Past and present of Iroquois County, Illinois, Part 8

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 8

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).

When the war was over Mr. Clark returned to his home and for one year engaged in carpenter- ing. He afterward spent one year at work as a farm hand by the month, and in 1868 he began farming on his own account, having previously purchased eighty acres of land in Beaver town- ship. He made other investments during the war and still owns the property which became the nucleus of his present extensive and valuable possessions, for he has added to his original hold- ings from time to time until he is now the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of good land in Beaver township. The improvements on the place as seen in the well tilled fields and sub- stantial buildings were placed there by him and

he also tilel his land, thus adding greath to its productiveness. He followed general farming and stock-raising for a long period and then at length retired from business cares.

Before entering the army Mr. Clark was mar- riedl, on the 4th of December, 1Km, to Miss Clarissa E. Watkins, who was born in Indiana. Angust 9. 1843. and is a daughter of Jonathan Watkins, whose birth occurred in Montgomery, Indiana, in 1820, and who is now living retired in Sheldon, having taken up his abode in that city in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have three children. Albert W., who was educated in Shel- don and in the Chicago Commercial College, is now with the Cleveland Grain Company, at Cleveland, Ohio. Charles R., who was educated in Bloomington and in Champaign, Illinois, is now professor of architecture in the State U'ni- versity. Mary E., who was educated in Bloom- ington and in the State University at Champaign, from which she was graduated, is at home with her father.

Mr. Clark retired from the farm and removed to Gridley in February, 1888. He afterward went to Donovan as representative of the grain firm of Watkins & Company for three years but in the meantime established his home in Bloom- ington, residing there and in Champaign, Illinois, for seven years in order to provide his children with the educational advantages that could be enjoyed in those cities. While living in Bloom- ington he established a lumberyard at Sheldon. forming a partnership in 1805 with H. H. East- burn under the firm style of Eastburn & Clark. They conducted this enterprise for some time, after which Mr. Clark sold out and permanently put aside business cares, now living in honorable retirement. In 185 the family removed to Shel- don and now occupy one of the fine homes of the city, which was built by Mr. Clark.

In his political views Mr. Clark is independent. His first vote was cast for Stephen A. Douglas. the nominee of the democratic party in 1& .. He has held various local offices, serving as assessor. collector, school treasurer, highway commis- stoner and town clerk, and many years age was commissioner of the dramage canal. fle is a sur- veyer and does considerable work in that line. Fraternally be is connected with the Grand Army of the Republic, and he and his wife and chil-

PAST AND PRESENT OF

dren are all members of the Methodist church. At the time of his marriage he was empty-handed and all that he has since possessed and enjoyed has been acquired through his own labors. He is strictly a self-made man, deserving of all the praise which that term implies and as the archi- tect of his own fortunes he has builded wisely and well. Moreover, the accumulation of wealth has not been his sole aim and purpose, for he has recognized his duties and obligation to his fel- lowmen, to his friends and to his family, has been honorable and just in his treatment of all with whom he has come in contact, while in his home he has regarded no personal sacrifice on his part as too great if it would promote the welfare and happiness of his wife and children.

A. L. PEARCE.

One of the well improved farm properties of Concord township is in possession of A. L. Pearce, an enterprising and practical agricul- turist. He was born in Warren county, Indi- ana, September 9, 1835, and is numbered among the early residents of Iroquois county, having for almost a half century resided within its bor- ders. His father, Andrew Pearce, was born in Kentucky and removed to Indiana in 1826. He cast his lot with the pioneer residents of War- ren county and entered from the government two hundred and forty acres of land. Not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made upon the place but with characteristic en- ergy he began its development and in course of years the raw tract was converted into very pro- ductive fields. He married Marinda Lewis, a na- tive of Ohio, and they became the parents of eleven children.

The boyhood and youth of A. L. Pearce were quietly passed in the state of his nativity. He became familiar with farm work in all of its de- partments, as he rendered active assistance to his father in carrying on the home place. Having arrived at years of maturity, he was married in Warren county. Indiana, in 1857, to Miss Esther Armstrong, who was there born in 1840. The following year they started for Illinois, trav- eling by wagon to Milford, for it was before

the era of extensive railroad building and many of the journeys throughout the country were made by wagon or other private conveyance or by stage. On reaching this county Mr. Pearce rented land and so continued to engage in farm- ing until 1865, when with the money that he had managed to save he purchased forty acres of land from Henry Sherl on section 6, Concord town- ship. Ambitious, however, to have a much larger farm, he added to the property as opportunity offered. In 1866 he bought forty acres more land, in 1868 an additional tract of forty acres and in 1872 sixty acres on section 1, Middleport township. In 1884 he invested in another tract of forty acres and still later bought one hundred and forty acres. In 1872 he erected a good dwelling on his place on section 6. Concord township, and in 1875 built a barn, while in 1900 he built a fine new barn, forty-two by sev- enty-two feet. He has ditched and tiled the land and fenced all of it himself. Only fifteen acres had been broken when the farm came into his possession, but, being a man of diligence and resolute spirit, he has continued the work of placing the farm under cultivation and has made it a valuable property. He was actively and successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising until the last few years, when he has lived retired, leaving the active work of car- rying on the farm to his sons, although he still gives to the business his general supervision.

Mr. and Mrs. Pearce became the parents of five children, of whom three are yet living: N. S., who runs the home farm; Rosa Lec, the wife of Charles Shaw : and Arthur M., at home. The wife and mother died April 15. 1887. and her death was deeply regretted by many friends. for she was very widely and favorably known in this part of the county. Their son, Newton, who was born in Milford in 1861, has always fol- lowed farming and stock-raising and has been at home with his father since 1892, now having charge of the farm. In that year he was mar- ried in Chicago to Miss Etta Barriball, who was born in Cook county, Illinois, and died May 6, 1904.

Mr. Pearce exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of democracy and has served in several local offices, acting as road commissioner and for three terms as su-

.A. L. PEARCE.

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

IROQUOIS COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

pervisor of Concord township. He has likewise county. New York. Having lost his first wife been school director for twenty years and his the father welded Muss fuller, and they land interest in community affairs is that of a public- seven children, si of whom are residents of the lempire state. while one has passed away. spirited citizen, who has given active cu opera- tion to many plans and movements for the gen- eral good. He has been a member of the Chris tian church since 1874 and has contributed lib- erally to its support. His life has been honor- able, his actions manly and sincere and huis good qualities have won for Ium the favorable regard and trust of his fellow men.

JOHN OV ERACKER.

While there is truth in the cry that corruption exists in political circles in the city, it is equally true that in the rural districts an election to of- fice is an expression of popular approval and popular choice. Abraham Lincoln said, "You may fool all of the people some of the time and some of the people all of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all of the time," and when a man has long been continued in the public service it is unmistakable proof of his fidelity to duty and the confidence reposed in him by his fellowmen. We are led to this train of reflec- tion in considering the fact that John Overacker has for twenty-seven years served as collector of Danforth township, and has been elected for the twenty-eighth year. He resides in the vil- lage of Danforth, where he has made his home for the past thirty-six years, carrying on busi- ness as a contractor, carpenter and builder, so that his labors have been a material element in the improvement of the town and surrounding country. A native of St. Lawrence county, New York, his birth occurred April 1, 1841. his par- ents being John W. and Susan ( Howes) Over- acker, both of whom were natives of the Empire state. They were farming people and continued their residence in New York until called to their final rest, the father passing away in 1806, at the age of seventy-six years, having long sur- vived his wife, who died in 1855. In their fam- ily were seven children but with the exception of our subject none ever came to the west. Two of the number are now deceased, while the others reside in the old home town in St. Lawrence

John Overacker was reared in the county of his nativity and though in his youth he worked upon the farm, he preferred other occupat on and in early hie learned the carpenter's trade. He has since been identified with buikling opera tions and one of the elements of his success is undoubtedly the fact that he has continuously devoted las energies to that occupation in which he embarked as a young tradesman. lle soon became an excellent workman and Ins capability and his fidelity to the terms of a contract have secured him liberal patronage and won him gratifying success. He dates his residence in Illinois from 1865, at which time he took up his ahode in Kendall county with his bride. He had been recently married in the Empire state to Miss Jane Pringle, who was born in Roxboro, Scotland, in August, 1841, a daughter of James and Catherine Pringle, who came to America in May, 1850, settling in St. Lawrence county, New York, where their subsequent years were passed. The father died during the early girl- hood of Mrs. Overacker, and the mother after- ward married a Mr. Ireland, and passed away in 1904, at the very advanced age of eighty-six years. By her first marriage she had two chil- dren, the son being George Pringle, a resident of Michigan. By the second marriage there were sons and daughters who are now living in the cast. As stated, in the year of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Overacker became residents of Kendall county, Illinois. He had visited the state two years before and had determined upon locating here. He came from Kendall county to Iroquois county, settling in the village of Dan- forth, where for thirty six years he has made his home, being closely connected with its build- ing operations throughout this period. Many important contracts have been awarded him and he has erected substantial public buildings and residences both in the town and through the surrounding country.

U'nto Mr. and Mrs. Overacker have been born three sons, who are vet living, while four chil- dren have passed away. All are natives of Iro- quons counts and those who still survive are:

PAST AND PRESENT OF

John W., who is proprietor of an elevator at Danforth and resides with his father; William, who is in business with his father, and Lyman, who is connected with the elevator at Dan- forth. Those who have passed away are : Lester, Hattie, Charles and George, the last named dying in 1903, at the age of twenty-nine years, while Lester and Hattie died at the age of four and six years respectively, while Charles was a child of three years at the time of his demise.

John Overacker is widely recognized as one of the leaders in the ranks of local democracy and served for four years during President Cleveland's administration as postmaster of Dan- forth. As stated, he has for twenty-seven years been collector of Danforth township and not a cent entrusted to his care has ever been used for other than its legitimate purposes. He was one of the organizers of the town of Danforth, and was a member of the board until 1905, during one year of which time he served as its presi- dent. He is thoroughly reliable, his political in- tegrity being above question, while his honesty in business life is also unassailable. Socially he is a member of the Odd Fellow's lodge at Ash- kum and of the encampment at Onarga. In his religious views he favors the Methodist Epis- copal church, and his wife, the Presbyterian church. During the long years of their residence in Danforth they have ever occupied an honor- able position in social circles, enjoying the es- teem and confidence of all with whom they have been associated and none are more worthy of honorable mention in this volume.

THOMAS L. CLIFTON.

Thomas L. Clifton is an agriculturist living on section 2, Ash Grove township, and upon this farm his birth occurred October 28, 1860. His father, John Clifton, was born in Delaware and when a lad of seven years became a resident of Indiana, being reared near Attica, Warren coun- ty, amid the wild scenes of frontier life. There he was married to Miss Elizabeth Kennard, a native of Pennsylvania, who was reared, however, in Ohio and Indiana and engaged in teaching

prior to her marriage. In 1856 Mr. and Mrs. Clifton removed westward to Illinois, where he purchased raw land, upon which not a furrow had been turned or an improvement made. He resolutely took up the task of developing a new farm, which in the course of years became very profitable and productive. Upon it he reared his family and spent his last years, passing away in 1886. His wife still survives him and resides upon the old home place. After her husband's death Mrs. Clifton purchased the interest of the other heirs in the property and her son, Thomas L., has carried on the farm. He was the eldest of six children, the others being: Mary Lou, the wife of A. E. Wilson, of Edgerton, Minne- sota : Sadie E., a teacher in the high school at Crescent City, this county : Emily C., twin sister of Sadie E. and the wife of John Grunden, of Oklahoma ; Eliza K., at home ; and John W., who- assists in carrying on the home farm.

The farm upon which our subject was born re- mained his playground in his boyhood and was also his training school for business life, for he early began assisting in the work of field and meadow and soon became familiar with all de- partments of farming. His more specifically liter- ary education was acquired in the public schools and when not busy with his text-books he aided his father, continuing with him until the latter's death, when he took charge of the farm and busi- ness. Since taking charge of the property Mr. Clifton has rebuilt and added to the residence, which is now a neat and pleasant home. He has also put up a good barn and granary. has set out fruit and has drained his land by modern proc- esses of tiling. He has also built many rods of fence and in fact has carried on farm work along the most progressive lines. In connection with the tilling of the soil he raises full blooded Jersey cattle and has some fine stock upon his place. The farm embraces one hundred and twenty-five acres of land and is an excellent property, which from pioneer times has been in possession of the family.

In his political allegiance Mr. Clifton is a demo- crat and has been elected and served in several local offices. In 1906 he was chosen supervisor by a good majority in a strong republican town- ship and against a prominent republican farmer, and his election was certainly an indication of his.

IROQUOIS COUNTY, ILLINOIS

personal popularity and the confidence reposed'un sors and three daughters, of whom the wire him by his fellowmen. He has also been nonner and the daughters are set living. of his party for sheriff of Iroquois county. Is a member of the board of supervisors he is serving on the road and bridge committee and also on the county farm committee. Mrs. Clifton and her daughters are members of the Methodist Episco - pal church and the family Is well known in this locality. Thomas Clifton has a wide acquaint- ance in Watseka and throughout the county where he has spent his entire life, and he Has a host of warm friends. He is a man of good business ability, of exemplary habits and upright charac- ter, is worthy the trust of his fellowmen and fully merits the good will which is uniformly extended him.

JOHN FROBISH.

Among the residents of Onarga who are now living retired, enjoying a well earned rest after many years of active, earnest and honorable toil. John Frobish is numbered. He was in former years identified with agricultural pursuits in Iro- quois and Livingston counties. He is moreover a native son of this state, having been born in Marshall county, near Lacon, on the 28th of March. 1864. His father. John M. Frobish, was a native of Germany and was reared and educated there. Coming to the new world. he located in Monroe county, Ohio, and was mar- ried there to Elizabeth Krummer, a native of Switzerland, in which land she spent her girl- hood days and with her parents came to the new world, settling first in Wheeling, West Virginia. It was in the year 1862 that Mr. Frobich came to Illinois, taking up his abode in Marshall coun- ty, where he opened up a new farm, upon which he believed for five years. It was during that pe- riod that the birth of our subject occurred. He afterward removed with his family to Livingston county, locating about ten miles west of Pontiac. where he purchased and improved a large tract of land, adding to it many modern equipments and accessories. There he died five years later. or in 1869. His wife survived him and capably reared the family, spending her last days upon the old homestead. She was the mother of seven

John Irobish, reared to manhood In livingston county. engel only common school advantages in his youth He was tramed to the active work of the farm and remained with His mother, as did the other members of the fanjily, until a . were of age. Mrs. Frobich was a woman of su- perior business ability and not only pail off a large indebtedness upon the farm and reared ler family, but was also enabled to place gond im provements upon the land. Under her direction the farm was tiled and fenced and the success- fully managed the financial interests of the busi ness until success resulted. Wherever known she was esteemed for her ability and enterprise and she had the confidence and respect of all. Subsequent to attaining his majority John Pro- bish traveled for the greater part of a year. po- ing east to Ohio and Wheeling, West Virginia, also to Pittsburg and Allegheny City, Pennsyl- vania. Ile then returned home and for one vear engaged in operating a part of the old home- stead farm. The estate was then divided, after which he operated his own and his mother's share and later his eldest brother bought ont the interest of the other heirs and has one half of the homestead. For four years John Frobish carried on general agricultural pursuits there, or until the death of his mother, after which the remain- der of the estate was sold and Mr. Frobish came to Iroquois county. After farming for seven years he bought land seven miles southeast of Onarga on section 36, Omarga township, thus becoming owner of two hundred and forty acres Hle located thereon and at once began the further development and improvement of the place. He has since added to and remodeled the residence. has built a barn, cribs and granary and has laidi some eighty thousand tile on the place. He has also fenced the fields and set out a young of chard. Thus year after year the work of mi- provement was carried forward along modern lines of agricultural progress. Mr. Frobich re- mained on the place for nine years, on the expira- ton of which period he rented bis land and took up bis abode in Onarga, purchasing a lot of which he created a commodious modern ress- cence. heated with furnace, lighted In electricity and supplied with water. This is one of the In st

PAST AND PRESENT OF

residences of the town and would be a credit to any city of much larger size.

It was on the 12th of January. 1888, in Living- ston county, that Mr. Frobish was united in mar- riage to Miss Ida Alice Dutoit, who was born in that county. Four sons graced this marriage: Walter E., Ralph E., Charles L. and Bert E., but the second son died at the age of eighteen months.

Fraternally Mr. Frobish is connected with the Odd Fellows, having joined the order in Onarga, and both he and his wife are identified with the Rebekah degree. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and for eight years he served on the school board while residing upon the farm. He has also been district clerk and while residing in Livingston county he filled the office of township collector. He was also a delegate to various county conventions at Pon- tiac and was known as one of the stalwart advo- cates of republican principles. In the manage- ment of his business affairs he has shown keen discernment and sagacity. being rarely at fault in a matter of business judgment. The value of industry and close application he has fully under- stood and by reason of the exercise of these qualities he has advanced in his agricultural and financial undertakings until his success makes him one of the prosperous retired residents of Onarga.

CHARLES D. DISOSWAY.

Charles D. Disosway, living just outside the corporation limits of Sheldon, has a beautiful home, standing in the midst of five acres of ground. The house and all of the surroundings and equipments constitute a most attractive pic- ture in the landscape. Pleasantly situated in life Mr. Disosway was formerly actively engaged in farming and his toil and labor brought to him the capital that now enables him to enjoy a well earned rest.

lle was born in Dinwiddie county, Virginia. April 16. 1851, and is a son of M. R. Disosway. whose birth occurred in New York city in 1818. From the metropolis he removed to New Jersey and later to Virginia. Ile was a farmer by oc-

cupation and at the time of the Civil war joined the Confederate army and advocated the south- ern cause. In 1867 he came to Illinois, settling first in Marshall county, where he lived until 1870. That year witnessed his arrival in lro- quois county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, residing thereon until 1890. He had then retired and removed to Shel- don, where he spent his remaining days, passing away in February, 1901. His widow still sur- vives and is living in Sheldon, at the age of eighty years. They were the parents of seven children, of whom six are yet living, namely : Charles D., whose name introduces this record ; Mrs. Mary E. Gantz, a resident of Wenona, Illi- nois ; Mrs. Willie A. Wright, residing in Varna, this state; Mrs. Letitia B. Slife, residing near Milford, Illinois; Mark Randolph, who is a resi- dent of Sheldon and is mentioned on another page of this work: and Mrs. Louisa Turner, a resident of Piper City. Illinois. The father gave his political allegiance to the democracy and his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, called him to several local offices. He served as supervisor of Sheldon township, being the first democrat elected to that office in years. He was also a member of the school board and gave loyal support to many measures and move- ments for the general good. Both he and his wife were faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church, living in harmony with their professions.

Charles D. Disosway acquired his education in the common schools of Virginia and through in- struction received from his mother during the period of the war. He afterward attended the common schools of Marshall county but is largely indebted to his mother for his intellectual ac- quirements, Mrs. Disosway being a lady of su- perior culture and attainments. Farm work largely occupied his attention through the period of his boyhood and youth and he worked at home while in Marshall county. After coming to Iro- quois county he bought a farm of eighty acres. which he still owns. This proved the nucleus of his present extensive possessions, for as the years have come and gone he has added continu- ally to his property interests until he has six hun- dred and forty-five acres of fine land in Sheldon and Concord townships. There is no richer land

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 8

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