He came to Ohio in the fall of 1813, joining his brother Uri at Worthington, Ohio. He availed himself of such opportunities as Worthington afforded for improving his education. About 1816 or 1817, he commenced the study of medicine at Worthington Medical College and afterward went to Urbana, Ohio, to take a course of instruction from Doctor Carter.

He was one of a class of ten students under Doctor Carter, and upon the completion of the course, Dr. Carter gave them a "Certificate" of this fact. Dr. Beach located at Amity, Ohio, in his twenty-second year.

The amount of professional business transacted in those days, when physicians were scarce was limited by the capacity to labor; they traveled every where on horseback as the territory extended often to fifteen and twenty miles in all directions.

When the good Doctor Beach, about 1826, decided to give up the practice of his profession, there was needed a store in which to keep a general assortment of goods to supply the people of the community.

In view of this demand, the good Doctor and his brother Uri purchased a tract of land from Doctor James Comstock, upon which the town of AMITY, Ohio now stands, and commenced to layout the town. A. CARY surveyed and laid out one tier of lots on each side of the road. In all thirty-three lots were platted and recorded at London, Ohio, April 11, 1831 as New Canaan; but in November 1834, Doctor Beach recorded an addition to the town by James Millikin, and the name was changed to Amity, Ohio. The first Post Office was established in 1830.

For some years Doctor Beach was the leading merchant in the north part of the county, and he began-to apply his capital in real estate. For several years he was the largest land holder and the heaviest trader in live stock, one of the leading capitalists that Darby township had.

In 1853, when land in the north part of the county was selling for from thirty to forty dollars per acre, he began to dispose of his holdings. Then going to Illinois, he invested his money in land warrants that were then abundant on the market, at 80 cents an acre, and he purchased several thousand acres of land in McLean, Ford, Kankakee, and Livingston Counties, Illinois.

He married Miss Edith Bull, of Franklin County, Ohio, who lived near Worthington, Ohio, about the time he commenced the practice of medicine. "I was well acquainted with the Bull family, as far back as the Gay Nineties and I was offered 10 acres of land from the Old Bull homestead at the corner of Oakland Park and North High for $3000. About the 1900 the homestead sold for a $1000 per acre. How about that for an investment?" He married again after the death of his first wife (Edith), to a widow, (name not known to me), in Fairbury, Illinois.

Seeing opportunities would be better for applying his capital, he removed in 1853 to Livingston County, Illinois, where he resided until his death. He engaged largely in real estate and was successful. In person, he was of medium height, rather slender. He was quick and active in movement - of a cheerful disposition. His energy was untiring, and he had a stock of physical and mental health that never failed him until a short time before his death. He was thoroughly honest and went through life doing whatever his hands found to do! He died at his home in Fairbury, in August 1878, in the eighty-first year of age.

In my research, I have been unable to ascertain how many children, HE and EDITH by issue had! -the only records that I have is HESTER ANN born in 1824. She married EZRA DOMINY about 1840, they had one son named LORENZO BEACH, (a name sake of his maternal grandfather). At the death of his parents in infancy, he was raised by his Maternal Grand-parents.

FIFTH GENERATION:- or sixth in line.

DOMINY, EZRA, Born September 9, 1819, Madison County, Ohio. Died July 8, 1845, said County. Age 26. MARRIED:- about 1840 to HESTER ANN BEACH, Born November 11, 1824, Madison County, Ohio. Died July 12, 1845, said County. Age 21 years. CHILDREN:- One son. LORENZO BEACH, Born March 9, 1844. Died July 27, 1902. Married Phoebe Ann Curl.

RESIDENT:- (Pleasant Valley), row Plain City, Darby Township, Madison County, Ohio.

EZRA was the fifth son of Jeremiah and Abigail (Norton) Dominy, born and reared in the county of his nativity. He married Hester Ann Beach, the daughter of Doctor and Mrs. Edith (Bull) Beach, Darby Township, Madison County, Ohio.

They had one son Lorenzo Beach, named for his maternal grand-father. His parents died soon after his birth, he being only one year and four months old. He lived with his grandparents until their death, having accompanying them to Illinois.

By the will of his grand-father, Doctor Beach, Lorenzo was left a $1000 dollar legacy. At the age of 19, he invested his holdings in land at a dollar an acre where the city of Fairbury, Illinois is now located.

SIXTH GENERATION:- or seventh in line.

DOMINY, LORENZO BEACH, Born March 9, 1844. Madison County, Ohio. Died July 27, 1902. Fairbury, Illinois. Age 58 years. MARRIED:- December, 27, 1864 to PHOEBE ANN CURL, Born March 22, 1844. Fairbury, Illinois. Died October 30, 1932, said City. Age 88 years. CHILDREN: Four daughters and one son. JENNIE CURL and JESSIE BEACH, TWINS, Born July 9, 1866. JENNIE CURL Married Grant McDowell. JESSIE BEACH married Herbert Powell. LIZZIE HESTER, Born April 5, 1868. Died May 15, 1955. Age 87 years. Married William R. Bane, CHARLES L., Born January 16, 1876. Died August 11, 1876. HAZEL, Born May 5, 1884. Died July 18, 1901. Age 17 years.

RESIDENT:- Fairbury, Livingston County, Illinois.

"The subject of this sketch hardly needs an introduction to the readers of the Blade, being well known to probably every one of them, having dealt more of less with all of them.

"He has been thoroughly identified with Fairbury during its entire existence, having been on the ground before the town was laid out. Lorenzo Beach Dominy was born in Madison County, Ohio. His father and mother died within a few days of each other when he was only sixteen months old.

"He came to this vicinity in 1855. When he grew to manhood he commenced life as a farmer. He was married December, 27, 1864, to Miss Phoebe Curl. They had five children, of whom four are living, all residents of Fairbury. Mr. Dominy lived on the farm just east of town, which they still own, until 1870, when they moved to Fairbury. Mr. Dominy was the junior partner in the hardware firm of Beach and Company.

"The present banking business was started in 1874, the partners being C. C. Bartlett, Thomas Beach and L. B. Dominy, and the firm being Bartlett, Beach and Dominy. Mr. Bartlett retired

after about four years and Beach and Dominy carried on the business until 1894, when Mr. Beach retired. The bank is recognized as one of the safest and best established institutions in the State, and Mr. Dominy has always prospered in the deserved confidence of his fellow citizens. He has at various times held a number of public offices, having been supervisor of the township and a member of the city council several times. When the village was merged into a city he was the first mayor and is now serving his second term. He is treasurer of the fair board and also treasurer of the school."

DOMINY, JENNIE CURL- Born July 9, 1866, Fairbury, Illinois. MARRIED:- June 18, 1890 to GRANT Y. McDOWELL, Born ?, Where ?. CHILDREN:- ?

RESIDENT:- Fairbury, Livingston County, Illinois.

SEVENTH GENERATION or eighth in line.

DOMINY, JESSIE BEACH, Born July 9, 1866, Fairbury, Illinois. MARRIED:- April 19, 1893 to HERBERT POWELL, Born?. Where ?. CHILDREN:- ?.

RESIDENT:- Fairbury, Livingston County, Illinois.

SEVENTH GENERATION:- or eighth in line.

DOMINY, LIZZIE HESTER - Born April 5, 1868. Fairbury, Illinois. Died May 15, 1955. Age 87 years. MARRIED:- April 17, 1889 to WILLIAM RICHARD BANE, Born March 2, 1863. Fairbury, Illinois. Died September 8, 1917, said city. Age 54 years. CHILDREN:- One daughter. HAZEL DOMINY, Born December 28, 1890. Married Carl Franklin Goudy.

RESIDENT:-108 West Oak Street, Fairbury, Illinois.

EIGHTH GENERATION:- or ninth in line.

BANE, HAZEL DOMINY - Born December 28, 1890. Fairbury, Illinois. MARRIED:- July 16, 1916 to CARL FRANKLIN GOUDY, Born May 26, 1890. Enfield, Illinois. CHILDREN:- Two daughters. ELIZABETH ANN - Born June 5, 1917. Married James Thomas Cassell. BARBARA JEAN - Born?.

MILITARY SERVICE:- World War One.

RESIDENT:- Los Angeles, California.

NINTH GENERATION:- or tenth in line.

GOUDY, ELIZABETH ANN, Born June 5, 1917, Los Angeles, California. MARRIED:- March 3, 1951, Newark, New Jersey to JAMES THOMAS CASSELL, Born June 25, 1914. Freeport, Pennsylvania. CHILDREN:- ?.

MILITARY SERVICE:- World War Two.

RESIDENT:- Newark, New Jersey.

James Thomas, son of Mary Rick and Harvey William Cassel, two step-children, Jamie Lee and Markel Ann Cassell.

NINTH GENERATION:- or tenth in line.

GOUDY, BARBARA JEAN, Born?. MARRIED:- April 14, 1945 to FRANK W. MOLINA. CHILDREN: BARBARA BARRE, Born June 15, 1948, Santa Ana, California. WILLIAM REID, Born July 26, 1951, Glendale, California.

"A telegram received in the city Sunday morning announcing the death of L. B. Dominy caused a shock to the community and saddened many hearts. While it was known that Mr. Dominy's health was very poor, hopes were entertained by the people of this city and vicinity that the water at Excelsior Springs would prove beneficial and that he might be restored to his usual vigor and again assume the prominent position in the community which he had filled for so many years.

"The illness with which he suffered extended over a period of a year and a few days. His health became broken at the time of the sickness and death of his youngest daughter, Hazel, to whom he was very much attached. While he seemed to improve at times and was able occasionally to come up town and mingle with his friends, his physical condition was very bad and he suffered greatly. 

"The trip to Excelsior Springs, Missouri was made some weeks previous in company with his wife and his nurse. For a time the water seemed to benefit him. The immediate cause of his death was heart trouble and the end came peacefully Sunday morning July 27, after a very restful sleep.

"The remains were brought to Fairbury, arriving Monday morning, accompanied by his loving wife who had been by his side continually since his illness, and his son-in-law and daughter Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Powell.

"The funeral services were held at the family residence Tuesday afternoon at four o'clock and every business house in the city closed its doors in honor of the dead, Rev. E. S. Wilson assisted by Rev. J. A. Johnson and Rev. C. S. Davies officiating.

"By the request of the deceased the services were held on the lawn in front of the residence, seats being arranged for a multitude of people but so large was the attendance that many were compelled to stand. Great masses of beautiful floral tributes from many friends were against the large veranda in front of which the casket was placed, also covered with flowers.

"Rev. Wilson spoke feelingly on the life and character of the deceased and of the good he had accomplished, and his words found an echo in the hearts of the people present.

"It is seldom that a man is found who fills a position in any community of such prominence and so acceptably as Mr. Dominy has filled in this community and it is to chronicle the death of so valuable a man at his age. He was a little past the meridian of life, born in Madison County, Ohio, March 9, 1844, he was left an orphan by the death of his parents, Ezra Dominy and Hester Ann Dominy, when he was but 16 months old. His grandfather Doctor Lorenzo Beach, took charge of him and reared him to manhood. He came with his grandparents to Illinois in 1855 and settled in Indian Grove township and has lived here since that time. He has been identified with the city of Fairbury and Livingston County since its first settlement and his life has been woven in with the affairs of this section of the county until it is a part of its history.

"Mr. Dominy was united in marriage to Phoebe A. Curl, December 27, 1864. To this union five children were born, one child, a son, dying in infancy and the youngest daughter, Hazel, dying a year ago. Three children, Jennie C. McDowell, Jessie B. Powell, and Lizzie H. Bane, together with their mother and grandchildren, Ren McDowell and Hazel Bane, survive him.

"Mr. Dominy followed the occupation of a farmer until he was 26 years old, and while he has not been actively engaged in: that occupation since that time, he has always taken a great interest in his extensive farm land. He had great faith in the soil and at the time-of his death he owned upward to 2400 acres of land all located in Livingston county. He was a man of the people, but kind hearted and generous to a fault. He made friends on every hand in every station and retained them through his life.

"In 1870 he began his business career in company with T. A. Beach as a hardware merchant.

Three and a half years later he disposed of his hardware interest and helped found the banking house of Bartlett, Beach and Dominy. Four years later Mr. Bartlett withdrew on account of ill

THE DEATH OF LORENZO B. DOMINY

Born March 9, 1844. Died July 27, 1902.

health and in 1893 Mr. Beach retired. The bank was conducted in Mr. Dominy's name until 1901, when his son-inlaws, G. Y. McDowell and W. R. Bane, were taken into partnership under the firm of L. B. Dominy and Company. The bank is today one of the most substantial financial institutions of the country.

  "In 1892, he established a separate branch of his business dealing in farm mortgage investments, taking his son-inlaw Herbert Powell, into the partnership under the firm name Dominy and Powell. The business of the firm has grown, under careful management, beyond his earlier expectations. They have won the confidence of the farming community and eastern correspondents by their open and accurate dealings and maintained for Fairbury the reputation it has always sustained for real estate transactions.

"He was the first mayor of the city of Fairbury and served several terms as mayor and member of the city council. He also served the township several years as supervisor. At the time of his death he was school treasurer and treasurer of the fair association, positions which he has held for years.

  "In his business transactions he was a man of prudence, safe and reliable. His advice upon business transactions was sought by many, and advice given by him was always found to be the best. He was liberal in his dealings with his fellow man, and many men owe their start in life to the financial aid and encouragement of Mr. Dominy. He will be sadly missed and the love and admiration for him will be retained by those who knew him through life.

  "The remains were laid at rest in the Fairbury cemetery and were followed to the grave by a large concourse of people. The pallbearers were all tenants of his farms and were: L. S. Carter, John Frantz, William Frantz, Nathan Town, Bart Pearson, Peter Ulfers, J. J. Brown, and Amil Huber.

  "Those from out of town were: Mr. Stoddard, Mononk; Mrs. Fern Opdyke, Morris; Mrs. T. E. Du Bois, and daughter Edna, Indianapolis; J. A. Montelius, Piper City; Si Belck, Peoria; Mt. and Mrs. George Winters, Peoria; S. B. Church, Peoria; J. A. Brown, G. W. McCabe, and S. Herr, Chatsworth; Fred Green, Emington; S. A. Hoyt, Forrest; H. L. Banes, Cropsey; T. C. Riley, Miss Birdie Trumbo, Marseilles; Mrs. Robert Riley, Forrest; T. D. George, Missouri; Mrs. B. F. Shankland, Mrs. F. Duckett, Pontiac; Mrs. and Mrs. Lansing Hutchinson, Sibley."
This sketch taken /rove The Record

THIS SKETCH TAKEN FROM THE OBITUARY -JULY 26, 1901:

"The funeral services of Hazel Dominy, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. B. Dominy, who passed away Thursday, July 18, 1901, after a short illness of Typhoid Fever were held from the family residence Saturday afternoon at four o'clock.

"The exercises which were short and impressive were conducted by Rev. Wilson assisted by Rev.'s Head and Northrop. The floral offerings were numerous and very beautiful.

"A quartet rendered the following appropriate selections: 'Some Day We'll Understand', 'This Too Must Pass Away', and 'We'll Never Say Good Bye in Heaven'.

"It is seldom that a death in our community has excited such expressions of common grief and sadness. The home and lawn were filled with friends and acquaintances met to offer a last tribute of respect to a bright young life.

"The deceased was age 17 years, 2 months, and 15 days. Her loss to the home circle leaves a vacancy that cannot be filled. Almost every resident had known her as a child and schoolgirl and watched her grow into womanhood. Her bright and sociable disposition had made her a general favorite with a large circle of young companions who deeply mourn her loss.

"Shall he not pluck a lily now and then before it fades with age?"

"Mayor Agard, on behalf of the city, accepted the library after which Rev. J. A. Johnson gave the dedication prayer. Mrs. C. A. Purdum and Mrs. George Heckman rendered a vocal duet after which Rev. E. S. Wilson gave an address on 'The Public Library as a Factor of Good Citizenship', which was followed by an address by Rev. C. S. Davies on 'How to Use the Library'. Mrs. H. R. Bull rendered a vocal solo and Prof. J. E. Bangs, assistant state superintendent of schools, gave a short talk and the exercises closed with the benediction by Rev. J. W. Bailey.

"Seats were placed in the building and at the time for the exercises to begin the building was taxed to its utmost capacity by the citizens of Fairbury desirous to be present at the dedication. A large number were unable to gain admittance to the building, the crowd being so large.

"The business houses closed from two o'clock to half past four and the entire population of the city were thus afforded an opportunity to be present at the formal opening of the building which had been erected by Mrs. Phoebe Dominy in honor of her deceased husband, Lorenzo B. Dominy, and her daughter, Hazel, and presented to the city for the upbuilding and elevation of the citizens in the intellectual world, and the eagerness exhibited on Tuesday to be present at the formal turning over of the building to the citizens indicated a high appreciation of the magnificent structure which is doubtless gratifying to the donor.

"A public reception was held in the building Tuesday evening which was attended by a large number of people. Burch's orchestra furnished music during the evening aside from the the vocal rendered by Miss Josephine Patron, Mrs. C. A. Purdum, an instrumental solo by Mrs. E. C. Green and vocal solo by Mrs. George Heckman, Miss Blanche Skinner and Mrs. L. S. Henderson.

"No city in the state of Illinois the size of Fairbury can boast of a better public library than the building which stands at the corner of Third and Walnut Streets.

"The ground, building and furnishings cost about $20,000, the building being a stone colored pressed brick with stone trimmings, 54 feet square, situated one block south of the city Hall, facing north and west with entrances from both sides. Beautiful shade trees surrounding the building and walks are cement, the approaches to the building being stone.

"At the west side of the north entrance is a memorial tablet inscribed: 'erected by Mrs. L. B. Dominy and presented to the city of Fairbury in memory of her husband, Lorenzo B. Dominy and their daughter, Hazel, A. D. 1904'.

"At the right of the entrance inside the building on the wall is a memorial tablet inscribed 'Hazel', placed there by a number of her friends.

"At the left of the north entrance is a children's reading room and to the right of the north entrance is a general reading room, in the center of which is a large round table.

It Entering the building from the west, on the right is the reference room. The librarian occupies her desk about in the center of the room, having a complete view of the entire building and at her back in the southeast corner are the stacks of books wherein are stored over 3,000 volumes of reading matter catalogued in a manner that will permit the librarian to give out a book immediately after it is ordered. The daily papers and magazines are on file for the patrons.

"The basement of the building is divided into rooms, one of which can be used for library club meetings and another for all public meetings which are held for educational purposes. The balance of the basement is taken up by the furnace room.

"The building is open, from 1:30 to 5:30 and from 6:30 to; 9:30 P.M. daily except Sunday and legal holidays." 

- DOMINY MEMORIAL LIBRARY -

FAIRBURY, ILLINOIS

TO

HAZEL DOMINY, Deceased L. B. DOMINY, Deceased.

IN WHOSE MEMORY THIS BEAUTIFUL STRUCTURE WAS ERECTED,

BY THE WIFE AND MOTHER. MRS. PHOEBE DOMINY