USA > Illinois > Marshall County > Past and present of Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 37
USA > Illinois > Putnam County > Past and present of Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 37
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CLARK SWIFT.
Clark Swift has for twelve years resided upon his farm on section 5, Whitefield township, where he now owns and operates eighty acres. It is a well tilled and well equipped place and in its thrifty appearance gives evidence of the care and supervision of a practical yet progressive owner. Mr. Swift is a native of the Empire state,' his birth having occurred in Angelica, New York, on the 11th of May, 1841. His father, Philander Swift, was born in Rochester, New York, in 1800, and came to Illinois at an early period in the history of this state, making the journey by wagon before his son Clark was two years of age. Reach- ing Marshall county he settled upon a farm in Whitefield township. He had carried on mer- chandising in the east but following his removal to the west gave his attention to general agricul- tural pursuits and spent seven years upon his farm in Marshall county, after which he was
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called to his final rest in 1865 at the age of sixty-five years. His political support was given to the whig party. His wife, who 'bore the maiden name of Arzilla Egbert, was also a native of New York. In their family were eleven chil- dren, of whom four are yet living, the others, in addition to our subject, being Mrs. Sarah At- wood, a resident of Nebraska; William, a retired farmer residing in Livingston county, Illinois ; and N. I. Swift, of Chicago, who was formerly engaged in merchandising but has also retired.
In taking up the personal history of Clark Swift we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in this part of the state, having lived here from early pioneer times. He acquired his education in the district schools of Whitefield township and remained upon the home farm through the period of his boyhood and youth. He was, however, only nine years of age at the time of his father's death. After reach- ing his majority he purchased the old home place and lived there for a considerable period but about twelve years ago he bought eighty acres, which is his present farm on section 5, Whitefield township. To this he has since added until he now has two hundred acres constituting a model farm property of his locality. The soil is rich and productive and he makes of it the best pos- sible use, so that good crops are annually gatlı- ered. He uses the latest improved machinery in the care of his fields and he has good buildings upon his place.
Mr. Swift was married at the age of twenty-six years to Miss Electa Fosdick, a daughter of Joel Fosdick, of New York, who followed the occupa- tion of farming. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Swift have been born two children: Bertha, who is engaged in teaching and resides at home; and Merton, who is living on the old home farm and who mar- ried Jennie Wheeler of Putnam county, Illinois, by whom he has two children, Percy and Clare.
Mrs. Clark Swift is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which she takes an active and helpful interest, while to its sup- port they are liberal contributors. Mr. Swift votes with the republican party and has served as school director for many years. A residence of more than six decades in Marshall county has made him very familiar with its history and he is conver- sant with many of the early experiences and events which have left their impress upon the annals of
this part of the state. He can remember the time when much of the land was wild and uncultivated and the homes of the settlers were widely scat- tered, but as the years have passed by he has seen a marked change wrought by the labors of the enterprising residents who have come to the middle west and he has borne his full share in the work of development, especially along agri- cultural lines.
ROBERT BURGESS.
Robert Burgess, of Wenona, the most extensive importer of registered draft horses in America, his name well known throughout the country in this connection, is a native of Devonshire, Eng- land, born June 9, 1852. His parents, William and Jane (Ellicott) Burgess, were farming people of that country. The parents both died when Robert was in his youth. He was reared to farm life and received but limited educational privi- leges. He worked at farm labor in his native country until he was eighteen years of age. He was about to be bound out to a blacksmith but thinking that he would not like that pursuit he entered upon an apprenticeship to the tailor's trade. He did not find it congenial either so he asked for the fifty dollars which was the sum of his inheritance from his father and with that limited capital started for America. He sailed from Liverpool in 1870 and landed in New York city, after which he proceeded on an emigration train with about twelve hundred emigrants from New York to Chicago. He did not like the companionship, however, and wishing to get rid of the party he was with, he looked upon the map and there saw the town of Ottawa, to which place he proceeded. He then at once began the search for employment and in the vicinity of Ottawa worked at farm labor for two years and was afterward in a paper factory in the city for about eighteen months. During that time he saved up a few hundred dollars and with this capital he purchased a half interest in a half bred stallion sired by old Louis Napoleon, for which he paid four hundred dollars. This was his start as a breeder of horses, a business in which he has continued with splendid success, until he today stands foremost as an importer of registered draft horses in America. The Farmers' Mail and Breeze of Topeka, Kansas, has said: "The great Wenona Stud has not only led in num-
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bers but in addition has carried off the highest honors at the great fairs and shows in competition with the best horses in America. The Wenona Stud since 1900 has won the following champion- ships at the International Livestock Show which is held at Chicago each year and is considered the greatest horse and cattle show in America. For four years since 1900 they have shown the champion stallion, each year winning on a dif- ferent horse. In 1900 Jim Corbett 4898, was champion. In 1902 Southgate Marmion 6524 (15859) was champion. In 1904 Childwell Chor- ister 7550 (20348) was champion, and took the gold medal as the best imported stallion, and in 1905 the magnificent young stallion, Rolleston Wonder 7931 (22730) carried off the champion- ship. Burgess' victory was complete when in 1905 he not only showed the champion but carried off the first prize on group of five stallions, win- ning with Burston Pride, Magnum Bonum IV, Rolleston Wonder, Bank Jack Tar and Conger. Cottered Prince 7549 (19516) was the champion Shire at the World's Fair, 1904; and at the Lewis and Clark Exposition 1905, Redlynch Conquerer 6521 was champion Shire. Robert Burgess & Son were also the only exhibitors that won three cham- pions and three grand champions on stallions at the St. Louis Fair. The success of the Wenona Stud has not been accidental. It is the result of a lifetime of work and careful study, close appli- cation to strict, safe business methods and know- ing what breed and type of horse was most suited to the needs of a great, new and undeveloped country. For upward of thirty years Robert Bur- gess has devoted his entire time to building up at Wenona the great business of which this article treats. He has been a tireless worker, spending months of each year, winter and summer, in France, Belgium and England. Mr. Burgess puts the value of his show herd at about eighty-five thousand dollars, which is certainly a very con- servative estimate."
When Mr. Burgess landed in New York he had but fifteen dollars in his pocket. He embarked in his present business connection with his brother Charles, with whom he was associated for twenty years. The partnership was dissolved about twelve years ago and seven years ago Robert Burgess ad- mitted his only son Charles into a partnership under the firm style of Robert Burgess & Son. Mr. Burgess probably owns the finest farm in the
state of Illinois. It is known as the Meadow Lawn farm and adjoins Galesburg. He also has other extensive real-estate interests in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana and Minnesota,
On the 2d of May, 1872, Mr. Burgess was united in marriage to Miss Evalyn Wilcox, a native of Massachusetts, and they have three chil- dren : Charles, Bertie and Mabel. The son wed- ded Anna McEachem, of Marshall county, Illinois, and they have two children, Robert and Charles.
During his many trips abroad Mr. Burgess has won many friends, not a few among the royalty. He is an interesting and entertaining gentleman, having greatly broadened his knowledge through travel and the experiences which it brings. Com- ing to America practically a penniless boy, he is now a millionaire and his success stands as an illustration of what may be accomplished by en- ergy, close application and strength of character. He has ever been watchful of opportunities and has utilized the means at hand. Moreover he has conducted his affairs along such strictly honorable business principles that his name stands as a syn- onym for business probity to all acquainted with his history. Fortune has certainly dealt kindly with him, for all the blessings that fall to man on earth seem to be his. Yet he is a self-made man in the fullest sense of that oft misused term, his prosperity resulting from his industry and integ- rity. It is to such men that the west owes its prosperity, its rapid growth and its advancement. In everything pertaining to the upbuilding of his adopted county he takes an active part and is a liberal contributor to the enterprises that insurc its progress.
EDWARD B. SMITH.
Edward B. Smith, filling the office of supervisor of Henry township, is recognized as one of the most prominent representatives of the republican party in Marshall county. He is well fitted for leadership and has exercised considerable influ- ence over public thought and opinion, while his progressive spirit and well known devotion to the general good have made him well worthy of the political honors which have been conferred upon him. He is one of Henry township's native sons, his birth having occurred about a mile and a half from the city of Henry on the 19th of November, 1860. His father was a native of New York city, born November 16, 1824, and became one of the
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early residents of Illinois, arriving in this part of the state about 1836 or 1838. There were many evidences of pioneer life here and he shared in the hardships and privations incident to the establishment of a home on the frontier. He was a farmer by occupation and became the owner of a large tract of land. Of this he cultivated one hundred and sixty acres on his home farm deriv- ing therefrom a substantial income, and he owned considerable land elsewhere. He married Miss Roby A. Taber, who was born in 1818 and who died May 8, 1896, at the age of seventy-eight years. Mr. Smith is also deceased. In their fam- ily were three children: Amer A., who follows farming on Western avenue near Henry; Mrs. Emma J. Forbes, of Nebraska; and Edward B., of this review.
On the old homestead farm Mr. Smith, whose name introduces this record, spent the days of his boyhood and youth and early became familiar with the work of the fields. He now owns the home farm of one hundred and sixty acres where he carries on general agricultural pursuits. His preliminary education was acquired in the district schools and he afterward attended Henry Semi- nary. From early manhood he has been deeply interested in the political questions and issues and has taken a very active and helpful part in the work of the republican party. He was ap- pointed to the office of supervisor as the successor of H. J. Gregory and four years ago was elected by the largest majority ever given to any candi- date for that position. For ten years he has been a member and chairman of the town central com- mittee and for six years has been a member of the county central committee. He filled the office of road commissioner for six years and his duties have ever been promptly and faithfully performed. He is well qualified for political leadership, being able to marshal his forces with almost military precision, while his executive ability and personal popularity enable him to get out the full party strength. In addition to his activity and interests along other lines he has served for seven years as a director of the Henry Cemetery.
On March 6, 1897, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Grace M. Thompson, of Henry, a daughter of M. A. and Marguerite R. (Sharp) Thompson, the former of Henry, Illinois, and the latter of Indiana. The father is now deceased but the mother is still living. He was for many
years a farmer and hotel proprietor and was widely known in Marshall county. Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith hold membership in the Presbyterian church, in which he is serving as trustee and in the work of which he takes an active and helpful interest. Indeed activity is one of his marked and sterling characteristics. It is manifest in everything that he undertakes. Whatever claims his attention receives from him his best service and he is a man who accomplishes results.
PATRICK POWERS.
Patrick Powers, engaged in farming on section 5, Saratoga township and also finding stock rais- ing a profitable source of income, was born in Peoria county, Illinois, near the city of Peoria, on the 2d of November, 1858. His parents, Thomas and Mary (Phalen) Powers, were both natives of Ireland and the former died in the year 1895. The mother is still living and is a devout member of the Catholic church. In the family were the following named: Mrs. Maggie Driscoll, who is living upon a farm in Bureau county, Illinois; James, Hannah, Alice, Ellen, Mary Ann and Julia, all now deceased; and Pat- rick of this review.
In taking up the personal history of Patrick Powers we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in this part of the state. The removal of his parents to Marshall county enabled him to become a student in what is known as the Wilson school in Saratoga township, and there he mastered the branches of learning which well qualified him for life's prac- tical and responsible duties. At the age of thirty years he began farming for himself on the old homestead, comprising three hundred and twenty acres of good land, and he now has a splendidly developed property with rich and productive fields, from which are annually garnered large harvests. He also feeds cattle and hogs and his live stock interests are an important branch of his business.
In 1890 Mr. Powers was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Mahoney, who was born in Stark coun- ty, Illinois, and their union has been blessed with two sons and two daughters: James L., born in 1891; Mary Eva, in 1896; Nora B., in 1899; and Patrick Francis, August 17, 1906. Mr. Pow- ers votes independently. He is not an aspirant for office, preferring to give his time and energies to his business affairs. In his religious faith he
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is a Catholic, having always adhered to the church in which he was reared. Almost his entire life has been passed in Marshall county and the years have brought him a wide acquaintance, while his sterling traits of character have gained for him the warm regard of many friends.
JAMES M. WINSHIP.
The life record of Mr. Winship is interesting because of its varied experience and by reason of the fact that his was a most honorable and upright career. He came to this section of Illinois in early pioneer times, and he was one of those who sought a fortune in California during the early days of the mining excitement there. Born in Lewis county, New York, on the 2d of October, 1825, he was a son of Ralph and Lucetta (Cooley) Winship, who went to Bureau county, Illinois, in 1832. The family trace their ancestry in America back to Timothy Winship, who was born in Westminster, England, May 31, 1713, and who emigrated to the United States in early life. In 1731 he married Margaret Merret, who was born in Charlestown, Massachusetts, in 1708.
James M. Winship was a youth of only seven ycars when brought by his parents to Illinois, and npon the home farm in Bureau county, amid pioncer conditions and environments, he was rcared. He acquired only a conimon-school edu- cation, but after he had attained manhood he al- ways read broadly and became a well informed man, keeping in touch with current events and with the trend of modern thought. In 1850 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Read, who was born in Herkimer county, New York,, June 24, 1831, and was a daughter of Phillip and Tryphena (Davis) Read. The father's birth oc- curred in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, while the mother was a native of Fall River, Massachusetts. Both passed away in Putnam county, the former in 1843, while the mother long survived and de- parted this life June 30, 1889. They came with teams from Massachusetts to Illinois in 1836, lo- cating first in Hennepin township, while later they established their home in Senachwine township. The log house built by Phillip Read is still stand- ing, and is one of the oldest landmarks of the vicinity, being a mute reminder of the changes that have occurred and the progress that has been ' made from pioneer times down to the present. In the family were seven children, but only three are
now living: Mrs. J. M. Winship; Mrs. William Wheeler; and Rosalia Read, who resides in the village of Putnam.
In 1852 James M. Winship made a trip to Cali- fornia, crossing the plains with ox teams. He traveled over the long stretches of hot sand and through the mountain passes until at length he reached the mining regions of the Golden state. He remained for about a year, returning in 1853, and in the meantime his wife resided with her mother. After his return they began housekeeping again and in 1868 removed to Senachwine town- ship, where Mr. Winship purchased the farm upon which he resided continuously until his death. He passed away May 9, 1903, leaving an estate of over three hundred acres of very rich and valuable land. All of the improvements upon the prop- crty had been made by him and he well deserved classification with the representative agriculturists of the community, for his place was kept in ex- cellent condition. In 1876 he made an extended trip east, visiting the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia, also New York city, Washington and Mount Vernon, after which he visited old friends in Oneida county, New York. Later he and his wife also visited relatives and friends in the east. He thus traveled from ocean to ocean and gained quite intimate knowledge of the coun- try.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Winship were born six children, of whom four'are now living: J. O., who resides in Senachwine township and is men- tioned elsewhere in this volume; Cora Eva, the wife of Martin L. Condit, who resides upon a farm in Senachwine township; O. W., who is liv- ing in Tiskilwa, Illinois ; Walter E., who married Etta White, and was a resident farmer of Senach- wine township until his death; Jessie M., the wife of Charles A. Prutsman, living in Princeton ; and Buena Elspeth, who died in childhood.
For many years Mr. Winship was a devoted and faithful member of the Christian church, exem- plifying in his life its teachings and principles. He was a man of thorough reliability and trust- worthiness and his word was as good as any bond ever solemnized by signature or seal. He was greatly interested in the sciences of astronomy and geology, which he studied after reaching manhood, becoming well versed in those branches of knowl- edge. His political allegiance was given to the re- publican party and he served as supervisor for two
MRS. JAMES M. WINSHIP.
JAMES M. WINSHIP.
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terms, while for twenty years he was a school di- rector. The cause of education found in him a stalwart friend, and he did everything in his power to advance the interests of public instruc- tion. To his family he was a devoted husband and father, and his memory is cherished by all who knew him. For many years he was an active farmer, representative citizen and honored man of Putnam county, and the example which he left is one well worthy of emulation. Mrs. Winship still resides upon the home farm and is in remarkably good health for one of her years. She is one of the oldest residents of the township, having for seventy-four years lived in this county, so that she has witnessed its growth from the earliest period of its development down to this day of modern progress.
JAMES PARRETT.
James Parrett, conducting a successful business as a photographer at Wenona, where he has a well equipped art gallery, was born in Magnolia, Putnam county, Illinois, on the 7th of May, 1857. He is a son of William E. and Emily J. (Dent) Parrett, natives of Virginia. The mother in writ- ing of early reminiscences said in part: "My grandfather was Captain John Dent, a captain in the Revolutionary war, and his father was John Dent of England, who, with his brother Frederick, came from Yorkshire, England, to Maryland, in the early days of the colony. My mother's father was William Berkshire. My mother was born at Cumberland, on the Potomac, and moved to West Virginia when quite young, living then near the Dent home. Both of my grandfathers owned beautiful homes and large plantations in West Virginia, where the family lived in the customary style of the prosperous planter. It was on the morning of October 5, 1834, that we (Mrs. Par- rett, her parents, brothers and sisters) started overland from West Virginia to Illinois with one large covered wagon called a prairie schooner, drawn by four fine horses." The party traveled after the primitive manner of the times, stopping at night at some tavern in a town or engaging lodgings from a farmer. The mother prepared all the meals while en route, the family enjoying a hot meal in the morning and evening, while din- ing off of cold victuals at noon. Prior to this time John and Enoch Dent, the father's brothers, had come to Illinois and eventually the party of
travelers reached the home of Enoch Dent on the 8th of November, 1834. The family lived in true pioneer style in a log cabin. They had two chairs which they brought with them and the father made three three-legged stools. It was a life of privation and hardships in many ways, but after all a happy life, and thus the Dent family was established in Illinois, becoming pioneer residents and taking their part in the development of their portion of the state.
William E. Parrett, father of our subject, was also an early resident of this state and made the first reaper in Illinois. He had a shop at Mag- nolia and his old sign, bearing date 1848, is still hanging above the shop. He likewise established a foundry at Pontiac, Illinois, which he conducted for some time and subsequently settled in Wenona, where he was engaged in the agricultural imple- ment business. He thus figured in the industrial and commercial interests of central Illinois and was also prominent in public affairs, serving at one time as county judge of Putnam county. In the family were eight children, of whom one died in infancy, while seven are still living, namely: Orange, who resides at Priscilla, Illinois; Mrs. Belle Gray, of Rutland, this state; William, a locomotive engineer; Emma, the wife of Frank Mitchell, of Michigan City, Indiana; Mary, the wife of Charles A. Whitney, of Lostant, Illinois; James ; and Hattie, the wife of T. L. Taylor, of Streator, Illinois.
James Parrett was educated in the public schools and accompanied his parents on their various re- movals, arriving with them in Wenona in 1867 when he was ten years of age. He learned pho- tography in Streator and on the 1st of December, 1884, established himself in business in Wenona, where he has since conducted a gallery. His stu- dio is well arranged and well equipped for the successful conduct of the business and he does most artistic and satisfactory work, keeping in touch with the advanced ideas and most modern inventions known to the representatives of the art. He is a member of the state and national associa- tion of photographers and thus keeps in touch with what is being done by the profession through- out the country.
On the 31st of December, 1885, Mr. Parrett was united in marriage to Miss May Stoner, of Wenona, and they have two sons, Dent and Henry Tullis. The mother is a member of the Presby-
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terian church. Mr. Parrett belongs to the Wood- men camp and the Yeomen Society. He has been a member of the school board for several years and also its secretary for a considerable time, and he served for one term as city alderman. He is interested in municipal affairs to the extent of giving hearty aid to many movements for the general good. At the same time he carefully conducts his business interests and is a leading photographer of this part of Illinois.
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