On the old family homestead of the Gage family the subject of this sketch was born, March 30, 1858, his parents being Isaac and Lucy Gage. His father was one of the honored pioneer settlers of the county and for many years was numbered among the leading farmers of this section of Illinois. He was born in Grafton county. New Hampshire, November 7, 1815, and in 1837. when twenty-two years of age, he determined to try his fortune in the then far west. Accordingly he made his way to Illinois, casting in his lot with the early settlers of LaSalle county during the formative period of its development. Throughout his life he devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits, and so capably managed his business interests that he became one of the extensive land-owners of the community, his possessions aggregating one thousand acres, partly in LaSalle county and partly in northeastern Iowa. Here Mr. Gage was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Little, a native of New Hampshire and a daughter of James Little, who came to this county at an early day. The young couple began their domestic life on the farm in Brookfield township, which is now the home of our subject, and there they reared their family of four children, named as follows: Louisa C, wife of S. T, Osgood, of Marseilles; Mrs. H. E. Baughman, of Marseilles; Mrs. Ida Atkin, who is deceased; and B. Frank. The father exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party and for a number of years acceptably served his township as supervisor. In addition to his agricultural pursuits, he was a director in the National Bank at Marseilles, and his reputation was that of a reliable and substantial business man. Both he and his wife were consistent members of the Presbyterian church, and both died when seventy years of age.
B. F. Gage spent his childhood and youth on the old home farm midst play and work. He attended the public schools of Marseilles, acquiring a good practical education, and was trained to habits of industry and perseverance in the fields. He is now living on the old family homestead, which comprises four hundred and eighty acres of valuable land, under a high state of cultivation. He has a high-grade stock farm and is known throughout this section of Illinois for the excellence of his cattle. The improvements on his place are many and modern, consisting of a pleasant and commodious residence, substantial barns, good fences and the latest improved machinery.
In 1885 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Gage and Miss Cornelia V. Carr. a native of LaSalle county and a daughter of Nathan Carr, now deceased. Her father was a prominent farmer in Brookfield township, where ber mother still resides. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Gage has been blessed with four children: Ida A., Carrie L., Lawrence and an infant son. Mr. Gage is a Republican in his political faith and is deeply interested in the growth and success of his party, but has never sought office. Like his father, he is a director in the National Bank of Marseilles, and it is such substantial stockholders that have made the institution one of the most reliable financial concerns in the state. In manner he is cordial and courteous, and has gained a large circle of friends, including many who have known him since his boyhood days.
Extracted by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois published in 1900, volume 1, pages 339-340.
| Lee | DeKalb | Kane |
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Kendall |
| Putnam | Grundy | |
| Marshall | Woodford | Livingston |
