USA > Illinois > Iroquois County > Past and present of Iroquois County, Illinois > Part 63
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Moreover, his fair dealing and earnest desire to please his patrons have secured him a constantly growing trade. Mr. Boudreau is also serving as postmaster, having first been appointed during the Harrison administration. He also served un- der President Mckinley and now under Presi- dent Roosevelt. He has a fourth class office and has established a rural route which extends into four different townships. He has likewise been president of the village board of Beaverville for two terms, clerk for three years in both town and township, and has likewise been village trus- tee. He also held the office of town clerk for four years and has been assessor for three years. His public service has been characterized by unfal- tering devotion to duty. a ready recognition of the needs and possibilities of the city and hearty co-operation in any movement for the general welfare. He is a stalwart republican, recognized as one of the local leaders in the ranks of the party, and for twelve years has served as a mem- ber of the county central committee.
Mr. Boudreau was married in Beaverville in 1881 to Miss Mary Ellen Teresa Gernon, who was born in Canada. They have become the parents of six children : Haydee, who is attend- ing a medical college: Gernon, who is engaged in the practice of dentistry ; Teresa, who assists in the postoffice ; Evelyn, a student in the high school; Larena, who is attending a convent ; and Ellen, also in a convent.
In 1800 Mr. Boudreau erected a fine residence in Beaverville and his home is noted for its warm hearted and gracious hospitality. The members of the household occupy an enviable position in social circles and are greatly esteemed by those who know them. In addition to his resi- dence property Mr. Boudreau owns eighty acres of land on section 30. Beaver township, which has been tiled and is now a productive tract of land that brings to him a good rental. He also owns some town lots in Leola, the county seat of McPherson county. South Dakota. and lots in Oklahoma. In his fraternal relations Mr. Boudreant is connected with the Catholic Order of Foresters and with the Knights of Columbus, and he belongs to the Catholic church. The name of Boudrean has long figured prominently and honorably in connection with agricultural and commercial interests in Iroquois county and the
IROQUOIS COUNTY, ILLINOIS
record of N. C. Boudreau has addel new luster thereto.
HENRY BROCKMANN.
Henry Brockmann, who has recently retired from farming and is now living in Buckley, is numbered among those who during the Civil war flocked to the standard of the Union and valiantly followed the stars and stripes through the battles and on the long hard marches in the south. He is, moreover, one of the early settlers of this part of Illinois, having become a resident of Dupage county in 1850. He was then a youth of sixteen years, his birth having occurred in Germany. September 21, 1840. Good school advantages in his native tongue were afforded him but he is self-educated in English and has depended upon his own resources since coming to the new world. His father, Henry Brockmann. with his family, numbering wife and seven chil- dren, crossed the Atlantic in 1856, taking pas- sage at Bremen on a sailing vessel which after six weeks reached the harbor of New York in the month of September. They made their way directly westward to Chicago, arriving there on the anniversary of the father's birth.
Henry Brockmann of this review worked at farm labor both prior to and after the war. re- ceiving sixty dollars for his first year's wage. Hle enlisted in August. 1862. as a member of Company I, One Hundred and Fifth Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry, and going to the south was under command of General Sherman. He participated in the battle of Resaca and was altogether in twen- ty-seven important battles, including the engage- ments of the Atlanta campaign. After the sur- render of the city of Atlanta he went with Sher- man on the celebrated march to the sea, which proved that the strength of the Confederacy was almost exhausted and that the men had been brought from the interior to defend the border. Then came the campaign through the Carolinas and on to Richmond and to Washington, where Mr. Brockmann participated in the grand re- view, the most celebrated military pageant ever witnessed on the western hemisphere. He was ministered out and honorably discharged in Chi- cago in June, 1865.
Without delay Mr. Brockmann returned at once to his home and for several years thereafter was employed at farm labor. In connection with his brother Fred he owned and operated a thresh- ing machine for eight or ten years and thus made & start in life. In 1887 he removed to Iroquois county and purchased one hundred acres of raw land on section 28, Artesia township. This he broke, putting in the seed that in due course of time brought forth rich harvests. Trees were planted and the work of development and in- provement was carried steadily forward and to- day Mr. Brockmann, who on coming to America started out in life empty-handed, is one of the substantial agriculturists of his community.
In this county, on the 13th of April, 1887, oc- curred the marriage of Henry Brockmann and Miss Mena Engehousen, a native of Germany. They have become the parents of seven children who are yet living: Martha, the wife of Ora Theesfeld. a farmer of Artesia township : AAugust. who aids his father in carrying on the home farm: Fred, who is engaged in farming on his own account : Lonis, who was married July 20. top6, and is engaged in teaching at Chicago Heights : Louisa, Otto HT. and Netta, all at home. They also lost one son, William, who died in infancy.
The parents are members of the Lutheran church, in which they were reared, and Mr. Brockmann is a stanch republican and his sons are also supporters of the same party. He has made a business record which any man might be proud to possess, for, depending upon his own resources from the age of sixteen years, he has made steady progress and his life record is an- other illustration of the fact that under the pres- sure of necessity the best and strongest in men is brought out and developed.
1 RI. DERICK MILLER
Frederick Miller is one of the venerable citi- zens of Iroquois county, for he has reached the age of eighty one years. His birth occurred in Prussia, Germany. November 5. 1825. He spent his youth and carly manhood in the land of his nativity and the year 1866 witnessed his arrival
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in Iroquois county, Illinois, at which time he took up his abode in Martinton township, where he invested in forty acres of land which he pur- chased from Mr. Porveley. He also bought two hundred acres on sections 5 and 6 and there he lived for about twenty years, during which time he brought the farm under a high state of culti- vation and placed all of the improvements upon it, for it was wild and uncultivated land when it came into his possession and was entirely dlestitute of modern buildings. Mr. Miller drained his land by laying many rods of tile and has also divided it into fields of convenient size by building fences. He lived upon that farm for a considerable period and in the year 1887 removed to his present farm, purchasing two hundred acres of land from Mr. Latterman. He also bought cighty acres more at a later date and has since tiled and otherwise improved the property. When the residence was destroyed by fire in 1902 he immediately rebuilt a fine large dwelling. He also bought one hundred and sev- enteen acres of land from Fred Porter. It was improved save that there was no house upon it. so that his son George Miller erected a dwelling thore. He has always carried on general farm- ing and stock-raising and he now rents his land to his sons, who have had charge of it for six years, while he is living in comfort and ease, en- joving the fruits of his former toil.
In November, 1858. Mr. Miller was united in marriage, in Cook county, Illinois, to Miss Mary Schroder, who was born in West Springel. Ger- many. and, coming to America in 1856, settled in Cook county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born eight children: Mrs. Minnie Faupel : Mrs. Mary Brantz: Joseph, who follows farm- ing : Fred: George: Otto, at home: Henry : and Herman, at home.
Mr. Miller exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the repub- lican party and has served as school director but otherwise has never sought nor filled public of- fico, preferring to give undivided attention to his business affairs. He is a member of the Luth- cran church and in all life's relations has been honorable and upright. Coming to America with the hope of bettering his financial condition, he has found here the opportunities that he sought and by the judicious use of his advantages has
made steady progress on the highroad to success. His business methods, too, have been honorable and straightforward and his labors have brought him a gratifying competence. He is. moreover. one of the venerable citizens of the county and receives the respect and good will which should ever be accorded to one who has advanced thus far on life's journey.
PATRICK MURPHY.
Patrick Murphy is proprietor of a general mercantile store in Chebanse, where for many years he has figured as a leading business man. He is a son of James and Catherine Murphy and was born March 17. 1851. in County Kil- kenny. Ireland. In 1853 his parents crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating in Hins- dale. Berkshire county. Massachusetts, where he remained until 1858. In that year he came to Illinois, settling first in La Salle county, where he remained for about nine years, when he re- moved to Chebanse. Throughout his life he was connected with general agricultural pursuits until 1874. first in the employ of his father and later on his own account. For a time he clerked in the general store of McKee & Bard until 1875. when he established a general mercantile store in Che- banse, continuing the business alone until 1880. when he formed a partnership with James M. Porter, as dealers in general merchandise. The firm continued in business for ten years, at the end of which time Mr. Murphy withdrew and accepted a clerkship in the store of I. D. Garlick. of Joliet, Illinois, where he remained for two years. In 1892 he returned to Chebanse and again embarked in general merchandising in Milk's block, where he remained until 1004. when his stock was destroyed by fire. He then temporarily located in the Grand Army hall for a few months, or until the building which he now occupies was vacated. Ile owns this building. which is valued at twenty-five hundred dollars and in which he carries a large and carefully selected stock of general merchandise, for which he finds a ready sale, so that his gross receipts are large and his net profits quite gratifying.
LATRICK MURPHY
013
IROQUOIS COUNTY, ILLINOIS
Ile also has two hundred and forty gere et t- able land in Brown county, South Dakota
Mr. Murphy was married on the 1st of May 1876, at Clifton, Illinois, to Miss Bridget t labby and unto them have been born three children : James Francis, an attorney at law located in Rock Island, Ilinois: Mary Loretto and Flor- ence C., who are at home. The wife and mother died October 7. 1883. since which time Mr. Mur- phy has lived with his sister. Mrs. Margaret Myron, in Chebanse.
In his political views Mr. Murphy is inde- pendent. He has been a member of the school board for twelve years and is still filling that office, the cause of public education finding in him a stalwart champion. He is a member of the Catholic church, being connected with St. Mary's and St. Joseph's parish in Chebanse. He is likewise a member of the Royal Arcanum, No. 1070. of Chebanse, the Knights of Columbus, No. 745. at Kankakee, and the Catholic Order of For- resters. No. 485. at Chebanse. His life has been one of untiring activity, his diligence forming the basis of his present prosperity. There is in him a weight of character, a fertility of resource and a far-sighted judgment which have made him a successful merchant and at the same time have made him recognized as a leader and representa- tive citizen in Chebanse.
PARKER WILLIAM EASTBURN.
Parker William Eastburn was born on the 12th of October, 1878, on section 6, Sheldon township, and has spent his entire life within the borders of this township. always following the occupation to which he was reared. Ile is a son of William Lloyd Eastburn, whose sketch ap- pears on another page of this work. In his boy - hood and youth Parker W. Fastburu was trained to the work of the farm in its various depart ments and when not buss with his text books his time was largely occupied with the tasks of the fields. He has never feared that laborious atten tion to detail which is so essential an clement in success Ile began farming omn his own account on the old home place, which was improved and built upon by his father. Mr. Eastburn of this
review took up the task of further development seven years ago and Has since given his tune and energies to farming and stock-raising. He is justly accounted an enterprising, successful agri- culturist, for his methods are practical and are in keeping with the spirit of substantial advance- ment and improvement.
In Watseka, February 26, 1902, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Eastburn and Miss Myrtle Wolverton, who was born in Sheldon, February 28. 1882. They now have one son, Kenneth The young couple are highly esteemed in the community where they reside and the hospitality of many of the best homes of the neighborhood is freely accorded them. Mr. Eastburn votes with the republican party and keeps well in- formed on the questions and issues of the day but has neither time nor inclination for public office. as his attention is fully occupied by his business interests, in which he is meeting with good success.
GEORGE R. SHAFFER.
George R. Shaffer was the first white male child born in Loda. his natal day being Novem- ber 4. 1856, while the place of his birth was the oll hotel of which his father, George A. Shaffer. was proprietor. The latter was a native of Schoharie Flats, New York, and in that locality was reared, after which he married Eleanor F. Smith, a daughter of William Smith and a sister of Adam Smith, who made the first extensive pur- chase of land for the Illinois Central Railroad. hunving ten thousand acres adjacent to the pres- ent town of Larla. Mr. Shaffer removed west to Iroquois county and was one of the earliest settlers of Loda, where he established a home and located there Later he engaged in ile dri grands business for several years. In 18St he re- moved to Hopeston, where his death occurred but the widow still survives and now makes her home with her son George.
Mr Shaffer of this review was reared to man- hownd in I enla and is indebted to the public schools for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He afterward went to Chicago and was in the rail road service on the linois Central road for twche years Hle met with an accident on the 5th of
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June. 1892, when an engine backed over him, catching and crushing his foot and ankle. Sub- sequently he was made agent at one of the sta- tions of the Lake Street Elevated Railroad Com- pany in Chicago, where he remained for about two years. He afterward secured other employ- ment and continued in the city until 1902, when he returned to Loda and has since engaged in farming. He now cultivates seventy-seven acres of land and is quite successful in his agricultural pursuits, his mother acting as his housekeeper.
Politically Mr. Shaffer has always been a re- publican, where state and national interests are involved but casts an independent local ballot. He belongs to the Congregational church, while his mother is one of the three surviving members of the Loda Baptist church. In her family were three children, but William died at the age of four years, and Harry, who grew to manhood and was in the railroad service for some years. passed away in Chicago in 1804. leaving George R. the only surviving child of the family. . \1- though he has not resided continuously in Iro- quois county, he has witnessed much of its prog- ress and development and has seen the prairie converted into well improved farms, while Loda has developed from a hamlet into a prosperous little city. He can remember when there were large numbers of deer and other wild game in the locality, and when many evidences of frontic: life were still seen here.
HARBERT DUIS.
Harbert Duis, whose farming interests com- prise one hundred and eighty acres in the home place on section 2. Ash Grove township, and who in connection with his sons also owns other farm- ing land. aggregating seven hundred acres, has resided in Illinois since 1855, at which time he took up his abode in Adams county. He was then a lad of only eight years, for his natal day was October 20, 1847. Ile was born in Han- over. Germany, and his parents, John C. and Katie ( Keisser) Dnis, were also natives of Ger- many. In 1855 they bade adien to friends and fatherland and sailed for the new world with
their family, becoming residents of Adams coun- ty, Illinois. They located three miles north of Quincy near Goklen and there Mr. Duis devel- oped a new farm, which he continued to culti- vate for some years, but eventually he sold that and came to Iroquois county in 1875. Here he bought raw land upon which his son Harbert now resides, and the following year his life's la- bors were ended in death. His wife survived hin for some time and passed away in 1900, at the age of eighty-four years. Their son Harbert was one of a family of four sons and five daugh- ters, of whom one daughter died in Germany, while three sons and two daughters are yet liv- ing.
Harbert Duis grew to manhood in Adams county. His educational privileges were exceed- ingly meager and it has been in the school of ex- perience that he has learned his most valuable lessons. He is not only self-educated but also a self-made man and whatever success he has en- joyed or gained has come as the reward of his own labor. In 1868, when twenty-one years of age, he went to Livingston county. Illinois, and there bought eighty acres of land, upon which he engaged in farming for six years. Selling that property in 1876, he came to his present farm, beginning here with two hundred and forty acres of raw prairie land. The furrows had not been turned nor had the land been drained or in any way improved. The breaking plow. how- ever, was soon at work and year after year more of the land was cultivated and developed. He carried on agricultural pursuits according to most modern and progressive ideas and the home farm is now equipped with all the modern accessories of a model property. He planted an orchard. also set out many shade trees and has thus add- ed to the value and attractive appearance of the place. In the midst of the farm stands a nice home and the ontbuildings are in keeping there- with and include a large barn, a tool house, gran- ary, corn cribs and elevator. He has set out much fruit, which adds much to the richness of the family table, and altogether he has made one of the best improved farms of the township. . \Il this is the visible evidence of a life of unremit- ting diligence that Mr. Duis has lived. He has also purchased land in Noble county, Minnesota. having seven hundred aeres in one tract. His
IROQUOIS COUNTY HANDE
der a high state of coltivati o.
Mr. Dus was married in Vlagp. c. n
Miss Lls Garretts, where was of 1. mileth Bert. and they have become the parents of mine dul dren: Hannah, the wife of Hears Stress. it Minnesota : Katie, the wife of \\ \ gut, a resident farmer of \ch free townships. John, who is married and carried on agricultura pursuits in Minnesota: Grace she is married and lives in Minnesota : Carls , whi plar- ried and assists in the operation of the have farm: Carl, who is with his brother in Maine sofa, Jordan, a young man at home, and Some. who is also with her parents This last one child. Frank .. who was married and the ih In ingston counts_
Mr. and Mrs. Duis were reared in the Father an faith and b cante charter members of St John's church His politica' endorsement at the pollo is given to the republican party and ha ha. been hem red with some local offices . non of the school board and as highway com- det for ten years, during which time & lu- lu wach to build and establish frale to the present time Is hic has ha pro Is the spirit of splitantal progra Mid lol to the upbuilding of this great sfat
made a fertime and seared a family abrir a tarefa arnt par after. si las ma credit to his name, and L'alito sine ! io source of culation and in piraten the who have to cart it . he did empty wanted Realizing the same of indiadire. se lhes place ! his dependence upon this quality and los diligent has been supplemented Is a sound judgment 1 has enabled him to place ha money in site in
CHARLES CASSELI
Charles Lawell, proprietor of a general store in Sheldon, in which he carries a good line of dry goals, groceries and men's and ladies' for nishing goods shoes, rugs, carpets and wall in per. has an establishment which will be a credi. to a town of much larger size Here he has car ried on business since 1815 and his place is known
Brothers, but was purchased b Mr Caesch's
tropolis but bal satt red bean Mas her through fire and be started on to bu dress Be ales He opened a shall which of polls
fremst merchants of this place. continuing ao
when he retired to be su cede In his sul Char . Mr Cassell met with gratifying pres petits during his residence is Stellen and in the Posted of vattens business miter sts acen mlatel
prom nat is about two hundred thousand dollars He ati owny several business houses In the town and much valuable farin property in the cont . He at compile. me of the bault in homes in Sheldon and is aconstedate of the capitalists
There sint men of lo que in this part of the want It is trib thật học đất red mon a havi Chess Ireade saleshed but in enlarging this inthe He has however extended it simple and ness of great vedana for a town of this size His bus ness methods are such as will bear right examination and close scrutins and his name has beste a summary for commercial integrity wher ver le is known.
Mr Cassell was married in t& t, Miss Salie Swartz of Chicago and they have one son, Maurice The parents are very prominent calls the hospitality of the best homes being freeks and cordially extended then, whole their
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PAST AND PRESENT OF
own home is the center of many a delightful so- cial function.
Feeling the public-spirited interest in politics which every true American citizen should do, Mr. Cassell's study of the questions and issues of the day has led him to give his support to the repub- lican party. At one time he served as city treas- urer of Sheldon and at the present writing is a member of the school board. No plan or meas- ure calculated to benefit the community or ad- vance its material, social, political, intellectual or moral interests seeks his aid in vain, but on the contrary receives his endorsement and hearty co- operation. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen, all of Sheldon, and is popular in these organizations as one whose life conforms to their beneficent teachings. As the leading merchant in Sheldon, as a prominent citizen and as a man of genuine personal worth, he well deserves mich- tion with the representative residents of Iro- quois county.
MARK RANDOLPH DISOSWAY.
Mark Randolph Disosway, who for thirty years has been a resident of Iroquois county, makes his home in Sheldon and is classed with the retired farmers who in former years have dem- onstrated the possibilities of the county for the agricultural development and the acquirement of success through the careful conduct of farming interests. Born in Virginia on the 18th of Jant- ary, 1863, he is a son of M. R. Disosway, whose birth occurred in New York city in 1818. AAfter living for a time in New Jersey the father became a resident of the Old Dominion, where he fol- lowed the occupation of farming until after the outbreak of the Civil war, when he espoused the cause of the Confederacy. ITe served until the close of hostilities and then returned to his home in Virginia but in 1867 sought a home in Illinois, maintaining his residence in Marshall county nin- til 1876. ITis subsequent years were passed in Iroquois county upon a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Sheldon township, which he pur- chased and cultivated until he retired from ac- tive business life in 1880. Tle then took up his
abode in Sheldon, where his death occurred in February, 1901. His widow is living in the vil- lage, at the age of eighty years. Of their fam- ily of seven children, six survive, as follows . Charles D., a retired farmer living in Sheldon, who is mentioned on another page of this work : Mrs. Mary E. Gantz, residing in Wenona, Illi- nois : Mrs. Willie A. Wright, living at Varna. this state: Mrs. Letitia B. Slife, residing near Mil- ford : Mark R., of this review : and Mrs. Louisa Turner, living at Piper City. The democracy re- ceived the strong and stalwart support of Mr. Disosway and his personal popularity was indi- cated by the fact that he was the only democrat in many years elected to the office of supervisor. Ile also served on the school board and was deep- ly interested in the cause of public education. Both he and his wife lived a life in harmony with their professions as members of the Meth- odist Episcopal church, and their many excellent traits of character brought to them a circle of friends almost co-extensive with the circle of their acquaintances.
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