USA > Illinois > Bureau County > The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall, Putnam and Stark Counties, Illinois > Part 91
USA > Illinois > Marshall County > The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall, Putnam and Stark Counties, Illinois > Part 91
USA > Illinois > Putnam County > The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall, Putnam and Stark Counties, Illinois > Part 91
USA > Illinois > Stark County > The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall, Putnam and Stark Counties, Illinois > Part 91
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William Lowman, the father of our subject, grew to manhood in Highland county, Ohio, and was there married. As a tailor, he worked in Chicago a short time in 1835, and in 1842 joined his father in Knox county, where he engaged in farming a few years and also served as constable of his township. Later he worked at his trade in Maquon, and subse- quently lived in Knoxville until 1850, when he fitted out an ox team and started across the plains with a wagon train for California. He met with fair success in this venture, and with the means he accumulated during his eighteen
months stay in the Golden state he embarked in merchandising in Toulon, Illinois, carrying on the same for a number of years. He also became interested in the banking business, be- ing a partner in the first bank established in that city, but during his last years lived re- tired, enjoying the fruits of his former toil. He passed away on the 26th of February, 1897, at the ripe old age of eighty-four years, and his remains were laid to rest with Masonic honors in the Toulon cemetery, on Sunday, February 28. He was a member of that an- cient and honored fraternity, and was a valued and representative citizen of Stark county, in which he served as county treasurer, and also filled other important official positions. His estimable wife is still living, at the age of seventy-eight, and is still quite active for one of her years. If he had lived until the follow- ing April, they would have traveled life's journey together for fifty-nine years. George A. is the eldest of their four children who reached maturity, the others being Samuel K., a resident of Toulon; and James K. and Mrs. A. L. Burge, also of that city, the latter now a partner in the Toulon Bank.
Since a child of twelve years, George A. Lowman has resided in Stark county, spend- ing his youth in Toulon, where he assisted his father in the store until after he attained his majority. He was provided with excellent educational advantages, being a student in the Toulon high school, and also attending the Rock River Seminary for several terms. After completing his education he continued to clerk in the store until the outbreak of the Civil war, when, on the 14th of August, 1861, he joined the Normal regiment from Bloomington, and served as a musician in the regimental band of the Thirty-third Illinois Infantry until dis- charged a year later.
Mr. Lowman remained in his father's em-
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ploy until October, 1871, when he embarked in business on his own account, continuing operations for six years. He then sold his store and removed to his present farm in Goshen township, where he has since successfully car- ried on agricultural pursuits.
In Toulon, Mr. Lowman was married, June 24, 1869, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary E. Beatty, a native of Louisville, Ken- tucky, who was brought to Toulon by her father, Samuel Beatty, a pioneer merchant of that place, established business there in 1845, when there were only two other stores in the county. Later he sold out his store, but con- tinued in the real estate and lumber business in Toulon until 1853, when he went to Neosho, Missouri, on account of his health and later removed to Van Buren, Arkansas, where he died March 28, 1856. The last few years of his life he spent as a traveling salesman. As an active worker and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, he and two others established the first Sabbath-school in Toulon. He was also interested in the cause of educa- tion, serving as school trustee, and he was con- nected with the old seminary for a number of years. Mrs. Beatty, who was also a faithful member of the Methodist church, returned to her people in Brooklyn, New York, after her husband's death, but in 1862 again came to Toulon, where two years later she gave her hand in marriage to Judge Hugh Rhodes, a prominent man of Stark county, who, as a strong Abolitionist, was connected with the underground railroad, and was a firm friend of Owen Lovejoy. He died in Toulon in 1882, and she passed away at the same place on the 12th of December, 1891. By her first mar- riage she had two daughters-Mrs. Lowman and Susan, who was married in October, 1869, to Charles E. Harrington, a druggist of Toulon, and died December 1, 1893.
Mrs. Lowman is a cultured and refined lady, who obtained an excellent education during her girlhood, having attended school at Neo- sho, Missouri, Van Buren, Arkansas, and Brooklyn, New York, and graduating at Rock- ford, Illinois, in 1867. For six years prior to her marriage she successfully followed the teacher's profession. She has become the mother of three children: Frank Beatty, who was educated in the Toulon Academy and is now in business for himself; and Alice Jose- phine and Aurelia Kate, who are now students of the Toulon high school.
In early life Mr. Lowman was a democrat in politics, later a greenbacker, but now sup- ports the men and measures of the prohibition party. He holds membership in the Episcopal church of Kewanee, while his estimable wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Toulon, and his daughter, Alice J., of the Congregational church. The family is one of the highest respectability, holding a prominent place in social circles, where their genuine worth is widely recognized. Socially Mr. Low- man is a dimitted member of Toulon Lodge, F. & A. M., of which he has served as mas- ter, and has represented that body in the grand lodge of the state. Respected and es- teemed by all who know them, he and his family deserve an honored place in the history of Stark county.
LEONIDAS BODLE, whose home is on section 17, Osceola township, is a leading and well-known agriculturist of Stark county, where he has spent his entire life, his birth oc- curring April 28, 1865, in the house where he still lives. His father, George Bodle, one of the valued and honored old settlers of the county, is a native of the Keystone state, born in Luzerne county, November 11, 1832, a son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (McMullen) Bodle.
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The former, who was probably born in Orange county, New York, died in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, when about thirty years of age, leaving the father of our subject an orphan when only four years old, as his mother had passed away previously. He then went to live with his paternal grandfather, Daniel Bodle, who had emigrated from New York to Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, where he continued to make his home until called from this life, at the age of seventy-five years. Upon his farm George Bodle grew to manhood, and in the public schools of the neighborhood acquired a good practical education. His father was a carpenter by trade, and also owned and oper- ated a small farm, which was inherited by George, as he was the only child.
Until he had attained his majority, George Bodle remained with his grandfather, and then came to Stark county, Illinois, with an uncle. Here he invested the money received from his father's estate in eighty acres of land, upon which he still resides. At that time it was all wild prairie, but he at once began its improve- ment and cultivation, making one of the most desirable and attractive farms in Osceola township.
On the 3d of September, 1863, was cele- brated the marriage of George Bodle and Miss Alzina Mix, of Elmira township, Stark county, who was born in Canada, and was about ten years of age when she came with her parents to Illinois. She received a good common- school education, and proved a faithful help- meet to her husband. On the 5th of January, 1887, she departed this life at the age of forty- one, and her remains were interred in the Os- ceola Grove cemetery, in Elmira township. Our subject is the oldest of the three children of the family, the others being Inis and Eliz- abeth, at home.
In much the usual manner of farmer lads
Leonidas Bodle was reared, while he obtained his education in the district schools near his home. On the 26th of March, 1887, he was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Richer, of Lorain township, Henry county, Illinois, who was born in Iowa, and is a daughter of George and Caroline (Miller) Richer. Two interesting children grace this union: Claude E., born May 28, 1888; and George E., born June 3, 1895.
In politics George Bodle is independent, voting for the men and measures that he be- lieves best calculated to promote the general welfare or advance the best interests of the country. In 1856 he supported Fremont, and in 1860, Lincoln, but in 1864 did not vote. His next presidential ballot was cast for Sey- mour in 1868, supported Tilden in 1876, Weaver in 1892, and Bryan in 1896. His son also cast his first presidential vote in support of the republican party, voting for Blaine in 1884, but in 1892 supported Weaver, and in 1896, Bryan. For four years he has served as school director in his district, and, like his fa- ther, aids all worthy enterprises calculated to advance the welfare of the community. Re- ligiously, he is a member of the Baptist church of Osceola, and socially, of Osceola Camp, No. 2404, M. W. A., of which he is now serving as excellent banker. The family is one of prominence, occupying a high place in the es- teem and confidence of all who know them.
A NDREW KAMERER, who makes his home on section 15, West Jersey town- ship, Stark county, worthily illustrates the commonly accepted view of the character of an enterprising German-American citizen, who made his way to Illinois at a time when strong hands and stout hearts were most needed, and putting his shoulder to the wheel gave a decided impetus to the car of prog-
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ress and assisted in the development of one his regiment he participated in many im- of the best portions of the state.
Mr. Kamerer was born September 18, 1834, on the River Rhine, in Baden, Germany, and is the son of Andrew and Maria (Schill) Ka- merer, also natives of the same county, in whose family were only two children, the other being Theressa. Our subject received a good practical education in the schools of his native land, which he attended between the ages of six and fourteen years, but his knowledge of English has been self-acquired since coming to this country. In Germany he learned the butcher's trade, but with the hope of benefiting his financial condition he started for the new world, in 1853. At London, England, he took passage on a sailing vessel bound for New York, which they reached after being on the water for fifty-three days. In a severe storm, after being out about thirty days, they were driven almost back to their starting point, but finally reached the harbor of New York in safety in the fall of 1853.
For two years Mr. Kamerer worked on a farm in Morris county, New Jersey, at from four to eight dollars per month, but in the spring of 1856 came to Stark county, where he was similarly employed until March, 1859, when in company with others he started for Pike's Peak. Soon afterward, however, he returned to Stark county, where he worked on a farm until October, 1860, when he made a visit to his parents in his 'native land, there spending the fall and winter. He had gone to Germany on a steamer but returned to Amer- ica on a sailing vessel, not having enough money to pay his passage on a steamer. He arrived in May, 1861.
Mr. Kamerer again worked by the month until August, 1862, when he enlisted in Com- pany F, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois In- fantry, under Colonel Henderson, and with
portant engagements, including the battle of Resaca, the Atlanta campaign, Nashville, Jonesboro, Columbus, Franklin and Fort Anderson. While on a raid in East Ten- nessee, near Knoxville, he was taken prisoner and being sent to Richmond, Virginia, was in- carcerated in Libby prison. On being paroled he was sent to Benton Barracks, St. Louis, where he was exchanged in October, 1863. He rejoined his regiment at Bean Station, Ten- nessee, and faithfully fought for the old flag and the cause it represented until hostilities had ceased, being honorably discharged at Greensboro, North Carolina, in June, 1865, and mustered out at Chicago on the 8th of July. He then returned to Stark county, where he again worked by the month for a few years.
Here he was married in May, 1867, to Miss Linda Atkinson, a native of Carbon county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of John W. At- kinson, an early settler of Stark county. The following year, Mr. Kamerer purchased a tract of eighty acres on section 15, West Jersey township, which he began to break, but had to continue to work for others in order to secure the money to build a small house, which was erected in 1869. Subsequently he purchased eighty acres of his present farm, but from time to time has added to the amount until he now has three hundred and fifteen acres, which are under a high state of cultivation and conven- iently located at the out-skirts of the village of West Jersey. He has a comfortable residence, good barns and out-buildings, and the whole place indicates the progressive and energetic spirit of the owner, whose success is due en- tirely to his own exertions.
Mr. and Mrs. Kamerer have six children, namely: Anna M., now the wife of Stinson W. Bamber, of Stark county; Lewis A., at
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home: Mary O., wife of Allen Emery, a farmer of West Jersey township; Charles W., also at home; and Sarah E. and Maud L., who are at- tending the West Jersey schools. In their hospitable home the family delight to entertain their many friends, and they enjoy the respect and esteem of all who know them. In politics Mr. Kamerer is a free-silver man, and has been called upon to serve in a number of official positions of honor and trust, the duties of which he has discharged in a most capable manner. He has been constable, assessor thirteen years, collector, and a member of the school board for many years. He and his es- timable wife hold membership in the Meth- odist Episcopal church of West Jersey, and fraternally he belongs to W. W. Wright Post, No. 327, G. A. R., of Toulon. Although of foreign birth he is one of the most loyal and patriotic citizens, as was manifest by his faith- ful service during the dark days of the Rebel- lion, and he therefore well deserves the high regard in which he is held.
E 'DWARD TRICKLE. - Among the old and honored pioneers of Stark county this gentleman is especially worthy of notice in a work of this kind. In 1836 he came to Illinois and entered land, and in April of the follow- ing year took up his residence thereon. He has ever since been an important factor in the development and prosperity of this region, and in the early days experienced all the hardships and trials incident to pioneer life. His home is pleasantly located on section. 30, Essex township.
Mr. Trickle was born in Anne Arundel county, Maryland, June 12, 1807, but in 18II was taken by his parents, Christopher and Mary (Wilson) Trickle, to Lancaster county, Ohio, but soon afterward went to Wayne county, that state, where for two years dur-
ing the war of 1812 they lived under the pro- tection of the guns from the fort. When hostilities had ceased they removed to Rich- land county, Ohio, where the father died in 1814. At that time our subject was only seven years of age; and was next to the young- est in the family of ten children, all of whom reached years of maturity with the exception of one.
On the 4th of January, 1832, in Wooster, Wayne county, Ohio, was celebrated the mar- riage of Mr. Trickle and Miss Rebecca Miller, who was born. January 25, 1810, in Union county, Pennsylvania. They became the par- ents of nine children, all of whom were born in Essex township, Stark county, Illinois, with the exception of the two eldest, whose births occurred in Ashland county, Ohio. They are as follows: Eunice, born December 15, 1833, was married March II, 1858, to David R. Gelvin, and lives in West Jersey township, Stark county. Wilson, born August 6, 1835, was married May 9, 1861, to Eliza Jane Mil- ler, and lives in Wyoming, Illinois. Parvin, born August 5, 1837, died April 5, 1846, and was buried at Stringtown. Milton, born June II: 1839, was married March 1I, 1866, to Druscilla J. Shivers, and lives in Atkinson, Henry county, Illinois. Rebecca, born Octo- ber 13, 1840, was married December 28, 1865, to John L. Finley, and they inake their home in Dodd City, Kansas. Edward H., born April 20, 1842, was married December 21, 1876, to Malinda Whitten, who was born in Licking county, Ohio, September 4, 1853, and is a daughter of Theodore and Elizabeth (Borring) Whitten. He was one of the brave boys in blue during the Civil war, from Janu- ary, 1865, until the following July, and in politics is a stanch Republican, but cares noth- ing for the honors or emoluments of public office. Martha, born December 7, 1843, was
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married December 28, 1865, to James R. Gel- vin. Eliza, born January 16, 1846, was mar- ried October 4, 1868, to D. J. Davis, and lives in Toulon, Illinois. Nancy, born De- cember 7, 1847, was married May II, 1871, to Daniel B. Shults, and lives in Peoria.
Originally, Mr. Trickle was a democrat in politics, but when it was attempted to make slavery a national institution he joined the re- publican party, which was formed to prevent the extension of that dreadful practice, and has since fought under its banner. In early life he took quite a prominent part in public affairs, and efficiently served in a number of official positions of honor and trust, being col- lector, assessor, supervisor and justice of the peace. While serving in the last named office he officiated at many marriage ceremonies. During the long years he has resided in Stark county he has made many warm friends, who esteem him highly for his sterling worth and many excellent traits of character, and he has the confidence and respect of all with whom he has come in contact.
G' EORGE F. DEXTER, whose farm is pleasantly located on section 3, Goshen township, Stark county, six miles northwest of Toulon, is the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of valuable and well improved land. The home with its surroundings denotes the supervision of an intelligent farmer and capable business man, who at the same time has proved a useful member of society and one deserving of the esteem and confidence of the people around him.
Mr. Dexter is a native of the Pine Tree state, his birth occurring in Piscataquis county, January II, 1832, and he comes of a family that was early founded in Massachusetts, where his grandfather, Nathaniel Dexter, was born, but at an early day he removed to Maine. In
that state Lotan Dexter, the father, was born, January 30, 1801, grew to manhood and mar- ried Miss Ruby Fish, whose birth also occurred in Maine in 1801. There all of their children were born, and the father continued to engage in farming until 1854, when he emigrated to Stark county, Illinois, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of wild land in Toulon town- ship, which he transformed into a productive farm and made his home for eighteen years. His death occurred in 1872, but his wife long survived him, departing this life in May, 1895, at the advanced age of ninety-four years. Both were buried in the Toulon cemetery, where a substantial monument marks their last resting place.
George F. Dexter is the third in order of birth in the family of five children, of whom Bethana, the only daughter, is the oldest. She was married in Maine to P. N. Wing, now deceased, and she makes her home in Ne- braska. Marshall is married, and is engaged in farming in Idaho. Henry donned the blue and served in the defense of the old flag and the Union during the rebellion. At Pea Ridge he was wounded in the elbow, and on the close of his first term of service he veteran- ized. When hostilities had ceased he located in Stark county, Illinois, where he died in 1872. James W., a retired farmer, now re- sides in Galva, Illinois.
The boyhood and youth of our subject were passed in Maine, where he attended the com- mon schools, but his early educational advan- tages were limited, though he has become a well-informed man by reading and observation in later years. After his arrival in Illinois, he assisted his father on the old homestead until his marriage, which important event in his life was celebrated in Stark county, in 1857, Miss Laura Miner, a native of the county, becoming his wife. She was a sister of Har-
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rison Miner, a substantial farmer of Stark county. She was called to her final rest in 1889, and her remains were interred in the Toulon cemetery. By her marriage to our subject she became the mother of four chil- dren: Ruby, now the wife of Curtain Keck- ler, a farmer of Stark county; George Grant, who operates a part of the old homestead; Henry Harrison, also a farmer of Stark coun- ty; and Fred Arthur, an agriculturist of Henry county, Illinois. All of the sons are married and are republicans in politics.
Upon his marriage, Mr. Dexter began his domestic life on his present farm, his wife owning one hundred acres. To this he has added until he now has three hundred and twenty acres, which is under excellent cultiva- tion and improved with two residences besides convenient and commodious outbuildings, mak- ing it one of the most desirable farms in the locality. He is a public-spirited, enterprising citizen, who gives his earnest support to all worthy objects for the benefit of the commu- nity and stands high in the esteem and confi- dence of his fellow men. Since voting for John C. Fremont in 1856, he has never failed to cast his ballot for each republican presiden- tial candidate. He is widely and favorably known throughout Stark and adjoining coun- ties, and is a consistent member of the Baptist church.
JACOB SHULLAW .- The life of this gen- tleman, who is one of the leading farmers of Valley township, Stark county, is a striking example of perseverance and industry, as from an early age he has made his own way in the world, unaided by capital or influential friends. However, he has steadily worked his way up- ward, and to-day is the possessor of a hand- some competence, all the result of his own
energy, perseverance and excellent manage- ment.
Mr. Shullaw was born in Mannheim, Lan- caster county, Pennsylvania, April 5, 1828, a son of Peter and Susan (Lehnich) Shullaw. Both the father and grandfather were also na- tives of the Keystone state, and used the " Pennsylvania Dutch " language, which our subject learned in childhood, but his limited school training was all in English. He learned to read, write and cipher mainly through his own exertions, and is almost wholly self-edu- cated, as well as self-made.
As his father was a day laborer and in lim- ited circumstances, Mr. Shullaw began work at the early age of nine years, and, besides what was needed for his own support, his wages were applied in providing for the rest of the family. At the age of seventeen he began learning the shoemaker's trade, serving a three- years' apprenticeship, during which time he received only twelve dollars per year and had to support himself. However, he was allowed to work during harvest time to make extra money.
On the 18th of December, 1848, Mr. Shullaw was united in marriage with Miss Anna Felker, who was born in Lancaster county, Pennsyl- vania, near Mannheim, June 26, 1824, and is a daughter of Philip and Rebecca (Bender) Felker, who also belonged to an old Pennsyl- vania Dutch family. Of the ten children born of this union two died in infancy, and Abra- ham Lincoln died at the age of twenty-two, near Adair, Iowa, where his remains were in- terred. The others are as follows: Elizabeth is the wife of Frank Boock, a resident of St. Charles, Missouri, and they have five children: Edward, Anna Mary, Emanuel, Katy and Clara Rebecca. Henry Clay, the next of the family, was born January 1, 1858. Mary wedded Thurman Dawdal, by whom she had two chil-
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dren, and since his death has become the wife of Charles Root, a merchant of Lawn Ridge, Illinois. Andrew Jackson, a resident of St. Charles, Missouri, is married and has five chil- dren. Sarah is the wife of Robert Stokes, of Valley township, by whom she has one child. William Sherman married Anna Brooks and has two children. Benjamin Franklin mar- ried Belle Jackson and has two children.
For fifteen years after his marriage Mr. Shullaw continued to work at the shoemaker's trade, during which time he was able to save some capital, and then began farmning on rented land. Subsequently he purchased a lot in Sa- lunga, Pennsylvania, of Mr. Hostetter, the original manufacturer of the Hostetter's bit- ters. He continued his farming operations in his native state for nine years, laying by a small amount each year. In the spring of 1866 he came to Peoria county, Illinois, and purchased eighty acres of land two miles west of Lawn Ridge. After making that place his home for nine years he sold out and bought one hundred and sixty acres, on which he still resides, and has since purchased eighty acres on the same section and one hundred and twenty acres on section 25.
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