History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY 125
McHenry county, Illinois. The father has passed away and is
sui'vived by his wife.
Edwiii S. Roseerans acquii-ed his preliminary education in the
public schools of Booue county and at the age of sixteen laid aside
his books and began working for a sewing machine company. At
the end of one year he resumed his studies, entering a high school,
from which he was graduated at the age of nineteen. Following
this he became connected with the Northwestern Railroad Company
and remained in the employ of this corporation until he came
to Ashton in 1908. Here he estalilished himself in the clothing
business and has since been connected with this line of work. He
carries a large and well assorted stock and nmnbers among his
patrons the most discriminating people of the city.
In 1901 Mr. Roseerans married Miss Jessie Payler, a native
of Wisconsin, and the}^ have become the parents of a son, Donald
P., who was born March 2, 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Roseerans are members
of the Eastern Star and ]\Ir. Roseerans is connected with
Ashton Lodge, No. 531, A. F. & A. M., and the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. He is a repuljlican in his political views but is not
active as an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his attention
upon his business affairs, which, being capably conducted, have
brought him a gratifying measure of success.
XAVIER F. GEIIANT.
Xavier F. Gehant has lived the life of the successful farmer.
With thorough and comprehensive recognition of the demands
placed upon the agriculturist, willingness to perform the diffi-
cult and arduous work of the fields, he has so directed his efforts
and his energies that splendid results have been accomplished, yet
the attainment of success has not been the whole aim of his life.
He has done important public service in local offices and has in
many ways manifested a public-spirited devotion to the general
good. Lee county numbers him among her native sons, his birth
having occurred in Bradford township January 29, 1863. His
parents were Modest Salastine and Olympia Frances (Chaon)
Gehant, both of whom were natives of France. The former was
born April 23, 1826, in the commune of Beulotte, canton of Faucogney,
department of Haute-Saone. He emigrated to America
on March 15, 1855, sailing on the vessel, Trumbull. Landing at