USA > Illinois > Bureau County > The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 16
USA > Illinois > Marshall County > The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 16
USA > Illinois > Putnam County > The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 16
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Samuel Holmes, our subject, was born Janu- ary 4, 1822, at Trenton, New Jersey, and com- menced attending the public schools at Phila- delphia after the removal of the family to that
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place. He also attended one or two terms in the pioneer schools of Illinois. His education, it may be said, was principally obtained by reading and observation. In his desire to acquire knowl- edge he has many times jumped upon a horse, ridden ten miles to borrow a book, then by means of a dip made of lard, in a saucer, with a rag for a wick, he and his brother would study after their day's work was completed. The two broth- ers helped clear the farm in Putnam county, and both remained at home until after attaining their majority. For some seasons they made brick, which they sold throughout the country. On one occasion after manufacturing a large num- ber of brick they constructed a flatboat to carry their product south, but were prevented from do- ing so by low water. In the fall of 1843, in com- pany with another man, our subject engaged in cutting wood for the steamers on the Illinois river. After piling up some eight hundred cords and looking hopefully forward to the time when they could dispose of the results of their hard winter's work, the flood of 1844 came upon them, carrying every stick of their wood down the river. He then went to work with his . brother on the farm, and worked thus for nearly two years.
On the 6th of November, 1846, Mr. Holmes was united in marriage with Miss Sarah White, a native of North Carolina, and daughter of Wil- liam White, also a native of the same state, but who came to this county about 1836. By this union there are four children, Anna, who mar- ried George Hume, is now deceased; Jane, who married Amos De Bault, now resides in Okla- homa; Samuel, who married Hulda Newphine, now lives in the state of Washington, and Emma B., who married Joseph Taber, is now deceased.
Soon after marriage Mr. Holmes purchased a tract of wild prairie land in Henry township, of which he improved one hundred and sixty acres, building thereon a small cabin, in which the family lived from the spring of 1847 until 1849, and then sold out. In the summer of 1850 he went to the gold fields of California, across the plains. He started from Council Bluffs,
Iowa, with four men under contract to work for him a year. They crossed the Missouri river May 28, and arrived at Placerville, California, August 21. After working in the mines until the spring of 1852 he returned to his home by the Nicaragua route, arriving home August I, 1852. While he was away his wife purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land lying east and south of his present farm, but was living in the house where they now reside. From that time until the present he has followed farming, with the exception of two years spent in visiting his brother in southern California. For the past six years he has rented the farm, which com- prises two hundred and forty acres of well im- proved land.
Mrs. Sarah Holmes, his first wife, was born in 1825, and died in 1868. One year later he married Miss Sarah C. Taber, a native of New Bedford, Massachusetts, and a daughter of Ben- jamin Nerab (Coffin) Taber, the former a native of New Bedford, Massachusetts, and the latter of Nantucket, Massachusetts. They came west in 1837, and settled in Knox county, Illinois, where he died many years ago. The mother died and was buried in the cemetery at Henry. They were the parents of eight children, three of whom are now living: Dr. Benjamin, now re- siding in Dallas, Texas; Sarah C., the wife of our subject, and Avis, who married Joseph Holmes, and now resides in southern California. Mrs. Holmes was born January 30, 1816, and was educated in the public schools of New Bed- ford, finishing her course in the seminary at Providence, Rhode Island. The Taber family were descended from the Coffin family, which was founded by Tristam Coffin, who settled at Salisbury, Massachusetts, in 1642.
In politics Mr. Holmes is an uncompromising democrat, and has taken a somewhat active part in local affairs. For four years he served as justice of the peace in Hopewell township, three years as commissioner of highways and school director and trustee for many years. His grand- daughter, Maud E. Holmes, is a graduate of the Henry high school, and has been a successful
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teacher. She is a very cultured and highly re- fined lady, and takes great interest in ancient lore, especially all matters pertaining to the his- tory of the family.
W ILLIAM HAWS, a leading and repre- sentative citizen of Magnolia, belongs to a family that has been identified with the inter- ests of Putnam county since the earliest days of its settlement. The first to locate here was his uncle, Captain William Haws, who was born in Orange county, Virginia, September 23, 1800, and in 1805 was taken by his parents to Ohio, and there remained until reaching his majority. On the 27th of August, 1821, he became a pio- neer of Sangamon county, Illinois, where he con- ducted a tannery for a time, and in 1826 came to Putnam county, settling on section 26, Magnolia township, which was, at that time, however, a part of Tazewell county. He built a log cabin and there made his permanent home. He mar- ried Lucinda Southwick, a native of New York, who was a typical frontier woman, brave and fearless, and shared with her husband all the trials and privations of pioneer life. Indians at that time were more numerous than the white set- tlers and wild animals lurked round their little cabin. Mrs. Haws died on the 4th of July, 1867, leaving no children.
The captain secured his title as commander of a volunteer company in the Black Hawk war. At his house in 1831 Putnam county was or- ganized, and he served on the first grand jury that here convened, the first term of court being held at the old traveling house near Hennepin. Governor Ford was then prosecuting attorney of the district. The captain died in March, 1885, and was buried in the Magnolia cemetery. After the death of his first wife he was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Louisa Mof- fitt, nee Defenbaugh, now deceased, and to them were born five children, two still living: Clifford, who married in Boston, Massachusetts, and Joel.
In 1845, a sister of Captain Haws-Mrs. Kel- ley-and her family came to Putnam county,
locating in Magnolia township, but three years later removed to La Salle county, Illinois, and about 1860 removed to Missouri. An unmar- ried sister came in 1838, and made her home here until her death, dying at the advanced age of ninety-two years, and was interred in Magnolia cemetery.
Joel Haws, the fatlier of our subject, was born in Madison county, Virginia, August 15, 1796, and was a son of Conrad and Susan Haws, who emigrated in 1805 to Clinton county, Ohio, where both died. The grandfather and two brothers took up arms against the mother coun- try in the Revolutionary war, aiding the colonies in their struggle for independence. The father was one of a family of eight children, the others being Elizabeth, William, Mrs. Fannie Johnson, John, Mrs. Nancy Kelley, Susan and Tandy, all now deceased.
Until ten years of age Joel Haws lived in Vir- ginia, and then accompanied his parents to Ohio, where he remained until coming to Putnam coun- ty, Illinois, in 1838. In Clinton county, Ohio, April 27, 1824, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Gibson, who was born in 1805, and was the daughter of John Gibson. On. coming to this state they lived upon Captain Haws' place until 1845, when the father pur- chased the farm now owned by Gustave Otto, becoming its original owner. This he continued to cultivate and improve until his death, which occurred June 24, 1883. His wife, who was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church, died in January, 1876. They were the parents of ten children, namely: Mrs. Mary Ann Hubbard and Thomas G., both of Magnolia; Mrs. Elizabeth McCullum, deceased; William. of this sketch; John, of Ottawa, Illinois; one, who died in in- fancy ; Mrs. Sarah J. McCombs, of Ottawa; Mrs. Eunice L. Otto (see sketch of Gustave Otto 011 another page of this work); George W., of La Salle county, Illinois, and James A., of York county, Nebraska. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving with the Second Ohio Volunteers under Captain William Fordyce, in Colonel Sumalt's regiment and General Denoe's
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division, and was honorably discharged in 1814. He was an upright, honorable man, a faithful friend, liberal to a fault, and in politics a Jack- sonian democrat.
Mr. Haws, whose name heads this sketch, was born in Clinton county, Ohio, September 10, 1833, and when quite small was brought by his parents to Putnam county, where he became fa- miliar with the arduous duties that fall to the lot of the pioneers. His education was such as the district schools of the locality afforded, and he remained at home until reaching maturity. For seventeen years he was then employed by his uncle, Captain Haws.
In 1858 Mr. Haws led to the marriage altar Miss Helen Clisbee, a native of Marshall county, Illinois, born April 11, 1842. She was reared from childhood by Captain Haws, and after a short married life died February 3, 1864. Two children were born to them, Minnie L., wife of Riley B. Roberts, of Magnolia township, by whom she has four children, Burl William, Hel- en Haws, Margaret Livingston and Ollie Marie, and Helen, deceased.
Mr. Haws was again married March 2, 1865, Miss Mary Jane Trone becoming his wife. She was born in York county, Pennsylvania, Janu- ary 7, 1845, and is a daughter of David and Christiana (Philby) Trone, also natives of York county, the former born January 9, 1816, and the latter in 1820. In the spring of 1847 her parents located in Caledonia, Magnolia township, Put- nam county, Illinois, where the father died in June, 1863, and the mother in January, 1879. They had four children: Mrs. Margaret Smith, deceased; Mary J., wife of our subject; Mrs. Eliz- abeth Kidd, deceased, and Jerry. The parents were earnest members of the Methodist church, and the father served as postmaster of Caledonia for some time.
Mr. Haws is prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the Blue lodge at Magnolia, in which he has served as treasurer for many years, the chapter at Lacon and the commandery at Peru. Politically he has been a lifelong democrat, taking a deep interest in
the success of his party, and has been called upon to serve in several official positions, being road commissioner one term, supervisor two terms, a member of the school board and also a member of the village board of Magnolia, of which for several terms he was president. Since the war he has devoted his time and attention exclusively to agricultural pursuits, and now owns a valuable farm of three hundred and sixty acres, well improved and highly cultivated.
Riley B. Roberts, Mr. Daws' son-in-law, was born October 26, 1854, on the old Roberts home- stead in Roberts township, Marshall county, and is a son of Livingston Roberts, now deceased. In the district schools he acquired his education, and on reaching manhood he was married June 26, 1876, to Miss Minnie L. Haws, who was born in Magnolia township February 17, 1859, and, as previously stated, they have four chil- dren. They began their domestic life upon the farm where they now reside, a tract of one hun- dred and sixty acres, highly cultivated and well improved. Mr. Roberts raises a high grade of Jersey cattle and fine horses, and has sold some excellent teams. In Magnolia lodge, No. 103, F. & A. M., he holds membership and is past master, while he also belongs to the Modern Woodmen, in which he has served as the presid- ing officer. His political support is given the republican party, and for twelve years he has been road commissioner, and has also served as school director in his district.
A LFRED A. BAKER, a most genial and companionable gentleman, is engaged in farming, dairying and gardening on section 9, Ohio township, Bureau county, his place being pleasantly located just outside the corporation limits of the village of Ohio. Here he has made his home since 1876, and at once made his way into the esteem and confidence of the people of the locality where he is numbered among the most valued citizens.
Mr. Baker was born in 1839, in Bingham, Maine, a son of Sewall and Sarah (Wood) Bak- er, who spent their entire lives in the Pine Tree
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state, the former dying in 1881 and the latter in 1847. The father followed the occupations of a farmer and gardener and also engaged in the manufacture of lumber. He cared nothing for public life, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his business interests, but by all who knew him he was held in the highest respect.
The opportunities afforded our subject for securing an education were rather meager, for as soon as old enough to begin work he was only able to attend school during the fall term. His entire life has been devoted to agricultural pur- suits, and he followed his chosen calling in his native state until 1869, when he emigrated to Bureau county, Illinois. Until 1876 he resided in Neponset township, but in that year removed to his present farm, which comprises eighty acres of valuable land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. He raises corn and hay and is also largely interested in dairying and gardening. He has met with a success which his tireless energy, industry and good manage- ment justly merit.
In 1869 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Baker and Miss Julia Smith, a daughter of Gil- lett Smith, of Bingham, Maine. She died in 1874, leaving one daughter, Sarah M. Mr. Bak- er was again married in 1875, his second union being with Miss Augusta Cleveland, a native of Moscow, Maine.
A stanch adherent of the republican party, Mr. Baker takes an active interest in political affairs, but has never sought nor desired public office. He is a general favorite among the people of his community.
F RANK E. DAYTON, is one of the promi- nent young business men of Lamoille, a dealer in lumber, coal, lime and cement. He is a native of Bureau county, his birth occurring in Lamoille township September 21, 1865, and is a son of Chancy L. and Lydia (Brainard) Day- ton, both of whom were born in New York. After attending the common schools for some time, he entered the normal at Dixon, Illinois, where he completed his literary course, and then
for one term engaged in teaching in Bureau county and for one term in Pottawattamie coun- ty, Iowa. Not caring to follow that profession, he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits for two years and then embarked in his present business, which he has since carried on with ex- cellent results.
Mr. Dayton does not take a very prominent interest in political matters, but votes with the republican party at all times. He is first lieu- tenant of Company K, Sixth Illinois National Guards, and during the Deb's strike was on duty for twenty-one days. Although no one was killed, they were there to protect prop- erty and life, and were charged to shoot if neces- sary. Mr. Dayton also took part in quelling the riot at Braidwood, Illinois, in May, 1887, as a member of Company F, Fourth Illinois regi- ment. He is an enterprising, public-spirited young man of more than ordinary business ca- pacity and believes in keeping abreast with the nineteenth century progress.
Chancy L. Dayton, his father, now a retired farmer of Bureau county, was born on the 18th of January, 1810, in Delaware county, New York, a son of Charles and Polly (Smith) Day- ton, natives of Connecticut. His parents became residents of Harpersfield, Delaware county, New York, where their marriage was celebrated, and there they spent the remainder of their lives, the father dying at the age of forty-six and the moth- er in 1850. at the age of sixty years. The for- mer was the son of Charles Dayton, Sr., and the latter was the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Shailor) Smith, while the father of James Smith was James Smith, Sr., thus our subject can trace his ancestry back for several generations.
In 1837 Chancy L. Dayton resolved to try his fortunes in the west, where he believed that better opportunities were afforded young men than in the older and more thickly populated states of the east. After walking the entire dis- tance of eleven hundred miles, he arrived in Bu- reau county, Illinois, on the 2d of January, 1838, where he at once entered land and has since been identified with the interests of the county. Until
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1885 he successfully engaged in farming, here owning eight hundred acres of valuable land, be- sides other property in Iowa and Nebraska, all of which is but the just reward of his untiring labors, as he began life here empty-handed. Sound judgment, strict economy and industry have been important factors in his success, and to-day he is ranked among the substantial, as well as one of the most reliable and highly re- spected citizens of the community.
On the 18th of November, 1839, Chancy L. Dayton was united in marriage with Lydia Brain- ard, who was born February 7, 1818, a daughter of Obadiah and Lydia (Fuller) Brainard. Her death occurred on the 13th of June, 1889, and was deeply mourned by all who knew her. Seven children were born of this union, namely: James L., a farmer of Marshall county, Iowa, married Jane Crane and has three children, Nora, George and Ezra. He donned the blue during the rebel- lion, becoming a member of the Fifty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he par- ticipated in many important engagements, but was never wounded. At Big River bridge, Mis- souri, he was taken prisoner, and on being pa- roled and exchanged returned home. He re- enlisted and served until the close of the war. He was the only son old enough to enter the service, was brave and fearless on the field of battle, and to such as he the nation is indebted for its preservation. Emily, the second child, is the wife of Howard Richardson, of Clay coun- ty, Nebraska, and they have one daughter, Min- nie. Lucy is the wife of Jacob Ansteth, of Men- dota, Illinois, and they have ten children, Stella, Edward, Mary, Frederick, Chancy, Elmer, Ida, Emma, George and Lewis. Orin L., of Prince- ton, married Emma McCanlis, who died at the age of twenty-five, leaving one child, Alta. His present wife bore the maiden name of Helen Gordon. Sarah wedded John Fleming, by whom she has six children, Ella, Emma, John, George, Sarah and Mabel. They reside in Iowa. Porter C., of Nebraska, married Mattie Scott, and they have four children, Lydia and Louisa, twins; Norman and Dess. Frank, who makes his home
in Lamoille, married Emma Scott, and to them were born two children, Marshall and Bertha. Ira A., Ida E. and Clarissa E. are now deceased. The mother of these children is a daughter of Dorsey and Louisa (Welch) Scott, who live in Lee county, Illinois, four miles from Lamoille. In their family are eight children, as follows: Elizabeth, wife of Louis Swingle, of lowa, by whom she has eight children, Fred, Kittie, Charlie, Elizabeth, Frankie, Louisa, Emma, and Lewis; Frankie, the wife of Albert Clapp, a farm- er of Bureau county, by whom she has two chil- dren, John and Lucy; Charles, a farmer of Iowa, who married Josephine Marshall, and has three children, Roy, Ray and an infant; Emma, the wife of Frank Dayton; Lewis, who resides upon a sheep ranch in Casper county, Wyoming, and John, who is attending school at Dixon, Illi- nois.
P ATRICK DORE, general merchant and far- mer of Hennepin, Illinois, and having a branch store at Spring Valley, Bureau county, is a well known citizen, who, from extreme pov- erty, has acquired wealth by industry, economy and close attention to business. He is a native of County Kerry, Ireland, born March 17, 1831. In the fall of 1850, when but nineteen years of age, he came to the United States and after working a short time near Chicago came to Hen- nepin, arriving here December 9, 1850. He was en route south, but stopping over night at the hotel in Hennepin secured work from the land- lord, first receiving eight dollars per month, which was later increased to ten dollars, then thirteen dollars, and finally fifteen dollars, and has here since continued to reside. After work- ing two years and three months for John Waugh, the landlord, he engaged with Minehan, Simp- son & Company, a firm of lumber and grain dealers. He worked in the yards, warehouse and office. The firm did a very large business in grain, shipping the same to St. Louis and Chi- cago.
Mr. Dore had a friend in St. Louis, a grain dealer, who often came to Hennepin, and finally
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an arrangement was made by which he bought and shipped grain for this friend. After work- ing for some years in this way his friend, Thomas Ryan, who was also a wholesale grocer, proposed . that he should go into the grocery business. Fur- nishing him a stock on long time he commenced business, which gradually increased, and in time became very profitable. He also bought grain and hogs, which he shipped to this friend, par- tially in payment for goods. His business in- creasing, in a few years he was enabled to pay cash for such goods as he purchased. Had it not been for the accommodations furnished him to commence business he would not in all prob- ability be the prosperous man that he is to-day. It must not be considered, however, that the profits were always on the right side of the led- ger. At one time he lost heavily in the sinking of a steamer on which he had seven thousand bushels of potatoes, which were then worth sev- enty-five cents per bushel. This was a total loss, as he had no insurance on the same. About five years ago, in company with a nephew, he started a store at Spring Valley, in which he lost three thousand dollars. He then put his son, Michael Dore, in charge of the business, and it has since been a success.
As soon as he was enabled to do so, Mr. Dore invested means in Iowa land, buying at three dollars and a half per acre, and later, in 1867, paying as high as ten dollars per acre. As his means increased he began purchasing land in Putnam county, and in other places. He now owns a farm of four hundred acres south of Hen- nepin, one hundred and sixty acres a mile and a half north, and five miles north an entire sec- tion. He has one farm of four hundred and eighteen acres in Granville township, one of two hundred and eight acres and one of eighty acres in Florida, making a total of nineteen hundred and six acres. In Colorado he has two sections of land, 'one-half section in Nebraska, one-half section in South Dakota and three hundred and fifty acres in Hancock county, Iowa. His farms in Putnam county he gives his personal atten- tion to, and usually feeds about one hundred head
of cattle and a good many horses. For some years he has bred a good many Norman horses, and has at the present time a fine stallion, which cost him three thousand dollars. He is also in- terested in race horses and has fed some good ones that have made the circuits. In cattle he has bred the Hereford, which have given the best satisfaction.
In 1856 Mr. Dore married Miss Margaret Rooney, of Hennepin, and to them have been born six children, John, who now conducts the store at Hennepin; James, who, after graduating at Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, came home and died at the age of nineteen; William, who died in infancy; Thomas, who lives at home and assists his brother John in the store; Michael, who manages the store at Spring Valley, and Cora Ellen, now the wife of James G. Fay, man- ager of the Toluca Mercantile Co., of Toluca, Illinois.
Politically Mr. Dore is a democrat on national questions, but in all local elections votes for those he considers the best men, regardless of politics. For himself, he has never aspired to any office.
AMES B. STEWART, deceased, a leading J and representative citizen of Buda, who, after many years connection with its business inter- ests, retired from active business life, was born in Venango county, Pennsylvania, February 5, 1818, and was a son of Elijah and Lydia (Rey- nolds) Stewart, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, of Scotch-Irish descent, and the latter in England. The father followed the occupations of farming and tanning, owning the first tannery in Venango county. Both parents passed away in Pennsylvania.
Our subject was the seventh in order of birth in the family of twelve children, nine of whom grew to years of maturity, but only one is now living, Fannie, a resident of Buda. During his boyhood and youth Mr. Stewart attended the subscription schools, where he learned to read, write and cipher. He also learned the business of tanning, as did his brothers, and assisted in
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JAMES B. STEWART.
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