USA > Illinois > Marshall County > Past and present of Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 48
USA > Illinois > Putnam County > Past and present of Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 48
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William Bickel spent the first ten years of his life in the state of his nativity and began his edu- cation there, but largely received his schooling in Illinois. He attended the Strawn school for three years and subsequently was a student in the Belle Plain school. When not busy with his text-books he aided in the work of the fields and remained upon the home farm until the time of his mar- riage. On the 30th of December, 1873, he wedded Miss Diora J. Jones, who was born in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, near Freedom, February 1, 1852, her parents being Milo and Eleanor Jones.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MARSHALL AND PUTNAM COUNTIES.
Her father, who was a farmer by occupation and followed that pursuit in Marshall county for some years, died in 1904. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eleanor Hamilton, was born in 1831 and died April 19, 1902. She was a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. Bickel have but one child, Earl, who married Agnes Eickelbarner and lives just across the road from his father's home. They farm together, sharing equally with each other in all things.
At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. William Bickel located in Belle Plain township and their entire married life has been spent within four miles of their present home. In ad- dition to general farming he handles large num- bers of cattle and hogs each year and his place is an ideal stock farm, located in the edge of the timber. Mr. Bickel took up his abode upon this place in 1887 and the years have since been de- voted to its further improvement and development until now it is a splendid property. He started out in life with no capital save a practical knowl- edge of farming, and he determined to win and he now owns one hundred and eighty-seven acres of excellent land. He first purchased fifty acres in Belle Plain township of John Cox, whom he claims gave him his first start, for which he paid forty dollars per acre. After selling this he bought his present farm. As the ycars have gone by his labors have brought him a goodly measure of prosperity. In politics Mr. Bickel is a demo- crat and takes an active interest in the growth and success of his party. He has been elected and served as assessor of Belle Plain township for six consecutive years and for a long period has been school trustee. The greater part of his life has been passed in this county and in a review of his history there will be found much that is com- mendable, his strong characteristics being in har- mony with the requirements of good citizenship and of honorable manhood.
JAMES P. HICKEY.
In financial circles in Marshall county and this part of the state James P. Hickey is widely and favorably known, being the present popular and capable cashier of the Exchange Bank at Camp Grove. He was born in the village which is yet his home, his natal day being March 4, 1878. His father, David Hickey, a native of County Clare, Ireland, was reared and educated in that country
and came to the United States about 1858. He traveled extensively before making permanent set- tlement upon a farm in Marshall county, Illinois, in 1862. He secured one hundred acres of land in Saratoga township, spending his remaining days thereon, and during that period converting his land into one of the best improved and productive tracts of this part of the state. He was a devout Catholic and a stalwart supporter of the democ- racy. For thirty years he served as school di- rector and the cause of public instruction benefited by his efforts in its behalf. He was numbered among the most respected pioneers of Saratoga township and his efforts along many lines were of direct evidence in the work of improvement and upbuilding. He passed away July 5, 1903, and is now numbered among Marshall county's hon- ored dead. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Day, was also a native of Ireland and a daughter of Jeremiah and Johanna Day, resident farmers of Saratoga township. Mr. and Mrs. Hickey were married in this country and the latter departed this life April 18, 1884. In their family were eight children, of whom six are now living: Katherine; Minnie; John, a farmer of Saratoga township, who wedded Mary Long of the same township; Nellie, the wife of Owen Sharkey, who follows agricultural pursuits in Milo township, Bureau county, Illinois ; James P., of this review; and Nora, the wife of Robert Breen, who is publisher of a paper at Kewanee, Illinois. The two who passed away are James, who died at the age of sixteen months, and Thomas, who died when but three months old.
James P. Hickey pursued his preliminary edu- cation in the district schools of Saratoga town- ship, Marshall county, and for one year was a stu- dent in Dixon (Illinois) Business College, whereby he was well qualified for the practical duties of life. He also studied at home, devoting many leisure hours to the mastcry of branches of learning which have been of benefit to him, not only in general mental development but also in his business career. He worked upon the home farm until he had attained his majority, after which he was employed for a short time as a sales- man in a clothing store. He then entered the Camp Grove Exchange Bank, which is controlled by the owners of the Bradford Exchange Bank. He became connected with this institution on its establishment, February 3, 1902. This is a pri-
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vate bank, of which he is cashier and manager, and under his direction a successful business has been established.
On the 14th of October of the same year Mr. Hickey was married to Miss Mary Herberger, a daughter of Peter and Anna Herberger, who were farming people of Stark county, Illinois. This marriage has been blessed with two children, Marie and Celestine, aged respectively three and one years. The parents are prominent socially, having a circle of friends almost co-extensive with the circle of their acquaintance. Mr. Hickey is a member of the Modern Woodmen camp at Camp Grove, of which he has served as clerk for three years. He is also president of the Fraternal Re- serve and his political allegiance is given to the democracy. The only political office he has cver held is that of notary public and he belongs to the Catholic church. It will thus be seen that his interests cover a wide range, making him a man of well rounded character. His efforts in behalf of Camp Grove have been far-reaching and beneficial. This is a new town, only four years old, but already it contains good business houses, two grain elevators, two banks, good churches and schools and other modern facilities. Mr. Hickey has done much for its upbuilding and progress and is an active, popular and efficient young busi- ness man with a host of friends.
THEODORE M. CROFT.
Theodore M. Croft, extensively engaged in buy- ing and shipping cattle and hogs in Roberts township, was born in this township, June 27, 1851. He acquired a district school education and worked at farm labor on the home place until nineteen years of age, after which he was employed as a farm hand by others for several years. He then purchased his present farm, com- prising one hundred and sixty acres of land that is rich and arable, responding readily to the care and cultivation bestowed upon it. The fields are now well tilled and bring forth good crops. In addition to the care of the grain Mr. Croft is also extensively engaged in buying and shipping cattle and hogs, and this branch of his business is now very profitable. He is an excellent judge of stock and therefore makes judicious purchases and prof- itable sales.
His political support is given to the republican party, and he was elected assessor of Roberts
township for 1905. He has also been a school director for twenty years, and the cause of edu- cation finds in him a warm friend. In his busi- ness affairs he is strictly reliable, never taking advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any trade transaction, and in the community he is favorably known for his methods and his merited successes.
MISS NANCY CLIFFORD.
Miss Nancy Clifford is the owner of valuable farming property in Marshall county, her home being on section 10, Evans township, where she has lived since 1853. She was born at Cadiz, Ohio, about four miles from New Athens, in 1833. Her father was Edward Clifford, who was born in Brook county, Virginia, in 1806, and was the eldest of the family of twelve children, of whom only one survives, Mrs. Margaret Thompson, who is living in Columbus, Ohio. In 1811 Mr. Clifford accompanied his parents on their removal to Har- rison county, Ohio, where he was reared to man- hood, and in 1831 married Rebecca Dunlap, whose birth occurred in Harrison county in 1807. They became the parents of six children: Mrs. Sarah Phillips, who is living at Table Rock, Nebraska ; Nancy; Samuel, who died in 1896; Mrs. Jane Dunlap, whose home is in Wenona, Illinois; Mar- garet, who died July 8, 1905; and Mrs. Susan Hamilton, also living in Wenona. The parents were regular attendants of the United Presby- terian church and were earnest Christian people. Mr. Clifford brought his family to Illinois about 1853, locating at the head of what is now called Sandy creek, where all of the early pioneers settled. In community affairs he took an active and helpful interest and aided in the early de- velopment and progress of the county. He carried on farming for a long period and became the owner of three hundred and twenty-seven acres of valuable farming land, all of which he improved. As the years passed, through his own exertions, he rcached a position of wealth and became the pos- sessor of one of the finest farms in his township. For six years he held the office of road commis- sioner.
Miss Clifford, of this review, was but a little girl when brought by her parents to Illinois, and on the home farm she was rcared. She now owns a beautiful residence in the edge of the timber,
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together with good farming land, having three hundred and forty-five acres in all. Her nephew and his wife now live with her. Her people were among the earliest settlers here and her father was extensively engaged in raising cattle and sheep, owning as high as eighty thoroughbreds at a time. He was also one of the promoters of this industry in the county, and in his farming opera- tions he prospered, so that he was enabled to leave his family in very comfortable circumstances when, in August, 1881, he was called from this life. He was not a member of any church, but he gave freely and generously to the support of different denominations and for the building of various houses of worship in the county. In politics he was a democrat, and while interested in the success of his party, he never placed parti- sanship before the general welfare. His wife sur- vived him for about twenty years, and passed away in 1901.
Their daughter, Nancy Clifford, was a student in the public schools of Evans township. She re- mained with her parents upon the home farm on which they located in 1853, and eventually she came into possession of this property, which is now splendidly improved and very valuable, re- turning her an excellent income. Miss Clifford has intimate knowledge of the history of the county through many years, witnessing its growth and progress as it has developed from wild prairie, swampy districts and timber land into richly im- proved farms, while here and there in their midst have been built thriving towns and cities, bringing to the county all of the comforts and conveniences of civilization known to the older east.
GUSTAV OTTO.
Among the venerable and worthy citizens who in former years were actively connected with the agricultural development of Putnam county but are now living in honorable retirement is num- bered Gustav Otto, who owns and occupies a beautiful home in the village of Magnolia, en- joying in well earned rest the fruits of his former toil. His birth occurred in Prussia, Germany, July 29, 1838. His parents were Michael and Rose (Zeabel) Otto, who were likewise natives of the fatherland, and the former died when our subject was a little lad of but three years. The mother was afterward married again, subsequent to which time she came to the United States and
settled in Magnolia, where her death occurred in 1875.
Gustav Otto was reared in his native country to the age of nineteen years and was there educated. Having heard favorable reports of the United States and the possibilities to be enjoyed by young men of ambition and energy, Mr. Otto decided to try his fortune in the new country, and accord- ingly, in 1857, took passage on a sailing vessel bound for the new world, which was six weeks in making the voyage. When he boarded the vessel at Hamburg, Germany, he had but thirty dollars in money, so that when he landed in America it was necessary that he at once secure employ- ment. He had learned and followed the wagon- maker's trade in the fatherland, but on coming to this country never followed that pursuit. Upon landing in New York he at once made his way to Chicago, and remained in that city for six weeks, subsequent to which time he went to Mar- shall county, Illinois, where he was employed for one month by Henry Weir. In the following spring he entered the employ of John Meyers, for whom he worked during that season and then came to Putnam county, and was employed at farm labor by Captain William Haws, who lived in . Magnolia township, receiving as compensation for his services ten dollars per month. He continued in the employ of Mr. Haws from 1858 until 1865, when, having saved his earnings, he felt justified in starting out in life upon an independent ven- ture, and first located on a tract of land which he rented from a Mr. Phillips, at British Lane, La Salle county, this state. After a year he leased a farm of George Hildebrandt, and once more took up his abode in Magnolia township, Putnam county. He operated that farm for two years, and in the meantime, having saved a sum sufficient to purchase land, in the spring of 1868 he came into possession of a tract of eighty acres, which forms a part of the farm which he still owns, and which was known as the Joel Haws farm, and had been settled in 1838. With per- sistent energy, so characteristic of the German race, Mr. Otto at once began to develop and im- prove his farm, following only the most practical methods in the cultivation of his field and the planting of his crops. As the years passed and he prospered in his undertakings he added to his land from time to time until he now owns two hundred and sixty acres of finely improved land,
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MARSHALL AND PUTNAM COUNTIES.
which is now operated by his son, Joel, and from which he derives an income sufficient to enable . him to live in honorable retirement throughout his remaining days. He also owns forty-six acres of timber land in Marshall county, so that his landed possessions are of considerable extent. In former years, in addition to his general farming pursuits, Mr. Otto also engaged quite extensively in stock-raising, having at all times the best grades of animals. He was actively engaged in farming and stock-raising until eight years ago, when he retired and took up his abode in the village of Magnolia, where he bought five acres of land, whereon he has a commodious residence, which is one of the finest homes in the town, and here he and his wife are spending the evening of their days.
In 1862 Mr. Otto was united in marriage to Miss Eunice Haws, a daughter of Joel Haws, and a native of Putnam county, born in 1840. Her education was acquired in the public schools of Magnolia township and she was carly trained to the duties of the household, so that she was well qualified to take charge of a home of her own at the time of her marriage to Mr. Otto, to whom she has indeed proved a faithful and able assist- ant. Unto our subject and his wife have been born seven children, and the family circle yet re- mains unbroken by the hand of death. The rec- ord is as follows: James A., who wedded Miss Philbrook and resides at Independence, Kansas; Helen M., the wife of I. D. Glenn, a resident farmer of this township; Joel W., who wedded Nellie Simpson, of Hennepin, and is operating the old homestead farm; Maud M., the wife of Lawrence Dugan, and a resident of Camp Grove, Illinois; Bessie, the wife of Rev. Schacht, a resi- dent of London Mills, Illinois; Alice, the wife of George Boyestede ; and Lulu, who is at home.
In politics Mr. Otto has always been a democrat and has taken a deep and active interest in the work of his party. Recognizing his ability and worth he has frequently been called upon to fill positions of public honor and trust, having served for twenty-four years as school director, one year as collector, three years as highway commissioner, and for eight years was supervisor, and for three years of the time acted as chairman of the board. Although Magnolia township is a republican stronghold Mr. Otto has never been defcated for any office, thus showing his popularity and prom-
inence in this community. He was reared in the faith of the Lutheran church, and has always been identified with the church of that denomination, while fraternally he holds membership with the blue lodge of Masons at Magnolia, acting as treas- urer of the organization for many years, and he also served in a number of other offices in the lodge.
When Mr. Otto arrived in America he was in debt to the amount of seventy-five dollars, but he immediately sccured employment, and in a short time earned money sufficient to liquidate this indebtedness, after which he saved his earn- ings, which he judiciously invested in land, and through his close application and capable manage- ment prospered in his undertakings, thus adding to his possessions from time to time until he is now one of the wealthy land-owners of Putnam county, and is known as a reliable and trustworthy citizen who has acquired his property through hon- est and straightforward methods. Upon the death of Captain William Haws, many years ago, our subject was appointed one of the administrators of the estate, the duties of which he discharged with the same loyalty that has ever been mani- fest in the conduct of his own personal interests. He has been a trustee of the Mutual Fire Insur- ance Company for about twenty years. He and his wife are highly esteemed in the community in which they have so long lived and labored, and their own beautiful home is a favorite resort for their numerous friends and acquaintances.
WILLIAM W. TWIST.
William W. Twist is one of the oldest native sons of Marshall county, having been born in Roberts township in 1842, so that he has been a resident of the county for more than six decades. He now resides in Toluca, his home being the most beautiful residence of the town, and he derives his income from real estate, which is the safest of all investments, having four hundred and fifty acres of valuable land in this county. He was born in Roberts township, April 2, 1842. His father, John W. Twist, was born in London, England, and came to New York in 1832. He was a cabinet maker by trade and after residing in the east for several years took up his abode in Roberts township, Marshall county, Illinois, in 1841. The present county division, however, was then unknown and the district formed a part of
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MARSHALL AND PUTNAM COUNTIES.
Putnam county. After coming to the new world Mr. Twist followed the occupation of farming and was numbered among the substantial agricul- turists of Roberts township. He wedded Mary Davidson, who was born in New York city, and is still living at the advanced age of eighty-four years. She makes her home with her son William and spends the summer seasons with her sister in Kansas. Slie is a member of the Christian church and is a most estimable lady, whose life in its various phases has won her the respect and confidence of those with whom she has been brought in contact. In the family were three children : William W .; James P., who was born in 1846 and died in 1894; and Mary, the wife of Leander Burns, who follows farming near Osage City, Kansas. The second son, James Twist, served as sheriff of Marshall county for four years and was also county treasurer for four years. He proved a most capable and reliable official and the trust reposed in him was well merited. He was also a man of excellent business capacity and in his death the community lost one of its valued citizens.
William W. Twist in his boyhood days attended the old Shaw school and acquired a fair English education. He started out in life for himself in 1866 when a young man of twenty-four years, having up to this time aided in the work of the home farm. On leaving the old homestead he en- gaged in farming where the town of Toluca now stands, but eventually sold his land to the coal company. The discovery of the rich coal veins of this district greatly enhanced the value of his property and he disposed of it at a high figure.
Mr. Twist has been married twice. He first wedded Louisa Palmer, who was born in 1843 and died in 1886. In 1896 he wedded Mrs. Mae Mof- fett, who was born in the state of New York. They have one child, Erma Mae Twist, now eight years of age. Their beautiful home is cele- brated for its gracious and warm hearted hospi- tality and is the scene of many a delightful so- cial function. Mr. Twist is now living retired, his possessions being sufficient to supply him with a good income without further recourse to labor save for the supervision of his landed interests. He has filled various offices, including those of assessor, collector and school treasurer, and could undoubtedly have had other political honors had he so desired. Spending his entire life in Mar-
shall county, he is largely familiar with its his- tory, having been a witness of its development from an early day, and the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood is an indication that his has been an honorable and upright career.
ROBERT TURNBULL.
The home farm of Robert Turnbull is pleas- antly and conveniently located on section 28, La Prairie township, not far from the village of Speer, and for many years the owner of this valuable property has been accorded recognition as one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of this part of the state. He was born in Rox- burghshire, Scotland, on the 10th of December, 1827. His parents were John and Beatrice (Scoon) Turnbull, who were likewise natives of the same country. The father, who was born April 30, 1782, came to the United States with his family in 1851, landing at New York city, after which he located at Geneva, New York, where he remained for three years. In 1854 he came to Illinois, settling on the southeast part of La Prairie township. For a long period he was engaged in farming here and passed away on the 2d of February, 1870, at the venerable age of eighty-eight years. In the old cemetery in Scot- land where the ancestors of the family lie buried there are gravestones bearing date back to 1622. In the family of John and Beatrice Turnbull were three children: John, who died in Scot- land at the age of sixteen or seventeen years; Robert, of this review; and Jeanette, the wife of Robert Pringle, who is the oldest man in the town- ship, and whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work.
Robert Turnbull was reared to manhood in his native country, his education being acquired in the common schools prior to his sixteenth year, at which time he entered upon an apprenticeship to the carpenter's trade. His term of indenture extended to the time when he attained his ma- jority, during which period he was given his board and at the end of that time was paid five pounds sterling or about twenty-five dollars. In addition to house carpentering he learned the trade of cabinet-making, everything in that day being done by hand. After serving his term he continued with his old employer as a journey- man and acted in that capacity for two years
ROBERT TURNBULL.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MARSHALL AND PUTNAM COUNTIES.
at a salary of four dollars per week. He did his duty faithfully and cheerfully and was thus in the line of promotion, but the new world with its business opportunities and advantages seemed to him to offer a better field of labor and in com- pany with his parents and his sister he crossed the Atlantic to New York city.
For three years he worked at the carpenter's trade in Geneva, New York, save for a brief pericd of five months spent in Canada. His pref- erence, however, was for the United States and, believing his chances to be much better in the republic, he returned. In 1854 the family came to Illinois, settling in the southeast part of La Prairie township, where Mr. Turnbull purchased a tract of land as a home for his father and mother. They removed to that farm but for three years thereafter he continued to work at his trade. He determined, however, to make general farming his life occupation and took up the task of im- proving and clearing his land. When he began his farm work he had but a single horse. Soon, however, he purchased a yoke of oven with which he broke the prairie. He had about one hundred dollars when he came to the new world, which was increased to six hundred dollars by the time he reached Illinois. This sum he invested in land and upon the farm he lived for ten years, en- gaged in its cultivation and also making some improvements there.
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