USA > Illinois > Bureau County > The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 3
USA > Illinois > Marshall County > The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 3
USA > Illinois > Putnam County > The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 3
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of government land on section 33, Hall town- ship, in 1833-34, at the first land sale in this district, held at Galena. Upon that farm he spent the remnant of his days, dying December . 6, 1852, at the age of sixty-six years. He was one of the first men in that township to make claim who entered his land and remained on the or- iginal claim until his death.
The mother of our subject was born in Georgia, and died July 26, 1847, at the age of fifty-three years. She was an excellent woman, a true helpmeet to her husband, and possessed those ennobling qualities found in the true wife, mother, and friend. Her parents, Edward and Rachel (Barnes) Hall, were natives of Georgia, and of English and Welsh parentage respectively. She was carried, like the other members of the family, from her native state to Kentucky on a pack-horse in the early days when Daniel Boone located there, and before wagons were used in that frontier settlement. Her father died June 28, 1838, at the age of eighty years, and is probably the only Revolutionary soldier buried in Bureau county. He served under the com- mand of General George Washington, partici- pating in many of the hard-fought battles of that long and terrible struggle, and at the close of the war had not yet reached his twenty-fourth year. He was a Methodist Episcopal minister, possessing much of that zeal, earnestness and fire which characterized the preachers of that de- nomination in those early days. His words of kindness and admonition were long remembered by those who came from far and near to hear him and were pleased to listen. His wife died September 10, 1838, at the age of seventy-nine years. She, too, was a Methodist in religious belief, and active in the service of her Master. In their family of eight children, Mrs. Sally Mil- ler, the mother of our subject, was the sixth in order of birth.
The parents of our subject were also con- scientious and earnest Christian people, strict members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and the early preachers made their home a stop- ping place and there preached until the school
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house was erected. Many were the times that our subject was sent to notify the neighbors that Brother Royal or Brother Beggs was at his father's home and was going to preach.
Mr. Miller, whose name introduces this sketch, had but little advantage for securing an educa- tion, only being able to attend a country school a part of the winter months for about three years, at which time his father paid his tuition, but he
would study on winter evenings by the hickory bark fire and has become a well-informed man. Almost his entire life has been devoted to farm- ing and stock-raising, in which he has been quite successful, now owning a quarter of a section of land in Dakota, three-quarters of a section in Nebraska, and about one thousand acres in Bu- reau county. He also became connected with the mining interests of Spring Valley, and to him is due in part the organization, development and progress of the Spring Valley Coal Company. As its agent he contracted the coal rights for five thousand acres, and when the time came for making the final settlement, he, in company with Alexander Campbell, took the coal rights and met the payments. The coal mines, which are among the best in the state, are now in suc- cessful operation.
In Bureau county, on the 5th of April, 1849, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Miller and Miss Mary A. J. R. Williams, who was named for her aunt who was massacred by the Indians. Mrs. Miller was born in Sangamon county, Illi- nois, February 19, 1831, and by her marriage with our subject has become the mother of six children: George W., who died at the age of ten months and five days; Isadora M., now the wife of James E. Porterfield, a lumber dealer of Toluca, Illinois, by whom she has two children, Edna and Lois; William C., who died at the age of nine years; John H., whose sketch is given on another page of this work; Carmi A., a farmer of Bureau county, who married Sarah I. Wind- sor, by whom he has two children, Claude and Fenton; and Mary A. J., wife of C. J. Devlin, of Topeka, Kansas, by whom she has four chil- dren, James H., Mary, Ethel, and Charles J.
Although caring nothing for public office, Mr. Miller has been called upon to serve in several official positions in his township, and in politics is an ardent democrat. Both himself and wife are earnest and devoted members of the Meth- odist Protestant church. For over sixty years he has been identified with the interests of Bu- reau county and has taken a prominent part in promoting its welfare and advancement. He is enterprising, progressive and public-spirited and justly deserves to be numbered among the hon- ored pioneers and leading and influential citizens of his adopted county, where almost his entire life has been passed. In promoting his own in- dividual interests, he has materially aided in the progress and development of this section. His courteous, genial manners have gained him the friendship of all with whom he has come in con- tact, either in a business or social way, and we are pleased to present to our readers this sketch of his life, knowing that it will be received with interest.
- SAAC HARRISON REEDER, M. D., of La- con, with one exception, is the oldest practi- tioner in Marshall county, and is probably per- sonally known by more people than any other of its honored citizens. He is a native of Montgom- ery county, Ohio, born near Dayton, July 27, 1824. His parents, Jacob and Frances (Crane) Reeder, were both natives of Pennsylvania, from which state his grandfather, Daniel Reeder, emi- grated in the early childhood of Jacob, locating at North Bend, on the Ohio river. At that place Jacob grew to manhood and wooed and wed Frances Crane, whose parents were also num- bered among the pioneers of that part of Ohio. Their wedding was celebrated in the city of Cin- cinnati, and they continued to reside in Ohio until 1834, when they removed to Illinois, locating just east of the present city of Lacon, on a beautiful tract of land overlooking the Illinois river. A settlement had been made at this point a short time previously and a village had been platted to which was given the name Columbia. This
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entire section of country was then a part of Put- nam county.
The tract secured by Jacob Reeder comprised about three hundred acres of government land, which he proceeded to improve and where he remained with his family until 1837, when he sold to the Fenn Colony, which came to this lo- cality from Cincinnati. That colony established the present city of Lacon, and secured the divi- sion of the county. On selling his farm he re- moved to the vicinity of the present village of Washburn, which was farther from the river, and where he thought his family would be less ex- posed to ague, which was prevalent in the coun- ty at that time. Purchasing an improved farm, he continued to reside thereon until old age made it incumbent on him to retire from active work, when he removed to Metamora, and made his home with a daughter, with whom he lived until his death in 1875, in his eighty-eighth year.
Jacob Reeder was a man of home tastes and habits, caring little or nothing for the applause of the world. For almost his entire life he en- gaged in tilling the soil, planting and sowing with an abiding faith that God would give the increase. He never sought, nor would he ac- cept public office, although a man of strong political views. In early life he was an advocate of the principles of the whig party, but when that party, which numbered among its leaders such men as Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, passed out of existence, he affiliated with the republican party, being by nature and education a strong anti-slavery man. In his religious con- victions he was a Presbyterian, strongly rooted in the peculiar views held by that old and highly conservative body of people. In his family re- lations, while tender and considerate, he was yet firm in his discipline and required perfect obe- dience from his children. He was what might be termed an ideal man. For many years he was an elder in the church, and was one of the first members of the Presbyterian church of La- con. His good wife was also a member of that denomination, and was a worthy helpmate of
such a man. She preceded him to the better world some ten years, dying in 1865.
Jacob and Frances Reeder were the parents of eight children, all of whom grew to maturity. Of this number Addison was a machinist by trade, and died at Bloomington, Illinois, in 1887. Thomas was for many years a large farmer re- siding near Minonk, Woodford county, Illinois, . but died in Idaho about 1891. Susan, now the widow of William Rockwell, resides in Henry, Marshall county. Isaac H. is next in order of birth. David, who was a resident of Decatur county, Kansas, died March 6, 1896, in his sev- entieth year. Jacob is a mechanic, residing at Metamora, Illinois. Frances, who was the wife of Price F. Kellogg, died in 1895. Rebecca, who was the wife of Lucien Canney, of Pontiac, Il- linois, died about 1876.
The subject of this sketch remained with his parents until seventeen years of age, attending subscription schools of the neighborhood in win- ter months, and assisting in the cultivation and improvement of the farm the remaining seasons of the year. He was then apprenticed to Mr. Burlingham, of Lacon, to learn the blacksmith's trade, with whom he remained until twenty-one years of age, receiving for his services during the entire period only his board and clothes. Be- ing of a naturally studious nature, while engaged in learning his trade, he borrowed and eagerly read a number of valuable books, thus storing his mind with useful knowledge. From Dr. Boals he borrowed a chemistry, which he care- fully studied, and from another he secured a grammar. For months he almost continually had his books on the forge before him, which he read and studied as he blew the bellows.
When his four years' term of service was up, our subject commenced life without a dollar, re- ceiving no assistance whatever from his employ- er. His trousers were out at the knees, his shirt ragged, his coat hardly fit to be worn, but he had grit and determination, and at once com- menced work at his trade as a journeyman, con- tinuing as such until he had laid by enough mon- ey with which to purchase a set of tools, when
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THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he opened a shop at Metamora, Woodford county, where he operated some three or four years. He was then taken sick and his physi- cian, Dr. Whitmire, now, as well as then, resid- ing at Metamora, decided that he must abandon his trade. While convalescing he read some of his physician's medical works and became great- ly interested in a skeleton which the doctor had in his office. For some two or three months he continued to read such medical works as were at his disposal, with only the thought of passing away the time.
Consulting with his physician as to what call- ing or profession he should adopt for the future, Dr. Whitmire, much to his surprise, advised him to continue the study of medicine and qualify himself for a physician. The idea struck him as amusing, as he had never given the subject any serious consideration, but later he decided to fol- low the doctor's advice. Selling his shop and tools, he entered the office of Dr. Whitmire, and under his instruction pursued his studies. Be- ing a good vocalist, he taught singing school, thereby securing the means with which to pay his board. He also saved enough to pay his ex- penses through one term of Rush Medical col- lege, which he attended in the winter of 1848-9.
At the close of his first course of lectures, he returned to Metamora without a cent in his pocket. His old preceptor then advised him to locate at some good point and enter upon the practice of his profession, thus gaining some practical knowledge before completing his course. This he decided to do, and therefore located at Lexington, Illinois, as assistant to Dr. Barnd of that place. He remained with the doc- tor about three years, saving every cent possi- ble, that he might again enter college, complet- ing the full course. While with Dr. Barnd he had large and varied experience, doing much of the country practice, taking long drives day and night, in rough and stormy as well as pleasant weather.
Returning to college in the fall of 1851, our subject pursued his studies and graduated with honors in February, 1852, receiving his diploma
from Rush Medical college. About the middle of the term, however, he came very nearly leav- ing the college, and possibly abandoning all thought of ever continuing in the profession. His funds were about exhausted and he had no other source of supply. A roommate, Abner Hard, late of Aurora, was in about the same fix, and what to do was the question. His friend proposed the securing of a room and together keep bachelor's hall. The back room of a doc- tor's office was placed at their service, and there they lived during the remainder of the term, at a cost not exceeding ten cents each per day, their diet being principally bread and water. But this served to brace them up, and as stated, Dr. Reeder received his diploma in February, 1852. Another difficulty now arose. He had not mon- ey enough to pay his expenses from Chicago to Lacon. The railroad had not yet traversed this region, and the fare by stage was seven dollars. Borrowing five dollars of a friend in Chicago, he took the stage for his old home, arriving safely with one dollar in his pocket. He then walked to Metamora, and there borrowed five dollars of his sister with which to pay the Chicago loan, and again returned to his old field of labor, Lex- ington, Illinois. However, he remained there but a short time, when he received an offer from his cousin, Dr. Robert Boal, of Lacon, of a part- nership with him in practice at that place. Back to Lacon he came, and the partnership thus formed continued until near the beginning of the war.
The firm of Boal & Reeder succeeded in build- ing up a fine practice, but in October, 1862, Dr. Reeder was commissioned surgeon of the Tenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry by Governor Yates, and joined the regiment at Nashville, Tennessee. He was then in active service until the surrender of Atlanta in the fall of 1864. At the battle of Stone river, he, as field surgeon, did efficient service. The Tenth Illinois Infantry distin- guished itself in the battles of Stone river, Chickamauga and other engagements in that campaign, and Dr. Reeder was ever at his post of duty. While his inclinations were to remain
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with the boys in the field, he resigned his com- mission in the fall of 1864, and returned to La- con. He has never, however, lost his interest in the stirring events of that day, and has con- tinued his membership with the Army and Navy Medical association.
On returning home the doctor at once re- sumed practice, and has since continued to reside at this place, and for a period of almost half a century has ministered to the physical wants of the people of this vicinity. His experience in the army and his recognized skill as a surgeon has given him a reputation not only throughout Marshall, but in adjoining counties, and his ser- vices have frequently been called into requisition in difficult surgical operations for many miles around. By his skill as a physician and surgeon, he has built up a large and lucrative practice, placing him and his family in comfortable cir- cumstances. For many years he has been a member of the North Central Medical associa- tion and the State Medical society, and has served as president of the former body. The medical journals of the country have been en- riched by his contributions, and in all matters pertaining to his profession, he has endeavored to keep abreast with the times.
Dr. Reeder was united in marriage with Miss Dorcas Lucas, at Bloomington, Illinois, Feb- ruary 21, 1850, and together they have traveled life's pathway for a period of forty-six years. She has been a worthy wife of a worthy husband, and her wise counsels and loving ministrations have been an encouragement to him as he has gone in and out among the people in the dis- charge of his professional duties. Two loving daughters came to bless their union. Flora is now the wife of Charles E. Hoyt, of Lacon. She is a musician of more than ordinary ability, and her voice is often heard in public to the delight of all, while as a pianist her ability is acknowl- edged by all. May, the second daughter, died in September, 1876, in her eighteenth year. She had but a few months previously graduated from the Lacon high school, and the future was bright before her. Being very ambitious, she worked
too hard that she might graduate with honor, and her death followed from heart paralysis. She was a loving young woman, the joy of parents and the friend of everybody.
While a strong republican and very pro- nounced in his views, Dr. Reeder has never sought office, and has devoted his entire time to his professional, social, educational and religious duties. For years he was a member of the school board, and for some time was its chairman. Re- alizing the difficulty in his own case of securing an education, he strived to give a more favorable opportunity to others, and by his active interest and wise counsel much of the success attained by the Lacon public schools is due. A lifelong member of the Presbyterian church, he has given much thought to the Master's work. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, blue lodge and chapter. All in all it may be well said that the life of our subject has been such as to reflect credit upon himself and honor to his fellow-citi- zens.
H ON. ROBERT RALPH GIBONS is one of the leading attorneys of Bureau county, and a man well and favorably known, not alone in this section, but throughout the state. His life has been an active and an honorable one, well worthy of emulation by the young. He was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, December 7, 1840, and there remained until seventeen years of age, receiving a good academic education. His father, John S. Gibons, was born in Ver- mont, and early in life removed to Pennsylvania, where he lived and died.
John S. Gibons was one of the leading attor- neys of the Allentown bar, and was quite promi- ment as a democratic politician, known through- out the length and breadth of the state. As a member of the Pennsylvania state senate he in- troduced the act, and secured its passage, creat- ing the free school system of the state. He was elected a member of congress in 1848, but died before taking his seat. Of his family of seven- teen children, one son, G. G. Gibons, an attor- ney, died in Chicago some years ago; Rupp F.
R. R. GIBONS.
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Gibons came to Bureau county, from which place he removed to Nebraska, later to Oregon, where he now lives; Clarence H. Gibons also came to Bureau county, and is now residing in Princeton; H. A. Gibons is a jeweler at Aurora, Illinois; one daughter is now Mrs. Blanch C. N. Stevens, of Gainesville, Texas; another daugh- ter, Eliza J., was married to William J. Dobbins, of Peoria, and is now deceased; the eldest daugh- ter, Hannah S., who was the wife of Alfred Mc- Kee, came to Princeton, and here died; M. Amanda was married to John G. Stiles, an attorney of Allentown, Pennsylvania, and ex- member of congress, now deceased. The mother also came to Princeton in 1860, where she died some years ago.
Prior to his coming to Princeton our subject had learned the printer's trade in his native city. Soon after arriving here he formed a partner- ship with James S. Eckles, and the two pub- lished the Bureau County Democrat for one year, when he retired, and thus ended his career as a newspaper man. He then went to Ne- braska with his brother Rupp, and there worked on a farm for a year or two.
The great struggle between the north and south had now begun, and returning to Prince- ton, Mr. Gibons made up his mind to take part in the contest. Assisted by Judge Stipp, he raised a company, of which he was commissioned second lieutenant, and which became a part of the famous Yates Sharpshooters, the Sixty- fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. This regi- ment saw active service in Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia, and among the battles in which it participated may be mentioned Kenesaw Moun- tain, first and second battles of Corinth, Iuka, and Farmington. On the field Lieutenant Gib- ons was promoted captain, and served as such until his discharge. He was mainly with the company, but at one time was on detached service for a short period as provost marshal at Glendale, Mississippi. At Kenesaw Mountain he received a gunshot wound in the head, and also a buckshot wound in the side. He was carried to the rear and placed in a hospital,
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where he remained for awhile, and was then transferred to the commissary department. He was honorably discharged in January, 1865. The Yates Sharpshooters had an enviable record in the war, and it goes without saying that no com- pany did its duty more faithfully than that com- manded by Captain Gibons.
On receiving his discharge, Captain Gibons returned to Princeton, and read law in the office of Stipp & Gibons, the junior member being his brother G. G., who later moved to Chicago and there died. Under their instruction, he pur- sued his studies, and was duly admitted to the bar after a thorough examination before the Supreme Court at Ottawa, Illinois. On the re- moval of his brother to Chicago, he was ad- mitted to partnership by Major Stipp, under the firm name of Stipp & Gibons, the partner- ship continuing until the election of Mr. Stipp to the bench. The son of Judge Stipp was then his partner for a time, and later M. U. Trimble, who is now deputy county clerk. In 1886 the present firm was constituted, under the firm name of Gibons & Gibons, the junior member being Ira C. Gibons, a graduate of the Chicago Law School, and a son of our subject. The firm have a large practice in the various state courts, and rank among the ablest practitioners at the bar.
Captain Gibons has been a lifelong democrat, and has taken a more or less active part in every campaign since 1860, except those years spent in the United States service "down in Dixie." Living in a part of the state where democracy has usually been in the minority, his opportunity for distinction in a political way has not been so great as in other localities. Still he has served two terms as mayor of Princeton, four years as county judge, and in 1894 was nominated and made the race as the democratic candidate for congress in the ninth congres- sional district. He made a thorough canvass of the district, but went down in the landslide of that year, which proved so disastrous to dem- ocratic hopes. In every convention of his party in this section his face has been familiar for
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years, and he has endeavored to hold aloft the standard of his party. On the financial question he is now to be found with those advocating the restoration of silver to its rightful place, and in this connection he follows the lead of Senator Vest of Missouri.
In August, 1862, Captain Gibons was granted a leave of absence, and returned home on a re- cruiting expedition. While on this service he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret M. Thompson, a daughter of Robert E. Thompson, an old merchant of Princeton, and one of the pioneers who located here in 1839. One son was born of this union, Ira C., who, as already stated, is engaged in the practice of law, as a partner of his father. He is a young man of ability, and gives promise of future usefulness in life.
For twenty-five years Judge Gibons has been a member of the Christian church, of which body his wife is also a member. Both are active workers. Mrs. Gibons is a member of the vari- ous missionary and benevolent organizations of the church. Fraternally, the judge is a Mason, holding membership with the blue lodge, chap- ter and commandery. He is well read front all standard works and in the current literature of the day, having a good library, which is for use and not for ornamental purposes. In educational matters he has also taken a lively interest, and for three years has been a member of the board ' of education. As a citizen he is highly respected and honored by all, without regard to religious or political bias.
H ARRY H. FERRIS, president of the Citi- zens' National bank, of Princeton, has for many years been one of the enterprising citizens of the place. Ever ready to lend a helping hand to every deserving institution, especially one calculated to develop the manufacturing and other interests of his adopted city. He was born in Ferrisburg, Addison county, Vermont, De- cember 24, 1832, and is the son of Benjamin and Mary (Sherman) Ferris.
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