Bureau County Archives – Illinois Genealogy

Biography of Jacob Betz, Jr. of Brooklyn Township

Jacob Betz, Jr. is a prominent farmer and stock-raiser in Brooklyn Township, Lee County, known for his character and enterprise. Born in New York in 1841, he was raised by his father, a pioneer from Germany, after losing his mother at a young age. Betz started farming early and established a successful career, owning 470 acres of land. He has been actively involved in politics and the community, serving multiple terms on the County Board of Supervisors. Betz is married twice, with two sons, and is a dedicated member of the Evangelical Association.

Biography of Richard Gooch

Richard Gooch, an influential figure in Lee Center Township, was born in England in 1848 and came to America as a toddler, his family ultimately settling in Ashton. He married Sarah Hodges and they resided in Lee Center Township, involved in their community and church. Mr. Gooch, a Republican, was civically minded, notably in education, and owned a well-cultivated 430-acre farm. They had two children and lived a contented life, acknowledged for their refinement and societal contributions. This account also provided a brief family background, highlighting the Gooch and Hodges families’ journeys and their reputable life in Illinois.

Biography of Ira S. Smith

Ira S. Smith, an industrious farmer in Amboy Township, showcases his commitment to agriculture on a 163-acre farm rich with improvements and thriving under his management. Born in New Hampshire in 1829, Smith’s journey from a grocery clerk in Boston to a gold miner in California, and finally to Illinois, reflects a life of diverse experiences. Overcoming a severe accident, he ventured into farming, meat marketing, and even served as City Marshal before settling in Lee County in 1896. Married to Elizabeth Pearl, the couple has two children. Smith’s contributions extend beyond farming; he’s been active in local politics, education, and the Masonic fraternity, embodying the spirit of community service and resilience.

Biography of Jacob Hepperlin

Jacob Hepperlin, a German immigrant born in 1827, ventured to America in 1854, seeking opportunities. Overcoming initial hardships, Jacob’s resilience led him to success in farming and business. Settling in Paw Paw, Illinois, he now enjoys retirement, supported by significant investments in real estate and a productive farm. Married thrice, Jacob’s life is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. With his third wife, Cynthia, they are active in the Methodist Episcopal Church, embodying the spirit of community and faith. Jacob’s journey from a newcomer to a respected community member highlights his enduring legacy of hard work and determination.

Biography of Samuel P. Clark of Berlin Township, Illinois

History of Bureau County, Illinois Title Page

George Clark, father of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, March 1811. In 1835 he came to Berlin Township in this county, buying his farm from the Government. He was the first to settle on the prairie near Dover, and as he was told that the wind would blow him away, he anchored his house by setting the corner posts in the ground and mortising the sides to them. The siding and shingles he split and then dressed them by hand. He resided on his farm for forty years, when he removed to … Read more

Charles Devlin of Spring Valley, Illinois

In 1850, Charles Devlin was born in St. Louis, Missouri. By age 4, his parents had moved with him to Peru, LaSalle County, Illinois. At age 19, Mr. Devlin worked as a bookkeeper and business manager in Peru for the Union Coal company. Charles Devlin was convinced that the time was right to open what he believed was a very valuable asset, coal mines. So, in 1884, Mr. Devlin helped in the opening of the first Spring Valley, Illinois coal mine. In 1885, he married Jennie Miller, daughter of a Spring Valley founder, Henry J. Miller. Their union brought forth … Read more

Biography of James M. Curtis of Concord, Illinois

James M. Curtis, Concord, is a native of Schaghticoke, Rensselaer County, New York, where he was born August 2, 1822. His parents, Daniel and Mehitable (Masters) Curtis, were also natives of New York. The father died there; he was a farmer by occupation and also a soldier in the war of 1812. The latter died in Davenport, Iowa, aged nearly eighty-seven years. She was the mother of nine children, viz.: Erastus, Abraham. James M., Mark B. (deceased), Harman H., Phineas, Robert C., Maria (deceased) and Mrs. Cynthia C. Burch. Our subject was educated principally in the common schools of his … Read more

Biography of Thomas P. Currier of Neponset, Illinois

The subject of this biography was born July 6, 1830 in Cornville, Somerset County, Maine. His father, Patten Currier, was born in May 1801, in the same place, and is yet living there. He was a farmer by occupation. The grandfather of our subject was Ephraim Currier, a native of Amesbury, Massachusetts. He died in Cornville, Maine. The mother of our subject, Mary Steward, was born in Skowhegan, Maine; she died when our subject was nine years old. She was the mother of four children, viz.: Maria, Thomas P. (our subject), John M. and William H. Of the above only … Read more

Biography of Jonathan T. Currier of Neponset, Illinois

Among our self-made men in Bureau County, who owe their success in life to their energy and perseverance, we place him whose name heads this sketch. He was born July 9, 1823, in Peacham, Caledonia County, Vermont. His father Asa Currier, was born April 21, 1891, in the same place. He died March 16, 1868, in Osceola, Stark County., Illinois. He came to Stark County on Sunday, August 26, 1838, having come through with teams from Vermont, where he had been a farmer, which occupation he followed here. The grandfather of J. T. Courier was David Courier, who was also … Read more

Biography of William Cummings of Buda, Illinois

Thornton Cummings was a native of Virginia. When a young man he immigrated to Kentucky, and was there married to Miss Sylvia Williams, a native of Kentucky. In 1816, soon after marriage, Mr. Cummings removed to Gallatin County, Illinois, where he resided till 1834, at which time he came to Bureau County, Illinois. When he reached Hennepin, he left his family there, and in company with a Frenchman as guide he traveled over the western part of Bureau County seeking a suitable location, and as he had been reared in a timbered country French Grove suited him best on account … Read more

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