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 25

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 25

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cess. During the year 1886 he was so unfortu- nate as to lose seventy-three head of fine Chester- White hogs. Although it was quite a severe finan- cial loss, his courage was not diminished in the least, but he immediately began, with renewed en- ergy, to maintain his business up to the standard, and at the same time to regain what had been lost.

Politically, Mr. Johnson is an advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, and has been called upon to discharge the duties of many of the various township offices. He is a member of the lodge of Knights of Pythias, in which he has held the various offices, and filled them with credit to himself and satisfaction to the fraternity of that lodge.

M ILTON KELLEY, an intelligent and well- educated young bachelor of Indian Grove Township, is operating the farm of his father, on section 27, and engaged in the breeding of fine stock, including Norman horses and Chester-White swine. The estate is one of the most valuable in the southern portion of Liv- ingston County, the farm having been opened up mainly by the father of our subject, who migrated to Illinois from Pennsylvania in 1864.

Our subject was born in Greene County, Pa., May 23, 1854, and was consequently a lad ten years of age when he came to this State with his parents. The latter were Jacob C. and Martha (Gosline) Kelley, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of the Keystone State. Jacob Kel- ley was born June 20, 1815, and died at his home in Indian Grove Township on the 23d of June, 1881. He located in this township March 10, 1864, and became one of its most prominent and well-beloved citizens. A thorough and progressive farmer, he was a man prompt to meet his obliga- tions, and took a genuine interest in the welfare of the people around him, encouraging and sustaining those enterprises calculated for their well-being and improvement. Although never identifying himself with any religious organization, he illustrated in his life and character the principles of true Chris- tianity, and no man enjoyed in a warmer degree

the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens. Upon coming here, he at once purchased the land upon which our subject now operates, where he built up a fine home and reared his children to habits of industry and principles of honor.

Mrs. Martha Kelley, who was born in 1821, was a lady in every respect the suitable companion of her husband, and the possessor of all womanly vir- tues. She looked well to the ways of her house- hold, and is yet affectionately regarded as a tender friend and counselor, kindly and charitable, ever lending a ready ear to the tale of distress and her aid to the unfortunate. She resides with her son on the old homestead. The three children of the parental household were: Milton, our subject; James, who died in February, 1881, aged twenty- six years; and Mary, who resides with her mother and brother. The daughter is finely educated, and possesses more than ordinary intelligence and re- finement, and is in all respects an ornament to the home circle.

Mr. Kelley cast his first Presidential vote for Peter Cooper, and has always been a stanch sup- porter of the Republican party. He identified him- self with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1883, and is one of its most valued members.

AVID G. LEWIS, a representative young farmer and stock-raiser of Owego Town- ship, occupying 117 acres on section 10, has spent his entire life in the Prairie State, having been born in Fulton County April 25, 1851. He came to this county soon after his marriage, which took place in 1874, and located on his present farm in 1887. He has been remarkably successful thus far in his agricultural operations, and is keeping pace with the methods of modern and progressive farming.

The parents of our subject were George W. and Abigail Lewis, who were of New England birth and parentage, and settled in Illinois during the pioneer days, more than thirty years ago. George Lewis for many years conducted an hotel at Fairview, where his death took place March 16, 1886. The mother passed to her rest in 1865.

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There had been born to them seven children, four ; Ind .; Mary and Fannie both attended St. Mary's of whom are now living, namely. Andrew V., Academy at Morris, Ill., where the former still re- mains: the latter has returned home. James died May 1, 1877, in Livingston County, at the age of seventeen years. John G., Frank, and David G., our subject. The parents were widely and favorably known through- out Fulton County as representing its most sub- stantial and reliable elements. Their children re- ceived careful home training and a good common- school education, and imbibed those principles of morality and sentiments of honor which have ren- dered them worthy to bear the name and mantle of the authors of their being.

David G. Lewis was reared and educated in his native county, where also he took unto himself a wife and helpmeet in the person of Miss Mary Vanostrand, of Fulton County. Mrs. L. is the daughter of Jacob W. and Phoebe M. Vanostrand, and was born in Fulton County, Ill., in 1856. Of this union there are two children: George, born Aug. 15. 1875, and Carrie, Feb. 13, 1886. The family residence is a neat and comfortable structure, and the barn and out-buildings are in keeping with the general air of thrift and comfort which pre- vades the premises. Mr. Lewis is a steady and persistent worker, and his labors in due time will bring him his just reward.

OHN WHALEN, who has a stock farm on section 30, Amity Township, devotes a large proportion of his time to school teach- ing, for which profession he is pecuharly fit- ted, not only by education, but by natural inclina- tion. Mr. Whalen is a native of Livingston County, and was born Feb. 15, 1847. He is the son of Patrick and Mary (Foley) Whalen, who were natives of Ireland, and emigrated to America when they were about twenty years of age. Ilis father was the son of Michael and Mary (Doran) Whalen. To Patrick Whalen and wife a family of five children were born, namely, Jerome M., John, James, Mary and Fannie. John Whalen now owns 160 acres of fine farm land, all under a good state of cultivation, which is ditched and well drained; Jerome Whalen was educated in the col- lege at Valparaiso, Ind., and at Notre Dame Uni- versity, located near South Bend, St. Joseph Co.,

John Whalen, our subject, was educated in the High School in Pontiac, and afterward attended the Jacksonville Business College, where he took a thorough practical course. Although he is a farm- owner and stock-raiser, he devotes most of his time to teaching, in which profession he has been eminently successful.

W ILLIAM W. SKINNER, whose early life was characterized by energetic and indus- trious farin employments, in which he was remarkably successful as an agriculturist and stock- dealer, has now wisely retired, and is spending his declining years in the ease and comfort of a hand- some home in Fairbury. He is a native of Devon- shire, England, and was born May 5, 1828. His parents, William and Grace (Leeworthy ) Skinner. were of pure English blood, and emigrated to America in 1834, when their son William was but a child six years of age. After landing in New York City they proceeded to Sangerfield, Oneida County, which remained their residence twelve years thereafter, and during which time the father was engaged in farming. In 1846 they all came to Illinois, and the father purchased land in Ken- dall County, where he built up a fine homestead, and cultivated the soil until departing from the scenes of his earthly labors. He was born in 1803, and died in 1855. The mother, born in 1799, passed away three years before her husband, in 1852. The household included nine children, namely : Mary and Jane, now deceased; William, our subject; Henry: Elizabeth, deceased; John, Eliza, Morgan and Martha.

Mr. Skinner was educated in the common schools, and remained under the parental roof until after reaching his majority. IIe then purchased eighty acres of land in Kendall County, and began the ca- reer which subsequently proved so prosperous. Ilis property includes 180 acres of some of the finest land in Forest Township, a handsome and

RESIDENCE OF. P. W.SETZER, SEC.18, ESMEN TOWNSHIP.

RESIDENCE OF MORRIS FOLEY, SEC. 2. AMITY TOWNDILIM

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There had been born to them seven children, four of whom are now living, namely. Andrew V., John G., Frank, and David G., our subject. The parents were widely and favorably known through- out Fulton County as representing its most sub- stautial and reliable elements. Their children re- ceived careful home training and a good common- school education. and imbibed those principles of morality and sentiments of honor which have ren- dered them worthy to bear the name and mantle of the authors of their being.

David G. Lewis was reared and educated in his native county. where also he took unto himself a wife and helpmeet in the person of Miss Mary Vanostrand, of Fulton County. Mrs. L. is the daughter of Jacob W. and Phoebe M. Vanostrand, and was born in Fulton County, Ill., in 1856. Of this union there are two children: George, born Aug. 15. 1875, and Carrie, Feb. 13, 1886. The family residence is a neat and comfortable structure, and the barn and out-buildings are in keeping with the general air of thrift and comfort which pre- varles the premises. Mr. Lewis is a steady and persistent worker, and his labors in due time will bring him his just reward.

OHN WIIALEN, who has a stock farm on section 30, Amity Township, devotes a large proportion of his time to school teach- ing, for which profession he is pecuharly fit- teri, not only by education, but by natural inclina- tion. Mr. Whalen is a native of Livingston County, and was born Feb. 15, 1847. Hle is the son of Patrick and Mary (Foley) Whalen, who were natives of Ireland, and emigrated to America when they were about twenty years of age. llis father was the son of Michael and Mary (Doran) Whalen. To Patrick Whalen and wife a family of five children were born, namely, Jerome M., John, James, Mary and Fannie. John Whalen now owns 160 acres of fine farm land, all under a good state of cultivation, which is ditched and well drained; Jerome Whalen was educated in the col- lege at Valparaiso, Ind., and at Notre Dame Uni- versity, located near South Bend, St. Joseph Co.,

Ind .; Mary and Fannie both attended St. Mary's Academy at Morris, Ill., where the former still re- mains; the latter has returned home. James died May 1, 1877. in Livingston County, at the age of seventeen years.

ILLIAM W. SKINNER, whose early life was characterized by energetic and indus- trions farm employments, in which he was remarkably successful as an agriculturist and stock- dealer, has now wisely retired, and is spending his declining years in the ease and comfort of a hand- some home in Fairbury. He is a native of Devon- shire, England, and was born May 5, 1828. His parents, William and Grace (Leeworthy ) Skinner. were of pure English blood, and emigrated to America in 1834, when their son William was but a child six years of age. After landing in New York City they proceeded to Sangerfield, Oneida County, which remained their residence twelve years thereafter, and during which time the father was engaged in farming. In 1846 they all came to Illinois, and the father purchased land in Ken- dall County, where be built up a fine homestead, and enltivated the soil until departing from the scenes of his earthly labors. He was born in 1803, and died in 1855. The mother, born in 1799, passed away three years before her husband, in 1852. The household included nine children, namely : Mary and Jane, now deceased; William, our subject; Ilenry; Elizabeth, deceased; John, Eliza, Morgan and Martha.

Mr. Skinner was educated in the common schools, and remained under the parental roof until after reaching bis majority. Ile then purchased eighty acres of land in Kendall County, and began the ca- reer which subsequently proved so prosperous. Ilis property includes 480 acres of some of the finest land in Forest Township, a handsome and

RESIDENCE OF P. W.SETZER, SEC.18, ESMEN TOWNSHIP.

RESIDENCE OF MORRIS FOLEY, SEC. 2, AMITY TOWNSHIP.

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substantial farm dwelling, with its necessary adja- cent buildings, and an aere of land within the limits of Fairbury. After reaching his thirty-second year he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah F. Alford, the wedding taking place at the home of the bride, in November, 1860. Mrs. S. was born in Clinton County, N. Y., Sept. 9, 1844, and is the daughter of Wesley J. and Cornelia B. (Randall) Alford, also natives of the Empire State. Her fa- ther was born Ang. 17, 1820, and her mother in 1823. They are both living, and residents of Belle Prairie Township, this county, where for many years Mr. A. followed farming. The parents were married in 1839, and the family circle was com- pleted by the birth of nine children, namely, Lu- cina R., IIannah F., Seth R., Emeline, Lorenzo W., Louisa, George, Allie and Warren L.

Mr. and Mrs. Skinner have two sons only : Rod- ney C. was born May 12, 1863, and married Miss Ella Evans, of Chenoa; he is farming in Forest Township. William was born Sept, 1, 1870, and is reading medicine in the office of Dr. C. G. Lewis, of Fairbury. Mr. Skinner, politically, uniformly votes the Republican ticket, and is greatly inter- ested in the success of the temperanee movement. Mrs. S. is a worthy member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church.

ree

G EORGE B. FOSTER, one of the oldest living pioneers of Livingston County, was born in Tioga County, N. Y., Aug. 17, 1825, the son of John and Susan (Shephard) Foster, the for- mer a native of Vermont, and the latter, who it is known was of New England birth, was probably reared not far from the birthplace of her husband. The Foster family is of English ancestry, and was first represented in this country in the Colonial days. The mother of our subject was of Scotch descent, and her great-grandfather settled in New England probably before the commencement of the Revo- lutionary War. The Fosters were largely repre- sented in New England, and the father of our subject was one of a numerous family whose father had been married several times. The children now living are: Edward, of Denver, Col .; Robert, of ,

Kansas ; James, of Kansas City, Mo. ; Frank, Charles, and George B. of our sketeh.

In 1837 John Foster, with sixteen others of the same patronymic, including the family of the maternal grandfather, started West, making their way to Cleveland. Ohio, by lake and rail, then engaged teams and proceeded overland, locating first at Dayton, Ohio, on account of the cold weather, which interfered with their comfort while camping out at night. They remained there three months, when they continued their journey, finally settling in Pontiac. Here our subjeet was reared to manhood and trained especially to habits of in- dustry and economy while receiving a limited edu- cation in the pioneer school. He took kindly to labor, and at an early age became initiated into the secrets of successful farming, which he naturally chose as his future vocation. He was married, Dec. 21, 1852, after reaching his twenty-seventh year, to Miss Martha Jones, who was born in Indiana, Feb. 25, 1834. Mrs. F. was the daughter of Henry and Emily (De Moss) Jones, natives of Kentucky, who emigrated to Illinois about 1846, and settled in Owego Township. They afterward removed to California, where the mother died about 1863, and where Mr. Jones is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Foster became the parents of six children, of whom the record is as follows: Agnes, the first born, died when one year old; Henry obtained a fine educa- tion and is now Principal of the Pontiae High School, and numbered among the efficient popular educators of the county; Emily is the wife of William Decker, a prosperous merchant of Owego Township; Susan married Charles Grandy, who is farming in Pontiac Township, where Nathan also pursues the same calling; Clarence is a resident of Owego Township.

In 1852 Mr. Foster purchased the land compris- ing his present farm, which was then an unculti- vated tract of prairie, distant from markets and even from the traveled highway. Scareely a fur- row had been turned, while deer and other wild game were plentiful in that vicinity. Mr. Foster, being quite a marksman, kept his family supplied with the finest of wild meats, and if at times they lacked flour they were seldom without the impor- tant article of meat. He commenced farming with

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an ox-team and a few rude implements which would be regarded with ridicule at the present day. He set out, however, with the resolution of making the best of circumstances, gaining a little each year until he had turned the sod upon the greater part of his possessions and brought the soil to a good state of cultivation. It is now considered one of the finest farms of its size in Owego Township, and although consisting of but eighty acres is more valuable than many occupying a larger area.

Mr. Foster, while having an abundance of labor on hand in connection with his own interests, has deported himself unselfishly and given whatever of his time and attention that was needful in subserv- ing the welfare of his community. He has been School Director for many years, and sought by his influence, and more substantial methods when necessary, to encourage those enterprises tending to the welfare of the people. He uniformly votes the Democratie ticket, and with his estimable lady is numbered among the valued residents of Living- ston County, who have assisted in the development of its resources, rejoiced in its prosperity, and con- tributed their quota toward its moral welfare.

NDREW J. BROOKS, of Rook's Creek Township, owns a fine farm of 160 acres on section 26, of which he has been in pos- session since the spring of 1874. This he has brought to a high state of cultivation, using considerable tiling. and purposes draining the land still further in this manner. His farming opera- tions have been conducted with industry and good judgment. and he has in all respects performed his part as a useful citizen and a skillful agriculturist. He has attended principally to his own concerns, but has kept himself posted upon current events. and is always pleased to note the progress and ad- vancement. both morally and financially, of the people around him.

As far back as he has any record, the ancestors of Mr. Brooks were of American birth and parent- age, and mostly residents of New York State. His paternal grandfather, John Brooks, served in the Revolutionary War, and spent his last days in

New York State. The parents, Martin and Han- nah (Appleby) Brooks, were natives of the Em- pire State; the former was born in Greene County. In 1853 they came to Illinois and located in La Salle County, where they spent the remainder of their days. Their household included twelve chil- dren, ten of whom lived to become men and women. Andrew J., our subject, was the youngest, and was born in Greene County, N. Y., March 12, 1850. Ile received a common-school education, and when twenty years of age commenced farming for himself. A year later he was married to Miss Sarah E. Hornbeck, the wedding taking place at the home of the bride, Dec. 1, 1870. The young people commenced life together on a farm in La Salle County, whence they removed three years later to Streator, Ill., renting land, which they tilled one year, when he purchased eighty acres of his present farm. He was prospered in his labors, and invested his surplus capital in another eighty acres on section 35, all of which he has brought to a good state of cultivation.

Mr. and Mrs. Brooks became the parents of six children, all living, with one exception, and at home with their parents. Viola, who was born Jan. 3, 1872, died June 12, 1884, when an inter- esting child of twelve years; Howard was born May 10, 1874; Bertie, Sept. 26, 1876; Henry, Jan. 1, 1879; Ina, April 21, 1881, and Ralph, May 16, 1883. They form a bright family group, of which the parents have reason to be proud.

Mrs. Brooks is the daughter of Henry and Deb- orah (Kimball) Hornbeck, natives of New York, who came to Illinois and located in La Salle County in 1855. The household included seven children, of whom Mrs. B. was the third. Fonr are now living, namely: Newton J. is married, a resident of Kansas, and the father of six children ; Sarah, wife of our subject; Clara married Albert Davis, and became the mother of two children; she is now a widow and lives in Streator. Ida H. is the wife of Dr. William Sheppard, of Chicago, and is the mother of one child. A. Lincoln died June 8, 1886, unmarried, when abont twenty-six years of age. The parents of these children were married June 14, 1843. The father was born July 10, 1822, and the mother July 20, 1817.

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The brothers and sisters of Mr. Brooks are as follows: Lawrence is married and a resident of Ford County; he has no children. Harriett is married to her third husband, Jackson Whittaker, and is the mother of two children by her first mar- riage; her first husband was Peter Alson, and her second, John Hogaboom. Burgess, married, is a resident of Nebraska, and has five children: Sa- rah, Mrs. Peter Van Valkenburg, is the mother of five children, and a resident of New York State; Edwin is married, and has seven children; he is a resident of Adair County, Iowa. Andrew J., of our sketch, was the youngest.

G IRARD FORDYCE, one of the most exten- sive farmers, stock-raisers, and breeders of Short-horn cattle and Hambletonian horses, as well as general dealer in stock, in Reading Town- ship, where he lives on section 21, is a native of Pennsylvania, where he was born on the 5th of December, 1834. He is the son of Corbley and Jane (Bailey) Fordyce, also natives of Pennsylva- nia. The father was born June 7, 1807, and died Nov. 13, 1862, at the age of fifty-five years. The mother was born June 16, 1811, and is now seventy-six years of age and residing in Pennsyl- vania, in the county in which she was born.

The father of our subject was a farmer, stock- raiser and feeder, and in this business met with good success. His political affiliations were with the Whig and Republican parties, and he, as well as his wife, was a member of the Methodist Protest- ant Church. To them were born the following- named children : Eliza Ann, born Feb. 15, 1830, and married John Smith, a farmer and merchant; they have had a family of seven children, one de- ceased, and now reside in Greene County, Pa. Elizabeth, born Feb. 28, 1832, married John Church, has had three children, one deceased : they reside in Greene County, Pa., where the husband is engaged as a farmer and stock-breeder. Girard is our subject; Mary, born Jan. 17. 1836, married Thomas B. Smith, a farmer by occupation, and a local minister in the Methodist Protestant Church :

they have seven children and reside in Ohio. Joab B., born March 27, 1838, married Eliza Garrison. and has had three children, of whom two are de- ceased ; the family reside in Greene County, Pa., where Joab is a farmer and stock-dealer. John G., horn Feb. 14, 1841, is a farmer in Greene County, Pa. ; he first married Jennie Huffman, who died after the birth of two children, and he afterward married Mary Phillips, by whom he has had one child. Corbley, born Ang. 30, 1843, died July 10, 1845. Hattie, born March 3, 1846, married Joshua Rice, a farmer, and has had six children, one of whom is dead; Ellen, born Oct. 20, 1850, died in infancy ; Jennie. born April 9, 1848, married Peter Huffman, a farmer, and resides in Greene County, Pa .; Jo- seph B., born Feb. 9. 1852, died May 3, 1857; Homer C., born July 3, 1855, married Elizabeth Huffman, has three children, and resides in Greene County. Pa., where he is engaged in farming.

On the 18th of July, 1853, Mr. Fordyce was married to Joanna Coe, a native of Pennsylvania, born on the 26th of March, 1839, and the daughter of Silas and Ruth (Church) Coe. The marriage occurred at the residence of the bride's father, at Waynesburg, Pa., the Rev. William C. Leonard officiating. To her parents were born the follow- ing-named children: William, born Jan. 28, 1837, and died Oct. 4, 1864, in Pennsylvania: Joanna, the wife of our subject : John, born June 12, 1842, mar- ried Jennie Knight, now deceased, and afterward he married Annie Keith; they have had six children, two of whom are deceased. John is a farmer by occupation and resides in Ancona; Henry, born Feb. 14, 1845, married Maria Fry on the 13th of September, 1864, and died Feb. 7, 1865, in Greene County, Pa .: Joseph. born Dec. 25, 1847, married Prude Barackman, and resides on a farm in Read- ing Township. ( At the time of the writing of this sketch Joseph and his wife are sojourning in Cali- fornia with the hope of restoring the health of the latter.) Sarah, born Nov. 2, 1850, and married George W. Mathis. a merchant and publisher of Ancona, whose biography will be found in another part of this book: Cephas, bo ru Nov. 14. 1853 married Carrie Barackman, and has three children living ; he is a farmer and resides in Reading Town- ship. Lile Ann, born Feb. 31, 1857, married James

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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 25

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