Grundy County IL Archives Biographies.....Homan, W E ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com March 25, 2006, 8:25 pm Author: Bio/Gen Record LaSalle/Grundy 1900 W. E. Homan is one of the practical business men and respected citizens of Maine township, devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits and to the purchase and sale of grain. When we examine into the life history of successful men to determine the secret of their prosperity we find that it is not the outcome of genius or talent, but is the direct result of unflagging industry, guided by sound judgment and practical common sense. It is these qualities which have won Mr. Homan a place among the substantial residents of his community. A native of Ohio, he was born in Union county, on the 11th of March, 1863, his parents being William and Martha (Hill) Homan. He represents an old family of Virginia. The great-grandparents were Joseph and Mary Homan, and the former carried on wagon-making in Rockingham county, Virginia. Emigrating westward, he became one of the pioneers of Muskingum county, Ohio, and in Nashport he followed his trade, supporting his family in that way. Subsequently he removed to Delaware county, Ohio, where he also conducted a wagon shop for some years. He was a substantial citizen whose well directed efforts gained for him a good property. He was much respected for his sterling worth, and died at the age of eighty years, esteemed by all who knew him. His children were Jonathan, William,. Elizabeth and Lydia. Joseph Homan, the grandfather of our subject, was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, in 1800, and was of German lineage. He learned the blacksmith's trade in the Old Dominion and was married there to Martha Miller, who also was a native of Rockingham county, born in 1805. The Millers were of Irish descent. About 1833 Joseph Homan, Jr., moved to Muskingum county, Ohio, and while en route witnessed the remarkable phenomenon of shooting stars which occurred that year. They made their journey westward with team and wagon, and one night took refuge in a school-house, in which place they saw the wonderful astronomical display. Locating in Nashport, Mr. Homan continued his residence there for about five years, after which he removed to Licking county, Ohio, where he lived for ten years. On the expiration of that period he took up his residence in Delaware county, Ohio, where he purchased the farm upon which he spent his remaining days. He was a member of the Presbyterian church and in politics was a Jacksonian Democrat. He held a number of township offices, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity, and in the community where he lived was recognized as a man of sterling worth. In his family were the following named: William; Richard: Elizabeth A.; John, who was born in Virginia; Walter; Benjamin, who was born in Muskingum county, Ohio; Ira and Joseph, natives of Licking county, Ohio; and Allen, whose birth occurred in Delaware county, Ohio. Mr. Homan, the father of our subject, first opened his eyes to the light of day in Rockingham county, Virginia, in 1825, and was a lad of eight summers when the family removed to Muskingum county, Ohio, driving three two-horse teams hitched to huge covered wagons. He witnessed the falling stars before mentioned and never forgot the memorable sight, the heavens being ablaze with the light of these meteors. He received a common-school education and in early life learned the carpenter's trade. He was married in Delaware county, Ohio, to Miss Martha Hill, a daughter of Adam Hill. They began their domestic life in that county, where Mr. Homan worked at his trade for some time, after which he removed with his family to Union county, where also he followed carpentering. In 1869 he came to Illinois, locating in Grundy county, upon a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of partially improved land. He continued the work of further developing and cultivating the fields, and lived upon that farm for many years. He was for four years a hardware merchant of Coal City, and spent a short time in Colorado on account of his health. After his return to Illinois he made preparations to remove to Kansas, and was engaged in merchandising in that state for one year. He then returned to the old home farm in Grundy county, upon which he spent his remaining days, his death occurring August 11, 1898. He exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democracy, and by popular ballot was appointed to fill a number of township positions. He held to the religious faith of the family, being a member of the Presbyterian church. He was long recognized as a substantial farmer and respected citizen of Grundy county. Mr. Homan of this review is the youngest of three children, the others being Joseph and Emma. He received the usual common-school advantages and was reared to farm life. Later he engaged in merchandising in Coal City, in connection with his father, and went with him to Kansas, where also they conducted a store for one year. Upon the return to Grundy county he resumed the work of the farm, and has since devoted his energies to the care and cultivation of its fields. His property is the old family homestead, a very valuable tract of land. He is also engaged in the grain business at Gorman, for Fuller & Keltner, having carried on operations along that line since 1898. On the 24th of November, 1887, in Osborne, Kansas, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Homan and Miss Libbie De Puy, who was born in New York, December 29, 1867. Her grandfather, John De Puy, was born in Orange county, New York, and was descended from French Huguenot ancestry, who located in the Empire state in colonial days. He married Caroline Russell, who was of Scotch descent and whose mother belonged to the De Witt family. John De Puy was a wagon-maker by trade and followed that pursuit in order to support his family. For many years he resided in Accord, New York, and died in Newburg, that state, at the age of eighty-four years. He was a member of the Methodist church and lived a consistent, Christian life. His children were Ann, Edgar, Alexander, Nancy, Jane, Elizabeth, Jacob, William, Blendinah, John, Thomas, Russell and Abel. Five of the sons, Jacob, William, Thomas, John and Russell, served in the civil war, all being members of New York regiments. Jacob participated in the battle of Bull Run and both he and William were killed in the service. John De Puy, the father of Mrs. Homan, was born in Accord, New York, March 23, 1838, acquired a common-school education and learned the carpenter's trade. He is now a merchant and business man of considerable wealth. He removed to Kansas about 1875, locating in Glen Elder, where he was engaged in milling and general merchandising. He also dealt in real estate, with offices in Kansas City, and was the owner of a large farm which materially increased his income. He is now an active and enterprising business man of Perry county, Missouri. A man of strong force of character, of sound business judgment and incorruptible integrity, he well deserves the prosperity which has crowned his efforts. In his political affiliations he is a Republican. He was married in Newburg, New York, April 15, 1859, to Eleanor Polhamus, who was born in the Empire state and was a daughter of John Polhamus. Her father was of sturdy Holland Dutch ancestry and the family was established on American soil prior to the war of the Revolution. John Polhamus was born in New York city, became a sea captain and made many voyages. He had a brother who served in the United States navy during the war of 1812. His entire life was spent in New York and he died there, at the age of eighty-six years. His children were Eleanor and John, and the latter enlisted for service in a New York regiment during the civil war and was killed in battle. After his marriage John De Puy resided in Newburg, New York, where he engaged in carpentering and cabinet-making until the death of his first wife, in 1874. She was a member of the Methodist church and by her marriage became the mother of the following children: Blendinah, Elmer, Libbie, George, John and William. Mr. De Puy was again married, April 7, 1889, his second union being with Etta Moffet. The wedding took place at Glen Elder, and their children are Russell, Emma, Mary and William. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Homan has been blessed with five children, four of whom are now living, namely: Bertha A., William, Russell, Martha and Allen. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Homan located on the old homestead in Maine township, where they are still living. Their household is celebrated for its hospitality, which is enjoyed by their many friends. In politics Mr. Homan is independent, his last presidential vote being cast for William J. Bryan in 1896. His wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. A practical business man, he has carried on his labors along well defined lines and is known to be strictly honorable in all trade transactions. His sterling qualities have gained him high regard, and as a representative citizen of Grundy county he well deserves mention in this volume. Additional Comments: Source: Biographical and Genealogical Record of La Salle and Grundy County, Illinois, Volume 11, Chicago, 1900, p708-711 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/grundy/bios/homan63gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/ilfiles/ File size: 9.8 Kb