USA > Illinois > Bureau County > The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 79
USA > Illinois > Marshall County > The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 79
USA > Illinois > Putnam County > The Biographical record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois > Part 79
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first to locate in the northern part of Peoria county, he was the last to pass away. A man of peace, he never had a law suit in his life, and would rather be wronged than to wrong another. Successful in life, all that he had was obtained largely through his own efforts, assisted, of course, by his good wife, and in later years by his children. He was always abreast of the times in matters of public improvement and in labor saving appliances, and was the first man in his section to use the modern reaper. Physically he was a fine specimen of man, standing five feet eleven inches in height. He was a man of good judgment and solid worth, and well deserves to be remembered by coming generations.
H ON. THOMAS M. SHAW, judge of the eighth judicial circuit of Illinois, compris- ing the counties of Putnam, Marshall, Woodford, Tazewell, Peoria and Stark, is a man greatly es- teemed for his worth's sake. He is a native of Marshall county, born in Roberts township, Au- gust 20, 1836. At that time Marshall was still a part of Putnam county, and white settlers were few and far between. Indians still lingered about, although four years after the close of the Black Hawk war. His parents, George H. and Pene- lope (Edwards) Shaw, were both natives of Ken- tucky, who emigrated to this section in 1829, making settlement on a section of what is now Roberts township, where they spent the remain- der of their lives. Their nearest neighbors were Col. Strawn on the south and Jesse Roberts on the north. With that determination characteris- tic of the pioneers, they began to make for them- selves a home in this wilderness. The wife and mother, however, was not long for this world, her death occurring in 1840, when our subject was but four years old. Later the father married Miss Emma Edwards, a sister of his first wife, who passed away in 1871, while he survived un- til 1877. As a friend and neighbor he was highly respected, having those traits which distinguish the Kentuckian the world over.
The subject of this sketch grew to manhood on the old farm, and from early childhood did
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his part in the cultivation and improvement of the place. He received his primary education in the common schools of the neighborhood, which was supplemented by partial courses in the col- leges of Mount Palatine, Putnam county, and Mount Morris, Ogle county. The profession of law he determined as his life's work, and in 1855 began reading in the office, and under the in- struction of William D. Edwards, of Lacon.
In the year 1857, when but twenty years of age, he was admitted to the bar, after an exami- nation by a committee appointed for that pur- pose by the circuit judge, then holding court at Lacon. Still pursuing his studies he remained another year at Lacon and then removed to Hen- nepin, Putnam county, and there commenced practice.
After a residence of five years at Hennepin, where he met with as good success as could rea- sonably be expected, he returned to Lacon richer in experience and better able to cope with the older attorneys at the bar. Mark Bangs, now one of the leading attorneys of Chicago, had been practicing at this place for some years, and with hint he formed a partnership, which continued uninterruptedly for seventeen years, to their mu- tual profit. It is said the two made an excellent combination, the studious habits and close appli- cation of Mr. Shaw being supplemented by the oratorical powers of Mr. Bangs, who was always effective in jury trials. On the dissolution of the co-partnership, caused by the removal of Mr. Bangs to Chicago, Mr. Shaw became a partner of Robert B. Edwards, that relation continuing until his elevation to the bench in 1885.
In his profession, the judge never made a specialty of any particular line, but attended to general practice, being a good all-around law- yer, a safe counsellor in every respect. He never resorted to any of the clap-trap peculiar to some members of the profession, but gave his whole thought, time and attention to the business in hand. Few attorneys have exercised the caution clisplayed by him in the preparation of a case. Ile must know he was right before he would proceed. If a client came to him with a case, he
must know that it was a good one, and that law and equity was upon his side. Never did he hesitate to tell a client that his case was not good if so convinced. A good, fat fee was no tempta- tion to him, if he knew the law was against him. A point made by him in a trial was seldom over- ruled by the presiding judge. His practice was not local, but extended throughout adjoining counties in the various circuit and county courts, and in the supreme court of the state, and of the United States courts, before which honorable body he argued many cases.
Among his associates at the bar the judge al- ways stood high. They recognized his abilities, knew his studious nature, his conservative opin- ions and actions, and by them was he first sug- gested for the bench. In the spring of 1885 he was duly nominated and at the regular June elec- tion of that year he was triumphantly elected. After serving his term of six years he was re- nominated and re-elected in 1891. The same points that characterized him as an attorney at the bar have followed him upon the bench. While quick to grasp a point, and with a breadth of per- ception enabling him to see a case from every point of view, he must feel assured that he is right before a decision is rendered. His impar- tiality and absolute fairness is acknowledged by every member of the bar comprising the district, and none fear to leave the decision of a case in his hands. But few of his decisions appealed from here have been reversed by the higher courts.
Politically Judge Shaw has always held to the principles of the democratic party, especially as advocated by the fathers. He is not a partisan, however, his judicial mind forbidding it, but in the advocacy of his political views he asks no favor. By his party he was given the nomination for congress in 1878, but the district being over- whelmingly republican, he suffered the expected defeat. Two years later, in 1880, he was nomi- nated and elected a member of the state senate from the district comprising the counties of Put- nam, Marshall and Woodford. He served the term of four years with credit to himself and con-
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stituents, serving on several important cominit- tees, among which was the judiciary. This was the only political office he ever held, unless we except that of mayor of Lacon, an office he held two terms to the satisfaction of all concerned.
On the 24th of December, 1863, Judge Shaw and Miss Nellie F. Hirch, of Metamora, Wood- ford county, Illinois, were united in marriage. She is a native of New Hampshire. and a daugh- ter of Fred F. and Caroline (Starrette) Hirch, both of whom were also natives of New Hamıp- shire. They came west and settled in Woodford county, when Mrs. Shaw was but twelve years of age. The judge and Mrs. Shaw have one daughter, Daisy, who yet remains at home, and is a musician of fine ability, who often sings in public to the delight of her hearers. Mrs. Shaw and daughter are members of the Congregational church. Fraternally the judge is a member of the Elks. A life-long resident of Marshall county, it can be truly said that no man stands higher in the estimation of his fellow-citizens, and none more highly deserve the honor. In every ques- tion pertaining to its best interest he is always found upon the side of right.
W TILLIAM STRAWN, the eldest son of Colonel John and Mary (McClish) Strawn, was born in Ross county, Ohio, October 16, 1814, and in September, 1829, reached Mar- shall county, Illinois, locating in Richland town- ship. The year previous his father had visited this place, and by driving a stake in the grass es- tablished his claim to a tract of land. In the fall of 1829, with one covered wagon, with six horses attached, he brought his family to this spot and unloaded his goods. William was then in his fifteenth year. He became an expert hunter and killed many deer and wolves in this locality. His rifle was also brought into play while he was serving as a volunteer of the home guards dur- ing the Black Hawk war.
William Strawn remained with his parents un- til twenty-six years of age, when on the 30th of September, 1840, he married Helen M., daugh- ter of Lunsford Broaddus, of Hopewell town-
ship, Marshall county. He then secured eighty acres of land, half a mile from his father's home, and in a log cabin they began housekeeping. He was a tireless worker and would leave home early in the morning, taking his dinner with him and remain in the forest until night, cutting wood. He would cut three cords per day, and haul it two and a half miles to the nearest town; thus his land was cleared and as the trees disappeared crops were planted. He continued to actively operate his farm until seventy years of age, such was his enterprise and perseverance, and to his original purchase he added until he owned over fifteen hundred acres. He was also extensively engaged in stock raising, and in 1850 he began raising apples. He was told by the old farmers that this fruit could not be successfully culti- vated on the prairies, but for twenty years he gathered large crops of apples and thereby ma- terially added to his income. He made exten- sive improvements upon his farm in the way of buildings and fences and his money was always invested in more land until he became one of the largest owners in this section of the state.
Mr. Strawn was in early life a zealous demo- crat, but afterward united his interests with the greenback party, and later became a prohibition- ist. He was always an active political worker, although he never sought office. He was ever well informed on the issues of the day, studied the question of the civil war from both the north- ern and the southern standpoints, and was ex- tremely well read on general literature. For thirty years he was a member of the American Bible society, and had a number of diplomas for his faithful service therein. His church re- lationship was with the Methodist denomination1 in early life, but he afterwards united with the Congregational church, and for many years was superintendent of its Sunday school.
Mr. and Mrs. Strawn lived to celebrate their golden wedding, at which was present his sister, Susan, who had witnessed the nuptials of the young couple fifty years before. For some time prior to his death Mr. Strawn never weighed more than one hundred and forty pounds, but his
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muscles seemed of iron, and his constitution could endure almost anything. He died on the old homestead June 21, 1894. His property was divided by will and the day before his death he had the details of the funeral arrangements writ- ten out and signed it, desiring that his sons should act as pall-bearers. He retained his con- sciousness almost to the last moment, and then passed away quietly and calnily, ending an hon- orable life, which furnishes many examples which are well worthy of emulation. His obituary was written by an old-time friend, George O. Barnes, and his funeral was one of the most largely at- ter:ded in Marshall county. His remains were laid to rest in Lacon cemetery, but the memory of his life remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew him. His widow still resides on the hc me farm, a kindly old lady who has the re- spect and love of all.
G I EORGE BURT, editor and proprietor of the Henry Republican, has been a resi- dent of Marshall county since 1846, and since 1865 has been connected with the paper, and from 1869 has been its sole proprietor. He is a native of Connecticut, born in Hartford, March 29, 1836, and is a son of George and Jerusha (Spencer) Burt, the former a native of New York and the latter of Hartford, Connecticut.
George Burt, Sr., in early life removed from New York to Hartford, Connecticut, where he formed the acquaintance of Miss Jerusha Spen- cer, and they were married in that city. To them were born five children, as follows: John Spencer, editor and publisher of the Times, of Henry; George, our subject; Elizabeth, deceased; Clarence E., a farmer near Henry ; Cornelia, wife of George N. Losee, of Lake City, Iowa.
In his native state and in Connecticut the father worked at his trade of tanner and currier, and was considered a master workman. Dull times and the possibilities of the great west cansed him to turn his face in that direction, and in 1846, accompanied by his family, he canie to Marshall county and located on a farm near Henry, and to the close of his life successfully
followed the occupation of a farmier, save for one winter, when he went to Chicago and worked at his trade. For years he was well known to almost every citizen of the county. Politically a democrat, but never an office-seeker, he wielded a great influence in the councils of his party. Religiously, he was a Baptist, and for many years was clerk of the church at Henry. In all mat- ters pertaining to the welfare of the church he took a lively interest, and in his life endeavored to exemplify the teachings of the blessed Savior. He died in the faith and the blessed assurance of a life beyond the grave, in April, 1888. His good wife, who was reared a Congregationalist, but who usually worshiped with him at the Bap- tist church, preceded him to the other world some eight years, dying in 1880.
The subject of this sketch was but ten years of age when he came with his parents to Mar- shall county. The succeeding seven years of his life were spent upon his father's farm assisting in the necessary work of developing a productive farm from the wild state in which it was found. As the opportunity was afforded him he attended the pioneer schools and obtained a limited edu- cation. The desire to learn the printer's trade took possession of him, however, and in 1853 he went to Ottawa, Ill., and entered the office of the Free Trader, but the proprietor selling out before the expiration of his apprenticeship, he finished his trade at La Salle, Illinois.
After completing his trade, the roving spirit that has seemed to possess nearly every printer from the early days of the art to the present time took possession of him, and for the next eight or ten years he held cases in offices in Peoria, Illi- nois; Syracuse and Rochester, New York; New York city; Hartford, Connecticut; Springfield, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island. In the spring of 1865 he returned to Henry, and in September following purchased an interest in the Henry Republican, and four years later be- came sole proprietor and editor.
While working in Springfield, Massachusetts, Mr. Burt became acquainted with Mrs. Cornelia Anna Blake, nee Burt, and one year after becom-
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ing interested in the Republican, on September 21, 1866, they were united in marriage, at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Although her maiden name was Burt, she was not a relative of our subject. Immediately after marriage Mr. Burt brought his young bride to his western home, and for nearly thirty years they lived secure in each other's love. But death claimed the wife and mother, and on the 3Ist of May, 1895, shie was called to her heavenly home, leaving her husband and two children to mourn her loss. Anna J., the eldest child, in June, 1896, married Frank Jenks, a merchant of Savannah, Illinois, and now resides in that city. George A., the youngest, yet remains at home and assists in the office of the Republican. One child died in 1871. Mrs. Burt was reared in the Episcopalian faith, but on coming to Henry her views underwent a change and she embraced those of Swedenborg and became a member of the Swedenborgian church of this place. She was a woman of lovely disposition, a true Christian, a loving wife and mother, and her memory is cherished not alone by the husband and children, but innumerable friends who knew her in this life. One of the finest monuments in the cemetery at Henry has been placed over her grave by her loved com- panion, who thus attests his love and devotion to her who walked with him along life's journey so many years, and who was to him truly a helpmeet.
Mr. Burt is a thorough out-and-out republican, while his father and the entire family were and are democrats. He attained his majority just after the birth of the republican party. For some years prior to this the slavery question was prominently before the people. The south was determined to force slavery upon some of the new territories, notwithstanding the Missouri compromise, and the people of the north were awakened to the fact that unless they resisted thic encroachments of the slave power they would be at its mercy. The New York Tribune, edited by Horace Greeley, was the great organ of the anti-slavery people, and the reading of this paper had its influence upon our subject. With all the
ardor of youth he entered into the fight, and being naturally a lover of freedont and equal rights of every man, whether white or black, he struck telling blows at the monster evil of slav- ery. . I11 1860 lie advocated the election of Lin - coln, and again in 1864. I11 1865, as stated, he purchased an interest in the Republican, and for thirty-one years, as its editor, has advocated the principles of the republican party and has done much in moulding public opinion.
When Mr. Burt took possession of the Rc- publican it was a weak, country paper with lim- ited circulation. He has improved it in every respect, editorially and mechanically, and to-day it is one of the best country papers in the state, with a circulation of sixteen hundred copies. It is a six column quarto, all home print, and is a credit to the city and county in which it is printed. As editor, Mr. Burt is alive to every interest calculated to build up the city of Henry and surrounding country, and no enterprisc worthy of encouragement but has his hearty sup- port. The office is well equipped, with a steani power press, two jobbers, paper cutter, newspa- per folder, and book and job type of latest style. He is continually adding novelties in type, and can and does compete with offices in larger cities.
Religiously, Mr. Burt is a Swedenborgian, and is active in the work of the church at Henry. He is a firm and consistent believer in the doc- trines promulgated by that man of God, Emanuel Swedenborg, and has the courage of his con- victions. Fraternally, he is a Mason and has at- tained the rank of Knight Templar.
JOHN T. SMITH, deceased, was for more than a third of a century one of the most highly respected citizens of Marshall county, and while his life was not noted for any events of any particular stirring interest, it was such as to be worthy of cmulation of those coming after him. He was a thoroughly honest and truthful man, his word at all times being as good as his bond. Few men have left a better record for such traits of character as go to make up the true man. He was a native of New Jersey, born in French-
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town May II, 1819, and in youth removed with his parents to Bucks county, Pennsylvania, where he formed the acquaintance, and October 9, 1838, married Miss Ann Bates, who was born at Bris- tol, that county, July 15, 1818.
Eight years after marriage, Mr. Smith removed with his family to Brimfield, Peoria county, Illi- nois, and ten years later came to Marshall coun- ty, where the remainder of his life was spent. His large farm on section 9, Whitefield township, was his home for twenty-one years, with the excep- tion of a few years spent in Henry, where he moved for the purpose of educating his children, and there his children grew to manhood and womanhood, and from which they went out to occupy honored plaees in society.
Mr. Smith was a suceessful farmer, giving per- sonal attention to every detail of farm work. In 1877, he sold his place to his son-in-law, Thomas Monier, and removed to Henry, and while prac- tically living a retired life invested his money in loans and had quite an extensive interest of that character. In later years he again invested a portion of his means in farm lands, and de- voted his time to looking after his property in ecrneetion with his loans.
In 1847, about one year after coming to Illi- nois, Mr. Smith was converted and became a member of the Methodist Episcopal ehureh, with which body he was identified until called to the upper and better world. Gifted in prayer, his influence was felt in revival meetings and in the regular social meetings of the church. With an earnest desire to do something for his Master he labored for the good of others, and by precept and example besought them to turn to the Lord. Mrs. Smith was also an earnest and devout fol- lower of Christ and a life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal church. The Lord's house was to her a home, and a foretaste of the heav- enly home to which she longed to go.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Smith consisted of nine children. William N. is now a resident of Independence, Kansas. Elwood was a pros- perous farmer in Whitefield township, who died in middle life. Charles now resides in Henry,
Illinois. Angeline died at the age of eleven years. Arabella is the wife of John H. Clift, of Fairbury, Illinois. Lewis is a stoek dealer in Henry, Illinois. Cyrus died at the age of eleven years. Charlotta S. is the wife of Thom- as Monier, of Whitefield township. Jennie is the wife of Luke Gregory, of Whitefield township. Each of these children have been well provided for in this life.
John T. Smith was a man of great will power, who when eonvineed of the right or wrong of any matter could not be swerved from his views. His death occurred Deeember 3, 1893, and his body was laid to rest in the cemetery at Henry. His wife survived him two years, dying April 17, 1895. She had been in failing health for some time, and during her last illness was cared for by her daughter, Mrs. Monier, who gave her loving attention, trying to soothe the weary one, and as far as possible lightening her sufferings, making her last hours peaceful and happy. The fond husband and loving wife both died in the full assurance of faith, trusting in the precious promises of the Almighty Father and his son Jesus Christ, and it can well be said of them that "They have fought the good fight, they have kept the faith and henceforth there is laid up for them the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give them in that day."
T HOMAS DOYLE, deceased, was for many years one of the prominent and representa- tive citizens of Saratoga township, Marshall county. He was born near Shirleysburg, Hunt- ingdon county, Pennsylvania, October 4, 18II, and on emigrating westward he first located in Maeon county, Illinois, twelve miles east of De- eatur. In the keystone state he had married Hannah Smalley, who was also a native of Hunt- ingdon county, and they came by team to this state. IIe was in limited circumstances, and after spending ten years in Macon county he went to Peoria, where for a year he was engaged in teaming. In 1848 he purchased a traet of
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land nine miles north of that city, where he made his home for four years.
It was on the 15th of September, 1852, that Mr. Doyle, with his family, settled upon land in Saratoga township, Marshall county, his farm adjoining the one on which his son Wesley now lives. For the one hundred and sixty acres he paid two thousand dollars, but had to go in debt for much of the amount. There he made his home for eight years, and after renting land for three years went to Missouri. He traveled over much of the state with the view of locating, but, as the war broke out, he returned to Sara- toga township, Marshall county, and became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 27, where his daughter, Mrs. Clark, and her husband now reside. This became his per- manent home, and he gave his entire time and at- tention to its cultivation and improvement until about twelve or fifteen years before his death, when he laid aside business cares, living retired while his son attended to the duties of the farm. He was quite successful and rendered assistance to each of his children as they started out in life. In politics he was an adherent of republican principles, and religiously both he and his wife
JOHANN JOSEPH MERDIAN, deceased. was a man of marked individuality, and a pioneer of Marshall county. He was born on the Rhine in Bavaria, Germany, November 18, ISII, where his boyhood and youth were spent, and where at the age of sixteen he commenced learning the wagonmaker's trade, serving a regu- were faithful members of the Methodist Episco- . lar apprenticeship and mastering the business pal church. His death occurred August 20, 1877, and after surviving him for five years she also died on the old homestead and was laid to rest by his side in the Saratoga cemetery.
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