SAMUEL G. EYRSE
Page 211
SAMUEL G. EYRSE
Page 211
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SAMUEL G. EYRSE, Vice-President of the State Bank of San Jose, and a prominent citizen of this village, is the son of Henry and Margaret (Gillespie) Eyrse, natives of Virginia. In the Old Dominion he was born June 3, 1830, and is one of a family of seven children. Only three now survive: himself; John H., of Peoria, Ill.; and Mrs. Mary E. Gay, of Pekin, Ill. The mother of this family died in Virginia in 1835. The father came to Illinois in 1856 and died in Pekin two years afterward. He and his good wife were devoted members of the Presbyterian Church. At the age of nine years our subject, on account of his mother's death, was compelled to go among strangers, and few advantages fell to his lot in childhood, for his hours were passed in dreary and unceasing toil. After having assisted in farm work until a lad of fifteen, he then commenced to learn the trade of carpenter, which he followed for four years in Virginia. In 1849 he went to Ohio and sojourned a short time in Cincinnati, from which place he went Lafayette, Ind. In 1850 he came to Pekin, Ill., where the ensuing four years were spent. The year 1854 witnessed his arrival in Mason County, where he settled in Allen's Grove Township, and worked at his trade here for two years. In connection with his brother, our subject in 1851, entered one hundred and sixty acres in Tazewell County, but three years later he disposed of his interest in the property and purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Allen's Grove Township, Mason County. He has since engaged in farming, and buys and ships grain in large amounts. As he has prospered he has added to his first purchase until he now owns four hundred and three acres. In 1892, when the State Bank of San Jose was established, he was one of the Directors and stockholders, and in 1894 was chosen Vice-President, which honored position he is now filling. The bank was opened with a capital stock of $25,000 and does business in a substantial brick structure, the second floor of which is utilized as an opera house. In the Old Dominion occurred the marriage of Mr. Eyrse and Miss Mary J. Cross, their wedding being solemnized March 6, 1856. This lady is a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Cross) Cross, natives of Virginia, where her birth occurred January 22, 1835. She is one of two children, the other, Thomas H., being now a resident of Cherokee County, Kan. Mr. And Mrs. Eyrse are the parents of seven children, of whom the following survive: Martha E.; Marietta, the wife of Henry Connett, of Mason County; Henry T., who married Clara Patterson and lives in this county; Charles S., James H. and John L., who reside with their parents. George W. is deceased. The children were given excellent educational privileges and received such home training as will make them honored citizens. Mrs. Eyrse is identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church at San Jose. In politics a Democrat, Mr. Eyrse has filled a number of local offices, but is not solicitous for office, preferring to devote his energies to business interests. Beginning in life poor, without friends, compelled to spend his childhood days among strangers, his life affords an illustration of what industry and good management will accomplish. He has succeeded beyond the cherished dreams of youth and has gained not only material prosperity, but also the confidence of his associates and the esteem of all who know him. |