USA > Illinois > Kane County > The Biographical record of Kane County, Illinois > Part 40
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In politics, Mr. Thomas is a Republican, and a stalwart member of the party. He is a charter member of Charlemagne lodge, No. 245, K. P., and of the Mendota lodge, No. 293, I. O. O. F. He is also a member of the Aurora post, No. 20, G. A. R., of which he is past commander, and has served as delegate to the state encampments, also a member of Greusel Garrison, No. 143, Knights of the Globe. For his serv- ices during the late war, he is now receiving
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a pension. In political matters he has tered into the service on his birthday, in always taken an active part, and is regarded very highly as a citizen, and as an official. In him the city has a faithful and a capa- ble officer in charge of their electric system, and one in whom they can rely as always being ready, and at his post of duty.
F BENEZER .DENNEY, one of the old and much respected citizens of Aurora, and president of the board of public works, was born in Yorkshire, England, August 15, 1840, and is the son of Joseph and Jane (Spur) Denney. His father came to the United States in 1855, located in Aurora; he was a cabinet maker and followed his trade in this country for a time, and then retired from active business. His death oc- curred in 1878, at Aurora. Politically he ,was a Republican, and religiously a mem- ber of the First Congregational church. He was a man of medium size, solid built, of strong character, but generous with all. His wife, Jane Denney, was a native of Not- tinghamshire, England, and was also a mem- ber of the Congregational church. £
She died in 1861. They were the parents of seven children, and those living are Thomas, residing in Aurora; Joseph, Hallifield and our subject, all residing in Aurora.
Ebenezer Denney, our subject, attended the schools of Yorkshire, and worked with his father at the cabinet maker's trade. In 1850, his brothers, William and Joseph, came to the United States and engaged in cabinet making at Aurora. On their recom- mendation, the remainder of the family came also to this country, and our subject went into the business with his brothers. William died in 1861. Our subject enlisted to serve his adopted country, and was mus-
1862, at Chicago, as a member of Com- pany G, Seventy-second Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. From Chicago they went to Cairo, and from there to Padu- cah, Kentucky, thence to Columbus, at which place the regiment joined Grant's army, and took part in the siege and reduc- tion of Vicksburg. He was with the force of sappers and miners, whose duty was night work in the mines and fortifications. His regiment was one of the first to march into Vicksburg, after the surrender.
Mr. Denney was detached from the Sev- enty-second Regiment and made quarter- master sergeant of the Fiftieth Regiment, United States Colored Troops. He was with that regiment for a few months, when he received a commission as second lieuten . . ant of Company E, of that regiment. After remaining at Vicksburg for some time, he went with the regiment on the Mobile expe- dition, and was in the great attack on Fort Blakeley. They then returned up the Mis- sissippi and was stationed at Jackson, Mis- sissippi, when he was finally mustered out. In 1864, he was promoted to first lieuten- ant, after which he was on staff duty, on the staff of General M. F. Force, who was a great friend of his. . While at Jackson, a singular thing occurred, Lieutenant Den- ney for one day being in command of the department, General Force having turned the command over to him when he was mustered out.
After his being mustered out Lieutenant Denney was sent to Vicksburg. where he was paid off and discharged. He then re- turned to Aurora, and took up his business again. In 1882, he formed a partnership with his brothers, Joseph, Thomas and Hal- lifield, the firin being known as the Denney
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Brothers. In March, 1894, Albert Denney, son of Joseph Denney, and our subject, pur- chased the interest of the other members of the firm, and the firm name is now Den- ney & Denney. They carry a general stock of furniture, and undertaking supplies, and their large warerooms are full of all kinds of goods in the line of their trade. They do their own upholstering, and manufacture mattresses, etc.
Lieutenant Denney was married Sep- tember 10, 1861, to Mary Elliott, daughter of W. T. and Rebecca (Pierce) Elliott, who were numbered among the early settlers of Kane county, and who were natives of New York. The mother is still living on the old homestead in Aurora township, the farm being the one purchased from the general government. Mrs. Denney was born on that farm. Her death occurred in 1862, ten months after her wedding day. On the 7th of November, 1865, Lieutenant Denney was again married, his second union being with Miss Mary Mix, at Raymond, Missis- sippi. Thus something was done toward bringing the two factions together. Not having any children of their own, they adopted George Burton Denney, when the child was but two years old. He is now twenty-two years old and is associated with his father in the business. In the public schools of Aurora, he was liberally educated, and was then sent to the conservatory of music, at Chicago, to perfect his musical educa- tion. He has fine musical talent, and plays several instruments. He is a member of the Aurora cornet band, and gives instruc- tions on the clarionet, piano and guitar.
Mr. and Mrs. Denney are members of the Congregational church of Aurora, and in politics he is a Republican. He has served in the city council two terms, and
has been on the hospital board, the library board and is now on the board of the Old Ladies' Home. For a number of years he was secretary of the Building and Loan As- sociation, and is now its president. In 1897, he was appointed by Mayor Holden, pres- ident of the board of public works, the du- ties of which office he fills in the most sat- isfactory manner. While a member of the city council, he was chairman of the com- mittee on public lights, and the present splendid electric light plant, which is now owned by the city, and its fine system, dates back to the time when Mr. Denney took hold of the subject and to the city's owner- ship. He is a member of the Masonic or- der, Jerusalem Temple and of the chapter. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows, the United Workmen, Knights of the Globe and Aurora post No. 20, G. A. R., of which he past commander, and by reason of his position, has been delegate to the state and national encampments.
JOHN ADAM SCHOEBERLEIN, the J efficient chief of the fire department of Aurora, is a native of the city, born March 3, 1861; and is the son of John A. and Bar- bara (Pfeifer) Schoeberlein, both of whom were born in Bavaria, but were married in this country. The father was born in 1813, and came to the United States in 1854, lo- cating in Aurora, where he followed his trade of blacksmithing until 1873, when he engaged in the coal business, which he con- ducted for sixteen years. His death oc- curred at Aurora, January 27, 1892. He was a member of the German Methodist church, and was the founder of that denomi- nation in Aurora, and continued one of its main pillars until his death. Politically he
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was a Republican, and a strong advocate of the principles of that party. His father, also named John Adam, was by occupation a farmer, and lived and died in Bavaria. His wife is still living in Aurora, and is a worthy member of the church founded by her husband. They were the parents of eight children, of whom three grew to ma- turity-Fred, who was at one time an alder- man in the city of Aurora, and the youngest person ever holding that position in the city council, died April 17, 1888; Sabilla, died at the age of fifteen years.
The subject of this sketch was reared in Aurora, and received his education in the public schools. He was but sixteen years of age when he commenced the grocery business at the corner of New York and Union streets, which business he carried on for twelve years, when he sold out. He was in partnership with his brother. In June, 1892, he was appointed by W. S. Frazier, then mayor of the city, chief of the fire department, serving for two years, when a change of government took place. In June, 1897, he was again appointed to the position by Mayor Holden, and is still holding that place. His administration has been satisfactory and he is making a good officer, as is demonstrated by the efficiency of the fire department.
Mr. Schoeberlein was married March 15, 1883, to Miss Mary Peetz, a native of Aurora, and a daughter of Jacob and Mary Peetz. By this union are three children- Ella May, Earl and Mate. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Schoeberlein are members of the German Methodist church. In politics he is a Republican, and fraternally is a mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias.
John A. Schoeberlein, the father, erected the Schoeberlein block, a three-story brick
structure, on Fox street, which he gave to our subject before his death. Chief Schoe- berlein has a good substantial home which he erected for himself and family on the corner of State and New York streets, and where he resides, respected by all who know him.
JOHN ALLEN, deceased, was for some years one of the leading farmers in Hampshire township, residing on section 23. He was born at Louisville, St. Lawrence county, New York, September 10, 1809, and was the son of Elijah and Susan (Edson) Allen, both of whom were natives of Vermont. The former died at about the age of eighty-two years in Beaver, Craw- ford county, Pennsylvania. The latter died at about the age of eighty years. Elijah was the son of Aaron, who served through seven years of the Revolution, while he served in the war of 1812.
In 1829 our subject moved to Burton county, Ohio, and in 1833 moved to Craw- ford county, Pennsylvania. While residing in the latter county he married Jane De Wolf September 26, 1852, born in the town of Corinth, Saratoga county, New York, January 26, 1826, and who removed with her parents to Crawford county, Penn- sylvania, in 1838. She is the daughter of Charles and Betsy (Putnam) DeWolf, both natives of Chester county, Vermont. Her grandfather, Edward DeWolf, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, while her father served in the war of 1812. By this union were five children-Edna Jane and Edwin John, twins, the latter being deceased; Charles C., deceased; Adelbert and John E. Politically Mr. Allen was originally a Whig, and later a Republican. Religiously he was
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a member of the Wesleyan Methodist one year more in McHenry county, and Church.
In 1865 Mr. Allen moved west, with a view of bettering his condition in life. He arrived in Kane county, Illinois, April 14, of that year, and bought one hundred and thirty acres of land on section 23, Hamp- shire township, known as the old Doty farm. In 1883 he bought eighty acres ad- joining on the east, on which was a fine large house and large barns. In this house the family has resided for some years, the old house having burned. After a long and useful life Mr. Allen was called to his re- county, at the age of eighty-three years. ward May 28, 1895. His residence of thirty years in Kane county had brought him somewhat prominently before the peo- ple, and he was well known in Kane and McHenry counties.
Adelbert Allen, son of John and Jane Allen, grew to manhood on the home farm, and married Minnie Howe, November 14, 1894, who was fourth in a family of eight children born to William J. and Johanna (Benke) Howe. Her father, was born in the village of Baenkenhaven, province of Pomerania, Prussia, April 1, 1842, and her mother born April 11, 1842, was reared in Germany, and came to America in 1868, embarking October 15, at Hamburg, on a sailing vessel. The voyage was a stormy one and required eleven weeks and four days. They landed at New York, Decem- ber 25-a memorable Christmas day-and came direct to Dundee, Kane "county, Illi- nois, where Mr. Howe secured work until spring. He first worked for Dr. Crabtree and later farm work near Harmony, in Mc- Henry county. After working as a farm hand for seven years, he rented a farm near Harmony for one year, then rented in Hampshire township two years and again
for five years on the farm of William Willetts, in Hampshire township, and later two years in Rutland township. He bought his present farm of eighty acres in Decem- ber, 1883, to which he moved January I, 1884. William J. Howe was a son of Christian Howe, born in Pomerania, about 1810, and then died about 1854, when Will- iam was a boy. The grandfather, John Howe, was a farmer in Germany, where his entire life was spent. Christian Howe mar- ried Mary Miller, now living in McHenry Her father was a shepherd in the old coun- try. William J. Howe married Johanna Benke, in the village of Giescehn, Poner- ania, December 10, 1867. She is a daugh- ter of Joseph Benke, a farmer who lived and died in the old country. To Adelbert Allen and wife one child has been born, Walter Raymond, born September 28, 1895.
JOSEPH SANFORD FERRY, of An- rora, Illinois, has spent sixty years of his life in the Prairie state, almost within hailing distance of Aurora. He is a native of Washington county, New York, born Octo- ber 18, 1829. His father, Sylvanus Ferry, was a native of Massachusetts, born in 1800, and there grew to manhood, moving from thence to Washington county, New York, in company with his brother, Homer Ferry. He married, in Washington county, Miss Rhoda Wilson, a native of that county and state, and a daughter of James Wilson, also born in the same county. By trade Sylva- nus Ferry was a tanner and currier, and followed that occupation during his entire life. In 1836 he moved to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he remained about one and
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a half years. In 1838 he moved west to Du Page county, Illinois, locating in Naper- ville township, where he purchased a claim and where his death occurred two years later. His wife survived him many years, and passed away at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. Our subject was the youngest and only survivor of their three children. His brother, Melancthon Ferry, grew to manhood, married and farmed for some years, later removed to Aurora, where he lived retired, and where his death oc- curred. The sister, Louisa, died a single lady.
Our subject was but nine years of age when he came west with his parents to Du Page county, and on the home farm grew to manhood, and, as the opportunity was afforded him, attended the district school a few weeks in the winter months. He mar- ried in Du Page county, November 25, 1855, Miss Sophronia Kenyon, a native of Washington county, New York, born Janu- ary 12, 1830, and a daughter of Daniel and Esther (Warner) Kenyon, both of whoin are natives of Vermont, the latter being a daughter of Israel Warner, and a grand- daughter of Col. Seth Warner, who served in the Revolutionary war under his father, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Ferry. Israel Warner was for many years a prominent man in Vermont, and, later, moved west, and died at the age of ninety-eight years. Mrs. Ferry grew to womanhood and was educated in the schools of New York and Vermont, and was a teacher in each of those states about eight years. She came west, in 1853, with her parents, who locat- ed in Du Page county, where she again en- gaged in teaching, in which she continued until her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Ferry three children were born: Addie,
wife of Edward Strong, a business inan of Aurora; Jenny, wife of Jesse Tenney, also a business inan of Aurora; and William W., married, and now living retired in Aurora. There are now in the family eleven grand- children.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Ferry located on his farm of one hundred and thirty acres, lying near Naperville, where they remained a number of years, then sold and moved to Aurora, where Mr. Ferry pur- chased residence property and vacant lots on which he erected several neat dwelling houses. They remained in the city some six or seven years, then traded some city property for two hundred acres of land ly- ing in Du Page and Kane counties. On that place they remained from 1873 until 1890, in the meantime purchasing two adjoining farms, giving them about six hundred acres of very valuable land. In 1890 they re- turned to Aurora, where they have since continued to reside, Mr. Ferry again en- gaging in building enterprises. Being a natural mechanic and very handy with tools, he has assisted in the erection of all his buildings.
Like the great majority of the wealthy and influential men of the country, Mr. Ferry commenced life in limited circum- stances, and by his own exertions, assisted by his good wife, he has succeeded in ac- quiring a competency, and is numbered among the well-to-do men of Aurora. In addition to his residence property he has in- vested in the stock of the German National Bank.
Politically Mr. Ferry is a Republican, voting for the nominees of that party in all state and national elections, but in local elections he casts his ballot for the one he considers the best man. He never wanted
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or held office, save that of school director, which he was induced to accept, because of his interest in good public schools. Mrs. Ferry is a consistent member of the Con- gregational church of Aurora. They are both highly respected, and have many warm friends in Kane and Du Page counties.
M RS. SARAH F. (GIFFORD) PRES- TON is a worthy representative of the oldest and one of the most highly respect- ed families of Elgin. She was born in Chenango county, New York, at Dundee, September 13, 1834, a daughter of James T. and Laura (Raymond) Gifford, also na- tives of the Empire state. There the father was interested in a manufacturing business until 1835, when he emigrated to Illinois, locating in what is now Elgin. He had the distinguished title of the " father of Elgin, " as he was the founder of that city, erecting the first house, which was his home for several years, and also served as the first post office, school building and church. It stood for many years, but was finally torn down when Prairie street was cut through. Near its site a stone has been placed which bears the inscription: " One hundred feet from this spot stood James T. Gifford's log house-the first home in Elgin- built in the spring of 1835, where was or- ganized the first Congregational church, May 12, 1836, of the following members: George McClure, Sarah McClure, Julia Mc- Clure, Philo Hatch, Mary Ann Kimball, Re- lief Kimball, Reuben Jenne; Ruth C. Dixon, Experience Gifford, James T. Gifford, Laura Gifford." Gifford street was named in his honor, while Raymond street was named for his wife's family. His sister, Miss Harriet Gifford, familiarly known as " Aunt Har-
riet," was the first white woman to wade the Fox river at Elgin, crossing the stream for the purpose of visiting a sick friend. She was an excellent, kind-hearted lady, given to deeds of charity and benevolence. Mr. Gifford watched with interest the growth of the city which he had founded and lived to see it number several thousand inhabit- ants.
On the first day of January, 1800, James T. Gifford was born at Herkimer, New York, and on New Years day, 1823, he was united in marriage with Miss Laura Ray- mond, of Sherburn, New York, who was born November 26, 1800. Her father, New- comb Raymond, was a Revolutionary sol- dier, entering the Colonial army when but a boy. He married a Miss Gray. Coming to Elgin in 1835, Mr. and Mrs. Gifford bore an important part in the upbuilding and de- velopment of the city, and became widely and favorably known throughout this sec- tion of the state. He erected the brick building at the corner of Prairie and Villa streets, which he rented. Being a good mechanic, and of an inventive turn of mind, he invented a reaping machine, which he was giving a trial in a harvest field the day of his death, which was probably hastened by great exposure in the hot sun. He was attacked with Asiatic cholera, dying that evening, August . 10, 1850. Thus passed away one of the honored pioneers and rep- resentative citizens of Kane county. He had served as the first postmaster of Elgin, and also acceptably filled the office of justice of the peace for a time. In every way he proved a valued and useful citizen, taking an active part in the work of the Congrega- tional church, of which he and his wife were charter members, while he was a leader in the Sunday-school and in other good works.
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She, too, was an earnest Christian, and a Mrs. Preston, namely: Mabel, now the wife most estimable. woman. Her death oc- curred August 5, 1872.
In the family of this worthy couple were six children, namely: Caroline, wife of Or- lando Davidson; Lucy D., who died at the age of eighteen years, while the family were living in Wisconsin for a few years; James H., who was born December 3, 1830, and died in Elgin, January 15, 1883; Fulton, a banker of Mendota, Illinois; Sarah F., the subject of this sketch, and Newton Dexter, who was born in 1841, and died in Wiscon- sin, November 1, 1847.
Reared in Elgin, Sarah F. Gifford began her education in the public schools of that place, and afterward attended a young ladies' seminary on Wabash avenue, Chi- cago. On the 26th of April, 1860, at El- gin, she gave her hand in marriage to George Preston, a native of Manchester, New Hamp- shire, and a son of Paschal and Ruth Pres- ton, who visited the west several times but never located here, and both are now de- ceased. George Preston spent his boyhood and youth upon a farm in his native state, and in early life came to Elgin. In the fall of 1861 he responded to his country's call for aid, enlisting in Company I, One Hun- dred and Twenty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Southwest. He had served but a short time when he was taken ill, and was first confined in a hospital at Vicksburg, and later at St. Louis. On account of physical disability he was honorably discharged and returned home. After his recovery he worked in the watch factory of Elgin until life's labors were ended, August 7, 1873, being forty-one years of age at the time of his death.
Three children were born to Mr. and
of Dr. Peterson, of Dundee, Kane county, by whom she has four children-Max, Elsie, Moritz and Waldemar; Starr K., who is employed in the watch factory in Elgin, and Ruth, an. accomplished musician, who is now engaged in teaching music in Elgin, and is also serving as organist at the Baptist church. The mother and daughters are all consistent members of the Congregational church, and the family is one of promi- nence in social circles.
W ILLIAM LEET, deceased, was for many years a well-known banker and business man of Bradford, Stark county, but who for the last ten years of his life re- siding in Aurora, where he was recognized as one of the best business men of the city. He was a native of Connecticut, born in Chester, October 20, 1827, and was the son of Sainuel .. W. and Anna Leet, both of whom are natives of- the same state. His ancestry is traced back to William Leete, who came from England in 1639, and who filled many offices of trust, being governor of the New Haven colony, and after the . union of that colony with the colony of Connecticut, was governor of the latter, which position he filled continuously until his death in 1683.
But little is known of the boyhood of our subject. His parents were in limited circumstances, and when quite young he went to live with a Mr. Jones, of his native town, and served as a chore boy. He ac- companied Mr. Jones to Illinois, in 1841, and remained with him on his farm in Trivola township, near Elmwood, Peoria county, some four or five years. The treat- ment received from his employer becoming
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HIINNIS
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WILLIAM LEET.
MRS. WILLIAM LEET.
LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
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unbearable, he left and worked for other persons until he secured enough to pay for his return east. Having had a taste of western life, he was dissatisfied with his New England home, and again returned to Illinois. In some way he was attracted to Milo township, Bureau county, and he there engaged with a farmer for ten dollars a inonth. His first month's wages were promptly paid, but on the expiration of the second month, his employer told him that he could not pay him. "Very well," said Mr. Leet, "Give me the amount due. I want my money to be earning something as well as my hands."
As a boy Mr. Leet showed none of that trait of character which so distinguished him in after life. In fact, his employer, Mr. Jones, who was his uncle, told him that he was a worthless fellow, and would never be able to earn his living. The incident re- lated above marked but the beginning of whatever afterwards was the ruling spirit of his life-the determination to accumulate and succeed in all his undertakings. When he was able to buy out Mr. Jones three or four times over, he took pleasure in calling his attention to his estimate of him so freely expressed.
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