The inevitable law of destiny accords to tireless energy and industry a successful career, and there is no other path that leads to prosperity save that of persistent and well directed effort. It was in this way that Burr Stebbins became one of the substantial citizens of LaSalle county, where he located in pioneer days, becoming one of the leading representatives of the agricultural interests of this section of the state. He was born in Chautauqua county. New York, on the 3d of January, 1831, his parents being Josiah and Eliza (Case) Stebbins. His father was born in the Empire state and his mother was a native of Connecticut, her birth occurring in Unabilla, in 1802. When seventeen years of age she removed to western New York, where she married Josiah Stebbins. The Stebbins family is of English origin, but was probably founded in America at an early period in the history of the country.
Burr Stebbins spent the first eight years of his life in New York and then accompanied his parents on their removal to Michigan in 1839. There he remained until 1854, when he became a resident of LaSalle county, locating in Manlius township, where he improved a new farm, transforming the wild lands into richly cultivated fields. As time passed and his financial resources increased he added to his property until the old homestead comprised three hundred and sixteen acres of the choice prairie land which has made the farms of Illinois justly celebrated throughout the Union. He made excellent improvements upon the place, built good fences, erected substantial buildings, and secured all the accessories and conveniences of the model farm. He was a man of great energy, and his diligence and perseverance brought him gratifying financial returns. In 1886, desiring to lay aside the more arduous duties of farm life, he removed to Marseilles, where he spent his remaining days.
In July, 1859, Mr. Stebbins was united in marriage to Miss Dency Mullen, of Morristown, New Jersey, the fourth daughter of William and Abigail (Crane) Mullen. She was born in Morristown, November 3, 1835, and by her marriage became the mother of four children, namely: Grant C, a prominent real-estate and insurance agent of Marseilles; Everett J., deceased April 12, 1899; Cora F., a talented elocutionist, living with her mother; and Delia, wife of Eugene D. Allen, a pharmacist, of Marseilles.
Mr. Stebbins was a Republican of the most pronounced type, and before the organization of the party he voted the Whig ticket. He served for some time as a member of the city council of Marseilles, and gave an earnest and conscientious support to all measures and movements which he believed would result to the benefit of the city. He passed away April 17, 1894, at the age of sixty-three years, and many friends, as well as his immediate family, deeply mourned his loss. He left to his wife and children the priceless heritage of an untarnished name, for his life had ever been characterized by fidelity to duty and by faithfulness to every trust reposed in him. His widow is still occupying the family home on Washington street, and is a lady held in high esteem by all who know her.
Extracted by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois published in 1900, volume 1, pages 157-158.
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