USA > Illinois > Livingston County > The biographical record of Livingston County, Illinois > Part 2
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Returning to his home in Pontiac, Mr. Gaff resumed blacksmithing, at which he worked until the fall of 1866, when he was elected sheriff of the county for a term of two years, and the following two years served as deputy sheriff. having charge of the office for his successor. After clerking in a store for one year he again opened at blacksmith shop and built up an extensive business, furnishing employment to four men. During President Hayes' administra- tion he was appointed postmaster. having always been an active Republican and chair- man of the central committee during the Hayes campaign. Ile had previously filled the office of assessor for a number of terms. While serving as postmaster the postage on a letter was reduced from three to two cents. which naturally affected the revenue of the office. He was reappointed by President Arthur and for eight years devoted his time exclusively to the duties of his position. Later he spent a year and a half in Kansas, returning to Pontiac in 1890. He has served as constable four years, justice of the peace three years and deputy sheriff since 1891, having charge of the circuit court. His official duties have always been discharged in a prompt and able manner, which has won the commendation of all concerned.
Mr. Gaff is one of the oldest members of T. Tyle Dickey Post, No. 105, G. A. R .. and has served as its commander. He
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THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
is one of the oldest Masons belonging to Pontiac lodge. No. 204. F. & .A. M .. and is a member of Fairbury Chapter. R. A. M. For forty years he and his wife have held membership in the Meth- odist Episcopal church and during that entire time he has served as steward or in other official positions. He has also been class leader for some time and takes an active and prominent part in church work. Dur- ing the long years of his residence in Liv- ingston county he has been one of its most influential and popular citizens-a man hon- ored and respected wherever known.
GEORGE TORRANCE.
Whatever else may be said of the legal fraternity, it cannot be denied that mem- bers of the bar have been more important actors in public affairs than any other class of the American people. This is but the natural result of causes which are manifest and require no explanation. The ability and training which qualify one to practice law also qualify him in many respects for duties which lie outside the strict path of his profession and which touch the general interests of society. The subject of this record is a man who has brought his keen discrimination and thorough wisdom to bear not alone in professional paths, but also for the benefit of his fellow citizens and the community in which he lives. He is now most efficiently and satisfactorily serving as superintendent of the Illinois state reform- atory at Pontiac.
Mr. Torrance was born in Lancaster. Ohio. May 15. 1847, a son of David and Sarah ( Kerns) Torrance, both natives of
Pennsylvania, and the former of Scotch- Irish and the latter of German descent. The parents removed from their native state to Lancaster. Ohio, and in 1863 came to Illi- nois, locating in Danville, Vermilion county. where for some time the father engaged in business as a contractor and builder, being a carpenter by trade. He died in that city. While a resident of Ohio he took quite an interest in educational affairs, and always attended and supported the Presbyterian church, though not a member. His wife still survives him and continues to make her home in Pontiac.
During his boyhood George Torrance attended the common schools of his birth- place. He removed with the family to Dan- ville, Illinois, and there enlisted, in 1864, in Company E, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was with his command in Tennessee, Georgia and Ala- bama. lle remained in the service until the close of the war, being mustered out at Dalton, Georgia, and discharged at Camp Butler, Illinois. At the age of twenty years Mr. Torrance began his business ca- reer as clerk in a grocery store, and was later in the United States express office and a clothing store of Danville. He came to Chatsworth, this county, as a dry-goods clerk, and held that position for some time, after which he was employed as a commer- cial traveler. Ile served as justice of the peace and read law with the firm of Fosdick & Wallace, the latter being now Judge Wal- lace, of Pontiac. Later he studied for a time with .A. M. Wyman, and was admitted to practice by examination January 9. 1875. He was engaged in practice at Chatsworth until the spring of 1881. when he came to Pontiac. Here he began practice alone, but later was in partnership with R. S. Melll-
GEORGE TORRANCE.
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THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
duf. as a member of the firm of MeIllduf & Torrance, and when that was dissolved he was alone for some years. Subsequently he was engaged in practice with his son un- der the firm name of Torrance & Torrance. He would never accept criminal cases, but as a civil lawyer met with most excellent success in his chosen profession.
On the 9th of June, 1869, Mr. Torrance was united in marriage with Miss Eliza M. Fenn, of Chatsworth, a daughter of Elam P. Fenn, a farmer, from Connecticut, and to them have been born two children : Herbert E., now an attorney of Pontiac; and Grace Tren. The family attend the Presbyterian church, of which Mrs. Torrance is a men- ber.
As a Republican Mr. Torrance has taken an active and influential part in po- litical affairs, and has been chairman of the county committee. In the fall of 1880 he was elected to the state senate and served two terms of four years each with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. During this time he was one of the one hundred and three who helped to elect General Logan to the United States senate.
Mr. Torrence was appointed superin- tendent of the Illinois State Reformatory, March 1, 1897. Realizing that if it was to properly perform the work designed for it many changes must be made in its build- ings, schools, etc., he immediately began his labors along that line. This institution, with the great outlay of money necessary to its building, and the wants of fifteen hun- dred inmates to look after, including their schooling and discipline. would be a tax upon the strength of any man, but with this additional work has been a heavy burden, which he has borne with wonderful forti-
tude. Though critised and condemned at times, he has never faltered, but patiently awaited the time which he felt sure must come when his work would meet with pub- lie approval. It has now arrived and the discipline of the inmates, the success of its trade and common school work, and the beanty of the grounds are generally com- mended and the institution is recognized as among the most successful of its kind in the world. Mr. Torrance has been told that he expected to leave the institution as a monument to his work in this state, and if given time would place it in such a position that it could not be surpassed by any other in the near future. That he has succeeded is now conceded and his former critics are loud in his praise, and the doubting yet hope- ful friends jubilant over his success.
The discipline is excellent, yet without apparent severity. There seems to be a hope- ful, contented air permeating the whole in- stitution. and he has not elsewhere and prob- ably never will have better friends than can be found among the boys in his custody. They speak kindly of him, are very respect- ful to him and obey his requests or com- mands as cheerfully as if he was paying them salaries. One by one the former modes of punishment have been abolished until the shackle, hand-cuff, ball line. solitary, etc., are relegated to the things that were. Pa- rade and assembly grounds have been ar- ranged, fine lawns, cement walks and flower beds constructed, until the inner yard is a beautiful park, the admiration of all that see it. Great attention has been paid by him to the training of inmates in both in- strumental and vocal music until the insti- tution has one of the best bands in the state. A military organization has been perfected. and it is unsurpassed anywhere, outside of
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West Point. To instruct the ummates he has about twenty-two common and twenty- five trade schools, classes in ethics, Sunday school, chapel services, lectures, concerts and entertainments of various kinds.
With him the work is not performed for the salary alone; it has become a work into which he throws his entire energy and ability. A visit to the institution is very instructive and interesting. and hundreds inspect it every week, as many as fifteen hun- dred being conducted through it in one week last summer. In the handling of hun- dreds of thousands of dollars, the making and looking after many contracts with build- ers, machinists and plumbers, not one word of scandal has ever been heard, not a dif- ference ever existed but has been adjusted without discord. The same is true in re- gard to his officers: differences often exist. but under his direction they are harmonized or he takes hold with a firm hand and set- tles them beyond further controversy. One employe said: "I have worked at other institutions and found much trouble among the officers always existing. This one runs without friction." As an organizer and di- rector, he is unsurpassed. He possesses ex- ecutive ability of a high order, has had great experience in public matters, is an excellent lawyer, an extensive reader and possesses a brain that works rapidly. Probably no man in the state is required to promptly pass upon so many matters embracing all the lines of industry and education as he is, or that could do so with less deliberation.
For nearly six years Mr. Torrance has been officially connected with the high school of Pontiac, and was president of the board almost five years, during which time the school was opened and raised to its present high standing among similar institutions in
the state. Other official honors would have been conferred upon him had he not de- clined. refusing to allow his name to go far- ther on the party ticket. Upright. reliable and honorable, his strict adherence to prin- ciple commands the respect of all, and as a pleasant, affable gentleman he makes many friends.
JOHN K. OLESON.
John K. Oleson, who resides on section 8. Pontiac township. is one of the success- ful farmers of Livingston county. He is a native of Norway and was born June 20, 1831, just sixty-nine years from the day the notes for this sketch were taken. Hle grew to manhood on a farm in his native country and until about thirteen years old attended the parochial schools. He then had to begin making his own living and engaged in farm labor.
The life of a poor man in Norway is not one for envy, and the opportunity for advancement is not such as is afforded in the 'United States. Realizing this fact, Mr. Oleson determined to emigrate to this coun- try, and accordingly, in 1858, he took pas- sage in a sailing vessel, crossed the Atlantic. and landed in Quebec. From that city he came west to Chicago, and from there to La Salle county. Illinois, where he com- menced work on a farm by the month, and continued to be thus employed for several years, saving as much of his wages as possi- ble.
While yet living in La Salle county, Mr. Oleson was united in marriage with Miss Elsie Olson, by which union two children were born. Ole R., the eldest is now mar- ried and has one son. He is enageil in farm-
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ing in Livingston county. Emma is the wife of Ole Knudson and they have four sons.
In 1870 Mr. Oleson came to Livingston county and purchased a farm of eighty acres and also rented a place on which was an old log house. The place had formerly been worked, but when he obtained possession it had mostly grown up to grass and weeds and only about fifteen acres was fenced. Life in Livingston county was commenced under very discouraging circumstances, but he had grit and determination, and the un- sightly weeds soon disappeared and the land was placed under cultivation. A small house was first erected, which in due time, gave place to a larger and better one, and the area of the farm was increased until the farm now comprises two hundred and twenty acres, all of which is under cultivation and the land tilled and well drained throughout.
Politically Mr. Oleson is a Republican, with which party he has been identified since coming to this country. On his arrival the slavery question was being agitated and the country was almost in the midst of the throes of a revolution. Lincoln and Douglas were holding their great debate, and the young Norwegian naturally took his place on the side of those who were fighting for freedom. His first presidential vote was cast in 1864 for Abraham Lincoln, while his last was cast for William MeKinley. He was reared in the Lutheran faith and is yet a member of that church. His wife is also a member of the same church.
Mr. Oleson was a poor man when he came to the United States, and for several years he had a hard struggle to obtain a foothold, but he persevered, with the result that he now has one of the best improved farms in Pontiac township, within three miles of the county seat, and he can calmly
look the future in the face, knowing that he has sufficient to carry him through old age in comfort, if not in luxury. His forty-two years in this country have served to broaden his views and to make him progressive and thoroughly American in all things. All who know him have for him the utmost respect.
JOEL ALLEN, M. D.
Joel Allen, M. D., a prominent and suc- cessful physician of Pontiac. Illinois, is a native of this state, born on his father's farm in Jefferson county. November 13, 1827, and is a son of Abel and Prudence ( Wilkey) Allen, naties of Kentucky and Georgia. re- spectively. His paternal grand father, James Allen was born in Virginia, and when quite young moved to Kentucky, where he en- gaged in farming for some years, coming to Illinois about 1819. locating in Jefferson county, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying about 1830. The Doctor's father, who was a prosperous farmer, lived in his native state until about thirty-five years of age, when he came to Illinois and settled in Jefferson county, where he continued to fol- low his chosen occupation until his death, which occurred at his home March 29. 1869. at the age of seventy-four years. His wife survived him about six years and died on the old homestead in Jefferson county, June 3. 1875. For a quarter of a century she was a great invalid and for the last ten years of her life was also entirely helpless, requir- ing much care and attention. The Doctor has one brother in this county, Christopher Columbus Allen, a farmer of Pontiac town- ship.
Dr. Allen obtained his early education in the district schools of Jefferson county.
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and assisted his father with the farm work until twenty-two years of age. He had a great fondness for the study of medicine and for some time read with his uncle. Dr. Carter Wilkey, with a view of fitting himself for the medical profession.
On the 14th of November. 1849. Dr. Allen was united in marriage with Miss Martha Trowbridge, a daughter of Philo and Martha Trowbridge of Jefferson county, where her father was successfully engaged in farming until his death, about 1855. By this union were four children. all of whom are living, namely : Ilardin .A., born in Jei- ferson county, wedded Mary Kinnehan, of Livingston county, and is now a pavement and concrete walk contractor of Streator. Illinois ; Lydia A. is the wife of A. C. Scott. a prominent farmer of Eppard's Point town- ship. Livingston county : Laura is the wife of T. C. Taylor, a dealer in hardware and ag- ricultural implements of Pendleton Oregon ; and J. Brown married Lizzie Labourn and is a street car conductor of Denver, Colo- rado.
After his marriage Dr. Allen continued farming for some years in Jefferson county and then went to Lincoln, Logan county. where he was engaged in the manufacture of brick until the death of his wife, which occurred January 15. 1858. He then came to Livingston county and again took up farming, at the same time continuing his medical studies, being thus employed until the outbreak of the Civil war. He was again married. December 6, 1860, his second union being with Emily Tromly, by whom he had two children: Gertrude, born in La Salle county. August 23. 1861, resides at home. and Jessie P., born in this county, July 17. 1866, is the wife of Robert Harms, a farmer of Rock Island, Illinois.
In August, 1862, Dr. Allen enlisted at Minonk, Woodford county, in Company H. Seventy-seventh Ilinois Volunteer Infantry, as hospital steward and remained in the serv- ice three years, having charge of his regi- ment as physician and surgeon the last two years. He was serving as second assistant surgeon at the time he was mustered out with his regiment at Mobile, July 25, 1865. They participated in sixteen battles, the first Leing at Chickasaw Bluff, in the rear of Vicksburg, and for forty days was in the siege of Vicksburg. The following winter was passed in New Orleans and in the spring the command took Fort Gaines on Mobile Bay, also Spanish Fort and Fort Blakeley. . After the close of the war Dr. Allen re- turned to Livingston county. While in New Orleans he took a course of medical lectures and on his return, as a representative of the Eclectic School of Medicine, he commenced practice in this county, and was not long in securing a liberal patronage. In the fall of 1882 he moved to Graymont, where he en- gaged in practice and also conducted a drug store until coming to Pontiac, in October, 1888. He has his office at his handsome residence. No. 307 East North street, and although well advanced in years continues to engage in active practice.
For his third wife Dr. Allen married Mrs. Mary Hallam, of Livingston county, a daughter of James Carson, a farmer of this county, now deceased. She died in Pontiac, December 5. 1888, leaving no children. On the 12th of November. 1889. in Pontiac, the Doctor married Mrs. Addie E. Pound, oldest daughter of John S. and Eunice ( Packer ) Lee. The father, a native of Connecticut, and a blacksmith by trade. came to Illinois in 1857 and settled at Pleas- ant Ridge, near Lexington, where he fol-
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THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lowed his trade for two years, and then came to Pontiac. He now makes his home with the Doctor and his wife. Mrs. Lee having died at her home in Pontiac in 1896. They had three children besides Mrs. Allen, namely: Hattie, wife of Joseph Roggy, a farmer of Nebraska; Frank P., who is em- ployed in a pork packing establishment in Chicago, and Charles, agent on the Ilinois Central Railroad at Riverdale, Illinois.
Mrs. Allen was born in Connecticut, De- cember 24, 1850, and was seven years of age when she came to this state with her par- ents. She is a lady of refinement, highly educated, and after the death of her first husband she was, for a number of years, successfully engaged in teaching in the dis- triet schools of this county, and for a period of eight years in the public schools of Pon- tiac. Her first husband was Joseph Pound, a farmer living near McDowell, Livingston county, by whom she had two children, Mary and Alfred, both now deceased. The Doc- tor and Mrs. Allen have one child, Wayne Lee, who was born in Pontiac, May 10, 1892. In his political views Dr. Allen is a Republi- can, but has never sought or desired public office, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his professional duties. He is a member of the Methodist church of Pon- tiac, and is honored and respected by all who know him. Mrs. Allen is also a men- ber of the Methodist Episcopal church.
REV. E. F. WRIGHT.
Rev. E. F. Wright, who for six years has been the beloved pastor of the Congre- gational church at Dwight, Illinois, was born July 21, 1842, in Shoreham, Vermont,
adjoining Whiting, where Senator Sawyer was born. His paternal grandfather was Andrew Wright, a native of Connecticut, and a soldier of the Revolutionary war, who after that struggle migrated to Shoreham, Vermont, and took up a large tract of land. He was married twice and reared a large family. The youngest of his children by the second marriage was Samuel Wright, our subject's father, who in early life followed the sea, sailing first on a whaling vessel and later on a merchantman. . After giving up the sea he made his home in Vermont for some time, but spent the last three years of his life in Jackson county, Michigan, where he died when our subject was only four years old. Ile was twice married, but his first wife died young, leaving no children. His second wife was Minerva Knowlton, a native of New York state, by whom he had three children, namely: E. F., our subject; Florence, wife of C. W. Platt, of North Adams, Massachusetts; and Charles T., a resident of Crow Point, New York. The mother survived her husband many years, dying in Rutland, Vermont.
Our subject was reared by his father's sister and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Lu- cius Robison, and his early education was acquired in the district schools of Vermont, which he attended during the winter months. Hle was eighteen years of age when the civil war broke out and was one of the first from his state to enlist, joining Company K, Sec- und Vermont Volunteer Infantry, May 17, 1861. He was mustered into the United States service at Burlington, and in June went to the front, participating in his first battle-that of Bull Run-on the nineteenth anniversary of his birth, July 21, 1861. His regiment was in the Peninsular campaign, the siege of Yorktown, the battles of Lee's
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THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mills and Williamstown, and the seven days' battle in front of Richmond. He was ill and off duty from August, 1862, until Jan- uary, 1863. and after rejoining his command took part in the battle of Chancellorsville. The regiment gained distinction the follow- ing day by making a famous charge on St. Mary's Height, and later participated in the battle of the Wilderness, where they lost three hundred and thirty-six men. The brigade of which Mr. Wright was a mem- ber probably lost more than any other in the service. He was mustered out June 29. 1864, and returned home.
Previous to leaving the army Mr. Wright was converted, and soon after his return home entered the academy at Barry, Ver- mont. where he spent two years. The fol- lowing year he was a student at Newbury, Vermont, and in the summer of 1866 en- tered Middlebury College, from which he was graduated in 1870, with the degree of .A. B., receiving the degree of A. M. three years later. In the autumn of 1870 he com- menced teaching in the academy, where he remained two years, and in 1872 was called to the pastorate of the Congregational church at Danby, Vermont, where he was ordained and installed in 1873.
On the HIth of November, 1871, Mr. Wright married Mrs. Ellen M. Marsh, of Norwich, Vermont, who died July 4. 1874. leaving one son. Robert Hopkins, who is now married and in the employ of the Illi- nois Central Railroad at Dubuque, lowa. After the death of his wife, Mr. Wright en- tered the Chicago Theological Seminary, from which he was graduated in 1876. While attending that institution he had served as pastor of the Congregational church at Des Plaines, Illinois, and later was in charge of the church at Seward. Winnebago county,
eight years ; Rockton three years, and Crys- tal Lake. Illinois, for a time. From the last named place he came to Dwight, where he has now been for the past six years, during which time he has built up the church and has ministered faithfully to the spiritual needs of his people. He is not only well liked by his own congregation, but is hon- ored and esteemed by all who have wit- nessed his devotion to his noble calling.
Mr. Wright was again married, Septem- ber 7, 1876, his second union being with Miss M. S. Stone, of Pecatonica, Winne- bago county, Illinois, by whom he has two children, namely : Florence, who is now bookkeeper and stenographer for the Dwight Star and Herald; and Clarence. Both re- side at home.
ARCHIE CRABB.
The carly home of this well-known and honored citizen of Pike township was on the other side of the Atlantic. and on com- ing to the new world he was in limited cir- cumstances, but so successful has he been in his business undertakings that he is now able to lay aside all labor and live a retired life upon his farm on section 4, Pike town- ship. Livingston county, about eight miles from Chenoa.
Mr. Crabb was born in Arbroath, For- farshire, Scotland, June 18, 1833, a son of James and Cecelia ( Monroe) Crabb, also natives of that county, where the mother (lied. The father, who followed the sea in early life, came to the United States after the death of his wife and spent his last years with a daughter in Illinois. During his boyhood and youth our subject had limited
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