Biography of Charles L. Probert from "Commemorative Biographical and Historical Record of Kane County, Illinois." (1888). Library call number Gen. R. 977.31 K16 Com, found at the Los Angeles Public Library (downtown Los Angeles). [page 227] CHARLES L. PROBERT, A descendant of a patriotic Englishman, was born in Sherburne, N.Y., December 1, 1825, a son of James and Asenath (Stover) Probert. The father was a native of London, England, and at the age of 20 [sic -- JP] was drafted into the British navy, and sent to Quebec to fight in the War of 1812, but from that city deserted with nine others, swam the river, made his way to the United States, and ultimately arrived in New York State, locating in the interior, where he engaged in a cotton factory, and also the milling business for some time, having charge of the Rochester mills. In 1822 bought a farm in Sherburne, and, while Mrs. Probert looked after the farm interests, Mr. Probert engaged in milling. Of a family of nine children, Charles L. is the fourth in order of birth. The parents went west in 1856, and settled in Butler County, Iowa, where they passed the remainder of their days, the father dying in 1871 (sic -- JP) and the mother in 1872 (sic -- JP). Charles L. Probert remained at home, obtained his education, which was limited to that of the common school, and at the age of eighteen, in 1843, came west, and settled in Elgin, where for sixteen years he was engaged in farming and buying wool all through this section of the country for various firms, and in the town of Campton since 1854. In February, 1864, he married Margaret Norton, a native of Kane County, daughter of Garrit and Mahala (Blakely) Norton. By this marriage they have one son, Samuel L., who was born March 17, 1865, and is now (1887) attending Ann Arbor College. December 17, 1876, Mr. Probert contracted a second marriage, this time with Rachel C. Whitney, a daughter of John and Maria (Blood) Whitney, and who was born in Campton Township July 3, 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Probert are not members of any church, but attend them all. He is a Republican. Mr. Probert has improved several farms in this section, having farmed here for thirty-three years. In 1879 he bought the Joseph Whitney homestead of 204 acres, and he has another of 120 acres, both of which he has greatly improved. On the former place, where he is now living, he has four miles of tiling laid. The farm is well stocked, and he also raises considerable quantities of grain; the cattle are Ayrshire stock, of which he has eighty-nine head. Transcribed by Jim Prietto who can be contacted at: heem81@yahoo.com and will welcome your questions on this family. Use your "BACK" button on your browser to return to Kane County ILGenWeb pages.