This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Jacobson Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wg.2ADE/1378 Message Board Post: Jacobson, Benjamin, senior member of the reliable firm of Jacobson & Condon, manufacturers of and dealers in drain tile and brick, is one of the enterprising business men of Mazon, whose connection with his concern adds to its standing in the commercial world. The plant comprises three kilns and the output is large enough to justify the employment of fourteen workmen. Mr. Jacobson was born at Lisbon, Ill., a son of Eric Jacobson a native of Norway, who came to the United States in 1871, locating at Lisbon, Ill., where he is a merchant. He and his wife have had the following family: Benjamin, who was born in 1873; Emma Birkland; Bell Condon; and Frank, who lives in Montana. In 1910, Benjamin Jacobson married Emma Reinlasoder, born in Good Farm Township. The German Lutheran Church holds his membership and benefits by his generosity, for he believes in encouraging religious work. Politically he is a Republican, but like his partner, he has had no time for public life. Both partners are energetic, thoroughly abreast of the times in their undertaking, and capable of meeting the demands made upon them. As their plant is now working at its full capacity, it looks as though the firm would have to enlarge in the near future. Their success has come through the excellence of their product and their honorable business methods, and those who know them predict continued prosperity and increasing sales for them in the future. Source: History of Grundy County, Illinois, 1914, page 837

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Isham Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wg.2ADE/1377 Message Board Post: Isham, Elmer Burnette – There is something exceedingly attractive in the voluntary retirement of a man who, for a number of years, has taken an active part in the agricultural advancement of his community. He leaves active life in the fullness of his strength, exchanging the scenes of agricultural toil for the quiet that comes as a reward to those who have spent their early years in industrious labor. In this category stands Elmer Burnette Isham, of Mazon, Ill., but it must not be supposed that he has entirely put behind him the useful activities of life, for his is a nature energetic and progressive to a degree, and in his management of the Isham estate he finds an excellent field for the display of his abilities. Mr. Isham was born in Mazon Township, in 1867, and is a son of Zacharias and Susan (Viner) Isham, natives, respectively, of Vermont and New York. The parents of Mr. Isham came to Grundy County in 1850, Zacharias Isham being a prominent farmer and the founder of the town of Mazon, which he platted. His death occurred in 1907, and he is buried in the Mazon cemetery, while his widow still survives and makes her residence on the old homestead. They were the parents of five children, as follows: Charles, Freddie, Vernon, George and Lizzie, all of whom died in infancy; Mrs. Sadie Clark, Elmer Burnette, and Wilbur V. Sadie (Isham) Clark was given a good education, and after her graduation from the Morris Normal school was engaged in teaching music in Mazon, where she was very popular. Her husband, who was engaged in grain dealing in Mazon for five years, is now in the automobile business in Chicago, where for four years he was a member of the Board of Trade. They have two children, namely: Marguerite and Lucille. Wilbur V. Isham was born in 1874 in Mazon Township, was reared on the home farm, and secured his education in the district schools and the State Normal school. Subsequently he attended the University of Chicago for one year and the Chicago Business college for six months, and after graduating from the latter became a bookkeeper in the Illinois metropolis. In 1912 he returned to Mazon and became a member of the firm of Economy Implement and Hardware Company, in partnership with H. Preston and E. S. Strong. Mr. Isham has various large interests, being engaged in the real estate business and also having the Mazon agency for the Krit automobile, while he is known as one of the best auctioneers in Grundy County, and an excellent business man generally. He owns 125 acres of land included in the Isham estate, has disposed of thousands of acres of Texas land, and has sold more automobiles than any other dealer in this locality. He is a Democrat in his political views and has se! rved as assessor of Mazon Township, as collector thereof and as a member of the town board for four years. In 1895 Mr. Isham was married to Lydia R. Jones, and they have one child, Leita, who is attending school. Elmer Burnette Isham was reared on the home farm, and attended the district schools and the Morris Normal school. Reared to agricultural pursuits, he followed farming on the home place until 1907, in which year he retired from active life to give his whole attention to the management of the estate. Progressive in all matters, Mr. Isham gave his support to the new Progressive party in 1912, assisting in the birth of that organization. With his family, he attends the Methodist Church. On November 22, 1892, Mr. Isham was married to Miss Mary Allen, who was born in Decatur, Ill., and they have two children: Jeanette and Lucille, both of whom are attending the Mazon High school. Source: History of Grundy County, Illinois, 1914, page 836

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Hale Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wg.2ADE/1376 Message Board Post: Hale, Luke, M. D. (deceased), a pioneer physician of Grundy County and one of its most honored men, was born in Vermont, October 8, 1796, and came to Illinois in 1836, locating first in McHenry County, later going to Kane County, and arriving in Morris in 1858. He continued in active practice until his death. He married Sarah Amelia Clifford, and their children were as follows: Anna E. B., Dr. Roscoe L., Minnie A., William C., Martin B., and Fannie A. Source: History of Grundy County, Illinois, 1914, page 821

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Cumming Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wg.2ADE/1375 Message Board Post: Cumming, Thomas S. – Thomas Stewart Cumming was born at Whitehall, Edinburgh County, Scotland, a son of Robert and Barbara (Proctor) Cumming, both natives of Edinburgh. His parents were married at Clay Barnes, Edinburgh County, Scotland, in 1828, where they lived for some time, and there their first son, James P., was born. Subsequently these three came to America, taking up their residence in Pottsville, Pa., and here it was that a daughter, Janet, was born to them. After scarcely more than a year in this country, the family returned to Scotland, where Janet died, aged two years, and where the remaining eleven children were born. Of the thirteen children which constituted their family, but nine were spared to reach maturity. Their names are, in order of their birth: James P., John P., David, George A. P., Patrick M., Elizabeth R., Thomas S., Marion, and Robert. All of these sons and daughters came, in later years, to America, to establish their permanent home! s. Thomas S. Cumming started his schooling at a very early age, attending the infant class at Cowdenfoot, and, finishing this at the age of five, was entered in the schools of Whitehill, studying history, geography, and arithmetic. This last named study was the one toward which he seemed most naturally inclined, and he had just entered the class in plain geometry when he was forced to commence regular work at the mines in which his father worked, although he was not yet ten years old. His first job was that of trapper, or door-tender, in the old Cowden Mine, and later was a helper to the cager; then a driver; and , when about fourteen years old, he went to pushing and loading, which is a direct apprenticeship to coal digging. For five years he continued at mining in Scotland; but, in 1866, he came to America, in company with his parents, two sisters and his brother, Robert, after landing coming directly to Gardner, Ill. They reached their ultimate destination September 1, 1! 866, and have ever since that time considered Gardner their home town in this country. Some time after Gardner had become their home, Thomas left to take up a homestead in Smith County, Kansas, and here his father and mother came, in 1878, to live with him. Two years later the father died quite suddenly, and the mother was left to survive him until she reached the age of eighty-five. After coming to the United States, Thomas G. Cumming divided the earlier decade of his residence between mining and farming; but his time was never so completely monopolized as to exclude his desire for a more specific and comprehensive education. In accordance with his views on this subject he took up the study of Geology and of mining problems, receiving much benefit from his perusal of The Colliery Engineer, published in Scranton, Pa. He also attended the night school, with some enforced irregularity, but he worked with a purpose that more than made amends for deficiencies in time. In 1883, he and his brother James, both qualified at the first examination held in the State, for Mining Inspectors, James receiving one of the appointments given by Governor Oglesby. Thomas then took a full course in the Scranton school; and, in 1893, was appointed Inspector for the First District, two years later being transferred to the Sixth District, his appointment coming from Governo! r Altgeld. Subsequently Mr. Cumming taught mining classes in Braidwood, Braceville, Coal City, Carbon Hill, and Gardner, with splendid results to show for his labor. It was in 1880 that he returned to Illinois, after farming his homestead in Kansas, where the locust pest and the low prices on the products of his farm, detracted somewhat from the expectations he had had. At that time it was not the high cost of living that caused discomfort; but rather the excessive labor that were necessary in order to get the dollar. He recalls hauling dressed pork a distance of 65 miles, and selling it at two and one-half cents a pound. On his return to Gardner, he and his brother, John Cumming, contracted to sink a shaft, southeast of Garner, for Taylor Williams, and when this shaft was completed, John became the mine manager, while Thomas continued prospecting for coal. This engaged his time for a year or so, until he became County Mine Inspector, for a term of four years; later being State Inspector in the First and Sixth Districts. In 1895 he moved his headquarters to Bellville, and during the four years of his residence there was manager of t! he mines, near O’Fallon, Ill., owned by the Consolidated Coal Co., of Alma, Minn. He then undertook the management of Mine No. 6 at Stanton, Ill., for the same company. The family to which Mr. Cumming belongs relate an interesting bit of tradition pertaining to their early predecessors, the Cummings, of Cammernade, Bamffshire, in the north of Scotland. The great-great-grandfather of our subject was the only son and heir to the large family estate. His father was dead and his mother had married again. One day, when he was but a mere boy, he came home from herding the flocks and found his stepfather beating his dearly beloved mother. The lad knocked her assailant down, with the shepherd’s staff that he had in his hand, and then alarmed at what he had done, fled form home and wandered to Edinburgh County where he remained and became the progenitor of a great number of descendants. >From his early youth, Mr. Cumming has been fond of literature. He joined the Y. M. C. A., at Dal Keith, and especially enjoyed the essays that were read and the debates and discussions that were held there. He was but fourteen when he became a member of the Christian Brethren Church at Dal Keith. These things, which contributed to his pleasure in his youth, still hold for him their old-time enjoyment, for the hard knocks of the world have not change him essentially. His interest in youth did not fade, as he himself grew to maturity, and he recounts, to his very young friends, the excitement of the games that were played in his boyhood, among which “Rounders and Prisoners” and “Smuggle the Geg” were the chief. Politically, Mr. Cumming is what he would call a democratic Democrat. In the matter of taxation, he believes with Prof. T. H. Huxley that “even the best modern civilization appears to exhibit a condition of mankind which neither embodies any worthy ideal nor even possesses the merit of stability”. Huxley says: “I do not hesitate to express the opinion that if there is no hope of a larger improvement of the condition of the greater part of the human family; if it is true that the increase of knowledge, the winning of a greater dominion over Nature which is its consequence; and the wealth which follows on that dominion, are to make no difference in the extent and the intensity of Want with its concomitant moral and physical degradation among the masses of the people, I should hail the advent of some Kindly Comet, which would sweep the whole affair away”. On August 16, 1870, Mr. Cumming was married to Miss Mary E. Blaney, born in Licking County, Ohio, August 10, 1846. To Mr. and Mrs. Cumming were born six children: Charles Stewart, born May 26, 1871; William Henry, born July 16, 1873; Orin Kimpton, born December 18, 1875; Maud Elizabeth, born March 24, 1878; Ernest Proctor, born Mary 16, 1880; and Clarence Carl, born October 19, 1882. Mrs. Cumming passed away on October 3, 1885. On December 29, 1886, Mr. Cumming was united with Miss Mary C. Bartilson. Source: History of Grundy County, Illinois, 1914, page 798-799

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/wg.2ADE/1374 Message Board Post: I am looking for any information on William Louis Davis, b. 23 Feb 1874 in Morris, Grundy County, Illinois. His father was Isaac N Davis, mother Prudence (Wilson possibly). He also had a brother - Charles b. abt 1868 and a sister b. abt 1869. I believe they had a different mother than William. thank you for any help

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Magner Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wg.2ADE/1373 Message Board Post: MAGNER, William Campbell - Although many of the stirring events preceding the outbreak of the Civil War seem far away in the dim past to the rising generation, there are many men still living who distinctly remember when they occurred, and the powerful effect they had upon the country. One of these representative citizens of Grundy County whose recollections are valuable to the student of history, is William Campbell MAGNER of Morris. He was born in Orleans, Ind., October 21, 1837, a son of John A. and Sarah (CAMPBELL) MAGNER, natives of Bourbon and Clark Counties, Ky. The paternal grandparents, William and Mary (HOPKINS) MAGNER, were natives of Indiana; while the maternal grandparents, Robert and Mary (KEY) CAMPBELL, were born in Scotland and Maryland, respectively. All were among the pioneers of Kentucky. Mr. CAMPBELL was a slaveholder, but freed his slaves long before the Civil War, as he believed it contrary to his religious principles to hold them. He was a Presby! terian, as were all the other members of his family, and those of the MAGNER family as well. John A. MAGNER and Sarah CAMPBELL were married at Orleans, Ind., where Mr. MAGNER was a farmer, owning considerable land. In March, 1852, however, he moved to Paris, Ill., and two years later entered land in what is now Douglas County, which, at that time was undeveloped prairie. After five years on this new farm, he moved to Arcola, where he bought ten acres and lived until his death, in 1871. His wife had passed away in 1859, having borne her husband five sons and four daughters, of whom William C. was the eldest son and second child. William C. MAGNER was given more liberal educational advantages than come to some, for after he had attended the common schools, he was sent to the Paris Academy in 1856, and later to Washington College, Pa., from which he was graduated in 1860. Following this, he taught school in Mississippi, being there during the disturbing period preceding the Civil War, and was forced to serve for three months in a Mississippi company of infantry, but at the expiration of that time, he was able to get through the lines to Paris, Ill., where he enlisted in Company E, Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Although he enlisted as a private, he was promoted in October, 1861, to be second lieutenant, and in April of the following year was advanced to be first lieutenant. At this time he was detailed into the United States Signal Service. Mr. MAGNER had the misfortune to be wounded by a gun shot in the right foot during the battle of Shiloh. He received his honorable discharge August 6, 1! 864, and returned to Paris, Ill. For the two years following his return, Mr. MAGNER was principal of Edgar Academy, at Paris, and during this time he was preparing himself for the ministry, and was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Palestine in April, 1866. His first charge was at Woodhull, Ill., where he remained six years, and for the following four years he was in charge of the church at Carthage. For the next four years, he was in charge of the church at Onarga, when he was called to Rossville, Ill., where he spent six useful years in pastoral work. For the next twelve years he was pastor of the church at Morris, when he retired, being installed as pastor emeritus. After the siege and surrender of Vicksburg, Mr. MAGNER was granted a furlough home, and on August 13, 1863, he was married to Maria E. STEVENSON, born April 3, 1843, at Philadelphia, Pa., daughter of John and Susan (MEYER) STEVENSON, natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania. The children of Mr. and Mrs. MAGNER have been: Claude S., who lives in Chicago; Morris K., who lives in Morris; Sue S., who is at home; Sarah J., who is now Mrs. Dr. Frank A. PALMER of Morris; Willard C., who is postmaster of Morris; Harold, who died at the age of nineteen years; Joseph G., who lives at Morris; and Paul E., who is an inspector in the navy yard at Bremerton, Wash. Mr. and Mrs. MAGNER celebrated their golden wedding Aug. 13, 1913. Mr. MAGNER once served as collector of Morris on the Republican ticket. He is a Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery Mason. Many of the experiences of Mr. MAGNER are very interesting to hear related, for he had the pleasure of listening to the famous LINCOLN and DOUGLAS debate, at Charleston, Ill., and has met eight Presidents of the United States, having known GRANT and HARRISON personally. He saw and heard the famous Kentuckian, Henry CLAY, and remembers well the election of William Henry HARRISON. In 1874 Mr. MAGNER took a trip to Europe, and he has been in twenty-eight States of the Union, so his travels have been many and spread over a wide territory. In 1895 his book, entitled "Better Bible Study," was published and met with a gratifying reception. In his declining years Mr. MAGNER's life is made happy by his family, which consists of his wife, children and fourteen grandchildren. His life has been a very useful one, and he can look back with satisfaction upon it ! for he has never neglected a duty or failed to carry out any task imposed upon him, although at times his responsibilities have been heavy. A learned man, he yet knew how to get to the hearts of the simplest of his congregations, and was one of the most beloved pastors his churches ever knew. Source: History of Grundy County, Illinois, 1914, page 856

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Ferguson Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wg.2ADE/1372 Message Board Post: Ferguson, Charles D., formerly sheriff of Grundy County, was born near Rochester, N. Y., May 31, 1839, a son of Daniel Ferguson. The family came to Grundy County in 1854. In 1880, Mr. Ferguson was elected Sheriff of the county, and he also had charge of the steam fire engine for some years. On April 9, 1861, he married (first) Louisa Hall, who died November 24, 1861. On March 25, 1865, Mr. Ferguson married (second) Elizabeth A. Ent, and they had the following children: Fred C., Harry H., and Eugene Ray. Source: History of Grundy County, Illinois, 1914, page 809

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Gantzert Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wg.2ADE/1371 Message Board Post: Gantzert, Frank – The agricultural activities of Grundy County are tempered by an intelligent acceptance of existing conditions and a comprehension of the requirements of farm life, yet, at the same time, due consideration is given to the exceptional advantages here offered, with the result that this section of the State commands a well merited supremacy along many lines. One of the men now successfully engaged in farming is Frank Gantzert of Section 15, Good Farm Township. He was born December 7, 1874, a son of John Henry Gantzert and his wife, Mary (Pfeifer) Gantzert, the former born in New York State, a son of John Philip Gantzert, a native of Germany. John Henry Gantzert came to Illinois in 1855 with his parents, settling in Good Farm Township, this county. On February 24, 1874, he married and settled down to farming becoming the owner of 590 acres of land, 270 in Grundy County, and the balance in Livingston and Lee Counties, all of which he acquired through his own efforts after coming to this locality. He and his wife had five children: Frank; Clara, who is Mrs. William Huffman of Good Farm Township; Edward, who is living in Good Farm Township, married Anna Bruner; Fred, who is living on his father’s homestead, married Julia Schrotberger; and Elmer, who is also living on the old homestead. The father and mother of this family are now living retired at Dwight, Ill., to which place they moved in 1912. Frank Gantzert remained at home with his parents, attending the district schools, and assisting with the farm work. He completed his educational training at the Dwight high school, and in the Metropolitan Business college of Chicago, attending the latter institution for a year. Following that he returned home and farmed on rented land until 1902, but later bought 160 acres in Mazon Township. His wife owns eighty acres in Good Farm Township. A Republican in politics, he served as supervisor for one year, and is serving in his third year as a justice of the peace, was town clerk for three years, and school trustee for the same length of time. On March 9, 1898, Mr. Gantzert was married to Miss Minnie Burkhardt, a daughter of Frederick and Mary (Freewert) Burkhardt, and they have had four children: Harold, who died when one week old, was buried in Good Farm cemetery; and Everett, Hazel Alice and Gilbert Frank, all three attending school. The family belongs to the Evangelical Church. Source: History of Grundy County, Illinois, 1914, page 813-814

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Ransley Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wg.2ADE/1370 Message Board Post: RANSLEY, William J., a successful farmer and stockman of Vienna Township, is one of the prosperous men of Grundy County who has found time in the midst of other duties to assume and ably discharge public obligations. Mr. Ransley was born in his present township, August 28, 1871, a son of William and Dinah (Susans) Ransley. The parents were born at Gravesend, near London, England, but came in their youth to the United States. They married in New York City from whence they came to Grundy County, settling on a farm near Verona, where the father died in December, 1882, the mother surviving him and making her home on the homestead. The children born to these parents were: William J.; Beatrice, who is now Mrs. George B. Kilmer of Marengo, Ill.; and Frank S., who is on the home farm. William Ransley grew to manhood in his native township, after his father’s death assisting his mother, and attending the schools of his district. On March 7, 1895, he married Lulu Small, born December 7, 1873, at Highland, a daughter of Nathan and Sarah C. (Hart) Small, natives of Bath, Me., and Chester, Pa. The grandparents of Mrs. Ransley were Alvin and Ann Small, and William and Jane (McCullough) Hart, the latter natives of Pennsylvania, Alvin Small being a native of Scotland. After marriage Mr. Ransley moved to a portion of an estate of 100 acres just south of Verona, where he has since been engaged in farming and raising horses, cattle and hogs. Mr. and Mrs. Ransley have become the parents of the following children: William Nathan, who was born January 27, 1900, died January 2, 1901; Frank Burdett, who was born April 5, 1902; and Loretta Beatrice, who was born October 1, 1903. Mr. Ransley attends the Methodist Church. A Republican, he served for two terms as ass! essor of his township, and since 1903 has been on the school board. A man of more than usual ability, he has directed his affairs wisely, and has earned not only his material prosperity, but high standing among his fellow citizens. Source: History of Grundy County, Illinois, 1914, page 888

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Darby Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wg.2ADE/1369 Message Board Post: Darby, Silas C. – Located in Vienna Township, is the valuable farm belonging to Silas C. Darby, a property containing 135 acres, devoted to general operations, productive orchards and the breeding of blooding cattle. One of his locality’s most substantial citizens, Mr. Darby has been the architect of his own fortunes, for whatever he has accomplished in life has come as a result of his own untiring efforts. He is a native of Worcestershire, England, and was born March 28, 1857, in the village of Illey, parish of Halesowen, a son of Thomas and Ann (Hadley) (Coley) Darby. The family came to the United States in 1871, locating first at Marseilles, Ill., where the elder Darby commenced farming, a vocation which he followed him to the grave in 1906. Silas C. Darby received his education in the schools of his native land, and was fourteen years of age when he accompanied his father and mother to this country. An industrious, enterprising and ambitious youth, w! hen still under his majority he began to care for his parents, and continued to reside with them until he bought his present property in 1884. This land at that time could boast of no improvements, but Mr. Darby at once began to remedy this fault, and today the property is one of the finest and best improved in Grundy County. All of the buildings have been erected by him, modern machinery has been installed, and with infinite patience and care he has succeeded in growing an orchard that is the pride of the residents of this section. His life has been indeed an active and useful one, for he has not alone gained personal advancement, but through his work has succeeded in assisting materially in the development of his community. He is engaged in raising Belgian and Percheron horses, and at this time is the owner of a valuable Belgian stallion. He is known as an excellent business man, but has never taken an unfair advantage nor used another’s misfortune as the mean! s of making a personal gain. Mr. Darby owned a threshing outfit and operated it for thirty-six years, but September 15, 1912, the engine exploded, and although fortunately no one was seriously injured, the machinery was destroyed, and considerable inconvenience was experienced for several months by Mr. Darby as he was knocked unconscious by the force of the concussion. In political matters a Republican, Mr. Darby has been honored by his fellow-citizens with election to public office, having served as a School Director for nine years and as Road Commissioner for three years. His fraternal connections are with the Seneca lodges of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. Source: History of Grundy County, Illinois, 1914, page 801-802

Forwarded from another list FYI: The IL state archives stopped sending otu free copies of death certificates in November. This person will send copies of certificates if a reference is found in the index: http://www.rootdig.com/illinoisdeathcertificates.html Kevin __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now. http://mailplus.yahoo.com

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Olroyd Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wg.2ADE/1368 Message Board Post: OLROYD, Walter P. – It is a remarkable fact that many of the most successful and responsible men of Grundy County have come here from some foreign land, developing into good citizens and loyal boosters for their special section. One of the leading agriculturalists of Grundy County is Walter P. Olroyd of Greenfield Township. He was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1866, the son of James and Mary (King) Olroyd. As the family came to the United States in 1888, the Olroyds have been associated with Grundy County for over a quarter of a century. They located at Braceville, where the father engaged in mining in the coal mines, and there died in 1893 from injuries received in the mines. His widow lived until 1909. These parents had eleven children, all of whom survive. Walter P. Olroyd attended school in England and was engaged in farming and mining prior to the family exodus. After coming to Braceville, he worked in the mines until 1894, when he resumed his agricultural operations. At present he owns 160 acres of fertile land on Section 13, where he carries on general farming. His success has come from persistent efforts, intelligently directed, and a natural ability and willingness to work. In 1910 Mr. Olroyd married Loretta Camden, a native of Ohio. They have had no children. Mr. Olroyd belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias. A Republican, he has served as collector for two years, and as highway commissioner for eleven years, still retaining that office. Mrs. Olroyd is a member of the Christian Church. He is a man of purposeful character, and has directed his efforts towards advancing himself, and at the same time he has won and retained the respect and confidence of those with whom he has been brought into ! contact. Source: History of Grundy County, Illinois, 1914, page 876

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Cumming Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wg.2ADE/1366 Message Board Post: Cumming, Clarence Earl, D. D. S. – The dental profession of Grundy County, Ill., is worthily and ably represented at Coal City by Dr. Clarence Earl Cumming, who, through inclination, training and inherent skill has brought himself to the forefront in his profession. Doctor Cumming is now recognized as the leading representative of his vocation in Coal City, and maintains well appointed offices over the City Drug Store. He is a native of Grundy County, having been born at Gardner, Ill., October 19, 1882, and is a son of Thomas S. and Mary (Blaney) Cumming. Clarence Earl Cumming received his early education in the public schools of Gardner, and also attended the High school there for one year. When he was twelve years of age, the family removed to Belleville, Ill., and there he also attended the High school. When he was fourteen years of age he started his own battle with the world as an employee of the bottling factory at Belleville, and when the family removed to Staunton, Ill., in 1898, he became top man for the coal company there, his father being manager of the mine. About one year later the family returned to Gardner, and Doctor Cumming worked with his father in prospecting for coal until the fall of 1905, at which time he took up the study of dentistry at the Lincoln Dental Collage, connected with the University of Nebraska. He was graduated therefrom May 27, 1908, and was licensed to practice in Nebraska, but shortly thereafter returned to Illinois, where he passed the examination of the State Board of Examiners. H! e opened his offices in Coal City, June 21, 1908, and here has continued in practice to the present time. He is in the enjoyment of a large and representative professional business, and among his brethren in the calling is recognized as a man who has thoroughly mastered his science and who at all times respects its ethics. On June 7, 1911, at Wheaton, Ill., Doctor Cumming was married by Rev. Thompson of the Methodist Church to Miss Ethel C. Rodgers, born April 5, 1890, near Coal City, daughter of Winfield Scott and Clara (Hill) Rodgers, and granddaughter of Delmar and Maria (Stallman) Hill. Mrs. Cumming’s father was a farmer by occupation and belonged to one of the early families of Grundy County. Politically Doctor Cumming is a single-tax Democrat, having always been a follower of the Henry George doctrine. He was one of the directors of the Illinois Aero Construction Company, located in Coal City, and is progressive in all matters, being ever ready to give his aid to whatever he considers beneficial to the interests of the village or its people. He is a member of Psi chapter of the Xi Psi Phi, a dental fraternity, of which he was the first treasurer. He was a charter member in Lincoln, Neb., having joined while attending the university there, and retained his office as treasurer until he graduated in 1908. He is also affiliated with the Blue Lodge of Masonry at Braidwood, Ill., and Royal Arch Chapter No. 704, at Wilmington, Ill., also Eastern Star and Woodmen. Source: History of Grundy County, Illinois, 1914, page 797-798

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Terrando Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wg.2ADE/1365 Message Board Post: Terrando, Joseph Steven, M.D. – The medical profession of Grundy County, Ill., is represented by some of the most skilled and learned men of this calling to be found in the state. They have devoted themselves, their time and their energies, to the preservation of public health and the alleviation of the ills of mankind. One of the representative men, whose abilities, sympathies and devotion to his vocation have made him respected among his confreres and beloved by a wide circle of patients, is Dr Joseph Steven Terrando, of South Wilmington. He is a native of Pertusio, Torino, Italy, born November 17, 1872, a son of Anton and Madalena (Caretti) Terrando, wealthy farming people of Italy, who passed their entire lives in that country, where the father died February 16, 1904, and the mother September 15, 1908. There were seven children in the family: Mathew, a resident of Staunton, Ill.; Joseph Steven; Victoria, who married Math Riva, of Taft, Ill.; Teresa, who married ! Barney Terrando, of Spring Valley, Ill.; Natale, living in Italy; Mary, who married F. Michela, of Toluca, Ill.; and Steven, living in Italy. The preliminary studies of Doctor Terrando were prosecuted in the public schools and when he was eight years of age he entered the Episcopal College, at Bra, Italy, two years later becoming a student at Cavour Lyceum, Torino, and later studying three years in a preparatory school. He then went to the University of Torino for three years, and finally passed a like period in the University of Parma, and after securing his diploma, at the age of thirty-one years, began practice with his uncle, who was a professor in the university there. In 1904 Doctor Terrando came to the United States and joined his brother and sister at Toluca, Ill., and soon thereafter went to Chicago, where he passed the examination required by the State Board of Medical Examiners, at the Coliseum, July 15, 1904. On October 17, 1904, he came to South Wilmington, where he has since continued in active and successful practice. He enjoys a large and lucrative professional business, and is known as one of the ! best read and most skillful physicians and surgeons of the locality. A Republican in politics, he has not sought public office, but at this time is serving as a member of the Board of Health of East Brooklyn. With his family, he attends the Catholic Church. Doctor Terrando was married July 17, 1905, to Miss Katie Bottino, daughter of Frank and Mary (Campo) Bottino, and four children have been born to this union: Madelina Inez, born April 9, 1906, who died July 23, 1906; Dolores Mary, born July 20, 1907; Inez May, born February 5, 1909; and Lillian Pearl, born April 4, 1912. Source: History of Grundy County, Illinois, 1914, page 907

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Sadler Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wg.2ADE/1364 Message Board Post: Sadler, John. - More than forty years have passed since John Sadler first came to Grundy County, Ill., and during all that period he has been known as one of this section's most reliable and successful agriculturists. At this time he is living a somewhat retired life, having turned over the burden of activities to younger hands and shoulders, but he still maintains an interest in all that affects the welfare of the community in which he has resided so long and to which he gave the best years of his life. Mr. Sadler is a native of Eastern Canada, and was born in October, 1837, a son of John and Ann (Mason) Sadler, natives of the North of Ireland. They moved to Canada about the year 1820, and there spent the remainder of their lives in agricultural pursuits. Of their six children, John was the youngest. John Sadler was given ordinary educational advantages and continued to reside with his parents in their Canadian home until he reached the age of sixteen years, at which time he went to Vermont. One year later he came West and settled in Grundy County, where he rented land until 1872, and in that year purchased an unimproved tract of eighty acres of land in Vienna Township. To the developing and cultivation of this property he gave the rest of his active years, and through industry, perseverance and well-directed effort was successful in making one of the finest farms of its size in this part of the State. Since 1910 he has lived somewhat retired, the land now being under the capable management of his son, Harry, who has inherited many of his father's sterling traits of character. In the spring of 1861, John Sadler was united in marriage with Miss Matilda Hamilton, also a native of Canada, and they have had children as follows: Anna, who married Robert Hamilton, and is now deceased; Susan, also deceased, who was the wife of George Baker; Cora, who married William Bradford, and resides in Mazon, Ill.; George, a resident of Colorado; Thomas, who is deceased; and Harry, the manager of the home place, who married Miss Bowman. The mother of these children died in August, 1908, in the faith of the Episcopal Church, to which Mr. Sadler also belongs. He is prominent in Masonry, having numerous friends in the Verona Lodge, and in his political views is independent. Source: History of Grundy County, Illinois, 1914, page 896-897

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Nape Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wg.2ADE/1363 Message Board Post: Wondering if there are any Nape family descendants out there. I am a nape from the south side of chicago (Blue Island). Want to know if there is anymore Napes in Illinois i have not met.... I saw there is history of napes in Grundy county. Any responses would be nice. Michael J Nape

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wg.2ADE/417.2 Message Board Post: Hello, I have Fuller's from Grundy also. I would be interested to know if they maybe are related. Let me know. You can email me at home for more information. Thank you. Holly hwtap@dcwis.com

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wg.2ADE/482.1 Message Board Post: I just wanted to let you know that in your message you have Sigler spelled wrong. It is Ziegler. Ziegler Barkey was my great-great grandfather. His mother's name was Eve Ziegler. I hope this information is helpful. Sincerely, Debbie Barkey Fraaken

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Peacock Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wg.2ADE/1362 Message Board Post: PEACOCK, George A. - A number of the most substantial of Grundy County agriculturalists have gained their practical knowledge of farming while conducting operations on different properties, so that when they bought land for themselves they were able to bring to bear valuable experience thus gained. One of the men who has in this way attained to prosperity and is now numbered among the excellent farmers of Nettle Creek Township is George A. Peacock. He was born in Nettle Creek Township March 23, 1883, a son of Alexander and Emma (Towsley) Peacock. Until he was twenty-two years old, George A. Peacock remained at home and then began farming for himself on the home farm. After two years there, he spent a year on the Wilson farm, in Erienna Township, then moved on the Hatchert farm in that same township, where he spent two years. He then returned to Nettle Creek Township to take charge of 160 acres of land belonging to the Peacock estate. On it he successfully carries on grain growing, study and experience having taught him that this land is best suited for grain. He is a man of more education than the farmers’ sons sometimes secure, as he not only attended the excellent schools of Morris, but also took a course in Brown’s Business college at Ottawa, Ill., and the knowledge thus gained has served him well in his agricultural activities, for the day has gone by when a man can operate land unintelligently and succeed. On February 4, 1909. Mr. Peacock married Grace Morrall, born at Morris, Ill., January 15, 1888, a daughter of Henry and Killey (Henry) Morrall, Mr. and Mrs. Peacock have two children: Hazel, born November 3, 1909, and Alberta, born March 1, 1911. Mr. Peacock is a Republican and served his township in the office of collector while living in Erienna Township. He is an experienced man and good farmer. Source: History of Grundy County, Illinois, 1914, page 880

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Culley Classification: Biography Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/wg.2ADE/1361 Message Board Post: Culley, Anthony Joseph – In these days of specialized endeavor a man has to know thoroughly some particular line in order to achieve any measure of success. One of those who has perfected himself as a mason until he has developed into a contractor of masonry, is Anthony Joseph Culley, of South Wilmington, Ill., one of the substantial men of Grundy County. Mr. Culley was born in Belgium, in 1866, a son of Nicholas and Mary (Doyen) Culley. These parents came to the United States in 1869, locating at Braidwood, where the father carried on mining as he had previously done in his native land. There he died in 1893, being buried in the place of his adoption, but his widow survives, still making her home at Braidwood. There were eight children born to Nicholas Culley and wife: Seymour, Catherine, Anthony Joseph, Lydia, Charles, John, Abel and Anna, several being deceased. Anthony Joseph Culley was two and one-half years old when he was brought to Braidwood where he grew up and attended the public schools until eleven years old when he began working for coal companies. In 1889, having learned to largely depend upon himself, he came to South Wilmington, when the town was in its infancy, and has lived here ever since, growing up with it as it were. He found opportunity for mason work, and has been engaged in all kinds of this class of construction work, and has labored to some purpose as he now owns his residence, and 120 acres in the vicinity of South Wilmington. In 1893 Mr. Culley was married to Elizabeth M. White of Braidwood, Ill., and they have three children: Charles N., William C. and Agnes. They belong to the Baptist Church. Fraternally he is a Mason and a Knight of Pythias. A Republican in politics, he served three years on the school board from Greenfield Township, five years as assessor and for the past two years he has been supervisor, which office he still holds. In every way he has proven himself a worthy, efficient man, and his standing in his community is undisputed, as is his reputation for honest dealing and faithfulness in carrying out his contracts. Source: History of Grundy County, Illinois, 1914, page 797