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Source:
PAST AND PRESENT OF LASALLE COUNTY 1906 page 292
Submitted by: JoAnn Walters
William WILLAVIZE, a retired farmer living at No. 637 West Madison street, Ottawa, has been a resident of LaSalle county since 1856 and in the years that have come and gone has so lived that he has won a business success and an honorable name, being numbered among the respected and worthy citizens of his adopted county. Although he is now living retired he is yet the owner of a valuable farm property in Osage township. He is a native of England, his birth having occurred at Wiltshire in 1837. His parents were William and Mary (PRICE) Willavize who came to LaSalle county in 1861, and spent their remaining days here, the father passing away on the 27th of June, 1872, and the mother on the 30th of September, 1888. They were farming people, Mr. Willavize devoting his entire life to agricultureal pursuits in order to provide for his family. In their family were the following children: Thomas, Jane and Mary Ann, all deceased; Elizabeth (Thomas ELLISON), a resident of Kansas; Henry, deceased; William; John, who lives upon the home farm in this county; Margaret (David HILL) deceased; Robert, a resident of Michigan; and Mary Ellen, of Bloomington, ILL. William WILLAVIZE of this review was reared and educated in his native country, attending the public schools. He remained under the parental roof until 19 years of age, when he came to America with his brother Henry, who later enlisted for service in the Union army (Co "H", 104th Inf. IL Vol.)at Ottawa and was lost trace of during the engagement that occurred near Hartford, TN, where a number of Union troops were captured. Nothing has since been heard from him and he probably met the fate of many northern soldier. After coming to the United States William worked for 2 years at farm labor and with the capital that he acquired through his industry and diligence he purchased his first 80 acres of land in 1863. Later he added to this paying from $14 to $55 per acre for prperty that is now worth $150 per acre. For many years he successfully carried on agricultural pursuits, extending the boundaries of his farm from time to time until he became the owner of 280 acres of rich land in Osage township. This he cultivated until 14 years ago when in 1891 he removed to Ottawa and purchased his present home. He still retains possession of that farm and it returns to him a good annual income. Mr. WILLAVIZE was married in Ottawa to Mary MESSERSMITH, a daughter of Hiram and Annis (MARTIN) MESSERSMITH, who came to LaSalle county in 1861, locatingin Osage township, where they remained until called to their fial rest, the father passing away in 1880 and the mother in 1870. She was twice married, her 1st husband being John HALSTEAD. Mr. MESSERSMITH was a blacksmith by trade but largely followed farming throughout his active business career. In his family were 10 children: Hiram, a resident of Streator; Rebecca, Cynthia Ann, Ephraim and William all deceased; Richard also a rsident of Streator; Mary, now Mrs. WILLAVIZE; Maria, Amanda and Alfred deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. WILLAVIZE have been born 6 children, all of whom are yet living: Theodore, who is residing near Sandwich, IL; Henry G. living in Osage township; Ida, the wife of F.B. REED, a farmer living in Reading township; Nora DURKEE of Michigan; Mrs. Mary Ellen HUNT, who is residing at Pipestone, MN; and William, who is living on the home farm in Osage township. In his political views Mr. WILLAVIZE is a republican but has never sought or desired office, referring to give his undivided attention to his business affairs. He has, however, kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
