USA > Illinois > Marshall County > Past and present of Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 38
USA > Illinois > Putnam County > Past and present of Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 38
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JOHN E. BARRY.
John E. Barry, who carries on general agricul- tural pursuits in Henry township, is a native of St. Louis, Missouri, born on the 17th of April, 1861. He was one of the five children whose par- ents are Michael and Marguerite Barry. The father is a native of Ireland and came to the United States in early life. He was for many years a resident farmer of Whitefield township, Marshall county, but is now living retired in Hen- ry, having gained through his close attention and unuremitting diligence in his agricultural inter- ests the competence that now enables him to live retired. Unto him and his wife have been born five children : James H., a resident farmer of Sara- toga township; Anna, at home; Ella, the wife of James Wallace, a farmer of Whitefield township; John E., of this review ; and Charles, a mechan- ical engineer living in Chicago.
John E. Barry was a little lad when his par- ents removed from St. Louis to Whitefield town- ship and there under the parental roof he spent his boyhood and youth, while in the district schools near his father's home he acquired his education. Early becoming familiar with the duties and la- bors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist, he has always carried on farming as a life work and is now renting from Mrs. Guyer a farm of one thou- sand acres, of which he operates five hundred and sixty acres. He is thus conducting his farming interests on an extensive scale and has his fields under a very high state of cultivation, so that he annually harvests rich crops. In his work he manifests the most progressive methods and a thorough understanding of his business in every detail, and thus he is meeting with well merited success.
Mr. Barry was married in 1884 to Miss Eliza- beth Longman, a native of Canada, and unto them
were born four children: Ida, who is twenty years of age and was graduated from the high school of Henry in the class of 1905; Ivan, seven- teen years of age; Alvin, fourteen years of age; and Maud, who is now thirteen years old. The three younger children are all in school. Mr. Barry is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. His political allegiance is given to the democracy and he has served as a member of the school board in his district. His religious faith is indicated by his connection with the Cath- olic church. Almost his entire life has been spent in this county and those who have known him from his boyhood days are numbered among his stanchest friends. He is accounted one of the representative agriculturists of Henry township, where he is now extensively and successfully car- rying on general farming.
ROBERT BRUCE FOUNTAIN.
The name of Fountain has long been closely and honorably associated with agricultural inter- ests in Marshall county and central Illinois. The paternal grandparents of our subject were William and Jane (McGinnis) Fountain, who were early settlers of Peoria county. The former was born in New Jersey and the latter in Ohio and their marriage was celebrated in the Buckeye state, but soon afterward they came westward to Illinois and made their home in the vicinity of Yates City, in Peoria county. About 1851 they removed to Marshall county, settling in the northwestern part of Whitefield township, where they spent their remaining days, being worthy and respected repre- sentatives of the farming interests of the locality. The grandfather died November 3, 1891, at the age of eighty-three years, while his wife's death occurred December 17, 1891, when she was seven- ty-nine years of age. His home farm, consisting of four hundred and eighty acres, was kept under a high state of cultivation and many modern equip- ments were added to the place. He also invested in lands in Dakota and in Kansas and at his death was enabled to leave a goodly patrimony to each of his children. His political allegiance was given to the republican party from its organiza- tion until he passed from the scene of earthly ac- tivities. He practically lived retired from 1876 and during his last years was an intense sufferer.
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In their family were seven children, which num- ple of this county. There has been two sons born ber included Edward Walter Fountain.
He was born near Yates City, Peoria county, Illinois, November 7, 1849, and was therefore less than two years of age when brought by his parents to Marshall county, where he resided until his death. The lessons of industry and enterprise which were instilled into his mind in his early youth bore rich fruit in later years and he succeed- ed in acquiring a handsome property.
Edward Walter Fountain was reared to farm life and was married January 21, 1869, to Miss Elizabeth Shurts, a native of Hunterdon county, New Jersey, who at the age of eighteen months was brought by her parents, Peter and Effie (Tiger) Shurts, to Bureau county, Illinois. They made a settlement about a mile northwest of Whitefield, where they continued to reside until death, the mother passing away February 6, 1881, and the father November 29, 1888. On the 9th of March, 1869, Mr. and Mrs. Fountain settled on what became the homestead farm and there he carried on agricultural pursuits until his death on the 8th day of May, 1890. He was greatly es- teemed by all who knew him and had many warm friends. In politics he was a stanch republican and served as road commissioner and as school director, yet was never a politician in the sense of office seeking. He belonged to the Modern Woodmen of America and to Telegraph Grange. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Fountain were born seven children: William, Georgie, Florence, Fannie, Robert Bruce, Harry and Orlando. Fan- nie is now the wife of Jasper Newton Young. The mother and nearly all of the children are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Robert Bruce Fountain acquired his education in the district school at Whitefield Corners and in his youth worked as a farm hand for others. He also spent much time in aiding in the further development and improvement of the old home- stead farm, where he now resides. The place com- prises ninety-two and a half acres which he has cultivated and the land is under a high state of development, owing to the care and labor which he bestows upon it. He is practical in all that he does and in his business is meeting with excellent success.
In 1900 Mr. Fountain was married to Miss Mary Jennings, a native of Indiana and a daugh- ter of Thomas and Martha Jennings, farming peo-
of this union, Cecil, whose birth occurred Febru- ary 1, 1902, and a son, who was born May 15, 1906, and died June 6, 1906. The young couple have the warm regard of many friends and are highly esteemed throughout the community. Mr. Fountain is a member of Whitefield camp, No. 1652, M. W. A., and he holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. In his political views he is a stalwart republican, having supported the parly since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has always lived in Whitefield township and is known as one of its representa- tive young farmers.
HON. HARRISON T. IRELAND.
Hon. Harrison T. Ireland, whose position in public regard and whose prominence in political circles is indicated by the fact that he is the present representative of his district in the state legislature of Illinois, is, notwithstanding the honors that have been conferred upon him, a man of rather diffident nature who shuns ostenta- tion and display. His election, therefore, was even a greater compliment to his personal worth and his fidelity in citizenship. He is perhaps equally well known because of his extensive agri- cultural interests in Marshall county, where he owns seven hundred acres of fine farming land' and is engaged extensively in raising, buying and shipping live stock. His home is on section 35, Richland township, and he is a native son of the middle west, his birth having occurred in La Porte county, Indiana, October 2, 1848.
His paternal grandfather, James Ireland, was for some years a resident of Ohio, but spent his last days in Indiana. His son, Pleasant Ireland, was born in Preble county, Ohio, January 23, 1813, and was reared upon the home farm in that state, while his educational advantages were such as were afforded by the pioneer schools of the lo- cality. He accompanied his parents on their re- moval to Indiana and was there married to Miss Matilda B. Newell, who was born in Kentucky, December 11, 1811, and was a daughter of John Newell, who after some years' residence in the Hoosier state removed to Lacon, Illinois, about 1856, but subsequently returned to La Porte, In- diana, where he died. Mr. and Mrs. Pleasant Ireland began their domestic life in La Porte county, where he devoted his energies to farming
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MARSHALL AND PUTNAM COUNTIES.
until 1855, when he came to Marshall county and for two years was a resident of Lacon. He then took up his abode on a farm on section 35, Richland township, where he continued to engage actively in agricultural pursuits until he put aside the more arduous duties of a business ca- reer. He retained his residence in Richland township, however, up to the time of his demise, which occurred September 1, 1892, when he was seventy-nine years of age. He had for almost two years survived his wife, who died in 1890, at the age of seventy-nine years. They were the parents of five children, of whom two died in infancy, the others being Frank N., a banker and farmer of Washburn, Illinois; Harriet, the wife of Isaac Wikoff, a retired druggist living at Winfield, Kan- sas; and Harrison T. The elder son was a mem- ber of the Seventy-seventh Illinois Volunteer In- fantry during the Civil war. The parents were members of the Christian church, with which they united at an early day. Mr. Pleasant Ireland was a very close student of the bible and was al- ways able to uphold his side of an argument con- cerning religious questions. For some years he served as deacon in his church and his political support was unfalteringly given to the republican party, for he believed that its principles best con- served good government.
Harrison T. Ireland spent the first seven years of his life in the state of his nativity, after which he accompanied his parents on their removal to Marshall county. He was a student at different times in the public schools of Lacon and of Wash- burn and in the district schools near his father's farm. When not occupied with his text-books his time and energies were largely given to the work of the farm, so that he became thoroughly familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil. He has never sought to change his vocation, but has con- tinued actively in farm work, adding to his prop- erty as opportunity has offered, until his landed possessions are now extensive, comprising seven hundred acres in Marshall county. He raises the crops best adapted to climatic conditions and to the soil and is also extensively engaged in raising, buying and shipping live stock.
On the 28th of October, 1869, Mr. Ireland was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth M. Owen, a native of Richland township, Marshall county, and a daughter of Walter Owen, one of the early settlers of this locality. They became the par-
ents of four children, three of whom are now living. Dr. Frank B. Ireland, the elder son, is successfully engaged in the practice of medicine at Washburn, Illinois. He married a Miss Stu- bert and they have one son, Harrison B., now six years of age. Walter O., who married Miss Anna Lutz, is a traveling salesman with headquarters at Washburn. Ludell is a graduate of the Washburn high school and is at home.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Ireland hold membership in the Christian church, in the work of which they take an active part, while contributing gen- erously to its support. Mr. Ireland also belongs to Washburn lodge, No. 421, A. F. & A. M., and to Lacon chapter, R. A. M. His position is never an equivocal one upon any question. He stands firm in support of his honest convictions and over his private life and public career there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. Recognized as one of the leaders in the ranks of the republican party in Marshall county, he has filled various local offices, acting as school treasurer for eighteen years, as supervisor of Richland township for four years, and as chairman of the board for two years. In 1904 he was the choice of the republican party for the state legislature and received the en- dorsement of the public at the polls. On Novem- ber, 1906, he was re-elected as a member of the Forty-fifth general assembly, so that he is now representing his district in the state legislature, where he has made such a creditable record. Fault- less in honor, fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation, Mr. Ireland commands the respect of his political adherents and opponents alike, while personally he is popular, winning friends wher- ever he goes. His life has been actuated by high and honorable principles and characterized by the utmost integrity as well as activity in his business affairs.
EDSON LUTES.
Edson Lutes, who since 1894 has resided in Marshall county and is now engaged in general farming on section 8, Whitefield township, was born in Henderson county, New Jersey, May 7, 1870. His parents are Jacob and Malissa (Sut- ton) Lutes, also natives of New Jersey, in which state they yet reside. The father has followed various business pursuits, including farming and carpentering and he now resides in Fairmount, New Jersey. In the family were the following
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MARSHALL AND PUTNAM COUNTIES.
named : S. B., who carries on farming in Mis- souri; George, who is a farmer in Illinois; Wil- leader. His political allegiance was given to the lard P., who is living retired in Mexico; Edson, of this review ; Mrs. Anna Jaquish, whose husband is a farmer of New Jersey ; I. H., who carries on agricultural pursuits in Oklahoma; Albert E., a mason of New Jersey; Johnson, who is with his brother in Whitefield township; and Stewart K., also a farmer.
Edson Lutes is indebted to the public-school system of his native state for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He was reared to farm life, being early instructed by his father in the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for stock, so that when he began farming on his own account he had practical knowledge to assist him in his work. He came to Illinois in 1894 when a young man of twenty-four years and took up his abode in Marshall county. He is now oper- ating the Thomas Monier farm, comprising one hundred and sixty acres and in its control displays good business ability, so that he annually gathers good crops. He is quite prominent in fraternal circles, belonging to Rialto lodge, No. 116, I. O. O. F., at High Bridge, New Jersey, the Masonic lodge at Henry, Illinois, the Knights of the Golden Eagles at Califon, New Jersey, and the Order of Junior American Mechanics at the same place. He votes with the republican party and is con- nected with the Methodist Episcopal church in the faith of which he was reared. He has become widely known during the years of his residence in Marshall county and has many warm friends in this part of the state.
WILLIAM H. GERMAN ..
William H. German is a retired farmer, who since 1899 has made his home in Henry. He was born in Putnam county, Illinois, March 12, 1840, and is one of the eight children of John and Cassandra (Smith) German. The father was born in Pennsylvania and was of German descent. He came to Illinois in 1832-the year of the Black Hawk war-and located near Magnolia. An uncle entered for him a tract of land and he devoted his remaining years to farming, meeting the usual experiences, privations, pleasures and op- portunities of pioneer life in the early days and subsequently enjoying the advantages which came through an advanced civilization. He held mem- bership in the Methodist Episcopal church, took
an active interest in its work and served as class
democracy. He died in 1863 at the age of sixty- six years, while his wife, who was a native of Ohio, passed away in 1840. She, too, was a devoted member of the Methodist church. Of their eight children Samuel is now deceased; Moses died in 1902 at the age of eighty years; Maria has also passed away; Rachel is the wife of Calvin Shields of Putnam county, Illinois ; Susan H. is the widow of Henry Hannum; Elizabeth is the widow of Young Glenn, who is-in Oxbow, Putnam county; Malinda was the wife of Dan Harney and both are now deceased.
William H. German, the youngest member of the family, was reared to farm life and has always carried on general agricultural pursuits. He pros- pered in his undertakings and is now the owner of a valuable property of three hundred and twen- ty acres lying in Hopewell township. There he engaged in tilling of the soil for a number of years and improved an excellent property, add- ing many modern equipments to his farm, where- on he resided until 1899, when he retired from active business cares and took up his abode in Henry. The only interruption to his business ca- reer had been his service in the Civil war, for he had enlisted in defense of the Union cause, be- coming a member of Company B, Seventy-seventh Illinois Infantry, with which he remained for al- most two years, when he was honorably discharged on account of disability. He then returned to his farm and continuously carried on agricultural pursuits until his labors had brought to him a handsome competence sufficient to supply him with the comforts and many of the luxuries of life throughout his remaining days.
Mr. German was married November 12, 1863, to Miss Ada E. Stewart, who was born in Hen- nepin, Illinois, January 15, 1844, a daughter of John E. and Sophia Stewart. Her father was a farmer by occupation and on coming to Illinois settled in Putnam county in 1835. Mr. and Mrs. German have had eight children: Cassandra S., John H., Nancy E., Gillie M. and William C., all now deceased; Charles S., an optician and jeweler; Moses S., who follows farming; and Ed- win S., of Henry, Illinois.
Mr. German is a member of Henry post, G. A. R., and thus maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades. He has been as loyal to
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MARSHALL AND PUTNAM COUNTIES.
his country in days of peace as when he wore the blue uniform of the nation and followed the old flag upon southern battlefields. He is a public spirited man and local advancement and national progress are both causes dear to his heart. In business affairs he has a most creditable record as one who is ever straightforward and honorable in his dealings, his succesful accomplishment re- sulting from his diligence and enterprise. Mrs. German is a member of the Women's Relief Corps.
PATRICK DORE.
Patrick Dore, deceased, was for many years a prominent business man of Putnam county, iden- tified with both its commercial and agricultural interests, and his life record demonstrated what can be accomplished through firm and determined purpose and unfaltering energy. A native of County Kerry, Ireland, he was born on the 17th of March, 1831, and acquired his education in the schools of the Emerald isle, remaining in his native land until the fall of 1850, when he came to the United States to try his fortune in the new world, having heard favorable reports of the op- portunitics here extended to ambitious, energetic young men. He had no capital, but he possessed determination and enterprise, and upon those qual- ities as a foundation he builded the superstructure of his success. For a short period he was em- ployed near Chicago, and on the 9th of December, 1850, arrived at Hennepin. It was his intention to go further south, but, spending the night at a hotel here, he entered upon arrangements to work for the landlord of the hotel, first receiving a sal- ary of only cight dollars per month, but later the wage was increased to ten dollars and subsequently to thirteen and to fifteen dollars per month. Ap- parently trivial incidents often prove decisive fac- tors in a life record, and such was the case of Mr. Dore, for, stopping for the night at Henne- pin, he continued to make his home here through- out his remaining days.
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On leaving the hotel he entered the employ of the firm of Minehan, Simpson & Company, dealers in lumber and grain, being employed in their warehouse, yards and office. The firm conducted an extensive business, making shipments to St. Louis and Chicago. Mr. Dore had a friend in St. Louis, a grain dealer, who often came to Hen- nepin, and finally an arrangement was made whereby Mr. Dore bought and shipped grain for
this friend, Thomas Ryan. After working for some years in this way his friend, who was also a wholesale grocer, proposed that he should go into the grocery business, and furnished him with a stock of goods on long time. His trade gradually increased and became very profitable, and he re- mained a merchant of Hennepin up to the time of his death. A man of resourceful business abil- ity, he also extended his efforts into other fields of activity by purchasing grain and hogs, which he shipped to Mr. Ryan, partially in payment for goods. His business increasing, in a few years he was enabled to pay cash for such goods as he pur- chased. All days were not equally bright. At times the storm clouds gathered and threatened disaster to the young merchant, but he perse- vered and turned seeming defeats into victories. At one time he lost heavily in the sinking of a steamer on which he had seven thousand bushels of potatoes, which were then worth seventy-five cents per bushel. This was a total loss, as he had no insurance on it. About five years ago, in com- pany with a nephew, he established a store at Spring Valley, in which he lost three thousand dollars. He then put his son, Michael Dore, in charge, and the business from that time proved profitable.
As soon as he was enabled to do so Mr. Dore invested means in Iowa land, buying at three dol- lars and a half per acre at first and afterward paying as high as ten dollars per acre. As his financial resources increased he began purchasing land in Putnam county and other places, and eventually had extensive holdings in this state, in Iowa, Colorado, Omaha, Nebraska, and South Da- kota. He gave his personal supervision to his Putnam county farms and thereon raised and fed horses and cattle quite extensively. For some years he bred many Norman horses, owning a fine stal- lion. He was also interested in race horses, and has been the owner of some fine specimens of the noble steed that have made excellent records on the track. In his cattle raising interests he made a specialty of the Herefords, and won success in this branch of his business.
In 1856 Mr. Dore was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Rooney, of Hennepin, and unto them were born six children: John, who is now manager of his father's estate and lives in Henne- pin ; James, who died at the age of nineteen years ; William, who died in infancy; Thomas, who
Patrick Don
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is living retired in Hennepin and who married Jennie Simington, by whom he has three children -Margery, John and Thomas; Michael, who is manager of the store in Spring Valley and who wedded Edith Smith, of Hennepin, by whom he has three children; and Cora Ellen, the wife of James G. Fay. They reside in a beautiful home in Hennepin, which was built a few years ago, and they have one daughter, Margaret, who was nine years of age on the 27th of June, 1906. They also lost a daughter, Eileen, at the age of eleven months. Mr. Fay is employed in the Patrick Dore store in Hennepin. The death of the father oc- curred in 1901, and the mother, who had been an invalid for many years, passed away at the old home in Hennepin in April, 1905.
Mr. Dore gave his political allegiance to the de- mocracy where national questions were involved, but at local elections cast an independent ballot. He did not seek or desire office, preferring to de- vote his entire time and attention to his business affairs. He was an honest, upright man and a public-spirited citizen, dealing fairly in his busi- ness relations and supporting many progressive measures that proved of benefit to his community. He had but twenty-five cents when he reached Chicago on his way from Ireland. His educational privileges were limited, but he was quick to learn, and he had more than ordinary ability as a busi- ness man. Gradually he worked his way upward, utilizing the means at hand to the best possible advantage, and his energy and enterprise proved the strong elements in a successful business career which was well worthy of emulation. Since his death his widow and children have built a new Catholic church in his honor, which is called St. Patrick's church, and thus is perpetuated the inem- ory of one of Putnam county's prominent and prosperous business men.
WILLIAM HUFNAGEL.
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