OTHER BIOGRAPHICAL INDEXES: 1879 1889 1903 1911 1930 BIOGRAPHIES Source: The History of Vermilion County, Illinois A Tale of its Evolution, Settlement and Progress for nearly a Century -         Vols. I & 2 By Lottie E. Jones - Chicago - Pioneer Publishing Company  - 1911   A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z   AARON DALBEY, a venerable and highly esteemed citizen of Vance Township, is numbered among the few remaining old settlers here and has resided on his present farm of seventy-two and a half acres for more than forty years. His birth occurred in Clinton County, Ohio, on the 25th of April, 1831, his parents being James and Sarah (Sewell) Dalbey, who came to Vermilion County in 1843, locating on the old state road in Vance Township. The father was not long permitted to enjoy his new home, however, his demise occurring in October of the same year. The mother subsequently gave her hand in marriage to James Elliott and passed away about 1885. Our subject is the only surviving child of his parents and as he has no children of his own, he is now the only living representative of the family.      Aaron Dalbey was but twelve years old at the time of his father's death and was thus thrown upon his own resources at an early age. He worked for William Davis for two years and then spent three years in the employ of Alvin Steams. On the expiration of that period he returned to Clinton County, Ohio, but at the end of a year again came to Vermilion County and for some time worked at various occupations. He split rails, chopped cord wood and herded and drove cattle, making seven trips with cattle and driving them through to eastern Ohio. He took one drove of cattle to Lexington, Kentucky, during the winter of 1863-4 and his experiences in those troublous times were such that he has often asserted that he would not have undertaken another such trip for the whole state of Illinois. In 1854 he wedded Miss Martha E. Custer, a daughter of Jacob Custer, of Vance Township, the former owner of Mr. Dalbey's present home farm. Following his marriage our subject took up general agricultural pursuits and has been identified therewith continuously since.  In August, 1862, he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company E, Seventy-third Illinois Regiment. On the 8th of October, 1862, he was shot through the body at the battle of Chapman Heights at Perryville, Kentucky, the minnie ball entering his bowels and passing out at the back. He was confined in the hospital at Perrysville from the 10th of October until the 1st of November, when he was transferred to the hospital at New Albany, Indiana, from which he was discharged on the 25th of January and sent home. On the 18th of October, while in the hospital at Perryville he requested the surgeons to write a letter telling the folks at home that they would see him in two months and was told that he had only from five to fifteen minutes longer to live. His wound was such that it incapacitated him for work and he has never been able to do any arduous labor since. He also had two brothers who loyally defended the interests of the Union at the time of the Civil war. Albert, who was a member of Company C. Twenty-fifth Illinois Regiment, was severely wounded in the battle of Stone River. William H., who belonged to the Sixty-third Regiment was killed at Columbia, South Carolina, while accompanying Sherman on his march to the sea. His death was a very tragic one. He was assisting in emptying barrels of captured Confederate powder into the river when an exploding shell ignited the powder, throwing him many feet in the air and landing him in the middle of the river with two barrel staves blown entirely through his body: In this condition he swam to shore and then expired.      As before stated the home farm of Aaron Dalbey embraces seventy-two and a half acres and has been his place of abode for more than forty years. For the past fourteen years he has suffered from partial blindness and is unable to read. He had no children of his own but reared a cousin of his wife, Mary Jane Custer, whom they took into their home at the age of eleven months . She remained with them until called to her final rest at the age of forty-four years. Mrs. Dalbey died on the 14th of April, 1907, passing away in the faith of the Presbyterian church, of which she had been a lifelong member, Mr. Dalbey is a staunch republican in politics, having ever supported the party which was the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war. He still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Homer Post, No. 63, G. A. R. He is now in the seventy-ninth well merits the respect and esteem which are uniformly accorded him. Source: Past and Present of Vermilion Co., Illinois - Vol. II - Publ. 1911 - Pages 639 & 640  ok - Contributed by Mary Paulius   GEORGE N. DAVISON.  Through the steps of orderly progression George N. Davison has made continuous advancement in the business world until he now occupies the honorable position of cashier and manager of the State Bank of Allerton. His history indicates clearly what may be accomplished when determination, adaptability and unfaltering industry are the strong characteristics of the individual. His birth occurred in Yorkshire, England, on the 16th of May, 1858, his parents being John N. and Jane (Foster) Davison, who were born, reared and married at that place. The father was there engaged in business as a lime burner, conducting an enterprise of that character for many years. When he passed away, his son, Arthur W., succeeded to the business and still conducts the same. The demise of John N. Davison occurred at Yorkshire in March, 1900, when he had attained the age of seventy-two years. His widow, who" still survives, yet makes her home in Yorkshire.      George N. Davison was reared under the parental roof, attending the public schools in the acquirement of an education. When but fourteen years of age he became a butcher's apprentice, receiving as remuneration for his services only one pound (or five dollars) a year during the two years of his apprenticeship. Subsequently he worked as a journeyman for some seven years, on the expiration of which period he embarked in the butchering business on his own account, conducting an establishment of that character for about a year and a half.      In 1881 Mr. Davison crossed the Atlantic to the United States, coming direct to Allerton, Vermilion county, Illinois. Here he worked as a farm hand for two weeks and then went to Homer, there being employed at his trade for a year. At the end of that time he entered the general store of S. B. Ball at Homer, remaining in that gentleman's service for fourteen years. He first worked as a clerk at a wage of twenty-five dollars per month but was gradually promoted as his ability and fidelity became recognized, acting as confidential man and manager of the business at the time he left Mr. Ball's employ. During the next two years he followed general agricultural pursuits, operating a rented farm. In 1901 he again came to Allerton, accepting a clerkship in the Allerton Cash Store. When the business was sold out a year later he remained with Mr. Allerton's successors for about three months and then once more took up his trade, having purchased the butchering business of the Cash Store at the time Mr. Allerton disposed of his interests. After conducting a butcher shop for one year he went to Louise, Texas, as cashier of the People's Bank at that place, thus gaining his first experience in the banking business. At the end of fifteen months the concern sold out and Mr. Davison returned to Allerton, here entering the bank of S. W. Allerton & Company in the capacity of bookkeeper. In 1907 he was made assistant cashier and in August, 1910, at the time of Mr. Burger's resignation, became cashier of the institution, holding that position at the present time. He is likewise a stockholder in the State Bank of Allerton and a member of its board of directors. He has been active in his management and control of the bank and has proved a courteous, obliging and capable official whose personal popularity constitutes one of the attributes of success for the institution.      On the 5th of June, 1891, in St. John's church of New York city, Mr. Davison was united in marriage to Miss Dorothy F. Woodhouse, of London, England, whom he met on her arrival in this country. Following their marriage the young couple made their way direct to Homer, Illinois.      Dr. Davison is a republican in politics and a member of the town board of Allerton at the present time. Fraternally he is identified with Homer Lodge, No. 252, A. F. & A. M., while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he serves as treasurer and to which his wife also belongs. His life presents many creditable phases, in harmony with his professions. Ever upright and honorable, he deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, having worked his way steadily upward by determined and straightforward effort. Source: Past and Present of Vermilion Co., Illinois - Vol. II - Publ. 1911 - Pages 508 ok   GEORGE R. DEATRICH.  In the death of George R. Deatrich, Hoopeston lost one of its most valued progressive and honored residents.  He was long a newspaper publisher and writer and never handled superficially the vital questions and interests of the day but studied earnestly into those problems which are of grave import, his intelligent discussion thereof constituting a matter of wide interest and of strongly felt influence.  He was born in Strawtown, Indiana, December 26, 1858, a son of Adam and Catherine (Feasante) Deatrich, both of whom were of German descent and on coming to the middle west settled in Noblesville, Indiana, in the early '50s.      George R. Deatrich was educated in the public schools of Cicero, Indiana, pursing his studies to the age of fifteen years, after which he was apprenticed to the printer's trade in Noblesville, Indiana, applying himself closely to the mastery of the business.  Following the completion of his apprenticeship he worked as a journeyman for sixteen years.  He came to Hoopeston in 1882 and secured a position as foreman of the Chronicle office, in which capacity he served for eight years; but laudable ambition prompted him to engage in business on his own account and he at length began the publication of the Herald, in which he continued to the time of his death.  He made it a strong, enterprising and interesting journal, his editorial writings eliciting wide attention and awakening deep and earnest thought because of his intelligent discussion of vital themes.  He also published a volume entitled "The Poorest is Heir to the Best" and other messages which were an intelligent exposition of questions which have long engaged the attention of the thinking men of the age.      In Hoopeston, on the 8th of February, 1883, Mr. Deatrich was married to Miss Jennie M. Barnes, a daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth Jane (Nutt) Barnes.  Mrs. Deatrich was born in White county, Indiana, on the 2d of March 1865, and her great great grandfather in the paternal line was an officer of the Revolutionary war.  By her marriage she became the mother of two children: Natalie E., who was born in Hoopeston, November 22, 1889; and Owen Geiger, who was born September 16, 1884, and died in 1889.      Since the death of Mr. Deatrich his widow and daughter have continued the publication of the Herald, successfully managing the paper and keeping it up to the high standard to which Mr. Deatrich is managing the paper editorially and taking care of the office interests, while the daughter acts as reporter and attends to outside business.  They employ a number of competent printers and other efficient help and the Herald therefore remains as hitherto one of the leading papers of this section of the state.      In his political views Mr. Deatrich was an earnest republican but never a politician in the sense of office seeking.  The only position he ever filled was that of steward in the hospital at Kankakee, to which he was appointed by Governor Yates, filling the office for eight years beginning in May, 1896.  He was for many years a member of the Modern Woodmen camp and was a prominent and active member of the Commercial Club of Hoopeston.  His influence was always on the side of progress and improvement and it was found that at all times his business activities balanced up with truth and justice. Source: Past and Present of Vermilion Co., Illinois - Vol. II - Publ. 1911 - Page 577 ok   MARION FRANCIS DICKERSON, a well known farmer and stockman residing on section 29, Sidell township, was born in Carroll township. Vermilion county, Illinois, on the 4th of January, 1863. His parents, Francis M. and Priscilla (Ramsey) Dickerson, were natives of Kentucky and Miami county, Ohio, respectively. They came to Vermilion county with their respective parents in early life and following their marriage settled on a farm near Georgetown, this county. Francis M. Dickerson enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois Infantry, and died as the result of an attack of the measles, passing away at Nashville, Tennessee, in December, 1862, prior to the birth of our subject. His widow afterward married L. A. Ashby, with whom she removed to Kansas. They returned to this county in 1880 and it was here that the mother of our subject passed away in 1894.      Marion F. Dickerson was reared by an uncle, Joseph Ramsey, of Sidell township, this county, of whose household he became a member when a little lad of six years. At the early age of fourteen or fifteen years, however, he left his uncle's roof and began providing for his own support by working for neighboring farmers. His time was thus busily occupied during the summer seasons, while in the winter months he attended school, continuing his studies until about eighteen years of age. Since putting aside his text-books he has devoted his entire attention to general agricultural pursuits.      In 1888, when twenty-five years of age, Mr. Dickerson was united in marriage to Miss Nettie M. Gray, of Champaign, Illinois. During that summer he worked for a cattle man and in the spring of 1890 started out as an agriculturist on his own account, renting the farm of Mrs. Alice Tincher and residing thereon continuously for sixteen years. During that period he cultivated as high as four hundred acres of land. In 1902 he purchased his present farm, operating it in connection with the Tincher place until 1906. In that year he removed to his own home in Sidell township and has since given his time and energies to the further cultivation and improvement of his farm—a tract of land comprising eighty acres. He is also successfully identified with live-stock interests, raising shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs and breeding horses on quite an extensive scale. He is likewise a stockholder in the Allerton Creamery and well deserves recognition among the prosperous and representative citizens of his native county.      Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dickerson have been born two children, namely: Guy H., who has been educated in the public and high schools and is at home; and Francis Marion, who is likewise still under the parental roof.      Mr. Dickerson is a stalwart democrat in politics but the honors and emoluments of office have no attraction for him. His fraternal relations are with Sidell Lodge, No. 225, I. O. O. F., at Sidell; Sidell Lodge, No. 798, A. F. & A. M.; and the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and take a deep and helpful interest in its work. Mr. Dickerson is a self-made man, dependent upon his own resources from an early age, working earnestly for the success which he has achieved, realizing ever that "there is no excellence without labor."  He is a man of good business ability, of exemplary habits and upright character, is worthy the trust of his fellowmen and fully merits the good will which is uniformly extended him. Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - Vol. II - By Lottie E. Jones - Chicago - Pioneer Publishing Company - 1911 - Page 536      JOHN W. DIEHL had a wide acquaintance in Hoopeston and throughout this part of the county and all recognized in him a man of substantial character, straightforward in his acts, honorable in his purposes.  His sterling qualities won him high and lasting regard and a feeling of deep and sincere regret spread throughout the community when it was learned that on the 31st of January, 1909, John W. Diehl has passed on to "that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns."      In the midst of the foothills of a mountain range i Pennsylvania, picturesquely nestles the little city of Gettysburg, and it was about seven miles from that city that John W. Diehl was born on the 8th of January, 1843, his parents being Samuel and Catherine (Brame) Diehl, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state and of German descent.  The father devoted his life to farming until his labors were ended in death about 1865.  His wife survived him for six or seven years.  Their family included a daughter, Ellen, now the wife of William Sadler of Pennsylvania.      Their son, John W. Diehl, was a pupil in the subscription schools near his father's home through the period of boyhood.  He was reared to the age of twenty-one upon the old homestead and about that time there occurred an event which left an indelible impress upon his mind - the battle of Gettysburg.  The recollections of the battle remained undimmed in his memory to the time of his demise.  The conflict waged back and forth over the field, at times the Union troops advancing and again the Confederate troops, until at length the former succeeded in holding Little Round Top and the surrounding district and the victory was won.  At the time of the battle there came an order from the government that the settlers should remove all their stock and effects across the Susquehanna or the government would not be amenable for any losses.  The Diehls followed this order and after the engagement John W. Diehl and his brother returned to the home farm, the father having died in the meantime.      John W. Diehl continued to engage in general farming in Pennsylvania until 1869, when he went to Iowa, there spending a portion of the summer.  He afterward located in Indiana, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits for a year.  With the establishment of Hoopeston he removed to the little town in 1872 and became a member of the grocery firm of Miller Brothers Company, to which he devoted his attention for two years.  HE then sold his interest in that store and for a time engaged in teaming, while later he conducted a livery business for six years.  On the expiration of that period he traded his livery stock for a part of his farm of seventy-eight acres, of which thirty acres more within the city limits of Hoopeston.  At a later date fifteen acres of this tract was platted and subdivided and now constitutes a part of Diehl's subdivision.  In 1881 he turned his attention to farming and fruit-raising, having a large vineyard and cultivating various kinds of fruit in addition to grapes.  During his later years, however, he practically left his property to the care of his son, while he enjoyed a rest that was the fitting crown of his former years of labor.      On the 14th of December, 1876, in Hoopeston, Mr. Diehl was united in marriage to Mary Robinson-Hastings, a daughter of James A. and Susan Robinson, nee McCurdy.  Her father was a farmer in Ohio until he came to Vermilion county in 1859, casting in his lot with the early settlers of this portion of the state.  Here he also gave his attention to the tilling of the soil and his labors brought him substantial returns.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Robinson were born three sons and three daughters, Robert, William, Edward, Sallie, Jane and Mary  Of these Sallie is now the widow of S. Thurman, and Jane is the wife of Ed Cory, of Hoopeston.  Mr. and Mrs. Diehl became the parents of two children but lost one son, George, at the age of seven years.  The surviving son, Charles, a prominent and well known farmer of Vermilion county, married Miss Emma Rice, of Hoopeston, and has one child, Gladys M.      Politically Mr. Diehl was a republican and while never a politician in the usually accepted sense, he served for two years as street commissioner.  His was a well spent life, and he became prominent and well known in this county, where his many substantial qualities won him high and lasting regard.  He died Jan. 31, 1909, after living for forty years in this part of the state.  He witnessed many changes during that period and through his business activities bore his full share in the work of general progress and improvement.  He did not seek to figure prominently in public life but performed his daily duties faithfully and efficiently, was considerate of the rights of others and never neglected his obligations to his fellowmen or to the community in which he lived. Source: History of Vermilion County, Illinois - Vol. II - By Lottie E. Jones - Chicago - Pioneer Publishing Company - 1911  ok   GEORGE DUDENHOFER, a well known business man of Danville, claims Illinois as his native state, his birth having occurred in Alton, Madison County, April 3, 1860. His parents, George and Elizabeth (Burkley) Dudenhofer, were both natives of Germany and were people of the highest respectability. The father was born in 1834 and on his emigration to the new world, in 1853, settled in La Fayette, Indiana, where he was married. He was residing in that city when the Civil war broke out and he enlisted in the Union army, serving until the close of hostilities. He participated in a number of notable engagements and aided in keeping Morgan from making his raid into the north. During the holiday season of 1865 he removed from La Fayette to Danville, becoming the first cigar manufacturer in this city. He started in business in the old Peter Beyer building on West Main Street, where he continued fur a number of years and then removed to the Amos S. Williams building on the same street, remaining there for a period of fourteen years. At the end, of that time he located at No. 123 East Main Street, where he carried on operations up to the time of his death, which occurred in October, 1896. He was an honored member of Kenesaw Post, No. 77, G. A. R., of Danville and was held in high regard by all who knew him. His wife survived him for only a short time, passing away in August, 1897.      On attaining a sufficient age George Dudenhofer entered the public schools of Danville, where he continued his studies until reaching the eighth grade. He then left school and entered his father's shop, where he learned the cigar maker's trade, later becoming financially interested in the business, which they conducted in partnership until the father's death. Our subject was then alone in business until 1901, when he sold out and purchased the James Gilmore Bottling Works at No. 5, Jackson Street, where he was engaged in manufacturing and bottling soft drinks for some time. He then removed to No. 38 Washington Street and from there to Nos. 110-112 East South street, being obliged at each removal to seek larger quarters on account of his increasing business. It was in 1907 that he began business at his present location and his plant is now fitted up with the latest and most improved machinery known to the trade. He has built up an excellent business, employing on an average of seven men, and ships his products throughout the surrounding country over a radius of from forty to fifty miles.      On the 29th of June, 1881, in Danville, Mr. Dudenhofer was united in marriage to Miss Minnie A. Kearney, a daughter of Patrick Kearney, who was born in Toronto, Canada. They now have three children, as follows: Charles T., who was born in Danville, November 15, 1883, and was married November 19, 1908, to Miss Blanche C. Hodges, also a native of Danville; Ida M., born September 28, 1882; and Frank G., born June 18, 1885.      For five years George Dudenhofer served as a member of Battery A, Danville National Guards, and he has always taken a very influential and prominent part in public affairs, serving as assistant supervisor for two terns, from 1892 to 1896. He holds membership in Danville Lodge, No. 69, Marsh Encampment, No. 46, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Damascus Lodge, No, 84, Knights of Pythias, Paughcaughnaughsinque Tribe, No. 73, Improved Order of Red Men. He is also connected with Aerie, No. 508, Fraternal Order of Eagles. He has taken a prominent part in the work of the Illinois State Bottlers' Association and was elected president of that order in March, 1909, and reelected at the meeting held in Chicago in March, 1910. His family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church and they have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances in the city which has now been his home for over forty-five years. (Submitted by Mary Paulius) Source:  History of Vermilion Co., Illinois - Vol. II- Publ. 1911 - pages 144 ok   STEVEN DUKES.was born in Virginia and his wife, Rachel (Lewis) Dukes, was a native of Tennessee. They came to Brooks' Point in 1822. Brooks' Point was just east of Westville about where Kellyville is now located. Their eldest son was born at that place January 25, 1828. History of Vermilion County, Illinois - Vol. II - By Lottie E. Jones - Chicago - Pioneer Publishing Company - 1911 - pg.  111  ok Submitted by Mary Paulius NOTES:

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