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 51
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C HARLES II. TRYON, who is conducting an excellent 120-acre farm on section 11. Fayette Township. was born in New Lon- don, Conn .. on the 12th of December, 1854, and is the son of Frederick and Mary (Comstock) Tryon, who during the latter portion of their lives were farmers. The father was apprenticed to the trade of a cooper in early life, and followed that oeeupa- tion for many years. He came West in the year 1855, bringing with him his wife and three chil- dren, and located at Ottawa, LaSalle County. The names of his children were: Maria, Fred and Charles 11. Maria became the wife of James C. Eber- sol. and they are located in Fall River Township, Lasalle County.
Charles II. Tryon began business for himself in 1875. by renting a farm in Lasalle County. which he cultivated for two years and then came to Liv- ingston County. where he and his father, and brother Fred. jointly purchased the farm owned by M. L. Sullivan, consisting of 320 acres. At the present time Mr. Tryon only farms 120 acres of this land, which is located on section 11. Be- sides general farming he devotes considerable time and attention to the cultivation of stock, and in both these lines of business has met with excel- lent -nece --. During the first eighteen years of his life Mr. Tryon attended the common school- when
not assisting his parents in the work npon the farm. After he was eighteen years of age he attended the seminary at Marseilles. LaSalle County, for one termi and a half, which completed his school educa- tion. Since he has been a man he has been an ex- tensive reader and has kept himself well posted on all the topics of the day, and especially those which relate to public affairs.
February 5. 1877, Mr. Tyron was married to Miss Sophronia Vail, who was born at Sag Harbor, N. Y., June 2, 1852, and is a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Comestoek) Vail. Her father was a carpenter by trade and followed that ocenpation almost his entire life. He has retired from the active use of the hammer and chisel, and is enjoy- ing his old age in quiet and rest. There were six children in his family, named Mary. Sophronia, Kate, Frank, Lizzie and Grace. Mary and Kate are married; Lizzie died when only two years of age, and Frank is unmarried. To Mr. and Mrs. 'Tryon have been born two children : Leroy on the 9th of May, 1880, and Fay on the 25th of July, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Tryon interest themselves in such matters as are intended to add to the comfort and enjoyment of the people among whom they re- side and are foremost in all such affairs. Their home is comfortably surrounded and they make it a pleasant and hospitable place for their neighbors and friends. In political matters Mr. Tryon acts with the Republican party, and to its candidates invariably gives a cordial support. He has never been an office-seeker and has not held any official position in Fayette Township.
FG RANKLIN 1. JOHNSON. who has retired from the active labor of farm life, and the vares of business, is passing his deelining years in the enjoyment of a sufficiency, and makes his home in Fairbury. What he has of this world's goods he has accumulated through his own efforts, which were always seconded by the hearty co-oper- ation of his ever faithful wife and loving children. His biography needs no embellishments at the hands of the writer, and his disposition is such that a simple and plain statement of facts regarding his
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past life is all that he would wish to have appear in print.
Franklin I. Johnson is the son of Franklin and Hopey (King) Johnson, and was born twenty miles east of Albany, at the little town of New Lebanon, Columbia Co., N. Y., on the 2d of December, 1820. His parents were natives of New York, and Franklin, Sr., was the youngest child of his parents, family. The paternal grandparents of our subject, Richard and Rachel ( Ide) Johnson, were natives of Rhode Island, whence they moved to New York, where the grandfather followed the calling of a farmer, meeting with varied success, and continued to reside until the date of his death, which occurred in 1827 or 1828. The father of our subject was reared to manhood on his father's farm, and after the death of his father he continued to live on the old homestead in New York State until about 1834 or 1835. He then sold the place and moved to Oswego County in the same State, where he pur- chased 400 acres of land, for which he agreed to pay the sum of $10,000. He paid 8400 at the time of the purchase, but meeting with reverses he was unable to discharge the remainder of the obligation and lost the place. Disposing of his interests in New York he moved to Carroll County, Mo., and after a residence there of some three years he came to Illinois and located at Vermont, Fulton County, where some of his children were living at the time. A cancer appeared on the side of his face, and al- though everything was done that skill could ac- complish, it caused his death in 1859. His good wife had crossed the river of death in 1852 or 1853, at Nanvoo, Hancock County, and they both lie sleeping side by side in the cemetery at Ver- mont. He followed farming during his life, and was a soldier in the War of 1812, while in 1844 he and his son, Albert 1)., assisted in the suppression of the Mormon rebellion.
The union of Franklin Johnson and Hopey King was blessed by the birth of the following children, viz: William K., born Feb. 9, 1816 ; Emeline, Aug. 6, 1817 ; Amos M., Aug. 3, 1819; Franklin I., Dec. 2, 1820; Richard C., Aug. 16, 1822; Elizabeth M., Sept. 6, 1824; Abner D., March 19, 1828; Harriet E., Oct. 17, 1830; Maryette, July 24, 1833; ITorace 1 .. March 8, 1835; Ravinna O., May 5, 1840. Of
these Amos, Emeline, Richard and Abner D .. are deceased, and the others are all residents of this State, and occupy a prominent position in the various vocations of life.
Franklin I. Johnson was the fourth in order of birth in his parents' family of twelve children. He was reared to manhood on his father's farm in Oswego County, N. Y .. and received the advantages afforded by the common schools for obtaining an education. He lived on the old homestead until his parents came West. and after settling up his father's business affairs he engaged at farm work for others about two years. Subsequently he pur- chased a tract of land containing about forty aeres, mostly covered with timber. Prior to this time the most important as well as happiest event in the life of our subject occurred; this was his mar- riage with Miss Mary A. Wightman, on the 27th of April, 1843. Miss Wightman was the daughter of William and Hannah ( Palmer) Wightman, and was born in Oswego County, N. Y., on the 24th of October, 1821. William Wightman and wife were of New England ancestry, and were honored and respected wherever known. He was a farmer by occupation and followed that vocation during life. Both he and his wife were members of the Baptist Church, in which they took a warm interest. After marriage our subject and wife located on their 40-acre farm in York State, and there lived and labored together for about twelve years.
In 1855 Mr. Johnson disposed of his interests in New York and came with his family to this State, locating at Vermont. There he engaged in the land business, which he followed successfully for about six years. At the expiration of this time, in 1861, he moved to Peoria, this State, and engaged in the stoneware and pottery business. After an experience of about five years in this business, in which he lost some money, he concluded to return to his occupation of farming. He consequently traded his pottery for an 80-aere farm in Mar- shall County, which he sold and then came to Liv- ingston County. He was not long in selecting a location, which proved to be 160 acres three miles south of Fairbury, which he purchased and moved upon. For seven years he and his excellent wife and children lived on this farm and all performed
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their part in the work of its improvement. Selling this farm. Mr. Johnson purchased 2 10 acres, which he divided into two farms where his only sur- viving children. Charles and Frank. now reside. A biography of both the-e gentlemen may be found elsewhere in this ALBUM. In 1876 Mr. Johnson erected a fine residence in Fairbury, where he and his loving and faithful companion hoped to spend many years in peace and quiet, and in the enjoyment of each other's company. Alas, the Angel of death beckoned the beloved wife to the other shore. Among them stood the loving little Addie, with outstretched arms, sing- ing. "Mamma, come." Mamma crossed the river. and soon the time will come when papa, hus- band, will meet them there and the broken fam- ily be reunited. She departed this life at her home in Fairbury, on Friday morning. Nov. 21. 1884. of typhoid pneumonia. Mrs. Johnson was born in Oswego County, N. Y., in 1821. When but a girl she made a public profession of religion, which she maintained to the end by a consistent life. She united with the Baptist Church, of which her parents were prominent and influen- tial members. In 1843 she was married to the husband who survives her, with whom she lived happily for forty-one years.
Mrs. Johnson was a remarkable woman in many respects, and her devotion to her husband and children could not be surpassed. Hand in hand and heart to heart with her husband, she toiled with a song upon her lips for the birdlings in the nest. "None knew her but to love her," and al- though her remains are buried in the cemetery at Fairbury. her soul still lives. Yes; mamma, with George and Addie on either side, is waiting, papa, waiting for your coming over there.
Franklin 1. Johnson has been a hard worker dur- ing his life, and to his indomitable energy is dne his success. He has been a great reader, and al- though not possessing a classical education he is one of the best posted men on National and State issues in the county. His motto in life has been "Fulfill all promises," and strictly has he adhered to it. In politics he is a Greenbacker, and as a citizen he is respected by all.
To Mr. Johnson and his wife four children were
born: George, who died in infancy; Charles and Frank D., living in this county, and Addie, who died when thirteen years of age. Addie was crip- pled in the spine when a child, and those who vis- ited the old home cannot fail to remember the love she had in the hearts of all members of the family and their devotion to her. Mr. Johnson lives alone in his elegant home in Fairbury. but the cage is lonesome. for his mate is gone.
RED C. DEWEY, who has been a farmer and stock-raiser on section 35, Pleasant Ridge Township, since 1881, was born in Stark County, Ill., Oct. 18, 1856. He is the son of Cyrenius and Louisa (Blood) Dewey, natives of Vermont and New York, respectively. The father was born in the year 1825, and died on the 23d of August, 1884; he was a farmer by occupation and met with considerable success. The mother was born on the 31st of August, 1836, and since the death of her husband has remained a widow. She is a devoted member of the Congregational Church, and much of her time is given to that organization. She is the mother of two children, whose names are Fred C. and Frank.
On the 6th of February, 1879, our subject was married to Miss April May Pinkney, who was born in Peoria County, Il., on the 27th of April, 1857, and is the daughter of Stephen and Catherine M. (Reding) Pinkney, natives of New York and Kentucky, respectively. The father was a farmer by occupation and was born in 1817; the mother was born in 1830 and died in 1863. The father was again married, his second wife being Miss Wealthy Bennett ; by the first marriage two children were born and six by the second marriage. Their names are as follows: Hannah E., Louis H., Fran- cis K., Israel C .; Maggie, deceased; April May, Stephen W. and Charles R. Mr. and Mrs. Dewey have one child, Ralph R., who was born Nov. 12, 1886.
In his early boyhood Mr. Dewey attended the common schools, in which he devoted himself closely to study, and during the vacations between terms he assisted in the farm work. In addition
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to his common-school education he also took a course in a commercial college. Ile came to this county in 1881, and purchased 160 acres of land on section 35, Pleasant Ridge Township, where he is now engaged in raising grain and growing stock. His farm is under an excellent state of cultivation. and the buildings are among the best in the town- ship. The land is well drained by tile ditches, thereby adding to its productiveness. Mr. Dewey is a member of the Republican party, but is not active in politics. He and his wife enjoy the es- teem and confidence of all their neighbors, and take an active part in all matters that have for their object the elevation and improvement of the condition of themselves and neighbors.
NDREW J. McDOWELL, after a long and busy life is now a retired farmer at Long Point, where he intends to spend the re- mainder of his days enjoying that quiet which he has so richly earned. He is a native of Bradford County, Pa., where he was born on the 8th of May, 1811, and is the son of James and Christina (Miller) McDowell, who are natives of Ireland and Germany respectively. They came to Pennsylvania when the subject of this sketch was five years of age, and remained there until 1837, when they came to Long Point Township, this county. They settled in Bradford County, Pa .. when that country was almost a wilderness, and the nearest mill was eighteen miles distant, to reach which they had to go through a heavy forest which was infested by panthers. On one occasion the boy of a neighbor was thrown down by a panther which lacerated his face, and while the beast was sucking the blood from the wound a dog came and chased it up a tree, when the boy arose and made his way to the house, and the father went out with his gun and killed the beast. They were the par- ents of seven children: Andrew J., the subject of this sketch: Polly, who married L. E. Rhodes, and died leaving a family of two children living in Peru; Sarah married Lorenzo Pratt, and died, leav- ing a family of three children: John died at Long
Point on the 3d of July, 1848; Jeremiah married Ellen Foster, of Long Point, and has four children, and is engaged in farming and stock-raising in Kan- sas; Christiana married Crawford Isenhour, and died in Kansas in 1881, leaving a family of six children; Susje married George Stilson, and died in June, 1885, leaving a family of six children. The subject of this sketch remained at home until the death of his parents, and was educated in the common schools, walking one and one-half miles to and from the old log school-house. The pay of a school teacher in Pennsylvania at that time was $12 to $13 per month for men, and seventy-five cents per week for women.
Mr. McDowell was married, on the 16th of Feb- ruary, 1848, to Dorleska J. Perry, a danghter of Ichabod and Hannah (Denton) Perry, the former a native of Vermont, and the latter of Long Island. N. Y. She was born on the 29th of April, 1826, and was educated in the common schools, remain- ing at home with her parents until the date of her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. McDowell have been born eleven children, six of whom are deceased: Almira, born on the 1st of February, 1849, died on the 2d; Duminett J., born Sept. 16, 1851, died June 13, 1862; Charles, born Nov. 6, 1857, died Jan. 19, 1858; Diana. born Aug. 16, 1859, died Sept. 7, 1860; Lenora died on the 31st of March, 1861, aged eighteen days; Gertrude, born Dec. 19, 1866, died March 14, 1871 : Alice, born March 20, 1860, is the wife of Joseph Mellen, a farmer, and has one child; Celinda L., born July 3, 1853, mar- ried D. A. Howard, has one child, and lives in lowa ; John D., born Nov. 15, 1855, married Lottie Allen, has a family of five children, and lives in Long Point Township; Andrew J., born April 28, 1862, is Associate Principal of the High School at Sey- mour, Mo .; Lnella, born May 19, 1865, is Musical Director in the same school.
Our subject settled in Long Point Township in 1837, and now owns 305 acres of land, all of which is under excellent cultivation excepting thirty-five acres which have been reserved for timber. The entire farm is surrounded by good fences, and the land is valued at $50 per acre. He also owns three lots in Long Point, where he now lives, and one house and two lots on which the son-in-law resides.
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besides four vacant lots. Mr. MeDowell has served a> Township Assessor. Collector, and was a County Commissioner under the old law before the creation of a Board of Supervisors. In the early settlement of Illinois Mr. MeDowell had some thrilling ad- ventures in apprebending and bringing to convic- tion the horse thieves who infested that portion of the State. There is now standing on his farm the first frame building erected in Long Point Town- ship. The frame was constructed in Chicago and hauled to this point. where it was put together. During the early day- Mr. MeDowell was a great hunter, and bad an old-fashioned gun which he prized very highly for its accuracy and long range, and once very greatly surprised a party of English hunters by killing game with this gun which they could not reach with the improved breech-loaders which they had brought with them.
At the time this sketch is written Mr. McDowell is in his seventy-sixth year, but is quite active for one of that age. His mind is stored with many in- teresting reminiscences of early days, both in Penn- sylvania and Illinois, in both of which States he was a pioneer settler. He is highly respected and mnuch esteemed by the people among whom he has lived so long.
E P. METZ. Union Township. The subject of the following sketch, one of the most stiecessful farmers and stock-raisers of Liv- ingston County. is popular socially and politically, and as a farmer and business man is classed among it- representative citizen -. He has a fine home and a good property. distinguishing himself by his in- dustry and enterprise.
Mr. Metz. like many of the carly settlers of this locality. spent his early years in the State of Penn- sylvania, his birth taking place in Blair County. March 24, 1851. His parents, Peter and Angeline (Johnson) Metz, also natives of the Keystone State, are written of elsewhere in this work. E. P. was fifth of the nine children comprising the paren- tal family, and in common with his brothers was reared to farm life. The elder Metz, in 1860, mi- grated to Illinois with his family and now resides
in Odell Township, on the old homestead where they first settled upon coming to this State.
Mr. Metz remained a member of his father's household until the latter retired from active labor, and when his mother had dropped the household reins, brought his bride to take them up. She was Miss Martha W. Ketcham, and they were mar- ried Sept. 27, 1877, at her home in Pontiac Town- ship. Mrs. Metz was born in New York City, Nov. 20, 1850, and is the youngest child of Henry and Phebe (Barton) Ketcham, natives of the Empire State. Mr. Ketcham in his younger years carried on farming in Canada and is now a resident of New York City, where the mother died many years ago. The wife of our subject came to the West in her girlhood to make her home with her brother, E. B., who is a prosperous merchant of Dwight, and there made the acquaintance of our subject. They have now occupied the home farm for a period of ten years. In the meantime, in 1883, they went East and visited the principal cities and most prominent places of summer resort. In this trip they jour- neyed up through the beautiful country of the Hudson River, and after a number of weeks thus spent in travel, returned rested and refreshed to their home, feeling truly that they had devoted a portion of their time and means in the wisest man- ner they could have selected.
In 1885 Mr. Metz crossed the Mississippi and invested a portion of his surplus capital in Dakota and Minnesota lands to the extent of 240 acres, which is as yet in an uncultivated state. His home farm is well stocked and supplied with all the machinery necessary to the carrying on of agricult- ure after the most improved methods. Mr. Metz has mixed very little with matters outside of his business interests, and has a thorough contempt for the office-seeke". He believes, however, that every man should do his duty in support of correct prin- eiples, and upon occasions of important elections, casts his vote with the Democratic party. He has served as School Director several terms and is at present one of the Trustees in his township.
Mr. and Mrs. Metz became the parents of four children, three of whom have been taken from the home circle by the hand of death. Harry C., a bright and interesting child, was born Jan. 4, 1883;
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Artie A., died when thirteen months old and two died in infancy unnamed. Our subject and his wife are actively connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church and numbered among its most cheerful workers and liberal supporters.
HIRISTIAN R. KING, one of the venerable citizens located on section 33, Nebraska Township, is engaged in farming and stock- raising. lle was born in Germany on the 19th of December, 1820, and came to America when about twenty-seven years of age. Ile is the son of John and Phoebe (Redigen) King, who were natives of Germany, and the parents of six children, of whom our subject is the eldest. The names of the others are as follows: Phoebe married John Schrock. now deceased, and she lives in Nebraska Township; An- nie married Fielden Augstein, also deceased; she has three children, and lives in Nebraska Township. Nicholas died, leaving three children, who live in MeLean County; John is married, and has eight children ; Daniel is married, and he and John live in Nebraska Township.
When our subject came to America he located in Butler County, Ohio, and remained for about two years, when he moved to MeLean County, Ill .. where he lived until the close of the war of the Re- bellion, at which time he became a citizen of Liv- ingston County. His first purchase of land in this county was 160 acres, to which he has since made additions, until he now owns in various parts of the county 640 acres.
On the 24th of June, 1852, Mr. King was married to Miss Mary Bechler, daughter of Joseph and Katie (Somers) Bechler, of Butler County, Ohio. At the time of the writing of this sketch there are twelve living children as the fruits of this marriage: Phobe, born April 14, 1853, married John Streight, has six children, and lives in MeLean County : Joseph, born May 25. 1854, of whom see sketch in another place ; John, born Feb. 13, 1856, whose sketch also is given in this ADBUM; Lena, born March 18, 1857, married Christian Raber. has three children, and lives in Pike Township; Katie, born Oct. 19. 1858, married Jacob Yordie, has five children. and
lives in Waklo Township: Daniel, born May 17, 1860, has one child, and lives in MeLean County : Mary, born Dec. 17, 1862, resides at home; Chris- tian, born Dec. 13, 1861, married Katie Stein- man, and lives in Waldo Township; David. born Dec. 15. 1866: Ella Barbara. Oct. 16, 1868: Simon, Feb. 21. 1871. and William, March 3, 1873. The last four live at home with their parents.
The wife of our subject was born in Germany, in May, 1833, and emigrated to this country with her parents when but four years of age, locating in But- ler County, Ohio, where she was reared to woman- hood and married. Her parents were born in France, the father in 1810, the mother, Feb. 2, 1811. The father died in this county, May 7. 1878; the mother is still living, at the age of seventy-seven years, and is making her home with her daughter, in Nebraska Township.
At the age of sixty-seven years Mr. King is com- paratively a hale and hearty man. His many acres of valuable land in Livingston County testify to the energy and good management which have charac- terized his business efforts through life. He has been blessed with a family of children of whom any parent might well feel proud, and they delight to honor his declining years. le has always been a useful citizen, and his correct methods and fair deal- ing> with all people have secured for him the confi- dence of all who know him.
6 THOMAS DAY, a farmer and stock-raiser on section 9, Pleasant Ridge Township, where he has been a resident since 1879, and within that time has finely improved and put un- der cultivation 160 acres of land, was born in Golmworth, Bedfordshire, England, Dec. 22. 1837. Ile is the son of Thomas and Mary (Leeton) Day, both of whom were of pure English blood. The father was a farm laborer, and was honest and hard working; he died in 1875. The mother still lives in England, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The father was twice married, and three children were born to the first wife: Whitbread, who came to America in 1887; Isaac, who came in 1848; Keziah married Joseph Perry,
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