Portrait and bigraphical album of Livingston County, Ill. : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biographies , Part 144

Author: Chapman Brothers (Chicago) publisher
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman brothers
Number of Pages: 1208

USA > Illinois > Livingston County > Portrait and bigraphical album of Livingston County, Ill. : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biographies > Part 144

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Fifth :- We are in favor of a true system of Civil Service Reform, making honesty and capacity the only valid elaims for public employment, and believe that the office should seek the man and not the man the office. S. T. K. PRIME,

Secretary of the Farmers' and. People's Anti- Monopoly Party, of Livingston County, Il.

DwiGur, h.r .. , July 17, 1873.

The Grange excitement had subsided, leaving as it did, the unmistakable marks of progress, ad vane- ing and settling the railroad question in one year by what had not been accomplished by the courts for over 100 years, and Mr. Prime turned his at- tention more particularly than ever before to edi- torial work. For many years he contributed arti- cles of practical value to the Chicago Tribune over the signature of " Plowholder," upon the tariff ques- tion, and also upon matter, connected with agri- culture. In 1878 Mr. Prime commenced a special department in the Chicago Tribune, of reporting the erops of the country; these reports covered the entire Northwest, and appeared daily in the Tribune from March until October. They added greatly to the Tribune's reputation as a newsgatherer, but very little, if any, to Mr. Prime's, as the nature of all great dailies is to glorify themselves and ignore those who furnish the brains, the authors. At this time also, over the signature of " Northwest," Mr. Prime made an enviable reputation as a correspond- ent of the New York Commercial Bulletin. As has been intimated, the crop statistics of Mr. Prime, after the first season, attracted such attention that he conceived the idea to withdraw his work so far as the daily press was concerned, and establish a crop bureau, supplying private individuals, grain and commission merchants all over the country, with the earliest, fullest and most reliable crop in- formation in the I'nited States. This proved to be a vast undertaking. Every county in every State, from Ohio to the far Northwest, was thoroughly

LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

organized, and from three to five correspondents were appointed in proportion to the value of the county as a grain-producing area. Twelve clerks aided him in this work. until he had his bureau thoroughly systematized and organized. Every day in the year, and from every State, Mr. Prime received information as to the crop outlook, so mi- unte as to details that he was in a position at any time to know their condition. These reports are now the authority of the country, and are eagerly sought after by the trade, not only at home but abroad. In 1881 Mr. Prime opened in the Farm- ers' Recier, then a small weekly agricultural paper, a department of crop news, which he conducted until the summer of 1886, when he resigned. For the last six years he has been the able correspond- ent of the New York Journal of Commerce under the signature of " Northwest." lle is also a regn- lar contributor to The Farmer, of St. Paul, and the American Rural Home. of Rochester, N. Y. Not. withstanding all his newspaper work and erop du- ties, Mr. Prime has found time to advance, and has had the pleasure of seeing adopted many valuable suggestions concerning our country roads, and also upon the question of tile drainage. In 1878 he compiled and edited a book of 800 pages, " Model Farms and Their Methods," which is a standard, practical work, giving the experience of 150 suc- cessful farmers.

Mr. Prime resides upon his farm of 400 acres, which is in a high state of cultivation, while his home is one of the most beautiful in the State. The house contains a fine library. and is also adorned with works of art. Mrs. Mary K. Prime, the wife of the subject of this sketch, was a woman of rare accomplishments, and shared with her hus- band a great love for everything which in this world goes so far toward making a home attractive. There are few more beautiful homes in Illinois, and none more happy and cheerful, than the one which from small beginnings thirty years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Prime, by their good taste and untiring in- dustry. succeeded in making. Mrs. Prime was called from this beautiful home to a " house not made with hands," on the 24th of April, 1886. The Rev. O. N. Pollard in his tribute to her mem- ory said: " She was reared in the best society of 1

the land. She was truly cultured, and had a wide reputation for hospitality and making those about her at ease on all occasions. To her is due much credit for the good influence of our society from an early day to the present time, and in her death the community loses a power for good that can never be restored to us." Mr. Prime has from time to time filled all the different town offices, and in polities is a Republican, and a Protestant in relig- ion. In the full vigor of manhood, it woukl >cem that he has just commenced to be a useful man to society and the workl at large.

ESSE LITTLE, who occupies a prominent position among the farmers and stock-raisers of Broughton Township, owns land on sec- tions 5 and 6, and is in possession of one of the most desirable homesteads in this part of the county. lle is in the prime of life and in possession of a competence, the result of years of industrions labor and good management. Ile began at the foot of the ladder, without means or influential friends, and aside from being the owner of a fine property, has been prominent in township and county affairs, and in all respects a most reliable and intelli- gent citizen.

Onr subject was born near the famous battle-field of Gettysburg, in Adams County. Pa., April 4. 1832. and is the son of Andrew and Mary (Grier) Little, also natives of the Keystone State, and the father a farmer of modest means. Jesse, in common with his brothers and sisters, received his education in the district school, and when fourteen years of age, on account of the death of his father, was thrown upon his own resources. In the meantime the family had removed from Adams to Franklin County, Pa .. and Jesse there worked by the month during the sum- mer. while he pursued his studies in the winter. When a youth of eighteen he commenced serving an apprenticeship at blacksmithing and plow- making at . Chambersburg, where he spent three years, and worked three more years as a journey- man in Detroit, Mich.

Mr. Little, in the spring of 1850, took up his

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residence in Pern. Ill., where he established a wagon and carriage shop, which he conducted about two years. In 1858 he returned to his native State, where he remained until the outbreak of the late Rebellion. Soon afterward he enlisted in the 12th Pennsylvania Reserves, and was in the battle at Drainsville and the seven-day, fight before Rich- mond. On account of his bravery and fidelity to duty. he was promoted First Lieutenant, and assisted in the command of his company until the conflict at Harrison's Landing, when he was taken ill with camp fever and compelled to return home. On the 13th of February. 1863. he was united in marriage with Mis, Rebecca, daughter of James and Catherine (Snively ) Chariton, of Franklin County. Mrs. Lit- tle was born dan. 3, 1839, in that county. while her father was also a native of Pennsylvania, hut of scotch-Irish descent : the mother. also a native of the Key-tone State. traced her ancestry back to Switzer- land.

Mr. and Mrs. Little soon after their marriage came to Peru. Ill., where our subject continued his former occupation as a wagon-maker until the fol- lowing year. In the spring of 1864 he came to this county, and in company with his brother, pur- chased a half scetion of land, one-quarter in each of section, 5 and 6 in Broughton Township. The soil was in it- primitive condition, and the marvel- ous transformation which has been effected has been simply the result of incessant labor and persever- ance. often under the most discouraging ciremn- stances. Mr. Little. however, possessed in a large measure the qualities required by the pioneer set- tler -. and heel no thought of abandoning his task or fying from the difficulties which stared him daily in the face. He proceeded with the cultivation of hi- land through sunshine and storm, and at the end of each year found himself a little further advanced. The lowland- were made productive by the laying of tile. an orchard was planted and buildings put up, one after another. until the homestead now has around it an air of thrift and plenty that is most pleasing to the eye of the beholder, as may be judged from the view of it presented on another page of this Ann v. Our subject now, sitting in- der his own vine and fig-tree. can survey the work of hi- hand- with a pardonable degree of pride, and

with the reflection that he has been amply rewarded for his toil and care.

The household circle of our subject and his wife was completed by the birth of ten children. The eldest son. William Fremont, was born Aug. 22, 1864, and is now proprietor of a good farm of ninety-four acres in Clay County, Miss., within a quarter of a mile of the court-house. Edward E. was born April 8, 1866, and remains at home with his parents and the younger children; Joseph W. was born March 10, 1867: Annie E., Jan. 31. 1871 : Benjamin Franklin, April 19, 1872; Alfred L., May 1, 1874; Sarah C., June 22, 1876: Edith B., June 20. 1877; Roscoe C., March 10, 1879, and George. May 18. 1885.

The parents of Mrs. Little are still living. making their home at Dwight. this county. Mr. Chariton was born Dec. 14, 1810. and his wife, Catherine. April 17, 1820. They were reared in Franklin County, Pa., and married there on the 12th of April, 1835. They have lived together in perce and har- mony for a period of more than fifty years, and celebrated their golden wedding in Dwight, which was made the occasion of general rejoicing by a large company of their friends and relatives. Their family included nine children, five of whom attained their majority. Rheuhamma E. is the wife of John Slyder, of Peru. Ill., and the mother of three children : Rebecca, the wife of our subject, was the second child : Alfred married Miss Georgiana Board- man, and is carrying on general merchandising at Campus: they have one child; William married Miss Frank Bigelow, and is a resident of Chatta- nooga, Tenn .; they have two children. Daniel G. is engaged in merchandising at Campus.

Mr. Little was the fourth child in a family of seven. His eldest brother, Levi B., married Miss Rebecca Boone and is the father of two children ; he served during the late war in the 159th Penn- sylvania Infantry, and died at his home in Ft. Wayne, Ind., Dec., 9, 1882. Edmund II. marrieo Miss Susan Sell, and served as a l'nion soldier in the 6th Pennsylvania Infantry ; he was killed at. the battle of Bristol Station, Va., and left two sons and two daughters. Thaddeus S. is engaged in farming at West Point, Miss,; JJesse, our subject. was the next in order of birth; Benjamin T. died

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Dec. 24, 1855, when about twenty-two years of age : Louisa is the wife of Joseph W. Seibert and the mother of three children; their home is in Cham- bersburg, Pa. Jennie married Lodasky S. House, and died in 1874, leaving one child. who is now a resident of Gettysburg.

The paternal grandfather of our subject served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War five years, and subsequently drew a pension from the Government. Andrew Little, the father of our subject, was born on St. Patrick's Day, 1784. and during the War of 1812 was drafted, but on account of being an in- eumbent of an office, escaped service. Mr. Jesse Little has been quite prominent in the affairs of his township, serving as Highway Commissioner and School Director several terms. He is a Republican, politically, and has an abiding faith in the correct- ness of his party's principles. In 1876 he attended the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia, and im- proved the opportunity to visit the scenes of his boyhood days, made so famous by the battle fought there during the late war. This was an outlay of time and money which he has never regretted and which could scarcely have been spent in a wiser manner.

E DWARD G. PUTNAM was born at Han- over, N. Il., Aug. 20, 1827, and is the son of John and Sarah ( lleath) Putnam, natives of New Hampshire and Connecticut respectively. In 1844 the father of our subject removed to Madison County, Ohio, with his family, where he remained until his death in 1849. He had been twice married, his first wife being Anna B. West, by whom he had one son. At his death his widow removed to Ottawa. Ill., and thenee to Livingston County. where she died in Odell, in October, 1868.

The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and educated in the district schools, with the ad- vantages of one term in the academy. At the age of eighteen years he left home, and for a year en- gaged in farm labor. The next year he entered the employ of a book and clock firm at Columbus. Ohio, as traveling salesman, and being promoted to the position of collector for the same house. he served in that capacity about seven years. April

28. 1853. he married Miss Mary E. Crabb, who was born in West Jefferson, Ohio, JJuly 1, 1834, and is the daughter of William W. and Lucy Ann ( East- man) Crabb. ller father was a merchant, although he had learned the trade of a saddler. He was born July 27, 1811, and died Dec. 8, 1839. Ilis widow married a Methodist Episcopal minister, and re- moved to Indiana in 1842. They came to Illinois in 1862, and died in Forest. the mother in 1879.

The subject of this sketch and his wife shortly after their marriage settled in West Jefferson, Ohio, where he followed farming for one year. They then moved to Indiana, but the next year went to Ottawa, LaSalle County, where he was engaged on a farm two years. They came to Livingston County in 1859, where they have since made their home. 1Je has been engaged since coming here as a clerk in a store, and is now a traveling salesman. Ile and his wife are parents of six children, as follows: Otto L., Etta H., Mary E., Elmer E., Claribel and Anna L. All of the children have received a liberal education and have developed into successful teach- ers in the schools, except Ehner, who is an artist of considerable ability.

Mr. and Mrs. Putnam are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, upright and un- ostentatious in their lives, and enjoy the confidence and esteem of their community. Mr. Putnam is a stanch Republican in politics, but does not take an active part in the deliberations of his party.

INCKNEY S. BROWN, proprietor of 2 10 acres of fine farming land on section 17. Round Grove Township, came to this county in June, 1861. Ile has, however, been a resident of Illinois since the spring of 1853, when, a young man just married, he set out to seek hi- fortune in the great West.

Mr. Brown was born in Hopkins County, Ky., in the spring of 1831, and remained in that section of country until after reaching his majority, engaged in agricultural pursuits. Upon leaving his native State he located in Bond County, Ill., where he operated on rented land four years, and thereafter lived in both Putnam and LaSalle Counties. In

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June. Is61. he came to this county and purchased eighty acres of land, which is now included in his present homestead. Ile labored with an industry and persistence which could hardly fail of good re- -ults, and added to his purchase until he now has all the land that one man can properly oversee and cultivate. He also put up good buildings, and has expended hundreds of dollars in improvements, but feel- well repaid for his outlay of time and labor.

Mr. Brown before leaving his native State was united in marriage with one of his childhood asso- ciates. Mis- Ruth Weeks, who became the mother of two children: John M .. now a bright and intel- ligent young man who continues at home with his father, and Eudora L .. the widow of William Cum- berland. The latter was married in 1877, and lo- cated with her husband in Livingston County. He crossed the Mississippi into Kansas. where, on ac- count of ill-health, he purposed to sojourn for a time. and died there in Crawford County. Dec. 25, 1>79. Ili- widow then returned to her father's house, where she has since remained. The mother of these children died in Bond County, III., about 1>55. She was a lady of many excellent qualities, and a consistent member of the Methodist Episco- pal Church.

Mr. Brown. in the spring of 1860, was married to Mi- Meli -- a Weeks. the sister of his first wife. who was also a native of Hopkins County, Ky. Their parents were natives of Maryland and Georgia respectively. The father has long since passed away. The mother, now in her eighty-ninth year, live- with Mr. Brown. This union resulted in the birth of five children. namely : Mary. Annie, Lucy, Wilham and Wesley, all living and at home with their father. Mr-, Melis-a Brown departed this life at her home in Round Grove Township in the spring of 1872. She i- affectionately remembered by her friends and family as a worthy wife and devoted mother, who performed all her duties in Ifo with conscientious care and fidelity. She also belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. Brown politically is independent and has also taken a deep interest in the success of the tem- perante movement. While possessing decided opin- jons he is never offensive in the expression of them, un believe there is more ( hristemity in persuasion i

than in force. He has officiated as School Director in his district, and is looked upon as one of the most substantial and reliable men of his community.

b UGH CUMMINS, the oldest living pioneer in Esmen Township, is the owner and occu- pant of a farm on section 8. He was born in Ross County. Ohio, Feb. 22, 1807, and is the son of James and Sarah ( Foster) Cummins, both of whom were natives of Lancaster, Pa., and is of Scotch-Irish ancestry.

The father of our subject removed to Ohio in the earlier days of its settlement, about the year 1802, and following farming all his life, died in Delaware County, in the fall of 1834. Ile had been a soldier in the War of 1812, as his father before him had been in the Revolutionary War. lle was a thorough pioneer in all his habits, and fond of frontier life. Hugh was reared amid all the hardships of pioneer life, making rails, grubbing stumps, building fences, etc. He cast his first vote for Gen. Jackson in 1828, and the same year left his home and came West. He made the trip by water on the Wabash into Indiana, and thence on foot to Illinois. lle tramped through the country to the Illinois River, and followed that stream to Ft. Clark, now Peoria. There being nothing there except the military fort, and the Indians being quite hostile, he returned to the Wabash River. lle reached home late in the winter of that year and remained there until 1833, when he traded for 160 acres of land in Illinois and came out to hunt it up. He discovered the land in Knox . County, and finding some friends settled on the same sec- tion, returned to Ohio to bring on the family. On account of sickness in the family, however, he was compelled to forego the design, and settled near home. In 1810 he sold out in Ohio, and com- ing to Illinois, purchased eighty acres of land near Pontiac, where he made a settlement in 1842.

In November, 1843, Mr. Cummins married Miss Hannah. daughter of John and Katurah ( Wilkins) Chew, both of whom were natives of New Jersey. She was not destined for a long life, and died

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LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

March 20, 1846, leaving her husband with two chil- dren, James B. and Hannah, the latter of whom died in infancy ; JJames B. married Miss Ellen Gar- rison and lives on the home farm : they have eight children. Mr. Cummins sold out his property, and bought land in Esmen Township, where he now re- sides. In 1849 he again entered into the marriage state, this time with Mrs. Rachel Longnecker, a daughter of Zachariah and Mary (Keith) Robinson. who was born in Maryland, March 10, 1804.

LE DYVIG, who owns a good farm on sec- tion 26, Nevada Township, was the first native of Norway to make a permanent set- tlement in the township. He was born Feb. 13, 1845, and is the son of John O. Dyvig, also of Norwegian birth and parentage. The latter con- tinued in his native country until 1866, and then, accompanied by his wife and six children, made the long voyage to America in the hope of bettering his condition.

'The father of our subject, upon landing in this country, made his way westward to Illinois, and first pitched his tent in Odell Township, this county. He was comparatively without means and commenced farming on rented land, following agri- culture in this manner until he could save enough money to buy a farm. and when this auspicions day arrived he purchased one in Nevada Township, and there spent his last days, his death occurring Sept. 29. 1884.

Our subject attended school until fourteen years of age, and then continned with his parents, work- ing on the farm in his native country, and accom- panying them to the United States. At this time he had attained to manhood, and after his arrival in this county worked out by the month in Odell Township until the year following. He then crossed the Mississippi into Winneshiek County. Iowa, where he resided two years, and after a visit to Minnesota returned to his old tramping grounds in this county.

Our subject now commenced as his father had done before him, and farmed on rented land in Ne- vada Township three years. At the expiration of this time he was enabled to purchase eighty acres

which are included in his prosent farm. This is all enclosed and drained, and furnished with conve- mient and substantial buildings, inchiding a com- fortable dwelling and suitable barns for the stor- age of grain and the shelter of stock. Ilis family consists of his wife and one child. the latter a daughter. JJulia.

The wife of our subject, to whom he was married in 1875, was formerly Miss Carrie Thompson, one of his own country women. They are Lutheran- in religion, and Mr. Dyvig votes the Republican ticket. Since becoming a naturalized American citizen he has thoroughly identified himself with the interest> of his adopted country, keeping him- self well informed in regard to matters of general interest, and in his township is always ready to assist any worthy enterprise.

ILLIAM FINHOLD. A large proportion of those who first ventured into the West- ern country, having the courage to stake their all on the untried prairie or in the virgin forest, were natives of another continent. They crossed many miles of ocean before reaching the land which they believed would. by the exercise of industry and well directed effort, yiekl them a home and a competency. Among those who came to this country nearly forty years ago was the subject of our sketch, who is now a farmer and stock-raiser on section 16, Owego Township.

Mr. Finhold is a native of Prussia, Germany, where he was born on the 15th of June, 1831, and is the son of John and Mary Finhold. The first twenty years of his life were spent in his native country, where he received a good education in his native language. In his youth he learned the trade of a carpenter, which he followed for several years. and then emigrated to America in 1851, taking passage in a sailing-vessel at Hamburg. After an eventful voyage of eight weeks he landed at the city of New Orleans, and thence by steamboat on the Mississippi River he reached the town of Peru, IH., in the neighborhood of which place he remained until 1864. In that year he eame to Livingston County. and settled on his present farm. llis first

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LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

purchase of land consisted of a tract of eighty acres. fifty of which had been broken and on which was a small house. He went to work upon this land with a determination to succeed, and he was not disap- pointed. By subsequent purchases, as he grew able. be added to the original tract. until he now own- 560 aere- of first-class land.

Our subject was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Miller. a native of Germany, and they have had seven children, six of whom are living: Frederick, Henry. Charles: Minnie, wife of Joseph Harden, of this county; Augusta and Rikin. Mr. Finhold is a member of the German Latheran Church. in which he takes a warm interest, and con- tribute- liberally of his means. He is a Republican. in polities. and takes a leading part in the affairs of hi- party. He is at present serving as Road Com- missioner of Owego Township, this being his second term as incumbent of that office, and he has served for many years as School Director, and takes great interest in school affairs.

When Mr. Finhold reached Illinois, on his ar- rival in this country, he lacked $7 of having any- thing, that being the amount of his indebtedness at the time, and considering the property which he ha- accumulated since, he can be highly compli- mented for his energy, perseverance and judicious investment.

OUN T. WILSON, Sheriff of Livingston County, is a native of the Buckeye State. and was born in Adams County, April 21, 1>39. Hi- prirents. James and Sarah ( Earl) Wilson. were natives respectively of Virginia and Adam- County. Ohio. James Wilson carried on farining extensively in the latter State, where he was regarded as a good citizen, and with his wife, was a member in good standing of the Presbyterian Church. They had a family of nine children, of whoin six are living. namely : John T. of our -ketch ; Josephine. Mr. Washburne, of Ohio; Dr. Lane A., of Fairbury, III. : Robert F., of Ohio: Rebecca. Mr -. Seats, of Indiana, and fames E., of Ohio.

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Portrait and bigraphical album of Livingston County, Ill. : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biographies , Part 144

Author: Chapman Brothers (Chicago) publisher Publication date: 1888 Publisher: Chicago : Chapman brothers Number of Pages: 1208

Author: Chapman Brothers (Chicago) publisher
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman brothers
Number of Pages: 1208