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 30

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 30

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After his marriage Mr. Bemis remained a resi- dent of Oxford for a period of thirty-five years, the first fifteen of which he was employed as a me- chanic. A serious spell of sickness, however, weakened him so that he was obliged to give up his trade, and he then engaged in lumbering and freighting, carrying this on quite extensively for twenty years. In 1868 he came to Illinois, and purchased 160 acres of land on section 2, in Esmen Township, which he placed in charge of his son. He also purchased the adjoining quarter of the same section which his son now lives on; he took posses- sion of it with his family in 1870, and built the resi- dence which he now occupies. He has superin- tended the cultivation of the land until now, with the aid of his son; it is all in fine condition and pro- ductive of the choicest crops. The residence and other buildings are among the best in the township, and the whole premises indicates the supervision of the thrifty and progressive modern agriculturist.

Mr. and Mrs. Bemis, since coming West, have twice returned to their old home in New York to visit among the friends whom they had made dur- ing their long residence there. Two of their chil- dren are settled in the East, one in Connecticut and one in New York. They became the parents of five, of whom John died in 1848, when two and a half years oldl. The others are, Nelson Amariah, Mary Eliza, Harriet and Sarah. Nelson married Miss Sarah L. Shelden, and lives on a farm adjoin- ing that of his father; Mary is the wife of Albert C. Green, and lives in Canterbury, Conn .; Harriet, Mrs. DeWitt A. Gleason, is a resident of Oxford, N. Y. Mr. Bemis has been uniformly successful in the cultivation of Illinois soil and is ranked among the representative men of this section of country. Ile votes the straight Republican ticket, and has served twice as Assessor of his township. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, and was instrumental in the erection of their building, which is located not far from his home. Mrs. Bemis is connected with the Congre- gational Church in Odell.

OHN D. REESE is an important factor in the mining interests of Newtown Township, where he is engaged at Shaft No. 3, of the Vermilion Coal Company. He occupies the official position of Constable for this township, and is also a Deputy of the County Sheriff. Hle located in this township in 1878, and was appointed Mining Inspector by the Board of Supervisors of Livingston County. He devotes his time to min- ing in Shaft No. 3, except when discharging his official duties in one of the three capacities named. lle is a property owner, and one of the leading and influential men among the miners of this section. He is of very industrious habits and possesses all the qualities of a good citizen.

Mr. Recse was born in Pottsville, Pa., on the 22d of February, 1837, and is the son of Daniel and Mary (Thomas) Rcese, both of whom were born in Wales, the father in the year 1804. The latter came to this country when a young man, but remained here but a few years, and then returned

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to his native country, where he married. He then remained in Wales until 1830, during which time several children were born. and then he returned to America. Of the twelve children born to them, four are now living: Mary is the wife of Henry Meadows, and they live at Streator, Ill., engaged in the hotel business; John D. is our subject : David D. was engaged in the railroad business in Denver, Col; Sarah married John T. Jones, who is a paper manufacturer in Lucas, Iowa. The mother of these children died in Peru, Ill., on the 15th of March. 1880. The father is now living a retired life in Streator.

Both parents were members of the Congregational Church, and the father was a local preacher and very active in church work. Many of his earlier sermons were preached in the Welsh language. In his early life he was a miner in Pennsylvania, in which State [they settled when they came to this country. He acted in the capacity of Superintend- ent of Mines until he came West. After he be- came a citizen of Illinois he engaged in farming. Politically he is a stanch Republican, and was one of the earliest supporters of the Whig party during its existence; he has always been enthusiastic on the subject of politics, and his extensive reading of political literature has caused him to be one of the best posted men in Livingston County on political matters. He is now enjoying good health in all respect-, excepting that impairment of eyesight consequent upon old age ..

John D. Reese was married in Swatara, Pa., on the 28th of March, 1861, to Mary Anderson, who was born in 1845, in Llewellyn, Pa. Her parents were natives of England, and came to this country in 1830. Both are now deceased, the father's death taking place in Peru, Ill., in September, 1861. To them were born -even children, one in England and six in this country ; of the five now living, all reside in Kansas. excepting the wife of our subject. To Mr. and Mrs. Reese have been born the follow- ing children: Lemuel, born June 5, 1862, resides at home, and is employed in Shaft No. 3; Sarah, born Sept. 3, 1×61, married Thomas Pritchard, who died Jan. 2. 1887. and she and her two children reside with her parents: Thomas, born Feb. 13, 1×66; JJohn 1., Ang. 29, 1867; Daniel B., May 18,

1868: Joseph, Aug. 21, 1869; Charles and Alexan- der, Nov. 3, 1870; the last five named all work in Shaft No. 3; Charles (2d). born Jan. 28, 1874; Mary E., April 26, 1878; Carrie, Feb. 15, 1880, all reside at home. During his residence five miles north of Peru, Mr. Reese's house was destroyed by fire and all his personal and household property was lost. At the time of the conflagration his wife was lying sick and helpless in bed, and within a moment or two after she was removed the walls fell in. Since that time Mr. Reese has thoroughly recovered from his loss, and is now very comfort- ably situated.

OIIN W. SCHULZ, a properous German far- mer of Owego Township, became a resident here in 1867, locating on seetion 23, where he has since carried on general farming and built up a comfortable homestead. This is mainly the property of his estimable wife, and under his excellent management has become quite valuable. The farm buildings are substantial and comfortable and in every respect adapted to the requirements of country life.

Mr. Schulz was born in the Province of Kur- IIessen, Germany, March 22, 1833, and is the son of Adam and Annie P. Schulz, who were also of German birth and parentage, and spent their entire lives in their native land. Our subject was there reared to manhood and received a good education, and after passing his twenty-second birthday was married, Dec. 25, 1856, to Miss Anna Elizabeth Holsower, a native of his own country, and born May 1, 1830. Mrs. S. is the daughter of Daniel and Ann M. Holsower, and by her union with our subject became the mother of eight children, seven living, namely, George, Katharine, William, Eliza- beth, Annie, Minnie and Michael. These are mar- ried and settled in comfortable homes of their own, most of them being residents of this county and vicinity.

Mr. and Mrs. Schulz continued in their native Germany for ten years after their marriage and then decided to emigrate to the New World. Bid- ding adieu to their friends and the associates of

Samuel Herbert

Ann y Herbert-

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their childhood they took passage on a steamer at Bremen, and after a voyage of seventeen days, landed in New York City with their three children. Thence they proceeded directly westward, and it was not long before Mr. Schulz decided to take up his abode in this county. IIe has proved a valued addition to the community, both socially and financially, and with his wife is a member in good standing of the German Evangelical Association. Politically he votes the Democratic ticket.

S AMUEL HERBERT. During the last few years there has been remarkable improve- ment in the manner of gathering and hous- ing the winter's crop of ice, and the sys- tem is now so perfect that the percentage of loss by shrinkage is largely reduced. One of the most enterprising ice-packers and dealers is Mr. Herbert, a citizen of Pontiac, who began that business in 1874.

Mr. Herbert is a native of Rockland County, N. Y., where he was born on the 19th of March, 1824. He is the son of Jacob and Frances (Keas- ler) Herbert, natives of the same county, who were engaged in the lumber business. The grandfather was Robert Ilerbert, a native of Nova Scotia, who during his life was engaged in the manufacture of wagons and carriages. Jacob had a family of ten children, eight of whom are now living, as follows: Samuel, Hannah J., Charles, Elizabeth, Phoebe, Cath- arine, Adelia and Theodore. Daniel died in 1854.

Samnel Ilerbert was reared on a farm until he was fourteen years of age, and then for seven years was engaged in boating on the Hudson River. He after- ward worked in a gristmill in Dutchess County, N. Y., for six years, when in 1857 he concluded to try his fortunes in the West. In that year he arrived in Pontiac, and engaged in the business of plastering until 1875. In 1859 he built his first home, which gave place in 1872 to the fine residence which he at present occupies. His house, with the land on which it stands and other improvements, cost him 88,000. Mr. Herbert engaged in his present business in 1874, building his first ice-house on the south side and near to the Vermilion River, and in 1884

he bought his second ice-house in the eastern part of the city, which gives him a total capacity for 6,000 tons. For the delivery of his crop, during the season he hires two wagons and four men besides himself.

In 1848, Mr. Herbert was married to Miss Ann J. Lewis, of Dutchess County, N. Y. She was the daughter of John and Esther ( Hudson) Lewis, na- tives of England. Her father came to America with his family in 1831, and settled in the city of New York, where he engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes, afterward removing to Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, and engaging in the same business, which 'occupation he followed until he died. The wife died in 1881. They had a family of three children : Sarah, Mrs. Ward, of Pontiac, and Ann J., Mrs. Herbert. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Her- bert are recorded as follows: Daniel married Mary Hart, of Pontiac, and has three sons-Harry, Ward and Hart; Esther, Mrs. E. Wiggins, of Chicago, who is the mother of two children-Charles and Harry ; Sarah J., Mrs. H. R. Davis, of Pontiac, who is the mother of five chikIren-William, Mary, Henry, Mearl and Pearl; John J. and Eunice A., at home. Mr. Herbert is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Ile gives his political adhesion to the. Democratic party. He has in times past been a member of the City Board.

We are pleased to present the portrait of Mr. Ilerbert on the accompanying page, together with that of his estimable wife.

C LAYTON HOSKINS. One of the most beautiful homes in Rook's Creek Township belongs to the subject of this sketch, and is located on section 19. It comprises eighty acres of good land, which yields abundantly the choice products of the Prairie State, with a handsome dwelling, a good barn, and all other out-buildings required by the modern farmer and stock-raiser. His family includes his wife and five children, the latter born as follows: Wesley D., May 22, 1874; Henry F., Nov. 1, 1875; Clarence L., March 22, 1878; Peter N., March 22, 1881; Flora May, Oct. 21, 1882. The head of this interesting family is about forty years of age, having been born Feb. 29,

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1848. His birthplace and early home was in Mar- shall County, where he was reared on a farm and remained until manhood with his parents, Ilenry and Mary Ann ( Bonham) Hoskins, natives of Pick- away County, Ohio. the former born May 12, 1822, and the latter about 1825.

The father of our subjeet came to Illinois when a young man about twenty-one years of age, in 1843, and the mother eame with her parents when a child. The grandparents on both sides of the house, it is supposed, were natives of Virginia. Grandfather Hoskins was born about 1793, and spent his last years in Marshall County, Ill. To the parents of our subject there were born seven children besides Clayton, all living and located as follows: Eveline C., born in September, 1850, remains at home with her parents; Clarissa is the wife of Henry Tarbell, of Greene County, Iowa, and the mother of five children; Eliza, Mrs. Clar- enee Jarmin, has two children, and is a resident of Marshall County, Ill. : William married Miss Ida May Tauquarry, and is farming in Rook's Creek Township; they have three children. Lois is the wife of William Connor, a resident of Clay County, Neb .; Thomas and Elmer, the youngest sons, re- main at home with their father.

Mr. Hoskins, when twenty-one years of age re- ceived from his father a team of horses and a por- tion of land, for which he was to pay a moderate annual rental. Upon this he remained until past twenty-four years of age, and in the meantime was married, Feb. 25, 1872, to Miss Amanda F. Nighs- wonger. Hle afterward continued one year on the home place, and purchased forty acres of his pres- ent homestead. He put up his house in 1871, and added eighty acres to his first purchase, so that he now has a fine tract of 120 acres, which makes a good start in life, and holds out a fair prospect for the future. He is held in high esteem as a promis- ing young citizen, and is serving his first term as School Director in his district. Politieally he is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, and is a member in good standing of the Christian Church at F'lanagan. The parents of Mrs. Hoskins, Peter and Nancy ( Baringer) Nighswonger, were natives respectively of Virginia and Ohio. Her father came to Illinois with his parents when a child two

years of age, and the mother came with a married sister, when a young lady, their mother having died some years before. The parents were married in Pike County, Ill., and removed to Marshall County in 1856, where they reared their family, and whence, in 1876, they removed to Missouri, where they now reside. Charles R. Nighswonger, the paternal grandfather of Mrs. H., died in Pike County, at an advanced age. Her brothers and sisters, of whom there are seven, are living mostly in Davis County, Mo. Her sister Angeline is a resident of Northern Nebraska.

ORENZO F. PRATT, a gentleman on the sunny side of fifty, is industriously en- gaged in farming and stock-raising on sec- tion 9, Belle Prairie Township, on the southern line of this county. He is a New Englander by birth, having first opened his eyes to the light in Franklin County, Vt., Dec. 19, 1840. His child- hood and youth were spent in his native State. During the late Civil War he enlisted in Company I, 1st Vermont Infantry, but after serving four months contracted a disease which compelled him to abandon army life, receiving an honorable dis- charge. He remained in the Green Mountain State a short time afterward, and in 1864 set out for Illinois, in which State he has since resided.

The parents of our subject were Allen and Ase- nath ( Wait) Pratt, natives also of Vermont, where they spent their entire lives, the father passing away in 1854, and the mother, who survived her husband twenty-eight years, in 1882. They were most excellent people, highly respected in their community, and the mother a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Allen Pratt was a skilled mechanic, and also engaged in lumbering and farming. Although never becoming wealthy, he always provided suitably and generously for his family, which included twelve children. some of whom died in infancy. They were named as fol- lows: Curtis P., Lorenzo F., Sophia E., Ira A., Lucina W., Betsey M., Ira C. (2d), Charles J., Lu- cina W. (2d), Mary J., Lorenzo F. (2d) and George R. Those who survived were reared on the

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farm, and most of them remained in New England.

The subject of this biography received but lim- ited school advantages during his childhood and youth, but by the kindly assistance of his wife since their marriage, has become quite well informed, and by a course of general reading keeps pace with the events of the day. He is regarded as a gentle- man of considerable ability in his township, where he has served as Clerk, Road Commissioner and School Director. Upon coming to 'Illinois he lo- cated in Tazewell County, where he was employed as a laborer four years, near the town of Morton. He then went into the country and engaged on a farm two years, in the meantime living economic- ally and saving what he could of his earnings. In 1874 he invested the little sum thus accumu- lated in 120 acres of land, which constitutes his present homestead, and which he has carefully eul- tivated and supplied with all necessary buildings and improvements, so that it is considered an es- tate quite valuable. For the last two years, in ad- dition to farming, he has been engaged in the man- ufacture of tile in company with a partner, the firm being Cook & Pratt Bros. He is also engaged in the manufacture of sorghum syrup and cider, for which he has some extra fine machinery, and turns out large quantities each year, realizing there- from a handsome sum of money. His cider press has been constructed mainly from his own plans, and is quite different from those in common use. In the fall of 1886 he turned out from this 3,500 gallons, which commanded a ready sale in his own locality. Besides his other talents Mr. Pratt is a natural mechanic, closely superintending the erec- tion of all his farm buildings, and doing much of the work with his own hands. While all these are models of convenience, the corn-crib, from its pe- culiar arrangement, attracts the especial attention of the farmers of that vicinity on account of its system of ventilation, which prevents the corn from heating.

The wife of our subject, who has proved to him such a valued companion and helpmeet, was for- merly Miss Caroline Lambkin, born in the Province of Quebec, Canada, Sept. 24, 1838. They were married Jan. 5, 1869, at the home of the bride in Stanbridge, Quebec. Her parents, like those of

Mr. Pratt, were natives of Vermont. The father still lives in Quebee; the mother passed from earth in 1843. The result of this union was the birth of four bright children, namely, Clarissa, Flora, Charles and Howard. The children are being carefully trained and educated, Mr. Pratt deter- mining that they shall not labor under the disad- vantages which harassed him in his younger years.

Our subject cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and since that time has been a eordial supporter of Republican principles.

ETER JASPERSON, one of the most peace- able and law-abiding citizens of Rook's Creek Township, owns a snug little farm of sixty-three acres, supplied with comfort- able buildings, which property he has acquired by his own industry. His early years were spent on the other side of the Atlantic, on the Island of Bornholm, Denmark, where his birth took place May 29, 1837. In 1859, when twenty-two years of age, he came to this country, and worked by the month for farmers in Putnam and La Salle Coun- ties, this State, about five years. During this time he saved what he could of his earnings, and at length was enabled to purchase forty acres of land located in this county. After some little time he sold out and purchased eighty acres in Rook's Creek Township, which he afterward dis- posed of, and in 1883 purchased his present home- stead.

The parents of our subject were Morris Coffod and Christenia (Jansen) Jasperson, also natives of the Island of Bornholm, where the father was born May 29, 1818. Their family included five chil- dren, namely, Hans (or John) ; Peter, our subject; Christian, Jans (or James) and Larse. Only two of these came to the United States, Peter and Chris- tian. The latter, during the late war, enlisted in the 85th Illinois Infantry. IIe was taken ill and died in the hospital at Nashville, Teun. Peter re- ceived a good education in his native tongue, and after becoming a naturalized American citizen, identified himself with the Republican party. He has carefully avoided polities, however, preferring

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to give his time and attention to his own concerns. He is a member in good standing of the Baptist Church. and has officiated as Deacon six years.

The marriage of Peter Jasperson and Miss Jo- hanna S. Hendrickson took place Feb. 14. 1865, at the home of the bride in La Salle County. The young people commenced life together on the farm which Mr. J. first purchased, nine miles east of Pontiac. They remained there until the spring of 1869, and their subsequent changes we have already indicated. The household circle ineludes three bright children, namely : Hannah L., born May 5. 1868: Henrietta, Aug. 30, 1869, and Henry, Dec. 15. 1870.

Mrs. Jasperson was the fifth in a family of seven children born to Marse and Signe (Kellar) Hendrickson, and her brothers and sisters are re- corded as follows: Charlotte is a resident of La Salle County, this State; Henrietta died in infancy ; Christina lives in La Salle County; Christian fol- lowed the sea, and was drowned when about forty- nine years of age; Henrietta (2d) is deceased. The parents of Mrs. Jasperson spent their entire lives in their native county, and died some years ago. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Hans Jasper- son by name, lived to be an old man, and died on his native island.

ETER JACOBSON, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Rook's Creek Town- ship, has a fine farm on section 13, where he is largely engaged in stock-raising, and has been one of the important factors in the agri- cultural interests of Livingston County. His early childhood was spent on the other side of the Atlantic. where his birth took place in Denmark, Feb. 22, 1836. Ile came with his parents, Jacob and Cathrena JJacobson, to this country in 1848, and after a brief stay in New York City, pro- corded directly westward to LaSalle County, this State.

Early in life our subject left the parental roof, be- ing engaged soon after coming to this State by a farmer, one William Harper, south of Peru, with whom he remained two year -. receiving $10 per month

the first year and $15 the second. He continued as a laborer another year, and then rented a tract of land upon which he farmed two years for himself. The outbreak of the Rebellion then furnished employ- ment for many idle hands. Our subject, however. was by no means of this class, but he laid aside his personal interests to assist in the preservation of the Union, and in perpetuating the institutions of his adopted country. He enlisted in the 104th Illinois Infantry, and marched with his regiment afterward to Tennessee, where he was taken prisoner by Mor- gan. and with his comrades was marched 100 miles in three days without food. They were then re- leased on parole, when, as a natural consequence of this terrible 'experience, our subject was taken ill, and for three months was an inmate of the hospital at Cincinnati. Ilis constitution now being under- mined he was discharged on account of disability, and returned to La Salle County. A few months later he purchased eighty acres of land in Saunemin Township, and set himself industriously about its cultivation. Not long afterward he was united in marriage with Miss Annie Catherina Hohnan, the wedding taking place at the home of the bride in La Salle County, Ill., in 1863. Subsequently he re- moved to Rook's Creek Township, where he has since resided and built up one of the finest country homes in the western part of Livingston County. Ile has labored industriously when able, and has superintended his farm operations with excellent judgment, and invested his capital in a judicious manner. In common with others he has had much to contend with. Upon coming to this county after the war he possessed a cash capital of $5. lle has now a quarter section of valuable land, underlaid with 30,000 feet of tile, and the buildings are at once elegant and substantial, the admiration of the country around.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson are as follows: Etheline, Mrs. Chapman, is a resident of Pontiac, Ill., and has two children ; Heury, unmar- ried, is at home with his parents, as are also Lewis. William, Nannie. Emeline, Cora, Annie. Bertie and Willie, the latter, twins, born March 3, 1880. Mr. Jacobson after becoming a voter espoused the cause of the Republican party. He identified himself with the Baptist Church in which he has officiated

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as Trustee, and been one of its chief pillars. Mr. Jacobson was the fifth in a family of six children born to his parents. Five of these are still living. including our subject, and the other four having their home in Denmark. The mother died when Peter was a lad fourteen years of age. The father lived to be eighty years oldl.

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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 30

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