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 73
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139 | Part 140 | Part 141 | Part 142 | Part 143 | Part 144 | Part 145 | Part 146 | Part 147 | Part 148
Mr. Angell was born in Wayne County, N. Y .. Jan. 25, 1824, and was the eldest in a family of twelve children. His parents, Ethan and Martha (Dudley ) Angell, were also natives of the Empire State. William D .. in common with his brothers and sisters, was reared to the pursuits of country life, and attended the district school, completing his studies by attendance one winter in the city school at Clyde, N. Y. When eighteen years of age, thinking he would like other pursuits better than farming, he repaired to the town of Clyde, in his native county, and served an apprenticeship of two years at the tinner's trade. Then. on account of failing health, he was obliged to return home, and spent two more years upon the farm. Afterward he clerked in a general store, tirst at Clyde, and then in Tompkins County, but the results not prov- ing satisfactory, either in point of health or finan- cially, he once more returned to the home roof, and contented himself with farm labor until his marriage, which took place on the 25th of Septem- ber, 1850. The lady who then became the sharer of his fortunes was Miss Mary Jane Harvey, who was born in Borodino, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Sept. 21, 1831. She is the only child of Leonard and Jane (Rathbone) Harvey, natives of New York, who passed away many years ago, the mother in her native State. and the father in Kendall County, 111.
Upon his wedding trip, and while passing through the city of Newfiekl, Mr. Angell was solicited to enter the mercantile business at Newfield, Tomp- kins County, where he had formerly filled the posi- tion of clerk. This he accepted, and was thus pros- perously engaged three years. lle had, however, a yearning for the untried West, as the most de- sirable outlook for the young and enterprising man, and after a year's stay at the old homestead, set out for Ilinois. He reached Will County in August, 1854, and entering into partnership with Mr. Bird,
615
LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
an Eastern gentleman, engaged in general merchan- lising at Channabon. Here, however, he was not so successful, and after seven months the firm dissolved, and Mr. Angell served as elerk one sum- mer, and then storing his household goods, he jour- neved to Virginia to visit his wife's parents. Leav- ing Mrs. A. with her people, Mr. A. started out and traveled through the East considerably, being pres- ent in the city of New York during the riots of 1855, before the beginning of the three months' Buchanan-Fremont campaign. In the meantime he employed himself teaching school, and returned to Illinois in December, 1856. Thereafter for a time he had charge of a branch store belonging to his former employer, Mr. Lewis, of Channahon. The following year, however, the numerous bank failures in the country also had their effects upon this business, and the store was closed.
In 1857 Mr. Angell purchased 160 acres of wild land one mile north of Minooka, upon which he set- tled, and began its improvement and cultivation. This he transformed into a good farm, which he oe- cupied until 1865, when, selling out, he came to this county, and having in view the idea of a home, and a brief rest from active labor, purchased a snug dwelling, and one acre of land in the city of Odell. He had intended now to cross the Mississippi, but circumstances led him to employ his time otherwise and not long afterward he was appointed assignee of a dry-goods business which had failed, and was probably a year in settling up the business. After these various changes he decided to return per- manently to farm life, and made first a purchase of forty-seven acres near the limits of Odell. Subse- quently he purchased forty acres north of the city, and while still having his residence within the town carries on farming and stock-raising after the most approved methods, enjoying a handsome income, and taking life as easy as is consistent with the over- sight of important interests. His farm land is sup- plied with all the conveniences for the care and breeding of stock, and all his farm operations are conducted after the most modern and approved methods. His residence in town is a handsome and tasteful structure, standing in the midst of fine grounds, and indicates in all its surroundings the existence of cultivated tastes and ample mear.s.
Mr. and Mrs. Angell are the parents of one child only, a daughter, Elvena I., who was born Sept. 10, 1869, and remains at home with her parents. She has been finely educated, is a graduate of Odell lligh School, and an expert stenographer. She is also one of the most active members of the Chan- tauqua Society, keeping thoroughly educated in its various departments.
Mr. Angell, while in Kendall County, was a mem- ber of the Town Board of Seward Township. and has served in a similar manner at Odell. lle is one of the most important factors in the business inter- ests of the town. and politically, although not tak- ing a very active part in public affairs, uniformly votes with the Republican party.
During the Centennial year Mr. Angell wisely ex- pended a sum of money in a visit to the Exposition at Philadelphia, and later visited the Workl's Ex- position at New Orleans with his family, the trip being very profitable as well as pleasant.
ON. PERRY F. RENSBURG, of Chats- worth, one of the prominent citizens of Liv- ingston County, is a native of Fremont, Ohio, where he first saw the light on the 10th of February, 1825. The Remsburgs were originally from Germany, but the last few genera- tions have resided in the United States.
The father of the subject of this sketch, Casper Remsburg, was born in Frederick County, Md., on the 24th of February, 1787. On the 26th of 1)e- cember, 1809, he was married to Mary Bowlus, who was born in Maryland on the 19th of November, 1792. In 1822 they emigrated to Ohio, and set- tled at Lower Sandusky, now named Fremont, which was then an Indian trading-post. Thus they were among the pioneers of the Buckeye State. Casper Remsburg followed his trade, which was that of a millwright, and as he was one of the very first millwrights on the Sandusky River, he either built or put the machinery into many of the mills in that part of the State. As long as he was able he followed that occupation, and then passed bis remaining days on a farm near Fremont, dying in August, 1849. Ilis wife survived him seven years,
LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
dying at Chatsworth on the 13th of June, 1886. The father was a member of the United Brethren Church, and the mother of the Methodist Protest- ant Church. Their family consisted of ten chil- dren, one of whom died in infancy ; the others grew to maturity. . Their record is as follows: Matilda was born in 1810. married John Ellis, and died Feb. 8. 1874, at sixty-four years of age; llez- ekiah was born Feb. 2, 1812, and is an attorney-at- law-at Fremont, Ohio; William was born Oct. 23, 1813. is a minister of the Methodist Protestant Church, and resides at Des Moines, lowa; Ann Rebecca died in infancy ; Mary Ann was born Nov. 3, 1817, married James Rosenberger, Nov. 2, 1843, and resides near Fremont, Ohio; Susannah was born April 13. 1819, married Emanuel Crowell, and reside, at Milan. Rock Island Co., Ill. ; she was married twice. her last husband being William Brown. Rebecca was born Nov. 10, 1820, married Samuel A. Crowell, and died Aug. 26, 1859: Perry F is the subject of this sketch ; John was born Oct. 8. 1826, and died Nov. 29, 1847; Lewis E. was born Dec. 28. 1831, and resides at Ohio, Bureau Co., Ill.
Mr. Remsburg's early life was spent npon a farm, and he received his education in the public and -elect schools of Fremont. Ohio, in which town he grew to manhood. On the 15th of February, 1852, he was married to Miss Mary L. Brown, daughter of Stanton H. and Elizabeth ( Whiting) Brown; she was born in Ottawa County, Ohio, on the 6th of september. 1838. . Mr. Remsburg engaged in farm- ing until 1857, when he removed to Ft. Des Moines, Iowa. and engaged in farming for two years near that place. In 1859 he removed to Ohio, Bureau Co., Ill., where he tilled the soil, except during three years when he was a merchant at Ohio, until 1x81, when he soldi his farm of 280 acres and re- moved to Chatsworth, where he now resides. Ile owns nearly 400 acres of land, sixty of which lies within the incorporated limits of Chatsworth, and on which he erected a splendid residence, and com- fortably situated himself and family. He is Re- publican in politics, and represented Bureau Coun- ty in the Twenty-seventh General Assembly, and has filled the office- of Supervisor, Justice of the Peace, and other local offices. He has always taken
an active part in polities, and the honors which his party have conferred upon him have been recipro- cated on his part hy faithful adherence to its prin- ciples, and zealous efforts in its behalf. In relig- ions matters he believes in the doctrines enunciated by the Protestant Methodist Church. of which he is a member. Mr. and Mrs. Remsburg have had thir- teen children, six boys who died under the age of twelve years. The names of the survivors are. Laura Augusta. Casper, Louisa, Sarah Ellen, Grant S., William F. and Estella M. Laura Angusta is the wife of Leander Mereer, and Louisa of T. J. Lovell; both reside in Chatsworth Township. Sa- rah Ellen is the wife of James Bullock. and resides near Longford, Dak., where Casper also lives; Grant S. and William F. reside in Bureau County, Ill., and Estella M. is at home with her parents.
As representative of the buildings in this part of the country, we present on another page a view of Mr. Remsburg's residence.
C HARLES ELLIOTT SMITH is prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Saunemin Township, in which he is located on section 19. Ile is a native of England, and was born in Cambridgeshire on the 4th of October, 1845. lle is the son of William and Elizabeth ( Edwards) Smith, natives of England, of which country they have chosen to remain citizens. Of the six chil- dren born to his parents the following named sur- vive: William, Charles E., Phobe, Elizabeth and Thomas. The name of the deceased was Arthur.
The subject of our sketch remained in England until he reached the years of maturity, and was afforded fairly good opportunities for obtaining an education. With the exception of a short time spent in merchandising and four years at briek- making and eval-mining, Mr. Smith has been a farmer all his life. IIe emigrated to America in 1867, taking passage at Liverpool, and within ten days after leaving that port he landed in the city of New York, and proceeded at once to the great West, of which he had heard so much while in the old country. Ile stopped in Illinois, and for five years resided in Marshall County, where he engaged
617
LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
in farm work. In the spring of 1874 he came to Livingston County, and for the next three years farmed as a renter. In the year 1877 he purchased the farm on which he has since resided, consisting of eighty acres of most excellent land, which is susceptible of the highest state of cultivation, and has invariably prodneed bountiful crops,
On the 3d of July, 1871, Mr. Smith was married to Sarah Elizabeth Norman, who was born on the 4th of October, 1847, and is a native of England. She is the daughter of William B. and Mary A. Norman, also natives of England, who emigrated to this country in 1852, and are now residing in Saunemin Township. When they first came to Illinois they settled in Marshall County, where they remained until their removal to Livingston County in 1877.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of four chil- dren : Mary Elizabeth, who was born May 23, 1872; Millie Belle, Nov. 14, 1873; William Henry, Dec. 21, 1877, and Robert Ernst, Sept. 21, 1878. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Christian Church and stand prominently as active members of the congregation. Mr. Smith is a Republican in politics, and contributes to the success of that party as much of his efforts as possible. He is a peaceful and law-abiding citizen, and has firmly es- tablished himself in the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and fellow-citizens generally.
HARLES H. TUESBURG, Acting Supervisor of Odell Township, to fill the vacancy occa- sioned by the death of Matthias Tombaugh, was born on the 29th of December, 1844. in the village of Tremont, Tazewell Co., Ill., and grew up to village life. His early education was ob- tained in the country schools, and his last three winters were spent in the High School conducted by Mr. H. O. Snow, in the old court-house. At the age of seventeen he entered the employ of Pet- tis & Ingalls, with whom he remained until May, 1864, and then on the 4th of that month he enlisted in Company C, 139th Illinois Infantry, under Capt. Dietrich Smith, of Pekin, and Col. Davidson. The regiment was mustered in at Camp Lyon at Peoria on the 1st of June, and soon afterward was placed
on garrison Anty at Carroll. The first expedition of the regiment was into Kentucky, in August, and their duty was to return deserters and bounty jumpers to their commands. Mr. Tuesburg was commissioned First Corporal, which position he held until the close of his term of services. The enlistment was for 100 days, but the company re- mained fifteen days over time, and then returned to Peoria. They had scarcely reached there when they were ordered to Missouri to aid in heading off the rebel General, Price. lle was with his com- pany in the expedition to Missouri, but was never put into active service, and was discharged on the 28th of October, 1864, at Peoria, after serving about six months. Immediately afterward he en- gaged with Ingalls, Spaulding & Co., general mer- chants in Tremont.
In the spring of 1865 Mr. Tuesburg left the store, and prepared to buy a piece of land for farm- ing. Accordingly he went to Chenoa to look for an opportunity of purchasing on easy terms. After consulting with Mr. Scott he came to Livingston County, to look at land belonging to that gentle- man. Hle located a quarter of section 21, and re- turned to report. In June he went and examined the land again, and not being so well satisfied he made a new selection on section 35, where in No- vember he bought 160 acres at $10.50 per acre. At this time the country for miles and miles around was wild, The first time he crossed the land a fine drove of deer arose from the grass on the knoll where his residence now stands, In April, 1866, he came with a team and plow and broke forty acres which he planted in corn. The crop was al- most a failure, and he spent the remainder of the year in the store at Tremont with his old employ- ers. In the spring of the following year he gave up his position in the store, and made arrangements to permanently ocenpy the farm. At first he boarded one and one-half miles from his farm, but on his second attempt he bought some rough Inm- ber and built a house with his own hands in which he and his mother lived. This season he put in sixty acres of corn, and about this time his grand- mother died and his mother went home to care for her father.
Mr. Tuesburg now having no housekeeper rented
618
LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
his farm and went to his mother at Kappa, four miles from El Paso, where he spent the winter of 1867 and the summer of 1868 working on his grand- father's farm. The next -pring he returned to his own farm, bringing his mother with him. This year was very wet, but nothing daunted he plodded on in the face of many difficulties, setting out twenty-five acres of orchard, which proved a fail- ure. In the spring of 1869 he built a better house, and a little later erected another which he fitted up in excellent style.
On the 27th of March, 1873, Mr. Tuesburg was married to Sarah E. Dunn, who was born near Farmington. Fulton Co., III .. Nov. 16, 1813, the fifth child born to John and Elizabeth ( Bevins) Dunn, of Virginia and Ohio respectively. Her parents settled near Farmington at a very early day, and reared a large family of children, all of whom became heads of families. One year ago they all stood around the mother's death bed as she quietly passed to the unknown shores. Her death was the first in the family for forty years. The father, inured to the hardships of pioneer life, is still hearty.
Mr. and Mrs. Tuesburg are the parents of four children, all of whom are living: John Albert Sid- ney, born Feb. 12, 1875: Lillian Annetta, July 4, 1877; Charles Elmer. March 7, 1879 : William Han- son, Aug. 18, 1882. Mr. Tuesburg sixteen years ago took charge of the land belonging to Dr. John W. Scott and sisters, of Lexington. Ky., and is now in charge of all their landed interests in Illinois, amounting to 5,500 acres. During the years 1884 and 1885. he devoted his entire attention to under- drainage, putting in more than 160 miles of tiling. Besides the Scott property he has charge of other lands, altogether 7,600 acres. . This is continuously occupied by sixty-five tenants. The tenant houses are all neatly painted and well-kept. Mr. Tues- burg has purchased 480 acres additional which he has tiled and highly improved, and the last three years has leased to tenants. lle is an ardent tem- perance worker. has served as Clerk of the School Board for lifteen years, and is President of the Home Insurance Company, organized under the State laws governing Township Insurance Com- panic -. This society is of twelve years' standing,
is prosperous and has a capital of $2.000,000. Mr. and Mrs. Tuesburg, although formerly Congrega- tionalists at Odell, are now members of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, aiding to build up a church society in their own neighborhood.
ARKIN L. SNYDER owns and occupies a comfortable homestead in Dwight Town- ship, on section 24, and since his residence here has thoroughly identified himself with the in- terests of the people of his township. llis father, IsaaegSnyder, a German, was born in East Tennes- see, and married Miss Matilda Wilson. They were the parents of nine children-John, Henry, Rich- ard, Ellen, Samuel, Jane, Ann, Larkin L., and James, who died in infancy. Isaac Snyder owned a farm in East Tennessee, which consisted of 160 acres; here he lived for many years, and here all the children were born. Ile was a very reliable and honorable man, but becoming involved for the sake of his son, who failed in business, he was obliged to sell his farm, and then, in 1860, came to Illinois with but 8500 in money. lle rented a farm in Fulton County and remained there for four years, and then purchased a farm of 220 acres in Kendall County. He paid for this by dint of personal in- dustry and economy. lle and his wife were de- vont members of the Christian Church, and were sincere believers in the doctrines of Christianity. In his political opinions be was in harmony with the Republican party, and always supported its men and measures. Hle died in 1881 at the age of sev- enty-five years. It can be truly said of him that he lived the life of a Christian, and died in the full faith.
Larkin L. Snyder, the subject of our sketch, was born in East Tennessee and received little or no education, as the schools at that time were few and far between, and of little account. Mr. Snyder early learned to perform farm work, and on the hill- sides of East Tennessee labored with the most primi- tive tools. The corn was cultivated by hand, and the grain was reaped with a sickle, after the fashion of the olden times, and two men could care for but ten acres of corn. Ile came to Illinois with his
619
LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
father when but thirteen years of age, and worked for him until he began for himself.
On the 16th of May, 1872, Mr. Snyder was mar- ried to Miss Annie Drollinger. who is the daugh- ter of Matthias and Amelia (Lloyd) Drollinger. The young couple remained for a year and a half with Mr. Snyder's father, who then gave them a farm consisting of forty acres in Will County. Here they built a home and lived for one year, and then sold this farm and purchased one of eighty acres in Grundy County, where they remained for one year. In 1885 they moved to their present homestead near Dwight. Their household has been blessed with one child, named Minnie A., who is an intelligent little girl of eight years, and is now attending the district sehool.
Mrs. Snyder was born in Wabash County, Ind., and came with her parents to Kendall County, when she was seventeen years of age, and was mar- ried to Mr. Snyder in her nineteenth year. She is a devoted member of the Church of God, and her daily life is that of a Christian. Mr. Snyder' be- long> to the Republican party. to which he gives a hearty and cordial support at all times. Ile is an industrious and upright man, and among the peo- ple who know him enjoys an enviable reputation.
ACOB FARR, of Nebraska Township, has been a resident here since a youth of seven- teen years, having come to this section with his parents in the fall of 1861. With the exception of three years spent in the army, he has employed his time principally in farming pursuits, and is now one of the most experienced agricultor- ists and stockholders in the western part of Liv- ingston County. His property includes a beautiful tract of 160 acres thoroughly drained with tile, where he has a neat and substantial residence, a good barn and the out-buildings required for the shelter of stock and the storing of grain. He raises Norman and Belgian horses. of which he makes a specialty, and is also giving considerable attention to Poland-China swine.
Our subject was born in England, May 14, 1844,
where he lived until a lad six years of age, and was then brought by his parents to America. llis father first located on a small tract of land near Canastota, Madison Co., N. Y., where they resided twelve years, and then, in 1861, migrated west to this county. He had previously purchased eighty acres on section 2, in Nebraska Township, of which they now took possession, and where the parents spent the remainder of their lives. Soon after locating here, the outbreak of the Rebellion called for vol- unteer troops, and young JJacob, true to the senti- ments to which he had been trained by his honored parents, was anxious to distinguish himself as a soldier of the Union. Although but a youth of eighteen years, he enlisted, in August. 1862, in the 129th Illinois Infantry, marched to the scene of conflict with his comrades, and was present at the battles of Resaca, Dallas Woods. Marietta, Ken- nesaw Mountain, Peachtree Creek and Atlanta. From this latter city he joined Sherman's army on its march to the sea. and took part in all the prin- cipal battles of that campaign. He was remarkably fortunate in his military experience, escaping serious sickness, wounds and capture, and received his hon- orable discharge in June, 1865.
Mr. Farr upon leaving the army, returned to his old haunts in this county, and commenced farming for himself. On the 24th of January, 1867, he took to his home a wife and helpmeet, in the per- son of Miss Charlotte A., daughter of Benjamin S. and Mary (Hitchner) Gilman. Mr. and Mrs. Farr became the parents of six children, two of whom they laid away in early graves. Clarence W. was born Dec. 9, 1867. and died on the 10th of May, 1871. when an interesting little boy nearly four and one-half years of age ; Mary E. was born June 22, 1870, and continues at home with her parents: Laura B. was born June 15, 1873, and died Ang. 20, 1875; dennie A. was born Aug. 10, 1875; Ar- thur E., Nov. 5, 1879, and Edwin J., May, 23, 1884.
Our subject is the son of Joseph and Eliza (Bas- queby) Farr, and the eldest of four living children. His sister, Mary A., is the wife of Thomas Richard- son, of Long Point Township, and the mother of six children ; John married Miss Nettie Moulds, and is farming in Saunemin Township, and is the father of five children ; Harriet F. married Albert Moulds,
LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
lives in Long Point Township, and has three chil- dren. Joseph Farr was born in England, Dec. 3. 1 .11. and his wife, Eliza. in the same locality, Feb. 1. 1>14. They were married about 1810. The mother departed this life March 2. 1869, and the father ten years later. March 25, 1879. They lie side by side in Mt. Zion Cemetery. Nebraska Town- ship.
Benjamin S. and Mary ( Hitchner) Gilman, the parents of Mrs. Farr, were born in Cumberland County. N. J. Their daughter Charlotte was born in the same county Sept. 19. 1846. When she was a child eight years of age, they emigrated to the West. locating in Nebraska Township, where the mother died Sept. 22, 1870. and her remains were also interred in the cemetery at Mt. Zion.
soon after marriage our subject purchased eighty acres of land on section 1. Nebraska Township, which he occupied about eight years, when he sold ont and purchased 160 acres on section 24, of which he still holds possession. He has one of the finest homesteads in this part of the county, and is looked upon by his neighbors as a model farmer and valued citizen. Ile united with the Methodist Episcopal Church about 1870, and has since been one of its most active and zealous members. lle cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Grant, and has since been an ardent supporter of Republican principles.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.