USA > Illinois > Bureau County > The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 27
USA > Illinois > Marshall County > The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 27
USA > Illinois > Putnam County > The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 27
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ISAAC ALLEN GLENN. Among the leading I and influential farmers and stock raisers of Magnolia township, Putnam county, who thoroughly understand their business and pur- sue the avocation of their chosen calling in a methodical and workmanlike manner, is the sub- ject of this biography. He resides on section 31, where he has made his home for forty years, and his farm, which at the beginning only com- prised eighty acres, thirty-five of which were under cultivation, now includes four hundred and eighty acres, three hundred of which have been placed under the plow and are well im- proved. The tract was entered by his grand- father Glenn, who came from Tazewell county to Putnam county, where he was among the first settlers, locating on the farm now owned by our subject, when Indians were still to be found in the neighborhood.
Isaac D. Glenn, the father, was a native of Ken- tucky, where he was reared and married Sarah Allen, who was born in the same state and was the daughter of Archibald Allen, who also set- tled in Magnolia township, Putnam county, at an early day, and there died at the advanced age of ninety-four years. From Kentucky the parents
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moved to Indiana, and in 1832 became residents of Illinois, but it was not until three years later that they removed to section 31, Magnolia town- ship, on the farm where Y. A. Glenn now lives, securing the land from the government. Upon that farm the father died July 7, 1850, and the mother, August 17, 1876. Both were members of the old school Baptist church, in which he served as deacon for many years. In their fam- ily were six children who grew to maturity- Mrs. Nancy H. Young, of Iowa; Samuel, of Var- na, Illinois; Mrs. Elizabeth Larkins and Mrs. Margaret Haley, now deceased; Young A., of section 31, Magnolia township; and Isaac A.
The youngest of the family, our subject, was born on the old homestead on section 31, Mag- nolia township, August 24, 1837, and during his boyhood and youth aided in the operation of the farm during the summer months, and for about three months during the winter attended school, which was one and a half miles from his home. Before reaching the age of nineteen years, he was married, December 20, 1855, to Miss Mary Jane Stewart, sister of Mrs. W. H. German, of Hopewell township, Marshall county, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. She was the oldest in the family, born at Hennepin, De- cember 30, 1838, and acquired her education in the district schools of Putnam county. Her father, who was born January 7, 1817, died on the 30th of January, 1896.
Mr. Glenn began his domestic life upon the farm, which is still his home, living first in a log cabin, but in 1861 erected his present residence, and has always given his attention to mixed farming. Eight years ago he began breeding roadsters, having at first Hambletonian stock, but now also has some fine specimens of the Wilkes and Norman breeds. He also has full blooded Hereford cattle as well as other fine grades of stock upon his place.
Eight children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Glenn, as follows: John E., born October 23, 1856, died October 13, 1857; Samuel M., born August 29, 1858, died February 15, 1862; Sarah Sophia, born August 30, 1860, is the wife of W.
H. Burr (see sketch elsewhere in this volume); Eliza Hall, born August 31, 1862, is the wife of Randolph Disosway, of Iroquois county, Illinois, by whom she has three children-Allen R., Wil- liam, and Edwin Eugene: Nancy J., born Sep- tember 18, 1864, died February 23, 1889; Isaac A., born May 9, 1867, died August 15, 1871; Jessie Elizabeth, born February 19, 1873, is the wife of D. W. Dunlap, of Evans township, Mar- shall county, by whom she has one son, William Glenn; Robert Edwin, born November 4. 1875, died June II, 1894.
Mr. Glenn is a stalwart democrat in politics, who has served as road commissioner and for fourteen years as school director, and socially holds membership with the Masonic lodge at Magnolia and Magnolia Grange, No. 179, of Clear Creek. He is one of the active and pro- gressive men of the county, and takes great in- terest in all matters calculated to enhance its value, or to benefit his fellow-men.
L EONARD J. STRONG. For half a century this gentleman has resided in Bureau county, and his name is inseparably connected with the agricultural interests of this region, but he is now living retired in the village of Malden. His thoroughly American spirit and his great energy have enabled him to mount from a lowly position to one of affluence.
Mr. Strong was born on the 16th of April, 1821, in Greene county, Ohio, a son of Elisha and Phoebe (Vail) Strong, both natives of New York. In the latter state the father engaged in farming, but later removed to Ohio, where in the midst of the forest he opened up a farm and continued its cultivation until his death, which occurred when our subject was a lad of three years. In his native county Leonard grew to manhood, but his school privileges were very meagre, and he is almost entirely self-educated. During early life he learned the carpenter's' trade, and for a number of years engaged in contracting and building.
In Greene county, on the 3Ist of December, 1841, Mr. Strong was married, the lady of his
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choice being Miss Mary Ary, a native of that county, where her father, Charles Ary, had set- tled at an early day and became one of its sub- stantial farmers. Ten children were born of this union, namely: Harrison, a farmer, of Benton county, Iowa; Marion, who is operating the old homestead farm in Bureau county; Sylvester, also a farmer, of Benton county; John, a busi- ness man of Malden; William E., an agriculturist of Lee county, Illinois; Hattie, now the wife of Harry Page, a farmer of Bureau county ; Ellen, who married Otto Lupton, of Malden, and died in 1886: Louisa, who died at the age of twenty months; Eber, who died at the age of six years, and Martha J., who died at the age of two years. They also have twelve grandchildren.
On coming to Bureau county, in 1846, Mr. Strong located at Princeton and farmed the place now occupied by the fair grounds. He made the trip from Ohio in a covered wagon, the party consisting of some five families, all of whom lo- cated in Bureau county. The following year he purchased a tract of eighty acres on North Prairie, where he at once removed and began its improvement and cultivation. At the same time he also bought twenty acres of timber land. During their early residence there the family suf- fered much from chills and fever, but as the land was improved it became more healthy, and there they made their home for several years. They endured all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, their first dwelling being a rude log cabin, but out of the unbroken wilderness they developed a fine farm. On selling that place, Mr. Strong purchased two hundred and forty acres of raw land, which he soon placed under a high state of cultivation, and in 1860 erected thereon a commodious and pleasant two- story residence. In 1888 he laid aside business cares and responsibilities and removed to Mal- den, where he is now enjoying a well-earned rest.
Besides his valuable farm in this county, Mr. Strong also owns two hundred acres of rich and arable land in Benton county, Iowa, which is partially improved, and also has a good home in Malden. In his career we see what may be ac-
complished by a man beginning poor, but honest, energetic and industrious. He is essentially a self-made man, being thrown upon his own re- sources early in life, and having learned well in the school of experience.
Since the organization of the republican party in 1856, he has been one of its ardent supports, and though he has never sought or desired office, he faithfully served as commissioner of high- ways nine years, and a member of the school board for several years. Himself and wife are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal church, with which he is officially connected. Their hospitable doors have entertained both friend and stranger in a praiseworthy manner, and many are the kind deeds which have not only brightened their own pathway, but have contributed to the comfort and happiness of those around them. In 1891 they celebrated their golden wedding, and have now traveled life's journey together in perfect harmony for fifty- five years, presenting the spectacle of a calm and happy old age.
J JAMES A. JORDAN, a worthy and represent- ative citizen of Princeton, was born in Mif- flin county, Pennsylvania, November 22, 1835, and is a son of John Jordan, now deceased, who was a native of Genesee county, New York. The paternal grandfather, James Jordan, was a son of James Jordan, a native of Ireland, who was a member of the British army before the Revolu- tion, but upon the outbreak of that struggle, he deserted, and joined the colonial forces. The grandfather served in the war of 1812, and the father of our subject desired to go to the Mexican war, but was prevented by his family. The lat- ter married Sarah Mckinstry, of Scotch-Irish extraction, and to them were born eight chil- dren, three now deceased, one of whom, Wil- liam, died at the age of forty-five years. Those living are Jemima, the wife of Christopher Se- crist, of Princeton; Rachel C., wife of John Scott, of Florida; Anna M., wife of Cyrus Coffman, of Princeton; Joseph J., of Marshalltown, Iowa, and James A., who is third in order of birth.
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Like his ancestors, Joseph J. took up arms in defense of his country, and participated in the battle of Fort Donelson and others.
Our subject also wore the blue during the dark days of the rebellion, as a member of Company I, Ninety-third Illinois Infantry, enlisting Au- gust 2, 1862, with which he served for one year. He was injured on a forced march toward Gren- ada, Mississippi; was sent to the hospital at Memphis, and was discharged for disability in the spring of 1863. It was in October, 1852, that he accompanied the family to Bureau county, and for a time he carried on agricultural pur- suits in Princeton township, removing to the city in 1866, and has there since made his home.
Mr. Jordan was married June 8, 1863, to Han- nah M. McFarland, of Pennsylvania, daughter of James McFarland, now deceased. Two chil- dren graced this union-John R., a dry goods merchant, of Peoria, and Mack J., a marble cut- ter, of Princeton. The latter married Grace Malony and has one child, John C.
For two years Mr. Jordan served as superin- tendent of the cemetery, and for four years was superintendent of streets. He has always been a hard-working, energetic man, whose sterling worth and strict integrity have gained the confi- dence of all with whom he has come in contact. On account of injuries sustained while in the union service he now receives a pension. He has served as chaplain and junior vice-com- mander of the Grand Army post at Princeton. Religiously he holds membership in the English Lutheran church. In politics, is a democrat.
D AVID K. MORRIS, who for almost a third of a century has been employed as a travel- ing salesman, is a well known resident of Mal- den, and whether in public or private life he is always a courteous, genial gentleman, well de- serving the high regard in which he is held. Ohio was his early home, his birth having oc- curred on the 24th of August, 1835, in Harris- ville, Harrison county, where his grandfather, David Morris, was one of the pioneer settlers.
In that county was born Edward Morris, the
father of our subject, who there spent his entire life. On reaching manhood he married Susan Matson, a native of Virginia, and a daughter of Benjamin Matson, who became an early settler of the buckeye state. By trade Edward Morris was a carpenter, and followed that occupation successfully in Harrisville, where his death oc- curred in 1894, at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. His wife passed away in August, 1869, and both were interred in the Harrisville ceme- tery, where a monument marks their last resting place. Of their family of ten children, five sons and five daughters, only three are now living, the brothers of our subject being Benjamin F., a successful teacher and farmer of Bangs, Knox county, Ohio, and Professor John W., a well- known educator, who with his family is living in Harrisville, Ohio.
The childhood and youth of David K. Morris were passed in his native city, where he was given good school advantages, and he remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. Previous to that time he had learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked for five years. In the spring of 1857 he started westward and became a resident of Bu- reau county, Illinois, obtaining work upon the farm of Nathan Rackley in Berlin township, with whom he remained one year, and then leased the farm of Mr. Rackley for six years.
On the 17th of November, 1857, Mr. Morris was united in marriage with Miss Phebe A. Rack- ley, a daughter of Nathan Rackley and a sister of George Rackley, whose sketch appears else- where in this work. For seven years they made their home upon her father's farm. Three sons were born to them-Nathan E., who is married and engaged in agricultural pursuits in Berlin township, Bureau county; George O., a resi- dent of Malden, who is also married, and is a farmer by occupation, and David E., a railroad man still residing at home. All were provided with good educational privileges, and the two oldest sons have engaged in teaching.
In the spring of 1864 Mr. Morris went upon the road as traveling salesman for a Princeton
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firm, selling all kinds of agricultural implements, and since that time has been a successful com- mercial traveler. His affable, pleasant manner winning the confidence of those with whom he deals, he is enabled to do a most satisfactory business. For the past nine years he has been connected with Luthy & Company of Peoria, and their relations have proved mutually pleas- ant and profitable. In 1867 Mr. Morris brought his family to the village of Malden, where he now has one of the neatest and most pleasant resi- dences in the place, and the family are held in high esteem.
Since casting his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont in 1856, Mr. Morris has nevet failed to vote for every candidate for that office nominated by the republican party, whose prin- ciples he strongly endorses. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Bureau lodge, No. 112, of Princeton, and in reli- gious belief both himself and wife are Congre- gationalists. In their pleasant home they are surrounded by many warm friends and acquaint- ances, and they are justly entitled to a place among the representative and leading citizens of Bureau county.
M RS. JENNIE CHRITZMAN is a native of Princeton, where she still makes her home, born February 4, 1838, and is the widow of Jacob Chritzman. Her parents, William and Mary (Mercer) Knox, are both natives of Ohio, and are now honored residents of Princeton. The father has reached the advanced age of eighty-two years, and the mother was eighty- one September 19, 1896. In 1831 he came to Bureau county, where for a time he worked on the farm of an uncle, and after his marriage operated land of his own, following agricultural pursuits until a few years since, but is now liv- ing retired. His wife holds membership in the Methodist Protestant church.
Mrs. Chritzman is the oldest of the family of eight children, the others being Aaron J., a resident of Wyoming, who married Nancy Ament, of Princeton; Sarah, wife of Calvin
Camp, of Afton, Iowa; Oscar, who married Julia Ament, and now lives in the state of Washing- ton; Albert, who married Nellie North, now de- ceased, and lives on a ranch in Wyoming; Mary, wife of Colonel Danley, of Oklahoma; Malvina, wife of John R. Parks, of Gunnison, Colorado, and Nancy, at home with her parents.
On the roth of January, 1859, was celebrated the marriage of Jacob Chritzman and Miss Jennie Knox. Mr. Chritzman's birth occurred in Har- risburg, Pennsylvania, November 7, 1833, and he was a son of Henry and Margaret Chritzman. He was the second in order of birth in their family, which consisted of six children, four sons and two daughters. Maria is the wid- ow of Albert Bigler: Christian was door-keeper of the senate at Washington, D. C., for many years; Dr. Harry, who practices at Welch Run, Pennsylvania, is married and has three children ; George, a resident of Kewanee, Illinois, mar- ried Ella Moffitt, and has two children; Lottie is the wife of Henry Black. With the exception of George, the other children all reside in the keystone state.
In 1856, Mr. Chritzman emigrated to Illinois, locating first at Princeton, but after a year set- tled in the northern part of Bureau county, where he carried on the manufacture of agricultural im- plements with good success. Later he dealt in agricultural implements in the city of Princeton, where his death occurred October 16, 1889. and was mourned by many friends as well as his im- mediate family. He was an energetic and pop- ular citizen, and was called upon to fill several positions of honor and trust, being school di- rector for a number of years. He exerted a great influence for good, and his memory will long be cherished by those who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. Socially, he was a Knight Templar Mason, and served as officer in the dif- ferent Masonic bodies. In politics he was a democrat. Mrs. Chritzman, a most estimable lady, is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Six children graced the union of this worthy couple, namely: Albert, who died at the age of
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two and a half years; Fannie, who died at the age of five and a half years; Mary, who died in 1878, at the age of four years : Mercer, who died the same year at the age of six; Lottie, the wife of Thomas Marks, telegraph operator at Prince- ton, and Clarence, who was married December 9, 1895, to Helen Bird, who died June 28, 1896, at the age of twenty years; he now resides at Kewanee.
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R OBERT TURNBULL, residing on section 28, La Prairie township, is a well-known citizen of Marshall county, a breeder of Hereford cattle, and a general farmer who thoroughly un- derstands his business. He was born in Rox- burghshire, Scotland, December 10, 1827, and is the son of John and Beatrice Turnbull, both of whom were also natives of bonnie Scot- land. He grew to manhood in his native coun- try, his education being received in the common schools prior to his fifteenth year, at which time he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade. His apprenticeship continued until he reached his majority, and for his services he re- ceived his board, and at the end of the time five pounds sterling. He had a very liberal task- master, and has no complaints to make of his term of apprenticeship. In addition to house carpentering, he learned the trade of a cabinet- maker, everything in that day being made by hand. After serving his time, he engaged with his old employer as a journeyman and continued in his service in that capacity for two years, re- ceiving a salary of four dollars per week. These wages seem very small in comparison with those paid at the present time. He was, however, contented with what he received and did his duty faithfully and cheerfully.
The new world, with its possibilities, was now opening up before our subject, and in company with his father, mother and sister, he crossed the Atlantic to New York city, and located at Geneva, New York, where he remained three years, working at his trade of carpenter. Three months of this time, however, he spent in Canada,
but preferring the treatment he received in the United States, and believing his chances for the future much better here, he returned to the States. In 1854, the family came to Illinois and located in the southeast part of La Prairie town- ship, where Robert purchased a tract of land as a home for his parents, on which they moved, but for three years more he continued to work at his trade.
The time had now come when he was to settle down to that occupation which he had selected for his life work, that of a general farmer. With characteristic energy he set to work improving his farm, and in due time the wild land was transformed into a most productive field, yield- ing its fruit year by year. On this farm his mother died, after having spent a life of devotion to husband and children and with the conscious- ness of rest and reunion "beyond the river."
Mr. Turnbull commenced life upon his farm with a single horse, but soon purchased a yoke of oxen with which he did his breaking. On reaching this country his assets were but about one hundred dollars, which was increased to six hundred dollars on reaching Illinois. This sum he invested in land, and upon this farm he lived ten years, engaging in its cultivation, and mak- ing thereon extensive improvements. During this time he made several small trades, and pur- chased eighty acres of his present farm.
While residing upon his original farm, Mr. Turnbull was united in marriage, February 26, 1858, with Miss Mary Smith, a sister of James, William and Andrew Smith, well-known broth- ers, residing in La Prairie township, sketches of whom appear elsewhere in this work. This union was a happy one, and to them were born six children-Minnie, John, William, who died in 1866, at the age of four years, Robert, Beattie and Willie. The first named married Robert Hall, manager of one of the departments for the wholesale house of Carson, Pirie, Scott & Co., in Chicago. The others yet reside at the parental home, except John, who is married and is farm- ing adjoining his father. Mrs. Turnbull died September 1, 1877, and is laid to rest in the La
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Prairie U. P. cemetery. She was a woman of strong character, an affectionate wife and loving mother, and her memory is cherished by those for whom she was ever ready to sacrifice, the hus- band who was left to mourn, and the children she gently ministered unto.
Robert Turnbull was always an industrious man. Commencing life in humble circum- stances in a strange land, he saved his earnings, and with the accumulation of some years, made his present purchase of land, to which he added from time to time until he now owns some four hundred and forty acres of as fine land as can be seen in the entire county. While living upon another place, he yet retains the first land pur- chased on coming to Illinois. He now resides on what was long known as the Calvin Stowell farm, which he has greatly improved since it came into his possession. For twenty years he has been a feeder and breeder of cattle and hogs, having at all times upon his place from forty to ninety head. In the raising and feeding of cattle, he has been fairly successful. For ten years he has been a breeder of thoroughbred Hereford cattle and now has about twenty head of fine animals, including "Cherry Boy, second," No. 49032, bred by Van Atta, of Fowler, Indiana. This animal took sweepstake prize over all breeds at the state fair at Peoria in 1891 and 1892, also at the Iowa state fair at Des Moines in 1892. Several animals bred by Cherry Boy, have been sold by Mr. Turnbull at good prices. In addition to his cattle industries, he feeds a large number of sheep, having under his care in the winter of 1894-5, about fourteen hundred head.
In politics, Mr. Turnbull is a republican, with which party he has affiliated since becoming a naturalized citizen. He has held about all the township offices and served in convention. While not at present as active as in times past, he yet keeps up his interest in political affairs. Religi- ously, he was reared a Presbyterian, but is now a member of the Congregational church at Lawn Ridge, and is an active worker in the church. He is an advocate of temperance, but is not a
prohibitionist. As a citizen and neighbor he is universally esteemed.
John Turnbull, second child and eldest son of Robert and Mary (Smith) Turnbull, was born in La Prairie township, November 9, 1860. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, and was educated in the schools of the neighborhood. Until his twenty-fifth year he remained at home, assisting in the farm work, and doing his share in developing the resources of the place. On the 9th of September, 1886, he was united in marri- age with Miss Clara Noel, of Lacon, daughter of Michael and Margaret Noel. She was educated and is a graduate of the Mt. Morris Female Sem- inary, and for some years was a teacher in the public schools of Marshall county. She is a wo- man of more than ordinary ability and is a worthy helpmeet of her husband. For some time her mother has made her home with her. To them have been born three children-Robert, Andrew and John Lawrence.
The farm of John Turnbull consists of two hundred and thirteen acres in the center of La Prairie township, known as the old Joseph Cald- er farm. It is well improved in every respect, with good substantial buildings which are a credit to their owner. The buildings at the farm are first-class, and are in keeping with the farm. He, also, like his father, gives special attention to cattle feeding, and in the winter of 1895-6, had upon his place about one hundred head. In poli- tics, he is a republican, and religiously is identi- fied with the United Presbyterian church.
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