USA > Illinois > Livingston County > The biographical record of Livingston County, Illinois > Part 21
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Mr. Balmer was born in Switzerland, Oc- tober 31, 1829, and came to America with his father, Christian Balmer, in 1840, 10- cating first in Hancock county, Ohio, near the present city of Findlay, where the father bought land. With the assistance of his sons he cleared and improved his place, trans- forming it into a good farm. There he died about 1853.
Our subject attended the public schools of his native land, but his knowledge of Eng- lish has been acquired through his own ef- forts since coming to the new world, at the age of eleven years. He aided his father in the arduous task of clearing the home farm, and remained with him until grown. It was
Illinois, and the following year he purchased the farm where he now resides, consisting of one hundred and thirty-seven acres, which he bought in partnership with his brother-in- law, but since 1861 he has been sole owner of the place. As an agriculturist he has steadily prospered, and has added to his landed possessions from time to time until he is now the owner of eleven hundred acres of valuable land in this county, besides his investments in Nebraska and Kansas. In connection with general farming he has en- gaged extensively in the raising and feeding of cattle for market.
In the fall of 1854, Mr. Balmer drove back to Ohio, and was there married to Miss Nancy Adkins, a native of Pickaway county, that state, and a daughter of David Adkins. By this union four children have been born, namely: Melissa is now the wife of Allen Scott, of Joplin, Missouri, and they have two children, John and Pearl: J. P., who assists in the operation of the home farm, married Anna Belle Blair, and they have two children living, Everet and Angie, two having died: Leonard S. is at home, and Anna is the wife of Madison Phipps, a farmer of this county, and they have one child. Jesse R.
In his political views Mr. Balmer is a stanch Republican, but at local elections he endeavors to support the best man, regard- less of part affiliations. He has never cared for public office. preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his extensive business interests. Socially he is a mem- ber of the Odd Fellows society at Pontiac. and has filled all the chairs, being at present past grand of his lodge. For almost a half- century he has made his home in Livingston county, and has bore his part in its develop-
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ment during that period. He has seen the swamps drained, and a large tract of what at first appeared to be waste land trans- formed into rich and fertile fields. The career of Mr. Balmer seems almost phe- nomenal, yet his success is by no means the result of fortunate circumstances. It has come to him through energy, labor and per- severance, directed by an evenly balanced mind and honorable business principles. He has always made the most of his opportuni- ties,and his successful life excites the admira- tion of all.
WILLIAM ARMITAGE.
William Armitage, deceased, was born in Tipperary, Ireland, on the 13th of Decem- ber. 1826, and when twenty-two years of age came to the United States with his father, Richard Armitage, who settled in Wayne county, New York, where he died at an ad- vanced age. Our subject located in Roch- ester, New York, where he engaged in the manufacture of brick for a short time, and in 1865 came to Illinois, settling near Odell, Livingston county, where he engaged in farming for a few years and then established himself in the brick and tile business in Odell, in which line he was engaged for over twenty years. He commenced life as a poor boy, but by his industry, perseverance and upright dealing with all with whom he came in business contact, he soon became a thrifty business man, and one who had the respect of all his fellow citizens.
When Mr. Armitage first settled in Odell there was no church or cemetery in the place, and he helped build the first church and was always a large contributor to its support. His business constantly increased under his
able management until it became one of the leading industries of that part of the coun- try, furnishing employment to a large num- ber of men and turning out a product all knew as excellent. Later he sold the tile and brick business to Trecker Brothers and moved to Iowa, but after spending two years in that state he returned to Odell, where he miade his home until the fall of 1899 and then came to Pontiac to live quietly after the labors of a well-spent life, during which he had prospered. He had surrounded him- self by all the comforts of life and was en- joying the rest which comes to the faith- ful worker, when he was called to that long and peaceful rest, February 25, 1900, after an illness of only a few days, leaving a widow and four children to mourn the de- parture of a devoted husband and a kind and indulgent father.
Mr. Armitage was married, in Tyre. New York, in 1854, to Miss Ann M. Thorp, a daughter of Munson and Ann Eliza (Ar- mitage) Thorp. Her father was a native of New Hampshire, but at an early age moved to New York and located in Onon- ciaga county, where as a mechanic he spent over sixty years of his life, dying there at the age of eighty-seven. His wife died in Wayne county, the same state, when Mrs. Armitage was only four years of age. Mrs. Armitage has only a brother living, Rev. Wallace W. Thorp, a Presbyterian minister of Poughkeepsie, New York.
To our subject and his wife were born eight children, three of whom died in New York state and one in Odell, this county. The living are as follows: (1) Clara Belle is the wife of Alfred Burns, a farmer of this county, and they have two daughters : Ruth A. and Charlotte. (2) Wesley L., of Odell, married Edith Bockman, and they have three
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children, William S., Lucile and Floyd B. son of John and Ellen Sullivan. The fa- (3) Elton C., an attorney of Chicago. mar- ried Alice McConnell, and they have one child, Edna. (4) Lillian F. is the wife of S. N. Donahue, who has a large restaurant and bakery in Pontiac.
Mr. Armitage was converted and united with the Methodist Episcopal church at the age of twenty-three years. He was soon elected superintendent of the Sunday school, and was also a class leader. A devoted Christian, an upright citizen and business man, he was always found on the right side of every moral issue, and was strictly tem- perate and a faithful worker in the temper- ance movement, and was a constant reader of the best literature, having a well-stocked library. While devoted to his business and the accumulation of property, he found time to gratify his fondness for field sports with rod and gun. In politics he was a Republi- can, but took no active part in political mat- ters, yet was always interested in all public affairs that tended to advance the wlfare of the community in which he lived. Mrs. Ar- mitage laid the remains of her beloed hus- band to rest in the cemetery at Odell, where so many years of their happy life had been passed, near the church he had helped to build, and of which he had been such a de- voted member and constant attendant. Mrs. AArmitage has bought a large, pleasant home on East North street, Pontiac, where she expects to spend her remaining years be- loved and respected by all who know her.
JOHN FRANCIS SULLIVAN.
John Francis Sullivan, a well known and prominent druggist, of Chatsworth, was born in Peoria, Illinois, March 10, 1868. a
ther, who was born in county Cork, Ireland, came to America in 1862, and after spend- ing five years in New York City, became a resident of Peoria, Illinois, where for two years he was employed as section foreman on the Toledo, Peoria & Wabash Railroad. Ilis wife died in 1873, leaving three chil- dren : Mary Ellen, who died in Sciota, Illi- nois, in 1893: Julia, a resident of New York City, and John F., our subject. Shortly before the death of his wife Mr. Sullivan moved to Sciota, MeDonough county, Illi- nois, where he made his home for twenty- five years, being in the employ of the rail- road as section foreman nearly all of that time. He owned a farm, which he improved and operated for about two years. He is now a resident of Chatsworth and is still in the employ of the railroad, having been connected with section work for thirty-one years. For his second wife he wedded Mary Lavery, by whom he has four chidren : Cornelius, who is married and lives in Ma- comb, Illinois; Sarah, Annie and Elizabeth, all at home with their parents.
Our subject received his education in the public schools of Sciota and at the Macomb Normal School. He remained at home with his father until sixteen years of age. and then entered the Chicago College of Pharmacy, where he took a two-years course and was graduated in 1884. He found em- ployment as prescription clerk in different drug stores of Chicago for nine years, and in 1893 came to Chatsworth, where there appeared to be a good opening and purchased the old established business of H. M. Bangs. Since the store came into his possession he has increased the stock to double the amount, and the volume of business is several times what it was. He carries a complete line of
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drugs. druggists' sundries, wall paper, paints. vils, etc., and is meeting with well deserved success.
Mr. Sullivan was married. Tune 28, 1895. to Miss Mary Eva Smith, a native of Chats- worth, and the oldest daughter of James .A. Smith. They have one son, Richard Francis, born June 19. 1896. In his po- litical affiliations Mr. Sullivan is a Repub- lican, but has never accepted office. though he has been tendered public position, pre- ferring to give his entire time and attention to his business interests. He is a communi- cant of the Catholic church, and a member of the Modern Woodmen Camp. No. 1829. of Chatsworth.
NELSON BUCK.
Nelson Buck. deceased. was a well known citizen of Pontiac from 1850 to 1869. He was born in Chemung county, New York. April 10. 1808, and was a son of Aholiab and Annis ( Drake ) Buck, natives of Chemung county, New York, but who at a very early day came west and located in Peoria county, Illinois. On his rem wal to Illinois, on the present site of the city of Peoria there was only a block house and the place was known as Fort Clark. Aholiab Buck took up a tract of land from the gen- eral government about eleven miles from the present city, which he improved and on which he resided until his death. His wife. who was a member of the Presbyterian church, survived him for some years, dying in 1860. at the age of nearly eighty-three years. She was a daughter of Benjamin Drake. a native of one of the eastern states.
Nelson Buck grew to manhood in his native county and there received a good
literary and musical education, being for some years a teacher of vocal music. He first married Miss Fidelia Withey, of Port Byron. New York, and they made their home in that place until her death. With his father's family he then came west to Peoria county, and later married M'ss Annis Knapp. daughter of James and Margaret ( Drake) Knapp, also eastern people from near Homer, New York. She was born in 1812.
After his arrival in Peoria county Mr. Buck learned surveying and followed the occupation of a surveyor during the re- mainder of his residence in that county, do- ing much of the early survey work, and being a careful and methodical man the cor- rectness of his lines was seldom questioned. He continued to reside in Peoria county until about 1840, when he moved with his family to Bloomington, McLean county. where he continued to follow his chosen occupation. He also established one of the first nurseries in that vicinity, in which line of business he was quite successful. While residing in Bloomington, in 1844. his wife (lied. leaving five children. Clarissa died. a young. lady. in 1854. in Pontiac. Willard P. was a member of the Forty-seventh Illi- nois Volunteer Infantry during the Civil war, and faithfully served his country in that terrible struggle for the preservation of the Union. He is now a resident of Grand Rapids. Michigan, Cordelia is now the widow of Charles Watson and resides in Pontiac. Alice and Edwin died young.
Mr. Buck lived in Bloomington and con- tinued his business there until his marriage. in 1850. with Mrs. Maria Fellows, of Pon- tiac. when he removed to the latter city and took charge of her estate, which consisted of a farm, hotel and many town lots and
NELSON BUCK.
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undivided real estate in that place. By his sound business judgment he put the estate into good shape and which later realized a handsome return. He never would permit a bar to be run in connection with the hotel, but run it on strict temperance principles. It burned down July 9. 1856.
Mr. Buck's skill as a surveyor secured him the appointment as government sur- veyor in 1869, and he was sent to resurvey the line between Kansas and Nebraska. He left Plattsmouth, Nebraska, July 5. 1869, and was last heard from at Fort Kearney, from which place he started for Fort Mc- Pherson, but never reached the latter place. being killed by the Indians while en route.
In the various places where he made his home. Mr. Buck became somewhat promi- nent in business, social and musical circles. He was one of the early trustees of the vil- lage of Pontiac, before the present thriving place put on city airs. He took an active part in the prosecution of every movement for the improvement of the village, and much credit is due him for its substantial growth just prior to and after the close of the Civil war.
Mr. Buck never lost his interest in mu- sical affairs and while residing in Bloom- ington he was one of the most prominent musicians of the place. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, connected with its choir and early introduced a violin as a help to the musical exercises of its services, much to the horror of some of the good. staid old members of the church, a few of whoni arose and walked out of the church. On his removal to Pontiac he became prom- inent in musical circles here, as well as lead- er of the choir in the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Few men in Livingston county were bet- ter known or held in higher esteem than Nelson Buck, and his untimely death was mourned not alone by his immediate family but the entire community as well.
WILLIAM ROOK.
William Rook, a thrifty and prosperous farmer residing on section 26. Forrest towu- ship. Livingston county, Illinois, was born October 20, 1821, in Lincolnshire, England, where his parents. Thomas and Mary ( Sut- ton) Rook, spent their entire lives. The father was a prosperous farmer, was a hard working. industrious man, and highly re- spected by all who knew him. Both he and his wife held membership in the church of England. He died at the age of seventy- five years, and his wife, who passed away several years previous, died at the age of sixty. Our subject was the oldlest of their eight children, four of whom came to this country.
William Rook obtained his early educa- tion in the common schools of his birth - place, and remained at home assisting his father on the farm until 1851, when he emigrated to America, landing in Phila- delphia July 16. He first went to Delaware, where he worked on a farm two summers, and then removed to New York state, but remained there only a few months, not being pleased with the outlook in that state, and hearing of the cheap lands in Illinois, he decided to locate here, and on the 8th of October. 1853, he arrived in Peoria county, where he rented land and engaged in farm- ing for twelve years. For two years he worked by the month and in 1868 came to
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Livingston county, where he purchased eighty acres of raw land on section 27. For- rest township. This he broke, tiled and im- proved, by the erection of a good residence and large barn, and he still owns the prop- erty. It was his home until 1882, when he purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 26, the same township. and erected another set of farm buildings. He has added other improvements from time to time and now has one of the best farms in his local- ity. He has a pleasant home, which is pre- sided over by his daughter, Mrs. Spray.
On the 5th of May. 1851. Mr. Rook was united in marriage with Miss Mary Bickett, also a native of England and the only child of very highly respected parents. She died September 2. 1875, at the age of forty-seven years, and was laid to rest in Forrest cem- etery. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a woman of many excellent qualities, a devoted wife and loving mother. Hers was a well-spent life and Mr. Rook gives her credit for a large share of his success. She was industrious and ambitious and was ever a cheerful help- meet.
To Mr. and Mrs. Rook were born five children, namely: ( 1) Marry, born in Del. aware, in August. 1852, is now the wife of George Swartz, a prosperous farmer of Ne- braska, and they have five children, Emma, William, Harry. Clara and Ollie. all born in livingston county, Illinois, except Ollie, who was born in Nebraska. (2) J. Will- iam, born in Peoria county, Illinois, in March, 1854, wedded Mary Gouldsbury, and lived on the original homestead of the fam- ity on section 27. Forrest township, but is now working by the month on a farm in MeDonough county, this state. His wife is now deceased, leaving one son, Frederick,
who was born in Forrest township. and is now sixteen years of age. He is working on his uncle's farm on section 27, that town- ship. (3) Eliza, born in Peoria county. March 6. 1856, was educated in the common schools of Livingston county, and was mar- ried. February 4. 1875. to Ephraim R. Spray, who was born in Fountain county. Indiana. February 18, 1850. a son of J. T. and Mary Spray, and died October 18, 1881. He was conscious up to the time of his death and expressed a willingness to die. He was aware of the approach of the end. saying. "Oh, mother, the great transaction is done. it is all well with me." His remains were interred in Forrest cemetery. He was a de- voted husband and father, and left a wife and three children to mourn his loss. Of the children Mary, born in Livingston coun- ty: April 12. 1876, was married, January 12. 1898, to Robert Mckinley, who is engaged in farming on a quarter-section of land in Charlotte township, Livingston county, and they have one child. Clarence. born Decem- ber 26, 1899. John, born June 3. 1878. and Charles, born August 18. 1880. were edu- cated in the district schools of Forrest town- ship, and are now working upon our sub- ject's farm. (4) Thomas, born in Peoria county in October. 1858, married Katie Faragher, of Forrest township, and lives on his father's farm of eighty acres on sec- tion 27. although he owns a farm of his own. (5) Sarah, born in Peoria county. died at the age of three years and was buried there.
Since casting his first presidential vote for Stephen A. Douglas Mr. Rook has af- filiated with the Democratic party, and as a public-spirited citizen he takes an active in - terest in all that tends to the improvement and advancement of the community in which
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he lives. He has always been a hard work . ing and persevering man, whose spirit was not cast down by the hardships of his early pioneer life, and his determination to suc- cced soon enabled him to accumulate prop- erty, so that he is to-day one of the pros- perons as well as one of the highly respected citizens of the township. He has many friends and no enemies, and now, at a ripe old age, is enjoying the fruits of his early industry.
JACOB E. BROWN.
Jacob E. Brown, who is engaged in the general banking business, together with the im surance and loan business, has been a resi- dent of Livingston county since 1857. dur- ing which time he has been an important factor in its material growth and prosperity. He was born near Watertown. Jefferson county, New York. September 29. 1838. and is the son of Thomas Y. and Mary .1. ( Everett ) Brown, both of whom were na- tives of New York, born in the same local - ity, near Brownsville.
The paternal grandfather of our subject. Henry county, was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, near the city of Philadelphia, but in an early day moved to Jefferson coun- tv. New York, where he cleared the land of timber and made a farm of eight hundred acres. The city of Brownsville was named in his honor. There he lived and died. Dur- ing the boyhood of our subject there were in the neighborhood of Brownsville about eight hundred people, over three-fifths of whom bore the name of Brown, and all related.
Thomas Yarley Brown. the father of our subject, was engaged in farming in his native state, a portion of the time in partner-
ship with his father. For some years he was a brigade commander in the New York militia, serving with credit to himself and the state. In 1855 he came west and pur- chased a large tract of land in what is now Germanville township, Livingston county. and in 1856 he came out with the intention of making it his permanent abode. In 1857 his wife and family joined him and they took up their residence in a story and a half frame cottage which he had erected for the purpose. It was 16x24 feet and served as the home for the family a few years, when it was added to, making a larger residence. On that farm he continued to reside until 1870, when he moved into the village of Chatsworth, where he lived a quiet, retired life until his death. February 4. 1899. His wife is yet living and makes her home with our subject. They were the parents of three children, of whom our subject is the oklest. Sarah A. is the wife of J. C. Shear, of Onarga, Illinois, where he is living a re- tired life. Mary Frances is the wife of Joel R. Strawn, who for many years was en- gaged in farming in Forrest township, but is now living retired in the village of For- rest. Mrs. Mary A. Brown is now eighty- three years of age and is a well preserved woman. She was a member of the Episco- pal church. Her husband was past eighty- eight years okl at the time of his death. his father. Henry Brown, also dying at the same age. In politics he was originally a Whig, but later a Republican. In the early days he served as assessor for some years. and was also a member of the school board for many years, and served for a time as a member of the board of trustees of the vil- lage of Chatsworth. He was a member of the board in Chatsworth when the present school house was erected.
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Jacob E. Brown, our subject, was named for General Brown, who was commander-in- chief of the United States army for a time. a man of more than ordinary ability. His boyhood and youth were spent in his native county and state, and in the public schools of Brownsville he took his primary course. after which he entered Brownsville Acad- emy, and after pursuing the regular course he graduated therefrom. After coming west he took a commercial course at East- man's Business College. Chicago.
Coming west with the family Mr. Brown remained with his parents, assisting in the management of the farm until in August. 1862, when he enlisted in Company M. Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and was mustered into the service at Springfield, Illinois. The regi- ment was sent to Chicago, and in November, 1862, was sent south, having its first brush with the enemy at Pilot Knob, Missouri. From that time until the close of the war it was in active service. Crossing the Mis- sissippi river at Helena, Arkansas. it took part in many shirmishes from Cairo to Vicksburg, and also around Little Rock. Arkansas, and up the White river. the na- ture of the service partaking of a guerrilla warfare. This was the case until the spring of 1864. It was then with the main army through Mississippi, Tennessee. Alabama, and all through that section until the close of the war. During its term of service it enlisted over eight thousand men, but only about six hundred returned home at the close of the war. It was in some very severe en- gagements. At La Grange, Arkansas, the division with which it was connected lost over two thousand men in an hour and a hali.
Mr. Brown entered the service as a private. but in a short time was appointed
corporal and later sergeant in his company. On the 19th of November. 1864, with forty- two other men, he was taken prisoner at Shoal Creek. Tennessee, while reconnoiter- ing in front of Hood's army, which was making its advance on Nashville, Tennes- see. He was held a prisoner until March, 1865. when he was paroled and sent to the parole camp at Vicksburg. He was impris- oned at Cahaba, Alabama, where ten thou- sand Union prisoners were held. While vet a prisoner he was commissioned second lieutenant and was later assigned to the staff of General Hatch. He was honorably discharged from the service in May. 1865. with the rank of second lieutenant.
After receiving his discharge Lieutenant Brown returned home and shortly after- ward took the course in Eastman's Business College, as already stated. Completing the course he returned to the farm and continued to be actively engaged in farm labor until 1875. having the management of the home farm of over twelve hundred acres. The hard work necessary to the management of such an estate toll upon h's health, so much so that he was compelled to abandon it, and in January, 1875. he moved to the village of Chatsworth and for a time engaged in no active business.
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