USA > Illinois > Whiteside County > The biographical record of Whiteside County, Illinois.. > Part 32
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and pleased the board. Finally Mr. Griffith resigned and Professor A. M. Hansen was elected its president. He began to re-organize the institution, making many changes in the character of the work and general improvements. President Hansen had erected on the grounds north of the college a large, brick, three-story building to be known as the Ladies' Seminary. This was for the accommodation of his family and the female students, and a dining hall.
After eleven years of successful man- agement of the college, during which time over 2,000 students were enrolled, Presi- dent Hansen decided to change his line of work, and began the manufacture of sheet-steel siding. Prof. W. A. Pratt was next elected to the presidency of the insti- tution, but, after two years of experience, he decided to change and take up public school work again, when he was succeeded by Mr. A. A. Riopel, who was not success- ful in bringing the school up to a high standard, and he was consequently succeed- ed by J. H. Breese, who, after two years of connection, resigned and Mr. R. A. Morley was chosen in his place. The institution now seemed to take on new life, but a fire destroyed the main building and under the discouraging circumstances Mr. Morley re- signed and Mr. J. E. Bittinger succeeded him, January 1, 1897. The trustees then took hold of the work of reconstructing the main building, and, after securing the amount of insurance allowed, the building was remodeled throughout, making a very handy and satisfactory arrangement for school purposes.
The school has had a steady growth since the election of President Bittinger, and about six hundred dollars worth of books, philosophical and chemical apparatus have
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been added. A strong faculty has been added, and excellent work is being done in every department. The faculty is as follows: J. E. Bittinger, A. M., president; Dyson Rishell, LL. D., law; S. A. Maxwell, Litt. B., normal work; Miss Amorett Al- ford, ancient languages; O. W. Win- ter, normal work; A. T. Scovill, com- mercial work; Miss Anna Miller, assistant commercial work; H. W. Voss, German; Miss Clara Wheeler, music; Adolf Wiese, violin and mandolin music; C. C. McMahon, law. The board of trustees: A. M. Han- sen, president; W. D. Ward, secretary; W. F. Hansen, treasurer; W. A. Pratt, H. Pease, D. B. Snyder, Mrs. A. M. Hansen, Geo. DeBey, J. E. Bittinger, L. Barber, Geo. Storey, M. L. Perry,
The trustees keep up the expenses of the institution, such as repairs, insurance, etc., and give the use of the building. This is done from the interest on the donation fund. President Hansen has become quite popular, and he has largely increased the patronage. A business education can be had at this institution that cannot be secured at a graded school or any other college. The student can get his business education and go out, or can go through with a regular classical course. This is one of the best educational institutions in the state, and probably nowhere in the state can a thorough education be procured at so little expense. For health and beauty of location it is unex- celled. The faculty take every pains with their pupils, and the president looks after them with the care of a parent. The par- ents who send their children here can rest assured that they will be under the best of influences. The college buildings are heated with steam, and the rooms are large and well ventilated. The apartments appropri-
ated to the young ladies are really elegant. The college has all the instruments, chemi- cals and chemical apparatus, geological cabinets and charts necessary for the use of the student. One of the attractive features of this institution is that it is free from sec- tariau influences, though its government is upon a true Christian basis.
JAY CLEAVELAND. Prominent among ) the successful and enterprising farmers of Hume township is the subject of this bio- graphical notice, whose home is situated on section 29, and who is considered one of the most industrious and worthy citizens of that part of the county. He was born in Lewis county, New York, March 25. 1844, a son of David Cleaveland, also a native of New York. The grandfather, Josiah Cleaveland, was also born in Connecticut, and was a soldier of the Revolutionary war under Gen- eral Washington, remaining in the service seven years, nine months and twelve days. The pocket knife which he then carried is now in possession of our subject, while his bullet pouch and flint box belongs to our subject's brother. For his service he re- ceived a lane warrant, with which the father of our subject secured a tract of land in Whiteside county, now belonging to Nelon Cleaveland. In Oneida county, New York, David Cleaveland married Miss Ama Hawkins, and later moved to Lewis county, that state. In 1849 he came to this county, and the following year brought his two sons, who commenced to break and improve the land which he had entered. In 1852 the family located upon the place, and here the father continued to make his home throughout life. He was well known and highly respected, and by his friends he was
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familiarly known as Uncle Dave. He died in the winter of 1879, and his wife passed away the following summer, both being laid to rest in Prophetstown cemetery.
The subject of this sketch was only seven years old when he came to this county, and upon the home farm in Hume township he grew to manhood, aiding his father in the cultivation of the farm and attended the public schools of the locality during the winter months. In Morrison, March 24, 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Fanny Dennison, who was born in Massachusetts and when a child came to this county with her father, who died a few days after their arrival here. Mr. and Mrs. Cleaveland have one child, Earl J., who now holds a position in Bald- win's store of Prophetstown.
For four years after his marriage, Mr. Cleaveland continued to reside on the old Cleaveland homestead and carried on a part of the place. He then bought one hundred and sixty acres of raw land where he now resides, which, by draining and placing un- der a high state of cultivation, he has con- verted into one of the most desirable farms of its size in the township. In 1893 he built a good barn, the following year erected sub- stantial outbuildings, and in 1898 built a large and pleasant residence in modern style of architecture. Besides his home farm, he also owns and operates eighty acres of land elsewhere in Hume township.
On attaining his majority, Mr. Cleave- land became identified with the Democratic party, but in 1878 he supported General Grant for the presidency and has since affil- iated with the Republican party. He served as road and ditch commissioner for five years, but has never been an aspirant for political honors, preferring to devote his
entire time and attention to his business in- terests. His wife is a member of the Con- gregational church of Prophetstown, and al- though he is not a member, he attends serv- ices with her and contributes to the support of the church. He was made a Master Ma- son in Prophetstown lodge, and is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a public-spirited and enter- prising citizen who takes a deep interest in everything pertaining to public develop- ment.
A M. HANSEN, A. M., Ph. D., LL. D. The pioneers of a country, the found- ers of a business, the originators of any un- dertaking that will promote the material welfare or advance the educational, social and moral influence of a community, de- serve the gratitude of humanity. In our subject, who is now president and treasurer of the Steel Brick Siding Company, of Ful- ton, Illinois, we find a prominent representa- tive of the industrial interests of the state. He is not only at the head of this gigantic enterprise but is also the originator and patentee of the steel brick siding, now so widely known and generally used through- ont the entire country.
Dr. Hansen was born in Gibisonville, Ohio, March 17, 1850, a son of Samuel C. and Elizabeth (Kinser) Hansen, the former a native of England, the latter of Ohio. The primary education of our subject was received in the common schools of his native state, and later he attended the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware. Ohio. Subsequently he took a regular course in the National Normal University at Lebanon, that state, graduating with the class of 1875.
A. M. HANSEN.
MRS. HANSEN.
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He at once engaged in educational work as a teacher in Hocking county, Ohio, where he taught school for one year, and the follow- ing year he pursued his profession in Linn county, Missouri. Later he filled the posi- tion of president of the Taylorville Business College and superintendent of the city schools of Taylorville, Illinois, for one year, * and was then chosen president of the Rock River University at Dixon, which position he filled until the spring of 1879, when he resigned to accept the chair of natural sciences and director of study in the Nothern Illinois College, at Fulton. The president being absent most of the time the care of conducting the college devolved upon him from the start. In June of the succeeding year, 1880, he was elected presi- dent of the college for a term of eight years. In contemplation of extensive building im- provements and in recognition of his able management, the board of trustees, in 1884, re-elected him for a term of ten years, in addition to his unexpired term, thus securing his services during the time improvements were being made. In 1890, however, he resigned his position in the college to engage in his present business.
Since that time Professor Hansen has given his entire time and attention to the Steel Brick Siding Company. As before stated he is the original patentee of the steel brick siding, but as usually follows the advent of a meritorious discovery or inven- tion, he has had imitators who have sought to divide the credit and profit with him. He has extended the business and enlarged his plant to meet the growing demands of his trade until he now has one of the most im- portant industries in this section. Located on three different railroads and the Mississippi river which affords him excellent facilities for
shipping both the material and finished arti- cle, and the products of his plant are now sold from New York to California. These are so well-known and generally used as to need no description. The siding is made from the best bessemer steel, pressed in imi- tation of brick; its beauty, durability, cheap- ness and fire proof qualities, have brought this new building material into great favor.
In Blue Mound, Macon county, Illinois, November 11, 1877, Professor Hansen was united in marriage with Miss Laura Wilcox, a native of Morgan county, this state, and a daughter of James and Mary (Simns) Wil- cox. To them have been born five children, namely: Charles Roy, who is now a stu- dent in the Northern Illinois College; Lena M., also a student in the Northern Illinois College; Arthur, who died at the age of two years; Carl W .; and Auber M.
There is probably no man in Fulton that has done more for its development and pros- perity in the last decade than Professor Han- sen, who has taken a very active and prom- inent part in promoting its interests. He was one of the organizers of the Fulton De- velopment Company, served as its first sec- retary and later as its president. He was instrumental in securing the location here of the Mississippi Valley Stove Company, for which a bonus of thirty thousand dollars was raised. He is one of the most influen- tial and prominent Republicans in the town, and is now a member of the county central committee and chairman of the township committee. Fraternally he is a Master Ma- son, a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Mystic Workers of the World and a number of other beneficiary orders. For the past seven years he has been pres- ident of the board of trustees of the North- ern Illinois College at Fulton.
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S YLVESTER M. COX, a prominent stock breeder residing on section 26, Prophetstown township, Whiteside county, Illinois, was born upon his present farm October 5, 1858, and is a representative of an old New York family of English origin. His grandfather, William Cox, was a native of that state and a soldier of the war of 1812.
Luther Cox, father of our subject, was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, in 1818, and was reared there, but when a young man went to Berrien county, Mich- igan, where he married Miss Sarah Lane, an aunt of William Lane, whose sketch ap- pears elsewhere in this volume. In 1856 Luther Cox came to Whiteside county, Illi- nois, and purchased a farm of eighty acres in Prophetstown township, where our sub- ject now resides. Throughout the greater part of his life he followed the blacksmith's trade in connection with farming, and upon his place he erected a shop, doing the black- smithing for the neighborhood. He died upon his farm in 1888, his wife in 1882, honored and respected by all who knew them. To this worthy couple were born eight children, two dying in infancy: Amelia married Benjamin Doyle and removed to Minnesota, where she was massacred by the Indians about 1863; Cornelius was a soldier of the Civil war and died at the battle of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; William E. is married and engaged in business in Hast- ings, Nebraska; Emma Jane resides with our subject; Josephine married George Gage but is now deceased, and Sylvester M. completes the family.
In much the usual manner of farmer boys of his day, our subject was reared and educated, assisting his father in the labors of the field and attending the district
schools when his services were not needed at home. For some years prior to his fa- ther's death he took charge of the farm and business pertaining to it, and when his father died he succeeded to the place. He has made many improvements thereon, in- cluding the erection of a good residence, and has recently completed a large barn, which is one of the best in the neighbor- hood. In 1896 he began breeding pure- blood Poland China hogs, and in this under- taking has met with marked success. He now has a fine drove of one hundred pure-blooded animals, besides having sold some very valuable stock, and as a breed- er has already gained an enviable repu- tation.
In Prophet'stown, February 17, 1879, Mr. Cox was united in marriage with Miss Eva Howland, who was born, reared and educated in Kendall county, Illinois, but latter came with her father, Myron How- land, to Whiteside county. Mr. Cox has been called upon to mourn the loss of his estimable wife, who died April 17, 1889. By that union three children were born, namely: Floyd M., Dollie M. and Priscilla. The son now assists his father in carrying on the farm and stock business.
In his political views, Mr. Cox has been a life-long Republican, and cast his first presidential ballot for U. S. Grant in 1872. He takes an active interest in public affairs, as every true American citizen should, and is a friend of education and the public school system. He ever gives his hearty support to all educational matters, and was presi- dent of the school board for some years. He is a prominent member of the Odd Fel- lows lodge of Prophetstown, in which he has held office, and wherever known he is held in high regard.
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A C. WILLIAMSON, a young business man of Fulton, is one of the leading druggists of the city. He was born March 16, 1872, in Swedonia, Mercer county, Illi- nois, a son of James W. Williamson.
His father was born and educated in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, but came to Illinois while yet a young man, hoping in the broad prairies of the west to find unlimited opportunities for improving his financial condition. When ready to estab- lish a home he located at Orion, Henry county, where he carried on general farm- ing until his removal to Creston, Iowa, where he is now living. In 1869 he mar- ried Mary B. Cook, who was born in Scot- land, but at the age of sixteen years came to America with her parents, who settled in Orion, Illinois. Two children were born into their household, namely: A. C., the special subject of this brief biographical notice; and Blanche, who lives with her parents.
A. C. Williamson was twelve years of age when he went with his parents to Cres- ton, in whose public schools he completed his early studies. At the age of sixteen, he took the first steps leading to a mercantile career by entering the drug store of Schif- ferle & Co., at Creston, remaining there a year. Having decided, however, to pre- pare himself for the occupation in which he was now employed he entered the Illi- nois College of Pharmacy, at the North Western University, from which he was graduated in 1893. Coming then to Fulton, Mr. Williamson accepted a position with George B. Robinson, in the store where he is now established. In 1895 Mr. William- son purchased the business of Mr. Robin- son, and he has built up a thriving trade, his ability, practical judgment, and system-
atic business methods bringing him as- sured success in his dealings, and his future is bright with promises.
In politics Mr. Williamson is a stanch Republican. Fraternally he is prominent in Masonic circles, being a member of Ful- ton City lodge, No. 189, A. F. & A. M .; of Fulton chapter, No. 108, R. A. M .; and of Sterling commandery, No. 57, K. T. Religiously he is a member of the First Presbyterian church, of Fulton.
A ARON POPE, an energetic and pro- gressive farmer, residing on section 15, Tampico township, owns and operates three good farms in Whiteside county, aggregat- ing four hundred and seventy-five acres of land, and in their improvement and cultiva- tion he is meeting with most excellent re- sults. He is honored and respected by the entire community, who look upon him as one of their most wide-awake farmers and valued citizens.
The early home of our subject was on the other side of the Atlantic, for he was born in Lincolnshire, England, February 23, 1845, a son of Abraham and Sarah (Crampton) Pope, also natives of Lincoln- shire. In 1853 the family emigrated to America and located at once in Lyndon township, Whiteside county, Illinois. Later the father purchased land in Tampico town - ship and engaged in farming there for a number of years, but about 1874 removed to Vancouvers island, where he spent the remainder of his life.
On the home farm in this county Aaron Pope grew to manhood, and he attended the district schools of the neighborhood. On leaving home, at the age of twenty-two,
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he went to Missouri, where he spent four months, and on his return to Illinois, at the end of that time, he purchased the old homestead, comprising one hundred and sixty acres, to which he has added until it now consists of two hundred and forty acres. He bought another farin of one hundred and sixty acres in Hume township, and resided there until 1893, when he removed to his present place. Here he has seventy-five acres within the corporate limits of Tampico, and in connection with its operation also carries on the other farms, which he still owns. He has made a decided success of life, becoming one of the most prosperous agriculturists of his community, as well as one of its leading citizens.
In this county, February 22, 1874, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Pope and Miss Mary A. Wetsel, who was born in Ohio, but was reared and educated here. Her father, Daniel Wetsel, now of Rock Falls, was one of the early settlers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Pope have three children: John Thomas, the oldest, now lives on one of his father's farms. He was married, September 21, 1898, to Miss Min- nie Parents, a daughter of William Parents, of Tampico, where she was reared and edu- cated. Sadie, Eliza and Willard A. are still attending the home school.
Politically, Mr. Pope is a stanch Repub- lican, having supported that party since casting his first presidential vote for General U. S. Grant, in 1868. He has filled the office of highway commissioner, was a mem- ber of the drainage commission nine years, and has ever given his influence and support to those measures which tend to advance the moral, educational or material welfare of his township and county. Socially, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of
America, and religiously his estimable wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
ROBERT SNOW NORRISH, a well- known and honored citizen of Morrison, who is now practically living retired, was born in Devonshire, England, October 1, 1826, a son of Samuel and Frances (Par- tridge) Norrish, who made their home in that county throughout life. The father was a farmer, malster and miller by occu- pation and became quite prosperous. In the family were nine children, of whom our subject is the seventh in order of birth. Those still living are Elizabeth, a resident of England; Frances, of Union township, Whiteside county, Illinois; Edward S., a farmer of Dunn county, Wisconsin; Robert S., our subject; and Ann, wife of Amos James, who is living retired in Morrison.
In his native land our subject grew to manhood, and after his education was com- pleted served a three years' apprenticeship to the baker's trade, which he continued to follow there until the spring of 1850, when he emigrated to America. He first located in Lorrain county, Ohio, where he worked as a farm hand by the month, for a short time, and then rented a mill, which he operated for a year. During his residence in Lorrain county, he married Miss Tamzin Squire, also a native of Devonshire, Eng- land, and a daughter of Thomas and Su- sanna Squire, who settled in that county on coming to America. By that union Mr. Norrish had two children, but the older, Samuel, died in infancy. Margaret is now the wife of Homer Baird, a farmer of Union Grove township, this county, and they have five children, Robert, Florence, Roy,
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
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Frank and Ruth. Mrs. Norrish died in Mt. Pleasant township, Whiteside county, in October, 1863.
For a year after his marriage, Mr. Nor- rish operated a rented farm in Lorrain coun- ty, Ohio, and in 1853 came to Whiteside county, Illinois. He purchased eighty acres of land on section 8, Mt. Pleasant township, which was covered with timber, the only improvement upon the place be- ing a log cabin. He at once turned his at- tention to clearing and cultivating his land. The same year he bought from the state eighty acres of prairie land on section 2, upon which not a furrow had been turned. As time advanced and his financial resources increased he added to his landed possessions until he now has nine hundred and thirty acres of valuable land in Whiteside county, besides three hundred and twenty acres in Sioux county, lowa; eighty acres in Clay county, Nebraska; one hundred and sixty acres in Webster county, the same state, and town property in Morrison. He con- tinued to actively engage in agricultural pursuits until the 2nd of July, 1890, when he removed to Morrison, where he erected a handsome residence, and is now living re- tired. While living upon his farm he gave the greater part of his time and attention to stock raising, and usually shipped three or four car loads of cattle and hogs to market each year. He also raised sheep on quite an extensive scale.
Mr. Norrish was again married, March 2, 1865, in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, his second union being with Miss Ann Adams, who was born in Yorkshire, England, February 17, 1827, a daughter. of George and Martha (Hargate) Adams, also natives of Yorkshire, where the father operated a gristmill until his emigration to America in 1846. With
his wife and four children he crossed the broad Atlantic and took up his residence in Strongsville, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, where he purchased a gristmill and sawmill and engaged in the same business up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1860, when he was sixty years of age. His wife departed this life in 1868. Their children were James, who died in Ohio, in 1864; Ann, wife of our subject: William, who died in Huron county, Ohio, in 1870; and Mary, wife of John Dyke, a retired resident of Elyria, Lorrain county, Ohio. By his second marriage Mr. Norrish had three children: Robert A., born December 18, 1866, resides on section 2, Mt. Pleasant township; he married Gertrude Parnham, of Ustick township, and they have two chil- dren, Frank and Edith M. Mary died in infancy. John W., born November 4, 1870, married Edna Smith, of Moville, Iowa, where he is engaged in business as a dealer in furniture and agricultural implements and where he also owns four hundred and eighty acres of farm land. Mr. and Mrs. Norrish are both members of the Episcopal church, and are held in high regard by all who know them. In politics he was a Republican until after the Blaine campaign of 1884, but now votes for the man whom he believes best qualified to fill the office, regardless of party ties. He has always made the most of his opportunities, has accumulated a handsome property, and his life illustrates what can be accomplished through industry, perseverance, good man- agement and a determination to succeed.
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