Isaac Gage - La Salle County, IL.
Isaac Gage, one of the pioneers of La Salle County, was born in Orford, Grafton Co., N. H., Nov. 7, 1815, a son of Isaac and Ruth (Stone) Gage, who were born, reared and married in Massachusetts. Soon after their marriage they settled in Orford, where they resided till their death. Oar subject was reared on a small farm, and when old enough he began assisting his father who was a stone-work contractor, building bridges, walls, etc. In the spring of 1837 he went with his uncle, Aaron Gage, to Chicago, Ill. He reached Chicago April 14, where he remained till July 5, and finally reached Ottawa about July 10, and shortly afterward obtained work with Levi Jennings, Jr., with whom he made his home for several years. Jan. 1, 1845, he was married to Lucy Little, a native of Grafton County, N. H., a daughter of James and Polly Little (both deceased), who were early settlers of Eden Township, La Salle County, coming here in the fall of 1839. Four children have been born to this union - Louisa C., wife of S. T. Osgood, of Marseilles; Harriet E., at home; Ida A., deceased wife of J. S. Balkin, her death occurring Dec. 23, 1884; and B. Frank at home. After his marriage Mr. Gage settled on the place where he has since made his home, but the small house which he first occupied has given place to one of the finest residences in the township, and the homestead which then contained but eighty acres of slightly improved land, has increased to 480 acres of well cultivated land. Mr. Gage came to this township a poor man, but by industry, frugality and good management, he is now one of the wealthiest citizens. Beside the homestead he owns 160 acres of land in this township, and his real estate in Marseilles is worth about $25,000. He is one of the oldest settlers in this township, and is one of the active and most influential business men in the county. In politics he is a Republican, and before the organization of that party, he was a Whig, casting his first vote in 1840 for General Harrison. He was active in the organization of Brookfield Township, and has always been identified with public affairs. He was the first Assessor, and has held almost every position of trust in the township.