is now his home and he is well known in Iroquois and Ford counties as a representative agriculturist.

T. S. BOUDREAU ..

J. S. Boudreau, who without invidions dis- tinction may be termed one of the foremost citi- zens of Beaverville, is serving as president of the village, in which connection he has done ef- fective service for the public welfare. He is.

IROQUOIS COUNTY, ILLINOIS

moreover, actively connected with farming inter-

Mr. Bondream gave 1a political allegare to ests in the county, in the control of which he the democrats from the time when he cast h .. first presidential vote for Stephen \ Douglas. He was a communicant of the Catholic church and contributed som mais tout support filled several local offices, serving as highway (mi mer, as school friste and ] director, and was hig recognized as a prominent and Continential citizen of His con opyer, bin.

atel the nogle Is which he followed in his bus- - I survived In this window why is lives in Beavervill . In their family wer thirteen che dren, of when three del in infantes. While len Etched nature years.

I. S Randroad, whose name introduces thus review. acquired les einetion in St. Viateur's In his carly boyhood Meses Bendream attend ed the French schools of Canada and in IlIni- became a student in the English school- II was the ellest in the family of eight children and was only fifteen years of age at the time of his father's death. when the support of the family largely devolved upon him, for they were It in limited financial circumstances. I worked College at Bourbonnais, Illinois, and entered upon his business career as a clerk in the end of father and brother Hl rendred with then a stemmer for thirteen vers. after all h for eight years During that period be carried a well selected stock of gen ra marchand's and upon the home farm and also the apoyo enjoyed a good trade In reason it's caring others On the Bill of August. 1859. 1 1 12 managerent, creative Force and keen business discernment. He als vactelas postmaster during President ( Teve und's administration Angel In and his start to L. I. Francour. who is still M- Bondrem still has extensive and valuable fitting jouer st -. woning the hombre I an Hjort guys of nul i of ninteen years, lo wedded Miss Mirit Cote of Papineau township, who was born n Ofthec. Canada. March 16, 1839. and cape with h. parents. Benny and The ( Martin Gt . 0 in the line state when about thirteen yousif age For the Years after their marriage Most . Bon frem Can tinned to operate his mother's fand and h als Improved and cultivated forts acts of litol which he had previously purchased in Besser township and which remain of in the possession no different time . trate af fort acres, whi from his father be inherited eight acres never- tions 20 and 30. Beaver township He has done some tiling, has added to the improvement of Is property and has valuable farm ug interests Trond which he derives a goal aminal ine mn He purchased a residence in Benerville, which he has since repaired and in proved and new his very comfortable home here throughout his subsequent years As his firan rial resources increased lo added to his property notil he had larse land holdings in Beaver towi- ship. He place les farm under a high state of cultivation and also engaged in stock raising handling catte on an extensive scale In 1882 he established a store in Beaverville, placing it in charge of les ser, and two years afterward re moved to the village in order to give persona? Ur Bondream was married in Haver for- Ship, in ing, to Miss Velda Yourit, Who was bort in Beaver township in December. 18). and who died in 18,3. leaving a daughter. Ro- attention to the business They dealt in general merchandise and also in agricultural impl nent- and from the beginning the enterprise prospe red

displays good business ability and executive force. He was born in Beaver township, May 11. 1805. The father. Mme Bandrean. now deceased, was for many years a prennent mer chant of Beaverville, born in Montreal, Canada September 1. 1839. His parents were Neboli were natives of Canada and of French descent Nikam Hundreau was a farmer w/ wh and operated land in Canada, whener he reff with his family to Aurora. Minis, in 1818 After two years spent uma rede fine went to Kankakee county, where he rested and for a year and then took up his gh de jn Papi- utan township, Freguois counts, where he par chased a farm.

608

PAST AND PRESENT OF

sella, who is now attending a convent. On the · 15th of July, 1895, Mr. Boudreau was again married in Beaverville, to Miss Dulcinia MI. Nourie, who was born in Beaverville. September 25, 1876. They became the parents of four chil- dren but two have passed away. Those living are Emery A. and Leona, both of whom are stu- dents in a convent.

Mr. Boudreau and his wife are communicants of the Catholic church and he belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters. In politics he is a democrat and has served as president of the vil- lage board. At this writing, in 1907. he is mayor of Beaverville, having been elected in the spring of last year. He gives a public-spirited and pro- gressive administration characterized by a spirit of business enterprise and diligence that has proven of much value to the city in the control of municipal interests. He is highly esteemed in this part of the county, where he has a very wide acquaintance, the strong and salient charac- teristics of his life being such as have endeared him to all who know him.

N. C. BOUDREAU.

N. C. Boudreau, serving as postmaster of Beaverville, was born in this town, June 1. 1860. He was educated in the district schools and was also for two years a student in St. Viateur's College, which he entered at the age of sixteen years. When eighteen years of age he began clerking in Beaverville and was also thus employed at Kankakee. He began general merchandising with his father in 1881 and the partnership was continued until 1808 under the firmi style of Boudreau & Son. In the latter year he sold out to his brother, J. S. Boudreau, and for two years was out of business. He then again engaged in general merchandising and has since continued in this line. He began his connection with busi- ness interests in this town with a store valued at two hundred and seventy-five dollars and that he has prospered as the years have gone hy is indicated by the fact that he now carries a stock worth eight thousand dollars. His store is care . fully appointed and he has a well selected line of goods such as is demanded by a general trade.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Past and present of Iroquois County, Illinois, Part 62

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