USA > Illinois > Bureau County > The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 40
USA > Illinois > Marshall County > The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 40
USA > Illinois > Putnam County > The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 40
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For sixteen years Dr. Breed remained upon his farm, and then feeling that the time had come when he should lay aside business cares he returned with his family to Princeton, and is now living practically a retired life in a beauti- ful home on West South street, which he had erected as the place where in ease and comfort he could spend the evening of his life. While on his farm he entertained liberally and his home was the center of social life and many happy gatherings of friends and neighbors. He lived not so much to make money as the enjoyment of life with his numerous friends.
Dr. Breed was united in marriage in Vermont, Illinois, December 25, 1848, with Miss Alzina Powers, of McDonough county, Illinois, a na- tive of Essex, Vermont, born June 3, 1827, and a daughter of Isaac Powers, who was a promi- nent farmer in McDonough county. By this
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union seven children were born, three of whom -Edoline, Ella and Kate-died in early child- hood. The living are Lena M., Lizzie R., Luella and Ralph Y. The first named is a successful teacher in Bureau county; Lizzie R. is the wife of Edward Sisler, of Lincoln, Nebraska; Luella is also engaged in teaching; Ralph Y. is a grain dealer at Erie, Illinois, but formerly conducted his father's farm. He is a good business man and likewise prosperous.
Politically, Dr. Breed is a stanch republican. In early life he was imbued with anti-slavery sentiments and on the dissolution of the whig party and when the encroachments of the slave power became almost unbearable, he assisted in the organization of the republican party in Illi- nois. For years he took an earnest and active part in furtherance of the principles of the party, but was never an office-seeker. He cared more for the success of his party than for any honors it might confer upon him in the way of office- holding.
While in active practice, Dr. Breed was an hon- ored and valued member of the various medical societies, including the Bureau County Medical society, Military Tract Medical society, the Illi- nois State Medical society, and the American Medical association. He assisted in organizing the Military Tract Medical society, and was its first delegate to the State Medical society. He was several times sent as a delegate from the latter to the American Medical association. He is now an honorary member of the Muskingum County Ohio Medical society, and also of the La Salle County Medical society. Of the Bureau County Medical society he is a permanent hon- orary member.
The doctor has frequently read papers before the different medical associations, which were received with great favor and which were pub- lished in various medical journals and favorably commented upon, the views enunciated being adopted in practice. Among his papers are "A Report on Practical Medicine," "History, Treat- ment and Removal of the Uterine Polypus," "Unconscious Cerebration," and "Epidemic of
Typho-Malarial Fever." The last disease pre- vailed in Bureau county in 1870. The report on this epidemic was considered of such im- portance that a portion of it was introduced by Dr. Hamil and published in the transactions of the American Medical association.
Another paper on "Organic Dynamics" was pronounced by the secretary of the State Medical society as exhaustive and the doctor himself re- gards it as one of his best and most elaborate. Other contributions made from time to time to the medical literature of the day were "Illitis, a Post Mortem Examination," which under the improved medical recommendation would prop- erly be called Appendicitis, "How Do Medicines Produce their Effects," "Hysterical Catalepsy," "A Report on Post Mortem Examinations Con- taining Cardiac Deposits and Urinary Calculus in the Bladder." A paper which attracted much attention was on the "Use of the Marrow in the Bone."
In addition to his medical writings the doctor has contributed more or less to the local journals on subjects of living interest, his writings being received with much favor by the general public. His pen is a trenchant one and records his thoughts without fear or favor. However, the doctor has not confined himself to the expression of his views to writing alone but has occupied the platform in the discussion of medical and other questions of general interest.
The Ist of February, 1896, is a day long to be remembered by Dr. Breed. The occasion of his seventy-seventh birthday friends to the number of fifty called at his lovely home to do him honor and leave with him a slight token of their esteem. After social converse of an hour or two and happy congratulations on the part of his friends the assembly was called to order by General Henderson, who after a few words of commenda- tion and stating the object for which they were assembled called upon Hon. R. M. Skinner, mayor of the city, to voice the sentiment of those present, which he did in a most happy manner. He referred to the fact that Dr. Breed's life was co-existent with that of the imperial state of
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Illinois, and said that he was known in a different way to different persons, to some by his connec- tion with the National Medical association, to others through his facile, sometimes trenchant pen, to others was kind and helpful, especially to the young and inexperienced, to many by his charity, to all present by his ability, his good citi- zenship and that measure of true manhood, his home life. He voiced the sentiment of all when he said it was a pleasure to meet such a man in his home and to leave with him a testimonial of their regard, a cane, an ebony with silver head and a gold band below, bearing the inscription, "Pre- sented to Dr. S. P. Breed on his seventy-seventh birthday, February 1, 1896, Princeton, Illinois." It was pleasure to observe the vigor of mind and body which were his and to know that he needed neither catnip nor sage to cheer his old age, and he expressed the wish that when the end came it would be
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.
Remarks were made by Judge S. M. Knox, Hon. Milo Kendall, Dr. George I. Rice, G. B. Harrington, Dr. Cunningham, Dr. F. P. Cook, of Mendota. Letters were read from Thomas Lowry, of Minneapolis; Chauncy Rice, of Beards- town; Rev. W. H. Jordan, of Brimfield; Richard Yates, Jr., of Jacksonville; O. M. and M. R. Powers, of Chicago; Charles Warren, of Ida Grove; George W. Hall, of St. Louis, and others.
In response it was evident that the doctor was too full for utterance and too wise to attempt to voice his feelings. He said that he had no idea that he was so good a man as his friends had made him out to be, although he had endeavored to practice the virtues and live up to a high moral standard. While he did not belong to any church or to a lodge or club he was not opposed to any such society which appeared to him to be helpful to mankind. This was a very bright spot in his life and the memory of this evening would linger, not only to please but to prompt him to be still more worthy the good opinion of his fellow-men, which he so much prized and
of which he felt he was not worthy to the extent of the expressions so freely indulged in on this occasion but for which he was so profoundly grateful.
E DWARD WALTER FOUNTAIN, de- ceased, was a well-known citizen of White- field township, who stood high in the estimation of his fellow-men, and was a devoted son, lov- ing husband and indulgent father. He was born near Yates City, Peoria county, Illinois, Novem- ber 7, 1849, and was a son of William and Jane (McGinnis) Fountain, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Ohio. They were married in the latter state and soon afterward re- moved to Peoria county, Illinois, and about 1851 came to Marshall county, locating in the north- western part of Whitefield township, where both died, the father, November 3, 1891, at the age of eighty-three years, and the mother, December 17, following, at the age of seventy-nine years. Of their family of seven children, five are yet liv- ing-Orlando, the oldest, resides at Santa Rosa. California; Elizabeth is the wife of Willard Proc- tor, of Grand Rapids, North Dakota; Martha is the wife of Oliver Pearson, of Wabash, Indiana: Henry grew to manhood, and during the dark days of the rebellion, enlisted in the army, and gave his life to his country ; Milton resides upon the old farm; Edward W. is the next in order of birth; James also lives on the old homestead.
William Fountain was a hard-working, indus- trious man, and during his residence in Marshall county succeeded in acquiring a handsome prop- erty. His home farm, consisting of four hun- dred and eighty acres, was kept under a high state of cultivation, and the improvements made thereon were such as to show that its owner thoroughly understood his business. He also invested in lands in Dakota and Kansas, but made no improvements in either state. At his death he left each member of the family in good, comfortable circumstances, with sufficient means to enable them to properly live. In politics he was a republican, with which party he became identified on its organization. From 1876 until
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his death, he practically lived a retired life, and for some years was an intense sufferer from a cancer which eventually caused his death.
The subject of this sketch continued under the home roof, doing his duty faithfully as a son until his marriage, January 21, 1869, with Miss Elizabeth Shurts, a native of Huntington county, New Jersey, who, at the age of eighteen months, removed with her parents, Peter and Effie (Tiger) Shurts, to Bureau county, Illinois. They made a settlement about one mile northwest of White- field postoffice, where they continued to reside until their death, the mother passing away Feb- ruary 6, 1881, at the age of seventy-six, and the father, November 29, 1888, at the age of seventy- six years. Their family of five sons and one daughter are yet living.
On the gtli of March, 1869, Mr. and Mrs. Fountain settled on the present farm, which was a part of the old homestead. The farm consists of one hundred and twenty acres, which he cul- tivated in connection with a part of that retained by the father. He was ambitious to succeed and toiled early and late for that end. As al- ready stated, his father was for some years an in- valid, and in consequence required a great deal of care, and Edward devoted much of his time in trying to alleviate his sufferings. This he continued to do until his own health was shat- tered, and after a short illness, his spirit departed this life, May 8, 1890, and strange to relate, his father survived him about eighteen months.
Edward W. Fountain was a man greatly es- teemed by those who knew him, and he had many warm friends. Like his father he was a strong republican, and while having neither time nor inclination for office, he served his township for some years as road commissioner and also as school director, the duties of which office he discharged with conscientious fidelity. He was not a member of the church, though having the utmost respect for the Christian religion and its true professors. Fraternally he was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and of Telegraph Grange, and was active in each or- ganization. His death was a sad loss to his fam-
ily and the community where he had so long re- sided.
To Mr. and Mrs. Fountain seven children were born as follows: William, Georgie, Florence, Fannie, Bruce, Harry and Orlando, all of whom yet remain at home. Fannie is now the wife of Jasper Newton Young, and they make their home with Mrs. Fountain.
Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Fountain has carried on the farm with the aid of her chil- dren and hired help. She has shown herself a good business woman, and has made a number of improvements in the place, having erected a neat and commodious barn, set out a new orch- ard, and has done other work of a beneficial char- acter. She has given her children good educa- tional advantages, which have been improved by them, one daughter, Florence, being a successful teacher as well as a skillful musician. Fannie has also decided musical ability. The mother and nearly all the children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, earnest and stead- fast Christians.
C ORNELIUS JONTZ, a retired farmer, now making his home in Princeton, Illinois, was born at Middletown, Pennsylvania, near Harris- burg, March 1, 1838, and is a son of Henry and Sarah (Wood) Jontz, also natives of the keystone state. They made their home in Dauphin county until May, 1851, when they emigrated to Bureau county, Illinois, where they were numbered among the pioneers. The father turned his at- tention to agricultural pursuits, and became quite well-known among the old settlers. He was born in 1809, and died on the 28th of Decem- ber, 1863. His wife, who was born in June, 1812, survived him until November, 1885. She was a member of the Disciple church, and he also was a believer in the Christian religion. Our sub- ject is one of a family of ten children, six sons and four daughters, two of the latter being now deceased. The others are George, who wedded Mary Smith and resides in Malden, Illinois; Jacob, who also wedded Mary Smith, but no relative of the other, and now lives on a farm
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in Jasper county, Iowa ; John R., a farmer of Mar- shall county, Iowa; Henry, an agriculturist of Bureau township, Bureau county, who married Sarah Carney; Robert, who married Rachel Crawford, and lives on a farm in Jasper county, Iowa: Ann, wife of Frank Etnyrd, a retired farm- er of Bloomington, Illinois; and Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Etmyer, a farmer of Story county. Iowa. Those deceased are Rachel, who was the wife of John Campbell, and died at the age of fifty-eight, and Barbara, who was the wife of WV. H. Morgan, and died at the age of twenty- two years.
When thirteen years of age Cornelius Jontz had accompanied his parents to Princeton. where he completed his literary education, which was begun in the schools of Middletown, Penn- sylvania. For three years before leaving his na- tive state he had also worked on a canal boat running between Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Here he was employed on a farm until going to Pike's Peak, in 1860, making the journey with ox team, which required twelve weeks. Denver had been started the year previous, and was a small, insignificant place, surrounded by sod houses. After a year spent in gold mining, dur- ing which time he made his expenses, he re- turned home with his brother, George, having purchased a one-horse rig, in which they made the trip. Although the expedition was not a financial success, it greatly benefited his health. making him a strong and rugged man, having no use for a doctor. The return journey re- quired only four weeks.
Since that time Mr. Jontz has devoted his time and attention exclusively to his agricultural interests, and his success is but the just reward of his own persistent and untiring labors, un- aided by capital or influential friends. He has accumulated considerable property, including one hundred and sixty acres in Manlius township, Bureau county, the same amount in Bureau township, three hundred and twenty acres in Cowley county, Kansas, south of Wichita, and five acres in North Princeton, where his beautiful residence is located. On coming to this state his
family lived on the Lovejoy farm, which the father operated, and he worked two summers for Owen Lovejoy, during which time he saw many a darkey about the premises, saw them brought there and taken away.
On the 22nd of March, 1864, Mr. Jontz was united in marriage with Miss Maria Hewit, daughter of William Hewit, of Manlius town- ship, and they had five children-Alma has for the past ten years been a successful and valued teacher of Bureau county, thoroughly in love with her work; Nettie, who was also a popular teacher of the county, died in 1892, at the age of twenty-three years; Anna M., who was an apt scholar, began teaching in September, 1896, and will no doubt prove successful; Cornelia is a stu- dent in the high school of Princeton ; and the only son, Burt C., the second of the family, died when ten days old. The family attend the English Lutheran church, and in his political views, Mr. Jontz is a stalwart republican. For nine suc- cessive years he served as assessor of Manlius township, and was alo constable. He is a man of undisputed honesty and unflinching integrity, and his sterling worth has gained for him many warm friends.
J OHN S. KASBEER. Among the energetic and progressive agriculturists of Bureau county the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch holds a prominent place. He is one of the leading farmers of Ohio township, his home being located on section 28, and with the interests of the community he has been iden- tified for many years. He has done much toward the development and improvement of his adopted county, making a specialty of setting out both forest and fruit trees on the wild prairies, and has lived to see many transformed into fine forests and valuable orchards.
A native of Ohio, Mr. Kasbeer, was born in Wayne county, in 1818, a son of Samuel and Mary (Shull) Kasbeer. The birth of the father occurred in New Jersey, where he spent his early life, and on leaving his native state he settled in Ohio in the vicinity of New Philadelphia. By
J. S. KASBEER.
MRS. J. S. KASBEER.
1
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trade he was a blacksmith, which he followed ex- clusively during his younger years, but later in life he also engaged in farming. A strong tem- perance advocate, for many years he served as president of Father Matthews' temperance or- ganization, and early instilled lessons of sobriety into the minds of his children. He died in 1834, respected by all who knew him. His estimable wife was born in the Glades in Pennsylvania, and closed her eyes in death at the age of sixty years.
Mr. Kasbeer, of this review, is the eldest in the family of twelve children, six of whom are still living. His educational advantages were very limited, but he made the most of his op- portunities and has become a well informed man. He was twelve years of age when the family re- moved to the farm in Tuscarawas, Ohio, and he early became familiar with the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist, becoming a thor- ough and skillful farmer. At an early day he emigrated to Illinois, at first locating in Lee county, where he remained for two years, and then removed to Ohio township, Bureau county, which has since been his home. He is an enter- prising, wide-awake business man, and in his chosen calling has met with excellent success. He has deeded to his children some eight hun- dred acres of valuable land, and in his home place still has two hundred and forty acres of rich and arable land, which he has under high cultivation. His comfortable home is near the village of Kas- beer, which was named in his honor, and is a station on the Illinois Valley & Northern Rail- road, a branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy.
In 184I was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Kasbeer and Miss Hannah Ross, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of William and Jane (Whitaker) Ross, originally from Pennsylvania. Twelve children blessed this union, but four are now deceased. Those living are as follows: Rebecca is the widow of Dr. Thomas Mercer. Asa married and is a farmer of Ohio township. Jra is a farmer of Allen county, Kansas, and owns about fourteen hundred acres of good farm- ing, oil and grass lands. Joab is a large land
owner and real estate agent of Denver, Colo- rado. Sumner is a merchant of Kasbeer. Me- lissa is the wife of James Coulter. Dr. W. J. is a leading dentist of Normal, Illinois, and is the dental surgeon for the Illinois Soldiers' Orphan Home. Alice is a very popular young lady resid- ing at home, and is quite active in church and benevolent work. Those deceased are Mary Jane, Rachel, Mildred and Hattie.
In connection with his property in Bureau county, Mr. Kasbeer also owns about two thous- and acres of grass lands in the west. He has ever taken an active and commendable interest in public affairs, and for the past thirty-five years has kept a record and register of every important fact which has come under his observation, a book for each year. This in itself makes a valu- able library and is often used by him for refer- ence. In early life he voted with the Whig party, but since its dissolution has always supported the principles of the Republican party. Being an earnest advocate of our public school system, for many years he most capably served in school offices, but has never cared for other official po- sitions, desiring rather to devote his time to his individual affairs in preference to public office. Both Mr. and Mrs. Kasbeer are worthy members of the Methodist Protestant church, with which they have been identified from youth. Of un- swerving integrity and honor they are held in high regard by all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance, and their friends are num- erous throughout the county.
A UGUSTUS GARRETT. Among the pros- perous farmers of Steuben township, Mar- shall county, the record of whose lives fills an im- portant place in this volume, it gives us pleasure to commemorate the name of the gentleman whose sketch you are now reading, and who is the owner of a fine farm on section 17. A native of this county, he was born in the Bethel neigh- borhood, July 21, 1859.
On reaching man's estate Mr. Garrett was joined in wedlock with Miss Electa Sargent, daughter of Henry and Amelia Sargent, whose
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sketch appears elsewhere in this work, and their marriage ceremony was performed on the 17th of October, 1893. The lady was born at the home of her parents, September 6, 1867, and has be- come the mother of one child-Sarah Amelia, born October 6, 1894. She is a faithful member of the Bethiel Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Garrett devotes his entire time and at- ยท tention to the cultivation of his farm, which com- prises one hundred and sixty acres of rich and valuable land, well improved, and was a part of his father's old homestead. He is one of the energetic, progressive citizens of Steuben town- ship, and is actively identified with all its inter- ests. In politics he is a stanch democrat, a warm supporter of the principles and beliefs of that party, and socially is identified with Sparland lodge, No. 144, F. & A. M.
ISAAC H. NORRIS, one of the active, enter- prising and successful young men of Bureau county, now engaged in farming and breeding standard horses on section 6, Westfield town- ship, is a native son of Bureau county, born on the old homestead July 4, 1866. His father, William Norris, who is one of the honored early settlers of this county, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, May 20, 1825, and is of English extraction. He remained with his father in the county of his nativity until 1846, when lie emi- grated to Illinois, and the following year pur- chased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Clarion township, Bureau county, a portion of his present farm. In 1852 he made an overland trip to California, where for one year he engaged in mining, and then returned to Bureau county. During the many years of his residence here he has actively and successfully engaged in farming and in breeding fine stock, both cattle and horses, and to-day owns twelve hundred and fifty acres of valuable and well improved land. In 1854 he wedded Mary E. Maus, a native of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of William Maus. This estimable lady died on the 4th of January, 1879. In their family were six children, four of whom are now deceased-Lundy, Pleasant, Luther and
William. Those living are Alfred and Isaac H. The father is widely and favorably known in Bureau and adjoining counties, and his many excellent traits of character and sterling worth well entitle him to the high regard in which he is held.
Under his father's able direction our subject early became familiar with agricultural pursuits, and was afforded excellent educational privileges, being a student in the Princeton high school and the state university. After completing his studies in the latter institution he returned home and assisted his father in his extensive farming and stock-raising interests. He has most suc- cessfully engaged in breeding and dealing in fine horses for a number of years, disposing of many that have made excellent records as trotters, and at the present time owns some fine blooded brood mares and young stock. He is widely known throughout northern Illinois as one of the most successful breeders.
At Arlington, October 18, 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Norris and Miss Mary E. Van Law, a native of Bureau county, who was reared in Arlington and is a lady of culture and refinement, having completed her literary course in Oberlin. Ohio. Her father, R. B. Van Law, is the present agent and operator at Arlington for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, and is one of its oldest, most valued and trusted employes. A son has been born to our subject and his wife-William Ruggles, a bright little fellow of two years.
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