Early Days in Lyman #23

EARLY DAYS IN THE TOWN OF LYMAN
by Bela Foster

Continuing . . .

For this installment, we are printing a letter which we received from Mrs. Harriet Marston Doolittle of Long Beach, California, written August 10th, 1935. Mrs. Doolittle is the oldest person living who was born in what is now Lyman Township. We will answer some of her questions before printing her letter.
Miss Effie Maxson is living and is one of Roberts best loved citizens. She now lives in Roberts, next door to the editor of the Herald.
We are saddened to learn that so many of the former citizens of Roberts have answered to the call "Come up Higher".
Mr. Bela Foster:
Your letter of August 5th, was received and I am very happy to comply with your request to tell what I know of the early settlement of the New England colony in Illinois. Early in 1856, a group of people of New London, Connecticut, desirous of going into the west (Illinois was far west in those days) to make new homes, sent a delegation of three men to "Go and spy out the land." The three men selected were Dr. Babcock, Moses Morgan and S. K. Marston -- a doctor, a farmer and a mechanic.
At that time the I. C. R. R. was about completed. General George B. McClellan was vice president and chief engineer of the road, and Major Burnside was treasurer and land commissioner. After looking over considerable territory throughout the state they finally selected the location that we are now speaking of and which for many years was known as the Connecticut Settlement. My father and mother with my sister who was then about a year old came out in the fall of that year 1856. The Edmond Havens family did not come until the following spring, but their oldest son E. T. Havens came with my parents and lived with our family during the winter. Consequently my sister and I always loved him as an older brother and that love extended to this wife and family and has remained with us through the years.
My mother taught the children of the community in her home for two years. Then a school district was formed and she taught in the new school as its first preceptress and taught English, Mathematics and Art. It was at that time that we moved to Onarga and the Marston farm was sold.
The Burt and Lyman families were from Massachusetts and came into the settlement about the same time as the colonists from Connecticut. There is much that could be related of the life of the colony, much of hardships endured but more of the wonderfully happy relationship that grew into life time friendships. As you said in your letter there are few, if any, of the sons and daughters of those old friends left.
There was a Captain Maxson who settled in the south of our colony. I was born April 16, 1858, and I remember hearing my mother tell of trading babies with Mrs. Maxson during the school week. Effie Maxson was old enough to go to school and Mrs. Maxson would bring her to my mother on Monday morning and take me home with her and would reverse the proceedings on Friday afternoon. The last I know I think Effie was still living on the old farm but I am not quite sure.
My sister, Mrs. Robert Fowler Cummongs, is living in Los Angeles, making her home with her oldest daughter. Until quite recently she was active in church and club work, having served two years as president-general of the National Society of New England women. Her health does not permit her doing much in that line now.
The Doolittle family came to California in 1907 and found many of the old colony people here. George P. and Edward Lyman, Amos and Charles Peck, Oscar and George Burt as well as the two Lisk brothers Allen and Byron. It was indeed like coming home to see so many old friends, but most of them, indeed all of them excepting George Burt and family, have passed over the great divide.
I have written at considerable length but hope I have given you a little material for your newspaper articles. May I ask if Effie Maxson is still living?

Very Sincerely,
Harriet Marston Doolittle.
 
--Roberts Herald. 21 August 1935. Bela Foster.

Early Days in Lyman #22

EARLY DAYS IN THE TOWN OF LYMAN
by Bela Foster

Continuing . . .
John Shambrook came from England in 1857 and settled in Illinois in 1866, on section six of what is now the Town of Lyman. His wife was Mary Parkin, sister of William and James Parkin and an aunt of the James E. Parkin who is the present supervisor of Lyman. Their family consisted of one son and three daughters. Three sons and one daughter were born after they settled here. The mother died while the family were still young. In those early years there was much hardship, much illness and many deaths. Fathers and mothers were taken from their children and children from their parents. Three score years ago when the insect pests could enter houses without bars of any kind and scatter disease among its occupants.
In 1875, Mr. Shambrook married Mrs. Hammett, a widow with three children and brought them to his home. Mr. Shambrook died in 1900. His second wife died in 1910.
The oldest girl, Polly Hammett, married Fred Shambrook, the oldest son of John Shambrook. The second girl married Robert Shambrook who died recently. The boy, William Hammett, lives in Indiana. Ida Shambrook married Alfred Toon (Known to many Roberts people as "Mike" Toon.) They were here recently. The live at Pontiac. Selena Shambrook married Milton Moller. Vanda Shambrook married Luther Montz. Luther Montz was a farmer in this locality for several years. For many years he worked at the mason trade. They had four girls Maggie, Carrie, Lillie and Elsie. Maggie married Mr. Austin and they live near DelRey. Carrie married Reinhold Barz and they live two miles east of Roberts. They have one son and one daughter. Lillie married Thomas Parkin. They live two miles north of Roberts. They have one daughter. Elsie married Arthur Shambrook and they live at Forrest. Mr. Montz is dead. Mrs. Montz lives with her daughter Lillie.
Fred Shambrook purchased the Huxtable home and improved it with new buildings and a new orchard. He also bought his uncle Robert's farm on the east side of the road. He was supervisor in 1917 and 1918. Mr. and Mrs. Fred T. Shambrook had two sons and one daughter, Walter, Elmer and Etta.
Walter married Emma Rossbach. They have one son and one daughter. Walter lives on the home place. Elmer married Pearl Taylor, daughter of John Taylor who lived for many years with the James Jeffrey family. He was as a son to them. Elmer and his family, wife and two sons, live on what was his grandfather's farm in section six. Etta married James Ireland. They live in Flint, Michigan. Her mother lives with her. James Ireland is a grandson of T. A. Ireland who settled in Section 36 in the early day. They moved to Buckley many years ago.
James Shambrook, son of John and Mary Shambrook married a daughter of John Taylor, mentioned above. She was the oldest daughter, Nellie. They live in section six. They have two sons and three daughters. The sons are married and have homes of their own. The oldest daughter married Samuel Patton. She is deceased. The Shambrooks are good horsemen. You seldom see a Shambrook driving any team except a good team and well equipped.
Harrison Shambrook married Lizzie Rossbach. At present they are living in Wall Town. They had one daughter; she died when about five years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Shambrook are willing workers in the church as was his brother, Fred and others of the family.
Fred Shambrook retired from the farm about twenty years ago and moved to Roberts, where he died in 1920.
James Parkin came to Lyman with his step-father and his mother and his half brother, Thomas Parkin in 1872. James Parkin worked many years in the tile factory and many more years in the elevator. He also knows how tile should be laid in the ground. In 1893 he married Mrs. Adeline Nagle, a widow with two daughters and a son. Mrs. and Mrs. Parkin had one daughter, Jessie. She is a talented musician. She married Harold Frederick. They had one son who died in infancy. They have an adopted daughter. They live in Paxton. Mr. Parkin has held many public offices. He is supervisor at the present time. The father of James Parkin )Thomas Parkin) died in 1867 when James was two years old. Later his mother married William Parkin, brother of Thomas Parkin. Mrs. William Parkin died in 1909 and Mr. Parkin in 1923.
Lottie Nagle (the oldest step daughter of James Parkin) married Alvin Emmons. They live in Champaign. They have one daughter. Gertrude Nagle, younger sister of Lottie, married J. E. West. They live in Paxton. They have three daughters.
 
--Roberts Herald. 14 August 1935. Bela Foster.

Gullett's Meat Market

--Roberts Herald. 10 April 1940.

Early Days in Lyman #21

EARLY DAYS IN THE TOWN OF LYMAN
by Bela Foster

Continuing . . .

The McNeish family were in business several years. They started a boot and shoe store here after the town started. After a few years they put in harness and secured a harness maker. John Drummond was one of their harness makers. He married one of the Burnett sisters who lived in the house that once stood west of the Cecil Kennedy residence. They were seamstresses.
Mr. Drummond was tax collector in 1880 and Justice of the Peace in 1881. His wife was a cousin of Mrs. T. McNeish. Mr. and Mrs. Drummond moved to North Dakota.
Thomas McNeish was a very industrious young man. His wife was Miss Isabelle, a sister of Thomas Burnett who used to farm in this vicinity. Mr. McNeish was fatally injured by the explosion of a rocket he was examining at his home here July 4th, 1891. He lived only a few days after the injury. He left four daughters and two sons. Jean (McNeish) Maxson was a school teacher in this vicinity several years. Her husband was the youngest son of Captain Maxson who came here with the Connecticut Colony in 1856. After their marriage they lived on the Maxson home place several years. Their daughter, Isabelle was born in the same house that her father was born in. She married a young man in Iowa. Mrs. Maxson lives at Ames, Iowa. Mr. Maxson died several years ago near Rolph, Iowa.
Mary McNeish, the second daughter married Maurice Welsh, a young farmer who lived here. They farmed here several years and then moved to Iowa. Harry McNeish is a teacher in New York City. Agnes McNeish is a teacher in Chicago and Ellen McNeish lives in Michigan. After Mr. McNeish died his wife carried on the shoe store the fire of 1894. She died in 1895.
John McDonald and wife, Jane, and four children moved to this vicinity from Canada in 1860. They bought a farm in section four. The farm is now owned by his son, A. A. McDonald of Odell. The house burned many years ago. There are no buildings on the place now. In 1869 Mr. McDonald was hauling lumber from Piper city. His horses ran and threw him off the wagon killing him. The oldest son, John, took charge of the farm. He died in 1880. His mother died in 1874. Maggie McDonald married Lewis Mosher. The Mosher family moved here in 1877. They bought the A. A. Haling farm in section 8.
Eliza McDonald taught school several years. In 1887 she was on that fateful excursion train enroute to Niagara Falls that ran into a burned bridge between Chatsworth and Piper City. She lived only a few days. The next week was the Ford County teachers' institute. It was a sad situation.
A. A. McDonald also was a teacher. The fall that Eliza died he taught the Marston school. Later he married Miss Anna Blesch. I was at the wedding but forget the year. Perhaps it was 1888 or 1889. Maggie Mosher has been a widow for several years. She had two sons and three daughters. All are married. Nellie married Henry Yackee. The have one son, Glenn. The live here.
Amy married Robert Bradbury. They live on section 8 across from the Smith school house. They have three sons and two daughters. Both daughters are teachers. The sons with the father run the farm. Mr. Bradbury is a plumber by trade.
Ethel married Casper Willy, a grandson of George Farrer who came here in the early days. They lived in the west end of Beset grove. This farm has been occupied continuously by some member of the Farrer family since the early settlement. Mrs. Ida Willy is the only living member of Farrer family. Mr. and Mrs. Farrer and their son, John and daughter, Mary, died many years ago. John's family and Mr. and Mrs. Casper Willy live in Chicago. Mary Willy teaches in Chicago. Edith married H. Benson. They live south of Melvin.
Harry Mosher is married and from many years has lived in Chicago. Frank married Mildred Lansdale of Piper City. He is running a grocery store in Roberts, his native town. He has one son and one daughter.
 
--Roberts Herald. 7 August 1935. Bela Foster.

Early Days in Lyman #20

EARLY DAYS IN THE TOWN OF LYMAN
by Bela Foster

Continuing . . .

George P. Lyman was one of the first hardware merchants in Roberts. He and George Thompson were partners. Both had taught school in Lyman township. George Lyman had taught the Marston district (Now No. 36). The last time he visited Roberts I took him around the northeast part of the township. After he was married he lived on the southeast corner of the farm Elza Kelley now lives on. A few trees still stand there. It was a beautiful building spot sloping to the south, high and dry.
Mr. Lyman told me of his first experience in applying for a teacher's certificate. John R. Lewis of Piper City was assistant county superintendent. He went to see Mr. Lewis and found him absent from home. He left a note telling him the purpose of the visit. Mr. Lyman said, "In the course of about a week I received my certificate.." He taught two winter terms, 1865-66 and 1866-67.
George H. Thompson sold his interest in the store to Myron Rice, a farmer who lived on the south side of section 28. The house stood near the road northwest of where Otto Seng now lives. Byron Lisk bought out Mr. Rice and soon after Allen Lisk bought out Mr. Lyman. After having spent nearly thirty years in the confines of this township 25 N Range 9 E, Mr. and Mrs. Lyman went to spend the remainder of their lives in the sunshine and shadows of the Pacific Coast. They did not leave for lack of friends. So far as I could ever learn every body who knew them were their friends.
Shortly after Roberts was laid out two brothers and their families came from Kentucky to make their homes here. These were William and Thomas Newman. William Newman ran the hotel. He had three sons and three daughters. The sons were E. O. Newman, Richard and Frank. The oldest daughter became the wife of W. B. Flora. He later sold the hotel and moved to Piper City where he and his two younger sons ran a meat market. Mrs. Newman died in 1887 and Mr. Newman in 1889.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Newman had several children. Five sons and three daughters grew to manhood and womanhood. Ida and Mayme were school teachers. Ida taught the intermediate room in Roberts in 1890-1891. She died in 1892. Mayme married L. L. Boyle. She died about 1900 leaving one son, Royce, who grew up with his grandparents. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Boyle.
Samuel Newman, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. William Newman married Mahala Shaffer, daughter of Abraham Shaffer one of the early settlers here. Her mother died in 1868 when she was about three years old.
J. V. King was station agent here for many years. His first wife was Nannie Newman, oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Newman. She died in 1886 leaving one son, Clyde. Mr. King later married the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Newman. Mr. King owned the farm where Tobias Gimbel now lives. The lived there for a time. In the nineties they sold out and moved to Indiana. He died many years ago leaving a wife and two sons.
Daniel Boyle married Lizzie Burns who when a girl lived with her parents on the farm where Otto Bleich now lives. Mr. Boyle died several years ago. Mrs. Boyle lives with her daughter (Eva) Mrs. Andrew Koestner near Webster City, Iowa.
Samuel s. Newman was village marshal in Roberts for many years and is well remembered for the faithful work he did in that office. He was by trade a carpenter and took part in the erection of many houses in Roberts. Mr. and Mrs. Newman made a home for his younger brothers and sisters after the death of his parents. He died in 1919 leaving his wife and two daughters. Mrs. Newman died in 1927. One daughter Edith (Mrs. Roy Fitzpatrick) died in Chicago in 1930. The other daughter (Belle) married Dr. W. J. Gonwa, who is a practicing dentist at Chrisman. They have a son.
Harry Newman, a stock buyer here for many years, now lives at Rensselaer, Indiana. William Newman taught school here for several years. He want to Texas for his health many years ago. Carl Newman conducted a meat market her several years. He married Nora Yackee. They later moved to Champaign. He died a few years ago. He left his wife and one daughter and two sons.
Bert V. Newman, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. William Newman, married and lived in Chatsworth. He died a few years ago.
 
--Roberts Herald. 13 March 1935. Bela Foster.

Magnolia House

Fred Pettit built the original hotel when Roberts was started in 1871. It was the only hotel or Magnolia House, as it was called, ever to be built in Roberts.
The land first belonged to Mr. Francis Alonzo Roberts. Then it was passed on to different families.
Some of the families that owned the hotel were P. J. Foster, Charles O. Hayes, Francis M. Hancock, O. M. Decourey, William H. Wilson and Oliver C. Dilks....
The hotel was once a very popular stopping place. Salesmen who came in on the railroad spent the night there and then used the Roberts livery stable services the following day to drive to Melvin and other nearby towns.
A dentist, Dr. E. D. Wilkenson, from Gibson City, had an office in one of the upstairs rooms. He would come to Roberts once a week. For several years, the Roberts telephone switchboard was operated in one of the rooms.
The hotel had 22 rooms, two dining rooms, and one bath. They used gas to light the rooms.
Sometimes when trains would go through, the sparks from the train would land on the roof of the hotel and start a fire.
Oliver C. Dilks was born in Thorton, Leicertershire, England. he came to the United States in January, 1893 and became a citizen in 1894. Mr. Dilks came, with his wife Catherine, to Roberts in 1912 from Ludingon, Michigan.
Mr. and Mrs. Dilks purchased the hotel building in 1918. They had five children: Katherine Dilks Johnson, Oliver C. Dilks, Arthur L. Dilks, (dec.) Sidney H. Dilks, Evelyn Dilks (dec.)
In 1918, Mr. Dilks was called to serve his country. On the morning of Nov. 11, 1918, he with other men, arrived at the Paxton depot to take the train to Chicago for their physical. Before they took the train, word was received that the Armistice had been signed. So, all were sent back to their homes.
In June, 1942, Mr. Dilks, Sr., was a member of the Selective Service of Ford County at Paxton.
Sidney H. Dilks, one of their children, was the youngest States Attorney to be elected in the state of Illinois. He also, as a young man, helped with the building of Route 115 in 1913 and 1917. One day he was run over by a load of bricks, but being a young man, he lived.
Jack and Katherine (Dilks) Johnson took over the hotel in 1941, but did not operate a hotel after the death of her parents. Mr. and Mrs. John (Jack) Johnson have one son, Arthur.

--Robert Area Centennial 1872-1972. 100 Years of Plowing, Planting, Progressing.  1972.

Our Town Bakery Opens

--Roberts Herald.  1 November 1933.

Would like to find where this was located. 1933. 

Early Days in Lyman #19

EARLY DAYS IN THE TOWN OF LYMAN
by Bela Foster

Continuing . . .

At the spring election 1878, W. B. Flora was again elected supervisor; M. Cassingham, town clerk; G. P. Lyman, collector; John Hummel, commissioner of highways.
O. D. Sackett was an active worker in political affairs as well as the economics of the town, county and state. He held several offices while he lived here. In those days men who fought through the strenuous times, 1867 to 1880, and had made a showing as men who could carry their own burdens and find a little time to aid their fellow men were looked upon as men who were competent to manage the affairs of the local community. O. D. Sackett was not a college graduate but we venture to say that he had more horse sense than many who have occupied Seats in the legislative bodies of the state and nation.
Mr. and Mrs. Sackett lived in Lake Shore District. Their daughter, Mrs. Jennie Campbell taught school in their home district. She attended school in Roberts when F. G. Lohman was teacher here. They had one son, Jay Sackett who ran a meat market in Paxton for several years. Mrs. Sackett was in the Illinois theater when it burned. She succeeded in getting out. Mr. and Mrs. Sackett died many years ago. Mrs. Jennie Campbell lives in Arkansas and Jay Sackett in the northwest.
John Hummel was born in Germany in 1834. He came to America in 1854. He settled in Knox county where he lived until 1859 when he moved to the farm, one and one-half mile north of Roberts. He was a successful farmer. He owned one half of section 12. He married while he lived in Knox county. They had three sons and five daughters. One son died while he lived here, in 1887. Hattie, the youngest daughter died in 1903, while they lived in Normal. In about 1894 the family moved to Normal. Later they moved to Champaign and after the children were through school they moved to Washington where Mr. Hummel died in 1911. Mrs. Hummel is now living with her daughter, Mrs. Ida Ruddy at White, South Dakota. Their daughter, Anna married Mr. A. Cook, brother of C. W. Cook. They moved to Minnesota about forty years ago. Both died a few years ago.
Dr. Sarah M. Hummel is a practicing physician in Chicago. Adam Hummel is also a physician and is practicing in the west. William, the youngest is in school work in California. Mr. and Mrs. John Hummel helped to organize the Congregational Church of Roberts. Mrs. Hummel is the only survivor of the ten members who organized the church October 24th, 1875, three score years ago. Mr. Hummel was an officer of the church nearly all the time after its organization until he moved away. The family were faithful in the church work. Mr. Hummel was a soldier in the civil war. Mr. Hummel's father died here in 1879. His brother, Nicholas, died in 1915.
 F. G. Lohman, a young Badger, came to Ford County in 1869 and farmed for several years near Paxton. He was a university graduate and had taught school in his native state, Wisconsin. In 1876 he was engaged to teach the Roberts school. In 1878 he married Miss Florence McCann who lived with her mother and brother, Alonzo McCann, who worked for Chris'r Anderson in the store and elevator at Roberts. Mr. Lohman continued to teach the Roberts school until 1881. In 1882 he was elected county Superintendent of Schools of Ford County but he still continued to make his home in Roberts. He was elected a republican but during his second term he espoused the Democratic cause and in 1890 E. A. Gardner was elected to that office on the Republican ticket. In 1891 Mr. Lohman returned to the Roberts school and taught the school for the next two years. His health failed and in 1897 he passed away after many weeks of suffering.
Mr. and Mrs. Lohman, his son Sherill, his daughter Florence have gone to their future home. Those living are: Leona Meadows, Salt Lake City, Utah, Howard Lohman in Washington, Adda Shobe lives in Chicago. Florence married William Bayliss and lived in Louisiana when she died. She left two daughters. Mrs. Lohman's mother died in Roberts in 1878.
 
--Roberts Herald. 24 July 1935. Bela Foster.

Gullett & Kennedy Store

--Roberts Herald. 5 May 1937.

The Magnolia House

 

--Paxton Record. 3 October 1912.

 

The Roberts Hotel has had at least two other names I have read about, the Magnolia House and the Glencoe Hotel.  More research.

Recent Moves 1950

The sale of a house and the leaving of the Reserves, caused a flurry of moves the past week.  Mr. and Mrs. William Mammen and family moved from the Howard Walters house to a trailer recently purchased and parked near the Floyd Kietzman residence. Mr. and Mrs. Francis Whitaker and family moved to Fisher where she and the children will stay during his time in service.  Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Kief moved to the Whitaker home which they purchased. They had been in the Bertram apartments.  Mr. and Mrs. Richard Krallman and family moved to the Bertram apartments from the Ebert residence.  Mr. and Mrs. ??? of Clinton moved to the Ebert residence.  Mr. ? is the new manager of the Alexander Lumber Co. 

--Roberts Herald.  25 October 1950.

The Kief home on North Main Street in Roberts.  I remember it being white though.
Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Kief purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Francis Whitaker.

Early Days in Lyman #18

EARLY DAYS IN THE TOWN OF LYMAN
by Bela Foster

Continuing . . .

W. B. Flora had three brothers who lived here in the early days. T. A. Flora was a wagon maker here for several years. He farmed part of the time. His wife was a sister of F. A. White. He moved to Paxton and was sheriff and county treasurer. I believe he held other offices there. He died several years ago. Some of his sons are in Paxton now. Samuel Flora lived here a few years and then returned to Kentucky. James Flora came here in his young manhood. He was in the well drilling business part of the time. He married a daughter of Dr. M. Cassingham. They lived in what was later the Sam Newman house. I remember his oldest daughter, Maude, used to wave at me as I passed on my way to school. Milton Rueck lives in the house now. They moved to Paxton in 1893. I have never seen Mrs. Flora or the daughters since. Maude to me is still that beautiful little girl in the window. It is strange how a little child can endear itself to the memory by those tokens of love.
T. W. Wakelin moved on to the north west quarter of section 33. T. W. Wakelin was an active church worker. He often preached in the school houses in the early days. Mrs. Wakelin was a sister of Joseph Whorrall Sr. They had two sons, W. H. who was in business here for many years and Walter, now deceased. Walter married a daughter of Joseph Hurst. They lived several years at the east end of Green Street. In 1909 they moved to California. They had one son and four daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Wakelin and the son Dr. Harvey Wakelin are now deceased. The daughters are Sadie, wife of Henry Waldschmidt, Genevieve Weaver, Mae Squires, and Della Lossing. All of them live near Los Angeles, California. Sadie lives in Garvanza, Genevieve in Compton, Mae in Ontario and Della in Compton.
William H. Wakelin purchased the store building erected by Peter Gose and William Graham, more than fifty years ago. He continued in the business until failing health caused him to give it up. While living here he and Mrs. Wakelin were regular attendants at church and faithful in the church work.
They had one daughter, Grace, who married Robert Reinhardt. After living here a few years they moved to California where Mr. Reinhardt died. Mrs. Reinhardt served for several years as police woman on the Los Angeles force. When her mother's health failed she came back to Roberts to care for her. After her mother's death she returned to California and her father accompanied her. She married Ralph Powell. They live at Fillmore, California, an orange ranch. Mr. Wakelin finds much to interest him in his new surroundings. He is an old man in years but not in looks. His daughter has had much training as a nurse and with her great love for her parents will see that he has good care In his declining years.
Thomas Ensign was one of the first residents of Roberts. He was farming the land which is the village site when the railroad was built through here and the village laid out. His wife was Jennie Boyle, sister of Daniel and John Boyle, also early settlers here. I think they lived in the bungalow that used to stand at the north end of Main Street. He was overseer of highways for many years. He was a hard working man. His wife never slacked in her duties.
Mr. and Mrs. Ensign had several children of which there are surviving three sons and three daughters. These are Charles who lives in California, George of Roberts, William of Indiana. The daughters are Myra, Bertha and Mary. They are all married.
The second son, George D. Ensign is the only member of the family living here. He is president of the village board and president of the consolidated school board. He is in the wholesale flour and produce business, the only wholesaler we have in Roberts. He is not only a good salesman but a good purchaser. He spent several years as salesman in Chicago and received much training in that line. He purchases in large quantities and sells on a small margin and has built up a very large trade. He not only owns his home but several other buildings in Roberts. He has two residence buildings and business buildings. He owns the building that was once the home of the Burnett sisters when it stood just west of the present Cecil Kennedy home. Prior to that it had stood about forty rods east of the cemetery corner on the north side of the road.
Mr. Lieber built this house. Mrs. Lieber eloped with Spencer Compton who lived in this vicinity. Jacob Eppelsheimer purchased the farm. The house was then moved to Roberts. Jacob Eppelsheimer moved to Kankakee about 1890. He was an uncle of George and Philip Eppelscheimer who lived in this vicinity.

--Roberts Herald.  17 July 1935.

Early Days in Lyman #17

EARLY DAYS IN THE TOWN OF LYMAN
by Bela Foster

Continuing . . .

Andrew Paddock bought the A. M. Haling home about 1870 or 1871. He came from near Indianapolis, Indiana. He was a generous man and his wife was a noble woman. They had three girls and one boy. The girls came to our school when they first came to Lyman. The oldest girl married Edward Fairley. They moved to Nebraska many years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Paddock and Mrs. Fairley have gone to their home beyond. Mrs. Kittie Sutton and Mrs. Mattie Coultas moved back to Indiana. Bert Paddock and his wife live in Thawville. Mr. Paddock and Mrs. Conger were brother and sister.
In speaking of old remembrances, I have one toy that my father gave me. One toy and one toy only. This toy has inspired the following lines.
A family by the name of Potter lived here in the early days. I do not remember where they lived when we came here. I saw some of the younger men when they lived northwest of us near Mr. Peck who lived on the north place of Louis Chambers. I remember one by his peculiar gait. Two of the boys, their mother and sister, lived where August Tornowski now lives. Emily taught school for several years. Then she had a dress making shop in Roberts. I believe her shop was over James Lyons store. That stood where Alfred Dietterle's store now stands. The Potters and Mr. and Mrs. Peck moved back to Connecticut about fifty years ago.

--Roberts Herald.  10 July 1935.

Early Days in Lyman #16

EARLY DAYS IN THE TOWN OF LYMAN
by Bela Foster

Continuing . . .

In the fifteen installment of the review we made mention of the settlement here of the Russell family in what is now southeast Lyman. This narrative would not be complete without mention of one of the other early settlers here, viz. John Dwyre, familiarly known as "Uncle Johnnie." Mr. Dwyre was born in Tipperary, Ireland, in 1802. He came to Pokeepsie, New York. Here he worked for many years in the cotton mills. His work was with the machinery which printed the designs on calicoes and other cloth. Later he came farther west. He was a friend of the Guilfoyle family. Our readers will remember that Mrs. Patrick Russell was a Miss Guilfoyle. When Mr. and Mrs. Russell made their home here Mr. Dwyre also came to help them in their work in the home on the bleak prairie. Other members of the family settled near Chebanse. For many years Mr. Dwyre divided his time between his friends here and his friends at Chebanse.
Mr. and Mrs. Russell were young at that time. Mr. Russell had barely passed his twenty-fourth year. Mr. Dwyre was already an old man. He had reached his fifty-seventh year. He never married but his whole life was spent making the lives of the younger people happier and counseling the younger generation.
After having divided his life between his friends here and his friends at Chebanse for many years he settled down to a home with the Russell family here and remained through the next generation on the same farm. He died at the Joseph Russell home here April 8, 1906, aged 104 years. He was a reverend and honored citizen.
If one should visit Kankakee and then go up the river a short distance he would come to Aroma. This is a small place and to most of the people of Ford County is absolutely unknown. Yet this place should be of interest to the readers of these notes of early days. Here was located the nearest mill of those early days and it was here that the early settlers of this community went with their grain to have it ground into flour or meal.
In 1876 the town meeting was held in the hall. At this election we note a little change in the officers.
Supervisor, Joseph Hurst
Town Clerk, M. Cassingham
Assessor, C. Steward
Colletor, A. V. Burcham
Road Commissioner, Fred Zinser
Curtis Steward was Mrs. O. D. Sackett's brother. He lived on Section six north of the present Johnson Arnold farm. The house was removed years ago. He moved to Paxton in the 80's. I think he ran a restaurant or lunch counter there. He was a quiet personality.
Fred Zinser lived one mile east of Roberts. He must have been a good officer as there little said of him.
A. V. Burcham was elected to office nearly every year. He appeared to fit any place. I do not recall when he moved away. I knew his son, Dudley, and his daughter, Estella. If we could have had autos in those days we might have known each other better.
The town meeting, Tuesday, April 3rd, 1877, was held in the town hall. The officers were:
Supervisor, W. B. Flora
Town Clerk, M. Cassingham
Assessor, O. D. Sackett
Collector, T. M. Hubbard
Commissioner of Highways, L. Burns
Overseers of Highways were
Dist. No. 1, L. B. Wilcox
Dist. No. 2, William McCuskey
Dist. No. 3, John Moore
Dist. No. 4, Amos Arnold
Dist. No. 5, T. A. Flora
Dist. No. 6, A. B. Graham
Dist. No. 7, Thomas W. Wakelin
Dist. No. 8, Thomas Ensign
Dist. No. 9, Charles Fellwock
Dist. 10, Jacob Landel
L Burns was a hard working successful farmer. He lived in the house now occupied by Fred Barber. Some time before this election Mr. Burns had said that good roads were not so much the result of much grading as they were the result of good drainage. It looked plausible therefore the people elected him commissioner of Highways. He advocated an open ditch when practicable and when not he advocated tile. The work done on his theories was in a measure successful. Some tile were put in too shallow and soon disintegrated; others had dips in them and soon filled. Mr. Burns was right in his theory and today we find that tile properly laid and proper grading work well together. Mr. Burns moved from here to Champaign in the 90's. He left an influence that is still felt. Both Mr. and Mrs. Burns died many years ago. Two daughters and two sons are living.
T. M. Hubbard was cashier in Meserve's bank. He was a little man and was fond of baseball. He was such a baseball fan that he made a trip to Chicago to see the "socks" play. We thought this quite a trip in those days.
William McCuskey lived on section two in NW corner of south half of the section. He believed the world was flat. He was always unfriendly with the Barkers. His children went to school at the Woodruff school house. He lost three children in the seventies. He had one son and three daughter when he moved away. Mr. and Mrs. McCuskey and their son and youngest daughter died several years ago.
John Moore lived in section 15 on what is now the Killip farm. There were three brothers, Albert, John and William. John was noted for his strong voice. We could often hear him in the still mornings. The Moore's moved to Iowa. Mrs. John Moore was here about thirty years ago. Her husband was dead at that time. William married a Conger girl. He committed suicide and his wife later married Conrad Baker. Baker used to live in the house where Mrs. James Mickens lives. I saw Mrs. Baker in Webster City in 1921. Her father's family at that time were nearly all dead. All except Mrs. Baker lived in Missouri. Conrad Baker and his son, Charles were dead. Charles died shortly after the World's Fair in 1893. He was a grandson of I. B. Gifford who lived here in the early days of Roberts.
 
--Roberts Herald. 3 July 1935. Bela Foster.

Bressie's Harness Shop

--Paxton Record. 2 February 1888.

More on Joseph and Mary Leach . . .

Roberts Congregational Church Choir.
Addie Leach in the back row, second from the right.

Joseph B. Leach, the son of Elisha B. and Ruth (Metcalf) Leach was born near Springfield, Mass., 1833. His mother died when he was only three months old. His aunt, Fannie Crane, Of Mormon Hollow, Mass., mothered him. When he was about eight years old he went to live with L. B. Anderson, a farmer of Montague, Mass. He did not have much time for education, about one month in a year. The most of his education in his youthful years was by observation. He would watch for new words... and learn their meaning and thus, little by little, he increased his vocabulary.
When he was fifteen years of age, he started out to make his own way. He had intended to make a mechanic of himself but learned the tinner's trade instead. He worked at his trade until 1861, at the break out of the Rebellion.
He went to Utica, New York, and worked for a manufacturer of locomotive head-lights. He continued with him until President Lincoln issued his call for seventy-five thousand troops. He enlisted and served for two years and six months and was honorably discharged.
On his return after his discharge, he spend a year in the Adirondack Mountains, after which he again worked in Utica, New York.
In 1865, he came to Onarga, Ill., and farmed for one year, then he entered the employ of Cultra and Pearson, in Onarga, with whom he remained seven years.
In 1873 he came to Roberts and was tinner of Thompson and Lyman in the hardware store. He remained in the store though the owners changed until 1888. He had invented and patented an improved roaster and baker which was in great demand. A stock company was formed and a small factory started in Roberts. The factory was moved to Paxton where they had better shipping facilities where it was operated for several years. The income from the pan business was sufficient to give Mr. and Mrs. Leach a good income.
In 1857 Joseph B. Leach married Mary E. Jones, a native of England. To their union was born one child which died in infancy. they had two adopted daughters, Adda and Jennie. Adda married Leonard Wampler and moved to Indiana in 1905. They have two sons. Jennie married William Kenney of Wall Town. Mrs. Jennie Kenney died a short time ago. She leaves beside her husband, several children.
Adda Leach was a good worker in the church. She was greatly missed when she left here. She was always willing to do her part. So she was willing to work in the Congregational Church, so was Mr. J. B. Leach an ever-ready helper for the Methodist Church. He had much talent and was not backward about using it.

EARLY DAYS IN THE TOWN OF LYMAN --Roberts Herald. 29 January 1936. Bela Foster.

Joseph and Mary Leach

--Portrait and Biographical Record of Ford County, Illinois. Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois, 1892.

Joseph B. Leach, an honored veteran of the late war, who has long been identified with the history of Roberts, and the upbuilding of its social, education and moral interests, deserves special mention in the county's history. He was born near Springfield, Mass., June 22, 1833, and was the younger of two children. His sister, Mary Ann, is now a resident of West Millbury, Mass.
Joseph's father, Elisha B. Leach, was a boot and shoe maker by trade, and was of Spanish descent. He died on his way across the plains to Pike's Peak. He was twice married. He first wedded Ruth Metcalf and afterward Laura Beeman became his wife.
Joseph's mother died when he was only three months old, and he was left in the charge of his aunt, Fannie Crane, at Morman Hollow, Mass. His early boyhood days were anything but pleasant. At the age of eight, he went to live with L. B. Anderson, a farmer of Montague, Mass. His educational advantages were very meagre, for he could only attend school about one month in the year. Whenever he could pick up a piece of printed paper, he would study it over and over, until he had mastered its contents, and if he came across a word whose meaning he did not know, he would listen until he heard the word used in conversation, and thus learn its meaning. He is now a well-informed man, but is has been only through his own efforts.
At the age of fifteen, he started out in life for himself. It was his desire to become a mechanic, but he was forced to learn the tinner's trade instead, and worked at that occupation until the breaking out of the Rebellion. While in Albany, N.Y., he lost all that he had in the financial panic of 1857. From there he went to Utica, N.Y., and entered the employ of I. A. Williams, a manufacture of locomotive headlights, with whom he remained for seven years. He is really the inventor of the air chamber in the headlight of the locomotive. This has made a fortune to the manufacturers, but Mr. Leach only received $1.50, although out of his brain was evolved the idea.
On the 11th of August, 1852, Mr. Leach wedded Miss Mary Millard, a native of Stamford, Vt., and unto them were born two daughters: Lillian and Mary, both of whom reside in Stamford. Mary Millard Leach died in 1856, and Mr. Leach was again married, August 10, 1857, his second union being with Miss Mary E. Jones, a native of Manchester, England, who, when a maiden of ten summers, came with her grandparents to America. They sailed in the "Brittanica," and when they came around the banks of Newfoundland, there was a heavy fog and they just escaped two large icebergs. They were wrecked on a shoat, but signals of distress were given and small boats came to the rescue of the passengers, who, with ropes around their waists, were lowered into the little fishing boats, two hundred and fifty thus being saved. They were landed at St. John's, Newfoundland, and there resided four years, when they started for Boston, but were again shipwrecked and delayed for two weeks. They afterward made their way to Utica, N. Y., where Mrs. Leach resided for fifteen years. Her education was limited, but by reading she has kept well informed on the events of the day. She is the mother of one child and has two adopted daughters. George, the only son, died at the age of three months, Adda is a member of the Congregational Church, and is quite proficient in both vocal and instrumental music. Jennie, the adopted daughter, is now attending the public schools.
When President Lincoln issued his call for seventy-five thousand troops on the breaking out of the Rebellion, Mr. Leach was working at his trade, but he and his companion decided to at once enter the service. He went to his home and said to his wife, "Nellie, I have enlisted. You must go to your father in Chicago." So they both left home, and Mr. Leach joined Company E of the New York Fourteenth Regiment Infantry, which was ordered to Albany for drill and then sent to Washington. While there the citizens presented the regiment with a beautiful flag, valued at $600, with the request: " Col. McWade, we ask only that your regiment will protect these stars and stripes, and not a star be dropped from the field." The Colonel replied: "This flag shall return unsullied, or our bodies will find graves in Southern soil." The regiment originally numbered seven hundred and fifty, but only forty-six were mustered out at the close of the war. Mr. Leach participated in the battle of Hanover, the seven days' battle of the Wilderness, and at Gaines' Mill was appointed to put all the damaged shells, powder and broken guns in a tent, which he was to fire when the troops left. On the approach of the rebels, he applied the torch and jumped down an embankment just in time to save his life. He saw Jeff Davis in an old hut and was about to fire upon him when two women took their station in front of him. Mr. Leach also participated in the battles of Big Bethel, Malvern Hill, Cold Harbor, Fair Oaks, South Mountain, Antietem, Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and many others of importance. He was in active service for two years and six months, and then honorably discharged. He was a true soldier, ever found at this post of duty, and his army record is one of which he may justly be proud.
On his return, Mr. Leach spent about a year in the Adirondack Mountains, after which he again worked in Utica, N. Y. In 1865, he came to Onarga, Ill., and engaged in farming for a year, when he entered the employ of Cultra & Pearson, of Onarga, with whom he remained for seven years. Since that time he has been an honored and respected citizen of Roberts. In 1886, he patented Leach's improved roaster and baker, and for two years engaged in its manufacture, when the sales became too large for his labor alone, a stock company was formed in 1888. The first plant was located in Roberts, but on account of the better shipping facilities was removed to Paxton. About five thousand bakers are manufactured and sold each month, and twenty men are employed in this work. Mr. Leach is paid a good royalty, and now in his declining years is enabled to live retired, being surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

L E A C H , J O S E P H B.—Age, 26 years. Enlisted, May 1, 1861, at Utica; mustered in as private, Co. E , May 17,1861, to serve two years; mustered out with company, Mav 24, 1863, at Utica, N. Y.

--Annual Report of the Adjuctant General of the State of New York.

The Leach Roaster and Baking Pan Company

Another talented early Roberts business man was Joseph B. Leach. Orphaned early in life, he started out at the age of 15 to make his own way. He first learned the tinner's trade; worked for a manufacturer of locomotive headlights, and then enlisted serving two and a half years. He participated in several important battles. In 1865 he entered the employ of Cultra and Pearson in Onarga. In 1873 he came to Roberts and worked as a tinner in the hardware store of Thompson and Lyman. In 1886 he patented Leach's improved roaster and baker. A stock company was formed in 1888. He later moved his factory to Paxton because of better shipping facilities, although he and his family continued to live in Roberts. Mr. Leach tended a small nursery of trees near his home, and some of the maples growing in the village today were raised and set out by Joseph Leach. The Leach home is presently owned and occupied by Mrs. Elsie Boyd.

--Roberts Area Centennial. 100 Years of Plowing Planting Progressing. 1872-1972. Page 8.

The Elsie Boyd house still stands in Roberts.  I will post a photo soon.  It is on Maple Street. 

Thanks to Angie Wieneke for this info on the RIHG page on Facebook:  Since we delivered the News-Gazette newspaper...the line up for the street was...Mrs. Geraldine Shambrook, Walter's, Weber's, Anderson's, Mrs. Boyd, Long's, Benz's.

--Roberts Area Centennial 1872-1972. 100 Years of Plowing, Planting,

Progressing. Page 9.

 

 

 

1901 Plat. J. B. Leach owns quite a few lots in 1901. 

 



--Roberts Herald. 19 January 1938.

--Paxton Record. 19 January 1888.

--Posted to the Roberts Illinois History Group page by Jean Fox.

Early Days in Lyman #15

EARLY DAYS IN THE TOWN OF LYMAN
by Bela Foster

Continuing . . .
In 1875 the town election was held in the hall. The hall had been erected by the Roberts Dramatic Club. It was used for church, school, elections, political meetings, social gatherings, wrestling matches, and once in a while a fistic bout took place within its walls. At the town meeting that year (1875) the following officers were elected.
Supervisor, A. V. Burcham
Town Clerk, W. B. Flora
Assessor, Joseph Hurst
Collector, John Bunker
Road Commissioner, John Davis
School Trustee, G. H. Thompson
Overseers of Highways,
Dist. 1, George Woodward
Dist. 2, Anderson Paddock
Dist. 3, J.F. Smith
Dist. 4, J. L. Smith
Dist. 5, A. T. Light
Dist. 6, W. R. Kennedy
Dist. 7, James Roberts
Dist. 8, W. H. Thompson
Dist. 9, A. V. Burcham
Dist. 10, John Bunker
W. B. Flora was one of the firm of Flora & Newman. He came from Kentucky. He was in the Union army and was with the boys who were sent into Indiana and Ohio to arrest the ravages of Morgan and his "rides" in their raids in those states. "Morgan's Guerrillas" were a terror to the people and it was no picture show but one for real action that needed brave men to execute. They captured Morgan and placed him in prison.
Mr. Flora was held in great esteem. He had been a school teacher before he cam to Roberts. He filled many offices in this township and was supervisor when he was appointed to the office of county clerk in the nineties. He married a sister of E. L. Newman, his partner. Mr. Flora died several years ago after a life's service for his country.
George Woodward was the son of Samuel Woodward, the first supervisor in Lyman. He was a jovial fellow. He was given to jokes and pranks. The last time I saw him he told of a joke he and the Peck boys played of Rev. Lumund Wilcox. George Woodward was our near neighbor for several years. He moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, about fifty years ago. He died about ten years ago. His wife is still living. She was one of the pupils of the Marston school.
W. H. Thompson, overseer in dist. 8, is a stranger to me. I knew of several William Thompsons and this may be one of them with a wrong letter as his middle initial. District No. 8 included Roberts.
In March 1859, there came to this community a young man aged twenty-four years. He had come to America from Ireland six years previously. When he first came he worked in a hotel in Cincinnati. He then came to Chicago and worked in the Tremont House. At the age of twenty-four he decided that he should have a home of his own. He came to what was then Stockton township, Vermillion County, now Lyman township, Ford County. He purchased the northeast quarter of section twenty-six and built himself a home about the middle of the farm. This man was Patrick Russell a man whose name appears throughout all the records from 1859 to 1935 in our local history. He died several years ago but the family name is still here. During the seventy-six years since his landing here this farm has been in two counties and three townships. The Counties were Vermillion and Ford. The townships, Stockton, Brenton, and Lyman.
Three months after Mr. Russell landed here he had his farm ready to make his home real. He then returned to Chicago and shortly afterward came back here accompanied by Mrs. Patrick Russell, who had been Miss Mary Guilfoyle. After several years had passed the farm home was moved to the northeast corner of the farm where it has been replaced by a modern home. This is one of the very few homes that has never changed family ownership since the first sod was turned.
The school house formerly stood on this farm. Mr. Russell was a successful farmer, a good neighbor, and an interesting companion. I saw much more of him since 1900 than I did before that time. I occasionally met him in the earlier days. Mrs. Russell was a noble woman. Those who had mothers like Mrs. Russell are indeed fortunate. She was ever spoke of in the highest terms.
Mr. and Mrs. Russell had four sons and three daughter. Two sons and one daughter died in infancy. Two daughters, Ella and Margaret were teachers. Those still living are John who still live in Lyman township, in Roberts, and Ella (Mrs. Patrick Gallihue) who lives in Pella Township north east of Piper City. They are among the oldest persons now living here who were born in Lyman township.
As we said in an earlier paragraph of this letter, the Russell family still occupy the original Russell farm; to which they had added other farms. The third generation now occupy the place and the Hon. Joseph W. Russell is one of them.
Although the Russell family lived only four miles from my home I do not remember ever seeing them except in town during the early years. I may have seen them at social functions but do not remember. During the past forty years I have known them very well. I knew both John and Joseph and we that knew the work they did pronounced it well.
 
--Robert Herald. 19 June 1935.

Early Days in Lyman #14

EARLY DAYS IN THE TOWN OF LYMAN
by Bela Foster
 
Continuing . . .

In the last installment we spoke of the Hurst Family. They came from England in 1847. They first settled in New Jersey where Mr. Hurst died in 1849. In 1855 the widow with her son, William and her three daughters came to Illinois and settled on section thirty southwest of where Roberts was started some seventeen years later. This family have all passed to the home beyond. None of the family are now living here except grand-children and great grand-children.
Of the Joseph Hurst family there are two sons and two daughters living. Four daughters and one son have died. All the daughters were married except Nellie.
James Roberts and family came here in 1858. They settled on a farm in section 32. This family came from England in 1851 and he worked near New York city for a few years. They then came in a covered wagon to Princeton, Illinois, and then to what is now Lyman township. His wife, William Hurst's mother, died in the late fifties. In the latter part of 1860 he married a daughter of the widow Hurst mentioned above. To them was born one son, Oscar J. Roberts. James Roberts moved to town in the nineties. He died in 1894 leaving a wife and three grown children. His wife died in 1910. One daughter and his son, Oscar, have since died leaving one daughter, Mrs. Mary Hurst as the only survivor of the family.
John Roberts came to this part from England in 1859. He settled on the same section as his relative John Roberts. On the same section lived the Pettit family.) This family was not related to James A. Pettit who was later a business man in Roberts.) John Roberts was a young man about twenty-five years of age. He married a daughter of the Pettit family. The Pettits lived on the northeast quarter of section 32. They moved to a western state. I think Nebraska. Fred Pettit built the original hotel here when Roberts was started.
Most of the older children of the English settlement went to school to George H. Thompson of the Connecticut settlement.
I am sorry that I can not expand my imagination and in an entertaining manner tell more about these people. Could I turn the leaves of time about thirty or forty years I would be able to tell much about the people living at that time . . .
 
--Roberts Herald. 12 June 1935. Bela Foster

Breedens Store

--Roberts Herald.  3 December 1947.

I believe Breeden's Store was located here.  This is the first building east of the alley dividing the south side of Green Street. 

Early Days in Lyman #13

EARLY DAYS IN THE TOWN OF LYMAN
by Bela Foster

Continuing . . .

Since the beginning of this year three of the pupils of the early days in the Smith School (Dist. 37) have died. Harry Fairley, Hattie (Arnold) McNeil, and Roscoe Beighle. Harry Fairly had lived in that district the greater part of his life. He saw his family of eight children grow to womanhood and manhood here except one child that died in infancy. They all attended the same school their father did. One of his sons is now school director of that district. James Fairley died a few years ago. Ray, Harry D., and Alexander are married. Also the daughter Ella. Gordon and Leonard are at home with their mother.
Mrs. McNeil left two daughters and one son. The daughters are married. One daughter, Pearl Dillon died several years ago.
Rosco Beighle died in Montana. He was the oldest son of E. B. Beighle who came here in 1869, when Roscoe was a small boy. He leaves a wife and two sons. Roscoe taught school in Lyman several years. He was a man with rare qualities. I knew him intimately and never heard him speak a bad word or do an evil act. He leaves three sisters and one brother. His sister, Ella is the only member of the family living here.
It is sad to know that steadfast friends are taken when we need them so much.
Amos Arnold and family came here from New York in 1866. They settled on the northwest quarter of section nine.

 

--Lyman Township Plat. 1884.

He used to visit our place once in a while. He was a man of so few words that he amused us. He was a successful farmer and at the time of his death had about a section of land in Ford County.
After he came to town to live I became well acquainted with him.

--Roberts Plat.  1901.

We took long strolls together. He enjoyed flowers and trees and rocks and being of the same turn of mind I enjoyed those rambles very much.
When W. B. Flora resigned as supervisor of the town of Lyman the Board of Auditors appointed Mr. Arnold to that office. He served the remainder of that term and the next one. Three of his children, Johnson, Seward, and Mrs. Seba Linn live here and own land here. One daughter, Mary, lives in the south.
William Hurst and his mother and sisters came to Lyman in 1855. They lived on section 30. Mrs. Mary Hurst died in 1875 leaving two daughters in care of the home place. The Hursts were here when the Connecticut settlement was made.

 

--Lyman Township Plat.  1884.

The same year that the Lymans were pounding nails in section two the Hursts were putting up their home in Section 30. Though it was not so spacious as the Lyman home it provided shelter from the storms and howling wolves of that day. I can not say whether the Englanders knew that right over to the northeast the people from the New England states were coming by the dozens and settling on the railroad lands the same as they. No doubt they would have welcomed them if they know it. They would have cheered for the same flag and perhaps voted for the same president.
William Hurst was a genial man when time had streaked his hair with gray. That was when I knew him. He had married one of the nicest women in south Lyman, Miss Mary Roberts, daughter of James Roberts, who lived in section 32.

--Lyman Township Plat.  1884.

Mr. Hurst died several years ago. His widow and his daughters are living. The eldest daughter, Mrs. Cook lives in Roberts. The others in southern Illinois.
Joseph Hurst, William's older brother, settled in section 20.

 

 

--Lyman Township Plat.  1884.

 

He was active in the civic affairs in Lyman and filled many offices in the township. He was a faithful officer and when assigned work to do he always did it. He held offices nearly all the time from the organization of Lyman township until he moved away from the place. Mrs. Mary Talbot was his daughter. There are none of this family living now. He died at Harvey a few years ago

--Roberts Herald. 5 June 1935. Bela Foster.

Early Days in Lyman #12

EARLY DAYS IN THE TOWN OF LYMAN
by Bela Foster

Continuing . . .

In 1876 the weather was wet and the roads were muddy but people got around enough to be excited about the coming election. Charles Pierce was a strong republican. He lived across the road from the Fairley farm. He was quite excitable. There were many green-backers here and a few democrats. It was fun for the boys when they saw Mr. Pierce to "Hurrah for Peter Cooper." They were sure to start something and also to get a political speech. Mr. Pierce was injured at a railway crossing at Terre Haute, Indiana, and died soon after. Mr. Pierce had three sons and one daughter. I visited the homes of two of his sons near Milford in 1895. The have since died, so has their mother. One son Charles, and his sister, Mrs. Wm. Dale lived near Terre Haute, at that time.
(Editorial note: We believe that one of those sons visits Roberts frequently. If we are not mistaken he asked us a few years ago to locate the farm on which he was born so that he might visit his birthplace. We also believe that he has been in the Herald office within the past month. -- The Editor).
John Bunker came to Lyman township about the time Roberts was started. I remember seeing him help to put a smokestack on the Meserve elevator. They had a long beam standing on end and Mr. Bunker was atop of it. The beam was guyed and so was Mr. Bunker (by the crowd). Mr. Bunker did much work over the township. He graded many roads and cut ditches. He was a sailor and a civil war veteran. Mr. and Mrs. Bunker had two sons and two daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Bunker have passed to their reward. One son and daughter live in North Dakota; one son in western Wisconsin. One daughter, Mrs. Luella Fairly live in Lyman Township.

Albert M. Haling was born near Hartford, Connecticut. He was highly educated and understood political organization. He came here when the quality was needed. A fluent talker he could adjust himself to people of any age with interest to the listeners. He was considered wealthy but was a common man among men. I knew him from my boyhood days. I worked for him and received good wages and his thanks which meant much to me in those days. I herded cattle for him riding the horse that his daughter Kate had saved from the fire several years before. He held public office nearly all the time after Lyman township was organized. He served one term in Congress from the Eighteenth Congressional District. Mr. and Mrs. Haling and their daughter Amelia and James Love, a boy they raised moved to Nebraska in 1882. From there they went to Roseland, Louisiana. Mr. and Mrs. Haling died there. Amelia married James Love and several years ago they moved to Los Angeles, California. They have two children. We hear from them occasionally. Mrs. Love is the only survivor of the Haling family. She and I started school at the same time. Our teacher was Mrs. Mary Ayer. She lived on what is now the Remsburg farm. They moved from here soon after she taught school here.
A. C. Maxson moved here in 1858 from Connecticut. His brother-in-law, Mr. Pierson came here and selected the northwest quarter of section fourteen for himself and Mr. Maxson. He erected the home on the Maxson farm.

--1884 Lyman Township Plat

When Mr. Maxson came Mr. Pierson returned to the east. Mr. Maxson was a sailor having made many trips over the briney deep. His family consisted of his wife and two girls when he came here. One daughter and three sons were born here. Bertha (Maxson) Ward of Bloomington is one of the oldest living persons born in Lyman township. Miss Effie Maxson still lives here. Her oldest sister lives in New York. Arthur, the oldest boy, lives in Indiana. The younger boys are dead. Pierson died a few months ago and Wilbur several years ago. He left a widow and daughter who live in Iowa.
I remember Mr. Maxson from my childhood days. When I was a child he was quite a magnet to me. As I grew older he became dearer to me. Not only he but the whole family were among my best friends. Will and I were the closest of friends. He was always so obliging. the boys were all so very courteous. I never had money to jingle in my pockets therefore when one was kind to me I knew it was not for lucre. That is a blessing the rich cannot enjoy.
 
--Roberts Herald. 29 May 1935. Bela Foster.