Edward TANQUARY, carrying on general farming on section 8, Steuben township, was born in 1870 in the township which is still his place of residence. His father, Cornelius TANQUARY, was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, December 12, 1832, and died September 2, 1904. He came to Illinois in 1835 when this portion of the state was a frontier district, its wild, uncultivated lands being still covered with the native prairie grasses, while few roads had been made across the country to indicate that civilization was moving westward. He located two miles north of Sparland, where he engaged in farming, and he was also well known all over the county as an auctioneer. In public affairs he bore his part, serving as assessor for two years and as a member of the board of supervisors for a number of terms. He held other responsible local position, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. He remained a resident of Marshall county until his death. In early manhood he wedded Sarah HUFF and they removed to a farm near his parents’ home. He always took an active interest in the old settlers’ picnics, finding much pleasure in renewing the acquaintances of earlier years and in recalling the scenes and events of pioneer times. He was also one of the singing masters of the early days and frequently conducted as many as three singing classes at a time in different localities. He was termed one of the “most honorable and respected citizens of Steuben township.” He was a regular attendant at the services of Bethel church, in Steuben township, and there the funeral was held, on which occasion was assembled one of the largest gatherings of people in the county, showing the high esteem in which he was held. He had resided in Marshall county for sixty-seven years and by all who knew him, both young and old, rich and poor, he was esteemed and honored. His wife, who was born in Ross county, Ohio, April 9, 1839, died February 16, 1904. They were members of the Methodist church. In their family were the following named: Ada, who lives about twenty miles from Wichita, Kansas; Martha, residing at Whitefield Corners, in this county; Eva, deceased; Olive, at Whitefield Corners; Elizabeth, who has passed away; Harriet, also at Whitefield Corners; Edward, of Sparland; Bertha, a resident of Lincoln, Nebraska; and Charles, who is living in Los Angeles, California.
Edward TANQUARY spent his boyhood days on the home farm near Sparland and attended the Drake school. Through the summer months he aided in the work of the fields and thus became familiar with all of the duties that fall to the log of the agriculturist. He started out in life on his own account in 1892, renting a farm in Whitefield township from C. C. SMITH. He lived upon the place for two years and afterward spent a year upon the Henry SUFT farm, in Steuben township. He then removed to the Ellis THOMPSON place, in Steuben township, where he lived for a year, and for ten years has resided upon the Thomas DORAN farm, which he is carefully cultivating, annually harvesting therefrom rich crops.
Mr. TANQUARY was married on the 13th of January, 1892, in
Bethel Methodist Episcopal church, to Miss Della T. THOMPSON,
who was born October 15, 1870, and spent her girlhood days near
Sparland, during which time she was a student in the Bethel
school. Her father, Thornton THOMPSON, was born near Sparland,
September 10, 1839, and was a representative of one of the
pioneer families of the county. He followed farming for many
years in Steuben township and died February 27, 1889. At the
time of the Civil war he became a member of Company E,
Eighty-sixth regiment of Illinois volunteers, and participated
in several important battles. He lived a quiet, retired life,
but was respected by all who knew him. His political support was
given the republican party. His wife, who bore the maiden name
of Amelia CALLEN, was born near Loda, Illinois, October 7, 1843,
and they were married in Sparland Methodist church April 11,
1867. Mrs. THOMPSON passed away November 12, 1884. Their
children were: Effa, now living in Chillicothe, Illinois; Della,
of Sparland; Alice, deceased; Leona, of San Diego, California;
Leslie, at Los Angeles, California; William, of Osceloa,
Wisconsin; and Elsie, deceased.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. TANQUARY has been blessed by one
daughter, Rena May, thirteen years of age. The parents belong to
the Methodist Episcopal church and he gives his political
allegiance to the republican party. He has been assessor for one
year and also school director and is a worthy man of good
business ability, wide awake, alert and enterprising, who in
public affairs and private life accomplishes what he undertakes
and brings about desired results.
Extracted 09 May 2011 by Norma Hass from
Past and Present of Marshall and Putnam Counties
| Bureau | Putnam | |
| Stark |
 |
La Salle |
| Peoria | Woodford |
