USA > Illinois > Portrait and biographies of the governors of Illinois and of the residents of the United States > Part 52
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
The birth of Mr. Hackenberg occurred February 20, 1860. Hle is a son of Joseph and Rachel ( Dorst) Hackenberg, and is the third in order of birth in their family of four children. The eldest, Jennic, is now deceased. Newton is a well-to-do stock- raiser in Lincoln County, Kan. Matie became the wife of Isaac Mills, who is the well-known State's Attorney of Decatur. The father of this fam- ily, whose ancestors were natives of Germany, was born in Pennsylvania, and was still young when his parents removed with their family to Ohio. Ile grew to manhood in the Buckeye State and there acquired his education. About the year 1855, he emigrated Westward and located on a farm which he purchased in May Township. To its cul- tivation he devoted the remainder of his life, and was one of the respeeted early pioneers of this lo- cality. Ile was a stanch Republican after the or- ganization of that party, but prior to that time was a Whig. He had many warm friends, and his death, which occurred at the age of sixty-two years, was sincerely deplored as an irreparable loss to the community in which he lived. His wife,
who is also of German extraction, was born in Ohio, and is still living, making her home with her daughter in Decatur, Ill.
John D. Hackenberg in his youth worked on his father's farm and, intending to become an agricul- turist, devoted himself to acquiring a practical knowledge of the best methods of carrying on a farm. Ile acquired his education in the common schools of the neighborhood, and made his home with his parents until arriving at his majority. Starting in life for himself, he commenced by rent- ing a farm, which he operated until 1884, when he purchased a part of the place where he now resides.
On the 5th of February, 1885, a marriage cere- mony was performed by which Miss Victorine Sol- liday, of this county, became the wife of our sub- jeet. By their union have been born three children, who are called respectively Claude, Mert and Lelah, and are all living at home. Mrs. laeken- berg is a member of the Reformed Church. to which her husband contributes, although he is not a member.
The farm owned by our subject is conceded to be one of the best in May Township, as the land is very fertile and yields abundant harvests, in ad- dition to which there are many substantial im- provements on the place. It is valuable for stock- raising purposes and Mr. Hackenberg raises a great many horses, cattle and sheep. There are three hundred and fifty-live acres within the boundaries of his farm which are under cultivation, and in addition to this he owns forty acres of timber-land. lle is a man of upright character and is well and favorably known in this county, where his life has been passed.
G J. RIVARD, M. D., is one of the best- known physicians and surgeons of Assump- tion, and is a member of the village Board of Health. He belongs to the American Medical Association, and by study and research makes it his constant endeavor to keep fully abreast with
442
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the times in everything relating to the theory and practice of medicine. As a citizen he is highly esteemed, and is always» foremost in every enter- prise for the benefit of the community. He has been in successful practice here since 1881.
The Doctor is a native son of Illinois, born in Kankakee County November 5, 1859. His father, Oliver Rivard, is a native of Canada, and came to the United States when a lad of only ten years, making the journey with his brother, who is num- bered among the pioneers of Kankakee County. He grew to manhood there, and upon reaching his majority wedded a lady of French descent. She was a Miss Philomen Frazer, a daughter of August Frazer, who was one of the first to settle in Kan- kakee County. Mr. and Mrs. Rivard spent their lives and reared their family in the same locality in which the former settled upon his arrival in Illinois. In the fall of 1892 the father met with an accident which cansed his death, being killed by a train while walking on the railroad. At the time of his decease he was fifty-nine years of age, and his loss was deeply felt in the community.
The boyhood days of Dr. Rivard were passed in his native county, and he was fortunate in being given the best of school advantages. Entering St. Viateur's College, he completed the classical course, graduating from that institution at the age of eighteen years. lle had given special at- tention to the classics and scientific studies. Be- ing ambitious, he concluded to adopt one of the professions, and in pursuance of that determina- tion went to Chicago, and after a three-years course in the Chicago Medical College was grad- uated. March 28, 1881. . At this time he was just past his twenty-first birthday anniversary, which fact shows the unusual diligence and industry of this young student. Upon completing his colle- giate course. Dr. Rivard located in Assumption, and began his practice. Necessarily at first he met with considerable discouragement, as is the case with nearly every young doctor, but his perseverance soon brought him many patients. At the present time he has a large and increasing practice and has built up an enviable reputation as one of the successful physicians of Christian County. Hle has used good judgment in the
investment of his means, and owns considerable local real estate. Hle owns two good business houses and a valuable and well-improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Shelby Coun- ty. besides several residences. He is recognized as one of the substantial and well-to-do busi- ness men of the community. Ile has been a stockholder in the Assumption Coal and Mining Company, which enterprise he was prominent in organizing, and also is a member of and Director in the People's Building, Saving and Loan Asso- ciation.
On October 25, 1882, the Doctor and Miss Leah M. Beauchamp were wedded. The lady is a native of Kankakee County, and is a daughter of Felix Beauchamp, who located there before the now flourishing city of Kankakee was started. The Doctor and his wife have three children, namely: Rita, Queena and George J. The family attend the Catholic Church of Assumption and are active in its work. Politically, our subject is a Republi- can, having supported that party with his ballot and influence since arriving at his majority. Ile is not a politician, having preferred to attend to his professional duties and private interests, and. though he has been requested to do so, has never accepted any official position.
AMES B. MICHAEL, a member of the firm of Michael Brothers, dealers in hay and ex- tensive shippers of the same product, is lo- cated in Assumption, Ill. He has made his home here since 1865, and has long been numbered among the substantial business men of the place.
He has been a witness of its growth and pros- perity, in which he has been an important factor. The birth of Mr. Michael occurred near Zanesville, Muskingum County, Ohio, March 23. 1856. Ilis father, Jacob Michael, was a native of Mary- land, and there grew to manhood. He then re- moved to Olno, settling in Muskingum County,
443
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
where he met and wedded Miss Mary Walters, whose birth occurred in that county. For several years. Mr. Michael carried on a farm in the Buck- eye State, and in 1865 proceeded to Illinois, mak- ing a settlement in Shelby County, where he bought a good farm. lle afterward removed to lowa, but after a residence there of some four years returned to this village and led a retired life until his death, which took place in 1885. llis wife passed away in 1872.
James B. Michael is one of a family of three sons and four daughters, who grew to mature years. One sister is now deceased. Our subject was a lad of only eight years when with his par ents he came to Illinois, and his youth was spent in Shelby County. llis educational advantages were very good and he improved them with commendable zeal. Ile remained under the pa- rental roof until eighteen years of age, when he started out to acquire his own fortune. As he had been brought up to life on a farm. it was nat- ural that he chose to become an agriculturist, and his first undertaking in this line was on a rented farm in Christian County. This he carried on successfully for ten years, or until 1877, when he went to Iowa, and bought a farm in Ringgold County. At the expiration of four years he re- turned to Christian County, which has since been his place of abode. In the year 1884 he engaged in the hay business in Assumption and has built up an extensive trade. The firm annually ships about four hundred car-loads of this commodity. Mr. Michael has shown good executive ability in the management of his business interests and has made wise investments of his profits.
A marriage ceremony was performed June 9, 1885, which united the fortunes of our subject and Miss Celena Andibert. Mrs. Michael was born in Christian County. Ill., near the village of Assumption. and is a daughter of Peter Andibert, one of the early settlers of the county. Three children have blessed the union of our subject and his wife. In order of birth they are as fol- lows: Ina, Eva and Leila Lorena. Mis. Michael is a member of the Catholic Church.
Our subject belongs to llackberry Camp No. 251, M. W. A. He has spent almost his entire life in
this part of Illinois. where he is well known and highly esteemed. He is a man of upright charac- ter and sterling worth. To his well-directed ef- forts and business ability he owes the fact that he possesses to-day a comfortable fortune and modern home. In his political faith he is a Democrat and has always cast his ballot in favor of the nom- inees of that party.
RS. CATHERINE 11. POPE, who resides on a line farm on section 6, Pana Town- ship. was born near Utica, in Herkimer County, N. Y., May 7, 1814. Her father, Henry Rosencrantz, was born and reared in the same county, and was a son of Rev. Abram Rosen- erantz, a native of Paltz, Germany. When a young man he crossed the briny deep to New York, where he met and married Miss Anna Maria, daughter of Gen. llerkimer. He then took up his residence in the township of Little Falls, and was the first preacher of Ilerkimer County, the old German church being built expressly for him. He was a prominent and influential citizen and a most highly-respected man. llis death occurred at the age of seventy years. llis eldest son became a United States Congressman. The second son, Henry, was a prominent farmer of Herkimer County. Nicholas, the next younger, was a soldier in the War of 1812. Abram followed farming in the same county. Joseph, who was a soldier of the War of 1812, was also a leading agriculturist. The daughters of the family were Margaret, Katie and Polly.
Henry Rosencrantz, the father of Mrs. Pope, was a farmer by occupation, and in his native county married Patience Easterbrook. She was born in Rhode Island, and was a daughter of Abel Easter- brook, also a native of Rhode Island. llis people were sea-faring men, but he followed farming and blacksmithing. Mr. and Mrs. Rosencrantz began their domestic life in llerkimer County, N. Y., and there remained until 1826, when they removed to
444
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
St. Lawrence County, locating on a farm, where the father died at the age of fifty-eight. The mother died in this county in 1857, while visiting her daughter, Mrs. Pope. She was then in her sey- enty-ninth year. Their family numbered seven sons and four daughters, of whom seven grew to mature years: Anna Maria, who married Luther Davis, both of whom died in Sangamon County; Mrs. Elizabeth Talman; Mrs. Henrietta Sturtevant, de- ceased; Mrs. Catherine Il. Pope; George, deceased; Margaret and Patience, also deceased; and Abram Rosencrantz, who died at the age of fifteen. The other children died in infancy.
Mrs. Pope spent her early girlhood days in her native county, and then went with her parents to St. Lawrence County. The common schools af- forded her her educational privileges. On the 14th of January, 1833, was celebrated her marriage with Abel Smith Pope, who was born in St. Law- rence County January 7, 1810, and was the fourth son of Timothy and Hannah (Stickney) Pope. His father was a prominent citizen and large land- owner, and was a a cloth-dresser, miller and tanner.
Mr. and Mrs. Pope began housekeeping in St. Lawrence County. N. Y., and he engaged in cloth- making, tanning, etc., in company with his father. After the death of his father he removed to Spen- cerville, Canada, six miles west of Prescott, where he engaged in hotel-keeping for.two years. He then went to Prescott, where he ran a 'bus line for two years, after which he returned to St. Law- rence County, N. Y., and followed the same busi- ness in Ogdensburg, coming thence to Christian County, Ill., in 1853. They were numbered among the early settlers, and went through all the expe- riences of life on the frontier. In 1868 they re- moved to the farm on which Mrs. Pope now re- sides. and he carried on its cultivation until his death, which occurred in 1882. Ile was a mem- ber of the First Baptist Church of Pana, and was a Republican in politics. He possessed many ex- eellencies of character, was upright and honorable in all things, and had the confidence of the entire community. Many friends mourned his loss.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pope were born the follow- ing children: Henry II .. who was born in New York, enlisted in Company D, Thirty-third Illinois
Infantry, served throughout the war, and for mer- itorious conduct was promoted to the rank of Col- onel; Henrietta M., the next younger; Melissa M. and George, who are both deceased; James, a trav- eling salesman for a Kalamazoo firm; Albert, who carries on the home farm; and Sarah E., who died in infaney. The family have a very pleasant home, situated in the midst of a fine farm, comprising three hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, which yields to them a good income. The house- hold is the abode of hospitality, and its members are widely and favorably known in the neighbor- hood. Mrs. Pope is a member of the Baptist Church, and is a most estimable lady.
E VAN A. HUMPHREYS, JR., who is engaged in the practice of law in Pana, is one of the public-spirited and progressive citizens of this place and manifests a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the publie welfare. The record of his life is as follows, and it is with pleasure that we present it to our readers. Ile was born in St. Louis, Mo., November 20, 1852, and is a son of Evan A. and Martha J. (Skeen) Humphreys, the former a native of England, and the latter of Kentucky. The paternal grandfather of our subject, also bore the name of Evan A. Humphreys, and he too was born in England. With his family he left the land of his birth and erossed the Atlantic to America, landing in New York. He afterward removed to St. Louis, where he lived for many years, and there followed con- tracting and building. Ilis death occurred in that city in 1873, when past the age of eighty years. The father of our subject was one of a family of five sons and three danghters. He ac- companied his parents to the United States and be- came a plasterer by trade, which business he has followed throughout the greater part of his life. lle is now living retired. Himself and wife are worthy members of the Methodist Church. Unto them have been born nine children, five sons and
445
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
four daughters, of whom four sons and two daughters are now living, namely : Charles MI., Ed- ward D., Evan A., Andrew J., Ella, and Dollie, wife of Henry C. White.
We now take up the personal history of our subject, who remained in his native city until six years of age, when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Illinois, the family locating in Jonesboro. From there he went to Carbondale, and in April, 1861, came to Pana, where he has since made his home. The public schools afforded him his educational privileges and he is now a ·well-informed man. Turning his attention to the legal profession. he began the study of law in 1869. under A. C. McMillan, and was admitted to the Bar in 1873, since which time he has been in active practice.
On the 29th of December. 1875, Mr. Humphreys was united in marriage with Mrs. Ann E. MeMil- lan, widow of A. C. McMillan, and a daughter of Charles and Sarah JJ. (Parker) Barker, natives of New York. Their union has been graced with one child, Arthur. The mother is a member of the Presbyterian Church and is a lady of culture and refinement, who ranks high in social circles.
Mr. Ilumphreys is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of Pythias, and the Fraternal Mystic Circle. For about six- teen years he has held the office of City Attorney, his repeated re-elections being a high testimonial to his ability and fidelity. He has a good home and other city property in Pana, where he has now lived for thirty-two years. In polities, he is a supporter of the Democracy. In the line of his profession he has met with success, and his clients are many.
OHN S. BILYEU is one of the extensive land-owners of Prairieton Township, his pleasant residence being situated on see- tion 4. Hle has long been a resident of this community, having arrived here in 1841. The birth of our subject occurred in Miller County,
Mo., the date of the event being January 1, 1834. Ilis father, John II. Bilyen, was a native of Ken- tucky, and went to Tennessee with his father, Peter Bilyeu, who was of French deseent. His youth was passed in Tennessee, and on arriving at a suitable age, he chose for his wife Elizabethi Workman, also a native of Kentucky. The young couple removed to Illinois, and, settling in San- gamon County, located on a farm, which Mr. Bilyeu carried on for several years. Ile then re- moved to Miller County. Mo .. where he staid for only four years, returning in 1837 to Sangamon County. A few years later he entered and bought land on Flat Branch. now comprised within the limits of Prairieton Township. Ile opened up a large farm of over twelve hundred acres, and to its cultivation devoted the remainder of his life. Ile was called from the shores of time May 15, 1867, at the age of sixty-three years. Ihis wife is still living, at the age of seventy-nine years. Mr. Bilyen was quite active in local politics, and many times held offices of trust and honor.
The subject of this sketch is one of a family of mine sons and three daughters, who all lived to mature years. Two brothers and two of the sis- ters are now deceased. John S. remained under the parental roof until he had reached his major- ity, after which he settled on a part of the old . homestead, the place where he still resides. This property was then raw prairie land, and the young man with industry and diligence proceeded to develop a farm, fencing and making many im- provements upon the place. He started with about one hundred aeres, but in a few years was en- abled to purchase more land. 'As the years passed. the boundaries of his farm were extended until his homestead farm comprises three hundred acres. in addition to which he owns four hundred acres. A part of this land is timber, and the rest is rich bottomland. Large barns and convenient outbuildings have been erected on his farm. and his commodious home completes the pleasant picture.
When Mr. Bilyen had just completed his twen- tieth year he was united in marriage with Miss Melinda Workman, their marriage being ecle- brated January 22, 1854. The lady is a native of
446
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Illinois, and is a daughter of Stephen Workman, one of the early pioneer of Christian County. Mr. and Mrs. Bilyeu have had nine children. J. II. J. is married and is carrying on one of his father's farms; Mary Ann is the wife of David Workman, of this county; Josiah assists in carrying on the home farm; Elizabeth is deceased; Peter also lives at home; Lydia. Edmund. Hiram and Isaae com- plete the family. The parents are members of the Christian Church and are valued workers.
Thr first vote of Mr. Bilyen was deposited for the lIon. James Buchanan in 1856, since which time he has ever supported the Democratic party. He has never been an aspirant for official honors, but has found his time fully taken up in oversee- ing his farms and business projeets. In the sev- eral walks of life Me bears a reputation for un- blemished honor, and his example as a business man is worthy the emulation of the coming gener- ation.
C HIARLES VICTORY ROCKWELL, M. D., deceased, was born in Mansfield, Ohio, on the 4th of March, 1833, and died July 29, 1888, in Taylorville, Ill., where for many years he had successfully engaged in the practice of his profession, winning a place in the front rank among his brethren of the seience. Throughout the community he had many friends. The first eight years of his life were spent in his native city, and he then went to Chicago with his parents, .John and Jane' Desire (Tousley) Rockwell. Ilis father was an architect of Chicago. His death occurred in Decatur, while visiting his daughter, Mrs. S. T. Trowbridge, now of Napa, Cal The mother is now living with Mrs. Trowbridge.
The Doctor was educated in the schools of Chi- cago. and. with the desire of entering the medical profession. he went to Decatur, where he began reading along that line under the direction of Dr. Trowbridge, a brother-in-law. He was subse- quently graduated from the St. Louis Medical
College in the Class of '57. and at onee located in Taylorville. He had engaged in practice here for one year before his graduation as a partner of Dr. Curtis, and after his graduation began practicing alone. Ile was a thorough student of his profes- sion, a man of deep research, and his merit and ability won him a foremost place among his pro- fessional brethren. During the war the Doctor spent some three months in the South, whither he was sent by the State to assist in the distribu- tion of supplies. He also aided in hospital work for a time. On his return he resumed practice and secured a most liberal patronage. For some years he was surgeon for the Wabash Railroad, and was an active member of the Tri-State and Distriet Medical Societies.
On the 29th of December, 1858, the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Torrey, of . Springfield, Ill. She was bom in that city April .4, 1841, but was married in Taylorville, at the home of her sister, Mrs. Albert Sattley. By their union were born the following children: Luella, wife of Rev. II. P. Fullenweider, a Presbyterian minister of Chicago; Susie E., who is employed as a stenographer in the Remington Type Writer Office, of Chicago; Gertrude, at home; Estella L., wife of Fred C. Barnett, who was formerly a grain dealer of Litchfield, but is now in business in Chi- cago; and Grace A. at home.
In connection with his other business interests, the Doctor was proprietor of a drug store in Tay- lorville. In politics, he was always a stalwart sup- porter of the Republican party, and whenever he so desired gave expression to his views on the sub- jeet without fear or favor. Ile was appointed Postmaster of Taylorville by President Arthur, and held that position at the time of his death, although President Cleveland was then at the head of the Government. He served as a member of the School Board, and was Director of the Cem- etery Association. He owned some good residence property in Taylorville, also an eighty-acre fruit faim two miles from the city. Ile was a man of firm convictions, and, though he was undaunted in espousing his own view, gave to others the same right. He was popular with all classes, for he had a pleasant, cheery manner, and those who
117
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
knew him esteemed him highly for the exeellen- cies of his character. Ilis death was widely mourned throughout the community and proved a loss to the public as well as to his immediate circle of relatives and friends. Mrs. Rockwell and her family are members of the Presbyterian Chureb, and in social circles hold an enviable po- sition.
OSEPH R. BUGG, who carries on a good farm located on section 34, May Township, comes from one of the honored pioneer families of Christian County, and was born in this township on November 30, 1846. Ilis en- tire life and labors have been in this county, and he is very well known throughout its borders.
Our subject is the fifth in order of birth in a family of eight sons, whose parents were Joseph and Susanna ( Peck) Bugg, who were natives of Yorkshire, England. The life record of this worthy couple may be found in the sketch of their son, Edward Bugg, on another page of this work. Joseph remained with his parents, assisting in carrying on the home farm, until he had reached man's estate. Educational facilities during his boyhood were of a very limited description, and thus his ad- vantages in that direction were extremely meagre. To the best of his ability he has endeavored to compensate for this deprivation in early years by reading, study and observation.
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.