Patrick Cartney

Margaret Colgan Bankie writes: "I have recently come in possession of a large hardbound volume of "Biographical History Illustrated of Bureau, Marshall, Putnam and Stark counties. It was published in 1897 in Chicago by S.J. Clark publishing company.  In it I found a biography of my great grandparents who resided in LaPrarie Township, Marshall county.  Here are some exerpts from that:

Patrick Cartney, one of the self made men of LaPrairie Twsp, whose early home was on the other side of the Atlantic, commenced life without capitol other than his strong hands and resolute will, has attained a fine position, socially and financially among his fellow citizens. Mr Cartney was born in County Louth, Ireland in 1824.  In1860 he emigrated to Peoria Ill where he worked on farms for about five years . he had saved $1500 and purchased 72 acres of land in LaPrairie Twsp, Marshall co,He later added 400 acres and built a fine home. In1865 he married Mary Mackin who was also born in County Louth Ireland,

To them were born five children Kate, John, Thomas, Jane, who maried Wm Green and Margaret (my grandmother) who married Frank Colgan. The family attended church at Camp Grove. Mr Cartney held the position of school director, discharging his duties faithfully and well.

Washington E. Cook

Taken From the Henry Republican
January 16, 1879

The Republican, in its last issue, gave the announcement of the death of Hon. Washington E. Cook, which took place suddenly at the Matteson House, Chicago, on Tuesday of last week, and this unwelcome news was as sudden to the people of this county as it was unexpected and sudden to the family of which he was the honored head.

Mr. Cook was a New Yorker by birth, his native town being Cook's Corners, Oneida county. He was a holiday gift to the family, the little stranger appearing December 19, 1808. As he grew in statue he become a boy, and in time was apprenticed to a hatter at Clinton, N.Y. He completed his time at the hat business, but his inclinations and opportunities led him to abandon this calling, and about the year 1830 he went to New York City, where he was a clerk for some time, remaining in the city about a year. He then left New York, and at Honesdale, Pa., made the acquaintance of Miss Eunice A. Kellogg of Bethany, Pa., a lady of culture and refinement, whom he married. She was the daughter of Eliphalet Kellogg, a man of prominence in his time, and one highly esteemed in the community.

He afterwards "run a hotel" at Bethany, with success; engaged in the mercantile business at Birmingham, Ohio, for 10 years, when in 1846 or 7 he removed with his family to Marshall county, Illinois and opened the place three miles west of this city, now owned and occupied by Mr. Daniel Harney. Here he resided for some three years, and while farming on a considerable scale, with James Andrews and Samuel J. McFadden, then young men, as assistants, he found he had the faculty, by being in town more than on the farm, that there was an easier way of securing a livelihood than by plowing the soil. It led him to dislike agriculture. So he sold the place to B. & S. Eldridge, and moved to Henry.

This change was the making of W. E. Cook Being a man of excellent business qualifications, foresight, judgment and tact, he became a prominent man, and a popular one, as his genial manners and high social proclivities made him friends everywhere. He was a staunch democrat and a rising man. The county was democratic at that time, and his ambition secured the nomination and election to the office of county clerk. This office was a lucrative one to him, and he held it three successive terms, and from it he became one of the leading politician of his party in the state, and the most prominent one in his district. He favored all important enterprises, and gave his influence for general improvement of the state, in constructing railroads, etc., and held some stock therein. He was farseeing and successful in whatever he undertook, and his "financial rod" blossomed as the rose. His estate at the time of his death was estimated at about $75,000.

For several terms he allowed his name to be used as a candidate for congress and also for state senator, but the changed political complexion of the district and county, gave the honors to his opponent.

His illness and death is told by the Lacon Democrat as follows: "When he died Mr. Cook was 70 years and 10 days old; the last day he spent with his family being his 70th birthday. His disease was something in the nature of quick consumption. He had always been troubled some with his lungs, and had at times suffered severe prostration. A year ago he was quite ill, but in the past few months seemed to be fully recovered; his friends remarking on his unusual spirit and buoyancy. In transacting his business in Chicago, during the late severe weather, he contracted a cold and age and past infirmities rendered its impossible for the system to resist the attack. He died calmly and peacefully and was consigned to his tomb looking as natural as when last month he moved amongst us."

Mr. Cook was a leading Mason and Odd Fellow, and highly revered by members of the two orders. He was well schooled in Masonic lore, and was a member of Peoria commandery at the time of his death.

The funeral was held at the Congregational church in Lacon on Friday last, where assembled a large congregation of weeping friends to pay their last sad rite over the demise of their revered friend. The solemn service was conducted by Rev. W. Tracy, assisted by Revs. Norris and Price. My Tracy's sermon was brief, practical and appropriate, while the singing, conducted by Mr. Stire, was of a high order. At the close of the sermon, the Peoria commandery took charge of the body of its deceased brother. The burial service was then read at the church, and concluded at the grave. Some 100 Masons were in line as the procession proceeded to the cemetery.

The bereft embrace Mrs. Cook, the son George, Mrs. S. M. Garratt of Pontiac and Mrs. D. G. Warner of Dakota territory. All present at the obsequies except the latter. Mrs. Clara Morgan, postmistress of Snachwine, is a sister of the deceased.

Mr. Cook has closed a long, somewhat eventful and useful life. In many respects he was a remarkable man. He had a strong constitution, was a good liver, and enjoyed life with the rest of his fellows. He made money rapidly and spent it generously. His business capacity was above the average and his operations were large. His church connection was Congregational, and the church in which the obsequies were held was of his founding. He was of a very social disposition, very indulgent as husband and father, and a very agreeable man in his family. He surrenders to the summons of death, and a conspicuous life is thus ended. Peace to his ashes.