USA > Illinois > Henry County > The biographical record of Henry County, Illinois > Part 61
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72
Renting another farm, Mr. Allerton be- gan its cultivation, and at the end of three years had saved up thirty-two hundred dol- lars. He then went to Newark, where he worked with his brothers on their farm, and traded in a small way in live stock, in Wayne county. On his return from Albany and New York, where he had gone with some stock, he said to his brother Henry: "I be- lieve I know as much as the dealers I met, and as we now have the farm paid for and three thousand dollars in money, I will set- tle with you, you taking the farm, and I tak-
606
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ing the money." His brother replied: "If business. Selling goods, however, was not you continue as you are, in a few years you agreeable to him, as he desired to deal on a larger scale. will own the best farm in this country ; but it you wish to try the live stock trade, all right. We will settle on this basis. This is all the advice I have to give you. You will run across smart and tricky men, but they always die poor. Make a name and character for yourself, and you are sure to win."
The first hundred cattle Samuel bought after dissolving partnership with his brother, he sold in New York at a loss of seven hun- dred dollars. This made him sick, but calling on an elderly uncle who had made a success in life, he was told by his uncle, "My boy, you are pretty sick, but don't lose your cour- age. I never found but one dead sure thing, and that was hoeing corn at fifty cents a day. If you make money, you must some- times lose it. Try it over."
About this time women had burned a number of bridges on the Erie railroad be- cause the trains would not stop for dinner. Going to Erie, Mr. Allerton purchased one hundred head of cattle which he shipped to to New York over the Erie railroad, and which on account of the burned bridges had to be unloaded and driven to Dunkirk, where they were re-shipped. On his arrival he found the market short on cattle, and his venture netted him three thousand dollars, which gave him new courage. He then drifted west and for one year fed and raised cattle in Fulton county, Illinois. The finan- cial panic which swept over the country at this time wiped out about all the capital hie had, and becoming ill, he concluded that he could not stand the western climate. Re- turning cast, he bought an interest in a store with his brother in Newark, New York, and for a short time engaged in the mercantile
While residing in Illinois, he had met a (laughter of Astor C. Thompson, of Fulton county, that state. Having regained his health, he sold his interest in the store, and gathering together what money he had left, and borrowing five thousand dollars, he again came west, the young lady in Fulton county being the principal attraction. On his arrival there he traded a little, but in March, 1860, he went to Chicago, which has since continued to be his home. On the Ist of July, 1860, he was united in marriage with Miss Pamilla M. Thompson, at Peoria, Illinois, and with his young bride returned to Chicago, "where the world turned around every twenty-four hours," and which was the proper place in which to trade.
On coming to Chicago, Mr. Allerton commenced to buy and sell live stock in a small way, there being then no general mar- ket in the city, except for a short time dur- ing the winter. Shippers generally took their live stock to the eastern markets. About this time there was a decided break in the Chicago market, and Mr. Allerton desired to buy, but having formed no connection with any bank here, the question was how to get money. Among his few acquaintances in Chicago was a man by the name of Tobey, whom he asked to take him to a bank and identify him. Mr. Tobey was willing to do this, but he said that he could not guarantee anything. He was assured by Mr. Allerton that he only wished to be identified, and that he would arrange the balance. He was taken to the bank of George Smith, and on being introduced, said to Mr. Willard, "If I will pay for three telegrams, one to Hal- stead, Chamberlain & Co., asking if they will
607
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
pay my draft ; one to your own correspond- ent, to ascertain if Halstead. Chamberlain & Co. are all right : and one to my own bank to assure you that I am all right, can I come down to-morrow and sell you a sight draft?" He replied "Yes." Mr. Allerton went back to the stock yards and bought all the hogs in the market, and went down with a draft for eighty thousand dollars, asking Mr. Will- ard if he had received replies to his telegrams. ilis answer was that he had, and that the replies were favorable. Mr. Allerton handed him the draft, and was told that they could not discount so large a draft on telegrams, and that he had supposed that he would not want more than five thousand dollars. Mr. Allerton said, "You know Mr. Tobey, and you certainly do not think that he would in- troduce a thief to you."
Mr. Willard, however, would not dis- count the draft, and Mr. Allerton found him- self in a position where he must have money, but what to do he did not know. Leaving the bank, he accidentally met a man from Syracuse, New York, and asked him if he was acquainted with any banks in Chicago, and was told that he knew Aikens & Norton. He was taken to them and introduced. Mr. Aiken looked over the telegrams and signi- fied his willingness to comply with Mr. Aller- ton's request, but that he would have to charge one per cent. for the use of the money. In this way Mr. Allerton became a customer of Aikens & Norton. The Civil war broke out and the nation needed money. Con- gress passed the National Bank Act, issuing bonds to secure the circulation. This was regarded by Mr. Allerton as a step in the right direction toward a national currency, as the nation had never had anything but "red dog" and "bob-tailed" currency. To start a national bank would aid the govern- ment and give the people an uniform cur-
rency, but for some reason the people seemed slow to start National banks. Mr. Allerton asked Mr. Aikens why he did not start one, and was answered, "because he feared he could not get the stock taken." Mr. Allerton said that he, with five other men, would take ten thousand dollars each. In this way the First National Bank of Chicago, one of the strongest financial institutions in the coun- try, was started.
By his union with Pamilla W. Thomp- son: two children were born. Kate Ben- nett, born June 10, 1863, married Dr. Fran- cis Sydney Papin, October 14, 1885, and after his death she married Hugo R. John- son. Robert Henry, born March 20, 1873. The mother of these children died, and Mr. Allerton later married her sister, Agnes C. Thompson, the marriage ceremony being solemnized March 15, 1882. They now reside in a beautiful home on Prairie ave- nue, Chicago.
Mr. Allerton has been a very successful business man and is well known throughout the state and nation. He wrote the first letter published in the Chicago Tribune in favor of organizing the Union Stock Yards, so as to bring all buyers and sellers together, which has made it the greatest live stock market in the world, and also made Chicago a money center. He always had the desire t, own a farm, when he succeeded in ac- cumulating enough money. His desire has certainly been gratified, and he is to-day one of the largest farmers in the country who cultivates his own land, cultivating about forty thousand acres in the very best man- ner. He is said to have a hobby for pur- chasing poorly productive lands, and by cul- tivation "makes them blossom as a rose." He has large interests in ranches and gold mines, and has lands in Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania
608
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and New York, and has always been inter- ested in the live stock trade, and continues to ship live stock to New York and England.
Mr. Allerton received his early political education from Henry Clay and Horace Greeley, and has always been a strong be- liever in a protective tariff and free schools. He remembers that in the campaign of 1844, when Henry Clay was a candidate for the presidency, the issue was, "Shall we put a tariff on iron and inaugurate free schools?" The Democrats said that "a tariff would build up home monopolies and free schools would be a burden and a tax on the people." Clay replied. "Give the people free schools wn as to increase their intelligence, their energy and industry, and home competition would reduce the price of iron." It was then one hundred dollars a ton. Remember- ing the words of Henry Clay, and believing the free school system has made this great nation. Mr. Allerton, by giving the land. jja- had school houses built on each of his farms. Since the organization of the party, he has been a stalwart Republican and has been mentioned and his election advocated In some of the best newspapers and best citizens of the state for the high office of I'nited States Senator. That he would linor the office and the people of the state, goes without question. He once ran for mayor of Chicago in the interest of civil ser- Vice, with no pledges to any one. His desire geo- To give the city an honest, clean adminis- Lowon. The office would have been no honor to Juh but he would have honored the office. Li was his intention to employ the best engin- etre in the country to settle the vexed ques- topof engineering, and in all departments woi the city government to put the right man In the right place, irrespective of politics. Hos rried the north division of the city, and
the other intelligent wards, but was beaten by a sharp political trick of his opponent.
Mr. Allerton believes that all men should try to lead a successful life. This he owes to himself, his friends and his people. He believes that young men to-day have a better opportunities for advancement than when he was a boy, and that they have better teachers and better schools. Labor is higher and the necessities of life are cheaper, and therefore the opportunities are much greater for suc- cess. His life is certainly an object lesson for the young men of to-day, and he certainly deserves all the honor which he receives.
MILTON TRICKLE. 1
This worthy citizen of Atkinson town- ship, whose home is on section 27, was one of the boys in blue who fought so valiantly for the preservation of the Union during the dark days of the Rebellion. A native of Illi- nois, he was born in Stark county, June II. 1839. and throughout life has been actively identified with the interests of this section of the state, his name being inseparably con- nected with agricultural affairs.
Edward Trickle, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Anne Arundel county, Maryland, June 12, 1807. and belonged to an old and honored family of that state which was of Scotch origin. About 1812 the grandfather, Christopher Trickle, removed with his family to Ohio, where he died, his remains being interred in a fort with the soldiers. Edward Trickle grew to manhood in Ashland county, Ohio, and there married Rebecca Miller, a native of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania. Her father was also a pioneer of Ashland county, Ohio.
609
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In 1836 the family came to Illinois, and remained on Spoon river in Peoria county, one winter, where the father made a living by hunting. In 1838 he located on the prairie in Stark county, where from a tract of wild land he developed a good farm. He became the owner of a large amount of land in different places, aggregating about eight hundred acres. He had quarter-sections on sections 27, 28, 33 and 34, Atkinson town- ship, Henry county, including two hundred acres of land where our subject now resides. He continued his residence in Stark county, however, throughout life, and died on the old homestead May 20, 1897, when nearly ninety years of age. His wife departed this life in December, 1889. In the family of this worthy couple were four sons and five daughters, all of whom reached man and womanhood, and with the exception of one daughter and one son all still survive.
On the old homestead in Stark county Milton Trickle passed the days of his boy- hood and youth in much the manner of farmer boys in a frontier settlement, aiding in the arduous task of transforming the wild land into rich and productive fields, while he attended the common schools of the neigh- borhood. His early education was supple- mented by one winter's attendance at the seminary in Toulon. Feeling that his coun- try needed his services, he enlisted in 1862, in Company F, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which was as- signed to the Army of the Ohio, and later transferred to the Army of the Tennessee, un- der command of General Sherman. His com. pany was commanded by Captain Hender- son, who later became colonel of the regi- ment. Mr. Trickle participated in the battles of Philadelphia, Tennessee, and Campbell's Station, the siege of Knoxville, and the
engagements at Bean Station, Kelley's Ford and Fair Garden, besides many skirmishes Later he was in the battle of Buzzard's Roost, and then joined Sherman's command in the Atlanta campaign. He took part in the severe battle at Resaca, Georgia, and was under fire almost every day for some time. For a few weeks he was confined ilt the hospital on account of illness, and on his recovery rejoined his regiment in North Carolina, and under command of General Schofield went to Greensboro, that state, where the regiment remained until the close of the war. There Mr. Trickle was mustercd out, and was honorably discharged at Chi- cago, June 22, 1865.
Returning to Stark county, he lived with his father until his marriage. March 11, 1866, when Miss Druzilla Shivvers became his wife. She was born and reared in Ohio, and is a daughter of Hopkin Shivvers. To our subject and his wife were born four children, namely: Ruby G. is the wife of George Taylor, of Toulon, by whom she has one child, Norris; Jean Edward, who took a three years' course at the naval academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and is now serving as assistant postmaster of Easton, Maryland, is married and has a daughter, Aneta; Florence E. is at home with her parents; and Onaway Earl is a telegraph operator in Nebraska.
Soon after his marriage Mr. Trickle lo- cated upon his present farm, and at once began its improvement and cultivation. He has erected thereon a good set of farm build- ings, including a very comfortable residence. His fine farm consists of two hundred acres adjoining the corporate limits of the village of Atkinson and is one of the most desirable places of its size in the township. He con- tinued to actively engage in farming and
610
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
stock raising until 1895, when he rented his land and has since lived retired, though he still lives upon his farm and attends to keep- ing the things about the place.
Since casting his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, Mr. Trickle has affiliated with the Republican party, but has never cared for political honors. He has, however, efficiently served as road commis- sioner, school trustee and school director, and has been a delegate to county and con- gressional conventions of his party. He is an honored member of the Grand Army post at Annawan, and at one time held mem- bership with the Modern Woodmen of America. Having been a resident of this section of the state for over sixty-one years. Mr. Trickle has seen almost its entire de- velopment. He well remembers when large herds of deer were often seen, and other wild game was plenty : when there were no rail- roads, telegraphs or telephones; and when nearly all the land was still in its primitive condition. In the work of development and progress he has ever borne his part, and is accounted one of the most useful and valued citizens of his community.
HON. THOMAS NOWERS.
Probably no man in Henry county is more widely known or occupies a more prom- inent position in business circles than Hon. Thomas Nowers, chairman of the county board of supervisors and president of the Bank of Atkinson. - A native of New York, lic was born in Oneida county, February 12. 1834, and is a son of Thomas and De- cima (Foster ) Nowers, both of whom were pat ves of England, though they were mar- not of New York state.
In early life the father learned the dry- goods business, which he followed contin- uously until his emigration to America, re- ceiving no holidays. It was in 1830 that he crossed the Atlantic on a sailing vessel, landing in New York after ten weeks spent upon the water. After a short time spent in that city he went to Oneida county, where lie engaged in farming and also operated a sawmill, shipping his products to Albany by canal boat. Coming west in 1849. he first located in Mercer county, Illinois, which was then but sparsely settled, and there he followed farming for two years. He next conducted a tavern in Moline for the same length of time, it being known as the Moline House. The old building is still standing. Mr. Nowers made his home in that city un- til coming to Henry county in 1856, when he located on a farm a mile and a half east of where the village of Atkinson now stands, and there engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1862. He then removed to the village and turned his attention to the grain, lum- ber and mercantile business, which he con- tinued to carry on until his retirement from active business on the Ist of January, 1866. He was every ready to aid any worthy enter- prise for the good of his community, and the poor and needy always found in him a friend. For several years he efficiently served as supervisor of Atkinson township, and held the office of highway commissioner for fifteen years. He was born in Kent county. England, August 24. 1805, and died May 26, 1888, while his wife was born October 26, 1807. and died March 22. 1875.
Unto this worthy couple were born nine children, of whom two died in infancy, the others being as follows: Thomas is the old- est of the family. John F. is engaged in business as a partner of our subject. Will-
611
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
iam first married Helen Scott and after her cieath wedded Elizabeth Roberts and is en- gaged in farming in Atkinson township. Elizabeth is the wife of H. L. Lyon, who is engaged in general mercantile and lumber business in Atkinson, occupying the store built by our subject and his brother in the fall of 1865. Mary is the wife of Richard Walters and a resident of Atkinson. Louisa is the wife of William A. Mussey, a grain (lealer of Atkinson. James was formerly en- gaged in farming in Cornwall township, but is now living retired in Atkinson.
The subject of this sketch received but a limited education in the district schools of Vienna, Oneida county, New York, but has gained a good practical knowledge by read- ing and observation in later years. At the age of fifteen he began his business career as a farm laborer, and after coming to Illi- nois aided his father in the cultivation of his farm in Mercer county. While a resi- dent of Moline he had charge of the livery stable which his father conducted in con- nection with his tavern. In 1856 he rented a farm with his father in Atkinson township. this county, but after spending one summer here he returned to Moline in the fall and accepted a position as traveling collector for a manufacturer, his territory covering twen- ty-six counties in lowa. Three days was the longest he was out of the saddle for six months, doing all his traveling on horse- back. He remained in that employ for one year, and would often be on the road for three or four weeks at a time, carrying all the currency collected by him on his per- son. Later he was with the McCormick Reaper Company as agent and canvassed Henry, Mercer and Rock Island counties. Illinois. After three years spent with that firm he was taken into the office, where as
accountant and bookkeeper he remained the same length of time.
Returning to Atkinson in 1863. Mr. Nowers entered into business with his fa- ther, remaining with him until the latter's retirement, when his brother, John F., and brother-in-law. H. L. Lyon, purchased the father's interest. Business was conducted under the firm name of Nowers Brothers when our subject and his brother sold out to Lyon & Ransom, who still carry on the store. In connection with general mercan- tile business the brothers had also engaged in the implement and lumber business, and have conducted a general banking business since the Ist of April, 1881. As dealers in live stock they have done an extensive business since 1864 and have shipped as high as one hundred and fifty carloads a year and now average seventy-five carloads. Our subject was one of the organizers of the Farmers National Bank of Geneseo, of which he was a director for ten years. Be- sides his property in Atkinson he owns a farm of eighty acres adjoining the village, and also owns another eighty-acre tract else- where in Atkinson township.
In his political affiliations he is a stanch Republican and has taken a very prominent part in public affairs. Soon after attaining. his majority he was elected township clerk in Rock Island county, and in 1866 was elected supervisor of Atkinson township, this county, which office he has now most creditably filled for twenty-five years. He was a member of the building committee when the court house was erected, and as chairman of the board he appointed the committee to erect the soldiers' monument at Cambridge, which was completed at a cost .of eight thousand dollars and is a credit to the county. He was chairman of the finance
612
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
committee for a number of years, and for the past five years has been chairman of the board. He has been a delegate to state and county conventions of his party, and in 1883 was elected to the state legislature. So ac- ceptably did he fill that position that he was re-elected in 1885, and while a member of the assembly he served on the following committees : township and county organiza- tions, banking, claims and militia. One year he was a member of the committee on state charitable institutions and took a very active part in its work. During that time about five hundred thousand dollars were expended on enterprises. He was one of the five mem- bers of the house who had in charge the bill, which was afterward taken up by Gov- ernor Fifer, then in the senate and two other senators, appropriating four hundred thou- sand dollars for the erection of the insane hospital at Kankakee, which is to-day one of the best institutions in the state. While in the legislature Mr. Nowers took an active part in the passage of the high license bill, and was also instrumental in passing the general election law now in force. His pub- lic and his private life are alike above re- proach, for his career has ever been one characterized by the utmost fidelity to duty. and he receives and merits the high regard of the entire community.
PAUL L. JOHNSON.
Prominent among the successful busi- uus men of Bishop Hill is this well-known hardware merchant, who was born at that place, June 22, 1861, and is a son of John B. Johnson, one of the colonists, who set- tled here in 1850 after a long and tedious journey of three months' duration. The father was a native of Sweden and there he
was first married, but his wife and five children died while on their way to join the colony at Bishop Hill. The only sur- viving child was Catherine, who married Jonas Olson, who died November 18, 1898, aged ninety-six. She resides in Bishop Hill. On his arrival here Mr. Johnson fol- lowed his trade of wagon making until the colony disbanded in 1860, when he com- menced farming upon the land which fell to his lot, and to which he added until at the time of his death he owned a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres in Weller township, which was improved by him. He was a man of powerful build and was recog- nized as the giant of the colony. Religiously he was of the Second Adventist faith, and politically was a Republican. He was in- terested in maintaining good schools in his district, and efficiently served as school di- rector. After an active, busy and useful life he passed away in 1891, at the age of seventy-seven years, honored and respected by all who knew him. In the colony he married Miss Britta Jonsdotter, who was also born in Sweden, in 1827, and came with the colonists to this country in 1850. By this union were born three sons and six daughters, of whom one daughter died in infancy. The others are John E., a farmer ofWeller township; Olof W., who lives on the old home place in the same township; Paul L., our subject ; Matilda, wife of John Nordstrom of Weller township; Olive M. who lives on the home farm with her mother and brother; Pauline, wife of Jonas Ber- gren, of Weller township; Emma C., wife of Jonas Linfors of the same township; and Lottie B., wife of Peter G. Gergien, of Weler township.
During boyhood Paul L. Johnson at- tended the common school near his home,
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.