i!;a?^^;!:;i^i.H;t;;^? ■-piS^iui^rX^ ^«--J-^;;-'v^Sl!ti: TTFiE; BIOGRAPHICAL) RECORD t^ENKY COUrMTV, LLINOIS. ^A^TPED. A fcoplc that take no pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors zvi/l never achieve anything worthy to be remembered ivit/i pride by remote generations.'' — Macaulay. CHICAGO: The S. J. Clarkk Pihlishing Comi'anv. 1901. INDEIX. PAGE Allcrtoii. Samuel W 602 Allison. William 543 Anderson, A. J 26 Anderson. David 485 Anderson, Eric 697 Anderson, John 170 Anderson, Joseph II 626 Anderson, L. D 58S Anderson, Nels F 722 Anderson. V. L 466 Andrews. Wallace W 65 Armstrong, Hugh 701 Arnett. George 703 .^rnold, George R. W 3,?9 Arnquist, Andrew 559 Ayres, Buenos 668 Bachus, T. 1 125 Baker, Eugene G 477 Barber, Charles 447 Barge. David B 421 Barker. Starks N 716 Barnhart. Jacob 263 Becker, Nicholas 225 ■Bennison, Samuel 214 Bennison, Thomas 28 Benson, Lars igo Biebinger. Jesse E 659 Blair, Albert W 269 . Blair, James 314 •Ulish. James K 22 . Blish, M. B 410 Bollenstern, Theodore 189 Boomer, Henry 555 "othwell. Leonard R 129 Jrad' . joim 1' 342 rady, Thomas 347 cBrodd, John A 137 vBrown, Mattie E 632 -[ Brown, Oliver W 287 Buck, Edmund 507 Buck, George W 205 Burns, J. Sanford 500 Burrows, S. Henry 122 Burston, Joseph 687 Butler, Arthur C 417 Calhoun, Hugh A 458 Calkins, Mrs, Hulda G 578 PACE Calkins, John C 521 Callaway. Samuel H 98 Carlson, Charles A 79 Carlson, John C 619 Carsc, John 451 Cavanaugh, James 363 Charles. William S 600 Charlet, -August 27 Charlet. Julius 396 Chase, Charles E 220 Chesley. Theron H 304 Chisnall. John 30 Clay. William L 532 Clementz. Xaver 674 Clough. V. W 226 Cole. Festus C 571 Combs, Horace J 356 Cosncr, William H 46 Cowden. Thomas C 556 Cromien, James 510 Cronau, John 365 Cox, Joseph F 563 Davis, John M 309 Dewey, John C 454 DeWitt, Henry 66 Dickinson, Dr. J. D 464 Donaldson, William 32.5 Dow. L. F 650 Dunbar, Washington 322 Dunham, Mrs. Julia E .190 Dun lap. Adam 307 Durniann. William 198 Durrnian. Frank W 163 Dyal. .Vmos .\ 152 Katon. Dr. Matilda 115 Edwards. Frank H 643 Edwards. Herbert R 520 Ekiund. Henry 292 Emery, Michael N 54 Erickson, Erick 361 Er.son, Mats 208 Evans, Willis F 397 Eyer, Henry 56 Farnam, John S 667 Ferguson, George W 381 Fcsler, George 476 PAGE Finch, John T 413 Fischer, John 243 Fischer, Oswald 58 Fisher, Hendrick V 699 Fitch, Elmer E 470 Fleet, Isaac M 359 Fleming, Jacob J 432 Foley, Rev. M. F 296 Forgy, William 644 Fors, John A 207 Fragd, Andrew P 164 Frank, Jacob 258 Freeman, Pliny 158 Frels, George T 335 Fronk, Levi 312 Fulper, John H 366 Funk, George 661 Gamble, J. R 17 Gilbert, Dr. Elon B 223 Gilbert, N. C 3,?2 Gilbraith, James (x) Gierhart, Christian f)82 Gillespie, William C 554 Glenn. William N 19O Goembel, Henry 19 Goembel, Samuel 319 (ioembel. W. Sidney 35 Goodrich, William R. ... 334 Gould, Nathaniel B 15 (iranquist, Ncls 594 (iraves, Emery C 245 C;riffin. Henry G 86 Gutschlag. Carl 721 TJad^all. James S 386 liailni. \ndii'\\ 257 Hamilton, James S ,303 Hanson, Erick 311 Hannon. Thomas T 376 Hatch, John M 232 Haxby, William 469 Hay, Robert 475 Hayes, Cornelius 247 Hayes, Eugenie K 422 Hedbloom, Eric 194 Heller, Louis 576 Heller, Simeon 326 Henderson, John 560 09490 INDEX. PAGE Herdien. Peter 40 Hillmrg, John 595 Hill, John D 524 lliinnan. Reginald H 174 I lohmann. Dr. William D. . 358 Hoit. Otis W 368 Hough. Frank L 538 Houghton, Henry E 636 Houghton, Lucy E 601 Hudson, Thomas 649 Huffman, George 585 Hughes, Thomas J 255 Hull, John L 102 Hunt, John M 193 Hunt, Lewis 656 Hurd. Caroline W 264 Hurlbutt, Frederick A 686 Hyer, Peter 367 acobson, Jacob 708 aquet, John 575 ennings, John L 620 ohnson. .-Xndrew P 173 ohnson, Charles A ., 511 ohnson, Frank J 78 ohnson, George H 723 ohnson, Henry 194 ohnson, J. William 295 nhnson, Paul L 612 (ihnston, Joseph 400 ohnston, Thomas H 180 ones, William D 114 Keeler, Philip B 90 Keleher, Daniel L 139 Kellogg, Charles A 346 Kelsey. Ira E 566 Kcmerling, Elbert P 403 Kewish, John 512 Kiene, William 539 Kincaid, George W 80 Kirchner, Carl 34t Kirkland, Dr. J. A 84 Kirkpatrick, William L. ... 237 Knowles, William H 138 Krause, Herman S49 Lager, O. W 648 Lamb, William 712 Landwehr, William ..,.:... 617 Larson. .Andrew J 145 Larson, Carl J 109 Larson, Francis W 75 Larson, John A 116 Lavery, Daniel 44 Lembke, William 76 Lester, Sivilian 221 Lewin, John 59 Lewis, .'\bram J 666 Lewis, John 240 Lewis, Perry T 6S4 Lewis, William J 707 Lievens, Jacob 562 Liken, Clyde T 294 Liken, Thoma,s P 293 Lincoln, .Andrew 150 Linn, John 131 PAGE Linn, Taylor 517 Lippincott, John H 200 Litten, Ezra 530 Little, Charles E 411 Loomis, Orin H 401 Lory, Charles R 642 Lowrv Brothers 279 Loy, 'D. O 637 Luther, Martin 698 McCarthy, Daniel 337 McClure, Thomas 238 IMcCorkle, George J 587 McGovern, John H 103 McMeekin, William 434 McNeeley, John 250 McRell, James 712 McRell, Robert 433 Machesney, James 534 Mackey, .Amos A 572 Maloney, Daniel 648 Martin, David M 384 Martin, Mrs. Elizabeth 416 Martin, Hugh A 426 Martin. John S 676 Mascall. Daniel S 197 Mascall. James 199 Mathews, ."Kmbrose 330 Matteson, L. F 34 JNIavity, John M 124 Melvin, Frank S 430 ^lerriman, William 47 Milan R. W 569 Miller. F. A 448 Morton, George .'\ 300 Munson, Albert S 519 Murchison, Capt, Alex 224 Murchison. D. C 468 Murphy. John H 291 Mussey. Henry 522 Mussey, AVilliam A 564 Myers, Jacob 583 Nash. M. Maury 212 Nelson, Nels M 182 Nelson. William 33 Neville. P. H 383 Neville, Robert G 100 Neville, William A .'. 3.38 Newman, James H 586 Norell. .Andrew P 211 Norling, Peter 437 Nowers, Thomas 610 Oberg, Louis 458 O'Day. Patrick 372 Odeman. John E 025 Oliver, William 290 Olson, Olof 548 Olson, Swan T 540 Ostran, P. E i55_ Ott. Casper 662 Ours, William 364 Paine. Judson P 49S Palmer, Aaron 280 Pappendick, William 565 PAGE Parker. James 717 Payne, Richard 420 Peart, George 452 Peterson, Albert 157 Peterson, Andrew 108 Peterson, E. N 325 Peterson, Olof 480 Peterson, Olof L 404 Peterson, Peter A 480 Peterson, Peter A 720 I'ierce, Thomas P. ..' 435 Pierson, James C 543 Porter, William 694 Pritchard, Hugh W 449 Puree. Rev. W. M 187 Purviance. David L 362 Quinn, Henry 7a Ramsej', James 276 Rapp. Aaron 414 Reardon, John 642 Redus, John 373 Reherd, Harry A 35c Reherd. Jacob K 353 Remington. William A 230 Resser, Moses W 30 Rickle. Jeremiah H 486 Riley. James 533 Ringel, Henry J 702 Ringle, William 92 Rink, Joseph H 310 Rishel, Sherman L 428 Roberts, William 467 Robertson. Thomas M 148 Ronstrum. Nels M ; 340 Roos. Charles P 529 Roos, Martin 282 Rowe, George W 343 Rngh, Charles H 561 Rule, John H 360 Runquist, Nels 407 Russell, Samuel 327 Rydman, Rev. J. M 249 Salzmann. Ernest 700 Saniuelson, Charles M 123 Saniuelson, John 181 Sand, Casper 31 Schoonover, Rosseter F 455 Schroeder, John H 409 Sears, Frank S 682 Selman, John 459 Seiner, Daniel 38.5 Setterdahl, Rev. Victor 170 Shaner, Phil.ip 377 Shearer, Lewis 688 Shearer, Norman 684 Shellhammer, D. D 262 Shetler. John W 631 Shinn, Mrs. Paulina H 522 Shult, Hons 104 Sieben, Leonard 286 Slauson, Lewis W 599 Smiley. Dr. J. C 38 Smith, .Andrew 718 Smith, George J 151 INDEX. Sniitli, Jared II ,. , no Smith. John H ... i8 Sohdav. Andrew J ... 63a Spifgel. Angust F ••■398 Spiegel. F. Charles ... 48.-, Stacy. J.E ... 28q Stearns, John W ... 140 Steele. Robert F ... 34: Stevens. William W ... 313 Stewart. Dr. 11. } ...399 Stewart. Peter C ... 132 Stewart. Samuel ... 126 Stickncv. William C ... 550 Stinison. Liberty ... 301 Stitl. .\larv J ... 638 Stoncbcrg. John E ... 6.? Storev. Elijah ... .39^ Stongbton. Cvrus F. . . . ... 506 St. .well. Wilbur F ... 713 Streed. Frank H ... 494 Streed. John V . ■ ■ 49" Strcod, Malkcr F ■ ■ ■ 493 Streed, Swan P ...49c Sturtz, Charles F . . . 21 Svenss.Mi, Xels J ... 256 Swanson, John V . . . 140 PAGE Swanson. Swan 596 Swedish Evangelical Church 164 Swedish Evangelical Luther- an Church of Kcwanee... 248 Tay>.-r A r 3.. I Taylor, JetlEerson W 355 Taylor. John O95 Taylor, Thomas 348 Thorp, Isaac 378 Thorp, James 479 Thorp, John 380 Tomlinson, David C 172 Trickle. Milton 608 Turner. Judge CM 70 Urick, Lewis 329 \'aw ter. Dr. G. A 306 Waite, (leorge E 590 Walker. Thomas 37J Walline. Olof loi Walters. August 39c Warnock. Peter W 544 Warren. James .^62 PAGE Washburn. Chauncey E. ... 176 Wayne. William 429 Weaver, John J 706 Weidlein, .Andrew 271 Weinrich, F^rederick W. ... 44 Wells. J.jseph 660 Wehon. F. G 508 Weiton. Lester C 572 Wenke. John 357 Wenke, John H 451 West. George W 273 Westerlund. Jonas 394 Westcrlund, Peter 171 Weston. George 325 W hifl'en. Frank ! 50 White. Hugh 562 Whitmore. David 60 Wilber. R. Porter 528 Wiley. Daniel L 67 Wiley. William L 460 Wilkinson, Lyman J 48 Wilson, Charles C 465 Winter, William R 655 Wintz, Philip J 44C Wolcver, Calvin F 685 Wrisfbt, W. Pitt 121 PRKFACK. f^IIE greatest of English historians, Macaulay, and one of the most brilliant writers of the present century, has said : "The history of a lountry is best told in a record of the lives of its people." In con- tormity with this idea, the Biogiiapiiicai, Record has been prepared. Instead of going to musty records, and taking therefrom dry statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, our corps of writers have j:one to the people, the men and women who have, by their enterprise md industry, brought this county to a rank second to none among tlio«e (.otiipri^mg thw great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their life struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelligent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as statesmen, and whose names have become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life wlio have striven to succeed, and records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued the " even tenor of their way," content to have it said of them, as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy — "They nave done what they could." It tells how many, in the pride and strength of young manhood, left the plow and the anvil, the lawyer's otiice and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country's call went forth valiantly " to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not be lost upon those who follow after. Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which would otherwise be inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work, and every opportunity possible given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written ; and the publishers flatter themselves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to biographical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given. The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this the publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to give the information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally some member of the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the support of the interested one would be withheld. In a few instances men never could be found, though repeated calls were made at their residence or place of business. March, 1901. The S. J. Clarke Plblishing Co. ^ Biography is tl~ie only true i^istory."— Emerson. ^ UNIVERSIlr OF ILLINOIS URBANA BIOGRAPHICAL. OLLD. XATllAXIEL BART- 1-ETT. Honored and respected 1)V all, there is no man in Cam- bridge who occupies a more en- viable position in business circles than Nathaniel B. Gould, not alone on account of the success he has achieved, but also on account of the honorable, straightforward business policy he has ever followed. He has been prominently identified with public affairs, and is now serving as president of the board of trustees of Cambridge and treasurer of the Old Settlers Association. Mr. Gould was born in Pierniont, Graf- ton county, New Hampshire, March 31, 1828, but in early life removed with the fam- ily to Canaan, in the same county. He traces his ancestry back to Zaccheus Gould, who was born in England about 1589, and came to America about 1638, lucating finally at Topsfield, Massachusetts, where he died in 1670. His. wife, Phebe Gould, passed away in 1663, leaving one son and five daughters, all of whom married and had families. Their descendants in this country are now quite numerous, and are represented in the various branches of industry and the learned professions. Amos Gould, St., the grandfather of our subject, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and at the close of tiiat struggle moved from Salem, ^lassachusctts, to Canaan, New Hampshire. He was at West Point when Arnold's treason was discovered. He was born at Boxford, New Hampshire, December 12, 1761, and died at Piermont, that state, December 28, 1853. On the 141I1 of June, 1786, he married Rebecca Perley, and to them were born thirteen children. Amos Gould, Jr., the father of our sub- ject, was born in New Hampshire in 1790, and there he married Miss Nancy Harris Bartlett, a native of Canaan, that state, and a descendant of one of the early Massachu- setts colonists. Her father, Nathaniel Bart- lett, fought seven years for American in- dependence as a soldier of the Revolutionary war. Amos Gould, Jr., came west in 1856, and settled in Moline, Rock Island count}'. Illinois. His death occurred in Moline, in 1864, and his wife, who was a devoted Christian, died in 1884, st the age of eighty-eight years. Unto them were born nine children, six sons and three daughters, namely: John M., a resident of Moline; Amos, Lyfe Y., Nathaniel B. and Mrs. Nancy J. Dean, who are all living in Cam- bridge; Daniel \\'.. who makes his home in IMoline; George D., who was born !March i6 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 26, 1S35, died in 1882; Susannah, widow of B. H. Burrows and a resident of Andover township, Henry county; and Lora H.. whu was born October 5, 1838, married J. H- Dean, and died in 1865. The early life of Nathaniel B. Gould was spent on a farm in his native state, and his eilucation was acquired in its common schools. Coming west in April, 1851, he located in ]Moline, Illinois, and from 1852 until 1856 was employed as a traveling sales- man by John Deere. In the latter year he came to Cambridge, where he conducted a hotel and livery stable in partnership with his brother Amos until 1861, when he moveil to a farm, and for three years successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. He has. however, been interested in farming since that time, but not as a resident farmer. Re- turning to Cambridge, he and his lirother Amos, luider the fimi name of A. S: X. B. Gould, laid out the Gould addition to that village. He has since been interested in va- rious business enterprises, and on the ist of July, l88r, assisted in organizing the First National Bank, of which he has since been president. The bank was organized with a paid-up capital of fifty thousand dollars and has a surplus of twenty thousand dol- lars. The safe, conservative policy which he inaugurated commends itself to the judg- ment of all. On the 24th of November, 1859, Mr. Gould was united in marriage with ^liss Mary J. Jennings, who was born in Elm- wood, Peoria county, Illinois, and completed her education at Lombard College, Gales- burg. Her parents were Levi and Susan H. (Shephard) Jennings, of Cambridge town- ship, this county, where the father was e.x- tensiveh' and successfully engaged in stock raising, his specialty being sheep. He died December 29, 1859, at the age of sixty-seven years, and his wife departed this life at Cambridge February 4. 1888. at the age of seventy-five. Levi Jennings was lx>rn in Salem. Ohio, of Quaker stock. March 10. 1795. and there lived until about thirty years of age, when he married !Miss Susan H. Shepherd, \yho was born August 20. 1813. the day her father, John Shepherd, returned from the war of 1812. In 1835 Levi Jen- nings removed with his family to Peoria county, Illinois, having previously visited the country and purchasing a large tract of land. His land purchases were quite ex- tensive in Peoria, Knox and Henry counties, Illinois, and prior to his death had accumu- lated a handsome fortune. In 1849 '^^ ^'^' catedin Cambridge township, where he built one of the first really good houses in the township, which is yet standing. The children of Levi and Susan H. Jennings were : Ann, wife of James Bush, a farmer of Adair county, Iowa: Marv _]., wife of our subject; and John L, To ;Mr. and Mrs. Gould were born two daughters : Nellie L. and Katie M. The latter is now the wife of W. F. Hays, of Seattle. Washington, by whom she has one child, Catherine (iLmkl Hays. Nellie L., 1x)rn October jo. i8()3. died February 23. 1879, '''i^l her death was a hea\y blow, not only to her family, but to a large circle of friends. She was a most ami- able young lady, of more than ortlinary promise, and a bright scholar who was pre- paring to enter \"assar College. Politically Mr. Gould has been an ardent Republican since the formation of that party. He has always taken an active interest in the affairs of town and county, and has \xei\ honored with several important official po- sitions. He was chairman of the building committee which had charge of the construe- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 17 iii,in of the court house, completed in 1880, at a cost of seventy-five thousand dollars. every cent of which had hcen paid at that time. It is an excellent and suhstantial tire- proof huilding, and stands as a nidnumeiit to those who had it in char,ye. Mr, (ic>ulorn six children, but only two reached vears of maturity, these being J. K., our subject; and Mathew I'unar, who is a resident of Kewanee, though engaged in farming in Wethersfield township. He mar- ried Maliia ]•". -Mnrrill. ;uier 5. 1886. his sec- ond union being with ?kliss Amy ^lason Rhodes, a native of Providence, Rhode Isl- and, and a daughter of Albert Rhodes, de- ceased, who was for man}-- years a resident of Buda, Illinois. To them have been born three children : Elizabeth, ^lathew Rhodes and Asa Rhodes, all attending the Kewanee schools. Mrs. Blish is a lady of culture and refinement, a leader in charitaljle work, and is a member of the Unitarian Cliurch. In politics Mr. Blish is a Democrat, but not an advocate of free silver. For several terms he was an active and influential mem- ber of the city council; was a member of the school board eighteen years and secretary of the saine for some time: and was county su- pervisor four years, during which time the new court house was built, and he ser\-ed on the building committee. For twelve years he was also one of the directors of the Ke- wanee public library, and for thirteen years was president of the Kewanee Fair Associa- tion, of which he was one of the organizers. In the organization of the Kewanee Building and Loan Association he took the leading part, and was its first secretary, a position he still holds. This has been a \er\' success- ful entei"prise and of great benefit to the city. Through its aid many workingmen have se- cured good homes. He assisted in organiz- ing the Kewanee Electric Light Company, since merged into the Kewanee Light & Power Company, and has been prominently identified with a number of business enter- prises that have promoted the welfare of the city in no uncertain manner. He has been a delegate to nearly all the state conventions of his party, and in 1888 was one of the presidential electors. He is now serving as president of the Old Settlers Association, which office he has filled for several terms. As a citizen he meets every requirement and manifests a commendable interest in every- thing that is calculated to promote the city's v.-elfare in any line. In manner he is pleas- ant, genial and approachable, and all who know him esteem him highly for his gen- uine worth. A. J. AXDERSOX. A. J. Anderson, who is now success- fully engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business in Kewanee, Illinois, was born in Sweden and came to this country with his father during infancy. His early education was acquired in tlie schools of Kewanee, and on leaving the high school at the age of sixteen years he entered the employ of the Haxtun Steam Heating Com- pany, now the \\^estern Tube Company, as an apprentice. Here he learned the boiler maker's trade, remaining with the company four years. He then went to San Francisco, California, where he served as inspector of the cit}' water works one season, and at the THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 27 end of that time entered tlie mechanical department of Linci^hi Schnol of that city, wliere he pursued a meclianical course. Later he took a trip throujjli the western states, and before rctiu'uinj;" home he also visited the east. Since then Mr. Anderson has resided uninterruptedly in Kewanee, and has been engaged in the real estate, loan and insur- ance business. In June, i8c;j, he formed a partnership with W. 11. Remick, under the firm name of Remick X: .Vnderson. and this connection continued until March, 1900, since which time Mr. Anderson has been alone in business. He represents many of the best and most reliable insurance com- panies of the world, including' the Liver- pool, London &. Globe, of Liverpool, Eng- land; the Springfield Fire & Marine, of Springfield, Massachusetts; the German American, of New York; Magdeburg, of Germany; the Phoenix, of Brooklyn; the Phcenix, of Hartford ; the Imperial, of Lon- don; the Home, of New York; the Aetna, of Hartford; the Fire Association, of Phila- delphia; the Hartford, of Hartford; the American Central, of St. Louis; the Nation- al, of Hartford ; and the Fireman's Fund. On the 14th of November, 1899, Mr. Anderson married Miss Lucy Robison, a native of Illinois, and a daughter of Thomas Robison, now deceased, who was one of the early settlers of this county and an honored resident of Kewanee. Fraternally Mr. An- derson is a member of Kewanee Lodge, No. 159, A. F. & A. M.; Kewanee Lodge, No. 466, K. P., in which he has filled all the ofifices and is now past chancellor; and Nabuthaean Temple, No. 5, Knights of Khorassan, of Galesburg. As a Republi- can Mr. Anderson takes quite an active part in local politics and is now chairman of the city central committee. He is a wide- awake, energetic young business man, and in all his undertakings has met with well- deserved success. AUGUST CHARLET. For many years August Charlet was ac- tively engaged in farming in Henry county, but is spending his declining days in ease and retired from labor in his pleasant home at No. ;^2;^ South (irovc street. Kewanee. He is a native of Germany, born in firanden- burg, October 31, 1828, and is a son of Abraham and Dorothy (Schalipp) Charlet, natives of the same province. The father was a laboring man, who died in Germany at the age of fifty-two years. The mother afterward came with our subject to Amer- ica, and passed away at his home in Burns township, Henry county, Illinois, at the ripe old age of seventy-eight years and two months. In their family were six children, namely : John, who was serving in the German army at the time of his death, which occurred when he was about twen- ty-four years of age; August, our subject; Dorothy, who became the wife of William Wert, and died in Kewanee township, this county; Julius, a farmer of Burns township; William, who died in Germany at the age of four years; and Louisa, widow of Oscar Fischer and a resident of Burns township, this county. The early life of the subject of this sketch was spent in the fatherland, where he attended school, and after the comple- tion of his education he worked at the weav- er's trade for some time. In 1856 he sailed from Hamburg for New York on an old THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Englisli freiglit lx)at. wiiich liad been con- verted into a passenger sliip. The voy- age lasted eight weeks and three days, dur- ing which time they encountered some se- vere storms. On reaching New York Mr. Charlet came at once to Henry county, Ilh- nois. and settled in ^^'ethersfield township, where he at first worked by the day at any thing which he could find to do. Five years after his arrival he had saved enough from his wages to purchase eight}^ acres of unimproved land in Burns township. The land was fenced but there were no buildings upon it, and to its improvement and cultivation he at once turned his at- tention. Later he added to it a tract of one hundred and twent_\- acres and subse- quently bought one hundred and sixty acres in Cornwall township. He was successfully engaged in general farming until February, 1888, when he removed to Kewanee and purchased the lot where he now resides. Tearing down the old house which stood thereon he erected his present comfortable residence. He has since sold his farms to his sons and has laid aside the cares and re- sponsibilities of business life. On the 23d of September, 1859, Mr. Charlet was united in marriage with ^Irs. ^Mary (Leonard) Couve, also a native of dren, namely : \\'illiam, a farmer of Anna- Couve, who died in 1858, leaving four chil- country. She was first the wife of \\'illiam Charles Leonard, who ne\er came to this Brandenburg, Germany, and a daughter of v.an township; Fred, a farmer of Corn- wall township; Louisa, wife of Ernest Spiegel, of Cornwall township, and Mary, wife of Gus Schroeder, of Burns township. By her marriage to our subject Mrs. Charlet has become the mother of two chil- dren : August, a farmer of Cornwall town- ship, married Sophia Kollman and they have three children, William, Clare and Louis; and ilinnie is the wife of Charles Klein, who is with the Western Tube Com- pany of Kewanee. Mrs. Charlet was born October 29, 1829, and came to the United States on the same vessel with her husband. By his ballot Air. Charlet supports tho men and measures of the Republican party, and has always taken an active interest in educational affairs, serving as school di- rector for three years, but he has never cared for political office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his business in- terests. He is a member of the German Evangelical Church of Kewanee, and was a trustee of the same for twelve years. Coming to this country empty-handed, but with a strong determination to succeed he has steadily and persistent!}^ worked his way upward until he acquired a comfortable competence, which now enables him to spend the remainder of his life in ease and quiet, surrounded bv all that makes life worth the THOMAS BEXXISOX. Thomas Bennison, who is now living a retired life at his pleasant home at Xo. 600 East First street, Kewanee, Illinois, was born in Hurst, England, April 28, 1837, a son of Samuel and Mary Bennison, who are represented on another page of this volume in connection with the sketch of their son, Samuel. In 1845 ^m" subject accompanied his parents on their emigra- tion to the new world, and was reared and educated in Pennsylvania. From that state the family renioved to Shullsburg, Wiscon- sin, and in 1864 came to Henry county, Illinois. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. W'lien liis school days were over Mr. Bennisiin worked in the lead mines of Wis- consin, and after cuniiny to Kewanee em- barked in mercantile Inisiness in company with others. Eater he was alone in busi- ness, and witn the development of the city his trade constantly increased, successfully following that pursuit from 1865 until June, 1897, when he retired from active life to enjoy the competence he had acquired througli years of industry, perseverance and good management. As a business man he was always energetic, prompt and notably reliable, and his success has been worthily achieved. He has erected three large store buiklings on Tremont street, Kewanee, and has built a number of private residences in that city, and he and his son-in-law put up a large brick block in Cozad, Nebraska. He is also a stockholder in a bank in that city, and for a number of years was one of the directors of the First National Bank of Ke- wanee, of which he was one of the charter members. In 1862 Air. Bennison married iliss Ann \\'alton, a native of Shullsburg, Wisconsin, and a daughter of John and Mary Walton, who were born in England, and died in Kewanee, Illinois, the former, July 30, 1887, aged seventy-eight years, the latter January 29, 1885, aged seventy-six. They were both members of the Primitive Meth- odist Church. By occupation Mr. Walton was a miner and followed that pursuit very successfully in the gold fields of California for two }ears, and after his return east worked in the mines here for a short lime, and then lived retired throughout (Tie re- mainder of his life. Of his seven children Thomas died in 1853, st the age of twenty- one years. Sarah became the wife of Will- iam Bennison, now deceased, and she died in 1893, at the age of fifty-eight. Leonard is engaged in mining in Colorado. Mary i; the wife of ]>eiuictt Osborne, of Kewanee. Ann was the wife of our subject. Robert is a veteran ot the Civil war and a retired farmer oi Iowa. Ilercules R. was married February _'_', 1880, to Alpha Johns, and died in Kewanee, in July, 1899, aged fifty- five years. Of his two children, Joseph C. and Alae B. are still living, while Philip died at the age of nine years. To Mr. and Mrs. Bennison were born four children: Alary A., now the wife of AI. H. Brown, of Nebraska, by whom she had two children, Azal and Ruth; Stella E., wife of Robert Davis, of Nebraska, by whom she has one child, Paul; Lewis J., who died Alay 6, 1888, at the age of six- teen years; and Nettie O., wife of Arthur Wake, of South Omaha, Nebraska. The wife and mother, who was a consistent and faithful member of the Primiti\'e Alelh- odisi Clun-ch, was born in 1844, and depart- ed this life July 13, 1899. Air. Bennison was again married November 14, 1900, his second union being with Aliss Alice Jones, of Kewanee, who was born in Penn- sylvania June 6, 185 1, and came with her parents, Aloses and Catherine (Taylor) Jones, to Kewanee in 1863. Air. Bennison is also a member and- trustee of the Primitive Alethodist Churcii of Kewanee, and is a stanch sup[K>rtcr of the Republican party. On the temperance ticket he was once elected trustee of the city, but has never cared for official honors. As a public-spirited citizen, however, he dias Ijeen activeh' identifietl with the improve- ment of Kewanee, and has done all within his i)ower to advance its interests along various lines. On locating here he and the other members of the Bennison familv innU 30 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. up their residence on what became known as Bennison row, but within the past few vears the name has been clianged to Cam- bridge street. The family is one of promi- nence in the community, and its members 5tand deservedly high in the esteem of their fellow citizens. JOHN CHISXALL. Since November, 1867, this gentleman has been an honored resident of Kewanee, and is to-day serving as special tax col- lector for the city. He was born in Lan- -castershire, England, January 27, 1833, and is a son of William and Alice Chisnall, who were lifelong residents of that country. The father died when a young man, but the mother long survived him, passing away in 1876, at the age of sixty-four years. John Chisnall, the only child of this worthy couple, was educated in the common schools of England, and when a lad of ■eleven years was apprenticed to the wheel- wright's trade, which he learned thorough- Iv. He came to this countr}- as a ^Mormon emigrant in 1831, prior to the insurrection of Brigham Young against the government, -and first located in Utah, where he remained until 1858, during the uprising. The fol- lowing two years were spent in Omaha, Nebraska, which city at that time had no telegraph or railroad lines and gave little promise of its present thriving condition. During all this time Mr, Chisnall worked at his trade. In i860 he went to Phila- delphia, Pennsylvania, where he made his home until coming to Kewanee in 1867. During the winter of 1866-67 he spent four months in visiting his native land. Lpon his return he located in Kewanee, where he worked at wagonmaking principally un- til 1888. Being economical and industrious he managed to save something from his wages, and this capital he invested in a lot in the heart of the city, upon which he erected a pressed brick double store build- ing, which on account of its location is very valuable property. This he now rents to a good advantage. In 1857 Mr. Chisnall was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Sandiford, who was also a native of Lancastershire, Eng- land, and came to the United States on the same vessel with our subject in June, 1 83 1. Both are active members of the Latter Day Saints' Church, and during his residence in Kewanee iMr. Chisnall has served as pastor of the church of that de- nominaton at this place. The congregation now numbers about one hundred families, and they have erected a good modern church edifice. Fraternalh" !Mr, Chisnall is a mem- ber of the Knights of Honor, No. 1173, of Kewanee, and the blue lodge of the INIasonic order at this place and the chapter and com- mandery at Princeton. He affiliates with the Republican party but has never taken an active part in politics. From 1892 until 1898 he was with the Kewanee Coal Com- , l)an\", and the following year was appointed by the mayor as collector of special taxes, water rents, etc., which position he is now most creditably filling. He has also served as health officer and justice of the peace since 1893. He has led an upright, hon- orable and useful life, and is highlj- respected and esteemed bv all who know him. MOSES W, RESSER. For over half a century INIoses ^\^ Resser has made his home in Henrj" county, and since attaining to man's estate has been THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 31 actively identified with its business inter- ests. He is now following fanning on sec- tion 5, Genesee township. He was horn in Adams cuunly, rennsylvaiiia. on the 27th of October, 1847, '""' '^^'i* ""'y three years of age when he came to this country with his parents, Moses and Hannah (Groop) Resser, also natives of the Key- stone state. The family settled in Phenix township, where the father purchased a farm of two hundred acres. To his landed possessions he added from time to time un- til he had seven hundred acres in Phenix and Geneseo townships. He died in the city of Geneseo at the age of eighty-two years, and his wife passed away at the age of sixty-fi\-e. In the family of this worthy couple were eight children, of whom Moses W. is the fifth in order of birth, and six of the number are still living. Our subject remained on the home farm in Phenix township, giving his father the benefit of his labor until the Civil broke out, when he ran away from home, and at Leavenworth, Kansas, enlisted in Company I, Eighth Kansas Volunteer Infantry. He took part in many of the principal battles of the war and remained in the service until hostilities ceased, being honorably dis- charged at San Antonio, Texas. He then returned to his home in Illinois and went upon the Mississippi river, leading the life of a sailor for ten years. When he retired from the service he held a certificate as first-class pilot from the government. Dur- ing the following six years he was engaged in the hotel business in Geneseo, conduct- ing what was known as the Singleman House. In the meantime -Mr. Resser was mar- ried at that place, in 1879, to Miss Mary A. Bookmiller, a native of Phenix township. this county, where her father, John D. P)Ookmillcr, now deceased, was engaged in farming. P.y this union were born five chil- dren, all of wliiini are slill living, namely: lulith I'"., who is now the wife of Henry L'. Kirchner, a farmer of Greene county, Iowa, and has one child, Flossie A. ; Moses D., aged seventeen; Otis A. and Flora F., twins, aged twelve years ; and Earl E., aged eight, all at home. Mr. Resser is now the owner of a fine farm of two hundred acres on section 5, Cieneseo township, which formerly belonged to his father's estate, it being purchased by our subject from the other heirs. When it came into his possession it was all wild and unbroken, and all of the improvements now found thereon have been made by him. He is accounted one of the most thorough and skillful farmers of his community, and in his undertakings is meeting with well- tleserved success. In the development of his farm he has materially advanced the in- terests of the county, and has ever borne his part in promoting those enterprises for the public good. He is a recognized leader in public affairs, and has creditably filled nearly all the township offices, including I hat of supervisor. CASPER S.VXi). Among the promineni retired farmers of Geneseo, Illinois, and honored veterans of the Civil war, is Casper Sand, who was Imrn on the 7th of August, 1844, in Ger- many, of which country his parents, Henry and .\nna Catherine (Weaver) Sand, were also natives. The father ser\-ed the usual length of time in the Cjerman army, and in his native land followed both farming and the mason's trade. In the fall of 1849 1'^ 32 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. brought his family to the United States, being several weeks in crossing the ocean. From Xew York they proceeded to Chi- cag'o by water, and in the latter city Henry Sand was ottered a good position, bnt lia\-- ing decided to join his brothers, Lonis and Philip, in Henry county, he continued his journey by team, arriving here in the same fall. He purcliased a soldier's claim of forty acres in Loraine township, to which he subsequently added until at the time of his death he had one hundred and seventy acres of highly culti\'ated and productive land. He died in 1888, at the age of eighty- one years, and his wife departed this life in 1879, at tile age of seventy-three. Both were members of the Evangelical Church, antl were highly respected by all who knew them. They were married in 1838, and became the parents of four children, namely : Casper, our subject; Mary, widow of Fred- erick Jacpiet, a resident of Loraine town- ship; Emeline, wife of Flenry Jaquet, a farmer of Bureau county, Illinois; and Mar- garet, who dietl at the age of nineteen years. Casper Sand attended school one sum- mer in Germany before coming to the new world, and was a student in the i)ul)lic schools of this county lor a time, but as a boy he worked hanl upon the home farm and had little opportunity to obtain an ed- ucation. Feeling that his adopted country needed his services during the Rebellion, he enlisted in the fall of 1864, in Company H, Thirty-first Illinois \^olunteer Infantiy, at Peoria, and went into camp at Spring- field. Later the regiment joined Sherman's army in Georgia and went on the march to the sea. Mr. Sand was in the engagement at Savannah, where he was under constant fire for about a week, at the end of which time the Confederates retreated, giving General Sherman the grand opiKjrtunity of capturing that city just in time tii present it to President Lincoln as a Christmas gift, in 1864. The day that our subject par- ticipated in the grand re\iew at W'ashing- ton, D. C, was one of the proudest of his life, knowing that he had aided in the preser- vation of the Union. He was mustered out at Springfield in June, 1865. He was wounded, but never taken prisoner, and stood the service fairly well. At the close of the war he resumed farm work and con- tinued to follow that occupation until his retirement from acti\e labor in 1896. He is still the owner of a good farm of one hundred and twenty acres, which is well improved in the way of buildings and fences, and is under a higli state of culti- vation. In 1875 ^Ir. Sand wedded ^Miss ^lar\- Groshaus, also a native of Germany, who died in 1868. During the funeral services at the church, word came of the death of !Mr. Sand's father, and her remains were taken back home, so that both might be buried together. Our subject was again married, August 7, 1886, his second union being with Miss Charlotte Sommers, . who was born in this state, a daughter of George and Catherine Sommers. Her father, a na- tive of Germany, came to America at a very early day and settled in Henry coun- ty, Illinois, becoming one of its pioneers as well as one of its highly respected citi- zens. The year of his arrival here was 1833. He owned and operated a well im- proved farm of three hundred and seventy acres in Loraine township. His circle of friends and acquaintances throughout this section of the state was quite extensive. He died April 10, 1891, at the age of sixty- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 33 eiglit years, two months and fourteen clays, and his wife, who was born in Warren, J'ennsylvania, Jime i8, 1835, died August II. 1S91, on the fortieth anniversary of their marriage. She was a good woman, gentle anl loving, yet firm, and was a de- \out Christian from her youth, both she and her husband being members of the Evangelical Association. She had two brotliers, Philip and Rev. Jacob Worth, who are still living, and also three sisters, St)phronia. Delia and Mary Ann (de- ceased). To Mr. and Mrs. Sommers were born nine children, namely : Philip E., a resident of this county; Henry G., of Chi- cago; Jacob C. a farmer of Kansas; Char- jitte .\., wife of our subject; Joseph W., a resident of Montana; Mary A., wife of Simon Jaquet, a farmer of this county; Katie E., an invalid ; Delia, w ho died at the age of two years; and Prank W., a resident of Loraine township. The children born to our subject and his wife are Perrj' A. E., Homer H. G. and Alice C. By a former marriage Mrs. Sand has one child. Edna E. In his political views ^Ir. Sand is an anient Republican, and he filled the office of school director about five years. He is an honored members of Jenkins Post, No. 452, G. A. R.^ while his wife belongs to the Ladies' Circle of the G. A. R., and both hold membership in the Evangelical Church. They are widely and favorabh' known, and well merit the high regard in which they are held. WILLIAM XELSOX. Geneseo township has no more progress- ive or enterprising citizen than this well- known asrriculturist, who is the owner of a valuable farm of two hundred aiul ninety- five acres on sections 13 and 24. He was born in Sweden, on the 2nd of January, 1847, a son of Xels and Stiena (Olson) Nelson, who were life-long residents of that coun- try. The father followed the occupation of farming and also engaged in the manufac- ture of iron. He died in Sweden at the age of forty-four years, while the mother was seventy-four at the time of her death. They were the parents of eight children, but only three are now living. August, our subject's }-oungest brother, started for America some years after William came to this country, luit died on the voyage and was buried at sea. None of the others crossed the At- lantic. It was in 1869 that William Nelson emi- grated to the United States and took up his residence in \\'ethersfield township, Henry- county, Illinois, where he worked by the month at farm labor for five years, and then rented a farm in that township, which he operated for four years. At the end of that period he came to Geneseo township and l)urchased eighty acres of partially improved lanil on section 24, and erected thereon a l;:rge and modern residence. He tiled the jilace and has otherwise improved it until it is now one of the model farms of the com- munity. To his original purchase he has added until lie now has nearly three hundred acres all under excellent cultivation. On the 22nd of November, 1873, Mr. Nelson was united in marriage with Miss P.mma S. Peterson, also a native of Sweden, who came to this country in i86g, and joined her parents who were then living in Wis- consin, but are now deceased. By this union were born three children, namely : Mary D., 1)1 )rn in Wethersfield township, Novem- ber 13, 1875, ^^''s graduated from the Gene- 34 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD seo Collegiate Institute in 1893, and is now the wife of Alfred Peterson, a prominent farmer of Geneseo township, whose home i? on section 24. just opposite the residence of her parents. Emma Sophia, born in \\'eth- ersfield township, January 13, 1880. wa^. graduated from the Geneseo Collegiate In- stitute in 1896, and for four years has taught school in Geneseo township, giving the highest satisfaction. Henry William, born in Geneseo township, February 2, 1892, is now attending the home school. yir. Nelson gives his political support to the men and measures of the Republican party, but has never been an aspirant for office. However, he takes a deep and com- mendable interest in public affairs, and gives his aid to all enterprises for the public good. He holds membership in the Swedish Luth- eran Church of Geneseo, which his family also attend, and they are people of promi- nence in the communitv where the\' reside. L. F. MATTESOX. Greater fortunes have been accumulated in Henry county but few lives furnish so striking an example of the wise application of sound principles and safe conservatism as does that of Mr. ilatteson. The story of his success is short and simple, containing no exciting chapters, but in it lies one of tiiv.- most valuable secrets of the prosperity which it records, and his business and pri- vate life are pregnant with interest and in- centive, no matter how lacking in dramatic action. Mr. ilatteson was born in the northern part of Sweden, June 13, 1844, a son of Hans ar.d Brita Matteson, who brought their fam- ily to America in October. 1854. and settled in Copley township. Knox countv. Illinois. Throughout the remainder of his life the father engaged in general farming in Knox and Henry comities, and died in Galva tt^wnship. this county in 1866, at the age of hfty-fi\'e years. Subsequently his wife went to Nebraska to make her home with rela- tives and there died in 1890, aged seventy- six years. They were the parents of nine children, eight of whom were born in Swe- den, while one was born in this country, but died when quite small. Of the eiglit, Anna is the wife of Isaac Boostrom. a man- ufacturer of tile and brick in Polk county, Nebraska; L. F. is next in order of birth; Anson H. is a stock raiser and shipper, of Loomis, Phelps county. Nebraska : Carrie is the wife of Jonas \\ . Olson, of Galva, Illinois; Lizzie is the wife of Olof Erickson, of Stromsburg, Nebraska: Mary died in Cambridge township, this county; anil Au- gust H. and Peter E., twins, are both de- ceased. The subject of this sketch was princi- pally educated in the schools of his native land, though he attended school for a time in this country after attaining his twentieth }ear. He grew to manhood upon the home farm and then removed from Knox tc» Henry county, locating on a farm in Galva township, where he spent two years. The following eight years were passed in Cam- bridge township, and while living there ha was married in 1875 to ^Nliss Lizzie M. San- burg, who was also born in Sweden, De- cember 9, 1855, and came to America with an uncle in 1870. Her father died in Swe- den when she was an infant and the mother came to America in June. 1899. and resides in Galva township. By this union were born five children, of whom Jefferson \V. died at THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 35 the age of t\\el\e years. Tliosc living are I'ranklin, who is imw engaged in farming upon his father's laml : Duhe X., a graduate of tile (ialva higli seiiDol and nmv tiie wife of WilHam Edward Hanst)n. wliu is clerk- ing in her father's store; and May and Mor- ris, who are l)otli attending school. Mr. ]\Iattesn ; Anna is the wile of Henr\' (ilahe, a ciMitractor of Tazewell county; L\(ha is the wife of Isaac Krimhill, of Minnesota, and lias five cliildren, Pilanclie, \'era. \\ innie, Clarence and Archie; John E., an att>irney of Rock ford, Illinois, married Minnie Crosskopp; W'ilhelmina died at the age of se\en _\ears : and Catherine dietl at the age of eighteen months. .\lr. (iocmhel. of this review, was onlv three years old when hrought 1)\- his par- ents to this countr}', and in ^'orktown lnwn- ship lie grew to ni.inhood. J lis earl\' edu- cation was ohtained in the jjuhlic schools, and at the age of eighteen he entered the Xorthwestern College at Plaintield, Illinois, where he was a student for a time. Snhse- (|uentl_\' he engaged in ti.'aching schodi in Henry county for four vears, and during the following two years engaged in farming in Yorktown townshii). In iSjj he m;ide an extended trip through Missouri, Kan- sas, Colorado. Nebraska and Iowa, in coni' pany with his cousin, Levi <. opp. 'They spent a delightful summer in tins way. dri\- ing the entire distance of two thousand seven hundred and sixtv miles. ( )n his return home Mr. ( iocmhel suc- cessfully engaged in stock l)u\-ing for two. years in Yorktown township, and in the fall of 1873 removeatriins and the ac([uaintances he makes upon the road. Mr. Goembel now makes his home in ( iene seo. As a Inisiuess man he has prospered and is now the owner of a ranch of six bur- tired and forty acres near Sherman. Minne- liaha county, South Dakota, and \\:\> a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Rock Count V, Minnesota, which he rents, it be- ing worked on the mutual plan. He also has city property in (jeneseo, Illinois, and Wichita. Kansas. On the 8th of October, 1870, Mr. Goem- bel was tniited in nrarriagc with Miss Mar- tha (ireenwood. a native of I''ngl;ind. ami a daughter of John and Mary (Sound) 38 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Greenwood, wlio became residents of York- town township, this county, in 1863. Mr. Greenwood is now deceased, but his wife is still living and makes her home with her son Joseph, in that township. Mrs. Goem- bel died September 11, 1871, and our sub- ject was again married Xovember 17. 1874. his second union being with ?kliss Laura E. Early, who was born in Saxony. Germany, in December, 1848. and came t.' America in 1853 with her parents. Lave- recht and Leonora (Bartholt) Early. On landing in Xew York the family proceeded at once to Henry county. Illinois, and lo- cated in Burns township, where ^Ir. I-'arlv followed the occupation of farming. His wife died September 17, i860, at the age of forty-three years, and the following year he removed to Geneseo, where he engaged in the hotel business until 1867. He passed away in September, 1868. at the age of fifty years. ^Irs. Goembel has a half- brother, \\illiam F. Crangle, of Holmes- \ ille, Nebraska ; and has three sisters, name- ly : Amelia, deceased wife of Andrew Mar- tni, of Atlantic, Iowa; Aurelia. wife of J. J. Shuck, of Geneseo. Illinois: Lizzie, wife of Joseph Dobbs, a jeweler of Geneseo. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Goembel ha\e been born three children: Lowell Sydney, wiio was born July 13, 1878, and died ^lay i, 1890; Ethel Pearl, born Xovember 13. 1881 : and Lela May, born June 4, 1883. In politics yir. Cioembel is a stanch Democrat, and is a jjcrsonal frienorn seven children, namely: Mary M.. wife of Wilbur Brown- ing, of Phenix, by whom she has one child, -\Iaudie; Xancy J., wife of Benjamin Mc- Henry. of Geneseo, by whom she has six children, Alta, William B.. Flora, Eddie, Freddie E. and Benjamin D. ; Pearley Etta, wife of \\'. M. \\'ithrow, of Phenix : Amelia, wife of Olen Browning, bv whom slie has one child, Alva C. ; Edward, a resident of Phenix, who married Susan Tabor and has one child, Ora; Delia, wife of Edwin Wert, of Geneseo, by whom she has two children, Ira and Gertie; and Elsie, who died at the age of five years. LYMAN J. WILKINSON. This well-known and efficient superin- tendent of the Henry county infirmary, lo- cated in Munson township, was born in Ti- «ga county, Pennsylvania, on the 17th of August, 1833. his parents being George and Julia A. (Manton) ^^'ilkinson. both natives of Rhode Tslantl. The \\'ilkinson family was founded in America by his paternal great-grandfather and two brothers, na- tives of England. When young the parents of our subject nio\ed to Pennsylvania, where their marriage was celebrated, and there the father followed farming for sev- eral years. Coming to Illinois in 1837, he took up a government claim in La Salle county, and the following year returned to Pennsylvania for his family. He followed his chosen occupation in that county until I'.is removal to Bureau county, in 1844, and there he also opened uj) and improved a farm, which he successfulv operated for a number of years. Later he embarked in the hotel business in Tiskilwa and carried it on for about ten years, when, at the age of fifty-eight, he retired from active life and moved to Atchison, Illinois, where he owned a small farm. He resided in Henry county for about six years, and died while on a visit to our subject at the age of sixty-eight. When he first came to Illinois this section of the state was practically all wild prairie Ir.nd, entirely destitute of improvement, and in the development of his farms he aided materially in advancing its interests. He started out in life a poor man, and through his industry, enterprise and good manage- ment became quite well-to-do. In religious belief he was a Uni\-ersalist. and in politics he was a Democrat. As one of the leading and influential men of the community in which he lived, he was honored with a num- ber of local offices, although he never sought political preferment. After his death his w ife made her home with her children and li\"ed to the ripe okl age of eighty-three }ears. The family of this worthy couple num- bered eight children, fi\e of whom reached THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 49 years of niaturitv. nainel\-: Marshall, wild was a ineniher of the }'"orty-se\ciuh Illi- nois N'oliintccr Infantry during tiie Ci\il var. followed the hlacksniith's trade in Ti.skiiwa. Bureau cnunty. where he died in 1892; Lyman J., our suhject, is the second in order of hirtli and the oldest of the fam- ily now li\ing;: Orrin. who ser\ed in Com- pany E. Xinety-third Illinois Infantry, dur- ing tlie Rebellion, is now engageil in the boot and shoe business in Princeton, Illi- nois; Charles is a carpenter of Cripple Creek, Colorado; and Mary J. is tiie widow of William .'-^mith and resides on a t:irm in MunsDii tuwuship, this ci unity. All were reared in L;i S;ille ami I'.nreau counties. th.is state, and were educated in the public i;chools. L\nian J. Wilkinson was only four years nld when brought l)y his parents to Illinois. and was reared amid pioneer scenes. He received a iiigli-sclKMil education, and as- sisted his father in the ardunus task of (ij)en- ing up a farm in the new country, lie re- mained at hiime until he was married, .M;irch 31, 1853, to Miss Emeline Stevens, who was born in Canterbury. New Hampshire, Jan- uary 26, 1835. Her father, Thomas J. Steven.s, was one of the pioneers of liureau county, this state, where he li)cated in i8^<). In his family were fnur children, who .are still living: Joseph M.. a retired farmer uf Anawan, Henry county; Francis, who owns ii farm but is now engaged in the butcher business in Tiskihva, Bureau county; Lo- rena. widow of S. Fifield and a resident of Buda; and Mary, widow of Pi. .\. Cleveland ?.nd a resident of Davenport. Iowa. Mrs. Wilkinson died at the present limine nf our subject September 19, 1898. By that union there were born three children, namely : ( 1 ) George T., born October 2;^, 1856, lives (-11 his father's farm in Munsmi townshi]). He married Jane (ioshnrn and has two ciiil dren, Lyman and r>ert. (2) Willis I... liorn September 21, i8()i. li\-es with his father CM. the county farm, act.ng as his assistant. He married Ethel Lambert, who now serves as matron of the intTrmary. They have two children, Mabel and Elon. (3) Bert li.. the youngest son of our subject, was born Au- gust 25, 1867, and died, unmarried, August 28, 1889. After his marriage Mr. Wilkinson worked at the carpenter's trade, which he had prexiouslv learned, and which he fol- Inwcxl until after the Civil war limke out. l\es])ondiiig to his couiitrx's call tor aid, he enlisted in Company 1'^, Xinety-third Illi- nois \'olunteer Infantry, which company was known as the Tiskilwa Tigers. I le en- tered the service as lirst lieutenant, while liis brother Orrin was captain of the com- ])any. They were mustered into ser\ice Oc- tober 13, 1862, by Captain Barrey. of the L'nited .States army. Our suliject i)artici- pated in tiie battle of Champion Hill and the siege of N'icksburg. but on account of failing health he resigned his commission and was mustered out September 3, 1863. After resting for a time Mr. Wilkinson resumed work at his trade in Tiskilwa. and continued to follow the same until selected by the board of supervisors of Bureau coun- ty as superintendent of the infirmary there, which jx)sition he most creditably filled from 1869 to 1872, when he resigned to accept a similar position offered him in this county. The new building luul just been erected in Munson township, the plastering being ])ut on after he moved in. Since then many improxements lia\e been made under his careful supervision, ;uid the farm of one hundred and twenty acres has been enlarged 50 THE BIOGFL\PHICAL RECORD. to three limulred and twenty. Tlie farm i.s now under a high state ot cultivation and the institution is in a flourishing condition, owing to tiie excellent management and good business and e.xecutive ability of ^ir. Wilkinson, who has proved a most capable, as well as popular superintendent. He is now the owner of a well improxed and high- ly producti^•e farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section ^2, Munson township, now occupied by his son. ^Ir. \\'ilkinson has been president of the Henry Count}' Agricultural Board, luider whose auspices the fairs are held, and is one of the stockholders of the association. In religious belief he is an Episcopalian ; has ser\"ed as vestryman for a number of years; and at present is one of the vestry- men of the church at Geneseo. Fraternally he is an honored member of E. G. Jenkins post, G. A. R., of that place, and is a prom- inent !Mason, a member of the blue lodge of Cambridge, the chapter and commandery of Princeton, Illinois, and the Mystic Shrine, at Davenport, Iowa. He is one of the prom- inent Republicans of his community, and takes quite an active and influential part in tlie work of his party. As a pioneer su- perintendent of infirmaries in Illinois, and as one of the most honored and highly re- spected citizens of Henry county he is cer- tainly deserving of prominent mention in its history. In all the relations of life he h.as been found true to every trust reposed in him, and has manifested his loyalty in days of peace as well as in time of war. FRANK F. WHIFFEN. The present mayor of Kewanee is one of the most public spirited citizens of that place, to whose energy- and foresight the city is indebtetl for many improvements. \\'hile Mr. ^^'hift^n. as a prosperous busi- ness man, has given close attention to his private affairs, he has never forgotten or ignored the bond of common interest whicli should unite the people of every community and he has alwa}s been ready to prumote jjrogress in every line. He was born in Kewanee, ^lay 11, 1858, and is a son of John Whiffen, whose birth occurred in Kimbolton, England, October 13, 18 1 5, and who came to America in 1832 with his parents. For many years the grandfather of our subject was proprietor of a livery stable in London, known as the Swan Yard, but after his emigration to this countr\' lived a retired life. Both he and his wife died in Utica, Xew York, where the family located on coming to the new world. Their children were born in England and are all now deceased. In order of birth they Mere as follows : Thomas spent his early life in Utica, Xew York, but his death occurred while making his home in Wyom- ing, Stark county, Illinois; David was a resident of Iowa; John, the father of our subject, was the next of the family; Isaac followed the butcher business in Utica, Xew York, throughout life; Uridge was a school teacher of tlie same city ; and Mary complet- ed the family. \\'hen quite a young man John Whiffen was engaged in the butchering business in Utica with his brother Isaac, to whom he sold his interest on coming west, and wliose sons still carry on the business at the same corner in that city. It was in 1850 that John \Miiffen came west selling carriages and two 3'ears later located in ^^'yoming, Illinois, where he followed farming until the death of his wife, ]Mrs. Sarah (Seaton) \\ hiffen, who passed away February 23. FRANK F. WHIFFEN. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS W6MM THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 53 1854. She was a sister of B. \V. Seaton, editor of the Prairie Chief, Cambridge, Illi- nois. She was also a native of England, and they were married in Utica, Xew York, Jnly 25, 1838. By this union seven chil- dren were born, namely: John \\'., born in June, 1839, is deceased: Isaac .\., born Oc- tober 8, 1840. is a carriage manufacturer and dealer of Janesville, Wisconsin ; Aman- da Jane, bora Xovember 14. 184 J, is now Mrs. C. E. Bowles of the same place : Thomas L'., born September 5, 1847, is a veteran of the Civil war and a lumber mer- chant of De Witt, Nebraska; Sarah, born October 4, 1849, married Moses ^I. Barr. of Downers Grove, Illinois, and both died leaving a family of six children: Mary E.. born March J4, 185J, is ni)w Mrs. Clement Xoyes, of Minneapolis, ]^linnesota ; and Henrietta, Iku-u October 24. 1842, died Oc- tober 6, 1845. Returning to Xew York, the father was again married. July 3, 1854, his second union being with Miss Clarissa A. Ferguson, of Frankfort, that state, who was born August 11, 1824. There were three children by this union, of whom our subject is the second in order- of birth. Charles E., born July 30, 1855, died April 23, 1863; and FVederick, born Xovember 1 1, 1864, died April 5, 1867. In 1855 John WiiifFen took up his residence in Kewanee, Illinois, becoming one of the first butchers of that place, and continuing to carry on the business up to the time of his death. He was also one of the early stock buyers and shipjiers of this section, and was en- gaged in tiie carriage business as a sort of side issue for a few years. He died June 2/. 1897, and his wife passed away Feb- ruary 16, 1894. They were among the charter memliers of the Presbyterian Church of Kewanee, anl were highly respected and esteemed bv all who knew them. During his boyhood and youtli I'rank F. Whiffen attended the public schools of Kew anee, and at the age of seventeen began liis business career in tlie employ of M. C. Ouinn, who conducted a meat market and restaurant. Later he worked for his father and William Priestman one year, and at the age of nineteen went to Terrill, Texas, where he was employed in the meat market of Mr. Priestman for a year. On his return to Kewanee lie formed a partnership with liis father in the butchering business in September, 1878. and carried on a market in the same building on Tremont street un- til 1887, when he began buying and ship- ping live stock and dealing in real estate. He purchased a part of the Cook estate, con- sisting of thirteen acres on Water street, which he laid out in lots and then sold. In many instances he built houses on the lots, and sold all on the installment plan, thus disiK)sing of fifty lots. Although a number of these were sold without anything being paid down, he has never had to take one back. In this way he has enabled many a poor person to secure a home, who other- wise would not have done so. Mr. A\'hiffen also laid out an addition in the cast end i)f town, known as the Ehnwimd addition, wiiich ciintains tliirty-two lots, all practical- ly l)uilt up now. He is still successfully engaged in the real estate business and has handled houses and lots all over the city. He sold the lot on which the Kewanee Xa-. tional Bank is located to that corporation, and received for the same the liighest price ever paid for a lot in Kewanee. In 1894 he embarked in the lumber business on the north side of the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy railroad tracks, on Xorth Main street, carrying a full line of Iniilding ma- terials, and has l)uilt up a good trade. He is a wide-a\wike. energetic business man. 34 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. who generally carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. On the 20th of October. 1884, Mr. ^\"hift'en was united in marriage with Miss .Sarah J- Pyle. a daughter of Robert and .Sarah J. (Collingwood) Pyle, natives of England and early settlers of Henry county. The father is now deceased, but the mother it still living and makes her home in Ke- \\anee t next in order of hirtli. (3) Mary, a resi- l-"orest : Maud and Harrison. (3) Samuel dent of Bureau county. Illinois, is the willow Alfred. Imrn Julv 12. 1855, died Deceniher of Samuel Pottorf and has three sons. Will- i_>. i,Sf,4. (4) ^[artha Ellen, born Octolier iam. .Samuel and Jacob. (4) Solomon lirst 10, 1X3S, ,licd .\usu^t 31, i>>y). (3) hJiiUKi married I'llizaljeth (ieochenour, b\- whom he .Mice, born .March 14. iSfio, died March J5. liad three children, r>ecky, .Mary and Malissa. 1S60. {(>) John Ilenry, born July id. and fi^r his second wife wedded .Mary Xor- 1861, died October 14. iShj. (7) .\n- ton. l)y whom be had two children, (Irani nette Matilda, born March 14. iSd,^. died and (ieorge. (5) Christiana is the wife of September 11. 1864. |S) Daniel 1). Va\- I lenry Messmore. of Indiana, and they had ward, born September 1. iSf)4. died Janu- three children: Elizabeth, now the wife of arv 29, 1865. (9) Aima Louisa, born Feb- Samuel Oldfalher, of Indiana, by whom she ruarv 26, 1866, is the wife of Xichols J. lias two children, lunma and ()tis; I-^lla. who (iriftiu. of .\nna\van, and they had five chil- married I-^. .Mitten and tl:ed in Annawan, dren, (ieorge, Charles, Maud. Id;i .M. and this county. In .September. 1899. leaving two Mamie. (10) Charles Elmer, born .\pril children, Xellie and I'Tank ; and (Ieorge, 24. iSfiX, is a farmer of Annawan, Ilenry who m.'irried Etta I'ayne, now a resident of county. He married .Salina I'almer and they \\ether>tield, Illinois, and in Sei)tember. have two children, Willi.am II. and (iny. iNi;S, he and his son Willie were killed. (11) Jesse .Mvin, born .M;iy S. 1S70, mar- when cnjssing a railri)a(l track in a buggy ried Esta Cole ( decea.sed ) and they had one ai Kewanee. I (> ) Saiuuel, of Kansas, mar- child, Lowell, who resides at La Fayette, I'ied Annetta De Witt, and the\- lia\e bxechil- Illinois. , I'.nnua. .Xora and Milo. (8) Eliza- of this region was wild and unimproved, beth i> the wife of Henry Collins, of Kan- He located three miles south of that town, sas, .ind they have three children, .Xellie, and purchased four hundred acres of land, Jon;is and .Misaloni. (9) Daniel, also a resi- for which he i).'ud an average of twenty- dent of Kansas, married Hannah Carroll, fne dollai's ;md twenty cents i)er ;icre. To and they have nine children. .Sarah, liecky, thi-^ tract he added mitil he bad six hundred John, Millie. X'inie. William, Mary. Sanniel acres, biU has since disposed of it. .giving and .Xettie. n-.ost of it to his children. .Mrs. I-lyer still The children born to our suliject and owns one hundred and ten acres in .\nna- bis wife are as follows : |i) b'rancis Marion, wan townsbi]). In his farming operations born September 2, 1852. died July 24, 1853. be has met with most excellent success, and (2) Mary Elizabeth, born October ifi. 1853, his career has ever been such as to gain for i,- the widow of Wel)Ster Batten and a resi- him the confidence and high regard of those 58 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. with whom he has been brought in contact, either in business or social Hfe. He and his wife are faithful and consistent mem- bers of the United Brethren Church, and are ])eople of the highest respectability. In May. i8gj. they removed to Anna wan, vhere thev now reside. OSWALD FISCHER. Oswald Fischer, deceased, was for a i!umber of years one of the leading farmers c'l Burns township, as well as one of its most highly respected citizens. He was born in Saxony. Germany. February i8. 1834, and Avas one of a family of seven children, the others being Edward, Gotlob. Mina. Paulina. Rosalia Augusta and Christiana. His par- ents were life-long residents of Augusta. Germany. In his native country Oswald Fischer grew to manhood and was educated in the common schools of Saxony. He then served an apprenticeship as a miller, an occupa- tion which he followed until he came to the United States in 1858. Landing at New York he came direct to Henry county, Illi- nois, and obtained his first position in a mill at Geneseo, and later had charge of the mill in Andover, where he remained imtil he was compelled to abandon the business on account of poor health. He then bought a partially improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Burns township, but after a few years sold it and lx)ught the fine farm en section 8. that he afterward made his home. He took the farm with few imjirove- nients. there being only the shell of a small frame house, a few apple trees, and forty acres broken. The improvements which now delight the eye were all made by him- self, assisted by his good wife. In 1881 they built one of the finest houses in the town- ship, a home that would compare favorably with many good residences in a city. As a stock raiser he was very successful, giving special attention to hogs, of which he kept the best grades. Upon this farm he con- tinued to reside until his death, which oc- curred November 10. 1897. The farm is still held by the family and is the widow'> place of residence. On the 24th of August. 1865. Mr. Fisclier married Miss Mary Louisa Charlet, a native of Prussia, Germany, and a daugh- ter of Abraham and Dorothy ( Scharlip I Charlet. the father dying when she was two years and a half old. The mother came with the family to Kewanee in 1856 and Miss Charlet was educated there. To Mr. and Mrs. Fischer were born the following children : Edward L.. a farmer by occupa- tion, married Ida \\ hitney. a native of this county, and they have one daughter. Hazel Belle. Lena L. is the wife of William Stevens, a farmer of Burns township, and they have one .son. Earl Cleo. Bernard O. married Anna Carlson, a native of Sweden, arid is engaged in farming in Burns town- ship. Alvin A. and Lorena A. are both at home with their mother. Mr. Fischer acquired a good, practical education in his native land, and for twelve or fourteen years capably and satisfactorily served as school director in this township. From the age of fourteen years he was an earnest member of the German Lutheran Church, and led an upright, honorable life, in which he gained tlie confidence and high regard of all with whom he came in contact. In his ix)litical views he was a Republican, but not an aspirant for office. Mrs. Fischer THE BIOGIL\PHICAL RECORD. 59 is a member ot the Cliristian Science Church ami is one of tlie directors of the clinrch. and thus far successful in healing. althiHi"!! her field of lalmr has been limited. JOHN' i.i-:\vix. The subject of this sketch is a prosperou«i Manxman of Galva township, where lie has niaile his home since 1856. He was horn on the Isle of Man. January 25. 1843, ^ *'"^ '^* Robert and Isabella ( Kissick) Lewin. also natives oi the same place. In 1856 they l-rouijht their family to America and set- tled in Calva. Illinois, wiiere the father, who was a carnage maker by trade, died the following year, aged fifty-four years. After his death the mother made her home with her children until she. too. was called to her final rest in August. 1894. at the age of eighty-five years. She lived with our subject almost forty years. Roth ])arents were earnest members of the Methodist Episco- l)al Church, and were highly respected and esteemed by all who knew them. Their chil- ilren were Thomas, who died at tiie age of twenty-one years: Robert, who lives near Kem])ton, Ford county. Illinois: John, the subject of this sketch: Jane, deceased wife of William Kneal. of Kempton : and Isabella, wile of John Corkill, of (laha township, tliis county. His i)arents being in limited circum- stances. Jllii\vs: Bertha. Jan- uary 12. 1 886: John. June i. 1887: Eliza, January 25, 1889: Forrest. December 26, 1893 • ^"<^1 Francis. December 16. 1896. With the e.xcejjtion of the youngest all are now attending school. ^Ir. Lewin started nut in life with noth- ing" but his indomitable energ}-. and his ac- cunudation of this world's goods is at- tributable to his good judgment in business atfairs, his industry and perseverance, and the assistance of his estimable wife. Both are active members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church and of the Fraternal Tribune of (jaha. They are widely and favorably known and are held in hi.gh regard by the peii])le of the communit}' in which thev lix'e. In his political af^liatirms Mr. Lewin is a Republican and cast his tirst presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. DAVID WHIT MORE. I'or sixty years David W'hitmore has been connected with the liistor}' of Henry county, and for a quarter nf a century has been a resident of W'oodhull. He has done n:iire for the upbuilding" of his tnwn than any other of its citizens; has championed e\ery movement designed to promote the general welfare: supported every enterprise for the public good: and has materially aid- ed in the advancement of all sncial. indus- trial, educational and moral interests. .Mr. W'hitmore was born in Morgan count}". Ohiii. August 9. 1821. and is a son of John W'hitmore. a soldier in the war of 1 812, and grandson of Jacob W'hitniore. Ixith natives of Pennsyhania, of which state his ancestors were pioneers. They were of (ierman descent. .\t an early day the father removed to Morgan county. Ohio, becoming one of its first settlers, and there he cleared and improved a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. In connec- tion with its cultivation he also operated a sawmill which he owned. In Belmont countv, Ohio, he married Miss Elizabeth Archiltakl. a native of Washington, Pennsyhania. and a daughter of James Archibald, who was born in Ireland and was a child rif three }"ears when brought to this countr_\". In 1837 John W'hitmore came with his family to Illinois, and first located in Mercer coun- ty, but three years later took up his resi- dence in Clover township, Henry ci unity, h.is nearest neighbors at that time being ten and twelve niiles awav. There he entered a tract of government land, and froni the wild prairie developed a good farm. His last years were spent at the home of our subject in W'oodhull, where he died in 1885, at the advanced age of ninety-four years. His wife passed away while resitling on the farm, in 1866. David W'hitmore received a rather nieager educatinn in the schools of his na- tive county, and was sixteen years of age when he came to this state with his parents. He aided his father in the arduous task of improving" the home farm, and also broke, fenced and improved a tract of forty acres which he had entered for himself. He subse- cpientlv entered and bought more land until he owned eight hundretl acres, a half-sec- f.on of which he place under cultisation. and erected thereon a good set nf farm buildings. DAVID WHITMORE. Uwt.-. ^^ 'LciNOIS URSAXA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 63 He actively engaged in farming until iS7(), and at tlie same time was quite extensively interested in the raising and feeding of St' ick. which pnned to him a profitable busi- ness, it being his policy to buy and im- prove property. He has erected six brick and two frame business houses and several residences, and in this way has materially promoted the welfare of the town, doing more for its advancement than probably any other man. In Henry county. Mr. W'liitmore was married, in 1853. to Miss Eliza J- Booher, a daughter of Isaiah and Mary Ann (Young) Booher, who were also pioneers of this county. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, from which state he removed t(^ Ohio, later came to Illinois, and finally went to Kansas, where his death occurred. His wife spent her last years at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Whitmore in Woodhull, where she died. Oiu' sul)ject's parents and Mrs. Booher were all laid to rest at Clover Chajjel cemetery. F"ive children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Whitmore. but two are now deceased, namely: l-'lorence M., who was married twice and died in Woodhull. leaving five children : and Douglas, who died in 1871, at the age of thirteen years. Those living are Ida M., wife of S. I. Currie, of Chicago; Elizabetli L., wife of John Ben- nison, a merchant of Muscatine. Iowa: and Xellie 1.. wife of C. .\. Warren, of Wood- hull. Politically Mr. Wiiitniore is a Jefifer- scnian Democrat, and has taken quite an active part in local politics. He served as assessor of Clover townshi]) for aljout ten consecutive years ; has been a member of the village board, and .school director for some years. In religi}• this iniion were born six children, namely: Amanda J., who died at tbe age of fifteen years: Emma M.. at home with her parents: Mary A., who keeps house for her brother on the farm: Carrie H.. also on the farm: C'liarles 1'"... who is now operating his father's kmd : and |olin E., who was a twin brother of I'harle^ \i. and (lied at the age of ele\en months. The children were all reared under the parental roof and received good district school edu- cations, while Charles V.. also attended tiie Northern Illinois .Xormal school at l)!xon for two years. Mr. Sti>nberg is liberal in bis religious views, anil is independent in politics, votiu;:; for whom he deeius best (|ualified to fill the offices, regardless of party lines. While li\- ing on the farm he ser\-ed as school directoi for eight years and also filled other minor offices in his township with credit to him- self and to the entire satisfaction of all con- cerned, lie is wi>i Burns township; Lucv C born Juh' 22, i87_'. is the wife of David Martin: .\lbert 1.. born December 12. iS^jT,. is deceased; Elmer \\'.. born ]May 17, 1875, 's at home; -Mice M., born October 14, 1878, is the wife of Edward Martin; George K., born Oc- tober JJ. 1880, and Leroy \\'., born .\u- gust 26, 1885, are both at home. Socially Mr. .\ndrews is connected with the ]\Iasonic fraternity of Cambridge, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the same place. He is also a memlier of the G. A. R. In politics he is an ardent Repub- lican, and he takes a deep and commendable interest in ]3ublic affairs. He has alwavs manifested the same patriotism in days of ])tace as in time of war, and is numbered among the most useful and valued citizens i the \vcll-trn in county Down, Ireland. July 6, 1837, and is a son of James and Jane (McCracken) Gilbraith. who. as farming people, spent their entire lives in tliat county, the former dying in 1882. the later in 1874. In their family were seven ■children, namely : ( i ) John came to Amer- ica and at Rock Island. Illinois, married Maragaret Moore, also a nati\e of counts- Down. Ireland. He died at his home in Keiikuk. Iowa, leaving the follnwing chil- dren. William, John, Robert, .\le.\ander. Hugh. Joseph, Lizzie, Agnes and Margaret. (2) Hugh married Eliza McClelland, who • lied in 1885, and he also died in Ireland in 1890, leaving two children, John and Will- iam. (3) Eliza Jane is the wife of John -McKee, of county Down. (4) Isabella mar. ried David Orr and died in Ireland in 1894. leaving si.x children, James. John. Isabella, Mary, Margaret and Jane. (5) William married Susannah Scott, who died in 1888, and he departed this lite in 1884, leaving four children, .Mexander. John and two daughters. (6) James, our subject, is ne.xt in order of birth. (7) Margaret, who died in Keokuk. Iowa, in iSSS. was the wife of Robert Miller, now a resilient of Minnesota. James Gilbraith attended the schools of his native land until twenty years of age and aided in the labors of the farm. With the hope of benefitting his financial condition he came to America in 1859 on the steamer Circassian, and on landing in Xew York came direct to Rock Island county. Illinois. During the first year of his residence here he worked for John \\'arnock, and during the following two years was in the employ of others in Henrj- county. In 1863 he pur- chased eighty acres of land in Alba town- ship, which had already been broken, paying for the same twelve dollars and a half per acre, and this he has brought to its present high state of cultivation. He has added to his property from time to time until he now has si.x hundred and eighty acres of rich and arable land in this county, and also has a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Rock Island county. He has devoted cout siderable attention to the raising of cattl.; for market, and has been remarkably suc- cessful as a breeder of fine Hereford cattle. He also raises horses for market, anil in most of his undertakings has prosjiered until lie is now one of the most substantial citizens of his community. On landing in Xew York he had only one hundred tlollars with which to begin life, and the wealth that he has since accumulated has been acquired solely though his own industry, perseverance and good management. On the 17th day of .\pril, iS()6, in Rock Island countv, Mr. Gilbraith married Mi>s 70 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Sarah Morrison, also a native of connty Dinvn. Ireland, wlio died March i. i88c-. Five children were born of this union, name- ly : ( I ) James, born Julv lo. 1867. was mar- ried in Rock Island county, in 1891, to Ly- dia Coin, and they had two children: Gladys May. who died in April. 1900; and Ruth Elizabeth. ( j) Joseph, born March 12, i86g. married Emma Hirshberger. by whom he has two children, Lyle and Frank Leslie, and they live in Annawan. (3) Robert H., born August 18, 1870, married Maggie Downey, of Aledo, and resides in Alba town ship, Illinois. (4) Scrah J., torn February 18. 1873. is the wife of John Warnock. of Westchester, Iowa. (5) Eliza A., borri February 18, 1875, '* the wife of John Prit chard, of Geneseo, and they have one child, Bernice. iMr. Gilbraitli was again married, December 23. 1882, his second union being with Miss Matilda Smith, who was born near Antwerp, Germany. They have one son, Clarence A., who was born May 29, 1885. In 1850 Mrs. Gilbraitli came to America with her parents. Anthony and Elizabeth ( Young ) Smith, also natives of Germany. Her father died in Indiana. Pennsylvania, in i860, and her mother departed this life at Taylor Ridge. Illinois, in April, 1888. They had six children, five of whom were born in Germany, namely : ( i ) Elizabeth married James Bothel and died near Taylor Ridge, in 1893. leaving two children, Her- bert and Campbell. (2) Martin L. married and died near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, leav- ing three children. (3) Kate is the wife of Daniel Bothel. of Iowa City, Iowa, and they have four children, John X., Adlow, Ger- trude E. and Norwood. (4) Mrs. Gilbraith is the next in order of birth. (5) Margaret married Alexander Madill. of Milan. Illi nois, and died leaving two children. Will- iam A. and Maud D. Both }ilr. and Mrs. Gilbraith hold mem- bership with the Congregational Church of Atkinson and are people of prominence in the community where they reside, having a large circle of friends and acquaintances. In his political affiliations he is a Republican, and he has filled the offices of school direc- tor and road commissioner. Financially he lias reason to be satisfied with the result of his labors since coming to the new world, and his course as a citizen has been such as to commend him to the confidence and re- spect of the people among whom he has lived. JUDGE C. M. TURXER. In the last half century the lawyer has been a prominent factor in all atifairs of pri- \ ate concern and national importance. He has been depended upon to conserve the best and permanent interests of the whole people and is a recognized power in all the avenues of life. He stands as the protector of the rights and liberties of his fellow men, and is the representative of a profession whose fol- lowers, if they would gain honor, fame and success, must be men of merit and ability. Such a one is Judge Turner, who now occu- pies the bench of Henry county, winning high commendation by his fair and impartial administration of justice. The Judge was born in Stark county. Illinois, Xovember i, 1861. and is a son of Benjamin Turner, one of the honored pio- neers, who was born in Delaware, December C. M. TURNER. UNIVERSE u. ILLINOIS URBAMA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 73 7, I So", and when a child was taken by his parents to Ohio, where he grew to manhood and became quite prominent poHtically. In 1S49 he emigrated to Lafayette, Stark coun- ty, Ilhnois, and engaged in farming there until the following year, Avhen Toulon was laid out, and he moved to that place. He erected the first house in the village, and, as a hotel man and merchant, he was prominent- ly identified witli its business interests for many years. He served as postmaster of Tou- lon for sixteen years, and was one of the leading and influential members of the Old Settlers' Society, serving as treasurer of the same at the time of his death and for many years previous. He died at Toulon, March 21, 1887, honored and respected by all who knew him. His first wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth ■SIcWilliams, died in 1856, leaving one daughter, Sarah, whose death ocurred in 1892. In 1858 he married Miss Ruth A. Myers, a native of Pennsyl- vania, who went to Toulon, Illinois, to teach music, and is still a resident of that place. Juidge Turner, the only surviving child of the second marriage, passed his boyhood and youth in Toulon and attended its public schools, graduating from the high school of that city in 1879. Subsequently he entered Knox College, Galesburg, where he was graduated with the degree of B. A. in 1884, and in 1887 received the degree of A. M. He read law at Toulon with Hnn. yi. Slial- Icnberger, and on his admission to the bar, in 1888, began practice at that place, but in 1890 opened an office in Cambridge, where he has since made his home. He purchased the law library of the Hon. William M. Shei)Iierd, which is one of the finest in the city. In the fall of 1890 Judge Turner formed a partnership with J. V. Strced, and under the firm name of Turner & Streed they successfully engaged in practice until our subject was elected county judge, June 6, 1899. The firm was one of the most popu- lar in Cambridge and built up an extensive and important law practice. On the 6th of June, 1889, at Toulon. Illi- nois, Judge Turner was united in marriage with Miss Emma E. Follett, who was born in Missouri, but was reared in Toulon, where her father, Benjamin C. Follett, was engaged in the hotel business and in merchandising for a number of years, but is now living in Wyoming, Stark county. Mrs. Follett, who in her maidenhood was Miss Helen Rhodes, died in Wyoming in 1892. She was born in Stark county about 1840, a daughter of Erie and Eunice Rhodes, natives of Kentucky, and prominent early settlers of Stark county, Illi- nois, where both died. The Judge and his wife have two children: Helen Marie and Ruth Almira. In his social relations Judge Turner is a member of Cambridge Lodge, Xo. 199, I. O. O. F., in which he has passed all the chairs; is also a member of the Encampment and has been for several years a representa- tive to the grand lodge of the state. He is a Master Mason, and a trustee of the J^Ieth- odist Episcopal Church, of Cambridge. The Judge is widely known throughout both Stark and Henry counties, and in the former served as justice of the peace, and was also secretary of the Stark County Old Settlers' Society from 1887 to 1890. He owns the farm on which the first court in that county was held. During his residence in Cam- bridge he has taken a very active and promi- nent part in public affairs; has served as president of the school board six years; and as mayor of the city in 1892 and 1893. He was active in securing the franchise for the electric light plant but was not at that time 74 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. on the board. Pre-eminently publSc-spirt- ited and progressive, he takes an active in- terest in all enterprises calculated to prove of public benefit, and is now serving as treas- urer of the Henry County Fair Association. Politically he is a Democrat, and was the first representative of that part}'^ elected to any county office for many years, a fact which plainly indicates his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens. His mind is analytical, logical and inductive. With a thorough and compre- liensive knowledge of the fundamental prin- ciples of law, he combines a familiarity \\ith statutory law and sober, clear judgment, which makes him not only a formidable ad- versar)^ in legal combat, but has gi^•en him the distinction of being one of the ablest jur- ists in this section of the state. HEXRY OCIXX. For almost a quarter of a century Henry Ouinn has been a resident of Illinois, and in this time has always been recognized as a public-spirited and progressive citizen, in- terested in the welfare of the communities ■with which he has been connected and taking an active part in all that has i>ertained to advancement along commendable lines. To- day he is a well known rej^resentative of joiu^nalistic interests, as a faithful officer, serving as deputy sherifif and as the popular and highly esteemed proprietor of the Ouinn Hotel of Cambridge. Mr. Quinn is a nati\e of the Buckeye state, his birth having occurred in Butler county, on the nth of October, 1854. His j)arents were Thomas and Ann (Boland) ( )uinn. The father was a native of New York and the paternal grandfather of our subject was born in the Emerald Isle, \N hence he crossed the Atlantic tn the new world in early manhood. About the time of their marriage the parents of our sub- ject removed to Ohio where they remained until called to the home beyond. The moth- er passed away in 1862 and eight days later the father died, his death, being occasioned by his great grief for the loss of his wife. She left an infant daughter, Agnes, who is now the wife of Joseph A. ^liller, a con- tractor and builder residing in Galva. There were but two children in the fam- ily, the son being Henry Ouinn, who was left an orphan at the early age of eight years. He then went to live with his ma- ternal grandfather, who removed to Wis- consin, where the subject of this review spent the days of his boyhood and youth. The educational privileges Avliich he re- ceived were those afforded by the common schools, but his opportunities in that direc- tion were limited, as he early began to earn his own living. His first independent ven- ture was in carr3'ing newspapers and he afterward learned the printer's trade, work- ing in the pressroom of the Cantwell printing- house of Aladison for two years, and in the composing room for three years, during which time he not only mastered the business, but also acquired considerable general in- formation which greatly supplemented the knowledge he had gained in school. His efficiency as a printer made it easy for him to obtain work in that line and he w as em- ployed in a number of large cities of the Cnited States. He was employed at vari- ous places in the Mississippi valley between St. Anthony and St. Louis, and in 1878 he accepted a position as business manager of the Galva News, in which capacity he served THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 75 for eight years. On tlie expiration of that period he purcliased a half interest in tlie Inisiness, since \vliich time he has been a member of tlie firm of Fitch & Ouinn. His thorough knowledge of journalistic work and his particular experience in this line have enabled him to give to the public a most creditable paper that finds its way into many homes in this part of the state, having a very large circulation. It is one of the leading papers in the county, neat in appearance, and is the advocate of all movements and meas- ures calculated to prove of public good. It lias been an important factor in promoting the welfare of the county, as well as in up- holding the principles of Republicanism. On the nth of April, 1877, was cele- brated the marriage of Mr. Ouinn and Miss Ettie Carico, a daughter of John and Eliza- licth Carico, who are natives of West Vir- ginia, but emigrating westward in 1832 thev cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Bureau county, Illinois, where they long re- >ided. At the present time they are living in Stark county where they ha\e a large circle of warm friends. Mr. and Mrs. yuinn have one child, a s(jn, Harry. Mr. Ouinn is recognized as one of tiie leaders of the Republican party in this coun- ly, and his fellow townsmen have called liim to public office. In 1894 he was elected sheriff of Henry county by a majoritj- of eighteen hundred and si.xty-five, for a term of four years. He discharged his duties in a prompt and fearless manner and won high commendation by his faithful service. He handled many important cases during that period and was ever just in his enforce- ment of the law. .\mong his deputies was the present sheriff, E. Swain, who, on be- ing elected to the office, chose Mr. Quinn to serve as his deputy, the apixjintment being made on the 5th of December, 1898; thus our subject has continued his connection v.ith the office for si.x years and his pres- ent term will include eight years' service. He has always been a stalwart Republicait in his political association, keeps well in- formed on the issues of the day and does all in his power to promote the growth and in- sure the success of the party. The journal <.f which he is a part owner has done much ti:> advance the cause of Republicanism in this portion of the state, being an earnest champion of the measures of the party which stands for protection to American indus- tries, for the gold standard and for the su- premacy of the flag in every section of the world in which it has been planted. Of the Masonic fraternity Mr. Ouinn is a valued and prominent member, being a representative of Blue Lodge, of Galva, the Royal Arch Chapter of Kewanee, of the Council of that place, of Everett's Command- ery, K. T., of Rock Island, and Kaba Tem- ple of the !M3'stic Shrine of Davenport, Iowa. Both he and his wife hold member- ship in the order of the Eastern Star and in the Blue Lodge he has been honored with office. Mr. Ouinn is a public-spirited man to an eminent degree. National progress and local advancement are causes both dear ti! the heart of this thoroughly loyal son of the Republic, and his devotion to his country is above question. In manner he is pleas- ant and genial ; an approachable gentleman who enjoys the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances. FRAN'CIS W. LARSOX. Among the substantial agriculturists of \\'cstern tnwnsb.ip is the subject of this rc- \iew, who owns and occupies an excellent 76 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. farm of one hundred and sixty acres on sec- tion 32, two miles west of Orion, and also has another farm of similar size on section 33. He is a native of Henrj' county, his birth having occurred in Lynn township on the 24th of September, 1855. His father, Samuel B. Larson, was born in Sweden, in 1815, and there grew to manhood and mar- ried Anna Collen, a Swedish lady, born in 1814. In 1852, with their two children, they crossed the Atlantic and came direct to Andover, Henr}' count)-, Illinois. The fa- ther purchased a small farm, to which he later added a tract of rav.- prairie land ad- joining, making a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, on v.hich he erected a good set of buildings and made other improvements. There he died February 12, 1884, and his wife departed this life July 18, 1888. In their family were tliree children of whom our subject is the youngest and the onh- one born in this country. John, the oldest, is a farmer of Lynn township, while ^Matilda married P. J. Anderson, and died January i, 1880. On the home farm in Lynn tov.nship Francis \\'. Larson grew to manhood, pur- suing his studies in the local schools and as- sisting his father in the labors of the farm until he attained his majority. On starting out in life for himself he rented the old homestead, which he operated for a few )"ears. In 1882 he bought his present place, but rented it out for two years before mov- ing to it. Since then to its further improve- ment and cultivation he has given his time and attention. He raises a good grade of short-horn cattle aid Poland China hogs, and in all his imdertakings has been uni- formly successful, so that he is now number- ed among the prosperous and substantial men of his community. In Mercer county, Illinois, ^Ir. Larson was married March 17, 1877, to ^Miss Anna Louisa Plym, a native of Sweden, and daughter of John Plym, who settled in Ale- do, ilercer courity, where he remained until his death. She was a miss of twelve summers when she came to Henry county, Illinois, and was reared and educated here. She died June 18, 1893, and was laid to rest in the Swedish cemeterj- at Orion. Six children were born of this union, as follows : Emma, who is nov.- keeping house for her father; Anna \'ictoria, who died at the age of twelve years; ^linnie, who died at the age of elev- en; John Edward, who was the second in order of birth and died in infancy; Edna ilatilda and ilabel \*iolet, both attending the hon"»e school. Since casting his first presidential vote for Rutherford B. Hayes, in 1876, ^Ir. Lar- son has been a stanch supporter of the Re- publican party, but has never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office, pre- ferring to devote his entire time and atten- tion to his business interests. He has, how- ever, efficientl)- served as a member of the school board for twelve years, and his du- ties of citizenship have alwaj's been most faithfull}^ and conscientiously performed. He and his family are members of the Lu- theran Church, and are prominent in the best social circles of the community in which thev reside. WILLIAM LEMBKE. William Lembke, an honored and high- ly respected citizen of Lynn township, whose home is on section 17, has been a resident of Henry county since August. 1857, and as a farmer he has borne a very active part in its development and upbuild- THE BIOCIRAPIIICAL RECORD. 77 iiig. He comes from across the sea. liis birth occurring in Prussia, Germany, Jan- uary 28, 1829, and in that country he grew to manhood and learned the cabinet maker's trade, which he followed there for some years. With the hope of benefiting his financial condition i\Ir. Lenibke emigrated to Ameri- ca in 1855, going from Rotterdam to Liv- erpool, where he took passage on a sailing vessel, which was forty-seven days in cross- ing the Atlantic. They encountered some severe storms, during which one mast was carried away and other damage done to the vessel, while one man was lost overboard. Arriving in New York on the 4th of May, Mr. Lembke at once proceeded to Milwau- kee, Wisconsin, where he found employ- ment at the carpenter's and joiner's trade, and after working for ten days the company disposed of their old foreman and put our subject in his place. He held that position until Christmas, 1856, when he came to Mercer county, Illinois, and decided to re- main in this state. He took a contract for working on G. B. Pillsbury's house in Lynn township, Henry county, and continued to v>ork at his trade in this and Mercer coun- ties for two years. On the 17th of August, 1857, in Cam- bridge, Mr. I-eml)ke was united in mar- riage with Miss Amelia A. Huyck, who was born and reared in Ohio, and was one of the early teachers of Henry county, Illinois. She died in 1863, aiyl on the 21st of De- cember, that year, Mr. Lembke was again married in Rock Island, his second union being with Miss Elizabeth Rhodenbaugh, a native of Mercer county, where she was reared and educated. Her father, John Rhodenbaugh, was born in Northumber- land county, Pennsylvania, in 1818, and in 1837 came to Illinois, being one of the first settlers of fiercer county, where he im- proved a large farm. There he died May 2, 1892, and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Polly Arrowsmith and was a na- tive of Indiana, passed away March 11, 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Lembke are the par- ents of two children : Lena, wife of Frank DeWitt, a farmer of Coal Valley; and Mary E., wife of G. B. Krapp, a merchant of Coal Valley, by whom she has Xwo children, \\"illiam Lembke, and Earl H., who died Octol>er 31, 1900, at the age of three years and seven months. Prior to his first marriage Mr. Lembke purchased his present farm in Lynn town- ship, only a .small portion of whicii had been broken, and the only improvement on the place was a small frame house. To the fur- ther development and cultivation of liis land he has since devoted his energies, has erect- ed a pleasant residence and surrounded it v.ith shade trees, making an attractive and picturesque home. Most of the fruit and forest trees upon the place he has raised from the seed. The neat and thrifty ap- pearance of the farm denotes the supervis- ion of a careful and painstaking owner, and show conclusively that he thoroughly understands the occupation he has chosen as a life work. Politically Mr. Lembke is a Douglas Democrat, and cast his first jiresidential bal- lot for James Buchanan in 1856. He is an earnest advocate of good schools and competent teachers, and did much to ad- vance the educational interests of his com- munity while serving for twenty-one con- secutive years as township school trustee. He also served as township assessor three years, but has declined further honors. -Mthough reared in the Lutheran Church, 78 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. he and liis wife now attend the Metliodist Episcopal Church, and are members of the Eastern Star Chapter, Xo. 93, of the Ma- sonic fraternity at Orion. Mr. Lembke is also an active and prominent member of Sherman Lodge, No. 535. F. & A. 'M., in which he has tilled all the chairs and has twice served as master, while he has also represented the lodge in the grand lodge of the state. In token of their high regard for him the members of that lodge, on the 28th of December, 1892, presented him with a handsome gold headed cane on which was engraved the name and number of the lodge. The whole thing was a great surprise to ;Mr. Lembke. He is widely and favorably known throughout his adopted county, and is justly deserving of honorable mention in her his- tOT}-. FRANK J. JOHNSON. Frank J. Johnson, the present well- known assessor of Andover townshijD — ^a po- sition he has held for four consecuti\"e vears — was Wnn in Sweden on the 30th of June, 1859, and in 1870 was brought to the L'nited States by his parents, Peter and Hannah Johnson, also natives of that country, who on reaching the shores of America came at once to Andover township, this county, where the father rented land. For some time he followed farming, and then retired from active labor, moving to Andover, where he died Decemljcr jg. 1899, at the age of seventy-five years. His wife survives him at the age of seventy-six, and now lives with a daughter, :\Irs. Matilda Anderson, of Andover township. Both held member- ship in the Lutheran Church of Andover, and he affiliated with the Republican party. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom reached years of maturity, name- ly : Christine, wife of A. V. Hultgren, of Andover township; Mary, deceased wife of John Reed : Hannah, deceased wife of Eric Ericson, of \\'estern township; Emily, wife of Charles Eckman, of Nebraska; Frank J., our subject; Maggie, deceased wife of Clar- ence Anderson, of Osco tov.-nship; Matilda. Viife of Bengt Anderson, of Andover town- ship; and Otto, a turnkey in the state peni- tentiary at Joliet. Frank J. Johnson received his education ii; the public schools of this county and grew to manhood upon the home farm. He start- ed out in life for himself as a farm hand and was thus employed until 1886, when he had secured enough capital to purchase some luid. Nearly all this time he worked in An- dover township. In 1885 j\lr. Johnson was united in mar- riage with Miss Ella Johnson, whose birth occurred in Sweden ]\Iay 14, 1863. Her parents, John and Alarj^ (Peterson) John- son, emigrated with their family to the new world in 1869, and settled in this county,, where the mother died March i, 1889. The father now makes his home in \\'estern township. Besides the wife of our subject they had six other children: Ella S. ; Hul- da, wife of Nels Anderson, of Clover town- ship; Charles; John, also a resident of Clo- ver township; Frank; Augusta, wife of Charles Hultstreet; and Edwin. Of the seven children born to Frank J. Johnson and wife, two died in infancy, Cora and Nora, the others being Fred N., Herman F., Gil- bert V. S., Dora M. and Martin P. For six years after his marriage ^Ir. Johnson engaged in general farming and stock raising on rentetl land in Andover and Clover townships, but in 1892 he pur- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 79 chased Iris present farm of t.ne luiiuhed and forty acres, to the cultivation and furtlier improvement of which lie lias since de\dted his energies. In connection with the rci^u- lar farm products he raises broom corn, and has found that industry quite prohtahle. He also raises cattle and hogs for market, and in all his business undertakings is meeting with gratifying success. He was one of the first to become interested in the Farmers' Telephone, and is serving as one of its di- rectors. Mr. Johnson is what is styled a self-made man, for all that he has has been accjuired by industry, perseverance and good manage- ment. The Republican party finds in him a stanch supporter of its principles. In iS(;6 he was first elected assessor of Andover tov.-nship, in which capacity he has since served the people faithfully and well. He has always lx;en officially connected with school affairs, and is now a director in district Xo. 5; Andover township. Religiously he is a member of the Svvcd-sh Lutheran Church of Andover. CHARLES A. CARLSOX. The subject of this sketch, wlm is an energetic antl prDgressive agriculturist re- siding on sectinn 26, Andover township, Henry count}', Illinois, was liorn in tiiat township March 11, 1863. His faliier. Swan .\. Carlson, was one of the men who came from Sweden to foimd a home for himself and better his financial condition. He was born in 183J and as soon as old enough to care for himself turned his at- tciuion to fanning, following that pinsuit ill his nati\e land until 1858, when he de- cideecial cour.se in bookkeeping. By the death of his father he was thrown upon his own re- st )urces at the tender age of seven years, and has since made his own way in the world un- aided. In 1859 he came with his mother to Kewanee, which he still considers his home, though in the discharge of his present official duties he is comi)elled to spend most of his time at the county seat. On starting out in life for himself he learned the jeweler's trade in Kewanee. Subsecjuently he found employ- ment in a machine shop, l)ut in less than a \ear he had the niisforlune to lose his right hand and a portion of his forearm, though he did not resign his position for three years, successfully manipulating the machine with one hand during that time. Following this he again worked at the jeweler's trade until 1866, when he formed a partnership with & Keeler he was engaged as a dealer in jew- elry, sewing machines and musical instru- ments, being successfully engaged in that line of trade for thirty years, he taking charge of the sewing machines and musical instrument department. P'or a time he was also inter- ested in the lumber business in southern Ar- kansas, but his property there was destroyed by fire. The Building and Loan Association of Kewanee owes much of its success to Mr. Keeler, who is a man of keen discrimination, scnnid judgment and indefatigable enterprise. .\s one of the organizers and directors and president he has labored untiringly for its success, and has succeeded, with others, in placing the concern on a good financial basis. Through this organization many poor people have been able to secure homes for them- sehes A\hich thev ne\er c(juld have done in 92 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. any other way, and it has thus advanced tlie interests of the town. On the 22nd of December, i8r)C), Mr. Keeler was united in marriage with Miss Mary F. Whittemore, a daughter of Caleb Whittemore, who to-day is one of the oldest and most highly esteemed business men of Peoria, where their marriage was cele- . brated. By this union were born two chil- dren: Rufus W., an expert electrician; and Philip B., Jr., a pupil in the public schools. Since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln ilr. Keeler has '-ecn an ardent Republican, and has worked un- tiringly for the success of his party. He has been honored with several important offi- cial positions, having served as a member of the village board of Kewanee and was super- visor of Kewanee tOAvnship for many years. While a member of the. vill.age board the gas plant was put in and preliminary steps were taken to secure water works. He was char- man of the board of supervisors from the time he Avas first elected until his election as circuit clerk, which office he now so credita- bly fills, discharging its duties to the entire satisfaction of all the people. He was re- elected to the latter office in 1900 by a largely increased majority, antl had no opposiiion in the convention. For some )'-ears he v. as a member of the library board of Keuaace, its library beiiig one of the finest in the state, and its rooms kept open every day in the year. In the building up of this library much credit is due to him. As a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows he has done much for the or- der, and is one of the most prominent mem- bers in the state. He was a member of the building committee when the hall of the Ke- wanee lodge was built. He is past grand of the subordinate lodge, and has been a rep- resentati\e to the grand lodge of the state for the past twenty-five years. A member also of the encampment he is now past chief patriarch, and he has represented his camp in the grand encampment of the state for twenty-five vears. He is now past grand marshal of the grand encampment. L'ntil his election to the office of circuit clerk, he was a trustee of the I. O. O. F. prop- erty in Kewanee from 1870. Philip B. Keeler is emphatically a man of enterprise, positive character, indomitable energy and liberal views, and is thoroughly identified in every respect with the growth and pros- perity of his adopted city and county. WILLIAM RINGLE. Prominent among the successful stock- dealers and agriculturists of Henry county is William Ringle, the present efficient super- visor of Osco township. He was born in Ar legheny county, near Pittsburg, Pennsyha- nia, on the 6th of March, 1847, ^"^ was ten years of age when brought to this county by his parents, Josqjh and Mary (W'hitsel) Ringle, also natives of the Keystone state, where their marriage was celebrated. His paternal grandfather was a soldier of the Revolutionary war under the command of General Washington, and was trainmaster at Valley Forge. He died when comparatively a young man, leaving a large family of chil- dren, all of whom lived to an advanced age. Joseph Ringle, father of our subject, was born in 181 1, and died in 1893. He was born and reared in western Pennsylvania, his early home being in Indiana county. During his early manhood he lived for a time near Pittsburg, where he was engaged in the dairy business, but later returned to Indiana LiBR/JRY UNIVERSIJy OF ILLINOIS URBAU WILLIAM RINGLE. JOSEPH RINGLE. UNIVERSlir OF ILLINOIS URBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 97 county. He was one of tlie fir.st to settle on the prairies in Osco township, Henry coun- ty, vvliere he purcliased and improved a farm of one hunch^ed and sixty acres of land, and later added eighty acres more, which he re- tained until a settlement .was made among the children by their starting out in life for themselves. He was a supporter and active member of the Presbyterian Church of Munson, and was a Prohibitionist in politics, though he never took a very active part in political affairs. He was a man of sound financial stai>ding, and, starting from noth- ing, he accumulated quite a fortune. His wife was of Dutch ancestry, her forefathers hav- ing come from Plolland at an early day and settled in Pennsylvania. They were quite wealthy and invested their money in coal mining, which is still carried on extensively by their descendants in that state. Mrs. Ringle died at the home of a daughter in Cambridge, in 1898. She was the mother of nine children, two of whom died in infancy, the others being James, a retired farmer of IMunson township, who now resides in Gene- seo; Jiilui, a retired resident of Cambridge; William, our subject; David \\., a farmer of Geneseo township; Catherine, wife of Harri- ' son jMoore, a retired farmer of Newton, Iowa ; Louisa, widow of A. J. Combs and a resident of Cambridge ; and Mary, wife of John Sherrard, of Cajnbridge township. During his boyhood and youth \\'il]iam Ringle attended the district schools near his ! home and the Orion Academy, and he re- mained under the parental roof until his mar- \ riage. It was on the 27th of October, 1873, I that he wedded Miss Ellen A. Welton, who ! was born in Peoria county, Illinois, Febru- ary 22, 1852, a daughter of Lester C. and Ora Welton, both natives of Connecticut. During her infancy the family moved from Peoria to Henry county and located in Osco township, at which time the greater part of this locality was still in its primitive condi- tion. Mr. Welton purchased and improved a large farm and was quite e.xtensively en- gaged in stock raising. He was also one of the promoters and a large stockholder of the Osco & Western Farmer's Mutual Insurance Company, which was founded and incorpor- ated in i'&7^, and embraced Osco and West- ern townships, Henry county, and Rural township. Rock Island county. It has proved a great benefit to the resident farmers of this community. For a time ^Ir. Welton lived in Cambridge, and then moved to Hutchin- son, Reno county, Kansas, locating on a large stock farm, where his death occurred. He was one of the leading men of Osco township, and was looked up to by all as a guide, being a man of intelligence and in- tegrity. His children were James, a retired farmer of Geneseo ; Merritt, a farmer of At- lantic, Iowa: ]\Iargaret, wife of Chester O'Neale, of Hudson, Kansas; and Ellen A., wife of our subject. Mrs. Ringle received a good education, pursuing a classical course. After his marriage Mr. Ringle located upon his present farm, having purchased one hundred and sixty acres of partially im- proved land on section 28, Osco township, on which he at once erected necessary and substantial buildings, including commodious barns, sheds and cribs, with the intention of embarking in the stock business. This he has always carried on in connection with farm- ing, and also operates threshers and shellers, having two steam engines for that purpose. The Ringle family have always been en- gaged in the latter business, owning from one to five outfits among them and operat- ing the same very successfully in threshing grain, shelling corn and hulling clover, as THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. well as grinding feed. For the last named purpose our subject keeps an engine on his farm all the time, preparing food for the large herd of cattle which he fattens each j-ear. He has added one hundred and sixty acres of land to his first purchase and im- proved the same to conform to his growing stock business, being one of the largest stock men of Osco township. He started on a small scale, but has gradually increased the volume of liis business until he now han- dles many hundred head of stock annually with profit. He first raised short hoTn cat- tle for market, and now gives his attention entirely to the feeding of stock for market purposes, his average shipments being from six to eight carloads of cattle and hogs an- nually. He is also interested in a fine grade of horses, and has sold some of the finest teams of Englishshires ever put on the mar- ket from Osco township, having the hon- or of receiving the highest price ever paid for a gelding in that place. He buys stock wherever he can to an advantage, princi- pally in the west, and brings them home to fatten for market. ^Ir. Ringle has met with most excellent success in this business, and takes a just pride in his stock and the facili- ties he has for handling it. Always honora- ble and upright in all his dealings, he has the confidence and respect of those with whom he has come in contact, and his suc- cess is well merited. For the past eighteen years he has operated a steam threshing ma- chine, and has ownedand operated a thresher since 1867. He is one of the stockholders and directors of the First National Bank of Cambridge; is also a director and treasurer of the Osco & Western Farmers" ilutual Insurance Company, which does the leading business of this section, and he has served the people well in financial concerns. A Republican in politics, Mr. Ringle is an active worker for his party and its inter- ests, and has been selected to fill various offices in his township. In 1899 he was elected supervisor, and is now serving in that capacity with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. Since resid- ing upon his present farm he has served con- tinuously as township school trustee. In re- ligious belief he is a Presbjterian. while his wife holds membership in the Episcopal Church of Osco, and he is a liberal supporter of all church work. He is widely and fav- orably known throughout the county as a most progressive and enterprising man, and is held in high regard by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. SA^IUEL H. CALLA\\"AY. Samuel H. Callaway is one of the lead- ing farmers and stock raisers of Western township, his farm of one hundred and twen- ty-six acres being pleasantlv located on sec- tion ;^2 and 5 in Lynn township, within two and a half miles of Orion. He was born in Warwickshire, England, Jul}' 27, 1839, and ill his boyhood passed the birthplace of the immortal Shakespeare on his wa\- to and from school. In 1849 he came to the new world with his parents, Samuel and Esther Callaway, who first located at Utica, New York, but later removed to Detroit, Michi- gan, where they spent the remainder of their lives. In England the father had followed the stock business. In 1 85 1 our subject and his older brother, Jonathan, came to Henry county, Illinois, where the former worked at anything by which he could earn an honest dollar. For THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 99 some time he was employed by the day or month at clearing land and at farming, and later, when he had saved enough money, lie purchased teams and commenced breaking jjrairie, following that occupation for sev- eral years, during which time he broke hun- dreds of acres of land. However, after re- maining here about three years, on account of poor health, he returned to Detroit, and three years later came back tn Western township. Later he rented land and en- gaged in farming on his own account. When the Civil war broke out he tried to enlist at Detroit, Michigan, but. being lame and in poor health, was rejected. On the 2 1 St of November, 1861, in Henry county, Mr. Callaway married Miss Julia Belle Harrison, also a native of Eng- land, and a daughter of William and Sarah (Williams) Harrison. Her father spent his entire life in that country. The mother came to the United States with her daughter in May, 1850, and after the latter's marriage made her home with our subject and his v.ife until her death. For several years prior to her emigration from England, Mrs. Callaway made her home with her uncle, Frank Pears, the noted soap manufacturer of London. Before coming to this cmintv she and her mother lived in Detroit, Michi- gan. Mr. and Mrs. Callaway are the ])ar- ents of seven children, three sons and four daughters, namely: Herbert L., who is still under the parental roof; John H., who has engaged in teaching school, but is now a student at Kno.x College, Galesburg; Ezra S., also a school teacher of Henry county: Ssther K., wife of Albert Sayre, of Western township ; Pauline J., wife of S. H. Callo- way, a farmer of Grundy county, Iowa; Bertha A., wife of Addison Chase, a farmer of Western township, this county ; and .Mice M., a successful school teacher of this coun- ty, four of the family having followed that profession. Mr. and Mrs. Callaway began married life on a farm of forty acres in Lynn town- ship, which he purchased in 186 1, and to which he later added another forty-acre tract, making it his home for four years. On selling that place he bought eighty acres on section 32, Western township, where he has now made his home since 1865. When he located thereon about fifty acres had been jjroken, a small house built and an orchard and shade trees set out. Subsequently Mr. Callaway purchased an adjoining tract of forty-six acres in Lynn township, and has s-nce devoted his energies to the further im- provement and cultivation of his land, con- \erting it into one of the most desirable farms of its size in that locality. He has made a specialty of the raising of Poland China hogs and Shropshire sheep, and this branch of his business has proved quite profitable. He commenced life in Illinois w ilhout a dollar, and by his own labor, en- terprise and perseverance has accumulated a comfortable competence, and is to-day the t^wner of a good home and farm. Politically Mr. Callaway has been a life- long Republican, and cast his first presi- dential ballot for Abraham Lincoln in i860. He has been a delegate to numerous con- ventions of his party; has served as high- way coinmissioner three years ; and as school director twelve years and president of the board. Fraternally he is a member of Sher- man Lodge, No. 535, F. & .\. M., of Orion. He is a loyal citizen of his adopted country, and in all the relations of life has been found true to every trust reposed in him. For almost half a century he has made his home in Henry county, and he is lx)th widely and THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. favorably known. He was one of the pro- moters of the Orion-Sherrard Mutual Tele- phone Compan)-, in wliich he is a director. He is also president of the Richland Grove Vigilance Committee, that has been in ex- istence fort)- years. ROBERT G. NEVILLE. Robert G. Neville, who is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits on section 29, Osco township, first came to Henry county in December, 1879. A native of Illi- nois, he was born in Kickapoo township, Peoria count}-, June 22, 1862, and is a son of George and Catherine (jMoorehead) Neville, both natives of Ireland. They came to this country when young and were mar- ried in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where they continued to make their home for three years after their marriage, and then re- moved to this state, locating in Jubilee town- ship, Peoria count}-. The father was active- ly engaged in farming in that county until his death, which occurred March 4, 1872. The wife and mother came to Osco in 1893, and died at the home of her daughter in Cambridge township, December 23, 1899. In the family were eight children, one of whom died in infancy, while five sons and two daughters are suU living, namely : Will- iam, fireman in the Monarch distillery of Peoria; Robert G., our subject; Kate, wife of Frank Sheen, of \\'olcott, Indiana; Thomas M., a shipping clerk in a whole- sale rubber house in Chicago; John F., pro- prietor of a pool and billiard parlor in the same city; Richard C, a resident of Cam- bridge township, this county; and Sarah, wife of Albert C. Tomlinson, who lives on D. C. Tomlinson's farm in Cambridge town- ship. The parents were members of the Episcopal Church. As soon as he attained a sufficient age Robert G. Neville entered the common schools of his native county, where he pur- sued his studies until ten years old, when his father died and he had to assist in the support of the family. Subsequently, how- ever, he attended business college at Daven- port, Iowa, for two terms. His education was obtained principally by general reading and observation, and he has thus made up for his lack of early educational advantages. He worked by the month as a farm hand un- til twenty-five years of age, and did his share in supporting the family until he attained his majority. On the loth of February, 1886, ]\Ir. Neville married JMiss ]\Iargaret McCurdy, who was born in Montgomery county, Penn- sylvania, September 19, i860, but who at the time of her marriage was living in Osco township, this county, with her parents, both of whom are now deceased. ]\Irs. Neville died July 10, 1896, leaving four children: Alexander, Robert, Harold and M. Edith, who attend he Osco school. She was a daughter of Alexander and Kate McCurdy, of Scotch-Irish ancestry, who came from the north of Ireland to the United States, first locating in Penns}-lvania, where they were married. Later they came to Henry coun- ty, Illinois, and located on the southwest quarter of section 20, Osco township, where he opened up a farm and made his home until his death. Religiously he was an Episcopalian, while his wife was reared in the Presbyterian faith. On that home farm Margaret grew to womanhood, and there remained until her marriage. After his marriage Mr. Neville removed to Kearney, Nebraska, where he lived for THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. two years and on his return to this county settled on his present farm, which was deed- ed to his wife by her fatlier. He has since greatly improved the place by the erection of a good residence barns and fences; has planted trees, tiled the land, and placed it under a high state of cultivation. The farm consists of one hundred acres of rich and arable land. Mr. Neville follows both gen- eral farming and stock feeding. He usually buys a car load of cattle in Nebraska, both spring and fall, which he feeds and pre- pares for the market. For the size of his place, he is one of the most extensive feed- ers in Henry county. Mr. Neville is one of the leaders of the Democratic party in his community, and has been elected to the office of town clerk and assessor. He has also served as school di- rector nine years, and has taken an active interest in maintaining good schools. Re- ligiously he is an active member of the Epis- copal Church of Osco township, and for about ten years has served as vestryman, during which time a rectory has been built. He is a charter member of the Modern ^\'oodmen Camp, No. 2248, of Osco, of which he was consul four. years, and is also a charter member of the Royal Neighbors of America. He is a member of Sherman Lodge, No. 535, F. & A. M., of Orion, and of the Eastern Star. In social circles he stands high, and is an active worker in the socities to which he belongs. OLOF WALLINi:. Tireless energy, well directed by sound business judgment, has bnjught to Mr. Walline gratifying success in the affairs of life. For thirtv years he has been a resi- dent of Henry county, and now owns and occupies a fine farm on section 14, Andover township. Like many of the best citizens of this localit}- he is a native of Sweden, born February 18, 1847, and is a son of Olof E. and Betsey (Olson) Walline, also natives of that country, where the father followed farm work until his emigration to America in 1869. His last days were spent at the home of our subject in Andover to\Am- ship, this county, where both he and his wife died. Of the four children born to them one died in Sweden. The others are Margaret, wife of Peter Olenius, living on the old Buck farm in Andover township; Olof, our subject; and Peter E., now a resident of California, who was formerly a farmer of Andover towaiship, and a mer- chant of Cambridge. The subject of this review received his education in the common schools of his na- tive land, and remained at home with his parents until he attained his majority. He then came to the United States and first lo- cated at Bishop HilJ, Illinois, where he worked at the mason's and carpenter's trades, having partially learned the latter oc- cupation in Sweden. After two years spent at Bishop Hill, he purchased eighty acres of land in Andover township in partnership with his brother, and together they success- fully engaged in farming for twelve years, thus securing a good start in life. As they succeeded in business they added to their farm until they owned about two hundred acres, which property was divided when they dissolved partnership. In 1883, having sold his portion of the farm, Olof Walline pur- chased his present place, which at that time consisted of one hundred and twenty acres of partially improved land. He has since THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. laid many rods of tiling, built fences and erected buildings, and now has one of the best and most attractive farms of the lo- cahty. He and his brother, P. E., are also proprietors of the Cambridge Creamery, and in its operation have also met with well- deserved success; our subject is manager of the same. In January, 1875, Mr. W'alline was united in marriage witli Miss Elizabeth Johnson, who was born in Andover town- ship. May 6, 1855, a daughter of Andrew M. and Christina Johnson. The former, now deceased, was among the early settlers of his township. There Mrs. Johnson still resides, and with her live her two sons, Al- bert and Otto, and one daughter Ida, while Oscar, Alfred and Emma, wife of Swan Anderson, make their home in Nebraska, and Mrs. Amelia Norling lives in Cameron, Illi- nois, where her husband is engaged in black- smithing. ^Ir. and Mrs. \\'alline have a family of nine children, namely : Charles W., Jennie, Henry W., Louvina, Eddie J., Esther, Minnie, Ernest and Maljel, all at home. They have been educated in the com- mon schools, while Charles W. and Henry have pursued an agricultural course at Madi- son, \\'isconsin, and are prepared to accept and hold any ixjsition in the business world. They also attended the high school of Cam- bridge. Charles W. now has charge of the creamery business of his father. In his political views Mr. W'alline is a Prohibitionist, but at local elections supports the men whom he believes best qualified for office. For the long period of seventeen years he has efiiciently served as school di- rector in his district, and for the past ten years has been appraiser for the Swedish Insurance Company in his township, adjust- ing losses also. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Andover, and one of its trustees. He is a public- spirited and progressive citizen, who takes a deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of his adopted county, and is held in high regard by all who know him. JOHN L. HULL. It is astonishing to witness the success- of young roen who have emigratec^to Amer- ica without capital and from a position of comparative obscurity have worked their way upward to a position of prominence. The readiness with which they adapt themselves to circumstances and take advantage of op- portunities oifered brings to them success and wins them a place among the leading- men of the community in which they re- side. Among the natives of Sweden who have become prominent in business and public affairs in Henry county, is John L. Hull, who has been a resident of Cambridge town- ship since 1869. He was born November 3,. 1850, in Sweden, a son of Nels P. and Inga Carolina Larson. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, died in that country, but the mother is still living and continues to make her home there. In their family were seven children, of whom five are still living, namely: Christine, who lives on the old homestead in Sweden; John L., our sub- ject; A. S., manager of a lumber yard in Cambridge, Illmois ; and Emma and Nels P., who are living on the home farm in Sweden. In the public schools of his native land John L. Hull acquired a good practical ed- ucation. He remained on the home farm THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 103 until eio^Iiteen years of age, when lie emi- grated to this country with tlie iiope of bettering his financial coiulitiDn. After working as a farm hand in this country for two years, lie located u]K3n his present farm on section 8. Cambridge township, where he was at first in the employ of others. The Brick and Tile works were started upon the land in 1870, and the following year he commenced learning the business as a work- man in the factory. Later he became ni;ji- ager of the plant, and in 1890 purchased a half interest in the business, which was car- ried on under the firm name of Cook & Hull until 1899, when Mr. Hull bought out his partner and has since been alone in the busi- ness. When the plant was first started it was run by hand and horse power, but while Mr. Hull was manager an engine of thirty- horse power was i)ut in, and the factory otherwise improved. There are now five kilns, three with down drafts and two with up drafts and a drying shed, one hundred by twenty-six feet in dimension. During the busy season from fifteen to twenty men are employed in tlie yards. The product of the factory being of a superior grade, it finds a ready sale on the market, and is shipped in carload lots to Stark, Mercer and Rock Island counties. The success of this enter- prise has been mainly due to Mr. Hull, who is a man of good business and e.Kecutive ability. He owns thirteen acres adjoining the city of Cambridge, and is also engaged ill farming and stock raising. He possesses keen discrimination as well as sound judg- ment, and in business affairs is prompt, en- ergetic and notably reliable. On the I2th of October, 1875. Mr. linll married Miss Josephine C. I^yon, who was born in .\merica in 1854. Both her parents died in i8<;7, leaving seven children, name- ly: Tilda, wife of J. AI. Anderson, a dry- goods merchant, of Cambridge; Ida; Jose- phine, wife of our subject; John, Alfred, Ludwig anany of about fifty Vi-agons was formed, with about three men to each wagon. Air. Tucker, an old hulian trader from Indiana, was elected captain of the train, and lunl it not been for his leader- ship possibly all would have perishetl. He carefully instructed them in regard to the preservation of life, and years afterward Air. Larson gratefully remembered a part of his teaching. On the loth of February, 1898, he was thrown from a bridge across Edwards river into that stream, which was then at highwater mark and full of lloating ice. His horse and carriage went down with him. He was partially stunned by the fall, and on regaining consciousness he remembered Cap- tain Tucker telling iiis men that when thrown into water or swimming in swift running water towing a line never to guide a horse but give him rein and keep cool, with mouth closed, breathing through the nose. This he did and managed to reach the bank in safety, but he has never fully recovered, as his back was severely injured in the fall. Edwards river has since been dredged and converted into what is now known as the Henry coun- ty ditch, Mr. Larson being one of the orig- inators of the enterprise. On arriving in California he engaged in prospecting and mining for little over a year, but like many THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. others he did not meet with very gratifying success, and accordingly returned to IlHnois I/v way of San Francisco, tlie isthmus of I'anama, Cu1ja, Jamaica and New York. He resumed work at tiie bench in the shop of liis former employers, and in the spring of 1853 moved to Rev. PiUsbury's old residence in Andover, this county, it being his hrst home in this country. That year Mr. Larson was united in mar- riage with ^liss Martha Hedstrom, who was born in Sweden in 1830, and came to this country as one of Bishop Hill's colony. She died in September, 1878. To them were born three sons and five daughters, all of whom reached man and womanhood, but two sons are now deceased. John O., the eldest, is engaged in the manufacture of brooms in California, where he has made his home since 1878. Emily Caroline, a resident of St. Louis, is the widow of Leoni- das McFarland, a son of one of the old set- tlers of Andover township, this county. He died in Iowa leaving one son, Roy A., who v/as on the battleship Boston when Dewey captured Manila. On his way home he was taken ill at Port Said and has since been in 2)oor health, although he is now in business Avith an uncle at Eldora, Iowa. He brought Jiome many Spanish and other relics from the places he visited, and feels justly pmud of the Dewey medal which he wears. He .also has a shell which came nearly ending his life, it striking four inches above his head. Ida M., the second daughter of our subject, is the wife of John I. Wheelan, who is engaged in the advertising business in St. Louis. Cordelia is the wife of Robert P^le- herty, of New Yorthy enterprise for the public good. At one time he saved the Swedish Insurance Company from failure by financial aid, and through his influence, and that of others, the ccinipany was incorporated and placed on a strung financial basis. Over half a century he has been identified with the interests of Hen- ry county, and he is to-day numbered among its most valued and useful citizens — a man honored and respected wherever known. There are only one or two Swedes in the county who were here before him. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. W. PITT WRIGHT. Tliis well-known retired farmer oi Orion, first came to Illinois in April, 1848. and was for many years identified with the agricultural interests of Rock Island county, where he located in ^lay, 1852, but since .April, 1 88 1, has made his home in Orion, Henry county. He is a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Goshen township, Belmont county, that state, on the 16th of March, 1827. His father, Benjamin G. Wright, was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1798, and came to America with his father, Joseph Wright, in 1802, or 1804, being among the first settlers of Belmont county, Ohio. Joseph \\ right laid out and founded the town of Belmont, and being a well ed- ucated man he became one of the pioneer teachers of that county. In religious belief he was a Quaker. In Belmont county Ben- jamin G. Wright grew to manhood and married Jane B. Broomhall, a native ~>i Penn- sylvania, her father being also a pioneer set- tler of that county. In early life he fol- lowed the cabinet maker's trade, but later engaged in farming. In 1851 he came to Illinois, and after a short time spent in I Ian- cock county took up his residence in Rural township, Rock Island county, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying there in 1890, at the advanced age of nearly ninety-two years. His wife passed away No- vember II, 1869. Upon his home farm in his native coun- ty W. Pitt W'right passed the days of his boyhood and youth, receiving rather lim- ited educational advantages. On coming to Illinois in 1848, he first located in Hancock county, but, in partnership with a cousin, he owned and operated a threshing machine two seasons, in Marshall and Bureau coun- ties, Illinois, but working on the farm the remainder of each year in Hancock county. In 1852 he took up his residence in Coal \"alle\-, now Rural township, Rock Island county, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he converted into a good farm. In 1S73 ^^^ purchased a section of land in Adams count}-, Iowa, of which he gave his daughter a quarter-section. In 1880 he sold a half-section, and yet retains a quarter-section of well improved land. Renting his property he removed to Orion in 1881 and erected his present comfortable residence. Although he came to this state in limited circumstances, he has steadily overcame the obstacles in his path to success, and is to-day the owner of two well-improved and valuable farms besides his town prop- erty, and can well afford to lay aside all business cares and enjoy the fruits of former toil. Returning to his old home in Belmont county, Ohio, Mr. Wright was married, De- cember 31, 1850, to Miss Mary Eliza Gregg, also a native of that county, of which her father, John S. Gregg, was a pioneer. For fifty j'ears they have now traveled life's journe}' together, sharing its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity, and it is their intention to celebrate their golden wedding on the 31st of December, 1900. They are the parents of four children, name- ly: Clara E., wife of James W. Alexander, a retired citizen of Leno.x, Taylor county, Iowa; Frank G., who died at the age of twenty-three years; Harry P., who is mar- ried and successfully engaged in business in Orion; and Bertha May, wife of John H. Spencer, operator and agent for the Santa r-'e railroad at Ottawa, Kansas. In his political affiliations Mr. Wright is a Tacksonian Democrat, and cast his first THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. presidential vote for Franklin Pierce, in 1852. He has filled the office of conimis- sioner of highways, and has also served as a member of the school board, but has never sought political honors. For over half a cen- tury he has witnessed the wonderful growtli and development that ha\e taken place in this section of the state, and in this work he has borne an active part. When he first located here deer, geese, turkeys and other wild game was plentiful, but all have dis- appeared as the country- has become more thickly settled, and all the comforts of an advanced civilization have been introduced. S. HEXRY BURROWS. S. Henr}- Burrows, an enterprising and progressive agriculturist of Henry county, whose home is on section 12, Andover town- ship, was born in Franklin count}^ Massa- chusetts, August 26, 1862, and came to this county in 1868 with his parents, Barnard H. and Susan C. (Gould) Burrows. The Burrows family was founded in America about 1700, and the father, grandfather and great-grandfather were all natives of Frank- lin county, ^lassachusetts. The last named was a soldier of both the Revolutionary war and the war of 1812, while the maternal great-grandfather of our subject also fought for the independence of the colonies in the former struggle. His ancestors have always been associated with agricultural pursuits. Barnard H. Burrows was the eldest of a famil}- of five children, one of whom is still living, Levi Burrows, who resides in Green- field, ^Massachusetts. During his boyhood and youth he attended the common schools near his home and also took a course at an acadeni)' in Amherst. Throughout his active business life he followed farming, and owned a good farm of ninety acres in his native state, adjoining which is now locat- ed the Moody school. December 14, 1858, he married Miss Susan C. Gould, a native of Canaan, New Hampshire, and to them were born four children, namely: Alice, now the wife of Frederick ^^^ Hall, of Crookston, ^Minnesota; ^linnie, at home; S. Henry, of this review ; and Leon A., a resi- dent of Dillon, Montana. All were born in Massachusetts. In 1868 the father brought his family to Illinois and settled in Cam- bridge. The following year he purchased the farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 12, Andover township, which has since been the homestead of the family, and was successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising until called to his final rest April 3, 1895, ^t the age of sixty-four years. Politically he was a supporter of the Republican part}-, and religiously was a sup- porter of the ^Methodist Episcopal Church. In business afifairs he was upright and re- liable, and in all the relations of life was found true to every trust reposed in him. FJis estimable wife still survives him at the age of sixty-four years, and continues to re- side on the old homestead. S. Henry Burrows, of this review, grad- uated at the Cambridge high school in 1881, as did also his sister ^Minnie. He remained on the home farm assisting his father in its operation until 1883, when he went to North Dakota and took up a homestead in Benson count)^, remaining there about thirteen years, during which time he placed the land under a high state of cultivation and made many impro\-ements thereon in the way of buildings. He still retains the same, and derives therefrom a good income. In the fall THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 123 of 1895 he returned to tlie old homestead ii. UHnois, but still visits his Dakota farm eacii fall to see that cveryth.iiig; is kej)! in perfect order. After the death of his fatlier he assumed charge of the home place, which he continues to successfully operate, being- engaged in general farming. Since the fa- ther's death a good residence lias been erect- ed and is fitted up with all motlern conven- iences. As a Republican Mr. Burrows t.':kes an active and commendable interest in public affairs, and while a resident of Da- kota served two terms as county commis- sioner in a most creditable and acceptable manner. lie is one of the most ])ublic- spirited and enterprising citizens of his community, and gives his .support to all AV(M-thy objects for the public good. Cn.\RI.KS M. SAML'KI.SOX. l'"nr a ])eriod of about forty years Charles AI. Samuelson was one of the most active and successful farmers of Henry county, owning and operating a well-improved and valuable place of four hundred and eighty acres pleasantly located two miles from Or- ion, but he is now living a retired life in that village, having acquired a comfortable com- petence that enables him to lay aside all busi- ness cares. Like many of the best citizens of Henry county, Mr. Samuelson is a native of Swe- den, where his birth occurred November 28, 182^). His parents were Samuel and Anna (Nelson) Johnson, in whose family were six sons and one daughter, the latter being Airs. Alagnuson, of Osco township, this county. Th.e two nldei- suns remained in Sweden, but the other members uf the family came with the parents to the United States. Our subject was reared on a farm in his native land, and received the rudiments of an education at his mother's knee, but is almost wholly self-educated. In 1S51 he took pas- sage on a sailing vessel at \\'urlemburg, and was about thirteen weeks in crossing the ocean to New York, divring wdiich time the ship encountered a number of severe storms. In October of that year he went to Buffalo by way of the Hudson river and the Erie canal, and was engaged in chopping wood in the timber until the following spring, when he crossed the lakes to Chicago, whence he proceeded by canal boat to La Salle, Illi- nois, and by team to Andover, Henry cnunty. Shortly afteiward he went to (ialesburg, Vvhere he worked by the month on a farm for two years, and ditl not locate perma- nently in Henry county until October, 1854. His father and three brothers also located here, and the former entered eighty acres of Isnd in Western township, now uwned by our subject. He commenced work here and later succeeded to the place. Prospering in liis farming operations, he purchased more land from time to time, until he now^ owns four hundred and eighty acres. He has erected thereon a good residence, three barns, sheds and other outbuildings, has planted an orchard and made many other valuable im- jirovements f)n the place, so that it is now one of the most desirable farms in the locali- ty. He continued the cultivation of his fields until 1895, when he rented the farm and moved to Orion, where he owns a pleasant home. In September, 1856, in Henry county, Mr. Samuelson was united in marriage w'ith ?\Iiss Johanna Swanson. daughter of John Swanson, who was linrn ;ind reared in .Swe- 124 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. den, but came to Anchn-er in 1853. Tliey have become the parents of the following children : All^ert, who is married and en- gaged in farming on the home place; Peter and Edward, who are also married and fol- low farming in Western township; X'ictor, at home; Oscar, who operates a part of his father's land; Hannah, wife of Bert Butler, a noted vocalist, while she is a violinist of considerable ability, both haxing studied at the conservatory of music in Berlin; Minnie, wife of William Westerlund, a business man of Chicago; and Mary, who died in child- hood. Since casting his first presidential bal- lot for Abraham Lincoln, in i860, Mr. Sam- uelson has been unswerving in his allegiance to the Republican party and its principles, but has never cared for political preferment. He has, however, taken an active interest in educational affairs as a member of the school board. Both he and his wife are earnest and consistent members of the Swedish Lu- theran Church, and are justl}' deserving the high regard in which the\' are uniformly held. Having started out in life for him- self empty-handed, his record is one well worth}- of emulation and contains many val- uable lessons of incentive, showing the pos- sibilities that are open to young men who wish to improve every opportunity for ad- vancement. JOHN M. :\IAMTY. One of the prominent representatives of the journalistic profession is the gentleman whose name introduces this brief notice, the editor and proprietor of the Chronicle of Cambridge. He was born in Decatur count}', Indiana, May 14. i86j, a son of John A. and Susan Z. (Wise) Mavity, both natives of Jefferson county, that state. His ma- ternal grandfather was Thomas Wise, a cousin of Governor Wise, of Virginia, who hung John Brown. The grandfather was a member of the first session of tl^e Indiana state legislature, which convened at Corydon in 1824, and continued a member for man}^ years, until after the capital was removed to Indianapolis. He died at the extreme old age of eighty-eight years. He was a farmer by occupation, and a soldier of the war of 1 81 2. He took part in the battle of Tippe- canoe in 181 1. John A. Mavity, the father of our sub- ject, followed blacksmithing until after the Ci\il war broke out, but in June, 1862, he laid aside all personal interests to join the boys in blue of Company B, Sixth Indiana ^"olunteer Infantry. He took part in the bat- tles of Stone River, Lookout ^Mountain and Chickamauga, and was with Sherman in the Atlanta campaign until the battle of Re- saca, when he was seriously wounded in the right leg above the knee. It was thought that the limb would have to be amputated, but he had one of his comrades get him a dull, and with it he kept the surgeon awa}'. After his recovery he remained in the hos- pital as assistant, and in that capacity did excellent service until discharged, in June, 1865. Returning to his home in Indiana, he followed his trade for a few years, and then entered the ministry of the Christian Church, with which he had united a number of j'ears before the war. He successfully engaged in preaching for a quarter of a cen- tury in different parts of ^lichigan, Indi- ana and Illinois, filling some of the best pul- pits of his church, but now, at the age of sixty-seven years, is living a retired life in ^^'est Lebanon, Indiana. enJDving a well- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 125 earned rest. His lias lieen an lii'noraI)le and useful life, in which he has labored untir- jnglv ft>r the good of his fellow men, and he lias the respect and confidence of all who know him. His estimable wife is still living' at the age of seventy-one. and is an active member of the same church. Of their four children. Jdhn .M. is third in order of birth. Jesse, the oldest, is fureuian of a linplate factorv in Atlanta. Indiana, where he resides with his wife and three children. Helen died in infancy. Thomas \\". married Xeltie Mnsick, of Eureka, Illinois, who tlied in 1896, and he died in 1898, at the age of . thirty-two years, leaving two children — ]\[aurine and Grace. After ])ursuing a higli-school course John ^r. Ma\it_\- attended I'"ranklin College, and after com[)leting his education engaged in teaching school for four years in Johnson and Bartholomew counties, Indiana, and six years in Warren county, that state, having charge of country schools two years, and later serving as principal of the schools of State Line and West Lebanon for two years each. In 1889 he ]nu-chascd the West Leb- anon (iazette, which he successfully ci in- ducted until tile 1st of August, 1900, when he sold that paper and bought the Chronicle of Cambridge, Illinois, which he is now \n\])- lishing. Having studied law, Mr. Mavity ■was admitted to the bar in 1892. and from that time until coming to L'anibrid'ge he ser\ed as city attorney of West Lebanon, Indiana, and also as notary public. He did, liowe\er, only an office practice. Mr. Mavit\- was married in Jul\-, 188^), to Miss Laura F. Hendricks, of 1 ledrick, Indiana, a daughter of John L. and llethier Hendricks, and by this union have been liorn two children: May and J. h.arl. ( )ur subject and lii> wife are both actix'e members of the Christian Church, and while a resi- dent of Indiana he served as clerk and elder in the same. He is also a jjrominent mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias and the Mod- ern Woodmen of America. In the former he has filled every office and served as dele- gate to the grand lodge of the state, while in the Woodmen Camp he has serx'ed as xenerable consul, a tlelegate to the grand ledge of Indiana, and to the supreme lodge, vhich met at Kansas City in 1899. Through the columns of his paper and Iiy personal effort Mr. Mavity has done much to ad- vance the interests of the Republican party and insure its success, and was a member of the Kepuljlican central committee of W ar- ren county. Jndiana, from 1884 to 1898, i!:clusi\e. ser\ing as secretar\- and chairman of the same from 1890 ti.i 1896. He has also been a delegate to numerous county and state conventions of his party. T. J. UACHCS. For the past nine vears T. I. P>achus has l.een one of the most active and progressive business men of Orion, where at first he engaged only in the grain and lumber trade, but since 1895 has also carried on contract- ing and liuilding with good success. Keen discrimination, unflagging industry and resolute purpose are numbered among his salient characteristics and to the.se may be attributed his success in life. .A native of Henrj'- county, ^h. Baclius v.as born in Oxford township, February 3, i860, and is a son of James Bachus, who was born in Gallipolis, Ohio, of which state the grandfather was a pioneer. The latter died there when lames was a child of f>iur 126 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. years. On leaving the Buckej-e state in 1843 he came to Henry county, Illinois, and set- tled in Oxford township, where he i)re- empted and later entered land, making for himself a well-improved farm of one hun- dred and twenty acres. He wedded Aliss J\lary James, a native of Pittshurg, Pennsyl- vania, who, like her hushand, was left an orphan in childhood. He hecame one of the prosperous farmers of his community, as vt-ell as one of its most influential and prom- inent citizens, and served as township trus- tee for twenty-one consecutive years, heing then succeeded by our subject. The father died in 1890, at the age of sixty-seven vears, and his wife passed away in 1874, at the age of fifty-tw(_) years. In their family were six children, namely: I\Iary, wife of Sidney Mead, of Wichita, Kansas; Jane, wife of Harry Light; James, a resident of Peoria, Illinois; Benjamin, of Buffalo, Missouri; Archibald, of Lakefield, Minnesota; and T. I., our subject. T. I. Bachus grew to manhood upon his father's farm, and received his educa- tion in the home school. On lea\-ing the parental roof he went t<> Jacksun ci unity, Minnesota, where he engaged in farming and also dealing in grain and hay for about six years. He made a specialty of hay, which he bought and shipped in large quantities. Disposing of his business there he returned to this county in 1892 and located at Orion, where he bought out an estabUshed grain and lumber business with a good elevator and lumber sheds and yard. B}- fair and hon- orable dealing he has built up an' excellent trade, receiving a liberal share of the public patronage. In 1895 Mr. Bachus also be- gan contracting and building, and has since erected many buildings in Henry and Rock Island counties, including churches, business houses, elevators and numerous dwellings. Along this line he has done much to improve and benefit the country, and is to-day recog- nized as one of the leading business men and most public-spirited citizens of Orion. At that place, Mr. Bachus was married, May 24, 1894, the lady of his choice being Miss Gertrude McClosky, who was born, reared and educated in Orion, and is a daughter of Edward McClosky, one of the early settlers of Henry county. In politics Mr. Bachus is a stanch Republican, having affiliated with that party since casting his first presidential vote for James A. Garfield, in 1880. For two years he served as a member of the town board, but has never cared for political honors, desiring rather to give his undivided attention to his busi- ness affairs. Fraternally he is a Master IMason, a member of the blue lodge of Orion, and both he and his wife hold mem- bership in the Eastern Star Chapter. SAMUEL STEWART. For over thirty-two years Sanniel Stew- art has been a resident of Henry county, and liis name is inseparably connected with its agricultural interests. He is now tlie owner of a fine farm of one hundrqd and sixty acres on section 28, Colona township, and in its operation he is meeting with excellent success. He was born in county Down, Ireland, Marcli i, 1865, and on the paternal side is of Scotch ancestry. His father, Robert Stewart, was liorn in county Down, Ireland, in 182 1, and on reaching manhood was united in marriage with Miss Jane Craig. In tlie land of his birth he contin- ued to make his home, being engaged in farming, until after the birth of all his chil- SAMUEL STEWART. L UNIVEfiSny OFIUINOIS URBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 129 dren. On Iiis emigration to America in 1868, he took up his residence in Colona township, Henry county, Illinois, and with the assistance of his sons opened up the farm on w^hich our subject now resides, convert- ing tlie wild tract into a highly improved farm. There he died in 1887, and his wife passed away in 1894. They were reared in the Presbyterian faith, and throughout life were active and consistent members of that church. In the family of this worthy couple were seven children, five sons and two daughters, who reached years of maturity, namely : John went to Nebraska after reaching man- hood and there died; William is married and lives in Red Willow county, Nebraska; James makes his home in Clay county, that state; Samuel, our subject; Robert is a resi- dent of Red Willow county, Nebraska; Eh- za is the wife of William Brown, of Colona township, this county; and Flora is the wife of Hugh D. Carey, of Henry county, Illi- nois. Reared to manhood on the old home- stead farm Samuel Stewart became familiar with the common English branches of learn- ing in the district schools of the neighbor- hood. He aided in the work of improving and cultivating the home farm, remaining Avith his father until theMatter's death, and continued its operation for ten years there- after. He then purchased the interests of the other heirs and succeeded to the home- stead, which he has greatly improved. A well three hundred and thirty-three feet deep has been drilled upon the place, and a wind pump put in, furnishing an abundant sup- ply of good water for his stock. As a farm- er and stock raiser he has met with excellent success, and is to-day one of the well-to-do citizens of his community. In his political affiliations Mr. Stewart is an uncompromising Democrat, and an ad- vocate of the principles of the party's laid down by W'illiam J. Bryan. He does all in his power to advance the interests and insure the success of his party, but has never cared for political preferment. He has served, however, as a member of the school board and clerk of the district. Religiously he is a member of the Warner Baptist church, and is highly respected and esteemed by all who know him. LEONARD R. BOTHWELL. Among the most prominent and influ- ential citizens of Western township is this well-known and prosperous farmer, who owns and operates a fine farm of three hun- dred acres, the home being on section 22, within one mile of Orion. He was born in Jefferson county. New York, April 28, 1838, of Scotch-Irish ancestry. Plis pa- ternal grandfather was one of the early set- tiers of the Empire state, and his father, David Bothwell, was a native of Washing- ton county. New York. The latter married Jemima Spencer, of Jefferson county, who died in 1842, and his death occurred in 1846. Thus left an orplian at an early age Leon- ard R. Bothwell was reared by his sister, Mrs. Mary Scott, and with her moved to I'rown county, Wisconsin, in 1846, where he grew to manhood, his primary education being obtained in the common schools of that locality. The knowledge there acquired has been greatly supplemented by reading and observation in later years. He aided ir, the work of the farm and was also em- pliiycd in a sawmill for a time. I30 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. In June, i860, Mr. Bothwell came to Henr^- county, Illinois, and worked b}- the month for a number of j'cars as a farm hand for N. B. Lloyd, who was one of the first settlers from Bucks county, Pennsylvania, to locate here, the date of his arrival being 1838. In August, 1861, Mr. Bothwell joined the bo3's in blue in the efforts to crush out the rebellion, becoming a member of the Eleventh Battery, Ohio Light Artillery, v.'hich was assigned to the Western army, and was organized at St. Louis. The win- ter was spent in Missouri, and their first engagement was at Xew Madrid, which was followed by the battle of luka, Mississippi, September 19, 1862, where Mr. Bothwell was wounded, being twice shot through the arm and also in the right side. Being per- manentl}^ disabled he was sent to the hos- pital at Jackson, Tennessee, where he re- mained until honorably discharged from the service in January, 1863. That spring he returned to Henry county, and when he had sufficienth' recovered began work on the farm of his father-in-law. During 1865 and 1866, he was simikui}- emph.iyed in Iowa, but since that time has made his home uninterruptedly in this county. On the 6th of June, 1867, Mr. Bothwell married Miss Florence D. Lloyd, a daugh- ter of X. B. Lloyd. She was born in Henry county, ^la}- 12, 1844, and was reared and educated within one mile of her present home. She attended the Geneseo high school for a time, and spent about four years with an uncle in Pennsylvania. After his mar- riage j\Ir. Bothwell helped carry on the Lloyd farm until 1871, and then purchased eighty acres of his present farm, which at that time was all wild prairie, and which he at once began to break and improve. He bought more land from time to time. including a part of the Lloyd estate, and is now the owner of an excellent farm of three lumdred acres, improved with good buildings and supplied with all the accessories and con\'eniences found upon a model farm of the twentieth century. Besides this valuable property he also owns residence lots in Orion. In connection with general farming he is engaged in stock raising, and is meeting with excellent success in both undertakings. He became a" stockholder on the reorganization of the Farmers Bank of Orion, in 1895, and has since served as vice-president of the same. ]\Ir. and ^Irs. Bothwell are the parents of eight children, namely: Ada, the wife of Charles Anderson, a farmer of Western township: Amelia. Esther, Lizzie, Herbert, EKvood, Arthur, William and Clarence, all at home, while the three youngest are still in school. In his political affiliations ^Ir. Bothwell is an ardent Republican, having supported that party since casting his first vote for A. Lincoln, in i860. He has taken (|u-te an active and prominent part in local politics; lias served as assessor four years : as town- ship collector two years; and in 1887 was elected supervisor, which office he filled so acceptably that he has been constantly re- elected, serving in all thirteen consecutive vears. He has served on a number of im- portant committees and is now chairman of the county building committee and the purchasing committee. He has also been a delegate to various county conventions of his party, and has made a faithful and effi- cient officer in whatever position he has been called upon to fill. Fraternally he is an honored member of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Ancient Order of L'nited Workmen and the Grand Army of the Re- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 131 public, and has served as quartermaster of the post at Orion since its organization. His life has been one of honest and earnest endeavor and due success has not been de- nied him. TOHX LIX.V. The expression "dijjnity of labor" is ex- emplified in the life record of this gentleman, who without reserve attributes his success tc earnest work. He is a man of strong force of character, purposeful and energetic, and his keen discrimination and sound judg- ment are shown in his capable management of business afifairs. He is to-day the lead- ing merchant tailor of Cambridge, in which city he has made his home since February, 1895. Mr. Linn was born at Mo, near Smler- hamm, in the northern ])art of Sweden, March 12, 1841, his parents being John P. and Sarah Foline, wlm never came to Amer- ica. The father, who was born in 1813, is still living. He has served in the standing army of Sweden, though never engaged in war, doing garrison duty most of the time. The mother of our subject died in 1847, and the fatlier subse(|uently married again, but his second wife has also passed away. His children were Foline, who came to this country w ith our subject, and is now engaged in the shoe business in Moline, Illinois; John, of this review: Andrew, a shoemaker by tr.ule, who died in St. Petersburg, Rus- sia, in 1871, at the age of twenty-seven years ; and Charles, who died in infancy. On coming to this country in the fall of 1868, Mr. Linn first located in Geneseo, Illinois, where he spent four years, and then went to Davenport, Iowa, where he was en- gaged in the merchant tailoring business v.ith P. A. Harling for the same length of time. At the end of that period he returned to Geneseo. where he followed the same business alone until 1881, and later con- ducted a tailoring establishment in !Moline until 1892. On leaving that city he again returned to Geneseo, and continued to carry on business there with F. F. Aldeen until 1895, when he sold out to his partner and came to Camljridge, where he has already built up a large and lucrative trade. Before leaving his native land. Mr. Linn was married on the ist of January. 1865, to Miss Jennie Sparman, who was born in L^meo, W'esterbotten, Sweden, ]\ray 10, 1842. Of the eleven children born to them only three have been spared, namely: Han- nah, wife of Albert Freeman, of Moline; Jennie, who married Oscar Boom, of Gen- eseo, and has three children, May and Maria, twins, and Jennie ; and Clara, who is in a store in Rock Island. Mrs. Linn and her daughters are members of the Baptist Church and are highly esteemed by all who know them. In his political views ]\Ir. Linn is a Republican. He was penniless on coming to the new world and had to work a }-ear and a half to get enough money to send for his wife and two children, who had remained in Sweden. He therefore deserves great credit for the success that he has achieved in life. Besides his pleasant and commodious residence in Cambridge he is now the owner of one of the most highly cultivated and best improved farms in Andover township. Upon the place is a good ten-room residence, a barn, cribs and other buildings. Dili- gence has been the keynote to his success, and his example is one that might be profit- abljr followed by all who ha\-e to depend THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. upon their own exertions. His worth is widely recognized and he enjoys the friend- ship of the best people of Cambridge. PETER C. STEWART. Although well past the Psalmist's span of three score years and ten, Peter C. Stew- art is still actively identified with the agri- cultural interests of Henrj^ county and ably superintends the management of his fine farm of four hundred and eighty acres on section 26, Colona township. He was born in Somerset count)^ Pennsyhania, March 22, 1818, and is a representative of one of the pioneer families of New York, where his father, David Stewart, was born in 1763. On reaching manhood the latter married Effa Culverson, who was born in Xew Jer- sey, but was reared in the Empire state. For a few years the}- made their home in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and then removed to Muskingiun county, Ohio, be- ing numbered among its first settlers. In 1838 they came to Illinois and took up their residence in fiercer county, where the father died three years later. Peter C. Stewart was twenty years of age when he came with his father to this state, and he spent two seasons working on the home farm in Mercer county. Coming to Henry county in 1841 he rented land in A\'estern township, and commenced farming on his own account. After about eight or ten years spent in this way he purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 36, the same township, and at once began its im- provement and cultivation. Acre after acre was placed under the plow until the entire amount was highly cultivated. To the orig- inal purchase he later added another one- hundred-and-sixty-acre tract, making a farm of half a section which he still owns, and still later he purchased the farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres on section 26, Colona township, which he now occupies. The buildings upon the place are neat and sub- stantial and everything about the farm indi- cates the careful supervision of a painstak- ing owner. He has engaged in raising and feeding stock quite extensively, and annually ships to the city markets four carloads of cattle and two of hogs. In Henrj^ county 'Sir. Stewart was mar- ried, December 20, 1845, to Miss Eliza Jane Piatt, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, August 5, 1823, but was principally reared in Indiana. About 1838 or 1839 she came with her father, Jacob Piatt, to Henr}^ coun- ty, Illinois. Her father was twice married, his second union being wnth Jane Thomp- son. On coming to Henry county he bought land in Weller township, where he died in 1848. His wife survived him until 1880. They were members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have five children living, namely : Frank, who is mar- ried and engaged in fruit growing in Delta, Colorado; William J., wdio is married and is now serving as superintendent of schools in Nance count}-, Nebraska, being a teacher of long experience; Edward, who is married and engaged in the stock business in Trini- dad, Colorado; Allies K., who is married and lives on the home farm with his father, though he owns a farm in Colona township; Ellen, wife of John Holden, who lives on the Stewart farm. One daughter. Ada, died at the age of five years. Politically Mr. Stewart is a Jefifersonian Democrat, and cast his first presidential vote for Martin Van Buren. He has taken LIBRARY UNIVERSI1Y OF ILLINOIS UKBANA p. C. STEWART. MRS. P. C. STEWART. LIBRARY J/NIVERSiry OP ILLINOfS URSANii( IS THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 137 an active interest in educational affairs, serving as school director some years, and as president and clerk of the district. Although eighty-three }'ears of age he has the vigor of a much younger man and in spirit and inter- est seems yet in his prime. Old age is not necessaril)- a synonym of weakness and in- activity. It needs not suggest as a matter of course the want of occupation or helpless- ness. Mr. Stewart stands to-day in his ma- ture years a strong man, strong in the con- sciousness of a well-spent life, strong to plan an.d perform, strong in his credit and good name, and a worthy example for young men to pattern after. For almost sixty years he and his wife have been residents of Henry county, and are to-day numbered among its most honored pioneers and highly-respected citizens. JOHN A. BRODD. This gentleman, who has been actively identified with the farming interests of An- dover township for several years, was born at Broddark Parish, sixty-five miles from Gottenberg, Sweden, on the 2nd of Febru- ary, 1850, a son of John and Catharine (Larson) Brodd, natives of the same coun- try. The father was born October 27, 1821, and is a son .of Swan and Christine Brodd, who spent their entire lives in Sweden, Iioth living to an advanced age. In his native land John Brodd, father of our subject, followed the occupation of farming until 1863, when he sailed from Gottenberg, Sweden, to Hamburg, Ger- many, and at the latter place took passage on a sailing vessel for New York. He was five weeks in crossing the ocean, that being considered a <|uick voyage at that time. Coming at once to Andovcr, Illinois, he took up his residence in the well known log house in the center nf the village, where he made his home until the following fall, when he bought two and a half acres in the same place, and lived there six years and a half. For thirteen years he rented the David Pol- lock farm, and tlicn purchased the farm where our subject now resides, buying later thirty acres, which he improved and placed under cultivation, and where he now resides. In his political views he is a Republican, and in religious belief is a Lutheran, to which church his wife also belongs. They are still living in Andover township and are num- bered among its honored residents. Of their seven children six were lx)rn in Sweden, and Clara and Frank G. both died in that coun- try prior to the emigration of the family. Anna Sophia died in Andover township at the age of twenty-five years. John A. is the subject of this sketch. Frank L. is a resident of Cambridge. Theodore died in Andover in 1863, and Alma, born in that township, in 1864, died in 1865. Our subject passed the first thirteen years of his life in Sweden, and then came with the family to the new wt)rl(l, since which time he has made his home in Andovcr tinvn- ship. After completing his education in its pubhc schools, his advantages being limited, he took up the occupation to which he had l)cen reared — that of farming — and in 1886 purchased his present farm oi eighty acres of his father, to the improvement and culti- vation of which he has since devoted his en- ergies, tie has erected thereon good and substantial buildings, and has done con- siderable tiling. December 16, 1886, in Andover town- ship, Mr. Brodd married Miss Catharine Sophia Fair, who was born in that town- I3S THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ship, April 8. 1856, a daughter of Gustoph and Fredericka Fair, natives of Smolend, Sweden. Her parents came to the United States in 1854, and from that time until 1897 made their home in Andover township, but are now residents of Orion, this county. Zvlr. and Mrs. Brodd have six children, namely : Esther, Francis, Philip, Delmore, Chester and Hannah. The parents are both active members of the Lutheran Church, with which Mr. Brodd is officially connected. In politics he is a Republican, and he takes an active and commendable interest in all that will advance the interests of his town- ship and county. WILLIAM H. KXOWLES. -\mong the representative farmers and leading citizens of Osco township is the sub- ject of this biography, who has resided here since 1874, his home being on section 22. He is a native of Henr^- count)-, his birth liaving occurred in Linn township. May 3, 1866. His father, ]\Iatthew Knowles, was born in Matlock, England, on the 19th of May, 1 82 1, and in 1848 came to the United States. Choosing Illinois as a future home, he settled in Henrj- comity, in 1856, and three years later was united in marriage with JMiss Annie Radburn, the youngest of a fam- ily of seven children, rn six children, five of whom are now living: John T., a resident of Gales- Inirg: James G.. who died Xovember. 1900. at Marysville. California; Amanda, now Mrs. Briggs, of Oklahoma; and Harlen. of Indian territory, and Harbin C, twins, liv- ing near Galesburg, Illinois. The boyhood and youth of Thomas M. Robertson were passed upon tiie home farm in Knox county, and he received a good com- mon-school education. \t the age of se\- €nteen he and his brother Alexander began breaking prairie, with three plows and five yoke of oxen to each plow. They broke much of the sod between W'ataga and Little York, Mercer county, their largest day's work being ten and a quarter acres near W'ataga. getting two dollars and twen- ty-five cents per acre. The brother re- tired from the business before our sub- ject, who continued to follow it for about nine years. He became the owner of seventy-seven acres of land in Kno.x town- ship, wiiich he sold on coming to Henry county in 1867. and bought one hun- dred antl si.xty acres in W'elier town- ship, to which he subsetiuently added tracts of sixty-two, eighty and one hundred and forty acres, but has since sold a portion of tiiis land, though he still retains one hun- dred and seventy-six acres of well improved and valuable land on section 7. and one hun- dred and thirtv-seven and a half acres on section 8. \\ eller tnwnshii). Upon tliese farms he has erected good and substantial buldngs, has placed the land under a high state of cultivaton and otherwise improved them, until they are now among the most desirable of their size in that section of the county. He has also owned land in Ne- braska. On the 28th of October. 1858, Mr. Rob- ertson was united in marriage with Miss yiary J. Bick, who was born in Ohio. May 17, 1840, a daughter of Elias and Cather- ine (Stein) Bick, natives of Pennsylvania, who in 1852 removed to Knox county, Illi- nois. Her father was a successful merchant tailor, who did a large business and em- ployed many workmen. He was born -Au- gust 15, 1813, and died February 24. 1864, while his wife was lx>rn December i. 181 5, and died February 12, 1852. Both were devout members of the Methodist Episco- ])al Church, and were held in high regard by all who knew them. Mrs. Robertson was the eldest of their four daughters, the others being as follows: (2) Alsetta is the wife of William Collins, a railroad employe of Atchison, Kansas, and they have five chil- dren, Frederick, William, Forest, Harry and May. (3) Susie is the wife of Albert Thompson, a farmer of Norton, Kansas; and they have seven children, Frederick, Charles, Howard, Florence. Cora, John and Maii|de. (4) Louisa is the wife of John Maxwell, a farmer of Grinnell, Iowa, and • their children are Catherine, Jennie, Atha, Cora and Charles. Eight chiltlren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Robertson, but Cora died at the age of three years, and three of the number died in infancy. Those living are .Arthur, on the home farm ; Fannie, wife of \'. J. Poppy, a farmer of Weller township, this county. ISO THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. by whom she has one child, Jessie ; Harry B., a grain buyer of Bishop Hill, who mar- ried Hattie Hunt and has one child, Mildred ; and Carrie, wife of C. \\'. Nelson, who lives en the home farm. For many years Air. Robertson has been identified with the financial, interests of Cam- bridge, serving as one of the directors of the Farmers National Bank since its or- ganization, in 1882, and as vice-president during that entire time with the exception of two years. He is now one of the oldest bank officials in this part of the county. He has also been interested in the mercan- tile business some ten or twelve years. His political support is always given the men and measures of the Democratic party, and while living in the country he served his fel- low citizens as road commissioner some time, and as a member of the school board for nine years. At the age of twenty-one years he was made a Alason in Hiram Lodge, Henderson, Illinois. Being demitted from that lodge, he became one of the charter members' of Oxford Lodge, and later as- sisted in the organization of the lodge at Woodhull, Henry county. He and his es- timable wife are members of the Baptist Church. They are widely and favorably known throughout the county, and it is safe to say that no couple within its borders are more honored or highly esteemed, or more justly deserve the high regard in which they are held by all who know them. ANDREW LINCOLN. The well-known and ]iopular superin- tendent of the Swedish Orphan Home in Andover township, was born in \'ennland, Kroppa Congregation, Sweden, April 29,. 1842, a son of John and Maria (Olson) Lindgren, also natives of that country, where the father, who was a farmer by occupation, died. Tlie mother subsequently came to the United States and settled in Kansas, her death occurring in Linsberg, that state,^ January 7, 1893. Our subject was reared and educated in his native land, and contin- ued to make his home thfere until his emigra- tion to America, in April, 1869. On his arrival in this country he proceeded to Kan- sas, where he received a contract for stone work on the Santa Fe railroad. His first contract was around Emporia and Florence and in that vicinity. He located in Linsberg, ]\IcPherson county, where he purchased two hundred and forty acres of land and followed farming for a time. For twelve years he was also engaged in the lumber business at that place, hauling the first load of lumber from Salina to that place. He took up govern- ment land there, and in his farming op- erations was fairly successful, though he met with some reverses, caused principally by the grasshopper plague. While residing in McPherson he was a member of the city council during which time many improve- ments were made. He was also a trustee of Bethany College, from the beginning of the school, a period of sixteen years, and was one of the officers ^\■hen the college buildings were erected. While a resident of Kansas, Mr. Lincoln was married, October 21, 1871, to Miss Anna Christine Johnson, a native of Sweden, and to them were born nine children, as fol- lows: Julius L., who was ordained a Lu-. theran minister in 1893, and is now pastor of a church at Jamestown, N^ew York ; Da\-id, an undertaker and embalmer at that place; Simon, who is now attending THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 151 Rusli Medical College at Chicago; Hannah; Selma, who is preparing herself for a trained nurse in Chicago; Carl, who is a student in Augustana College; and Luther. Mr. Lincoln contiiuied to reside in Kansas until September i, 1896, when he ac- cepted the superintendenc}' of the Swedish Orphan Home in Andover township, Henry county, Illinois, and removed to this place, and has since most creditably filled that re- sponsible position. This institution was or- ganized in Minnesota and belongs to the Augustana Synod. It is known as the Swed- ish Evangelical Orphan Home and School and was first located in Swedonia, Mercer county, Illinois, where a building was erect- ed in 1867 and dedicated the following year, but in 1869 the institution was transferred to Andover, Henry county. The first build- ing erected here answered all purposes until 1880, when what is now known as tiie main building was erected. The farm consists of four hundred and thirty acres, of which three hundred acres are under a high state of cultivation. The farm is largely oper- ated by the inmates under the superxision of Mr. Lincoln, and in 1899 they raised ten thousand bushels of corn upon the place. The first sui^erintendent, S. P. Lindell, was succeeded by John S. Swanson, who filled that position for eight years. E. Hoogner, of Swedonia, was then suijerintendent for three years, and was followed by Gust John- son for two years, and J. E. Munell for eighteen months. Mr. Lincoln then took charge of affairs, and has most capably and acceptably filled the office since Septemlier, 1896. There are now forty inmates at the home, though the enrollment has been as high as sixty-eight. During the sciiool year of 1 899- 1 900, the school was conducted in English for seven months, and in Swedish for three months. The present capacity is forty, and the inmates receive home care, Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln being father and mother to all. GEORGE J. S^^IITH. -Vmong tb.c leading and representative agriculturists of Western township, stalwart and sturdy tillers of the soil, there is none who stands a more prominent figure tlr.>n George J. Smith, whose b.ome is on section I, where since 1883 he has successfully en- gaged in general farming and stock raising. Mr. Smith was born in Kombach, Ba- varia, Germany, on the 15th of October, 1851, a son of jolin P. and Margaret (Grampp) Smith, also natives of that coun- try, where the father followed farming until his emigration to the new world in 1856. On their arrival in this country the family first located in Maryland, but a year later came to Illinois, and the father opened up and improved a farm in Long Point town- ship, Livingston count)-, on which he sjjent his remaining days. He was born in 1805 and died in January, 1886. His wife died about five years later. George J. Smith was about six years cE age when he came to America with his par- ents, and in Livingston county he grew to manhood, aiding his father in the improve- ment and cultivation of the farm, which he subsequently purchased. He continued his residence there until after his marriage, but ill 1883 removed to Henry county and \n\v- chased his present farm of three hundred and twenty acres, to the further improve- ment and cultivation of which he has since devoted his energies with most gratifying is: THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. results. He has built a ucat and substantial residence, good barns and other outbuild- ing-s. has set out an orchard and shade trees, and has a gnnd system of water works oj)- erated by a wind pump. In fact, all of the conveniences and accessories of a model farm are there found, and the place is one of the most desirable farms of its size in the township. Mr. Smith makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock for market, and airnually ships about four carloads of cattle and the same of hogs, being accounted one of the most successful farmers and stock- nien of the county. On the i6th of Alarcli. 1882. in Henry county. Mr. Smith married Miss Carrie Smith, who was born in Edford township. Henry county, a daughter of William Smith, who was one of the early settlers of the coun- ty, and improved the farm on which our sulv ject now resides. He was born near Hano- ver, Prussia, in 1822. and wdien about twentv years of age came to the United States, first locating in Cumberland. Maryland, where he married Caroline Emmert. also of German birth. In 1851 they came to Henry count}-. Illinois, and settled in Edford townshiji. where he purchased land and still lives. He is an extensive land owner, and at one time was the owner of eleven hundred acres. Having no children of their own. om- subject and his wife have adopted a daugh- ter, Edna Smith, who was an orphan. Thev are active and consistent members of the Lutheran Church, and are highlv respected and esteemed by all who know them (mi ac- count of their sterling worth and manv ex- cellencies of character. In his political views Mr. Smith is a stanch Republican, and has supported every presidential nominee of that party since casting his first vote for General U. S. Grant in 1872. He is now serving as township trustee with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. AMOS A. DYAL. Among the self-made men and honored citizens of Orion who have laid aside busi- ness cares to spend their declining years in peace and quiet is the subject of this review, who has been a resident of Henry county since the ist of October, 1856. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in the citv of Pittsburg on the 7th of March, 1834. and is a son of William H. and Eliza A. (Stewart) Dyal, both natives of West Virginia, though their marriage was celebrated in the Key- stone state. The father was born in 1807, and in early life was engaged in flatboating on the Ohio river, running coal barges. He finally located on a farm in Coshocton coun- tv, Ohio, and devoted the remainder of his life to agricultural pursuits. There he died in 1891 at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. The mother died in 1885. On the home farm Amos D\al grew to manhood, receiving but limite^l school priv- ileges in his youth. In the fall of 1856 he came west, arriving in Henry county, Illi- nois, on the 1st of October, and for about four years he worked by the month on the farm of L. C. W'elton. one of the early set- tiers of Illinois, who came to Henry county from Peoria county. Later he rented land and engaged in farming on his own account for three or four years in Osco and Andoxer towmships. 'In 1862 he purchased eighty acres of land on section 14, Western town- ship, but did not locate thereon until two AMOS DYAL. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 155 years later. At time of purchase tliis was a wild tract, which Mr. Dyal fenced, hroke and improved, and as his financial resources increased he added to his property from time t(j time until, he now owns two hundred and tliirty-fnur acres of rich and arable land, which he has placetl under a higii state of cultivation and improved with a good set of farm buildings, including a pleasant resi- dence and two barns. He raised and fed considerable stock for market, and in all his undertakings met with a fair success. In November, i860, in Henry county, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Dyal antl Miss Isabella McFarland. who was 1)orn and reared in Holmes county. Ohio, and died here in 1872, leaving two children. Ida Eliza, the older, is now the wife of Harry McCleese, of Hancock county. Iowa, and the}' have seven children: Myron, Clarence, Walter, Bertha, Isabella, Ralph K. and Hazel. Robert, the younger child of our subject, grew to manh(X)d and married, but died May 8, 1896. In 1S74 Mr. Dyal was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Marietta Hovey, who was born in Xew York, but was reared and educated in Henry county, Illinois, and engaged in teaching school prior to her marriage. She died in 1889, and June 29, 1892, in Fayette county Pennsylvania, Mr. Dyal was united in mar- riage with Miss Mary E. Showalter, a native of that county, educated at George's Creek Academy and the Lock Haven Normal School, and also a school teacher. Through- out his active business life her father, James Showalter, also followed that profession, but is now living a retired life in Smithfield. Pennsylvania. He belongs to an old family of that state. In his political views Mr. Dyal is inde- pendent, but being a strong temi)erance man. he usually supports the men and measures of the Prohibition party. He and his wife attend the Baptist Church of Orion, with which he holds membershi]). but she is still connected with the Presbyterian Church of Smithfield, I'ennsyhania, basing been reared in that faith. .\s a citizen of Henry county, with whose interests he has long been identified, he is highly respected, enjoys the confidence of his neighbors and friends, and is regarded as a man of excellent busi- ness judgment. His success in life is due entirely to his own well-directed efforts, dil- igence and sagacity. He is now living re- tired in Orion, to which [ilace he remoNcd in October, 1895, and where he owns a home. P. E. OSTRAN. This prominent business man of Cam- bridge, Illinois, who is a member of the well- known firm of Ostran, Hunt & Company, was born in Sweden August 31, 1866, a son of P. Ostran and Catherine Ostran. By occupation the father was a dairy farmer, and was an active member of the Christian Church, to which his wife also belongs. She is still living in Gtfle, Sweden, at the age of sixty-eight years, but he died in that country in 1878. at the age of forty-nine. In their family were five children, namely: Mary, w ife of August Peterson, of Hartford, Con- necticut : .\nna. wife of X. L. W'ahlburg. of Cambridge. Illinois; P. E., our subject; Christin. wife of C. Nordstrum. of Hart- ford. Connecticut; and Hannah, who lives w ith her mother in Sweden. P. E. Ostran was reared and educated ill his native land, attending both the com- mon schools and an academy. In the spring 156 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. of 1882, in company with a sister, who after landing remained in Xew York, he crossed the Atlantic and came direct to Cambridge. On his arrival here he began clerking in a store, and at the same time attended school that he might learn the English language. He was employed as clerk here until the fall of 1887, when he went to Kearney, Xe- braska, where he held a similar position un- til July of the following year. He then re- turned to Cambridge and purchased the in- terest of James Mascall, now deceased, in the firm of Mascall, ^^'alline & Company, for whom he had previously worked. The name was then changed to W'alline, \\'en- nerstrum & Company, ilr. Ostrah being the company, and it remained such until 1894, when it was again changed to Ostran, Hunt & Company. Theirs is the largest store in Cambridge, and they carry a full and complete line of general merchandise, in fact everything found in a first class es- tablishment of the kind. They buy all kinds of country pToduce, and conduct a branch store at Ulah, Illinois. Besides the members of the firm, employment is fur- nished six or seven clerks, and they en- joy a verj- large country and city trade, which is constantly increasing. On the 13th of September. 1888, ^Mr. Ostran married ^liss Delia Pederson, who was born in ilandal, Xorwa}', October 3, 1864, a daughter of Ola and Anna (Olsen) Pederson. She came with her parents to America in 1871, and located in Chicago, where the family were living at the time of the great fire in October, 1871. In 1881 they moved to Kearney, Xebraska. where the father, a carpenter by trade, remained until 1895, since which time he has been a resi- dent of Cambridge, but her mother died May 9, 1898, at the age of sixty years. Mrs. Ostran died of apoplexy, July 18. 1900. She was a faithful and consistent member of the ilethodist Episcopal Church, and on the day of her death a committee of ladies from the church met at her house. She was called to the door by a visitor, and a few minutes after her return to the parlor the ladies noticed her unnatural breathing, and fearing something serious was the matter summoned a physician and her husband by telephone, both arriving a few minutes be- fore her spirit took its flight. She had united with the church in 1891 and became an earnest and zealous worker, who loved the church of her choice with an intense devo- tion. Genial and pleasant in manner, she made many friends, and was highly respect- ed b)' all who knew her. After dinner, on the day of her death, while apparently in per- fect health, she sat down to the piano and played and sang stanzas of a song, the last of which was : "In mansion of glor}- and endless delight. I'll ever adore Thee in Heaven so bright.. I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, 'tis now." She was buried by the Eastern Star, of v.hich she was a member. Mr. Ostran is a prominent member of the Masonic order, and for several terms has been treasurer of the blue lodge at Cam- bridge. He is also a member of the chapter at Kewanee. Everts Commandery of Rock Island, the Eastern Star Chapter of Cam- bridge, and is a charter member of Mo- hammed Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Peoria. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Republican party, and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 157' and ability, have called u])Mn him to serve as aklernian for se\eral terms. He has made for himself an honoral)le record in business, and by his well-directed efforts has acquired a handsome competence. As a. citizen, friend and neiglibor he is true to e\ery duty, and justly merits the esteem in which he is held. ALBERT PETERSON'. Among tile representative farmers and l)rominent citizens of Andover township, none stand higher in public e^tecnl than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He was born in Jefferson county, Iowa, December 27, 1861, his parents be- ing P. M. and Hadda Charlotte (Anderson) Johnson, the former born in Norravi Soken, and tiie latter in Ashy Ostergotland, Sweden, where they were reared and mar- ried. In i860 they left the mother country and came to the L^nited States, locating at Salina, Jefferson count}-, Iowa, where the father purchased land and improved a farm, making his home there until his death in 1869. His widow subsequently married John Gabrielson, who died Sei)teml)er 6, 1896. She is still living and yet makes her home in Jefferson county, Iowa. By her first marriage slie became the mother of four children — Oscar and Peter, who died in Sweden; Albert, our subject; aiul William, a resilient of ]\Ioline, Illinois. By the sec- ond union there were no children born. By a former union, John Gabrielson had two sons: Alfred, deceased, formerly a physician and surgeon of Trenton, Iowa; and Henry, a resident of Montana. The primary education of .Vl.bert Peter- son was obtained in the public schools of his native county, where he remained until he was eleven years old, when he came to Henry county, Illinois, to make his home with an uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. John Carl.son, of Osco township, who were among the early settlers of the county, and with' whom he lived until his marriage, since \\hich time he has liecn a resident of An- dover township, where he has successfully engaged in farming. Shortly after attain- irg his majority, and wishing to be better prepared for the active duties of life, he took a three-months' course in a business college in Da\enport, Iowa, and he feels that the time was well spent. At Orion, Illinois, on the i6tli of April, 1884, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Peterson and Miss Emma Matilda Young- quist, a native of Western township, Henry county, Illinois, born April 16, 1864. Her father, Jonas A. Youngquist, was born in southern Sweden. He lost his father when c|uite young, and his mother subsec|uently came to .\merica and spent her last days ill Lvnn townshi]), Henry county, where her death occurred. ]\Ir. Youngquist was sev- enteen years of age when he came to the United States, and in June, 1854, came to Andover township, Henry county. For one year he worked on the railroad south of Galesburg, and for the same length of time- was employed as a farm hand by Daniel Mix, who li\ed south of Galesburg, in Kno.x crn in 1807, married \\'alter L. Rosebrooks, a fanner of O.xford, Massa- chusetts, and was killed by lightning July 5, 1835. Their two children, Walter F. and Mary 11., are both deceased. (4) Delia, born April 4. 1810. became the wife of J. S. W. l\lav. fo Holland. Massachusetts, and ihey ha\-e had three children. Laura, Pliny and Comfort. (5) I'lcirilla, born May 26, 1812, was married in 1833 tt) Bradford Bayliss. of Southbridge, Massachusetts, and died at Bristol, PennsyKania, Xovember 22, 1876. (6) Augusta, lx)rn December 25, 1815, was married in 1841 tn H. .\. F'errin, nf Massa- chusetts, and died January 14, 1873. Their children were .\mbrose D., Charles H. and Myra. (7) Dwight, born in Worcester county, Massachusetts. January 15, 18 19, is the only mem1)er of the family now living, his home being in Geneseo, Illinois. In 1852 he married Mrs. Sarah Lincoln Xegus, who died in (Jeneseo. Their children were Isa- dora, wife of Joseph .\. McLaughlin, of (ien- eseo; Arabella, wife of Robert T. Smith, of Lincoln, Xebraska ; Florence L., wife of R. W. Wing, of Oakland California; and Fran- ces L., deceased wife of William B. Hunter. Reared on his father's farm, Mr. Free- man of this review was given the advantages of the common schools of his day, which can hardly be compared to the educational institutions which are now the pride and «l62 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. boast of New England. He was early in- ured to hard work, and during his youth learned the carpenter's trade, completing his apprenticeship with Loren Merrick. Believ- ing that the West furnished better opportu- nity for avancement than the older states of the east, he went to Cleveland, Ohio, at the age of twenty-three, having friends residing in that city. There he found employment at his chosen occupation, but not long after locating there he was seriously injured in the left knee, and was confined to his bed for . some months. He then resumed work where he had left off, and for forty j-ears was iden- tified with the carpenter's trade in Cleveland, h.is specialty being inside finish. In the meantime he saved some capital which he in- vested in a small piece of land near the city, selling it afterward to an advantage. During this period Dwight had settled in Geneseo, and Air. Freeman paid him a vis- it in 1853, ^^ which time he bought property near the village with the intention of making it his future home, but it was not until the fall of 1869 that he located here. He at once identified himself with the local interests and assisted materially in building up the city. Among the permanent improvements that he made was a business block and hall which bears his name. On the 8th of September, 1835, in Cleve- land, Ohio, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Freeman and Miss Marcia A. Prichard, v.ho was born in W^aterbury, New Haven county, Connecticut, April 11, 1816, a daughter of Gaines and Mary (Bronson) Prichard. In 1820 her family removed from tliat state to Ohio, the journey being made with an ox team and occupying six weeks. The mother died in August, 1821, and a month later the father also passed away at the age of twentv-seven vears. Her ances- try, however, were noted for longevity, and during her infancy she had six grandmothers living. 'Her grandmother Prichard was ninety-six years of age at the time of her death, while her maternal great-grandmother lacked only a few weeks of being one hun- dred when she passed away. At the age of ninety the latter was as \'igorous as a per- son thirty years younger. She had her sec- ond sight and could read and sew without glasses. The male representatives of both families were principally farmers, though two of Airs. Freemen's cousins were Episco- pal clergvmen, and one a ph3'sician. Her maternal grandfather. Gates Bronson, was born during the Revolutionary war and was named for the celebrated General Gates. His father, Alichael Bronson, served as a lieu- tenant in the Continental army and also did the duty of an adjutant. He never applied for a pension, but after his death his wife re- ceived about two hundred dollars annually from the government. On coming west it was the intention of Mr. Freeman to lay aside business cares and live a retired life, but he was much too ener- getic a man to enjoy such a life, and became actively identified with different enterprises. He took considerable interest in fruit cult- ure. Although he was intensely a public- spirited man and an advocate of all that tends to advance and impro\e the community in which he lived, he did not care for public office. He died in Geneseo on Friday, No- vember 2, 1894. at the age of eighty-eight years, six months and eighteen days. He was a man of strict integrity, good business ability and great energ}% and commanded the respect and confidence of all with whom he came in contact, either in business or so- cial life. He was an active and prominent member of the Protestant Episcopal Church THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 163 and a constant attendant upon its services. His widow is also a commi-nicant of that church, and takes an active part in its work. She is a woman of many excellent traits of character which have endeared her to the entire community, and she is held in high re- gard by a large circle of friends and ac- quaintances. FRANK W. l)Uim.\XX. This well-known farmer, residing on sec- tion 28, Colona township, Henry county, is a native of Illinois, his birth having occiu'red in Rock Island county Octnljer Ji. 1847. His father. Joseph Durmann. was born in Bavaria, Germany, December 15, 1813, and when a young man emigrated to .\nierica. In April, 1845, he was married in Daven- port, Iowa, to Miss Amanda Killing, also a native of Germany, though she was reared in Davenport. Mr. Durmann followed the cooper's trade in Rock Island fnr smne years, and then located i>n a farm in Rock Island county, to the cultixatinn nf which he de- voted his time and attention until 1867, when he removed to Colona township. Henry county, and purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land, making it his home un- til his death, which occurred in March, 1805. Irj his family were five chikhxn. four sons and one daughter, of whom uur subiect is the eldest. Jo.seph, John and William are all substantial farmers of Colona townshi]); and JNIary is the wife of Patrick McKee, a farmer of Rock Island counlv . F. W. Durmann was a young man of about eighteen years when he came to Henry county with his father, and in the improve- ment and cultivation of the home farm he •bore an active part. On Thanksgiving day, November 24, 1870, be was married in Rock Island county to Miss Josephine Davis, who was born in the city of Rock Island on the same street where our subject's birth oc- curred. Her father was John C. Davis, a native of New York, and a son of Garry. Davis, who was one of the pioneers of Rock Island county, and built and conducted the first hotel at Milan, then Camden Mills. There her father grew to manhood and mar- ried Jane Renfrow, who was born in Illinois, her father, Absolam Renfrow, being also an early settler of Rock Island county, and the first cabinet maker and undertaker of Rock Island. Mr. and ^Irs. Durm.inn began their do- mestic life on a farm where they now re- side, and consisting of eighty acres of well- improved land. He has built a neat and com- fortable residence, and is successfully en- gaged in general farming and stock raising. The marriage of our subject and wife has been blessed with five sons, namely : Burd C, Louis A., Ray, John D. and Harry W. In politics Mr. Durmann is a Jefferson- ian Democrat, and at national elections al- ways supports that party, though he usually votes independent of party lines in local af- fairs where no issue is involved. He served two terms as township collector, and was a member of the school board some years, but has never sought ]X)litical honors, pre- ferring to devote his undivided attention to bis business interests. b'raternallv he is connected with the Home I'orum. and relig- iously both he and his wife are earnest and consistent members of the Baptist Church. They have witnessed almost the entire growth and development of this section of the state, and are justly deserving of promi- nent mention among its honored pioneers and worthy citizens. 164 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. SWEDISH EVANGELICAL CHURCH. At an early day a large Swedi.'^li culuny was founded at Andover, and it soon be- came necessary' to found a church at that place. Accordingly the Swedish Evangeli- cal Church was organized on the i8th of March, 1850. with ten communicants. The first of the Swedish colony to locate in An- dover was Swan Xelson, who took up his residence here in 1840, but in 1847 ^^e find that only a few families had settled here. When John A. Larson arrived in 1848 land could still be purchased at the government price of one d(illar and a quarter per acre, and ten acres was considered sufficient fur a family. The village was laid out at that time. The Re\'. L. P. Esbgorn arrixed in An- dover Octdber 24, 1849. being sent as a missionary from Sweden. He was a well- educated man. and the first winter spent here he instructed the young people in algebra and other studies. The church was organized by him on the i8th of ^larch. 1850. with twenty members, as previously stated, but five days later the membership was increased to thirty- five. He served as pastor until 1856, dur- ing which time a small brick building was erected acconling to- plans given by the company in Xew York who located the col- ony here and ut one. JOHN O. AXDERSOX. Among Orion's most honored and highly esteemed citizens is this retired farmer, who for almost half a century has been identified with the interests of- Henry county. His early home was on the other side of the At- lantic, for be was burn in Jonkopingland, X'estra liared. Sweden, March 25, 1830, and was there reared upon a farm. It was ir. 1854 that he emigrated to the new world, taking passage on a sailing vessel at Gutten- Ijerg, and arriving in New York after a rather pleasant voyage of six weeks. He landed and at once proceeded west by train to Buffalo, the lakes to Chicago, and train to (jeneseo. where he joined his brother i8o THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Malcolm Anderson, who had located here ill May, 1854. Renting land in Andover township, 'Sir. Anderson engaged in farming there for five 3'ears, and being unfamiliar with the methods and customs of America, had many new experiences during those years. Being economical, industrious and ambitious, he saved some money and in 1861 purchased eighty acres of raw prairie land in Lynn township, which he commenced at once to fence, break and improve. His first home was a good frame residence, though rather small, but it has since been replaced by a more commodious and pretentious dwelling. Good barns and outbuildings have also been erected, and the place converted into a highly improved farm. Mr. Anderson added to the original tract from time to time, and now has a valuable farm of four hundred acres. He continued its operation until 1895, W'hen he retired from active labor and has since lived in Orion, where he has built a fine residence. In Andover township, ]\Ir. Anderson was married August 4, 1854, to Miss Sophia Youngquist, who was also born and reared ill Sweden, and came to the L'nited States on the same vessel as her future husband. Six children bless this union, namely : John, who is married and follows farming in Webster county, Iowa; Charlotte, wife of Peter Samuelson, a farmer of Western town- ship, this county; Carl A., who is married and lives in Orion ; Albert, who married and died August i, 1896; Amanda, who is now her father's housekeeper; and Cordelia, wife of Edwin Linquist, w-ho operates Mr. Anderson's farm in Lynn township. The \vife and mother died May 20, 1898, and was laid to rest in Orion cemetery. Mr. Ander- son has several times visited his son in \\'ebster cduiUv, Iowa, si)en(liiig two weeks with him in September, 1900. He and his daughter. Miss Amanda, are members of the Swedish Lutheran Church of Orion. He was first a member of the Swedish Lu- theran Church in Andover, and there served as deacon for six years. He was one of the church officials when the large church build- ing was erected. He is identified with the Republican party, which he has always sup- ported since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln in i860. Empty- handed he came to America in search of home and fortune, and his ambitious dreams have been realized, for he has acquired a comfortable competence and handsome prop- erty, which now enables him, in his declin- ing years to lay aside all business cares and enjoy a well earned rest, surrounded by a host of warm friends and acquaintances. THOMAS H. JOHNSTON. Among the prominent and influential citizens of Cambridge, Illinois, is Thomas H. Johnston, who is now efficiently serving as county treasurer. He is a native of Henry county, born December 25, 1865, and is a son of John and Lucy M. (Selon) Johns- ton, the former a native of County London- derry, Ireland, the latter of Stark county, Illinois. In 1854 the father came from Connecticut to this state and took up his residence in Henry county, where he fol- lowed the occupation of farming through- out the remainder of his life. He was ac- tively interested in educational affairs and served as school director for many years, but aside from this he never took any part in public affairs. Religiously he was in THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. early life a Scotch Presbyterian. He died May 5. 1889, at the age of si.xty-three years, but iiis wife is still living at the age of fifty- si.x, and now makes her honie in Galva. Thomas H. is the oldest of their six chil- dren, the others being Edward I., assistant cashier in the First National Bank of Ke- wanee, Illinois; Phoebe J., who was formerly a teacher of this county, but is now at home with her mother; William J., who is en- gaged in the restaurant business in Ke- wanee; Robert E., manager of the E. W. Houghton Lumber Company branch at Al- tona, Illinois; and George E., bookkeeper for the same firm at Galva. Thomas H. Johnston remained upon the home farm until twenty-six years of age, and his primary education was obtained in the public schools of the locality. Later he attended the Galva high school and the Davenport Business College, graduating from the latter institution with the class of 1887. On leaving the farm in 1892 he ac- cepted the position of traveling salesman, and was with two different firms before he became connected with the banking establish- ment of L. M. Yocum & Company, at Galva. He remained with the bank until his elec- tion to his present office. On the 31st of October, 1895, Mr. Johns- ton was united in marriage with Miss Susie E. Calhoun, a daughter of Andrew Calhoun, of Henry county, and to them have been born two children : ^lary Janet and Will- iam C. Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Johnston are both members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. Politically he is a stanch Re- publican, and on his party ticket was elected treasurer of Henry county in 1898 by a ma- jority of twelve hundred and eighty. His fellow citizens speak in unqualified terms of his abilitv for that office, the duties of which he is now so capably and satisfactorily per- forming. His genial, pleasant manner makes him quite popular, and he has a host of warni friends throughout his native county. JOHN SAMUELSOX. Since 1852 John Saniuelson has been a resident of Henry county, and was for many years successfully engaged in farming and stock raising in Western township, two and a half miles from Orion, where he still owns a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres, but is now living a retired life in Orion. Although of foreign birth his duties of citizenship have ever been performed with a loyalty equal, to that of any native son of America, and when the country be- came involved in Civil war he went to the defense of the Union and protected its in- terests on many a southern battle field. Mr. Saniuelson was torn in Askerland, Sweden, November 25, 1835, and with his parents, Samuel and Anna (Nelson) John- son, crossed the briny deep to the new world in 1 85 1. After spending one season in Buffalo, New York, the family came to this county, in the spring of 1852, and the fa- ther, Samuel Johnson, took up land in what is Western township, where he improved a good farm of eighty acres, making his home thereon until his death in 1865. Being a young man of seventeen years upon his arrival in Henry county John Sani- uelson was of much assistance to his fa- ther in developing the farm, and remained with him until the latter's death. In i86i he enlisted in Company C, Forty-third Illi- nois \'olunteer Infantry, which became a part of the Western army. The first im- l82 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. portant battle in whicli he participated was that of Shiloh, which was followed by nu- merous battles and skirmishes. He took part in the siege of Vicksburg and the cap- ture of that strongly fortified place, and later went to Little Rock, Arkansas. He was also in the engagement at Jenkins Ferry. He entered the service as a private, but was promoted to corporal and later to sergeant. Losing no time from illness or other causes when his term of enlistment had expired he was honorably discharged in the fall of 1864 and returned home. For one season Air. Samuelson worked on the old home farm, and then commenced farming on his own account, having previ- ously purchased forty acres of land. He and three brothers bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, which they improved and operated together for a few j-ears, but finally divided the land, each taking forty acres. Subsequently our subject purchased two hundred and forty acres more and now has an excellent farm of three hundred and twenty acres, upon which he has made many substantial impro\ements, in- cluding the erection of good buildings, and the planting of fruit and ornamental trees. He continued to actively engage in the cultivation of his land and in stock rais- ing until i8g8, when he removed to Orion and laid aside all business cares to spend his remaining years in ease and quiet, owning a good home in the village. He was early identified with the Swedish Insurance Com- pany and served as a trustee in the same. In ilay, 1866, in Henry county, Mr. Samuelson was united in marriage with Aliss Mary Lawrence, who was born and reared in Sweden, and they became the par- ents of six children, four sons and two 95 ability to plan wisely and execute with en- ergy, a combination which, when possessed by men in any walk of life, never fails to effect notable results. Mr. Johnson was born on the 22nd of July, 1832, in Linkuping, Kisa Socken, Sweden, of which country his parents, Sam- uel and Christina (Lawson) Johnson, were also natives. In 1846 the family crossed the ■ocean to America, and first located in Buf- falo, Xew York, where they spent about two years, coming to Henry county, Illinois, in 1848. The father purchased a Mexican war land warrant which he located on sec- tion 36, Western township, and for some jears successfully engaged in the operation of his land, but tinally sold the land and re- moved to Orion, where he spent his last days, dying there in 1888, at the advanced age •of over eighty years. The mother of our subject passed away many years previous, dying of cholera in 1853. In her loving jiature, she took into her home several emi- grants suffering with that dread disease, and after caring for them she, too, was taken sick and died. After her death he again married. By his first union he had three sons : John M., who married and located in Orion, where his death occurred ; Hem-y, of this review ; and Andrew, who followed the river for many years as clerk anil steward on different steamers and died in St. Louis. Henry Johnson was brought by his par- ents to the new world and since 1848 has "been a resident of Illinois. At the age of fifteen he began his business career as an employe in a hotel at Rock Island, where he remained for about two years, and for four years worked in a brick yard there. Returning to Henry county, he was next employed in a brick yard in Andover for ■two years, and then accepted a position as clerk in the general store of Peterson & Anderson, at Andover, remaining with them until their failure during the commercial crash of 1857-57. After assisting in set- tling up the business, Mr. Johnson was em- ployed as clerk by V. M. Ayers for about two years, and then was for one year farm- ing in Western township. He next took charge as manager for V. M. Ayers in the milling business, taking charge of the grist and custom mill belonging to him, and oper- ating it successfully for five years. Itwas then sold to Morrison Francis, and Mr. Johnson managed for him twn years. Purchasing a tract of wild prairie land in Osco township, Henry county, he was next engaged in its improvement and cultivation for about a year, and at the end of that time rented the place and removed to Orion, in 1870, where he built a good residence. Later he erected a flouring mill in partnership with Lloyd & Peterson, and under the firm name of Johnson, Lloyd & Company carried on the milling business most successfully for sev- enteen and a half years, when the plant was destroyed by fire. In 1882 he had purchased a half interest in the established mercantile business of John Owen, and while he contin- ued to engage in milling he employed John S. Smith as clerk to take his place in the store. -After the death of Mr. Owen he purchased his interest from the administrators of the se- tate, and then sold a fourth interest in the business to his old and faithful clerk, John S. Smith. This partnership was continued un- til 1894. when Mr. Smith was elected county treasurer and Mr. Johnson bought his in- terest, and has since been alone in business. He has been actively connected with the store since 1890, and by fair and honorable dealing and courteous treatment of his patrons has succeeded in building up an 196 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. excellent trade. In years of continuous service he is now the oldest business man in Orion, and his success has been most worthily achieved, being due to his own dili- gence, enterprise and straightforward busi- ness course, foT he started out in life for himself with no capital and from the age of fifteen years has been dependent upon his own resources for a livelihood. On the 1st of May, 1858, in Andover, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Olson, who is also a native of Sweden, and was a miss of about ten sum- mers when she came to the United States. Her father died during the voyage. On landing she and her mother proceeded at once to Henry county, Illinois, and she grew to womanhood in Andover township. Unto Mr. and INIrs. Johnson were born two chil- dren. Lineas was accidentally killed in an elevator in 1886, at the age of sixteen years; and Oliver B., a young man of good business ability and sterling character, now assists his father in the store. Mr. Johnson cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont in 1856, but is now independent in politics, voting for the men whom he believes best qualified to fill the offices, regardless of party lines. Fra- ternally he is an honored member of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Orion, in which he has filled all the chairs and is now past grand, and is also one of the leading mem- bers of the Ancient Order of United Work- men, which he has represented in the grand lodge of the state. His life has been an active and useful one, in which he has not only won success but has also gained for him the confidence and high regard of those with whom he has come in contact either in business or social life. WILLIAM N. GLENN. If one desires to gain a vivid realization of the rapid advance in civilization which the last few decades have brought about^ he can listen to the stories of men who are still living among us and by no means overbur- oened with years, and who can tell of their boyhood. As a native of Henry county the subject of this sketch can relate many inter- esting incidents of pioneer days w"hen this region was all wald and unimproved, when deer, turkeys and other wild game was plentiful, before the days of railroads, tele- egraphs and telephones. yiv. Glenn was born on the old homestead in Colona township, on the i8th of May, 1838, a son of James Glenn, who was born and reared in Kentucky, and in 1835 came to Henry county, Illinois, being one of the first to locate here. He pre-empted a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, and later entered the land, wdiich he made his home throughout the remainder of his life. Pros- pering in his farming operations, he became the owner of four good farms, and was numbered among the well-to-do and sub- stantial men of his community, as well as one of its highly respected and honored citi- zens. In this county he was united in mar- riage with Miss Nancy Kincaid, a sister of G. W. Kincaid, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. She died May 10, 1896, and his death occurred August 26, 1896. Reared on the home farm amid pioneer scenes, William N. Glenn obtained his liter- ary education in the district schools, and gave his father the benefit of his labors until twenty-five years of age. About 1856 he bought one hundred and sixty acres of THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 197 ■wild land on section 31, Colona township, where he now resides, and to its improve- ment and cultivation he at once turned his attention. Acre after acre was placed un- der the plow until the entire amount was highly cultivated, and all the improvements found thereon are of a substantial character. As a farmer and stock raiser he has met with excellent success, and is to-daj- the owner of a most desirable farm of two hundred and eighty-five acres pleasantly located within two miles of Coal Valley. He was one of the promoters of the telephone line and had one of the first 'phones in his vicinity. For many years he has been a stockholder in the Mutual Insurance Company. He is a large stock feeder and has fine cattle upon his farm. In 1866, in Henry county, was celebrat- ed the marriage of Mr. Glenn and Miss Ellen R. Reynolds, who was born in Moline, Illinois, but was principally reared and edu- cated in Henry county, attending the com- mon and high schools of Geneseo, and suc- cessfully engaging in teaching prior to her marriage. By this union was born a son, James X., who married Lina Lease and as- sisted his father in the operation of the farm until his death, which occurred December 30, 1897. He left a wife and two children, Lois and Jean Neva, all of whom live with our subject. By his ballot -VIr. Glenn supports the men and measures of the Republican partv, and cast his first presidential vote for Abra- ham Lincoln in i860. He has been a mem- ber of the county central committee, and has taken quite an active and influential part in local politics. For three years he most effi- ciently served as supervisor, has also served as township trustee, and has filled other po- sitions of honor and trust with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. Fraternally he is an honored member of Coal \'alley Lodge, No. 547, F. & A. M.. and lioth lie and his wife hold membership in the Eastern Star Chapter. They are people of prominence in their community and enjoy the hospitality of its best homes. Mrs. Glenn is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Coal X'alley, of which Mr. Glenn is an attendant and sup- porter. DANIEL S. MASCALL. Prominent among the business men of Cambridge is numbered the subject of this review, who is one of the leading liverymen of that place. No one in the vicinity is better known, for his entire life has been spent here, and all his interests from boyhood have been closely associated with those of this locality. In his special line of business he has met with success, and by the energy and zeal which he has manifested he has won the confidence and esteem of the public. A native of Henry county, Mr. Mascall was born in Cambridge township March 10, 1856, and is a son of James and Mary A. (Lilly) Mascall, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. He is the third in order of birth in a family of five children. In early life Daniel S. Mascall acquired a fair knowledge of the common English branches of learning in the public schools of Cambridge, in which city he grew to manhood. At the age of twenty-one he left home to make his own w-ay in the world. He married Miss Julia Perkins, who was born in Virginia, and they have become the parents of six children, two of whom died in infancy. Those living are: Mary J. and 198 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. James D., both attending the Cambridge schools; and Eva A. and Ralph, at home. On starting out in life for himself Mr. Mascall embarked in the horse business, buy- ing for shipment to the northern markets. Some years ago he purchased a livery stable in Cambridge, which he conducted success- fully, and as he conducted the business on strictly business principles he built up an excellent trade and received the confidence of the entire comunity. Since then he has bought and sold the business several times, but for the past thirteen years he has had charge of the stable uninterruptedly. Be- sides his city property he now owns three hundred acres of fine farming land in Cam- bridge township, which he rents. Since at- taining his majority he has affiliated with the Republican party, but has never taken an active part in political affairs aside from voting. Socially he is quite popular with a large circle of friends and acquaintances and is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge of Cambridge. WILLIAM DURMAXX. The subject of this personal narrati\e is one of the most successful and progressive farmers and stock raisers within the borders of Colona township, his place of residence being the old Durmann homestead of two hundred and sixty acres on section ^t,. He has made his special field of industry an eminent success. He is a native of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Black Hawk township, Rock Island count v, March 15. 1856. His father, Joseph Durmann. was born and reared in Germany, wh.ere he learned the cooper's trade, and as a young man he came to the L'nited States, first locating in St. Louis, where he pursued that vocation for a time. In 1836, he removed to Rock Island, Illinois (then called Stephenson), where he and John Staubach started the first cooper shop. In partnership with August Littig he also established the first brewery at that place. There he married Miss Amanda Killing, a German lady, and they continued to make their home in Rock Island and Milan for some years. They finally located on a farm one mile west of Coal Valley, where they resided for four years, and on disposing of that place Mr. Durmann bought the farm in Colona township where our subject now lives. He built a good residence on the place, and made many other improvements which enhanced its value and attractive ap- pearance. L'pon this farm he passed away March 4, 1896, and his wife died July 26,. 1898. \\"illiam Durmann was reared in much the usual manner of farmer boys of his dajv and his early education, acquired in the com- mon schools, was supplemented by a year's- attendance at the Davenport Business Col- lege. He aided his father in the operation- of the farm until thirty-two years of age, and for his services his father gave him a farm of one hundred and sixt}- acres near Cordova, in Rock Island county. As a companion and helpmate on life's journey Mr. Durmann diose Miss Lottie \\'ashburn, their marriage being celebrated in Henry county, on the i6th of March. 1892. She was educated in the public schools of this count}-, and is a daughter of C. E. \\'ashburn, whose sketch and portrait appear elsewhere in this volume. Two- children bless this union, Dorsey and Chaun- cey. For a year or more after his marriage,. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. "99 Mr. Durmann continued to engage in farm- ing on the old homestead, and tlien renu)ved to liis own farm in Rock Island county, to the further improvement and cultivation of which he devoted five years. At the end of that period he purchased the interests of the other heirs in the old homestead in Co- lona township, and has since resided thereon, \\hile he rented his farm in Rock Island county. He feeds considerable stock for market, and is accounted one of the most suc- cessful farmers and stock raisers in Colona township. Politically Mr. Durmann is a Jeflfersonian Democrat, and he has been called upon to serve his fellow citizens as township collector four years; assessor one year ; and school -director fifteen years. He is still a member of the school board, and has done much to secure better schools and more competent teachers in his pnient of the county and community in which he makes his home. On his arrival here there were but few houses in Andover or between that place and Geneseo. He has watched with interest the many changes that have since taken place and in the work of advancement has ever borne his part. Since voting for John C. Fremont, in 1856, he has been an ardent supporter of the Republican party and its principles, and has efficiently filled sev- eral minor offices of his township, as well as that of school director. He is one of the leading and influential members of the Swedish Methodist Episcopal church of An- dover, and has been one of its trustees since 1854, and has also been a steward for thir- ty-nine years. He is one of the oldest mem- bers of the Old Settlers' Association and takes an active interest in its affairs. His has been an active and useful life, and al- though now well advanced in years he still enjoys e.Kcellent health, tlu)ugh he has re- tired from active labor, and in ease and re- tirement is enjoying the fruits of former toil. No man in the community is held in liigher regard or has more warm friends than Mr. lirson, of this review. .\XDRE\V P. XOKELL. .\mong the leading farmers and highly respected citizens of Andover township is numbered A. P. Norell, who was born in THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Sweden, April 12, 1826. His parents, Peter A. and Christine Johnson, were also natives of Sweden and there spent their entir lives. ■Our subject was reared and educated in his native land, and prior to his emigration to America was married in 1850 to Miss Brita Peterson, who was also born in Sweden. He was thirty years of age when he sailed from Helsingland, and after a long and ledious voyage of eight weeks landed in New York, whence he proceeded at once to .'Vndo- ver, Henry county, Illinois. In that village he first worked at day labor. Saving what he could from his wages, ^Ir. Xorell was able to purchase a tract of ten acres in Linn township in 1861, and upon that place he lived for four years. He then sold and bought one hundred and seven acres of un- improved land in the same township, upon which he erected a house costing two thou- sand dollars and also built large barns and other outbuildings. On disposing of that property he came to Andover township and purchased his present highly cultivated and well improved farm of one hundred and six- ty acres on sections 11 and 14. and has since made his home on section 14. Mr. and ^Irs. Xurell are the parents of three children, namel}' : Peter, who is mar- ried and lives in Nebraska; Eric, who is married and makes his home in Andover township, this count}-; and John Alvin, who resides on the home farm. The last named was married in Andover township, Decem- ber II, 1897, to Miss Olive Nordquist, a na- tive of Andover and a daughter of E. Nord- quist, who was one of the early settlers of the township. By this union there are two children, Anna Elizabeth and John Eric A. Xorell. Politically ^Ir. Xorell is a supporter of the Republican party, and religiously is a member of the Lutheran Church. He is widely and favorably known throughout the county where he has so long made his home, and is held in high regard on account of his sterling worth and excellent character. He is one of the self-made men of the com- munity and his success has been worthily achieved. M. M.\URY NASH. This well known and popular resident of Osco township, whose home is on section 35, was born in Coalsmouth, West Virginia, September 21, 1847. His father. Rev. Francis Burdett Nash, was born in Spring- field, Massachusetts, November 16, 1812, and when a mere boy accompanied his par- ents to Connecticut, where he had to sustain himself at manual labor. For a time he was with a brother in St. Albans, Vermont, where he attended the Franklin County Grammar School. In 1829 he returned to. Connecticut and read medicine at \\'ooling- ton. He was next a teacher at Swedesboro, New Jersey, and from there moved to Ken- tucky, and entered the Theological Semi- nary in Lexington from which he was grad- uated in 1837. For some years he was a missionary of his church in Kentucky, and he devoted his whole life to his sacred call- ing, preaching in Kentucky, West Virginia, Illinois and JMinnesota, his last charge being in the latter state. At one time he was a res- ident of Tiskilwa, Bureau county, Illinois, and his circuit covered several parishes. He built the Episcopal Church at Princeton, and held services at Cambridge, Geneseo and Osco, conducting the first meeting in Cambridge. In 1873 he went west, but later returned to Henrv countv, and was THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 213 rector of the church at Cambridge, and also at Osco until 1881 when he went to Min- jiesota. He was well known by all pioneers, and will long Ik." remembered lor his good works. He was an ardent and untiring worker in building up the different churches with which he was connected, and at his death left a record of which his family may be justly proud. He died October 6, 1890, at the home of his son in Nashua, Minne- sota, which town was named in honor of the family. His father, Ebenezer Nash, was also a preacher of western New York, and was of old New England stock. While in Kentucky Francis Burdett Nash married Elizabeth JMaury, a native of that state, who was of southern ancestry, her family being slave holders in the south before the war. She died in Tiskilwa, Bureau county, Illi- nois, in 1866. Ten children were born to them, two of whom died in early childhood. The others were Susan P., a resident of Nashua, Minnesota; Miranda P., widow of Edward Morris and a resident of Minneap- olis; Elizalieth, deceased; ]\1. Maury, the subject of this sketch; Francis B., a graduate of Griswold College, of Davenport, and an Episcopal clergyman now of Newark, Ohio; Harry S., a graduate of Harvard University and a clergyman of Cambridge, Massachu- setts; Fontian, a farmer of Nashua, Minne- sota; and Mary L., a music teacher, who died in Chicago, Illinois. (For a full record see the "Townsend Family Record," and the "Nash Genealogy.") In early boyhood M. Maury Nash at- tended the common schools near his home and later took a course at Griswold College, Davenport, Iowa. At the age of sixteen he began earning his own living, and being one of the oldest of the family, he assisted his father until he attained his majority. when he went to Missouri, where he was en- gaged in farming, remaining there three years. We next find him in Nebraska, where he was engaged in the stiKk business. Later he moved to Iowa where he owned and operated a farm. In 1879 he moved to Nashua, Minnesota, where he purchased two sections of wild prairie land with his brother, which they broke up and put in wheat, mak- ing his home there for three years, during which time he assisted in organizing the townships and county, and was one of the hrst justices of peace. After leaving there in 1882 he spent about two years in hospitals having his eyes treated, and in 1883 joined his family in Iowa, where they had located on the removal of the family from Nashua. In 1889 he returned to Illinois and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on sec- tion 35, Osco township, Henry county, to the improvement and cultivation of which he has since devoted his energies with most gratifying results. All of the buildings found upon the place have been erected by him, and its neat and thrifty appearance in- dicates the careful supervision of a progres- sive farmer and thorough business man. He is a prominent stock feeder, buying most- ly in Nebraska and feeding here. In 1880 Mr. Nash married Miss Amelia .M. Smith, a daughter of J. H. Smith, whose sketch appears on another page of this vol- ume. .She was born March 15, 1857, on the farm in Osco township where her father settled half a century ago, and was gradu- ated from the Cambridge high school, after which she successfully engaged in teaching in the district schools of Osco township for a time. By her marriage to our subject she has become the mother of six children, one of whom, Lawrence, died at the age of four years. Those living are Mary L., 214 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. known as Lutie, born in 1882 ; Jared B., born in 1884; Anson M., born in 1886; Bessie, born in 1890; and Jane A., born in 1899. Those who have attained a sufficient age are now pursuing their studies in the district school. In connection with fanning Mr. Xa.-h has always followed the stock business with the exception of the time spent in Minnesota, where he was engaged exclusively in the raising ci wheat. He deserves great credit for what he has accomplished in life, for since an early age he has depended entire'y upon his own resources. Diligence has been the keynote to his success, and his ex- ample is one that might be proritably fol- lowed by all who have to deperd upon their own exertions. His worth is recognized and he enjoys the friendship of many of the best people of the county. In the \ arious lo- calities where he has resided he has taken an active and prominent part in public affairs, has always been a member of the township committee of the Republican party, and is now chairman of the same in Osco township. He has also been prominently identified with educational affairs, and is now a school di- rector. He was one of the organizers of the Farmers Institute, has been a member of the board of management, and is now vice- president of the county institute. He is one of the leading and influential members of the Episcopal Church of Osco, and has been vestrvman of the same for ten years. SAMUEL BEXXISOX. This well known retired miller and hon- ored citizen of Kewanee, Illinois, was born near Manchester, Cheshire, England. Feb- ruary 13, 1830, his parents being Samuel and Mary (Turner) Bennison, who were married X'ovember 29, 18 19. In 1845 they came to America on a sailing vessel, which was nearly six weeks in crossing the Atlan- tic. Landing in X'ew York, they proceeded at once to Pottsville, Pennsylvania, where the father worked in the coal mines for six years, having followed that business in Eng- land. In May, 1851, he crossed the Alle- gheny mountains, and by canal and steam- boat down the Ohio river and up the Mis- sissippi river, he went to the lead mines in Shullsburg, Wisconsin, where he engaged in prospecting for five or six years, but met with failure in that venture, losing all that he had accumulated by sinking deep shafts. The mining company of which lie was a member was composed of himself, his four sons and one son-in-law. They would work at their mine until their money and credit were exhausted, and then, while some of the company continued the labor, the others would work for wages to meet their expenses in the operation of their mine. In 1851 our subject came to Rock Island. Illinois, and found emplojanent in a coal mine five miles from that city, and while working there he managed to save one hundred dollars. At that time the others were also in the employ of different mining companies, but were no- tified that they must either work their own claim or give it up. They had previously sunk a shaft seventy-five feet deep near Shullsburg, \\'isconsin, to which our sub- ject returned on leaving the coal mines of this state, and resumed work there. After digging about forty feet the company struck a cave, which was twenty feet in all its di- mensions, and was lined with mineral and loose rock. Their labors were at length crowned with success, and the mine became UNIVfeRSIlt UP ILLINOIS URBftNA SAMUEL BENNISON. MRS. SAMUEL BENNISON. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBAXA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 219 very valuable. They found another cave more \ahiable than tlie first, and the mine was workeil with profit to the company. Having prospered in this venture, the father was able to lay aside all business cares and spend Iiis last days in ease ami quiet. After tliirteen years spent at Shullsburg, Wiscon- sin, he came to Kewanee, where he lived re- tired until his death. He was born July 20, 1797, and (lied August 23. 1885. His wife, who was liorn in Manchester, England, May 20, 1798, tleparted this life January 6, 1896. During their long married life of nearly tw()-thirds of a century thej- were never sep- arated longer than three months. The fa- ther was confirmed in the established church of England, and was a teacher in the Sunday school, but later joined the Primitive Meth- odists, and was a member of that church at the time of his death. In the family of this worthy couple were nine children, namelv : John, a miner and miller, who died at the age of seventy-two years; Bettie, who died in England at the age of twenty-two; Eliza, who married Richard Hill, and died October 24, 1891, at the age of sixty-six years ; William, deceased ; Samuel, our subject; Henry, who died in Kewanee; Mary, wife of Samuel Hill, of Mexico ; Thomas, a retired merchant of Ke- wanee ; and James, who married Lydia Hew- iit October 8, 1861, and died in 1865. Only three of the family survi\etl their mother, and these are still living. AVliiie engaged in mining at Shullsburg, \\'isconsin, our subject and his brother Hen- ry decided to go to California on accaunt of the latter's health, leaving the father and brothers to operate the mine. They started in January, 1855, and by way of Xew York and the Isthmus went to the gold fields of California, being- four weeks in makin and substantial citizens of the community. He is a director of the First National Bank of Kewanee, and in all business transactions his word is considered as good as his bond. On the 27th of Septemljer, 1855, at Shullsburg, Wisconsin, Mr. Bennison was united in marriage with Miss Eleanor W^ort- ley, also a native of England, and a daugh- ter of George and Catherine (Wilkinson) Wortley. Her father was born in Lincoln- shire, May 30, 1802, and brought his family to America in 1850, locating at Shullsburg, \\'isconsin. He was a local preacher in the Primitive Methodist Church, and died in 1884. His first wife passed away during the infancy of Mrs. Bennison, who is now the only survivor of their four children, those deceased being Ann, George and Eliza. He was again married in 1843, his second union being with Mary Linager, who is still living in Shullsburg, \\'isconsin, and by whom he had three children — Rebecca, Mary J. and THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Musson. Mrs. Bennison Avas born March 21. 1835, and was fourteen years of age when she came to the United States with the family. Of tlie ten cliildren born to our subject and liis wife, two died in infancy. The oth- ers are as follows : Eliza A. is the wife of Samuel Tallxjtt. a farmer living near Ster- ling. Illinois, and they have four children, Fred. Grace. \\'alter and Floyd: James H., born Decemlier 4. 1858. died July 20. 1873; Louise G. is the wife of William Melbourn. a machinist of Kewanee. and they have three children, Harry. Edward and Eleanor G. : Samuel, a farmer of Kansas, married Helen Acre, and they have two children, Laura and Harold; George \V., a member of the mercantile finn of George \V. Bennison & Brothers, of Kewanee, married Elizabeth Corkill, and they have two children, Seward A. and George; Edward, a member of the same firm, married Augusta Schaefer, and they have three children, Grace, Clarence and Raymond; Alvin C, also one of the same firm, dealers in drj' goods and grocer- ies at Kewanee, married Zella Stone, and they have one child, Helen; Elizabeth; and Raymond died in infancy. Politically Jlr. Bennison is an ardent Re- publican, and religiously both he and his wife are earnest and consistent members of the Congregational Cluirch. They are widely and favorably known, and are held in high regard on account of their sterling worth and manv excellencies of character. CHARLES E. CHASE. Among the self made men and thrifty farmers of Henry county is Charles E. Chase who is proprietor of a good farm of one hun- dred acres on section 29, Western township, within two miles of Orion. He has been a resident of the county since the 12th of March, 1869, and has been actively identi- fied with its agricultural and stock raising interests. Merrick Chase, father of our subject, was born in Massachusetts, in 181 1, a son of Ben- jamin Chase, and grandson of David Chase, also natives of the old Bay state. The fam- ily is originally of English ancestry, and was founded in America by three brothers, one of whom settled in Massachusetts, another in Elaine, and the third in Xew Hampshire. At an early day Benjamin Chase removed to \'ermont. and became one of the pioneers of Windham county, where the father of our subject grew to manhood and married Miss Sarah ]Maria Brigham, a native of that coun- ty. There they continued to reside until after the birth of all their children. Mr. Chase followed farming, hotel keeping and various occupations. He also served as dep- uty sheriff of the county. In 185S he re- moved to ^\'ashington county, Xew York, where he made his home until 1873, when he came to Henry county, Illinois, and in partnership with our subject purchased a farm in Western township. There he spent his remaining days, dying January 3, 1889. His wife survived him a few years, and passed away in 1897. Charles E. Chase, whose name introduces this review, was born in Jacksonville. \\'ind- ham county, \'ermont, on the 17th of Jan- uarv, 1844, and was a lad of fourteen years when he accompanied his parents on their removal to \\'ashington county, Xew York,' w here he grew to manhood upon a farm, be- coming thoroughly familiar with agricult- ural pursuits and acquiring his literary knowledge in the common schools of that THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. locality. Coming west in 1869 he took up liis residence in Henry county, Illinois, where he worked by the month at farm labor for three years, and then purchased his pres- ent farm on section 29, Western township, ir; company with his father. Returning to \'ermont Mr. Chase was th.ere married February 26. 1874. to Miss Sopliia H. Farnesworth. who was born, reared and educated in W'indliam county, tliat state, and prior to her marriage success- fully engaged in teaching. For about twelve years she made her home in Boston, Massa- chusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Chase iiave one son, Arthur F.. who is now in his senior year at Knox College. Galesliurg. For se\eral years after his marriage, ]\h". Chase engagetl in farming on rented land in this county, but on the death of his lather located on the farm which they had jnirchased, and here he has continued to make his home. He has made many im- jirovements upon the place, including the erection of a good residence, barns and out- buildings, has tiled the land and set out fruit and shade trees, which add to tlie at- tractive appearance of the farm. He also owns a forty-acre tract of land south of Orion, which he uses as pasture, as he raises considerable stock, keeping on hand a good grade of cattle, hogs and horses. In his political affiliations. Mr. Chase is a stanch Republican, having always sup- ported that party since casting his first presidential vote for General U. S. Grant in 1868, but he has never sought official honors. He has, however, efficiently served as a member of the school board for some years, and also as township trustee. Fre- ternally he is a member of Sherman Lodge, ^'0. 535, A. F. &. :M.. of Orion, while re- ligiouslv his wife is a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. His success in life is due entirely to his own well dlirected eft'orth for he began his business career with- out capital, and to his diligence, industry and good management may be attributed liis success. SIVILIAX LESTER. Sivilian Lester, deceased, was numbered among the honored pioneers of Henry coun- ty, where he located in 1840, when this region was mostly wild and unimproved. In the work of development he took an ac- tive part in early days and aided in opening up the country to civilization. As the years l)assed he faithfully performed his duties of citizenship and his interest in the wel- fare and progress of the community never abated. Mr. Lester was Ixirn in Delaware coun- ty, New York, March 17, 1828, his parents being Samuel T. and Emily (Ward) Lester, both natives of the Empire state, and rep- resentatives of old colonial families. The Ijaternal grandfather, Jeremiah Lester, was a member of a Connecticut regiment in the Revolutionary war. After his death, which occurred in New York, his widow came to Henry county. Illinois, with a daughter, and died here at the advanced age of ninety- four years, her remains being interred in Wethersfield township. The father, Sam- uel T. Lester, followed farming throughout his active business life and continued to make his home in Xew York until 1840. when he came to Illinois, and located in w hat is now Burns township, Henry county. His last days, however, were spent in Weth- ersfield. In his family were eleven chil- dren, of whom SiviHan was the oldest. The three now living are Matilda, widow of THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. J. H. Hall and a resident of Miiniesota ; Nancy, widow of William Craig and a resi- dent of Smith's Center, Kansas ; and Charles N., a resident of Bureau county, Illinois. The early education of our subject was obtained in New York, and for a time he attended school in Illinois after the removal of the family to this county. Although only seventeen years of age at the time of his father's death the responsibility of car- ing for the family largely devolved upon him, and from that time on he took a man's part. He remained at home until twent}- three years of age, when he was married, December 7, 185 1, to Miss Martha W. Dudley, who was born in Monson, Maine, and is a daughter of Warren and Alvena (Barrett) Dudley, the former a native of Massachusetts, the latter of [Maine. Mr. Dudley's ancestors were of English origin. At an early age he removed with his par- ents, Luther and ilartha Dudley, to the Pine Tree state, where he was reared and educated. For a time he followed farming in Somerset county, [Maine, and then re- moved to Piscataquis county, where he made his home until 1846, when he came to Henry county, Illinois, and took up his residence in Andover township, where he purchased eighty acres of raw prairie land, paying for the same three dollars an acre. In 1853 he removed to Rock Island county. Illinois, where the following three years were passed, and then went to Cedar county, Iowa, where he continued to reside throughout the remainder of his life. He died in 1873 of nervous prostration brought on b}- the death of his wife, who died very suddenly of heart failure only eight days before. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom readied man and womanhood, but Luther and Bethiah are now deceased; Tvlartha is the widow of our subject; Jo- seph B. is engaged in stock raising near Denver, Colorado; Levi is also deceased; Xelson S. is a resident of Kansas; Helen is the wife of \Villiam Tevis, who lives near Sioux City, Iowa; and Josiah W. died in Andersonville prison in 1864 while a prisoner of war. Eight children were born to Air. and Airs. Lester, as follows: (i) Lucetta is now the wife of George \\'. Rogers, of ^'alley county, Nebraska, and they have four chil- dren : Thomas, Anthony, Daisy and Esther. (2) Rufus was killed in a snow slide in Idaho, in Alarch, 1882, at the age of twen- ty-eight years. (3) Ellen Grace is the wife of Charles Leaming, of Kansas, and they have one child. Alvaretta. (4) Julia X. is the wife of Thomas R. Stanton, of Ke- wanee, and they have three children, Alat- tie E., Letha A. and Ethel L., all attending school at that place. (5) Juliet, twin sister of Julia X., married George Reed, of Xe- ponset, Illinois, and died September i, 1900. {6) Edmund, who lives on the old home farm in Burns township, wedded Alary Potter, and they have three children, Bessie, Rufus and Guthrie. (7) Susie is at home with her mother. (8) Samuel \V., who also lives on the home farm, mairied Eva Wells, and the}- have one child, Leo. Throughout his active business life Air. Lester followed farming. After his mar- riage he purchased a tract of eighty acres Mith no improvements in Burns township, he building first a one-room frame house, 16x20 feet, in which he and his family lived until i860, when it was enlarged, making a comfortable and commodious residence, and in 1865 he built a fine residence which is still standing. From time to time, as his financial resources increased he extended THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 223 tlie Ijoundaries of liis farm until he had four hundred and forty acres of rich and arable land, which he placed under a high state of cultivation. In connection with gen- eral farming he gave considerable atten- tion to stock raising. In November, 1894 lie removed with his family to Kewanee, where he died after a continued and pain- ful illness, on the 1st of August, 1895, and was laid to rest in the cemetery in ^^'eth- erstield, township. He was a member of the Grange and Sons of Temperance, and in politics was identified with the Republican party. Although his township was strong- ly Democratic, Mr. Lester was chosen to several official positions of honor and trust, which fact indicated his i^ersonal popu- larity and the confidence reposed in him by liis fellow citizens. He served as super- visor a number of terms, was also col- lector and assessor for one term each; was road commissioner a number of years; and school director for some time. He was true to every trust reposed in him, whether public or private, and in his death the com- munity realized that it had lost a valued and useful citizen. ELOX BEACH GILBERT, M. D. Dr. Gilbert is a skilled physician and surgeon of Geneseo, Illinois, whose knowl- edge of the science of medicine is broad and comprehensive, and whose ability in apply- ing its principles to the needs of suffering humanity has gained him an enviable prestige in professional circles. He was horn in Geneseo, February 23, i860, a son of E. C. and F. B. (Beach) Gilbert, na- tives of Allen's Hill, Ontario county, New York. For many years the father was a suc- cessful farmer and stock raiser of this county, where he died October 14, 1889, aged fifty-two years. He attended the Con- gregational Church, of which his wife is a member. She is still living at the age of sixty-two, and is a resident of Geneseo. To this worthy couple were born six chil- dren, of whom the Doctor is the oldest, the others being Horace S., who operates the old home farm in Geneseo township; Anna E., who died of consumption in 1888, at the age of twenty-one years; Laura C, who is now acting as clerk in the Doctor's office; Morey and Mary, twins, w ho died at the age of six months. The early life of Dr. Gilljcrt was spent ujx)!! the home farm and his literar}' educa- lion was obtained in the common and high schools of Geneseo and Knox College, Galesburg, leaving the latter institution in his junior year. He then took up the study of medicine with Dr. W. C. Brown, of Geneseo,, and later attended a course of lec- tures at Rush Medical College at Chicago, He subsequently entered Jefferson Med- ical College, Philadelphia, where he was graduated in 1885. During his col- lege course he did some interne work in hospitals. After his graduation he entered irito partnership with his former preceptor. Dr. Brown, and that connection continued fur three years, since which time our sub- ject has been alone in practice, while Dr. Brown has gone to Los Angeles, California. He is now the oldest physician in years of continuous practice in Geneseo, and re- ceives a liberal share of the public patron- age. He has reported cases and written .several able articles for medical journals, and is medical examiner for se\eral of the old line insurance companies and for some fra- 224 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. served as local surgeon for the Rock Island railroad, and was county physician for ten jears. On the I2th of April, 1885. Dr. Gilbert led to the marriage altar Miss Cora Thomas, also a native of Geneseo and a daughter of the late H. Thomas, of that place. By this union has been born one child, Alice B. The Doctor and his wife are botli members of the Congregational Church, and he is also connected with the Masonic order. In pol- itics he is an ardent Republican. He is a general practitioner, who is well read in his profession and stands deservedly high in his chosen calling. While yet a j'oung man he has been quite successful, and is a thor- oughly enterprising and progressive citizen, alive to the best interests of his county and state. CAPTAIX ALEXANDER .MURCH- ISOX. Captain Alexander Murchison, who is now living a retired life in Wethersfield, served with distinction as an officer in the Civil war and bears an honorable record for brave service in the cause of freedom and union, and in the paths of peace he has also won an enviable reputation through the sterling qualities which go to the making of a good citizen. He dates his residence in Illinois from September 12, 1849. ^vhen he located in Stark county, where he lived un- til 1866, and for many years he was actively identified with her farming interests. A native of Scotland, the Captain was born in Rosshire, July 7, 1831. and there grew to manhood upon a farm. He had but limited school advantages in early life, and is almost whollv self-educated, as well as self-made man. In 1849 he emigrated to the new world with his father and the other members of the family, taking passage on a sailing vessel at Glasgow. They were out of sight of land for eight weeks and one day, and it was nine weeks before they dropped anchor in the harbor of Quebec. They ex- perienced one very severe storm. From Quebec the family proceeded up the St. Law- rence river and by the Great Lakes to Chi- cago ; by canal to Peru : and by team to El- mira. Stark county, Illinois, where they joined some friends who had previously come from Scotland, where the father locat- ed permanently. Captain Murchison first worked by the month at herding sheep, which he followed for two years. During the following three years he worked as a farm hand at Elmira. and then purchased a team and commenced breaking prairie, devoting his energies to that pursuit for nearl}' four years. He next purchased and operated a threshing ma- chine and reaper. In 1852 he bought two liundred acres of land in Stark and Henry county, the dividing line crossing his farm. This place he sold at a profit three years later. On the 4th of ^Nlarch, i860, he had helped- to organize a military company, which he drilled, and when the Civil war broke out in 1 86 1, at the first call for troops, he entered the service in Company B, Nineteenth Illi- nois Volunteer Infantry. Our subject \\as commissioned second lieutenant, but the fol- lowing October was promoted to first lieu- tenant, and was made captain of his com- pany, in July, 1867, with which rank he served until mustered out when his term of enlistment expired. As a part of the Army of the Cumberland the regiment participated in the battle of Stone River, the Tullahoma THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 2 2 C campaign, and then drove General Bragg's command across tlie Tennessee river after some liard lighting. On Septemher 15. 1863, tliey took part in an all-day engagement at Dugs Gap. where two of Captain Murchi- son"s men were killed and one wounded. They were in the battle of Chickamauga on Sunday, and the Captain was rendered un- conscious by being hit by a piece of shell, but the following day resumed command of his company. He had command of his regiment in an engagement in front of Dal- ton, in February, 1864, at which time he lost two of his own company. He was in the bat- tle of Resaca. Georgia, and was under al- most constant tire for nearly a month during the Atlanta campaign. His command was ordered back on reaching ^larietta. and he received an hontirable disciiarge at Chicago, July 9. 1864. Returning to his home he resumed farm- ing, having previously purchased one hun- dred and sixty acres of land in Stark county, and later bought eighty acres adjoining in Henry county. This he fenced, broke and im- proveil. and erected thereon one of the best country residences in the community, to- gether with good and .substantial outbuild- ings. Upon his place was a beautiful grove of forest trees covering ten acres. In con- nection witli the cultivation of liis kunl he engaged in the raising of cattle and hogs, and in iiis business affairs met with excellent suc- cess. Having acquired a comftirtable com- petence he retired from active labor in 1897, and renting his farm he removed to Wethers- field, where be has since made his home. In Stark county. Captain Murchison was married, July 3, 1866. to Miss Margaret N. A\'eed. a daughter of Rev. M. C. Weed, a native of Pennsylvania, and one of the pio- neer preachers of Stark county. Mrs. Mur- chison was principally reared and educated in Marshall county. The Captain and his wife are the parents of three children. A. Clarence, who is married and engaged in the practice of dentistry in Toulon, Illinois; Lorena L., wife of William C. Palmer, an undertaker of Kewanee; and Frances C. J., who is well educated and is engaged in teaching in the Kewanee schools. Since casting his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont in 1856, Captain }^Iur- chison has affiliated with the Republican party, and has been a stanch advocate of its principals. He has served as a delegate to county, congressional and state conventions, and for thirty years was a member of the Re- publican central committee of his township, serving as its chairman most of the time. For some years he was a member of the school board, and has also filled the offices of supervisor and township trustee. He is a prominent member and past commander of the Grand Army Post at Kewanee. and stands deservedly high in the esteem of his fellow citizens. Throughout his career of continued and far-reaching usefulness his duties have been performed with the greatest care, and his business interests have been so managed as to win him the confidence of the public and the prosperity which should alwavs attend honorable effort. NICHOLAS BFCKliR. In this enlightened age, when men of energy, industry and merit are rapidly push- ing their way to the front, those who, by their own individual efforts, have won favor and fortune, may properly claim recogni- tion. Years ago, when Illinois was entering 226 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. upon its era of growth and development and Henry county was laying its foundation for future prosperity, there came thither from all parts of the world men poor luit honest, and with sturdy independence and determina- tion to succeed that justly entitles them to representation in the history of the county. Among this class was numbered Nicholas Becker, who for many years was a highly es- teemed citizen of the county. He was a native of Hettersdorf, Saar- louis, Prussia, and obtained a meagre edu- cation in the land of his birth. In 1853 he came to the new world and began life as a stranger in a strange land, entirely unfa- miliar with the English language and the customs of the country. He was, however, willing to work, and possessed indomitable courage and perseverance. He obtained employment w'ith the Illinois Central rail- road at Chicago, with whom he remained until coming to Henry county in 1856, when he began work for the Rock Island Railroad Company. He remained in their employ, his home being in Geneseo, until 1870, when he secured a position with the Haywood & Smith Company, with which he -was con- nected for eight years. Owing to his dili- gence, economy and industry during these years, he managed to acumulate a comforta- ble competence, and throughout the remaind- er of his life successfully engaged in garden- of his life successfully engaged in garden- ing' and stock raising on his own account. On the 9th of :March, 1858, at Cam- bridge. Illinois, Mr. Becker was united in marriage with Miss Augusta Bode, a native of Grosfreden, Germany, and to them were born five children, namely : Henry R. mar- ried Jennie Reams and resides in Elden. Iowa. Mary owns and occupies the old homestead at No. 108 South Oakwood ave- nue, Geneseo, and also owiis other city prop- erty and some farm land. She is a member of the Catholic Church and is a most esti- mable lady. Caroline died in infancy. John J. married Bessie Kehoe and lives in Nor- man, Oklahoma. Carrie died in infancy. After a useful and well-spent life Mr. Becker died February 14. 1892, at the age of sixtj'-eight years, and his wife passed away March 16, 1898, at the same age, the remains of both being interred at Geneseo. He was a devout member of the Catholic Church and was one of the first trustees of the church at Geneseo, which position he re- tained for a number of years. He was just- ly recognized as one of the energetic and representative citizens of his community, and he had the confidence and high regard of all with whom he came in contact either in business or social life. His wife was a member of the German Lutheran Church, with which body she held membership dur- ing her life. V. W. CLOUGH. Sound judgment combined with fine abil- ity in mechanical lines has enabled the sub- ject of this biography, a well-known resi- dent of Geneseo, to attain a substantial suc- cess in life, and his history is of especial in- terest. He was born in \\'indham county, \'emiont, January 20, 1856, a son of Har- vey V. and Sophia L. (Heins) Clough, also natives of the Green Mountain state. His maternal grandfather was William Heins. The father, who was a verj' successful farm- er, came to Henr}- county, Illinois, in 1857, and purchased a tract of woodland in Ed- ford township. He converted the timber into cordwood, and that undertaking proved n o c 00 H O LIBRARY UNlVERSnv OF ILLINOIS URSAXA THE BIOGRAriilCAL RECORD. 229 quite profitable. He finally sold his property in that townsiiip and removed to Genesee township, where he owned and operated a large farm, but spent the last few years of his life in retirement from active lalmr in Geneseo, where he died in 1899, at the age of sixty-nine years. He was an ujjright, hon- orable man, of most exemplary habits and liberal views, and was a Republican in poli- tics. His estimable wife is still living, at the age of sixty-five years, an honored resi- dent of Geneseo. In their family were eight children: V. W., of this review; Henry C., a resident of Davenport, Iowa; Frank, who died at the age of thirty years; Harry, who died in boyhood; Llewellyn, who died when a young man; Clyde M., a resident of Dav- enport; and two who died young. Coming to this county during his in- fancy, \". W. Clough was educated in the public schools of Geneseo. He early became familiar with every detail of farm work in assisting his father, and grew u]) to be one of the most progressive and skillful farmers of his community. He made a thorough study of the lousiness, ever seeking for the best methods of carrj'ing on his work, and was what is properly termed a scientific farmer. For twenty years he followed that occupation with good results. Possessing much mechanical ingenuity and very handy with tools, he finally turned his attention to manufacturing enterprises. He has invented many contrivances and some very important machiner}', including the first successful traction separator, which consists of a trac- tion engine coupled to a threshing .separator in such a way that it makes the two machines into one. It can be moved forward or back- ward without removing the main drive belt: i-i always set and always in line: and is ab- solutely safe from fire. 1 te built bis tirst ma- chine in si.xty days in 1898 after having de- voted three years to practical observation and to the study of old machines being operated in the fields. His niachine was first tested in Illinois, and then shi])pe(l to Minnesota, be- ing used in the large wheat fields in that state, also in North and South Dakota and in Oklahoma. In this undertaking Mr. Clough has been unassisted. The practical working of the machine in the fields has been its best recommendatiiin and has secured the most sales. A large expense is saved in help and labor as it moves one-third easier than dlhcr machines, and nearly one-foiu-th easier when ibreshing. It is con.sequently also a fuel and w ater saver. The first machine was so com- ])lete that little changes have since been made. Mr. Clough has listened to thousands of gra- tuitous suggestions, but has not found it feasible to change the pattern. In furnishing the engraving on another page. Mr. Clough writes : Illustration Xo. i was taken while in op- eration, threshing ior t'bas. (). Mnnter July -'8, 1898. I threshed about sixty acres of heavy oats, stacking the straw on a pole shed for his stock. This straw stack was over one lunidred feet long, only a small i)ortion of it being shown in photo. I moved the machine four times in threshing this job, and while moving there were no belts renicnetl aiul the separator ne\-er stopped running. It was such a surprise to the grain man watching the operation he forgot to place the wagon under the grain spout, and the weigher dumped several half-bushels on the ground. The only time lost in setting this combination is wait- ing for the fanner to get his grain wagon in l^lace. Time saved, however, is about one (la\" in a week over the nld way in Illinois anti two days in the great wheat field of the Xorthwest. J30 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. No. 2 is \vhat is called a perfect "set." This photo was taken -while threshing; for ir. Pritchard, .\ugust 1st. This "set" elim- inates all fire danger. The smoke and sparks from the engine Avill be noticed hlowing baclcward, the straw stack some forty feet to one side and a little to the front. The Avind may blow a gale and threshing can go on with perfect safety. This "set" will leave grain slide clear from all dirt and be clean tor engine. This is a "slight catering wind set." No. 3 shows the main or drive l)elt side of the traction separator. No. 4 is the opposite side of traction separator with the inventor at the steering wheel with hand on throttle ready to move the machine backward or forward. It is guided easier, leveled quicker than can be done with two machines the old way. Mr. Clough has also invented a self- feeder for threshing machines, which is very simple, consisting of a band cutter and car- rier, ha\-ing none of the com])licated shake l)oards found in other machines. This in- vention is all his own and the secret of its success is the way the grain is fed to the cylinder of the thresher. With eight men pitching from t\)ur ricks into the feeder it seems hungr}- for more grain. It has been estimated by competent judges that this feed- er is capable of recei\'ing and threshing ten bushels of grain per minute, .\nother of Air. Clough's inventions is the combination water, coal and straw tender attached to trac- tion engines which carries the water and coal supply in the coal burning districts and the straw used as fuel in the great wheat fields of tlie north. These iiu'entions will all be man- ufactured at the factor}- established by our subject at Geneseo. In business afiairs he is energetic prompt and notably reliable and his upright, honorable course in life com- mends him to the confidence of all. Politi- cally he is identified with the Republican ])arty, and socially affiliates with the Masonic fraternity, Stewart Lodge, No. 92, A. F. & A. M.' On the 1 8th of May, 1880, Mr. Clough v.as united in marriage with ]\Iiss Josie Thayer, a native of New York and a daugh- ter of Henr}- and Emily Thayer, .\fter the Ci\il war her father, who was a farmer by occupation, came to Illinois and settled at W'oodhull, Henry county. He was a most upright and worthy citizen of that jilace for many years, and died in 1894, at the age of si.xty-five. His wife is now a resident of .Vurora, Illinois, and is about si.xty years of age. Their children were Josie, wife of our subject: Carrie, wife of Charlie Hart; and Ivobert, a resident of .-Vlpha. Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Clough have two children : Leslie V. and Florence S. During the Spanish- American war Leslie V. Clough enlisteil in Company B, Si.xth Illinois \'olunteer Infan- try, and with his regiment went from Spring- field into camp at Camp Alger, and later to Porto Rico. He A\as finally mustered out of service, and on his return home completetl a business course at Moline. He is a }-oung- man of good ha'bits and much promise. He has had much experience as an engineer and is a first class workman in that line, to which he has devoted considerable attention since tile earlv age of nine years. WILLIAM .V. REMINGTON. There are in ev^ery community men of great force of character and e.xceptional abil- ity, who by reason of their capacity for THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 231 leadership become recognized as foremost citizens, and bear a most important part in tlie development and progress of the locality with which they are connected. Such a man is William A. Remington, mayor of (iene- sco, Illinois, and manager of all the stock- yards on the Rock Island railroad system. He was born in Rehoboth. Massachu- setts, on the 29th of .\pril. ICS30. and is a son of Samuel W. and Harriett (Reed) Remington, also nati\es of the old Bay state. His paternal grandparents were Enoch and Ruth (Kent) Remington, the former of whom died January i. 1794. at the earl\- age of twenty-five years, while the latter sur- vived until the 24th of May. 1H57. Shortly after tlie birth of our subject his parents re- mo\ed to \\'arren. Rhode Island, where the father engaged in mercantile business until his death, which occurred in 1850. His wife survived him several years and died at her home in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1877. Both were active members of the Congregational Church. and he affiliated w itli the old \N'hig party, but never took a promi- nent part in political affairs, although he was a public-spirited man and an advocate of all that tend to improve or advance the com- munity in which he lived.' In his family were five children, four sons and one daugh- ter, namely : Harriet, who married Simeon Talbot, a contractor of Providence. Rhode Island, and died leaving three children, one of whom is Ella, wife of Charles H. Boyer, assistant superintendent of the public schools of Philadelphia; William A., our subject, who is second in order of birth ; Samuel and John X., Ix3th retired merchants of Provi- dence, Rhode Island; and Samuel .\., who died in infancy. Being taken by his parents to Warren, Rhode Island, during his infancv, William .\. Remington was reared in that city and educated in its common schools. In 1S50 he embarked in business at that i)lace. but four \ears later rcnio\cd to Providence, where he conducted a mercantile establish- ment until going to Davenport. Iowa, in 1856. He was one of the leading merchants of that city until 1861, when he was ap- pointed route agent on the Rock Island railroad diu'ing President Lincoln's admin- istration. Dm-ing his residence in Davenport lie also served as city treasurer for eleven years. In 1872 Mr. Remington came to Geneseo. Illinois, ami was made manager of stockyards for the Rock Island Railroad Company, being associated with Colonel Galligan. now deceased, for ten years. He has held that responsible position continuous- ly since, and now has charge of all the stock- yards of the system, \\hich require his ser- vices in Kansas. Iowa and Illinois. In 1855 yiv. Remington was united in marriage with Miss Maria L. Cole, a daugh- ter of Ebenezer and Maria (Thompson) Cole, of \\'arren. Rhode Island. Through- out his actix'e business life her father was engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods. Both he and his wife died in Warren. The>' were the parents of four children, of whom two are still li\ing. Unto Mr. and ^Irs. Remington ha\e been born three children, but only one survixes : Henry W., born in Rhode Island, married .\nnie E. Watson, of Bristol, that state, and has for some years been connected with the Merchant Publish- ing Company of Chicago, where he makes h.is- home. Minnie, born in Davenport. Iowa. died at the age of eight years, and William Gibbs died at the age of fourteen months. Mr. Remington has been a director of the Eirst National Bank of Geneseo for many years. Socially- he is a prominent Mason. 23: THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. having taken the degrees of the Scottish Rite and the 3ilystic Shrine, and poHtically he is an ardent Repubhcan. On coming to Geneseo he at once became identified with pubhc affairs, and liis fellow citizens recog- nizing his worth and ability, have called upon him to fill the highest office of their city. He is now efficiently serving his fourth term as mayor of the city, and the reins of city government, have never been in more capable hands, for he is a progressive man, pre-emi- nently public-spirited, and all that pertains to the public welfare receives his hearty en- dorsement. JOHN M. HATCH. After an active and useful life, mainly devoted to agricultural pursuits, J. M. Hatch is now living retired in Kewanee, Illinois. He is a native of the Green Mountain state, his birth having occurred in Caledonia coun- ty. March lo, 1827. and is a son of Moses and Jane (Gates) Hatch, natives of Elaine and Vermont, respectively. The father be- came a prosperous farmer of the latter state, where he owned and operated two hundred and fifty acres of land, and as one of the leading men of his community he was hon- ored with town offices. He died in April, 1858, at the age of sixty-four years, having long survived his wife, who was only thirty- four at the time of her death. In religious be- lief they were Presbyterians. In their family were six children, namely : Jane, who be- came the wife of A. L. Clark and died in January, 1848, at the age of twenty-seven years, leaving two children, Horace and W'n]- hice; Martha, who became the wife of Sam- uel Page and died in 1851, at the age of twenty-six, leaving one child, Martha, who died in 1852, when only tvvo years and a half old; Eliza, who died at the age of eight- een months J. !M., our subject; Horace, who d:ed in March, 1843, at the age of fourteen years and a half; and Eliza, the second, of that name, who is the wife of S. D. Lyle of Neponset, Illinois, and has three children, Charles, Herbert and Maxwell. During his boyhood and youth J. ^L Hatch became familiar with agricultural pursuits upon the home farm, where he was reared and acquired a good knowledge of the common English branches in the schools of the neighborhood. After completing his ed- ucation he worked in a sa\%inill, a brick kiln, and at the carpenter's trade for a time, and operated his father's farm one year. On coming west in 185 1 he located in Stark county, the nearest town of any importance at that time being Henry. He purchased land in Elmira township, and meeting with success in his farming operations he became the owner of five hundred acres of valuable land, a portion of which he has since divided among his children. Some of this property was in Henry county. In February, 1895, he removed to Kewanee where he built a fine home with all modern appliances for com- fort and economy, where he has since li\-ed a retired life, enjo3'ing the fruits of former toil. He was one of the original stockhold- ers of the Union Bank of Kewanee. On the 24th of February, 1853, was cele- brated the marriage of Mr. Hatch and Miss Roxana Lyle, also a native of Vemiont and a daughter of William Lyle, who brought his family to Illinois in 1834 and became one of the pioneers of Stark county, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying there in the fall of 1858, at the age of fifty-five years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of At- lanta Darling, passed away in 1885, at the UNlVtRSllT UF ILLINOIS i J. M. HATCH. MRS. J. M. HATCH LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URSP.NA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 237 age of seventy-seven years. She was a mem- ber of the Congregational Churdi, and the mother of fifteen cliildren, fourteen of whom reached adult ages and ten are still living. In order of birtli they were as follows : Eliza- beth, wife of William G. Perkins, of Elmira, Illinois Thomas, deceased ; Thomas, the sec- ond of that name, who died at Pikes Peak in 1859; Stephen D., a resident of Neponset, Illinois; Roxana, wife of our subject; Wal- ter and Jennette, twins, the former a resident of Dakcjta county, Nebraska, the latter the wife of John L. Price of Republic county, Kansas; Julia, deceased wife of Silas Paten ; Lydia J. .who died at the age of twenty years ; George W., who enlisted in 1864 with the one-hundred-day men called out by Gov- ernor Yates, and died in the service at the age of twenty years; Franklin, a fanner of El- mira, Illinois; Xorris, a farmer of Alodena, Stark county; Emeline, wife of William Ber- ry, of Reno, X'evada; Lucinda, wife of Dav- id Moffit ; and Rufus D., a resident of Xepon- set, Illinois. Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hatch, Horace died at the age of thirteen months and Burton at the age of fifteen months. Clara E. is the wife of Charles N. Good, a farmer of Elmira, Stark county, and they have two children, Maxwell C. and ^lartha. Cora L. married first John Wilcox, by whom she had one child, Burton B., and for her second husband she married Albert Early, a fanner of Kewanee townshi]). this county. Martha J. died at about the age of eleven years. Orin L., a farmer of Elmira, Stark county, married Mrs. Minnie (Barry) Higgtns, widow of James Higgins, by whom she had one child, Nevada. By her mar- riage with Mr, Hatch she had two children : Bertha; and John, who died at the age of one year and two weeks. B}- his ballot our subject supiwrts the men and measures of the Democracy, and he has filled miucir township offices. Having always taken a deep interest in educational affairs, he efficiently served as school direc- tor for .some time. While a resident of Stark county he served fur ten years as di rector and treasurer of the Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company, but resigned the office on his removal to Kewanee. He is a njan of genial disposition, is progressive and public-spirited, and holds a high place in the esteem of his fellow citizens. WILLIAM L. KIRKPATRICK. This well-known • and ^xDpular pho- tographer of Geneseo is a native of Illinois, born in \'ermilion county, February 5, 1841, and is a son of Dr. William Kirk- patrick, who was for many years a promi- nent and successful physician of Tiskilwa, Bureau county, this state. The father was l)orn in New Athens, Harrison county, Ohio, July 17, 1 81 7. hi his youth his health was not the best, and for that reason his attention was called to the consideration of medicine, which resulted finally in his becoming a practicing physician. In Knox county, Ohio, he was married, April 25, 1840, to Mrs. Cornelia (Benson) Gunn, who by her former marriage had two chil- dren: Abel died in Chicago, aged fifty-two years, and Lewis, who died when one year old, while on the way across the country with his parents coming west. Of the children born to the Doctor, William L.. our subject, is the oldest; Sarah is the wife of William H. Whalen, of Des Moines, Iowa; Mary E. is the wife of Frank Has- kins, of Sioux City, Iowa; Lyman died at 2S8 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the age of nineteen years; and IMargaret A. is the wife of George Dexter, of Tiskil- \\a, Illinois. In the fall of 1851 Dr. Kirk- jjatrick moved to Tiskihva, where he was engaged in practice until 1863. when he opened a drug store at that place and con- ducted it until his death, which occurred July 26. 1888. He was widely and favor- al)ly known and was held in high regard b\^ a large circle of friends. In his political \iews he was a strong Reiiublican, and for a score of years was an efficient member of the board of education in his town. His estimable wife, who was born in Hart- ford, Connecticut, February 29. 1816, a daughter of Lyman Benson, is still one of the honored residents of Tiskihva. She is one of the pioneers of this section. In 1836 she droA-e an ox team from Knox county, Ohio, to Keokuk, Iowa, her onl}- companion being her sick husband, who died while on the journey, and the child Lewis, who also died while on that trip. She has been a life-long and active member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. \\'illiam L. Kirkpatrick. of this review, grew to manhood in Tiskihva, and received a good common-school education. From the age of fifteen years he followed tele- graphing at various places, and was dis- patcher at Geneseo in 1857. In 1856 he began learning the old daguerreotype pro- cess of making pictures and in 1858 he learned the ambrotype process and in i860 cijmmenced taking photographs. He has since devoted his attention to that business, always keeping abreast with the advance- ment and progress made in the science. In March, 1869, he opened a studio in Geneseo, and now has one of the best equipped gal- leries in this section of the state, it being supplied with the latest improved apparatus needed in the business. He has gained an enviable reputation as one of the best pho- tographers in this section, and his patron- age comes from a wide extent of territory, b.aving at the present writing work from Cambridge and Atchison, Illinois, Grinell, Iowa, and other cities. He is very progress- i\e and has invented a device for taking stamp pictures, giving fifteen different po- sitions or expressions. This instrument makes one, two. four, eight of fifteen pic- tures all on one plate. On the 17th of July, 1862, :Mr. Kirk- patrick married Miss R. F. Trask, a native of Elaine, and a daughter of William Trask, who with his family was living in Buda, Illinois, at the time of our subject's marriage. B}- this union there is one child, Hali T., collector in a store in Pueblo, Colorado. The son was married, in 1895, to Emma Koster, who has been blind for the past two years, supposedly the residt of an attack of smallpox. Owing to ill health yirs. Kirkpatrick has resided with her son in Colorado for the past two years. She is a member of the L'nitarian Church. At national elections ^Ir. Kirkpatrick supports the Republican party, but in local affairs votes independently of party lines. He has served as secretary of the board of health for nearly five years, and was alder- man from the First ward two years. He is Line of Geneseo's leading business men and honored citizens, and well deserves the suc- cess that has come to him. THOMAS McCLURE. Among Kewanee's leading citizens and prominent business men is numbered Thomas McClure, who was born in Knox THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 239 county, Illinois. May 16, 1848, a son of Daniel and Laura Ann (Little) IMcClure. The Little family is of Puritan descent, ami was founded in America by one of the pas- sengers of the Mayflower. Our subject's father was born in Ireland of Scotch par- entage, and when a young man came to the "United States. He first located in Xew York, where he was connected witli .\. T. Stewart for some time, they having been schoolmates in the old country. Coming to Illinois, in 1836, he visited what is now Henry county, but decided to locate at Cairo, where he spent some years. He would build flatboats, which he would load w ith produce and float down the Mississippi to Xew Orleans, where he would dispose of his stock, sell his boat for wood and return to Cairo and repeat the operation. This business he followed several years and was very successful in the enterprise. Later he was engaged in general merchandising in that city with a partner for some time, but finally sold out in 1848 and returned to Henry gaunty. He erected a .store build- ing in W'ethersfield, which he stocked with everything neetled by the early settlers. He was one of the pioneer merchants of the place, as only one man was engaged in business there when he opened his general store. Instead of money, which was scarce among the early settlers, he received most- ly produce in exchange for his goods, and this he would sell in Lacon and Peoria, or sometimes Chicago, driving cattle and hogs to those cities, where he received for dressed hogs only seventy-five cents or a dollar per I'lUndred. He continued in that line of busi- ness for about twelve years and later dealt in real estate, and was an extensive owner of real estate in the county. He died at \\'ethcrsfield February 16, 1893, at the age of nearly ninet\'-one years, in the house which had been his home for forty-five years. His first wife had passed away in 185-', leaving two children: Thomas, our subject; and William B., also a resident of Kewanee. For his second wife the Fa- ther married Matilda Case, a native of In- diana, who died in 1895. From the or- ganization of the Republican party he was a supporter of its principles, and always took an active interest in public affairs, though he never would accept ofiice, with the exception of school trustee, which he filled for a number of years. He was ^•cry successful in business, was a good financier and an excellent judge of men. His circle of friends and acquaintances was extensive, and he was highly respected and esteemed by all who knew him. He was rearetl in the Presbyterian faith, and, though not a member of any church, he gave liberally to all, and was very charitable and benev- olent. Reared in \\'ethersfield, Thomas Mc- Clure received his early education in the primitive schools of pioneer days, which he attended until fifteen years of age. In the meantime the Civil war had broken out. and, imbued with a spirit of patriotism, he enlisted in February, 1863, in Company H, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, which was as- signed to General Wilson's corps and sent to Memphis, Tennessee. He remained in the service and was in all the engagements of his regiment until the close of the war. He was mustered out at Selma, Alabama, October 30, 1865. Returning to Kewanee he attended school two winters and then commenced farming in Wethersfield township on ninety acres of land belonging to his father, lie followed that pursuit successfully for twenty 240 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. years, and is still the owner of two hun- dred and fifty acres of land in Kewanee township and one hundred and thirty-three acres in Annawan township. On his retire- ment from farming he engaged in buying and selling stock for some years, but dis- continued that business on his removal to Kewanee in 1893, shortly before the death of his father. He has since been interested in the real estate and loan business, and ir. 1899, in connection with Frank A. Cahow built the Kewanee Opera House, at a cost of twenty-five thousand dollars, but has since purchased his partner's interest. It is one of the finest buildings of the kind in any town the size of Kewanee in the country, while the scenery and general appointments would do credit to a city ten times as large. The stage is 40x60 feet ; there are ten dress- ing rooms, supplied with iiot and cold water; and in fact all modern appliances and conveniences of a first-class theater are here found. ^Ir. ilcClure secures only the best entertainments of high moral charac- ter and does all in his power to satisfy the wishes and desires of his patrons. He is also the owner of ninety acres of land in W'ethersfield township. On the j/th of May, 1867, .Mr. :Mc- Clure married ^liss Jane Atherton, a na- tive of Henry county, and a daughter of Milton Atherton, now deceased, who was one of the early settlers of Stark comity, Illinois, where he followed farming for many years, ilrs. McClure is the sixth in order of birth in a family of nine children, the others being as follows : Phebe A., wife of Cyrus Pratt, of ^Murray, Iowa; A. S.j a ^Methodist Episcopal minister, who is now engaged in farming in Nevada, Missouri; Joseph C, a resident of West Jerse3% Stark county, Illinois; Eliza Ellen, widow of Alexander Johnson and a resident of Cali- fornia; Kate, wife of J. M. Jones, of La- fayette, Stark county; Jasper, a farmer of Nevada, Missouri ; Emma, widow of John Coucins of the same place; and Carrie, wife of Dorington M. Good, of Wethersfield township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Clure are the parents of three children, namely: (1) Fred D., general manager of the Gail Borden condensed milk factory at Elgin, Illinois, married Mattie Mc\'icker, and they have three children, Leland, Sadie and i^Iaxie. (2) Emma Edith is the wife of Ira J. Dunlap, of Johnson county, Illi- nois. (3) Sadie died March 15, 1888, at ilie age of fifteen years. Fraternally Mr. McClure is an honored member cf Julius A. Pratt Post, No. 143, G. A. R... m which he has held nearly all the ofiices, and politically he is identified Avith the Republican party. He served one term as supervisor of Kewanee, but has never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office, preferring to devote his un- divided attention to his business interests. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution; and his close application to business and excellent management have brought to him the high degree of prosperity which is to-day his. JOHN LEWIS. For half a century, John Lewis, now de- ceased, was one of the highly esteemed citi- zens of Henry county, and in early life was prominently identified with its agricultural interests, though he was living a retired life in Geneseo at the time of his death, which oc- curred ]klarch 5, 1900. He was born in Penn- Ll6'?ARY UNIVtRSIir OF ILLINOIS JOHN LEWIS. MRS. JOHN LEWIS. Llb'^ARY UNIVERSnv OF ILLINOIS URSAKA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ^43 sylvania, April 17. iSjo, but was only three years old when he removed with his parents to Jackson county. Ohio, where he continued to make his home for several years. During his boyhcwd and youth he assisted his father in the labors of the home farm, and early ac- quired an excellent knowledge of the occupa- tion to which he devoted his active life. In 1847 ^Ir. Lewis wedded Hiss Mary Cozad, of Ohio, and three years later came to Henry county, Illinois, locating in Corn- wall township, where he purchased land, and successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising for several years, accumulating a large property. In 1878 he laid aside all business cares and removed to Geneseo, where he lived retired until his death. He ^\•as called upon to fill nearly all the local of- fices of his township, and in all the relations of life was found true and faithful to every trust reposed in him. He commanded the confidence and respect of his associates and was held in high regard by all who knew him. Mr. Lewis' first wife died in 1897. By that union he had fourteen children, namely : William, deceased; Abraham, a resident of Cormvall township; Samuel, who lives in Atkinson township, this comity ; George W., who is engaged in fanning in Jasper county, Illinois; John and Stephen, both residents of Cornwall township; Francis M., of Peoria county, Illinois; Charles A., of Kansas City, ^Missouri; Charity, wife of James Fell, of Geneseo; Alfred, of Munson township, this county; Robert, of Kansas City, Missouri; Mary, wife of George Hudson, of Indian Territory; Albert, who died in infancy; and Andrew, of Spring Creek, Illinois. On the 29th of November, 1899, Mr. Lewis married Mrs. Kate Grain, a native of McHenry county, Illinois. Her parents, Horace and Rebecca (Warner) Mitchell, were born in New York state, and on coming to Illinois about 1850 settled in McHenry county. Her father was a railroad conduct- or, and was with the Rock Island road for r.early fifty years, during which time he made his home in Geneseo. He was killed while in the discharge of his duties in 1877. ]^Irs. Lewis' mother had died many years be- fore, and for his second wife he married Eva Mitchell, by whom he had two children. There were five children by the first mar- riage and four of the number are still living, Mrs. Lewis being the third in order of birth. ]\Ir. Mitchell was a prominent Mason and took an active interest in the work of that order. ^Irs. Lewis' first husband was Bruce Grain, who was born in New York state, and was only two years old when brought by his parents to this county, the family locating in Atkinson township. Mr. Grain was a soldier of the Civil war and fol- lowed the carpenter's trade for many years. By her first marriage !Mrs. Lewis has two sons : Albert, who was born in Kansas in 1877, noAV employed in the boiler shop at Kewanee, and who served as a soldier in the Spanish-American war in Porto Rico; and Frank, who was born in 1886 and lives with his mother in Geneseo, and is attending the liisrh school. JOHN FISCHER. Prominent among the energetic, far- seeing and successful business men of Ke- wanee is the subject of this sketch, whose life history most happily illustrates what may be attained by faithful and continued effort in carrying out an honest puri>ose. Integrity, activity and energv- have been the 244 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. crowning points of his success, and his connection with the various business enter- prises and industries have been of decided advantage to Kewanee, promoting its ma- terial welfare in no uncertain manner. Mr. Fischer was born in Schafifhausen, Prussia, Germany, February 20, 1858, and attended the public schools of his native land from the age of six until coming to America with his parents, Peter and Mar- guerite Fischer, in 1870. The famih- ar- rived on the 27th of June at Kewanee, where our subject's oldest brother. Nicholas, had located in 1867. Here the father worked in the mines for some years, having lieen a mine carpenter and boss in Germany. He was born in 1820, and died in 1878, while his wife was born in March, 1820, and died on the seventy-second anniversary of her birth. In their family were ten chil- dren, namely: Nicholas, who died in 1870, at the age of twenty-three years ; Michael, who conducts a meat market at Kewanee; Mary, wife of Joseph Hofifrichter o.f the same place; Elizabeth, widow of C. G. Bauer; Margaret, widow of John Streicher; Peter, who died in infancy; John, our sub- ject; Peter, a business man of Kewanee; Carl, who died in infancy; and Mitchell, who died in this county at the age of six years. The family are communicants of the Catholic Churfch. After coming to this country John Fischer attended a country school in Ke- wanee township for two years and then be- gan his business career by working in the mines with his father for three weeks, which he says was one of the happiest periods of his life. He then worked on a farm for two years, and at the end of that time be- gan delivering groceries for the firm of Wood & Lewis. When those gentlemen dissolved partnership he found employment with the Haxtun steam heater works at sev- enty-five cents per day, but three months later L. W. Lewis again embarked in the grocery business and persuaded our sub- ject to again enter his services. He re- mained with him five years, and then clerked for M. C. Ouinn one year, at the end of which time he purchased Mr. Lewis' store and continued in the grocery business alone for three years. He was a member of the firm of Fischer & Mahew from 1884 to 1889, and then sold out to his partner and embarked in the real estate and loan busi- ness, which he still carries on. He has a government broker's license, for which he pays fifty dollars per year, and does the largest business in his line in the city. In 1890 when C. C. Blish was president of the First National Bank he iiuluced Mr. Fischer to buy some stock, and at the fol- lowing election our subject was made a di- rector, which position he has filled ever since. For the past five years he has served as vice-president. He is also a stockholder, secretary and treasurer of the Kewanee Coal & Mining Company. He is the owner of the Fischer building, which is the oldest brick store building in Kewanee. This he has remodeled and converted into one of the nicest store and oftice buildings in the city. He also owns five new store and office buildings in Chicago. He does an extensive business in buying and selling mortgages for friends and clients, having handled over three hundred thousand dollars worth, but has foreclosed only one and that was a friendly foreclosure. He makes loans in Kewanee, Chicago and elsewhere. On the 2nd of October, 1883. Mr. Fischer was united in marriage with Miss Etta R. Lyle, a native of Kewanee and a THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 245 •(.laug-hter of George and Sarah (Snugs) Lyle. Her father was also born in Henry county, but her mother's birth occurred in London. Juigland. They were married in Kewanee, and here both ihed at an carh- xige, leaving four children : George, now a farmer of Monroe, Jas[)er county, Iowa: William H., who married Mollie P. Shrop- ^;hire and lives in Kewanee; and Etta R., wife of our su1)ject. One son, John, died in childhood. These children were reared by the i)aternal grandfather, John Lyle, who was born at nr near Paisley, Scotland, July 2y, 1806, and was brought to -Amer- ica by his mother in 1816, joining his fa- ther, \\'illiam Lyle, in Alexandria, Vir- ginia. Two years later the family remo\-ed to Caledonia county, \'ermont, where his lather died in 1834. at the age of sixty- si.x. In 1836 John Lyle came to Illinois, and entered a tract of land in Elmira town- ship. Stark count}-, where he was joined b\' his mother and the uther members of the family a year later. The nK)ther li\ed to the advanced age of ninety-hve years. Air. Lyle received oniv a limited educatiun in the subscription schools, and was entirely a self-made man, who through his own un- xiided efforts became • quite wealthy. Al- though almost sixty years of age he enlisted -March 24, 1864. in Cumijany K, ( )nc Hun- dred and Thirt_\-fourth Illinois X'olunteer Jnfantr}-, and served until his term expired on the 25th of the following October. In X'ermont he was married, June ly, 1833, to iMiss Hester D. Craig, who was to him a faithful helpmate throughout a long mar- ried life. Their onl}- child, Cieorge Lyle, the father of ilrs. Fischer, was born in Oc- tober, 1834. and died May 19, i86j. The grandfather died in July, 1889, at the age of eighty-three, and his wife passed away in May, 1897, at the age of seventy-nine. From Stark county they came to Henry county at an early day, and were numbered among its honored and highly respected citi- zens. To Mr. and Mrs. Fischer have been bom live children, as follows: Haydn L., who is attending the high school of Kewanee; J. Emmons; Marguerite, who died July 2, 1893, at the age of two years and a half; Lawrence, who died in 1896, at the age of fourteen months : and George Lyle. The mother and chiklren are members of the Episcopal Church, while Mr. Fischer is a Catholic in religious belief. Since casting his lirst presidential vote for James A. Gar- field he has affiliated with the Republican party, but has never cared for political honors. He had no cai)ital on starting out in life for himself, and as a farm hand worked for one hundred dollars the first year and one hundred and twenty dollars the second, which amount went to the support of his widowed mother. His record is therefore that of a man who by his own un- aided efforts has worked his way upward tL' a position of affluence. His life has been one of industry and perseverance, and the systematic and honorable business methods he has followed have won for him the con- fidence and respect of those with whom he has been brought in contact. He is a man of line personal appearance and excellent business qualifications. EMERY C. GRAVES. Emery C. Graves, of Geneseo, has at- tained distinction as one of the able mem- bers of the Henry county bar, and is now most capably and satisfactorily serving as 246 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. states attorney. In this profession prob- ably more than in any other success depends upon individual merit, upon a thorough un- derstanding of the principles of jurispru- dence, a power of keen analysis, and the abil- ity to present clearly, concisely and forcibly the strong points in his cause. Possessing these necessary qualifications, Mr, Graves is accorded a foremost place in the ranks of the profession in this county. He was born in Cherry Creek township, Chautauqua county. New York, January 19, 1853, and is a son of Calvin S. and Martha K. (Kingsley) Graves, also natives of that state, the former born in Herkimer county, the latter in Chautauqua county. On first coming to Illinois, in the spring of 1853, the father located at Earlville, La Salle county, but remained there only one season before coming to Yorktown township, Henry coun- ty, where he followed farming until 1865. He then embarked in the furniture business in Geneseo and later turned his attention to the drug trade. He is still an honored resident of this place. He was seventy-six years of age on the 20th of June, 1900, and his wife w'as seventy-three on the 25th of February, that year. She holds member- ship in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their children are Mrs. Grace A. Sweeney, of Geneseo; and Emery C, of this review. The first thirteen years of his life Emery C. Graves spent upon a farm. After com- pleting his education in the schools of Gen-" eseo, he commenced the study of law in the offices of Buckles & Twells, with which firm he remained until the former's death, when he entered the office of George E. Waite. Subsequently he attended law school at Mad- ison, Wisconsin, and after his graduation in 1874 opened an office in Janesville, that state, where he engaged in the practice of the law. Returning to Geneseo in 1876, he has since followed his chosen profession at this place, and has built up quite a large and lucrative practice in the state and federal courts. He has had many notable cases, and has served as city attorney ten consecu- tive years, while prior to that time he held the same office for about two years. In the fall of 1889 he was first elected states at- torney, and so acceptably did he fill that office tfiat he has been constantly re-elected. He has proved a most efficient man for the place, and is a veritable terror to e\'il doers. ^Ir. Gra\-es is married and has had two children. May, the older, received her lit- erary education in the Geneseo common schools and the Collegiate Institute, and is now attending the Chicago Art Institute She possesses remarkable musical and artis- tic talent, being specially proficient in draw- ing. Kathryn, the younger, died in her infancy. Mrs. Graves was for several years a successful teacher in the public schools of Geneseo, and is a member of the Congregational Church. Socially Mr. Graves is a prominent Mason, belonging to Stewart Lodge, No. 92, F. & A, M., of Geneseo; Barrett Chap- ter, R. A. M., and Evarts Commandery, both of Rock Island; and Kaaba Temple, of the Mystic Shrine, of Davenport, Iowa. Politically he has always been an ardent Republican, and besides the offices con- nected with his profession he has twice served as mayor of Geneseo. Never w'ere the reins of city government in more capa- ble hands for he is pre-eminently public- spirited and progressive, and gives his sup- port to every enterprise for the public good. He is a man of fine appearance, is genial and pleasant in manner, and very popular, having a most extensive circle of friends THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 247 iintl acquaintances. In business affairs he has steadily prospered and is the owner of one of the most beautiful homes of Geneseo. Holding marked precedence among the members of the bar of Henry county, and retaining a clientele of so representative a character as to alone stand in evidence of his professional ability and personal popu- larity, Mr. Graves must assuredly be ac- corded a place in this volume. CORNELIUS HAYES. This highly respected citizen of Geneseo is the possessor of a handsome property, Avhich now enables him to spend his years in the pleasurable enjoyment of his accumu- lations. The record of his early life is that of an active, enterprising methodical and sagacious business man, who bent his ener- gies to the honorable acquirement of a comfortable competence for himself and family. Mr. Hayes was born in Ballaugh, Clonouty Parish, County Tipperary, Ire- land, August I, 1832, a son of Laurence and Alice (Ryan ) Hayes, who spent their entire li\es in that country. The father was a cooper by trade, but also followed the oc- cupation of farming throughout life. He died at the age of seventy-six years, his wife at the age of sevent3^-six. To this wortliy couple were born ten children, four sons and six daughters, but our subject, the youngest of the sons, is the only male representative of the family now living, though four sisters are still living. ( i ) Laurence engaged in farming on the old homestead in Ireland and died there about two years ago. (2) Ella married John O'Brien, a farmer of section 32, Alba town- ship, this county, and bdth are now de- ceased. (3) Mary is the wife of Cornelius Dwyer, a prominent farmer of Alba town- ship. (4) Alice is the widow of Uriah Jennings, who was a farmer of Lyons, New York. (5) Bridget is the wife of Patrick McLaughlin, a retired farmer living on Oak wood avenue, Geneseo. (6) Margaret is the wife of James Dwyer, a retired farmer of Geneseo, Illinois. The first twenty years of his life Cor- nelius Hayes spent in the land of his na- tivity, and received his early education in the private schools of his birthplace. On laying aside his text books he learned the cooper's trade. In 1852 he came to Amer- ica, landing at New York, and in that city and at Seneca Falls, New York, he followed that occupation for a time. In the spring of 1853, however, he commenced farming at Junius, Seneca county, New York, where he remained five years, and then removed to Springfield, Illinois, where he was engaged in farming two years. On the 4th of March, i860, Mr. Hayes came to Henry county, having purchased land the year before on section 32, Alba township. It was a wild tract on which not a furrow had been turned or an improve- ment made, but he at once erected a good, substantial house, barns and other buildings, and finally placed the eighty acres under excellent cultivation. After residing there four years, he bought an additional tract of two hundred and forty acres on sections 20 and 21, the same township, but two years later sold the homestead of eighty acres, and purchased two hundred and forty acres on sections 29 and 2d, and ten acres in sec- tion 9, Alba township. This was also a wild, uncultivated tract, which he converted into a fine farm, erecting on section 21 an elegant residence at a cost of three thousand 248 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. dollars, and two large barns on section 20. Here he snccessfully engaged in general farming and stock raising until March, 1883, when he rented his farm of four hun- dred and eighty acres in Alba township and moved to Annawan, where he had built a hotel a number of years before. He pur- chased one hundred and sixty acres of farm- ing land on section 10, of Annawan town- ship, just eighty rods south of the village, and while operating that farm for twelve years he used the hotel as his private dwell- ing. Subsequently he spent about a year and three months in Blue Island, Illinois, at the end of which time he sold his hotel in Annawan, and on the 6th of May, 1897, took up his residence in Geneseo, where he has purchased a fine home on College axenue, and is now living retired, surrounded by all the comforts that make life worth the living. On the 1st of December, 1872, at Gen- eseo, Mr. Hayes married Miss Margaret J. Smith, who was born February 24, 1852, a daughter of John and Ellen (Stewart) Smith. Her father, who was a prominent farmer of Bureau county, Illinois, died at the home of our subject in Annawan, and her mother's death occurred in Gold town- ship, Bureau county. Mrs. Hayes is the fourth in order of birth in their family of twelve children, ten of whom are still liv- ing, two sons being deceased. Our sub- ject and his wife have one child, Alice E.) who was born in Annawan, April 22. 1883, and has attended the public schools of that village, St. Benedict's school of Blue Island and the high school of Geneseo. Mr. Hayes gives his political support to the men and measures of the Democratic party, and represented Alba township on the board of supervisors six years. He also ser\ed as township treasurer eight and a half years, commissioner nine years, and assessor fourteen years in Alba tow'nship ; and for many years was also a school di- rector there and in Annawan. In religious faith he is a Roman Catholic and takes an active interest in church work. His success in life has been marvelous. As a young man of twenty years he came to America, and with no capital started out in a strange land to overcome the difficulties and ob- stacles in the path to prosperity. His youthful dreams have been realized, and in their happy fulfillment he sees the fitting re- ward of his earnest toil. THE SWEDISH EV. LUTHERAX CHURCH OF KEWANEE. The year after the organization of the village of Kewanee, in 1S54, the Swedes began to move in but only a few remained permanently, and it was not until Septem- ber, 1869, that a congregation could be or- ganized with sixteen members. It belongs- to the Ev. Lutheran Augustana S}-nod. In 1870 a church was built for three thousand dollars. The congregation con- tinued for sixteen years to be serv'ed by non-resident pastors. In 1886 Rev. S. A. Becklund accepted a call and staid four years, increasing the membership to one hundred and ninety-two. On account o£ scarcity of ministers the congregation was now left vacant for two years. In 1 89 1 a theological student from Augustana College and Theological Sem- inary, at Rock Island, Illinois, was called to have charge of the congregation until a permanent pastor could be secured. Instead THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 149 of renovating the old church a new cliurch huikhng was immediately begiui and com- pleted the following year, 1892, costing eleven thousand dollars. This same year Rev. S. G. Youngert, was ordained, and, having won the esteem and confidence of the congregation as a faithful student, he was called as pastor. He accepted and took charge of the congregation in June, 1892. Two years later a commodious parsonage was erected. Total value of church property fifteen thousand five hundred dollars. After four and a half years Rev. Young- ert resigned, the membership having in- creased in the meantime from one hundred and ninety-two to three hundred and four. The present pastor. Rev. J. M. Rydman, took up his work here June i, 1897. The membership is now (January i, 1901) three hundred and fifty-nine- Total income for 1900 three thousand two hundred and twenty-seven dollars and fifty-two cents. The auxiliaries are the Ladies' Sewing So- ciety, and, among the young ladies, the Dorcas Society, and a Young People's So- cietv. KE\'. J. M. RYD.MAX. Rev. J. yi. Rydman, pastor of tlie Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Kewanee, was born in Kronol>ergs Lan, Sweden, September 19. 1863, and received his primary education in the schools of that country. On coming to America at the age of seventeen years he joined some rela- tives in Colorado, where he attended a grammar school for one year, and then en- tered the first class of Bethany College at Lindsborg, Kansas; where he pursued his studies four years. In 1887 he became a mem- ber of the sophomore class at.\ugustana Col- lege, Rock Island, Illinois, and was gradu- ated with the degree of A. B. from the in- stitution in 1890. He ne.xt attended the theological seminary connected with that college, where he was graduated in 1892, and the same year was ordained a minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at Lindsborg. Kansas, by the president of the synod. Mr. Rydman was first called to the pas- torate of the Swedish church at Calumet, Michigan, where he remained five years, and during that time built an eleven-thou- sand dollar stone church and a parsonage costing four thousand dollars. He then ac- cepted a call from the church at Kewanee, coming here on the ist of June, 1897. He is a man of good address and winning man- ners. He is a zealous, active and efficient worker for the church, and is held in higli esteem not only by the people of his own congregation, but by the residents of Ke- wanee generally. On the 15th of June, 1892, Mr. Rydman was united in marriage with Miss Helena M. Lund, a nati\e of Henry county and a (laughter of John and Anna S. Lund. Her father was one of the early settlers of the county, having located iiere in 1854, and was engaged in farming in Andover town- ship. He died some years ago, but his widow is still living and makes her home with her children. Mrs. Rydman is the sixth in order of birth in this family, com- prising nine children. Our subject and his wife have two sons and two daughters, ho.se names and dates of birth are as fol- lows : Egbert, May 9. 1893; .\nnette, June 30, 1895; Philip, July 25, 1898; and Ruth, September 20, 1900. 2SO THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Since coming to Kewanee Mr. Rydnian has reduced the churcli debt two thousand dollars and has added fifty memliers to the church. JOHX McXEELEY. John McXeeley, one of Kewanee's es- teemed citizens, was for many years promi- nently identified with the agricultural inter- ests of Henry county, but at present is not actively engaged in any business. He has led an honorable and useful life, and is one of the men who make old age seem the bet- ter portion of life. Mr. McXeeley was l)orn in Jefferson county, Indiana, March i, 1826, a son of John and ilargaret (Redinbaugh) McX'^eel- ey, of Irish and German descent. His par-' ents were both natives of Ohio, where their marriage was celebrated, and at an early day removed to Indiana, floating down the Ohio river on a flatboat. In the latter state they spent the remainder of their lives. Through- out his active business life the father en- gaged in farming. In the family were twelve children, nine sons and three daughters, of whom live sons are still living, and with the exception of our subject all are residents of Indiana. All have followed agricultural pur- suits except William H., who is a carpenter of Crawfordsville, Indiana. He is a veteran of the Civil war, having served for over three years in an Indiana regiment. Reared on the home farm, John Mc- X'eeley received but a limited education in the subscription schools of his native state. On reaching the age of twenty-one, he learned the -carpenter's trade which he fol- lowed for six years or until coming to Illi- nois in 1 85 1. On his arrival, here he en- tered eighty acres of government land in Henry county, and at once commenced to im- prove and cultivate his land. At that time the unbroken prairies stretched for miles in ever}' direction, and abounded in wolves, deer and feathered game. Few towns had been established and ^Ir. McX''eeley hauled his produce to Henry, which was then his nearest market place. Prospering in his new h.ome he added to his original eighty-acre tract from time to time until he now owns four hundred and forty acres of very valua- l)le land in Annawan township, which has been improved liy him and placed under a high state of cultivation. He engaged in farming quite extensively, and also carried on stock raising, his specialty being short horn cattle. He also fed stock for ship- ment to the city markets. In 1890 he pur- chased a residence in Kewanee, and has since lived a retired life in that city, enjoying a well-earned rest. Returning to Indiana, Mr. McXeeley was married, October 30, 185 1, to Miss Catherine Slaughter, who was also born in Jefferson county, that state, October 2, 1827. She is a daughter of Jeremiah and Rebecca (Lo- gan) Slaughter, the father a native of Xew York, and the mother of Ohio. They were early settlers of Indiana, where their death occurred. His occupation was that of a farmer. The father of Jeremiah Slaugliter was a soldier in the war of 1812, while his grandfather, Isaac Slaughter, also a native of Orange county, X'ew York, fought for seven years in the Revo- lutionary war, and later lived and died on his farm in Xew York. The family were of German descent. Rebecca Logan was a daughter of William Logan, who remo\'ed with his wife, Elizabeth Dement, from Xew Jersey to Ohio, locating in Montgomery county, where they were pioneers. LI6RARV UNIVtRSIlY Of iLLihuli. URBANA JOHN McNEELEY. MRS. JOHN McNEELEY. UNIVtRSllV OF ILLINOIS UREANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 255 The children of Mr. and Mrs. McNeelcy are as follows : Margaret A., wife of Seth Moon, of Annawan; John M. ,a farmer of Storm Lake, Iowa; Mary, at home; Will- iam H., a resident of Adair, Iowa; George, who died in infancy; Sarah Elizabeth, now Mrs. Elmer J. Troyer, of Lincoln, Nebras- ka ; Dora, who married John Moon, and died in Iowa in 1893; Emma and Oliver. All the children received good common school edu- cations, and Oliver was graduated from the Annawan high school, and later took a two- years' preparatory course at Knox college, Galesburg. The Republican party has always found in Mr. McNeeley a stanch supporter of its i:)rinciples, but he has never taken an active part in jxjlitics. He was officially connected with the public schools of Annawan township for many years, and has always done all in his power to maintain good schools. He was an active member and liberal supporter of the United Brethren Church, and on account of his strict integrity and sterling worth is rec- ognized as a valued citizen of the commu- rsitv in which he resides. THOMAS J. HUGHES. Thomas J. Hughes, engineer of the Ke- ■wanee water works, was born in Liverpool, England, in 1856, and is a son of John and Ellen (Jones) Hughes, "vvho are still living at Burkin Head, just across from Livcrptx)]. The father was born in that country in 1835, but the mother's birth occurred in Wales in 1837. They are members of the established church of England, and the father served as organist for about twenty years. By oc- cupation he. too, is an engineer, and for years has been superintendent of the Lon- don & Xorthwestern Railway Company. His brother, William D., who once visited America, has also followed the life of an engineer during his entire business career. Our subject is the oldest of a family of eight children, the others being Catherine, who became the wife of Robert Evans and died in 1895, at the age of thirty-seven years ; William, who died in Cardiganshire, South Wales; Anna, Ellen, and Ellen (second), who all died at about the age of two years; John, who luiited with the Presbyterian Church and died at the age of four- teen j'ears; and David B., a resident of We- gan, England. Only our subject and his youngest brother are now living. Having very limited school privileges during his youth, Thomas J. Hughes is al- most wholly self-educated. He began life for himself as coal trimmer for firemen, and later was promoted to the latter position, and subsequently was made engineer. He served a two years' apprenticeship in a ma- chine shop; went from there to the boiler shop, and later to tb.e blacksmith shoi), be- coming very proficient in all of these branches of mechanics. Before leaving England Mr. Hughes was r.nited in marriage with Miss Catherine Rob- erts, who was born in North Wales, Sep- leml>er 29. 1853, a daughter of James and Catherine (Jones) Roberts, of Anglesey, Whales, where the father is still living at the age of seventy-eight years. He was a con- tractor and builder in stone masonry, and for many years served as sexton of an Epis- copal Church, in which he holds member- ship. He is well known and highly respect- ed in the community where he has so long n\ade bis home. His parents were James and Elizal>eth Roberts. In 1843 he married Catherine Jijnes, \vho die',! April 23. 1878, 256 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. at the age of fifty years. She was a loving wife, an affectionate motlier, an excellent neighbor and a thorough Christian. In the Roberts family were eight children, namely : Elizabeth, who became the wife of Professor Richard Roberts and died at the age of fifty- six years; Thomas, a resident of New York, who first married Ellen Owens and second Mary Evans; John, a resident of Anglesey, Wales, who married for liis second wife Jane Jones; Grace, wife of John E. Jones, of Csernarvonshire, Wales ; Catherine, wife of our subject ; Mary, who died unmarried at the age of thirty-two years; Margaret, who died in 1872, at the age of twelve ; and James, who is married and lives in Wales. In 1881 Mr. Hughes, with his wife and one cliild, came to the United States, arriv- ing here a few weeks before the assassination of President Garfield. On reaching Castle Garden he had but a half penny remaining, and this was sjient for an apple to appease the appetite of the child. After spending the night there in sleep uixm the floor they boarded a slow-going emigrant train, and for three days, from Thursday to Saturday, were without food. Two years were spent in Wyoming county. New York, where ^^Ir. Hughes soon found employment and was able to provide for his family. He then came to Kewanee, Illinois, and found a sit- uation with John and Thomas Pierce in the Haxton Steam Heater Company's works, where his ability as a skilled workman was soon recognized, and in every way he proved an excellent and trustworthy employe. He remained with that company nine years, his work being core making. At the end of that time he became engineer at the Kewanee water works, and his long retention in that position plain! V indicates his faithfulness to duty and his excellent knowledge of the business undertaken. Of the eight children born to INIr. and Mrs. Hughes two, Maggie and James, died in infancy. Mar}' C, who was a type-set- ter before her marriage, is now the wife of Malcolm Dicks and lives at home with her parents; Darius R. is learning engineering, and being a bright boy and willing to work has become (juite proficient for one of his years; Ellen J. is attending school; Grace Anna, John T. and Margaret B. are all at home. Mr. Hughes now owns a pleasant home in Kewanee. The success that he has at- tained is due entirely to his own well-direct- ed efiforts and the assistance of his estimable wife, who has indeed proved a true help- meet to him. Bright and cheerful in dispo- sition she has made for her family a happy home, and has displayed excellent business ability in her management of affairs. She is a member of the First Baptist Church of Kewanee, ha\ing brought her letter frorii England, while her husband is a Primitive Methodist in religious belief. In politics he is an ardent Republican, and in his social relations is a member of the Improved Or- der of Red Men. He is one of the most re- liable men of Kewanee, and his many ad- mirable qualities have tended to mak€ him popular with those with whom he has come in contact either in business or social life. XELS J. SVEXSSOX. Since 1871 X'els J. Svensson has l)een identified with the agricultural interests of Henry county, and is now the owner of a well-improved and \aluable farm on .section THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 257 5, Andover township. A native of Sweden, he %Yas born December 2. 1844, and is a .son of Swan and Inga Cliristina Xelson, both of whom were born in 1819. The mother died at the old home in Sweden in 1892, but tiie father is still li-ving and continues to reside in that coimtry. By trade he is a carpenter and blacksmith, but has also followed farm- ing in his native land. Of his five children Xels J. is the oldest, the others being Caro- lina, who is married and lives in Sweden, but her daughter, Ellen Peterson, now makes lier home witli our subject: Carl .\ugust, a resident of Saline county. Kansas; Li>uisa, wife of Knute Larson, also of Kansas: and Mrs. X'ictoria Swansfjn, a scIuxjI teacher of Sweden. Xels J. Svensson received his education in the public schools of his native land and on the home farm became thoroughly famil- iar witii all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He worked as a farm hand in Sweden for a time, but believing that he could better his financial condition in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic in 1871, and came direct to Henry county, Illinois. Here he was similarly employed until he had saved enough to rent a farm and embark in farming on his own account. Prospering in business he was at length able to purchase seventy acres of land on section 5, Andover township, to the improvement and cultivation of which he has since devoted his energies with most gratifying results. He has re- modeled the buildings, built fences and other- wise added to the value and attractive appear- ance of the place. In connectii^n with gen- eral farming he carries on stock raising. In 1 88 1 Mr. Svensson was iniited in marriage with Mrs. Mary Ogren, who by her first union has one son, Eddie, living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Svensson iiave a daughter. Mary. l)orn in i88_'. In his po- litical views our subject is independent and supix)rts the men whom he lielieves best qual- ified to fill the ofiices regardless of party lines. In 1892 he returned to Sweden on a visit to relatives and friends. He gives lib- erally to all church work, and is regarded as one of the most valued and useful citizens of his communitv. AXDREW HALLIX. The subject of this review, who is one of the leading business men of Kewanee. was born in Soderbarke Soken, central Swe- den, on the 1st of August, 1850, and in his successful business career has displayed the characteristic thrift and enterprise of his race. Beginning with no capital except that acquired by his own industry he has built up a large trade as a tailor and dealer in hats, caps, trunks and valises, and is to-day one of the prosperous citizens of Kewanee. His parents, Peter and Christina Pers- son were life-long residents of Sweden, where the father died at the age of eighty- five, the mother when about sixty-se\en years of age. Andrew is the fourth in order of birth in their family of five children. The oldest, Christina, is the wife of D. (jran- lund, of Minnesota, while the others are still residents of Sweden. Mr. Hallin was reared and educated in the land of his birth, and there learned the tailor's trade. In 1869 he crossed the Atlan- tic, landing at Ouel>ec, Canada, whence he came at once to Kewanee, Illinois. At first he worked at anything which he could find to do, and finding employment with the Chi- cago, Burlington & Ouincy Railroacl Com- 258 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. pany. he stuck the first spade into the Biula &: Rnshville branch of tliat road. For a few- months he worked upon a farm, but wlien cold weather came he found more congenial employment in a tailor shop in Kewanee. He worked by the piece tmtil he embarked in business for himself in 1878. From the start his trade has steadily increased, his work having always given the utmost satis- faction, and he furnished employment to from eight to twelve men, having eleven at the present writing. He carries as complete a line of goods as any establisbment of the kind in this section of the state, and re- ceives a liberal share of the 'public patron- age. He was ofie of the organizers of the Kewanee National Bank, and has served as director from its inception. In 1873 ^I''- Hallin married Miss Anna Hallquist, also a native of Sweden, where her parents died during her early ' childhood. She passed away July 14, 1896, on the for- ty-fifth anniversary of her birth. She was a devout and earnest Christian, a member of the Swedish Lutheran church, and was highly esteemed by all who knew her. By this union one child was born, Forrest L., who had charge of the store during his fa- ther's absence in 1900, and is a cutter in the manufacturing department of the establish- ment. He is now serving as master of excheciuer in the Knights of Pythias lodge of Kewanee; has been organist in the Swedish Lutheran Church for the past eight years; and is also secretary of the Sunday school. As a Republican Mr. Hallin takes an active and commendable interest in political affairs, and has served as aid reman of Ke- wanee. He also is a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church, and of the Odd Fellows lodge. In 1900 he W'ent to Europe ami vis- ited the Paris Exposition and his old home in Sweden, thus pasing four very enjoyable months. From his stopping place in Swe- den he traveled seven hundred miles north to Lapland to see the midnight sun, the sun being visible there at twele o'clock at night from the 5th of June to the nth of July. He and his party spent five weeks in north- ern Sweden, viewing the beautiful and ro- mantic scenery of that region, and they climbed the Dundret mountain, on the top of which no vegetation of an}- kind will grow. They were two hours in making the ascent. In addition to his mercantile and banking interests ' in Kewanee, Mr. Hallin has also becorhe one of the prominent real estate own- ers in the city, having built, in 1887, ou Sec- ond street, a fine brick business building, 25 x/O, two stories in height, whic?h he occu- pied from 1887 to 1899. In the latter year he erected an elegant three-story stone front building, also on Second street, 25x63, the first floor and part of the third floor being occupied by himself, while the remainder is leased.' While not the largest, it is the finest store room in the city. He has also erected some buildings for residence purposes, and deals successfully in real estate. JACOB FRANK. No better illustration of the characteristic energy and enterprise of the typical German- American citizen can be found than that af- forded by the career of this well-known har- ness dealer of Genesee, Illinois, who has been prominently identified with the business in- terests of that place for forty-five years. Coming to this country with no capital ex- cept his abilities he has made his wa}' to sue- ^ ^K ^' ^B* "^ - ~*'^^^^^9BS^7!9^^^^^| JACOB FRANK. liBWRY UNIVERSllr OF ILLINOIS URBAKA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 261 cess tlirough \visel_\--(Iirected efYort ami he can now look hack witli satisfaction upon past struggles. The early life of ]\lr. Frank was passed near the River Rhine, for he was born near the city of Worms, Germany, May 8, 1829, a son of Leonard and Margaret (Boas) Frank, who were born in France and from that country remo\-ed to Germany, where the father owned a large vineyard and ex- tensively engaged in the manufacture of v.ine, following that business in connection with farming throughout his active life. He died in Germany at the age of eighty-four years, having long survived his wife, whose death occurred when our subject was about fifteen years of age. They were the i)arents of nine children, but Jacob is now the only survivor. Besides himself there was only one other member of the family who came to the iJnited States, this being Charles Frank, who enlisted in the Mexican war, and was drowned in the Ohio river by the explosion of the steamer on which he had taken pas- sage for Mexico. His death left our sub- ject without a relative in this coutnry. The greater part of the education of Ja- cob Frank was obtained in the schools of liis native land. In 1849, ^t the age of twen- ty, he came to America, and immediately after landing joined his brother at Ashland, Ohio. Together they went to Cleveland where they worked on a railroad then being constructed, but subsequently returned to Ashland, where our subject learned the har- ness and saddlery trade, serving an ajjpren- ticeship of three years and a half, in the meantime attending school for three months. He then formed a partnership with John Mc- Culley which existed for three years, during which time they engaged in the harness busi- ness at Lucas, Ohio, and established hi.s present business, which he has carried on continuouly since, and has met witli marked success. During his residence in Ohio, Mr. Frank was married, September 5, 1854, to Miss Delilah Bowman, a native of that state and a daughter of David Bowman, a prosperous fanner of Ashland county, Ohio, who, after the death of his wife, came to Illinois, to make his home with !Mr. I'^rank, but died while on a visit to a daughter in Iowa and was buried there. To our subject and his wife were born five children, namely: (i) Leon- ard D., a harness maker, born in Ohio, mar- ried a Miss Daly and died in Oregon, in July, 1884, at the age of thirty years, leaving two sons, Sharmcy antl William, who are still res" idents of that state. (2) Qiarles, born in CJeneseo, died in that city at the age of four- teen years. (3) William, a farmer of Ala- bama, married Kate Celner, now deceased, by whom he had one son, Leonard. (4) Alice is the widow of David McLaughlin, who was overseer of a large packing house at San Francisco, California, and was form- erl}' with the Armour Company of Chicago. Her son. Earl, is now a stenographer and expert penman. (5) Minnie is now the wife of William Brown, a barber of Elgin, Illi- nois, and they have several children. Mrs. Frank, who was a faithful member of the Baptist Church, and a devoted wife and loving mother, died at Geneseo on Thanks- giving Day, 1883, at the age of fifty-five years, and was laid to rest in Oakwood cem- etery. For his second wife Mr. Frank mar- ried I\Irs. Mary Orr Hall, widow of William Hall, a prominent farmer of Henry county, now deceased. By this union was born a son, Ira, and by her first marriage, Mrs. Frank also has a son, Frank Hall, a cattle raiser of Idaho. 262 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. As a business man Mr. Frank has steadily prospered, and his success is due entirely to l:is industry, perseverance and good manage- ment, for he started out in hfe empty-handed and has liad to make his own way unaidetl. That he is a man of good business abiHty is shown by the wonderful success that he has achieved. In addition to his handsome resi- dence on North College a\enue, he is the owner of two business blocks on West Ex- change street, in one of which he carries on liis business, and rents the other, and also has five vacant business lots adjoining and a \'al- uable fami of two hundred and forty acres in Cornwall township, which he leases. Mrs. Frank also owns one hundred and sixty acres ill the same township. These are well-im- proved places, each having a good residence and other buildings found upon the model farm of the twentieth century. He also owned three hundred and twenty acres of land near The Dalles, Oregon, one-half of which he gave to his son who is now de- ceased. The other one hundred and sixty he has since sold. Mr. Frank has been C]uite an extensive traveler making, among others, four trips to the Pacific coast. Mr. Frank is president of the Oakwood Ceme- tery Association of Geneseo, which embraces sixty-six acres of land and is beautifully sit- uated just outside of the corporation, south of the city. Many improvements are con- stantly being made to the grounds. Mr. F'rank is public-spirited and progressive, and advocates all measures that tend to advance the interests of the city and county. He was formerly a Democrat in politics, but now affiliates with the Republican party. Relig- iously he is a member of the German Lu- theran Church, and socially is connected with the Odd Fellows Lodge of Geneseo, in which he has lield office. DANIEL D. SHELLHAMMER. Among the representative farmers of Henry county is the subject of this review, whose home is on section 15, Geneseo town- ship. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Luzerne county, October 11, 1834, and is a son of David and Catherine (Gottschall) Shellhammer, who spent their entire lives in the Keystone state. The father, who was a millwright by trade, died at his home in Pennsylvania, at the age of seventy-eight years, and his wife passed away two years later at about the same age. In their family were seven children, five of whom are still living, namely : Joseph, a carpenter of Hazelton, Pennsylvania; George W., a car- penter of Indianola, Iowa; Daniel D., our subject; Rebecca, wife of John Wagner, foreman of a coal mine of Drifton, Penn- sylvania; and Hannah, wife of Alexander Shiner, a farmer of Luzerne county, Penn- s}'lvania. In the count)' of his nativity, Daniel D. Shellhammer grew to manhood, while his education was obtained in its common schools. On leaving home, in 1857, at the age of twenty-three years, he came to Illi- nois, and first located in Whiteside county, where he worked at his trade of a carpenter for a few years. Subsequently he spent a year in Pheni.x township, this county, work- ing at his trade and at farm labor. After the inauguration of the Civil war, he en- listed at Geneseo, in August, 1862, becom- ing a member of Company K, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until hostilities ceased, being mustered out at Chicago, in July, 1865, and discharged at the same place. He was engaged in some of the principal bat- tles of the war, including the siege at Knox- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. j63 ville, Tennessee. He did considerable scouting and was wounded while in Georgia, in 1864. \\'hen discharged, ]\Ir. Shellliammer re- turned to this county and located in Phenix townshi]). where he worked at the carpen- ter's trade for three or four years, after which he rented a farm in Goniwall town- ship, which he operated two years. He then removed to his present farm of forty acres on section 15, Genesee township, which has now been his home for twenty-eight years. He has erected thereon a fine res- idence, a good barn and other outbuildings, and now has a well-improved place, whose neat and thrifty appearance stands as a mon- ument to his industry and diligence. In connection with farming he continued to work at his trade up to within the past six years, when he retired from that occupa- tion. I'oliticall}- he affiliates with the Re- publican party, and fraternally he holds membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. On the 30th of Xovembcr. i8()y, Mr. Shellliammer was united in marriage with Miss W'ilhelmina Barnhart, only daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Rinck) Barnhart, mentioned below. By this union were born iivc children, namely : Frank, born October 25, 1872, died March 30, 1881; Ada, born June 21, 1878, is at home; Bessie, born Jan- uary 30, 1882; Grant, born November 11, 1884; and Lucy, born October 27, 1887, are all at home. JACOB BARXMART. Prominent among the pioneers of this section of Illinois was Jacob Barnhart, who was for several years actively identified with the early development and upbuilding of Henry county. He was a native of Nassau, Germany, and was about twenty years of age on his emigration to the United States. He first located near Galveston, Texas, where he followed farming for some years, and al)out 1847 came north. For about two years he worked at the stone mason's trade in Rock Island, Illinois. In Whiteside county, this state, Mr. Barnhart was married in December, 1849, to Miss Catherine Rinck, and later they came to Henry county, locating in Phenix town- ship, where he followed farming until the Civil war broke out. He manifested his love for his adopted country l)y enlisting, in 1862, in Company 1, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois \'olunteer Infantry, and re- mained in the service until hostilities ceased, being honorably discharged in Tennessee, in 1865. He served as scout much of the time and was disabled in the service. Re- turning to Illinois, ]\Ir. Barnhart resumed farming in this county, where he continued to make his home until his death. He died in the city of Geneseo, in 1871, from the effects of injuries received in the war. He was a faithful member of the Evangelical Church, and was highly respected and es- teemed by all who knew him. As a pioneer of this section of the .state he endured all the hardships and privations incident to such a life. His upright autl honorable career commanded the respect and confidence of all, and as one of the honored early settlers and leading citizens of this section of the state, he is certainly entitled to prominent men- tion in its history. Mr. Barnhart left a widow and one daughter to mourn his loss, the latter being W'ilhelmina, wife of Daniel D. Shellhammer, mentioned above. Mrs. P>arnhart, who now 264 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. lives with her daughter, was born in Alsace, France, now a province of Germany, and was three years old when brought to this country by her parents, Louis and Veronica (Schatta) Rinck, natives of the same place. It was about 1828 that they crossed the At- lantic and took up their residence in \\'ar- ren, Pennsylvania, and in 1837 came to \\'hiteside county, where Mr. Rinck took up a tract of government land, on which he built a log house. To the improvement and cultivation of that farm of eighty acres he devoted the remainder of his life, dying there in December 25, 1857, at the age of sixty-six years. His wife passed away October 20, 1857, at the age of sixty. Both were mem- bers of the Evangelical Association and he was a Jackson Democrat until the organiza- tion of the Republican party. In their fam- ily were five children, but only Airs. Barn- hart, and her brother, Frank J. Rinck, a marble cutter of Geneseo, are now living. MRS. CAROLINE W. HURD. The state of Illinois owes its high stand- ing among the sovereign commonwealths that make up the L'nited States to the high character and dauntless spirit of the settlers who made their home within her borders in the early days. To their inspiration and work is due her wonderful progress in ag- riculture, manufacturing and the arts. Among the honored pioneers of Henry coun- ty the Little family occupy a prominent posi- tion. Mrs. Hurd, who is a worthy represen- tative of this family and a highly esteemed citizen of \\'ethersfield, came to Illinois in 1836, and therefore has witnessed almost its entire development. She was born in Hollis, Xew Hampshire, September 15, 1821, and is a daughter of Abner B. and Xancy (Tenny) Little, also natives of the old Granite state, the former born in Salem, the latter in Hollis. Their marriage was celebrated January 20, 1802. Coming west in 1836, Mr. Little located in A\'etliersfield township, Henry county, Illinois, where with the assistance of his sons he opened up and improved a farm, making his home here until called to his final rest, at the advanced age of ninety years. In his family were eleven children, all of whom reached years of maturity and became lieads of families, but only ]\Irs. Hurd and her sister, Mrs. Sarah F. Stewart, of Du- Intli, are now living. Five of the family, however, lived to celebrate their golden weddings. One son, Hon. H. G. Little, was the last of the survivors of those Avho assisted in organizing this county. In early days he v,as one of its most prominent and influen- tial citizens, and was called upon to repre- sent his district in the state legislature and serve as sheriff of the county. He voted at the first election held in Wethersfield. He was born in Gosstown, Xew Hampshire, in 1813, and died in Grinnell, Iowa, November 3, 1900, having removed to that place in 1867. There he also became prominently identified with public affairs, did much to advance the interests of its schools, colleges ?nd churches, and efficiently served as mayor of the city. He was very public spirited and enterprising, and with two others bought the land on which Kewanee is now located and laid out the town. His first home in Weth- ersfield was a little one-room house, sixteen by eighteen feet. Mrs. Hurd w as about fifteen years of age when she came with the family to this coun- tv, and can well remember when this re- UNlVERSIli Uh ILLINOIS URBANA DR. LEWIS HURD. MRS. CAROLINE W. HURD. U8RARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 269 gioii was very sparsely settled ami almost entirely unimproved. On tjie 22nd of Au- gust. 1837. at the age of sixteen, she gave her hand in marriage to Dr. Lewis Hurd. theirs lieing the first recorded wedding in Henry county. The Doctor was born in Hamilton. Mailison county. Xew York. Au- gust 19. 181 I. and was reared and educated in his native state. In early life he deter- mined to become a physician, and attended u'.edical lectures. On first coming to Illinois, in 1836. he located in Lafayette. Stark coun- ty, where he engaged in the practice of his profession for a time, and while there board- ed with Mrs. \Mieeler, a sister of Mrs. Hurd. In this way he became acquainted with his future wife, .\fter their marriage they lo- cated in W^ethersfield, where the Doctor en- gaged in practice for a few years, and then removed to Chicago, Illinois, and later to Si)ringfield, Massachusetts, where he made his home for a number of years, his time be- ing devoted to his professitMi. Later he owned and conducted an electric institute at Talmage, Ohio, and in that enterprise met with excellent success. He was also en- gaged in the practice of medicine at Ann Arl)or, Michigan, for a few years, but in the fall of 1865 returned to W'ethersfield. and practically lived retired throughout the re- mainder of his life. He died here in 1892, at the age of eighty-one years, honoretl and respected by all who knew him. He was a ^ery prominent physician and was remarka- l)ly successful, his specialty l)eing chronic diseases. For over iialf a century Dr. and Mrs. Hurd traveled life's journey together, and in 1887 celebrated their golden wedding. To them were born seven children, but only one reached years of maturity, Lewis Gardner, who was educated at .\nn Arbor, and at the opening of the Civil war cnlistetl at the first call for three year men. He went with his regiment to Washington. D. C but was soon afterward taken ill with typhoid pneumonia, and died there March 15. 1862. His remains were brought back to W'ethersfield for in- terment. The other children were Ann Car- nline, who died at the age of nine years; Julius A., at the age of six years; .\nn C, at the age of seven months; Eliza A., at the age of four years; William L., at the age of one year; and Edwin H. N., abso at the age cf one year. Mrs. Hurd is widely known throughout Henry county, and is highly re- spected and esteemed by a large circle of friends, who appreciate her sterling worth. As a pioneer of the county she is certainly worthy of prominent mention in its history. ALBERT W'. BLAIR. Among the high!}' esteemed citizens of Genesee is Albert W'. Blair, one of Henry county's native sons and a representative of one of her honored old families, whose iden- tification with her history dates from an early peril hI in the development of the county. He was born in Phenix township,, on the 23d of September, 1844, and is a son of Asa Blair, whose birth occurred June 6,. 1810, in Ontario county. New York, where he lived until twelve years of age. Going to^ Ohio, he worked for three years in a distil- lery at ten dollars per month, and being very- economical he saved a part of his small earn- ings. Afterw ard he engaged in farming near Detroit, Michigan, for about six years, and from that state came to Henry county, Illi- nois, in 1838, locating in Phenix township, where he purchased land and engaged in farming for a short time. Selling his clainx 2/0 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. he removed to Geneseo townsliip, where he purchased a farm of eighty acres, but after residing there for a time, he was taken ill and moved about three miles northeast of that place, where he took up government land in Phenix township, making it his home for fifteen years. In the meantime he had pur- chased a farm in Loraine township where his last days were spent, dying there January 15- 1873. These several farms were all wild land when they came into his possession, and by his labors were placed under cultiva- tion and improved with good buildings. He was actively identified with the early develop- ment and improvement of the county, and in its transformation from a wild uncultivated tract into one of the best farming districts of the state he ever bore his part. In his polit- ical views he was a Republican, but ne\er took an active part in politics, though as a public-spirited man he advocated all measures tended to advance or improve the community in which he lived. For some j^ears he served as school director in Loraine township. Re- ligiously he was a member of the L'nited Brethren Church. On the 24th of September, 1835, in Wayne county, Ohio, Asa Blair married Miss Abigail Sinnott, who was born in St. John's, Xew Brunswick, September 18, 1812. and whose parents continued to make their home in St. John's throughout life. She died at the home of her daughter in Loraine township, this county, March 17, 1888. By this union were born eight children, namely : ( I ) ^Marilla first married Daniel Beers, by whom she has three children, Frank, Byron and Dora, but she is now the widow of Lor- enzo Norton, a farmer of Loraine township, and resides in Geneseo. By her second mar- riage she has two children, Hugh and Mrs. Elma Carson. (2) Nancy is the wife of Will- i;im Kemmis, a retired farmer of Geneseo. (3) Hiram was a member of Company I, Forty-fifth Illinois \'olunteer Infantry in the Civil war, and was wounded at the bat- tle of Shiloh. He was then brought home and died from the efifects of his injuries two weeks later at the age of twenty years. (4) Albert ^^'., our subject, is next in order of birth. (^5) Sinclair married Emma E. Mun- ger and follows farming in Loraine town- ship. (6) John, also a farmer of Loraine township, married Ada Haskins and has two children, Malcolm and June. (7) Anna died in 1896 at the age of forty-five years. (8) Abigail died in infancy. During his boyhood Albert ^^'. Blair pursued his studies in the common schools of Phenix township, and assisted his father on the home farm. After the latter"s re- moval to Loraine township, he continued to operate the farm in Phenix township until he took up his residence in Geneseo in 1892. He added to the place until he had one hun- dred and seventy-one acres of valuable land on section 25, and made a number of im- provements thereon, while he succesfully en- gaged in general farming and stock raising throughout his active business life. On the 7th of October, 1861, at Geneseo. !Mr. Blair enlisted in Company I, Forty- fifth Illinois ^'olunteer Infantry, with which he served two years and two months, being engaged in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Meeding Station, Tennes- see, and Raymond. Port Gibson, and Cham- pion Hills, i\Iississippi. During the engage- ment at the last named place. May 16, 1863, he was wounded in the left leg, which has left him a cripple for life, after undergoing a very painful operation. The bullet taken from the wound he still has in his possession. He was on the extreme right of the line, be- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 271 ing one of twelve from his company detailed to watch that the army was not flanked. The sergeant in command ordered a charge I in the enemy entrenched in a ditch, and they -captured a cannon, but in this encounter Mr. Blair was wounded after having his gunstock knocked from his hand by a ball. He was wounded while in the act of capturing a rebel who had hidden behind a tree. He was first taken to the plantation belonging to Jef- ferson and Joseph Davis, where he was cai)- tured about a week later by a squad of Con- federate soldiers, but was paroled after tak- ing the oath not to take up arms until his «.xchange. He was sent to the barracks at St. Louis, and honorably discharged in Xo- \ember, 1863. He now draws a pension of thirty dollars i)er month as a sort of compen- sation for his injuries. Mr. Blair was married, March 5, 1872, to Miss Mary E. McClellan, who was torn in Genesee township, this county, December 10, 1850, a daughter of John Wesley and Tulina (Murray) ilcClellan, natives of In- diana. ^^'hen he was about twenty-five years of age her father came to Illinois, and for many years engaged in farming in Geneseo township, where he died in 1896 at the age of seventy-two years. His widow is still liv- ing at the age of seventy and now makes her home with our subject. They had a family of four children, namely: Mar\- E., now Mrs. Blair; Mrs. Evaline Roberts, of Oklahoma territory, who has one child, Nora, wife of ^\'ilbur Green; Thomas, clerk in a hardware store in Latham, Kansas, who married Laura Fisk, and has two children, Hugh and Elsie; and Sarah Jane, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Blair have one child, Cora E., born January 12, 1873. She is now the wife of Edgar McHenry, who occupies the old Blair homestead in Phenix township. Our subject and his wife have a pleasant home on West Cemetery street, Geneseo, where they delight to entertain their many friends. Both are active members of the Methodist Church, and are held in high re- gard by all who know them. The Repub- lican party finds in Mr. Blair a stanch sup- porter of its principles, and he efficiently served as school director in Phoenix town- ship for many years. Fraternally he is an h.onored member of the Grand Army of the Kepublic, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Home Forum, while his wife holds membersliip in the Circle of the G. A. R., the Home Forum, and the Woman's Chris- tian Temperance Union of Geneseo, of which she is at present secretary. ANDREW WEIDLEIN. This gentleman, who is a prominent and succssful farmer of Geneseo, Illinois, is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having oc- curred in Bedford county, that state, on the iTnh of April, 1840. His father, John Weidlein, was born in Germany, January 17, 1 812, and emigrated to America with his parents during the '20s. The grandfather died many years ago. In early life John Weidlein married Miss Elnora Emmert, also a native of Germany, who died Febru- ary 20, 1894, at the age of seventy-five 3'ears, having celebrated her birthday on the 2nd of that month. He is still living, however, at the ripe old age of eighty-nine years. In 1851 he came west from Pennsylvania, and first located in Osco township, this county, l>ut subsequently removed to Edford town- ship, and died at the home of our subject in 2/2 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Geneseo on the 30th of December, 1900, He was widely and favorably known and was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, to which his wife also belonged. Andrew was the oldest of their twelve chil- dren, the others being as follows : Philip, a grain inspector of Kansas City; Lavina, who died unmarried at the age of twenty-five years; Lewis, a resident of Kansas; Jake, a resident of Missouri; George, a farmer of Iowa; Edward, a resident of Augusta, Kan- sas ; Carrie, wife of George Drehmer, of this county; A\'allie, a resident of ^luscatine, Iowa; and three others deceased. Andrew W'eidlein accompanied his par- ents on their removal to Henry county, Illi- nois, and his early life was spent in plowing, planting and reaping on the home farm. At the age of twenty-four he started out in life for himself, and has always followed farm- ing, in which he has met with marked suc- cess. He is the owner of a valuable and well improved farm of four hundred and si.xty- five acres in Osco township, which he him- self operates, and also has a couple of other farms now occupied by his sons. ilr. W'eidlein was married April 3, 1864, to Miss Sarah E. Conrad, also a native of the Kejstone state, and a daughter of Almon and Elizabeth (Pierce) Conrad, who came to Illinois in 1856, and after spending a short time in Rock Island county, located in Henry county, where both died. The father was fifty-five years of age at the time of his death and was long survi\'ed by his wife, who died August 2, 1898, when lacking only a month and five days of being ninety years of age. Both were earnest members of the Lutheran Church. Of their children, Fre- derick, John, I\Iary J.. James, Thomas and Elvira are all deceased. Those living are J. H., a resident of Dodge City, Kansas; ^Margaret, wife of George Enderton, of Mer- cer county, Illinois; and Sarah E., wife of our subject. Her maternal grandparents were John and ^lary (_Rice) Pierce, farm- ing people of Butler county, Pennsylvania, and active members of the Presbyterian Church. Both lived to an advanced age, ;Mr. Pierce being over ninety-six years at the time of his death, and his wife over ninety- tliree. Eight children were born to Mr. and ^Irs. \\'eidlein, namely : ( i ) W. Elmer, a resident of Galesburg, Illinois, married Kittie ilarlatt, and they have three chil- dren, Grace, Cleone and Lysle. (2) Joseph C, a farmer of Edford township, this coun- ty, married Anna Glenn and they ha\e two children, Boyd and Mildred. (3) Vina is the wife of Harry King, of Champaign, Illi- nois, and they have five children, Jessie M., Xellie H., Laura I., Florence ^I. and Henry A\'. (4) Xora E. is the wife of John Schroe- der, and they have one child, Lucile. (5) L. Arthur, of Edford township, married Gertie Rogers and they have one child, Marie. (6) Carrie A. is the wife of Lewis Schroeder, of Osco. (7; Laura Edith is at- tending the Geneseo high school, where she will graduate in 1903. (8) ilargaret J. died September 28, 1885, at the age of eleven Axars. yir. W'eidlein takes little interest in pol- itics but generally supports the Democratic ticket. He has served his fellow citizens in a most creditable manner as road master, supervisor of his township two years, and a member of the school board many years. Religiously he and his wife are earnest mem- bers of the Lutheran Church, and enjoy the hospitality of many of the best homes of THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 273 Geneseo. They receive and merit the high regard of the entire community, and those who i education in the public schools of that local- ity, he followed farming initil he attained his majority. At Cortland, New York, Le boarded a train — the first on which he ever rode — and went to Beloit, Wisconsin, and from that city came to Henry county, Illi- nois, riding across the country on an un- broken colt and arriving here in the spring of 1855, at which time there was only one 274 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. house between Geneseo and Caml^ridge, a distance of twelve miles, it being the prop- erty of Job Price. With his colt and ox teams, Mr. \\'est assisted his brother, John T., in breaking prairie and improving the latter's farm, being thus employed for a year. He then went to Iowa, where he spent the cold winter of 1856, when the ther- mometer for forty degrees below zero much of the time, and the crust on the snow was so thick that he could ride over fences indis- criminately. He was engaged in buying furs and deer skin, which he sold for a good profit in Galesburg the following spring. Mr. West was next employed as collector for G. W. Brown, and later engaged in the fruit tree business until the Civil war broke out, when he turned his attention to buying horses and delivering them to the United States authorities at Galesburg. In the meantime he purchased and improved eighty acres of land in Alunson township, this coun- ty, though he made his home in Galesburg during the war, and for nearl}- two years was engaged in the crockery and stoneware busi- ness in Chicago, under the firm name of West & Tomlinson, being burned out at the end of that time. Since then he has carried on farming and stock raising in this coun- ty, and has owned some fine blooded cattle and also a good grade of horses and hogs. Success has attended his well-directed efforts and he and his wife now have a well im- proved and valuable farm of over four hun- dred acres. The Hennepin canal crosses this property and cuts off about eighteen acres. Mr. \\'^est still operates his farm with the aid of a tenant. In 1890 he pur- chased and brought to this county six thou- sand sheep from ^Montana, and in 1897 three hundred head of cattle from Colorado. He has found stock raising and feeding quite profitable, and is to-day one of the most substantial men of his community. In politics Mr. West is an ardent Repub- lican, and takes a commendable interest in public matters, especially educational affairs, which he has done much to promote. He was chairman of the committee that had in charge the erection of the second brick public school building in Henry county ( ?). Fraternally he is identified with the Ma- sonic order, and religiously both he and his estimable wife are active and consistent members of the Congregational Church, in which she has been a member of the choir for over forty-two 3"ears. It was on the 6th of June, 1865, in Henry county, that Mr. West led to the marriage altar ^liss ^lary Amelia Allan, and by this union were born three children, namely : (i) James Allan, a resident of Rock Island and postal clerk on the Chicago, Rock Islaml & Pacific Railroad between that city and Chicago, married Fay Cinnamon, in Janu- ary, 1 89 1, and they have two children, Allan C. and Harold T. (2) George GL is a gravl- uate of the Northwestern Normal School, and is now engaged in farming near Gene- seo. (3) John Edward is a graduate of the same institution and also of the dental de- partment of the Northnestern Universit\v and is now engaged m the practice of dental surgery at Geneseo. He married Minerva E. Benedict, in January, 1897, and they have one child, Stewart Benedict. James M. Allan, Mrs. West's father, was born in Sumner county, Tennessee, No- vember 23, 181 4, a son of John and Nancy (Hodge) Allan, and grandson of Joseph, and Euphemia (Agnew) Hodge. Duriiig the Revolutionary war Joseph Hodge, a na- tive of North Carolina, captured a Tory, who had wounded him most severely with THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 275 a rami'iul. In 1S36 Jj'mes M. Allan came to Henry county, Illinois, and became prom- inently identified with public affairs here. He spent the winter of 1836-7 at \'andalia, where the legislature was then in session, and succeeded in getting Henry county set apart from Knox. He served as tlie first county and circuit clerk,, and also filled I he office of county judge. In 1850 he was elected to the state legislature and succeeded in getting a charter for what is now the Chi- cago, Rock Island and Pacific railroad. Strange as it may seem it was a chfficult mat- ter to obtain the support of the governor and many of the leading men of the slate, wno were much afraid that a railroad constructed in the vicinity of the canal would prove det- rimental to the best interests of the state. Mr. Allan also held the office of provost marshal during a part of the Civil war. In his journal he wrote: "One of the hardest jobs I have undertaken with others is the construction of the Hennepin canal. I have now been t\\ent\- years actively working to secure this important improvement. I think the Hennepin canal will come soon. I have spent much time and money in its behalf. I spent winters in Springfield en- deavoring to get the legislature to pass laws for its construction. The result of such effort was the beginning of the improvement of the Illinois river and the passage of the law to cede to the general government the Illinois «!t Michigan canal. Its enlarge- ment and the improvement of the Illinois river, with the Hennepin canal completed, would gi\e the northwest excellent facilities for cheap transportation, both for the Mis- sissippi river and the Great Lakes." Mr. Allan was in early life a member of and was ever in deep sympathy with the church and its work, and was highly respected and es- teemed by all who knew him. After a long and useful life he passed away December 20, 1885. His father, John Allan, was a native of Hereford, England, was a Presbyterian minister, who for the long period of thirty years had charge of one church in Ilunts- ville, Alabama. He sent his sons. James M. and William T., to college in the north, where they imbibed the northern spirit of enterprise, and soon began to see the wrong of slavery. This was more than their rev- erend father had bargained for in sending them to school. William T. Allan was licensed to preach, and for many years lec- tiu'ccl on the wrongs of sla\cr_\-, being a con- temporary worker anil in s}nipalhy with the anti-sla\XT}- views as promulgated by Owen Lo\ejoy. On the 6th of ^Nlarch, 1S39. James M. Allan married Miss Susannah D. Stewart, who was born in New York, January 28, 1820. Their wedding was the first per- formed in Henry county, and she had the honor of teaching the first school within its borders. She was a life-long member of the Congregational Church and one of its most zealous workers. Her death occurred June 8, 1889. Five children were born to Mr. and ^Irs. Allan, as follows: Sarah A. resides in Geneseo. She taught under the A. M. A. in the south for several years. Hilary Amelia, wife of our subject; Clara F., wife of William Harrington; Emily I., who ilied at the age of two years; and Anna L., wife i>f Frank Williams, of Geneseo. Mrs. Allan was a daughter of Roderick R. Stewart, who, in 1836, was one of the first three to locate in what is now Geneseo, the others being Messrs. Bartlett and Cone. His grandfather, Elisha Stewart, aided the colonies in their struggle for independence, which makes Mrs. W'est and her descendants 276 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. sons and daughters of the Revolution. In 1812, Roderick R. Stewart married Clar- issa Dresser, a native of Massachusetts, who served her country during the war of 1812 b)' devoting her spare time to molding bul- lets for the army. She furnished a full choir for the church from her own family, and was called the mother of "the Geneseo colony." She died in 1867, at a ripe old age. honored and respected by all who knew her. Roderick R. Stewart organized the Masonic lodge at Geneseo, which bears his name. JA:\IES RAMSEY. James Ramsey, deceased, was for many years prominently identified with the busi- ness interests of Geneseo, and was one of its most highly esteemed citizens. A native of New Hampshire, he was born in !Marlow on the 29th of June, 1812, and remained at the place of his birth until seventeen years of age. His parents, James and Xancy (Tin- ney) Ramsey, were life-long residents of Marlow, where both died at an advanced age. On leaving home Mr. Ramsey went to Boston, ^Massachusetts, where he was em- ployed for some years, and first embarked in business on his own account at Newton. Mas- sachusetts, where he conducted a grocery store for several years. On disposing of his business there he returned to New Hamp- shire and engaged in the general mercantile business at Alstead, where he remained until 1866. He then went to Nashua, where he was engaged in the grocery business until coming west in 1870. Locating in Geneseo. Illinois, he purchased a grocery store, which lie and his eldest son, Allen, conducted until a few vears before his death, when he re- tired from active business and spent his re- maining days in ease and quiet at his pleas- ant home on Oakwood avenue, which he Iniilt shortly after his arrival in Geneseo. Here he was surrounded by all the comforts which usually attend a well spent life of in- dustry. His son continued the business until 1896, when he sold out. ^Ir. Ramsey was twice married, his first wife being !Miss Sarah Jane Hopkins, of Nashua, New Hampshire, who died in Al- stead. that state, leaving three children, namely : ( i ) Allen, who was his father's partner in the grocery^ business, married Ellen Brady, who died leaving one child, Frank. Allen died in Chestervillle, Texas, October 24. 1900. During the Civil war he enlisted in the Eighteenth New Hampshire A^olunteer Infantry, and after serving some time was taken ill and sent home. In the spring of the following year, however, he re-enlisted, and remained in the service until tiie close of the war. ( 2 ) Emily J. is the w ife of Nathan Smith, now probate judge at Sabetha, Kansas, and they have three chil- dren, Daisy, Edith and Blanche. (3) John E., who died in Erie. Pennsylvania, about twelve years ago. ser\ed for some years in the United States navy, and was quarter- master on the U. S. S. Brooklyn for a time. On the 8th of September. 1863. at Heb- ron, New York. Mr. Ramsey was again mar- ried, his second union being with Miss Laura J. \\'ilson, a daughter of Isaac and Phcebe (Temple) AX'ilson. Isaac \\'ilson was a son of James Wilson, of Hebron, New York, who served as a major in the Revolutionary war. The father was a native of that place, and about 1868 came to Henry county, Illi- nois, purchasing a farm in Edford town- ship, where he continued to make his home until a short time before his death, which JAMES RAMSEY. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA I I THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 279 occurred at the residence of his daughter. Mrs. Ramsey, Marcli lo, 1875, when he was eighty-one years of age. His wife passeil away a week previous, at the age of eiglity years. P>y his second marriage Mr. Ramsey had two children: (i) Eugene \\'., horn in Alstead, Xew Hampshire, April 16, 1865 — the day President Lincoln was assassinated — and was educated in the public schools of Geneseo and Wood Business C'ollege at Davenport, Iowa. He is a painter l)y trade. On the 13th of September, 1899, at Indian- apolis, Indiana, he married Annie Kile, a daughter of John \V. Kile, a farmer of La- ])el, Indiana, and they have one child, Har- old, born in Geneseo June 5, 1900. (j) Gertrude P. is the wife of Dr. Harry Brown- ing, of Oskaloosa, Iowa, and tliey ha\e one child, Floy L. While a resident of Alstead, Xew Hamp- shire, before his removal to Nashua, Mr. Ramsey served as representative to the state legislature on two different occasions, and held the office of justice of the peace for many years at that place. Religiously he was an earnest and consistent member of the Methodist Church, and a regular attendant upon its services. He was held in high re- gard by his fellow citizens on account of his upright dealings and Christian charity, and in his death, which occurred .\pril 17. 1894. the city lost a prominent and valued citizen ; his family a devoted husband and father. His remains were interred in Oakwood cem- €terv. LOWRY BROTHERS. This enterprising tirm of liverymen of Geneseo, Illinois, is comiwsed of Andrew P. and Thomas M. Lowry, both natives of Indiana countv, Pennsvlvania. and sons of William C. and Mary J. ( Duncan) Lowry, who were also born in that state and are still living on the farm in Indiana county where the birth of our subject occurred. The fa- ther is now about seventy-five years of age, while his wife is si.xty-five. Throughout his active business life he has been engaged in agricultui'al ptn"snils, and the old home- stead upon which he li\es is composed of one hundred and lift}- acres of rich and val- uable land. For several terms he has effi- cienth- serxed as supervisor of his township, and has held other minor offices. During the Civil war he joined a Pennsylvania reg- iment and served for about a year, being honorably discharged when hostilities ceased. Religiously he and his wife are faith- ful and consistent members of the Presby- terian Church. Her parents were Thomas autl Jane (Machesney) Duncan. Her fa- ther was also a native of the Keystone state and a tanner by trade, which occupation he followed until his death. He died about thirty-five years ago, but his widow is still li\'ing and makes her home in Marion. Indi- ana county, I'enns_\l\ania. William C. and Marv J. ( Duncan) l.owry are the ])arents of si.x. children, all born in Indiana county, Pennsyhania. and all still living, namely: Sadie J., at home; .\ndrew P. and Thomas M.. of this review; Olive B. resides with parents in Pennsyl- vania; Harry L. resides in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, and Settle resides at home. Andrew P. Lowry was b(_)rn September 30, 1858, and remained on the home farm until he attainetl his majority, rocei\'ing his literary education in the common schools of the township in which he lived. In 1879 he came to Illinois and located in Annawan township. Henry county, where he engaged in farming for se\en years, and then re- 28o THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. moved to the city of Geneseo, and embarked in his present business with his brother Thomas M. They conduct a general livery and feed stable, and enjoy a liberal patron- age. They are energetic and progicssive business men, and have met with well-mer- ited success in their undertakings. On the 24th of May, 1892, Andrew P. Lxjwry was united in marriage in Geneseo with Airs. Elsie McFadden, a native of Canada, and a daughter of Colon and Catherine (Bowen) Fick. Her mother is now deceased, but her father is still living at Annawan, where he is engaged in the manufacture of wagons and also operates a feed mill. Thomas M. Lowry was born on the i ith of August, i860, and was a young man of twenty years wlien he left the parental roof and came to this state, being engaged in farming in Annawan township, Henry coun- t}', for about three years. He then came to Geneseo and established himself in the livery business with his brother as previous- ly stated. He is a member of Geneseo Lodge, Xo. 1 7 J. I. O. O. F., and is also connected with the Mystic ^^'orkers of the World, while politically he is identified with the Re- publican party. He was married in Rock Island, Illinois, September 8, 1887, to Miss Celia Fick, a sister of his brother's wife, and by this union were born three children : Charles William, who was born in Geneseo and is now twelve years of age; Oral Mary, who was born in the same place and is now four years old ; and Bessie, who was a twin of Oral M. and died in infancw AAROX PALMIER. For about forty-five years the subject of this sketch has been a resident of Kewanee, his home at present being at Xo. 210 West Sixth street, and during all this time he has been actively identified with its business in- ests. He is now engaged in draying and gen- eral teaming and controls the greater part of that business done in the city. Mv. Palmer was born in Lake county, Ohio, X'ovember 20, 1833, and is a son of X'orris and Lucy (Emerson) Palmer, natives of Xew York and Ohio, respectively. The father became a well known farmer of the Buckeye state, where he died at about the age of forty years. The Palmer family is quite prominent in Concord and ^Mentor, Ohio, and. each year its members hold a reunion either at Concord or Painesville. For her second husband the mother of our subject married Alexander Li\ingston, and by that union had four children, while by the former mar- riage she had five. She was an earnest member of the Methodist Church and died in that faith when less than forty years of age. Of the children born of the first union only our subject and his sister, Mrs. J. S. Stone, of Omaha, now survive. Those deceased are Grove X'., Isaac Gideon and George, the last named having died young, while the others grew to manhood. Aaron Palmer was educated in the public schools of Ohio and Illinois, having come to this state with his step-father in 1849, and located on a farm in Wethersfield township, Henry county. For a time he and his broth- er, Grove Xorris, conducted a general store in the village of Wethersfield, and later were engaged in running a threshing machine and separator for eight seasons threshing much of the wheat raised in their section of the county. They at first used an old Elgin thresher, and later a J. I. Case separator,, manufactured at Racine, Wisconsin. On dis- continuing that business Mr. Palmer en- gaged in raising and selling hedges and THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. fruit trees. Since then lie has devoted his time and energies to his present business, and in connection with general teaming and draying has also run a hack, and engaged in funeral work, keeping four teams constantly busy. On Christmas day, 1856. at the Method- ist Episcopal parsonage on \\'est Fifth street — then consideretl the finest residence in Kewanee — was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Palmer and Miss Prudence Tuimicliff, a native of Derbyshire, England, wlin came to America with her parents, Edward anti Sarah Tuimicliff, and first located in Zanes- ville. Ohio. In 1855 the family came to Ke- wanee, where the father is now living re- tired at tlie age of eighty-seven years, the mother at the age of eighty-two. He was a manufacturer of brown and yellow pottery ware, his family in England being potters. Mrs. Palmer is the eldest of his thirteen children, the others being George, now dep- uty poor master in Kewanee, who took his brother William's place in the Civil war and served three years; William C, who enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Illinois \'olunteer Infantry and died at Tip- ton, Missouri, after having served five months; Joseph S., who was also one of the boys in blue and is now living in Bingham, Iowa; John, a resident of Moline, Illinois; Edward M., clerk of the circuit court and a ranchman of Burwell, Nebraska; Mary, widow of Dane! Holt, and a resident of Ke- wanee; Anna, wife of J. S. Minor, who is connected with the shoe department of Lay & Lyman's store in Kewanee; and five chil- dren, deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Palmer have been born ten children, as follows: Lucy E., who died at the age of fifteen months; Sarah, who died at the age of two montlis and six- teen days: .\dilie M., wife of Bert Roul- ston, of Bingham, Iowa; William C. wlu>- is mentioned below; Ernest E., at home; Xora J., who died at the age of fifteen months; Walter .V.. a physician of Redwood,. Minnesota, who married Alice Bi)nny, of Chicago, and has two sons, Walter L. and Donald; Bessie M., wife of G. C. Stratton, head clerk in Hoffman's store of Kewanee,. by whom she has three children, Frank P.. and and Prudence F.. twins, and Genevcive; Grove (i.. who is his father's assistant in business; and Frank X.. who died at the age of five years. Mr. Palmer, his wife and family hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, where he sang in the choir for over twenty years, and has also served as class- leader and leader in the young people's meet- ing. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Honor and served as its secretarj- and treasurer for many years. Since casting his first presidential vote for John C. Fre- mont he has been an ardent Republican, and for one year he filled the office of ta.x col- lector of Kewanee. He is one of the worthy citizens of that place and is a man highly respected and esteemed by all who know him. William L". Palmer, son of our subject^ was born on the 29tli of October, 1863. in Kewanee, and was etlucated in the public schools of that city and at a business college in Quincy, where he was graduated in 1892. Prior to taking -the commercial course, he had clerked in a grocery store for five years, and for ten years was similarly employed by the firm of Lay & Ljnnan, of Kewanee. He tlien embarked in the furniture and under- taking business on his own account as a member of the firm of Roadstrand & Palmer, but fifteen months later Mr. Roadstrand sold 28: THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. liis interest to Mr. Good, and tlie name was changed to Palmer & Gcxid. In Felirnary. 1900, Mr. Good took the furniture depart- ment, while Mr. Palmer kept the undertak- ing business, which he has' since carried on with marked success, doing the largest busi- ness in that line in the city. Politically he is a supporter of the Reiniblican part}-, socially is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, while religiously he is officially connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was married, June 25. 1890, to ^liss Rena !Murchison, by whom he has two children. A\'illie M. and ^lerwyn. ]^Irs. Palmer was born in Illinois, and is a daughter of Cap- tain Alexander and Maggie Murchison. who ^^■ere natives of Scotland and Pennsylvania, respectively, and are now residents of W'eth- ersfield township, this county. MARTI X ROOS. ^lartin Roos comes from the Fatherland, and the strongest and most creditable char- acteristics of the Teutonic race have been marked elements in his life and have enabled him to win success in the face of opposing cir- cumstances. He possesses the energy and determination which mark the people of German}-, and by the exercise of his powers he has steadily progressed, and has not only v.-on a handsome competence, but has com- manded universal respect by his straight- forward business methods. He is now liv- ing a retired life in Geneseo. yir. Roos was born in Hesse-Darmstadt. Germany, September 22, 1816. a son of Henry and Margarette (Hinkel) Rcx>s. w ho spent their entire lives in that country. The father, who was a prosperous and progress- ive man, as well as an honorable and upright citizen of his community, died at the age of forty-two years, when ottr subject was only two years old. The mother survived him, and was sixty-five years of age at the time of her death. In their family of six children our sub- ject is the youngest and only one now liv- ing. Of the others, Henry, 'born in 1800, came to the United States in 1852. and lo- cated in Loraine township, Henry county. Illinois, where he owned and operated a farm of two hundred and forty acres until his death, in 1872. He left a widow and six children. Jacob, born April 10, 1863, spent his life as a farmer in Germany, where he died at the age of eighty years. He mar- ried and had one child. Philip, born De- cember 5, 1805, came to America in 1853, and died about twenty years ago, leaving a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Loraine township, this count}', which is now operated by his son Jacob. Edward P. died i.i Germany in the fall of 1839, at the age of twenty-seven years. Martin Roos grew to manhood upon a farm in his native land, and received a good common school education. In 1840 he sailed for the new world, and after a voyage of thir- ty-two days the \essel cast anchor in the har- bor of Xew York, on the 3d of June. On landing our subject found that he had only five dollars with which to begin life in a strange land, but he was willing to work and possessed the determination to succeed, which have been important elements in his career. For a year he was employed as a farm hand in Pennsylvania for si.K dollars per month, and then went to Delaware, where he obtainetl work at double the salary. A vcar later he returned to Pennsyhania, ■ ^^^^^^B^^ ^^^^^^1 ■ B ^^^^^Btfe^ ^^^^- '* J ^H r ^^•N Jj ^H r .^Sr**^ l^^^^l ^^1 ff 7* ^^^ MARTIN ROOS. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS UR6ANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 2S5 u here lie made his home until going to Chi- cago in 1843. Failing to find a situation in tliat city, he went into the country, where he worked two years in a grist and saw mill, and also hauled flour into tlie city, a distance of forty miles. In the spring of 1845 •^^■'- Roos came to Henry countj-, and took up eighty acres of government land on sections 8 and 17, Lo- raine township, on which he erected a log house. He at once commenced to break and improve his land, and added to his original purchase until he had over four hundred acres of land, on which he successfully en- gaged in general farming and stock raising for forty years, but since 1885 has lived a retired life in Geneseo, having a comforta- ble home on Russell avenue. He still owns two hundred and forty acres of his farm, and from it derives a good income. In 1845, in Loraine township, Mr. Roos was married to Miss Magdalena Leiimann, a native of Alsace, Germany, who ilied De- cember 7, 1855, and was buried in Loraine township. She was a devoted wife and a kmd and loving mother. By that union there were five children, all born in Loraine township, namely: (i) Martin J. enlisted at the last call for troops during the Civil war, and served until hostilities ceased. He is now engaged in merchandising and farming ill Bon Homme county. South Dakota. He married Tillie \'oigt, and they have four children, Mary, Eddie, Rebecca and Blanche. (2) Philip, a farmer of Whiteside county, Illinois, married Eveline Sand, and they have four children, Lydia, Leonard, Wesley and Howard. (3) Ann Sarah is the wife of Lewis Arnett, a farmer of Portland town- ship, Whiteside county, and they have eight children, Clara, Stacey, Roy, Ida, Aggie, Winnie, Maude and Harley. (4) Rebecca is the wife of Lavinus Heller, who was en- gaged in farming in .Vtkinson township for many years, but is now living a retired life in Geneseo, and they have four children, -Vlbert, Frank. Clara and Inez. (5) Sa- lome is the wife of Julius Lemuel, who is employed in a factory in Kewanee, and they have four children, Frank, Grace, Edward and Mary. On the 6th of March, 1856, Mr. Roos was united in marriage with Miss Eva Bar- bara Knapper, a native of Germany, and to them were born the following named chil- dren : ( I ) William, a resident of Buffalo county, Nebraska, married Sarah E. Lodge, and they have four children, Edward M., Blanche, Jennie and Frank. He owns cu'i operates a farm of four hundred and eighty acres. (2) Louisa is the wife of Solomon J. Heller, a farmer of Loraine township, whose sketch appears on another page of this vol- ume, and they have four children, Daniel, Xettie, Ralph and Harold. (3) Christin.i is the wife of John Butzer, a merchant and grain dealer of Hillsdale. Rock Island coui.- ty, Illinois, and their children are Ada, Clar- ence, Glenn, Frank, Birdie, \'ernie, Gold'O and Martin J. (4) David was shot and killed by a tranii) while in the e.xercise of his duty as city marshal of Tindall, Bon Homme county. South Dakota, and left a widow and three children, Harr}*, Clara M. and David. (5) George F., a farmer of Marshall, Minnesota, is married and has one child, Cecil. (6) Wesley died in infancy. ( ~) Samuel W'., a resident of Luverne, Minne- sota, married Rachael Cripp. (8) Henri- etta M. is the wife of Frank Grant Hum- phreys, a farmer of Annawan township, tiiis county, and they have four children, Cecil. Fay,- Ada Verne and Eva M. (9) Lydia ^I. is the wife of Otis Hannah, a painter 286 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and paper hanger of Geneseo, and they have three children, Lester O., Gladys and Jessie M. (lo) Benjamin H., a barber of Gene- seo, married Lilhe Drain, and has one child, Cassie J. ( 1 1 ) Marcella E. B. is the wife of W. M. Baker, of ^luscatine, Iowa, and they have one child, Wilbur. yiv. Roos is a prominent and influential member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church -of Geneseo. to which he is a liberal contrib- utor, and in which he has served both as treasurer and deacon, filling the latter oflice for over thirty years. He also officiated as steward and exhorter for many years, and has taken an active part in all church work. His fellow citizens recognizing his worth and ability, have called upon him to fill public ■offices of honor and trust, and he has most capably served as school trustee and road commissioner, serving three terms in the lat- ter office. He has voted the Republican ticket ever since the party was organized. LEONARD SIEBEX. Through many years of active labor, mainly devoted to stock raising and agricul- tural pursuits, Leonard Sieben acquired a comfortable competence wliich now enables him to lay aside all business cares in ease and retirement at .his pleasant home in Gen- eseo. A native of Germany, he was born on the 15th of February, 1844, in Hesse Darm- stadt, of which province his parents, Joseph and Aboline Sieben, were also natives. In 1852 the family emigrated to the new world, thirty-five days being spent on the water. The mother was taken ill during the long voyage, and died in Chicago at the age of forty-five years, the family having re- mained in that city during the winter of 1852-53. The following spring they moved to Whiteside county, Illinois, where the father worked at anything which he could find to do in order to support his large fam- ily of seven children, five sons and two daughters. In 1857 he married again, his second wife being a Miss Fisk. by whom he had one child. He died in ^^'hiteside count}", January i, 1859, at the age of forty-nine years. In religious belief hte parents of our subect were Catholics. Their children were as follows :' Johii, a resident of Lorain township, this county; Teresa, wife of Henry H. Hammann, of Osco township ; \'alentine, who was instantly killed by a liorse in 1886, at the age of forty- four years; Margaret, wife of George Arnett, of Geneseo; Leonard, of this review; and Henry and Jacob, both of Montana. By the death of his father, Leonard Sie- ben was thrown upon his own resources at the tender age of thirteen years, and has since made his own way in the world unaided. For a short time he was employed by neighbor- ing farmers, but in 1864 went west to that part of Idaho which has since become Mon- tana. In company with three others he crosed the plains, and after traveling three nionths and seven days landed in \'irginia City, where he was first employed as team- ster and continued to follow that occupation until the spring of 1866, when he bought a team and engaged in freighting between Fort Benton and \'irginia City to Helena and other towns in the interior, which were then the sites of mining camps. To that business he devoted his attention until the spring of 1870, when he went to t'tah and liought a herd of young cattle which he dro\e to ]\Iontana to sell, being engaged in that en- terprise for three years, at the end of which time he located on a stock ranch in ]\Ieagher, THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 287 now Cascade county, Montana, and made his home there until the fall of 1879. Sell- ing;: liis interests in the west, he returned to lllinnis, in January. 1880, and purchased a farm on section ^8, Phenix township, Henry county, where he successfully followed ag- ricultural pursuits for several years, but is now living a retired life in Geneseo. He still owns a fine farm of three hundred and thirty-one acres of rich and arable land in Cornwall township, this county, which he rents, and also has twenty and a half acres of timber land in Phenix township. In addition he also has two hundred and forty acres of improved land in the same township which v.as the old homestead. On the 9th of April, 1878, r\Ir. Sicben married Miss Sarah J. Hines, a native of Illi- nois. Her father, Henry Hines, was born in Germany, Februarj'- 19, 1819, l)ut was only three years old when brought by his parents to America, the voyage being made in a sail- ing vessel and lasting many weeks. The family landed in Baltimore, ^laryland, and proceeded to \\'ayne county, Oliio, where Mr. Hines grew to manhood and marrieil Miss Susan Henney, a native of that county, and a daughter of Peter and Christina (Strayer) Henney, who were linlh Imrn in Pennsylvania. Mr. Henney died in 1873, at the age of eighty-three and a half years, his wife in 1870 at the age of seventy- four. In 1850 Mr. and Mrs. Hines removed from the Buckeye state to Illinois, and took up their residence in Phenix township, this county, where he followed farming throughout his life, his death occurring March 18, 1870. Religiously he was connected w ith the Evan- gelical Association. His wile, who still survives him, is an honored resident of Gene- seo, and an active member of the United Evangelical Church of that place. She is now seventy-five years of age. To this worthy couple were born the following chil- dren : John H., a farmer of Kansas; Lucy A., wife of George A\'. Rowe, a retired farmer of Geneseo; Christina S., wife of Aaron Rapp, of Geneseo; Mary E., wife of Abner Offerley, of Edwards county, Kan- sas; Sarah, wife of our subject; Hattie A., wife of John Goembel, of Geneseo; Peter II., a resident of Geneva, Nebraska; and I'^rederick A., a fanner of Phenix township. Besides their own children Mr. and Mrs. Hines reared Emma Weeks, now the wife of Charles W. Young, of Geneseo. Mr. and Mrs. Sieben are the parents of five children, namely : Olive S. has success- fully taught school for several terms in this county, and is now a student at Oberlin Col- lege, Oberlin, Ohio, where she will graduate in 1903; Sylvia B. is also a student at Ober- lin College and is giving special attention to music, in which she takes great delight and in which she is quite proficient; Ira L. is at- tending the Geneseo high schcx>l ; Ward H. is a pupil in the eighth grade of the public schools of Geneseo; and RiUh E. is also at- tending the public schools. Mr. and Mrs. .Siel)en are prominent members of the Evan- gelical Church of Geneseo, in which he has served as steward and trustee fur some years. Politically he is identified .with the Kepublican party, and gi\es a liberal sup- port to all enterprises which he believes cal- culated to advance the moral and material welfare of town and couiUv. OLIVER \\". BROWN. Since 1839 this gentleman has been an honored resident of Henry county, and has therefore witnessed almost its entire growth 288 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD and development. As an agriculturist he materially aided in transforming the wild land into highly cultivated fields, and in other ways has advanced the interests of the county. After a long and useful career ht has now laid aside all business cares, and is living a retired life in Wethersfield. ]Mr. Brown was born in the town of North Coventry, Tolland county, Connecti- cut, on the 20th of June, 1820, and is a son of Selah Brown, whose birth occurred at the same place December 11, 1783. His pa- ternal grandfather was Josiah Brown, one of the early settlers of Connecticut. There Selah Brown grew to manhood, and mar- ried Miss Betsy Dunham, who was born in the same state in 1786, and was a daughter of Stephen Dunham, a Revolutionary sol- dier, who lived to the advanced age of nine- ty-nine years, and died in North Coventry. There the parents of our subject si>ent their entire lives as farming people. During his boyhood Oliver \\'. Brown attended the common schools near his home and remained under the parental roof un- til eighteen years of age. On leaving home in 1838 he came west with four families from Connecticut, and after eight weeks spent upon the road landed in McDonough county, Illinois. In the fall of 1839 he came to Henry county, where he worked by the day and month for a year, receiving ten dol- lars per month. In 1841 he purchased one hundred acres of unbroken prairie land in Kewanee township, and at once commenced to improve the same and place it under cul- tivation. Subsequently he purchased more land and had a fine farm of two hundred' acres, which he improved in an excellent manner, receiving one year the second pre- mium offered for the best farms in the county. He continued to actively engage in agricultural pursuits until 1875, when he sold his place and liought a home in Wethers- field. where he still resides. Being a natural mechanic he has worked at the carpenter's trade to some e.xtent during his residence here, but is now living a retired life, having laid aside all business cares. At one time he owned a well improved farm of two hun- dred and forty acres in Otter count}', Ne- braska, but has since disposed of that. In Henry county, September 6, 1846, Avas celebrated the marriage of Mr. Brown and Miss Elizabeth Maria Kent, a native of Wyoming county. New York, and a daugh- ter of Ebenezer Kent, who was born in Ver- mont and when a young man removed to the Empire state. The Kent family is of Eng- lish origin and the first to come to America was Richard Kent, who crossed the Atlantic in 1634, and settled in Newbury, Massa- chusetts. Ebenezer Kent was twice mar- ried, his second wife being Polly Bolt, the mother of Mrs. Brown. In 1844 he came to Illinois, and after two years spent in Bureau county, took up his residence in Henry county. He lived to be over ninety- one years of age. Of the ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown seven are still living, namely : Clark K., who is married and lives in Nebraska; George Oliver, who is also married and resides in that state; Frank G., who is married and makes his home in Cali- fornia; Eben S., also a resident of Califor- nia; Milton H., who is married and lives in Nebraska; Cyrus A., who is married and lives in Kewanee; and Mary O., wife of James Van Eman of Dwight, Illinois. Those of the family now deceased were Charles H., who died at the age of eighteen months; Laura P., who died at the age of thirteen months; and Emily M., the first born, who married Stephen Hurd and died THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 289 in Kewanee, leaving two cliikiren : Elizabeth A., now the wife of Alfred Watkinson, of California, and Harry M. of Kewanee. Originally ]Mr. Brown was a Democrat in ix)litics. but in 1856 supported John C. l-"reniont for the presitlency, and has since affiliated with the Republican party, though at local elections he often votes independent of i)art\' lines. He has been a delegate to the county conventions of his party, and has served as constable, assessor, road commis- sioner and school director, dischargnig his various official duties in a commendable and satisfactory manner. He is one of the few remaining old settlers of the county, and is |. to-day tile oldest \oter in W'ethersfiekl town- ship. He was a pall-bearer at the first fu- neral held there. He well remembers when this section of the state was all wild and un- [ improved, when wolves, deer and feathered game were abundant, furnishing many a meal for the early settlers, whose larder would otherwise have been scant, as those who had money were often unable to procure c\en the necessities of life in the sparsely >ettled country. As years have passed all J this has been changed and although the wild game has disappeared the residents of Henry > nunty are now able to secure all the deli- cacies which the markets ui the world afford. J. E. ST.\CV j. !•".. .'^lac}-, the present alderman of the Secund ward of Kewanee, and a manu- facturer, wholesale and retail dealer of ci- gars and tobacco, his place of business be- ing at Xo. 222 Second street, was born in Havana, Illinois, July 17, 1865, a son of John and Ellen (Murphy) Stacy, both na- tives of the Emerald Isle and members of the Catholic Church. The father died in 1866. at the age of thirty-five years, leav- ing two children. J. \\.. our subject; and William E., a manufacturer of cigars at Farmington, Illinois. For her second hus- band the mother married James Ennis, by whom she also had two children : Philip, deceased: and Christopher, who is working for our subject. Mrs. Ennis is still living at the age of fifty-seven years, and is an honored resident of Kewanee. During his minority J. E. Stacy lived on a farm, and as he was compelled to earn his own livelihood his educational ad- vantages were limited, though he attended the country schools for a time. On start- ing out in life for himself he engaged in teaming in Canton, Illinois, and then learned the cigar maker's trade, at which he worked for others until the 23d of May, 1897, when he formed a partnership with James Finin, and embarked in the same line of trade under the firm name of Stacy & Finin. One year later this connection was dissolved by Mr. Stacy purchasing his part- ner's interest in the business, which he has since carried on under the name of James E. Stacy. He manufactures on an a\erage about two hundred thousand ci- gars per year, aiul was engaged in the wholesale business only until November i, 1900, when he opened a retail department. He has built up a goc^d trade in both branches, and the products of his factory being of a superior grade find a ready sale on the market. Mr. Stacy was married. May 27, 1896, tc) Miss Maggie Killeen, a resident of \\ y- oming, who was Ixjrn in Illinois, and is a daughter of Patrick and Bridget Killeen, natives of Ireland. Both our subject and 290 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. his wife are members of the CathoHc Church, and he is also comiected with the CathoHc Order of Foresters and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He is also a mem- ber of the L. D. of A. of Kewanee, and holds a retiring card of the Cigarmakers International Union of America. He was president of the cigar union of Canton during the strike of IVIarch, 1897, which lasted two years, but resigned that posi- tion on his removal to Kewanee. He has ben a member of the trades council of this city nearly two years and secretary of the local cigar union about a year ; and in connection with his special tradfe has been an important factor in union circles for the past four years. As a Democrat he also takes an active part in politics, and on that ticket was elected alderman in April, 1900, for a term of two years. For his success in life ^Ir. Stacy deserves great credit, as it is due entirely to his own un- aided efforts. His first business transac- tion was at the age of fifteen years, when he trade an old carbine rifle, which was a present to him, for some tin-type pictures and seventy-five cents in money. He has worked his way steadily upward until he is now at the head of a good and constantly increasing business. In his career he has displayed that • energ}-, enterprise and de- termination which marks the successful business man. WILLIA:^! OLIVER. Since pioneer days William Oliver has been a resident of this section of the state, l.aving located in Stark county in 1838, and since 1854 he has made his home in Henry county. During his active business life he followed the occupation of farming with marked success, but is now living retired in W'ethersfield, enjoying a handsome com- petence which he has truly earned and richly deserves. 'Sir. Oliver was born in Rossshire. Scot- land, February 7, 1827, and is a son of Thomas and Margaret (Fife) Oliver, both natives of Roxburghshire, where their mar- riage was celebrated. In 1837 the family emigrated to the L'nited States, and the fol- lowing year took up his residence in Stark countv, Illinois, being among the first set- tlers of what is now Elmira township. There the father of our subject opened up and improved a farm, which he made his home until called to his final rest, having survived his wife for some years. There our subject grew to manhood, and the education which he acquired in the pioneer schools was supplemented by a course at Knox College, Galesburg. He remained at home until his marriage, which occurred April 3, 1854, in Stark county, Miss Elizabeth Trumbull becoming his wife. She was born and reared in Scotland, and was a daughter of \\^illiam Trumbull, also a pioneer of Stark county. By this union were born ten children. The sons of the family were Thomas, who is married and now operates the home farm; William P., a resident of Adams county, Iowa; Adam E., who was admitted to the bar and engaged in the practice of law at Kewanee until his death in 1894; George and Andrew, who both died in 1891, after reaching years of maturity; and John, a graduate of the St. Louis Medical College, and now a physician of Kewanee. The daughters were Mary E., wife of Archie Turner, of Adams county, Iowa; Anna, who died in 1898; Nellie and Jane, both at home. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 291 After his marriage Mr. Oliver located on a farm in Wethersfield township, Henry county, where he purchased two hundred acres of wild land, which he broke and' placed under cultivation. He added to his landed possessions from time to time until he had six hundred and forty acres, on which he built a good residence and substantial barns and outbuildings. He continued to successfuly engage in farming until 1898, when he rented his place and erected a pleasant residence in Wethersfield, where he has since lived retired! As a boy he commenced work for ten cents per day; his wages were subsequently increased to twenty-five cents per day ; and he was finally given ten dollars permonth ; but being in- dustrious, ambitious and enterprising, he steadily prospered as time advanced until he is now one of the most substantial men of the community, and his success has been worthily achieved. By his ballot he sup- ports the men and measures of the Repub- lican party, but has never sought oflicial honors for himself. For some years he efficiently served as a member of the school board and as school director in his district. h.aving always taken a commendable inter- est in educational affairs. He and his fam- ily are earnest and consistent members of the United Presbyterian Church of Elmira, and are people of prominence in the community where they reside. JOHN H. MURPHY. John H. Murphy, one of Kewanee's well-to-do and highly respected citizens who is now living a retired life, was born in county Wexford, Ireland, March 7, 1832, and is the only survivor in a family of seven children, four sons and three daughters, whose parents were Gregory and Mary (O'Farrel) ]\Iurphy, lifelong residents of the Emerald Isle, where the father died at about the age of eighty years, the mother at the age of fifty-five. The first of the family to come to America was our sub- ject's brother, James, who crossed the At- lantic in 1846 and took up his residence on a farm in Will county, Illinois, where he lived for many years, dying when quite an old man. ^^lichael came to this country in 1877 and settled in Chicago, where he died at the age of sixty. The first of the members of this family were Margaret, who married Nicholas Holden and died in Ireland; James; Patrick and Ellen, who also died in Ireland ; John H. ; and Michael. Our subject was reared and educated in the land of his birth. It was in 1850J at the age of eighteen years, that he emigrated to the new world and located in Chicago, where he was engaged in mercantile pur- suits for a number of years. In 1882 he came to Henry county and has since made his home in Kewanee, where he worked in the shops for a time, but for the past ten years has lived a retired life. He owns a pleasant home at No. 707 East Third street, where he and his estimable wife ex- pect to spend their declining years. They are worthy members of the Cathqlic Church, and are highly esteemed by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. On the 22nd of October, 1864, Mr. Murphy married Miss Kate Smith, a native of New York and a daughter of John and Mary (Burns) Smith, who were born in Ireland and were the parents of six children, namely : Margaret, John, Mary, Kate, Will- 292 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. jam and Ann. Besides Mrs. Murphy only Mary is now living. The children born to our subject and his wife are James, a resi- dent of Kewanee, who wedded Alary Coch- ran and has one child, John ; John, who is engaged in the mining business in South Dakota; Ellen, at home; Alargaret, wife of Frank Reynolds, of \\'ethersfield ; Frank, v.ho is clerking in Kewanee ; Kate, wife of Gould Hulburt. a railroad man of Wyom- ing; and William A., at home. HEXRY EKLUXD. Sweden has furnished to the United States many bright, enterprising young men who have left the old world to enter the business circles of this country with its more progressive methods, livelier compe- tition and advancement more quickly se- cured. Among this number is Henry Ek- lund, a prominent architect of Kewanee, Illinois. He was born in Boros, province of Westergotland, Sweden, May 2, 1868, a son of Andrew and Sophia (Sund) Ek- hind, natives of the same province. The father is a well educated man, who served for over twenty years as a non-commis- sioned officer in the Swedisli army, and after retiring from military ser\ice embarked in the lumber and real estate business in Boros, which he still carries on. He has ten chil- dren, all living, namely: Alma, wife of John Josephson, of Boros; Henry, our sub- ject; Mary, wife of Jacob Johnson, of Ke- wanee, Illinois; Hilda, wife of Rev. John Miller, a minister of the Swedish ^Methodist Episcopal Church at Bloomington, Illinois; Elizabeth, wife of John Nordine, of Boros, Sweden; Carl, who is married and is now pastor of the Swedish ^Methodist Church at Des Aloines, Iowa; Hilma, also of Des Moines, Iowa ; Judith, Cornelia and Fritz, who are living with their parents in Boros, Sweden. Henry Eklund began his education in the public schools of his native town and later attended a private school, where he studied for a professorship. In 1887 he came to the new world, sailing from Gottenborg; to Hull, England, and from Liverpool to Xew York. He remained in the latter city for a short time and then came to Kewanee, Illinois, where he took private lessons jn drafting. Later he took a special course in architecture at the University of Illinois, and by studying hard completed the same in one year, after which he returned to Ke- wanee, and has since devoted his time and energies to his profession, in which he has met with marked success. In 1898 he de- signed and supervised the construction of the \\'ashington school building, which is one of the finest in the state, and in 1900 he recei\ed the commission to plan and su- perxise the construction of a large addition to the Irving school, the Hallin Block of Kewanee, a modern three-story building with all the latest improvements; Thomas ]\IcClure"s residence on Prosjject street in 1895 ; one for Juhn AN'ilsey on Tremont street; one for Asa Barney on Cliestnut street; and one for X. Caverno on South Tremont street, beside many other resi- dences and buildings. Mr. Eklund also has had considerable work throughout this. Stark and Knox counties. He conscien- tiously fulfills his part of every contract, and, being a skilled architect, the buildings erected by him are among the finest and liest in this section of the state. On the 2^th of October. 1899, was cele- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 293 brated the marriage of Mr. Eklund and Miss Esther Xelson, of Chicago, a daughter of Swan Xelson of that city. Slie has a brotlier Arthur, who is still at iiome with liis parents. ^Ir. Eklund is an active and consistent meniher of the Methodist Epis- copal Church ; has been a member of the board of directors of the Young Men's Christian Association at Kewanee for eight years, and is now vice-president of the same. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias and the ^loderiT Wood- men of America, and is trustee of the former liidge. Since coming to this country he has affiliated with the Republican party, and has taken an active and commendable interest in public affairs, as every true American citizen should. For three years he has been a member of the public library board, and he gives a cheerful support to all enterprises which have for their object the betterment of mankind. THOMAS PORTER LIKEX. One of the early settlers and prominent citizens of Henry county, Mr. Liken is now living a retired life in tiie city of Geneseo, liis home being on S<-)Uth Mechanic street. He was born near Pittsburg, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, Xovember 20. 1846, and is a son of Thomas and Sarah (Sands) Liken. The father was a native of Ireland, Avho came to Pennsylvania when nine years old, living there until 1865, when he came to Illinois and settled in Munson township, Henry county, where he purchased a farm, making it his home until called from this life, in 1895, at the age at seventy-three years. Throughout his active business ca- reer he followed the occupation of farming. His wife survived him alx)ut two years, dy- ing on the old homestead in Munson town- ship, at the age of seventy-two. Of their nine children four are still living, Thomas P. being the oldest of the family. During his minority our subject assisted his father in the labors of the farm, and re- mained under the parental roof until his mar- riage. He began his education at his birth- place, and attended the i)ublic schools of Geneseo after coming to this state. On the j8th of December. 1870, in Munson town- ship, he married Miss Rachel \'. Hill, who was born in Augusta county. \'irginia, April 2-j, 1 85 1, a daughter of William T. and Elizabeth (Lockhart) Hill. The birth of lier father occurred in Rappahannock county, the same state. April 10, 1821, and about 1855 he came to Henry county, Illinois, lo- cating in Munson township, being engaged in farming and stock raising on section 24 until his death, which occurred in 1890, when he was well advanced in years. Hi» wife had passed away a number of years pre- viously. They had a family of fourteen chil- dren, eleven of whom are still living, Mrs. Liken being the sixth in order of birth. Mr. Hill was a large land owner and one of the most prosperous men of his community, as well as one of its most highly respected citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Liken are the parents of five children, all of whom were born in Mun- son township. In order of birth they are as follows : William E., Iwrn February 24, 1872, was educated at the Collegiate Insti- tute of Geneseo, and now follows farming, while he makes his home with his parents; Maude E., born March 16, 1875, is the wife of Joseph F. Combs, a farmer residing on section 2}^, Osco township, this county, and thev have one child, Herbert P. ; Clvde T., 294 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. born May 7, 1878, is now editor oi the Gen- esee Daily and Weekly Arena, and is repre- sented on another page of this volume ; Myr- tle M., born June 14, 1880, was educated in the schools of Geneseo and a young ladies' seminary at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and is now at home with her parents ; and Grace M., born January 27, 1884, is attending the Geneseo high school. After his marriage ^Nlr. Liken emliarked in farming for himself on a place adjoining that owned by his father in Munson town- ship. He purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land on section 7, and to it he sub- sequently added until he had a fine farm comprising five hundred and fifty acres in Munson township, besides a tract of two hundred acres in Iowa. In this county he engaged in general farming and stock rais- ing quite extensively until 1895, when he gave up active business and removed to Gen- eseo, where he has since lived a retired life at his pleasant home on South Mechanic street, surrounded by the comforts Avhich usually attend a well spent life of industry. His beautiful residence is surnuinded by a large and well-kept lawn, and is situated on one of the principal residence streets of the city. While living" in !Munson townshii) Mr. Liken served as school director for some years, but has never cared for political hon- ors. He is, however, a public spirited man, and advocates all measures tending to ad- vance or improve the community in which he lives. Politically he is identified with the Democratic party, and fraternally affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. For many years he was an ekier in the Presbyterian Church of Munson; has al- ways been an active Christian worker, and a liberal donator to the support of his church. At present he is a member of the board of trustees of the Geneseo Collegiate Institute, and has for some years served as treasurer of that organization. In his farming opera- tions he has met with that success which usually follows the industrious and enter- prising man, and is now enabled to live in ease and comfort upon the proceeds of his former toil. He still retains his farms in ]\Iunson township, which are now occupied by tenants. He has witnessed almost the entire development of the county, and in its upbuilding he has ever borne his part. His life has been manly, his actions sincere, and his example is well worthy of emulation. CLYDE THOMAS LIKEN. Clyde T. Liken, editor and proprietor of the Geneseo Daily and Weekly Arena, is the third child in order of birth in the family of Thomas P. and Rachel V. (Hill) Liken, of Geneseo, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. He was born on the old home- stead in ^lunson township, ilay 7, i878_. and at the age of fi\'e years commenced at- tending the district school of that locality, where he pursued hi.-; studies until sixteen. In the fall of 1894 he entered the Geneseo Collegiate Institute, where he was gradu- ated after taking a three years' course. He was a close and careful student, who did good and conscientious work, and always- stood well in his classes. He was president of his class during his senior year, and was chosen, as a representative of the institute, to take part in several oratorical contests. At present he is a member of the Alumni Association of that school. In the fall of 1897 he entered the Xorth western Univer- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 295 sity at Evanston, where he continued his studies until January i, 1898, when he en- tered the freshman class at Knox College, Galesburg. He was a student there two years, taking the scientific course, and iden- tified himself with the different phases of college life, taking part in the literary societies and the athletic sports. Returning to his home in the fall of 1899, Mr. Liken became a reporter on the Geneseo Daily .\rcna, and a few months later pur- chased a half interest in the paper, being a partner of II. W. lUickle in the publication of the same. In Alarch, 1900, he purchased the interest of Air. Buckle, and has since been sole proprietor. The Daily Arena is a four-page, seven-column paper, independ- ent in politics; while the Weekly, which is published e\ery Thursday, supports the Democratic party. The paper was estab- lished in 1895 by the Henry County Pub- lishing Company, and under the able and efficient management of uur subject has be- come one of the Icatling journals of the county. Air. Liken is a member of Stewart Lodge, No. 9J, F. & A. AL, and also of the Presb)-- terian Church of Geneseo. He stands de- servedly high in both church and social cir- cles, and is one of the most popular young men of the citv. J. WILLIAM JOllXSOX. This well-known citizen and successful agriculturist of W'ethersfield, was born in Kansas City, Kansas, January 4, 1858, and is a son of J. W. Johnson, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1816, and was educated at Williams College, of which he was a grad- uate. The paternal grandfather was Dr. J. V. Johnson, who was born in Washington county, New York, in 1786, and became a prominent physician. The father of our subject fitted himself for the legal profes- sion, and at an early day located in Prince- ton, Illinois, where he engaged in the prac- tice of law for a time. While there he was united in marriage with Mary Eliza Win- ship, a daughter of Horace and Sarah Win- ship, who settled in rrinccton in 1833. Later Air. lay. \\'isconsin. he being the only priest ordained at that lime. He was first appointed assist- ant pastor at Chebanse, Iroquois county. Illi- nois, where he remained eleven months: wris then at Odell two months; Keithsburg six months : and Peoria three years. On the 27th I if June, 1896, he received the appoint- ment as pastor of the Catholic Church at Carthage, where he remained until Novem- ber, T898, when he was appointed pastor of St. Malachy's Church at (ieneseo. He has already done a good work here, and has made many friends among all denominations as well as his own ])arishioners. Father J. G. Alleman. a celebrated Ger- man missionary, was tlie first priest to say mass in this part of the state, his district lying along the Mississippi river from St. Louis to Rock Island and across the state to Peoria, and he built the lirst Catholic church at Rock Island, taking the material from the Xauvoo Mormon temple which he had purchased. He traveled all over the country on horseback, and organized the first jjarish in (ieneseo, saying the first mass in James Warren's house. He was succeeded l?y Father Mueller, of Chicago, who said mass in the seminary building, and he in turn was followed by Rev. John Dclan, who succeeded Father .\lleman at Rock Island. He also said mass in James Warren's bouse, as did Father Murphy, who next had charge ■of the parish. Later Father McElherne said mass in Perry's hall. He was succeeded by Father Corbinian, a famous missionary from Chicago, who said mass in Sniff's ball. .V church was l)uilt in 1866, and was under the charge of Fathers ?^Ieinrod, Shuitl)ert, Ma- thias and Dionisius, all of Chicago. .Vt that time the congregation numbered ninety-nine families. The first resident [jriest was Rev. Thomas J. Acklcy. who was succeeded by ]\c\'. F. W. .Smythe. an Englishman, who had been con\erteut in the pastor's residence, it being the gift of Cornelius Hayes. The (ieneseo con- gregation consists of about four hundred adults. Father I'oley also has charge of Co- lona. where there is also a church: Cam- 300 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. bridge. where he says mass in private houses; Orion, Briar Bkiff, Carbon CHff and Cleve- land. GEORGE A. MORTOX. George A. ^lorton, an energetic and en- terprising farmer residing at Xo. 517 East Prospect street, Kewanee. is a native of Henry county, his birth liaving occurred in Anawan township, August g, 1866. His pa- rents, Daniel and Catherine (Potter) Mor- ton, were natives of Oliio and Connecticut, respectively, and early settlers of this coun- t)% where the father took up a tract of gov- ernment land and improved a farm. ' This tract remained in his possession until his death, but at that time he was living a retired life in Kewanee. Prior to coming to Illi- nois he owned and operated a farm in Mich- igan, which he sold on his removal. He and his wife made the journey to Henry county in a wagon, and first settled in Ana- wan tOAvnship, where she died. There he owned one hundred and sixty acres of land, and also had two hundred and sixteen acres in Kewanee township, seventy acres in the corporation of Kewanee, one hundred and twenty acres in Wethersfield township, and one hundred and twenty acres in Bureau county. He was prominently identified with the early development and upbuilding of Henry county, and experienced many of the hardships and difficulties of pioneer life. On first locating here he sold all his grain in sacks and his hogs dressed. In 1875 he removed to Kewanee. which at that time was a mere village. He owned considerable property in the city and was quite well-to do. He was a man of affairs, taking an active interest in all enterprises for the bene- fit of his community, and served as consta- ble at an early day. While living in the east he held membership in the United Brethren Church. He was born May 15, 1815, and died August 19, 1899. For his second wife he married ]\Irs. Catherine (Potter) Buck- ley, of Princeton, who had been a resident of Bureau county for many )-ears, and is now living with her son-in-law in Galva. She was seventy years of age on the 31st of De- cember, 1900. Mr. ilortou was the father of five children by the first marriage. The three by the second marriage were Helen, who died at the age of four j-ears; Mrs. Edna Taylor, who has two children, Addie and Lloyd; and George A., our subject. During his boyhood and \outh George A. Morton pursued his studies in the public schools of Kewanee, and early became fa- miliar with agricultural pursuits, and now owns one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land in Xeponset township. Bu- reau county, Illinois. He has made farming and stock raising his life occupation, and is meeting with excellent success. On the 8th of August, 1888, he was united in marriage with ^liss Emma Duff, a native of this city, whose parents, James and Eliza Duff, came to this country from Ireland. She was only two years old when she lost her mother, but her father survived for many years, dying X'ovember i, 1897, at the age of seventy- four. Their other children ■were Ada, wife of Wesley Kimball, of Kansas; James, a resi- dent of Lonetree, Iowa"; William, of Stock- ton, California; and Lida, wife of ^^'rigllt Smith, of St. Joseph, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Morton have one child, Ethel, who is the pride and joy of their home. They are members of the Baptist Church, and Mr. ^lorton is also connected with the Improved Order of Red Men. In his political \iews- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 30 f lie is ail ardent Republican. He is a worthy representative of one of tlie old and promi- nent families of the county, and is a man highly respected and esteemed by all who know him. LIBERTY STIMSOX. Liberty Stimson, deceased, was one of the honored pioneers of Henry county and a leading representative of its farming and stock raising interests. He was born in the town of Dedham, Massachusetts, in 1804, and came to Illinois in 1836, locating first in Bureau county. In 1838 he entered three eighty-acre tracts of land in Henry county, and at the land office in Galena he received the government patents, which are now in possession of his widow. He located upon his property in 1840, and later added to it, but subsequently sold a portion of the estate, though his widow still owns one hundred and eighty-two and a half acres in Geneseo township. The Geneseo colony was organ- ized in Bergen, Geneseo county, New York, in 1835, but did not locate here until a year or two after his arrival. He was therefore one of the first settlers of this part of the county, and for many years was known to almost every resident within its borders. He bought stock in all parts of the county, became quite an extensive farmer, and bought and sold much land, though he al- ways retained the tract on which he origin- ally located and which is still in possession of the family. His brother, Moses, also owned a large tract of land in Geneseo township, their homes being near each other. The latter never married, and died before our subject's death. With the early development and improve- ment of this section of the state ^Ir. Stim- son was prominently identified for many years, and was recognized as one of the most useful and valued citizens of his com- munity. He was an earnest and consistent member of the Congregational Church, and died in that faith, July 26, 1878, at the age of seventy-two years and five months. Be- coming widely and favorably known, he made many friends, and his death was a loss to the entire community. On Christmas day, 1837, Mr. Stimson married Miss Leah Clark, of Tiskilwa, Bu- reau county, Illinois, who died December 17, 1863, and the two children born of this union are also deceased. In 1844 Mr. Stimsoa was again married, in Geneseo, his second wife being Mrs. Remembrance Ogdeii, nee Evans, who b}' her former marriage had five children, namely: Elizabeth, widow of John Taylor and a resident of Burns town- ship, this county; Mrs. Emeline Dawson; Samuel, who married Amanda Tibbs ; Thom- as, who died at the age of eighteen years ; and John, who married a Miss Graff. On the 13th of February, 1867, at the residence of the bride's brothers in Rock Island, Mr. Stimson was united in marriage with iliss Hannah E. Reynolds^ a native of !Montpelier, \ ermont, and a daughter of E, P. and Betsey (Stuart) Reynolds. Her fa- ther was born in Kinderhook, New York, and was a descendant in direct line from Sir Joshua Reynolds, the famous painter of Eng- land, while the mother was a native of Jef- fries, New Hampshire, and traced her an- cestry back to Mary. Queen of Scots. They were married in Albany, New York, at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Mr. Reynolds followed contracting and building for some years, and served as captain of a company in the war of 18 12. He was a fine 302 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. looking man. being over six feet tall and of commanding appearance. He took quite a prominent part in public affairs, and was tlnis identified with several counties of \'er- mont. In early life he was a minister of the Free \\'ill Baptist Church, but after his re- moval to the Green ^Mountain state he united with the ^Methodist Episcopal Church, there being no church of the former denomination in his community. He was ever active and influential in religious work, and was a per- sonal and valued friend of Bishop Elisha Scott. He was accidentally killed at Shore- ham, \'emiont, by a wagon load of Ijoxes tipping over on him, when fifty-fi\e years of age. His wife survived him five years and died at the same age. She was a Congrega- tionalist in religious belief, and was an earn- est Christian worker. Mrs. Stimson is the eighth in order of birth of the ten children born to this worthy couple, the others being as follows : Harmon G., an attorney, married Louisa Thompson, now deceased, and he died at the age of eighty-one years. Xazro B., who died at the age of seventy-nine, first married Sarah Bennett and second Sai-ah Dillon. Mary A., a good Methodist, married Palmer Stearns, now deceased, and she died at the age of eighty. Elisha P.. who died at the age of seventy-eight, married first Eliza Young and second Mrs. Amanda Ogden. who is still living. Betsey S. is the wife of B. H. Kimball, of Rock Island, Illinois. Martha ^^'. is the widow of Thomas B. ^^'oods and a resident of Woodstock, \*ermont. Lucy H. married Hosea V. French, and died at the age of sixty-eight years. Both she and her husband were consistent members of the Cniversalist Church. John R.. an Episco- palian in religious belief, married Elizabeth Bennett and died at the age of seventy-one, in Los Angeles, California, where his widow still resides. Record S., a member of the Congregational Church, was married in San Francisco. California, and died at Gold Hill. Xevada, at the age of forty-one years. Mrs. Stimson, who is familiarly known by her many friends as Aunt Hannah, was educated at ^Montpelier and Woodstock. \'er- mont, and Lebanon, Xew Hampshire. She then taught school for one year in the latter state; two years in graded schools in Massa- chusetts: three years in graded schools in Xew York ; six months in a parish school in Louisiana; and two jears and a half in a select school at ^larshall, Harrison county, Texas, on the Red river, near Shreveport. She was at the last named place when the Civil war broke out, and had much difficulty in reaching her friends in the north. She obtained a passport signed by the governors of Texas and Louisiana, with which she was able to travel as far as A'icksburg, where their jurisdiction ended. Here thir- teen lady teachers were recommended to the tender mercies of General Kirby Smith, of the Confederate army, who was a native of X'ew York, but had married a southern lady. They spent ten days at ^'icksburg during the siege in the fall of 1862. stopping at the American House, and saw General Grant's forces kept at bay by shot and shell. The leading Confederate generals at that place were Bragg. Stonewall Jackson. \'an Doren. Beauregard. Todd and Slaughter. Major Watts was there for the exchange of pris- oners. They were all very gentlemanly and nice to the lady teachers, who were finally taken to the giuiboat Monarch in closed car- riages, as the people of the city were very hostile to northerners. On this boat were several hundred exchanged prisoners under Captain La Salle, a Union officer. They THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 303 stopped at Lake Providence, on the Arkansas side of the river, and four more teachers came on board, under Captain Dubb, also a Union officer. Between that place and Hele- na a battle was fon.s^lit between the contend- ing forces, which lastetl four hours. Xo one on the Monarch was injured, though one man wlio was ill died from fright and dis- turbance. The battle was precipitated by a man on Lieutenant I'ritchard's boat being shot by a Confederate from the Mississippi side. They finally reached Memphis in safe- t)-. At Helena some gentlemen came on boanl for the purpose of buying their Con- federate monev. but they were not allowed to sell. At Memphis, however. Mrs. Stim- son disposed of what Confederate money she had, receiving only thirty-seven and a Half cents on the dollar. At Cairo, Illinois, the company separated and ^Irs. Stimson came l)ack to Rock Island, where she had been mourned for lost many days, and was looked upon as one risen from the dead. She then taught in the graded schools of that city and the schools of Hampton. Illinois, until her marriage, in 1867. That siie was considered an excellent instructor is evinced by the num- ber of years she was retained in the same school. She was progressive in her meth- ods, was a great student, and had that love for her profession without which there can be no success. She is an active and promi- nent member of Grace Evangelical Church of Geneseo, being converted at the early age of ten years under the ministry of IJishop Scott, and she is highly respected and es- teemed i^y all who know her on account of her sterling worth. Previous to uniting with the Grace Evangelical Church she was con- nected for many years with the I'^piscopal Church, being confirmed by liishoj) Hoj)kins, of X'ermont. The mother of Mr. Stiiuson was a first cousin of lienjamin Franklin, and the family is one of the most prominent in and around Boston. JAMI;:S STEELE IIAMILTOX. Among the early settlers and highly re- spected citizens of Henr\- count}' was Mr. Llamilton, of Geneseo, who was affection- ately kntnvn by many as L^ncle Steele. He was born in Westmoreland county, Penn- sylvania, on the 1 2th of June, 181 2, and lived at the place of his birth vintil coming to Illinois. His father, Alexander Hamil- ton, was a native of Ireland, and wiien a young man came to this country, settling in Westmoreland county, Pennsyhania, where he married Miss Elizabeth Steele. There he engaged in farming throughout his life, and died November 18, 1845. His wife had i)asse(l away November 10. 1834. They were the parents of se\en children. For a number of years our subject en- gaged in farming in the county of his na- tivity, and when but a xoung man came to Henry county. Illinois. He puchased a farm in Cornwall township, which he o|)erated for several years, and then removed to lien- ton county, Iowa, where he was also en- gaged in agricultural pursuits for nine years. At the end of that period he returned to this county and took up iiis abode in the city of Geneseo, where he li\ed a retired life until h.is death, whicii occurred .March 15. 1889. at the present home of his widow. On the 5th of March. 1S40, in Cornwall township. Henrv count)'. Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage with Miss Mary K. 'i"ay- lor. a daughter of Andrew and Polly (Brown) Tayk)r. Her father was bom 304 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. January 17. 1789, in New Hampshire, where lie grew to manhood. After his marriage lie remnvetl to New York, where he engaged in farming for some years, anw men, with the limited means at their disposal in commencing life have ac- complished more than Dr. Vawter, and while he has been prosperous, he is imaffected by his gains, is easily approached, and enjoys in a high degree the respect and confidence of the people with whom he has so long been associated. ADA-M DUXLAP. .\mong the honored citizens and retired farmers of Geneseo none is more worthy of notice in this volume than Adam Dunlap, who is enjoying a well-earned rest at his pleasant home on North State street. A na- tive of Ohio, he was born in Wayne county on the 18th of December, 1833, and is a son of William and Nancy (Finley) Dunlap, whose birthplace was the north of Ireland. Coming to America in the early part of the nineteenth century, the father located in \\'ayne county, Ohio, where he became owner of a good farm of three hundred acres, on which he made his home through- out the remainder of his life. He was born 3o8 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. in 1798, and died February 23, 1852, hav- ing only survived his wife nine days, her deatli occurring on the 14th of the same montli. Both were earnest and faithful mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church, and were most estimable people. Their children were as fcillows: ]\Iargaret is now the witlow of i\. J. P5urns, and a resident of San Fran- cisco, California: Thomas, born in 1832, died Septeml)er 15, 1885; Adam, our subject, is next in order of birth; Elizabeth, born Xo\-eml)er 23, 1836, died in 1838; Mary E., born in 1838, married John Schnebly, died in Lucas county, Iowa, in 1869; Alexander, born January 13, 1841, is engaged in farming near Winterset, Iowa ; Nancy J. was married and died in Califor- nia, August 15, 1866, at the age of twenty- three; James P., born April 18, 1845, is a druggist and express agent in Califor- nia; William, born October 9, 1847, died in 1857; Archibald F. is editor of the "Repor- ter," a newspaper in West Salem, Ohio; and Andrew J. is section boss on the Erie railroad at that place. The early life of Adam Dunlap was passed upon his father's farm, and his ed- ucation was obtained in the district schools of the neighborhood. In 1852 he started out to make his own way in the world, and two years later came to Henry county, Illi- nois, locating in Phenix township, where he -worked on a farm until after the Civil war broke out. In 1862 he responded to his country's call for aid by enlisting in Com- pany K, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. His first engagement was the battle of Richmond, Kentucky, and the winter of 1862-3 was spent in that state. The following spring the regiment went in pursuit of Morgan, and was later at Camp Nelson on the Cumberland river. Being ill and unable to engage in active army service Mr. Dunlap was transferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps, and sent to Jeffersonville, Indiana, and later to IMadison, Wisconsin, where he remained until his term of enlist- ment expired, being mustered out in 1865. Returning to Illinois, he was married on the lotli of August, that year, to Airs. Ala- linda Merriman, who was born on the 26th of May, 1 81 3, in New York state, and died March 24, 1891. She was a consistent mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was highly respected and esteemed by all who knew her. There were no children by this union but by her former marriage Mrs. Dun- lap had six children, of whom mention is made in the sketch of William Alerriman on another page of this \olunie. Our subject was again married December 5. 1895, his second union being with Mrs. Caroline Sieben, widow of \^alentine Seiben, of this county. She was born November 19, 1839, and died November 29, 1898. She held membership with the United Evangelical Churcli. On the 23d of October, 1900, Mr. Dunlap married Mrs. Lavilla Schnaufer, v.itlow of Jacob Schnaufer, and daughter of Daniel and Mary Fatzinger, nati\es of Pennsylvania, where Mrs. Dunlap was also l)orn. By her first marriage she had two children, George D., who is living with our subject, and Frank J., now attending Northwestern College, Napierville, Illinois. Mr. Dunlap is a Methodist in religious belief, and officially connected with the church of that denomination at Geneseo. Fraternally he is a member of Jenkins Post, G. A. R., and politically is identified with the Democratic party. For many years he was one of the active and progressive far- mers of Henry county, as well as one of its most reliable and honored citizens, and now THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 309 in his declining 3-ears he is enjoying a well- earned rest, free from the cares and respon- sibilities of business life. Throughout the ■county he is widely and favorably known. JOHN M. D.VVIS. John M. Dayis, the well-known alderman of the first ward of Kewanee, Illinois, was born in Wales, on the 20th of June, 1865, and the following year was brought to .\mer- ica by his parents, Morgan and Joanna Dayis, who first settled in Utah, but two jears later remoyed to Joliet, Illinois. Troughout his actiye business life the father was employed as a roller in a rolling mill. He died in 1885, at the age of seyenty- seyen years, and his wife departed this life in 1882, at the age of sixty-three. The\' were formerly connected with the Latter Day Saints, but later held membership in the ^Methodist Episcopal Church. To this wor- thy couple were born fourteen children, of whom our subject is the youngest. His brothers and sisters who are still li\ing are William, who has spent his entire life in Wales; Dayid, a resident of Idaho: Morgan, of Illinois; Jane, wife of William I'ickerel. ■of South Chicago, Illinois; May A., widow of James Mathews; and Miriam, wife of John Fellen, a coal miner of Kewanee, all of whom are liying. John M. Dayis was reared in Joliet, Illi- nois, and receiyed his education in its pub- lic schools. He began his business career as a nail packer; then for oyer a year he was engaged in the manufacture of nails in Chi- cago as an employe ; later was employed in the steel department of a rail mill and subse- ■quently learned the puddler"s trade, to whicli he has since deyoted his energies. In 1884 lie came to Kewanee, and has since been em- plnyed in the rolling mill at this place, as a puddler. Here Mr. Dayis was married, in 1886, to Emily Jones, who was born in Kewanee township, this county, a daughter of George and Margaret Jones. She is one of a fam- ily of thirteen children, of whom the fol- lowing are Hying: William, a resident of Ke- wanee, who married Martha Jenkins and has fne children, John, Lizzie, Cassie, George and James ; Jennie, who is the wife of Carr Mittin, of Kewanee, and has two children, George and Audrey; and Cassie, wife of James IMercer, of Kewanee, by whom she has three children, Jessie, Lola and Claude. Mary J., another sister of Mrs. Dayis, wedded Thomas Palmer, and died in 1893, at the age of thirty-nine years, leaying four children, Alargaret, Abram, Emma and May. To Mr. and IMrs. Davis were born live children, of whom the eldest, Dayid, died at the age of twenty-one months. Those living are Raymond, Opal, Harry and Mary A. (ieorge Jones was born in Wales, January I, 1830, and his wife, Margaret Birch, was also born in Wales June 20, 1832, and was there married and came to Pennsylvania where they located about 1865. About 1867 they moved to Kewanee township where he bought a farm and lived until re- tiring to Kewanee in 1887. They are mem- bers of the Latter Day Saints. He was ta.x colector of the city one term. By his ballot Mr. Davis su])ports the men and measures of the Republican party, with which his father and the other members of the family also affiliated. He takes an active interest in public affairs, and in April, 1900 was elected alderman of the first ward of Ke- wanee, which office he is now most creditably 3IO THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and satisfactorily filling. He is now serving as chairman of the hall committee, and is also chairman of the committee on sewer:? and nuisances. He belongs to the Royal Circle and Kewanee Lodge, Xo. 3, of the Amalgamated Association of the Iron, Steel &: Tin Workers of which he is now treas- urer. Mrs. Davis is a member of the Bap- tist Cliurch. JOSEPH H. RINK. The motto "merit always commands its reward" is well exemplified with the career of the subject of this sketch, who after many 3'ears of active labor is now living a retired life in Geneseo, surrounded bj- all the com- forts and many of the luxuries of life which have been gained through former toil. He was born in Alsace, Germany, October 24, 1833, and was a lad of tliirteen years when he came to the United States with his par- ents, Joseph Herman and IMagdeline (Smith) Rink. After spending a short time in Buflfalo, Xew York, they came west and settled on the Rock River bottom. It was not long after this, however, that the. family took up government land in Loraine town- ship, this county, and transformed the wild tract into a good farm. There the parents both died at an advanced age, and were buried in Eight Mile Grove cemetery, Lo- raine township. In their family were six children, five of whom are still living, Mr. Rink being the only surviving son. Joseph Rink continued to reside on the old homestead in Loraine township until 1899, when he removed to Geneseo, and has since lived a retired life. On first coming to this county he took up forty acres of land, to which he added from time to time as his financial resources permitted until he owned seven hundred and forty acres, which he placed under a high state of cultivation and improved with good buildings. Since his re- moval to Geneseo he has erected a large and modern cit}- residence on Palace street, where he is now living in ease and quiet. At Hooppole, Illinois, he was married, ]\Iarch II, 1857, to Miss Helen Egert, also a native of Alsace, Germany, and one of a family of six children, five of whom are now living. She was fifteen years of age on her emigration to the new world in com- pany with her parents, George and Anastasia (Yagley) Egert, who located at Hooppole. There the father died at the age of sixty- three, the mother at the age of seventy-nine. Of the thirteen children bom to Mr. and Mrs. Rink six are living, namely : ( i ) Frank is a prosperous farmer of Loraine township, this county, though a part of his farm is in \\hiteside county. He married Kate Kirsh- ner and they have four children, Ida, Law- rence, Cletus and Etta. (_2) Lewis lives on the old homestead in Loraine township. (3) Joseph, a fanner of the same township, married Xellie Collins, and they have two children, Ruth and an infant. (4) Sarah and (5) William are both with their par- ents. (6) Mathias lives on the home farm. Mr. Rink and his family are communi- cants of the Roman Catholic Church, and are people of prominence in the community where they reside. Their new home, erected in 1900, is one of the finest of Geneseo. Mr. Rink was very poor when he started out in life for himself. As his father was paralyzed and unable to care for himself and family thus the burden fell upon the shoulders of the young man who, however, was equal to the emergency, and well did he perform its arduous duties. By industry, energ}' and THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 3" good management he worked his way stead- ily upward until lie became one of the most prosperous citizens of Loraine township, having accumulated a handsome property. Recently he has been afflicted with deafness, now being unable to carry on a conversation except in writing, but he bears patiently his great affliction, and takes a deep interest in all that is going on alxjut him, especially in that pertaining to the welfare and happi- ness of his family. ERICK HANSON. Erick Hanson, whose home is at 711 South Tremont street, Kewanee, Illinois, was born near Stockholm, Sweden, on the 24th of January, 1844, and is a son of Hans and Anna Anderson, who spent their entire lives in that country. The father learned the carpenter's trade in early life and ever afterward followed contracting and building. He died at the ripe. old age of eighty-three years, and his wife's death occurred when she was seventy-four years of age. In their family were twelve children who reached years of maturity, namely : Mary, John, Anna, P^eter, Erick, Carrie, Sophia, Emma, Letta. Axel, Hattie and August. Peter is now deceased; Sophia is the wife of Mr. Bergren of Michigan ; and the others are All residents of Sweden with the exception of our subject. Erick Hanson was educated in the schools of his native land, \\hen his school days were over he learned the shoe- maker's trade, which he followed until he attained his majority, and then gave his at- tention to carpenter work, being a natural mechanic and skillful in the use of all kinds of tools. In 1870 he crossed the Atlantic to America and took up his residence in Moline, Illinois, where he spent two years and a half. He then removed to Genesee, where he built a fine home and he followed shoemaking until 1892, since which time he has engaged in carpentering in connection with otherwork. Since the fall of 1900 he has made his home in Kewanee, and al- though his residence here is of short duration he has gained the confidence and respect of all with whom he has come in contact either in business or social life. He is the owner of a nice home in this city, having sold his Geneseo residence. On the 13th of September, 1872, at Geneseo, Mr. Hanson married Miss Chris- tina L. M. Ericson, a native of Sweden, born December i, 1849, ^^'^o came to America in 1871. Six years later her parents, Alex- ander and Stinagreta (Swanson) Erickson, also came to the United States, settling first at Geneseo. The father died at the age of eighty-two years, but the mother is still liv- ing at the age of seventy-eight, an honored and highly respected resident of Kewanee. Mrs. Hanson is the oldest in a family of four children, the others being Caroline, who became the wife of Charles .Peterson and died at the age of thirty-three years; Peter, who died February i, 1898, at the age od forty-two years; and A. G., a farmer of Kewanee township. Mr. and ^Irs. Hanson are the parents of eight children, namel}' : Almina M., a successful dressmaker of Kewanee, takes a great interest in church work and has been a teacher in the Sunday school for the past ten years. Nellie D. was educated at the Geneseo high school, and for seven years has taught in the schools in Henry county, in the meantime attending the teachers' 312 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. training scliool, known at the N. I. T. I., for five summers. Ellen E. is a photog- rapher of Geneseo. Martin E. was graduated from the Geneseo Collegiate Institute in 1900, and is now taking a post-gaduate course. He took first prize in a declamatory contest held at Geneseo May 25, 1900, re- ceiving ten dollars in gold, and was president of his class which numbered eighteen. Su- san M. is clerking in Kewanee. Florence C. and Paulus F. are both attending the public schools. Otelius L. died January 5, 1896, at the age of two years, tlu'ee months and nineteen days. The family hold membership in the Swedish Lutheran Church, and while a resident of Geneseo Mr. Hanson served as janitor of his church for four years, and and also acted as librarian, having charge of three hundred volumes published in both English and Swedish. Both he and his wife are also members of the Fraternal Tribune of which he is now trustee and are held in high regard by all who know them. LEVI FRONK. Among the honored pioneers and repre- sentative citizens of Henry county was num- bered Levi Fronk, now deceased. He was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, on the 4th of December, 1815, a son of Henry and Sarah Fronk. Dauphin county was also the birth place of his father, who throughout his active business life followed the occupation of farming. About 1841 he came to Henry county, Illinois, and settled in Cornwall township, where he made his home until called to his final rest, about thirty years ago, at the age of eighty years. His wife died two years previous at the age of sixty. They were the parents of five children of whom one is still living. Levi Fronk grew to manhood m the place of his birth, and there engaged in agri- cultural pursuits until coming to this county in 1838. He became the owner of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of rich land in Cornwall township, which was all wild when it came into his possession. He erected thereon a log house in which the family lived while he broke the virgin soil and im- proved the place. He was a hard wi irking, industrious man, and through his well di- rected efforts accumulated a comfortable competence. In connection with general farming he engaged in stock raising to some extent, .\bout 1885 he laid aside business cares and remo\-ed to Geneseo, where he spent his remaining days in ease and quiet at his pleasant h(^me on East Pearl street. There he died after two years' illness No- vember 14, 1900, and was laid to rest iu Liberty church^-ard. Before leaving Penns}'l\ania ]\Ir. Fronk married, January i, 1838, to !Miss Xancy Shields, a native of Juniata county, that state, where she resided until her marriage. Her parents, Frank and ]\Iary ( Baricke- man) Shields, were lite-long residents of Penns}-l\'ania. ar.d the father was a farmer by occupation. She is the only one of their ten children now living. Unto ^Ir. and Mrs. Fronk were born twelve children, as follows: Henrietta, wife of John Murphy, a retired farmer of Geneseo, by whom she has three children. Flora, Xancy and Emma; Sarah, wife of Sheldon H. Ayres, a farmer of Olathe, Kansas; Rebecca, wife of W'iliam Bellairs, of \'alley Junction, Iowa; Cyrus, who died Xovember 29, 1883, at the age of twenty-eight years; ]\Iatilda, v.idow of George Armstrong, of Cornwall THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 313 township, tliis county, wlio died August 9, 1900, aged forty-seven years; Joseph L., a resident of Grant City, Missouri ; Clemen- tine, wife of Bryan Runiler, of Cambridge, Illinois; Henry B., a resident of Kansas Citj*; Margaret, wife of a yir. Rowe. of Grass Valley, California; Tamson, wife of Andrew Rush, of Chicago, by whom she has due sun, Edward; Ellen, who died in in- fancy; and Jolm, a resident of Hamilton, i\Iissouri. On coining to Henry county Mr. Fronk f(.>und this region nearly all wild with \ery few settlements; the houses were widely scattered and deer and wolves were often seen on the prairies, but during his residence here this was all changed, the county became thickly settled, and highly cultivated farms and thriving cities and towys were to be seen in every direction. In the work of development and progress he ever bore his part and was accounted one of the most use- ful and valued citizens of his community. By his ballot he supported the men and measures of the Republican party, and as a public-spirited citizen he advocated all measures tending to improve or advance the interests of the comnumity in which he lived. He was an active and consistent member of the Baptist Church, and was a man who made many friends and no enemies, being generous, honest, and upright in all his tlealings. WILLI. \M WILSOX STEVEXS. William Wilson Stevens, deceased, was one of the honored and highly esteemed citizens of Kewanee. He was born in Pem- broke, Xew York, August 13, 1822, his parents being Ira and Elizabeth (\\'el)b) Stevens, who came to Henry county, Illi- nois, in 1850 and settled on a farm in W'eth- ersfield township, which the father operated until his death. His wife had died several years previously, passing away in 1853. They were members of the Congregational Church, and were held in high regard by all who knew them. Of their five children William \\". w as the oldest ; Charlotte first married a Mr. Harding and second a Mr. Wood, and is now deceased ; Adelaide is the wife of Rev. John Thompson, district super- intendent of the Bible Society in Califor- nia ; Isabel married Andrew Ziegler and died in California; and Ira is a farmer of Iowa. In his native state William W. Stevens was reared and educated, in early lite he traveled extensively through the southern states as salesman for a Xew York con- cern, and made his home in St. Louis, Mis- souri, for many years. From there he came to Wethersfield, where he owned a large farm and other propert}-. He was marrietl Xovember 2, 1854, to ^liss Xancy M. Loomis, a native of Connecticut and a daugh- ter of Celah and Easther ( Howard ) Loomis of that state, but who located in Wethers- field township in 1850, where he lived a re- tired life. The father was born April 25, 1785, and died February 8, 1872, while the mother was born X'ovember 2, 1784, and died December 14, 1870. Both were earnest and consistent members of the Congrega- tional Church, in which the father served as deacon during the greater part of his life. To them were born nine children, of whom two died in infancy. The others were Mary S., who wedded Joseph A. Talcott and botli are now deceased; Harriet E., who mar- ried Albert Kellugg and died in Wethers- 314 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. field, this county; William C, who married Emeline Isbel and died in Henry county, his widow being still a resident of Kewanee : Lyman, who died in Michigan; Cynthia, deceased wife of A. Chapin; Orin H., who is represented on another page of this vol- ume; and Nancy M., now Mrs. Stevens. The five children born to our subject and his wife were as follows : Elizabeth \\'., v.ife of William H. Lyman, who is a mem- ber of the well-known firm of Lay & Ly- man, merchants of Kewanee, and by whom she has one son, W. H., Jr. ; Clark L., who is engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Kewanee; ^lar)- C, wife of C. B. Piatt, of \ an Meter, Iowa, by whom she has one child, Allen S. ; Helen L., and William Howard, who was the second in order of birth and died in 1859, at the age of three years. It was in 1854 that ^Ir. Stevens came to Henry county, and throughout the remain- der of his life made his home in AN'ethers- field and Kewanee. He was here engaged in the hardware business for a few years, but practically lived retired, although serving as one of the early directors of the Union National Bank. He was a member of the school board for nine years, and also served on the town board for a time. By his ballot he supported the men and measures of the Republican party, and was an active and consistent member of the Congregational Church, to which his widow also belongs. He died ^larch 23, 1900, at the age of seventy-seven years, and his death occasioned the deepest regret throughout the community. He was a man of the high- est respectability, and those who were most intimately associated with him speak in un- qualified terms of his sterling integrity, his honor in business and his fidelitv to the duties of public and private life. He was faithful to his church, to his country and to his friends, and in his home was a most ex- emplary husband and father, ilrs. Stevens is an estimable lady of many sterling quali- ties, and has a large circle of friends in the communitv. L\MES BLAIR. James Blair, deceased, was for thirty years a prominent farmer of Kewanee town- ship, owning and operating one hundred and sixt}- acres of land on section 18, where his widow now resides. He was born in Cin- cinnati, Ohio, on the 5th of July, 1829. a son of James and [Margaret (Hall Blair. The father was born in Cadiz, Ohio, and removed earn- to Peoria county, Illinois, where his death occurred in 1850. The mother was a native of County Armagh, Ireland, and was seventeen years of age when she came with her parents to the United States. She died in this county about 1866. Of her seven children only one is now liv- ing, David, a resident of Silver Creek, Ne- braska. On reaching manhood James Blair was married in La Salle count}", Illinois, Decem- ber 26, 1854, to Miss Lucy E. Emerson, who was born in Greenbriar county. West \'irginia, ^Nlay 18, 1830. and is a daughter of Benjamin and ^lary (Hinkley) Emerson, born in ^Massachusetts and Ohio, respect- ively. He came to Ohio, where he was mar- ried, and soon after moved to \\'est Vir- ginia, where he died December 28, 1859, and his wife December 20, 1893. She was a member of the ^lethodist Episcopal Church. The children born to our subject and his wife were as follows: {i) Amos, born June UNIVtHii 1 1 Uf ILLINOI URBANA JAMES BLAIR. MRS LYDIA E. BLAIR. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 319 6, 1856, married Evelyn Lorey, and lives on the adjoining farm. (2) Augusta, born January 16, 1858, is the wife of William D. Oliver, a farmer of Burns township, and they have three children, James C, Perry A. and Harold C. (3) John L.. liorn in Ke- wanee township August 31, 1859, married Fannie Scott, and they liave two children, Florence F. and Ellis S. (4) Benjamin V., born February 12, 1862, is a farmer of El- inira township. Stark county, Illinois. He wedded Mary H. Avery, and they have four children, Orlando V., Alice A., Elsie I. and Virgil. (5) ^lary Elma born December 30, 1863, is the wife of Robert Milburn, of Burns township, Henry county, and to them have been born three children, Lee, Edith May and Cecil. (6) Sarah Ella, twin sis- ter of Mary Elma, died in 1868, at the age of four years and four months, having been ac- cidentally burned, from the effects of which she never recovered. (7) Lucy Ida, born August 3, 1874, is the wife of Elmer H. Ensminger, a farmer of Wethersfield town- ship, and they have two children, Alta Jklay and Hazel Fern. In 1856, soon after his marriage, Mr. Blair came to Henry county, and rented the John Rathbon farm in Burns township for three years. His first purchase of land con- sisted of ten acres in Kewanee township, for which he paid fifty dollars, and from which he cut the timber. Later he bought twenty acres for twenty dollars per acre, and sub- sequently sold the tract to F. Gunther for five hundred and seventy-five dollars. He then purchased eighty acres of the home- stead, to which he later added another eighty- acre tract. He placed the land under culti- vation and made many permanent improve- ments thereon. Here he made his home until called to his final rest, on the i =ith ni Julv. 1883. He was widely antl favorably known throughout the county where the best years of his life were passed, and he always com- manded the confidence and respect of those with whom he came in contact either in business or social life. Mrs. Blair is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Ebenezer, Burns township, and, like her hus- band, she is held in high regard by all who know her. SA^IUEL GOEMBEL. The subect of this sketch is a leading representative of the business interests of Geneseo, Illinois, where he is extensively engaged in buying and shipping grain, and also deals in hard and soft coal. A native of this state, he was born in Tazewell county, March 12, 1850, his parents being Jacob and Louisa (Luther) Goembel. The father was born in Niederaula, Kreis Herschfeld, Kurfeustenthun, Hessen, Ger- many, on the 17th of May, 1824, and in TS34 came to America with his i)arents, Se- bastian and Anna (Schaeffer) Goembel. After sixty-three days upon the water, the family landed at New Orleans, June 9, 1834, whence they proceeded up the Miss- issippi and Illinois rivers to Peoria, and across the country to Tazewell county, Illi- nois, where Sebastian Goembel bought a farm and also secured a quarter section of government land. His last days were spent in Washington, that county, where he died at about the age of seventy-si.x years. His v.ife was over eighty-three years of age at the time of her death. For many years they held membership in the Evangelical Associa- tion, and were highly resjiected by all who knew thoni. Of their nine children onlv the 320 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. eldest daughter. Catherine, wife of John Minch, of Washington, and Jacol:), father of our subject, are now living. Jacob Goembel was reared on the home farm and educated in the German language, having never attended English schools. The family came directly to Peoria, Illinois. They located five miles from that city, in Tazewell county, where he assisted his father and older brother in opening up a farm. They marketed their grain in Chi- cago, conveying it thither with a four- horse team, such as is now seldom seen in this part of the west. At the age of twenty- one, he left the farm and A\-ent to Chicago, where he worked as a teamster for ten dol- lars per month. In 1846 he was married in Lake county, Illinois, to Miss Louisa Lu- ther, a native of New York, born January 28, 1826, and a daughter of John Jacob Lu- ther, wild came to this country from Ger- many about 1 82 1. She is one of a family of ten children, three of whom are still liv- ing. After his marriage Mr. Goembel worked in a slaughter house in Peoria for a year, and then purchased eighty acres of land on Farm creek, Tazewell county, which he sold in 185 1 on coming to Henry county. Here he entered a tract of government land on section 30, Yorktown township, and en- gaged in its cultivation until 1863, when he bqught another farm in the same locality, and made his home there until his removal to Geneseo in 1876. He is still the owner of a valuable tract of ninety-one acres in Yorktown township, but is now living a retired life in Geneseo. His political sup- port is given the Republican party, and he filled the office of school trustee for many years. He and his wife are prominent mem- bers of the Evangelical Association, and he is now a trustee of the church. This worthy couple are the parents of nine children, namely : W. SA-dney, a resi- dent of Geneseo, married Laura Early anil h.ad three children, Lowell (deceased, Ethel and Leanora; Samuel, our subject, is next in order of birth; Edward, a farmer of York- town township, married Emma Rapp and has three children, Ada, Harvey and Bessie ; Peter, a farmer of Minnesota, married Christina Rapp and has six children, Olive, Arthur, Jesse, Perry, Edith and Vernon ; Anna is the wife of Henry Glabe, a contrac- tor of Tazewell countv: Lvdia is the wife of Isaac Krimbill. of ^linnesota, and has five children. Blanche, \'era, \\"innie, Clarence and Archie; John E., an attorney of Rock- ford, Illinois, married ^linnie Grosskopp; A\'ilhelmina died at the age of seven years ; and Catherine died at the age of eighteen months. Samuel Goeml)el attended the district school until fourteen years of age, and then assisted his father in the work of the home farm until he attained his majority. After leaving the parental roof he continued to engage in agricultural pursuits until July 31. 1897, when he came to Geneseo and em- barked in the grain and coal business, which he is now so successfully carrying on. He owns three hundred and twenty acres of wel improved and highly cultivated land in Yorktown and Loraine townships, this townships, this county, besides his pleasant residence and two lots in Geneseo, where he resides. He also has a half interest in the Arnold & Goembel elevator at this place. On the 27th of March, 1872, Mr. Goem- bel was united in marriage with Miss Re- becca Zinser, of Washington, Tazewell county, who was born in Clark county, this state, a daughter of Solomon and Catherine (Tobias) Zinser. Her father, who was. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 32f 1)orn ill 1818. died in 1884, while her mother died in October, 1899, at tlie age of nearly seventy-six years. In their family were eleven children as follows : I'rank, married Agnes Casebeer, of Pennsyhania, and is now engaged in dairy fanning in Colorado; ]\Iary is the wife of .\clam Coker. a farmer of Tazewell county, Illinois; Elizabeth is the wife of John Ott. of Clear Lake. Iowa; Caroline is the wife of Amos Smith, of Plainfield. Illinois; Rebecca, wife of our subject, is ne.xt in order of birth; George married Priscilla Boyer, and is engaged in the hardware business of Manhattan, Illi- nois; Solomon married Lizzie Bloomershine and follows farming in Tazewell county; .Amelia is the wife of George Ferner. of Washington, Illinois; Daniel married Sarah Goesle and lives in Chicago; Sophia is the widow of Edward Kale and a resident of Washington, Illinois; and two died in in- fancy. Air. and Mrs. Goembel are the parents of nine children: Harry S., who married Ida Apples and has two children, Russell and Harold; Franklin J., who married Sarah Weiterholt and lives an a farm in this county; Sylva Etta, wife of \\'illiam Countryman, living on section 20, Yorktown township; Lottie \lola, wife of Edwin Countryman, a carpenter and contractor of Hooppole,, by whom she has one child Ruth; and Mabel B., Emory W'., Estella, Roscoe G. and Cassie L., all at home. Air. Goembel and wife hold membership in Grace L'nited Evangelical Church, of which he is a trustee, and he also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of .\merica and the Knights of the Globe. In political senti- ment he is independent. For twelve years he filled the office of justice of the peace and was township clerk eight years. Of ex- cellent business ability and broad re- sources, he has attained a prominent place among the substantial citizens of his juirt of the county, and has won success by his well-directed, energetic cfi'orts. his pros- perity being well deserved. A. C. T.WLOR. Among Henry county's native sons is tliis well-known business man of Kewanee, whose birth occurred in Wethedsfield town- ship on the -'3(1 of May. 1853. His father. John Taylor, was a native of Pennsylvania, of which state the grandfather, David Tay- lor, was a life-long resident, his occupation being that of farming. In the latter's family were five children, namely: David; Enoch, a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsyhania; John, father of our subject; Ellen, wife of Garrett Brown, of Kewanee, Illinois; and Mary, wiilow of E. T. Bevan, who was a farmer of ^^■ethersf^eld township, thi.s county. John Taylor received his education in the common schools of his native state, and in early life learned the trade of broom making. In 1850 he came to Plenry county, Illinois, and took up his residence in ^^'etll- ersfield township, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, the only improvement thereon being a small house. He broke his land with oxen and placed it under cultivation. .\s his financial re- sources increased he added t-o his landed possessions from time to time until he had six hundred and sixty acres, of which five liundred and sixty acres were in Henr\- county, while one hundred and sixty acres of this amount were in Galva township and the remainder in \\'ethersfield township. He 322 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. married Deborah Barrett, whose parents died during her childhood, and by this union four children were born, namely: Alary Ellen, wife of Benjamin Clyde, of Alilburn, Dallas county, Iowa, by whom she had one child, Raymond; A. C, our subject; Frank; and Tames C, who married Cora Potter and lives on the old home place. The father died June 4, 1898, at the age of sixty-nine, but the mother is still living, and continues to reside on the old homestead with her son, James G. She is a native of New York. During his boyhood A. C. Taylor ac- quired a fair knowledge of the common English branches of learning in the schools of W'ethersfield township, and when old enough to be of any assistance commenced work on the home farm, remaining under the parental roof until he attained his ma- jority. He then rented land of his father in the same township, and while operating it he boarded at home for two years. ]\Ir. Ta}-lor was married, February 18, 1879, the lady of his choice being ]iliss !Mary A. Clyde, who was Ixirn in Henr}- county, but was living in Aurora, Kane county, at the time of their marriage. Her parents, Frederick and Sarah (Barber) Clyde, were natives of England and Ohio, respectively. For many years the father was engaged in mercantile business in Pitts- burg, Pennsylvania, and on lea\ing that place came to Henry county, Illinois, where he followed fanning for a number of years, but his last days were spent in Aurora, Vvhere his death occurred. His widow still makes her home in that city. iNIr. antl Airs. Taylor have two children : Earl, born April 24, 1888, and Irene, born February 21, 1890. Both are attending school in Kewanee. For about four vears Air. Taylor con- tinued to rent his father's land, and then purchased eighty acres of Jerry Bickford, and later one hundred and sixty acres of his father, making two hundred and forty acres on sections 8 and 17, Wethersfield township, which he still owns. Besides this property he also has eighty acres of land in Murray county, Minnesota. He continued to actively engage in farming until 1897, when he removed to Kewanee, and is now erecting a beautiful residence with all modern conveniences on Chestnut street. Since 1S93 Air. Taylor has been connected with the Minneapolis Thresher Company as a traveling salesman, and is now engaged in business in Kewanee as a dealer in threshers, shellers and iron bridges. He is a wide- awake, energetic business man, whose sound judgment and capable management have brought to him a well merited success. In h.is political affiliations he is a Republican, but he has never cared for office, preferring to give his undivided attention to his busi- ness interests. His wife holds membership in the Congregational Church. WASHINGTON DUNBAR. There is probably no man in Wethers- held township wider or more favorably known than \\'ashington Dunbar, who has been identified with its agricultural inter- ests for almost half a century and is recog-' nized as one of the important factors in its progress and development. He was born in Breckinridge county, Kentucky, Septem- ber 21, .1822, his parents being \\'illiam and Alary (Prayter) Dunbar, natives of Pennsyhania and Kentucky, respectively. In 1833 they came to La Fayette, Stark countv, Illinois, and settled at Fraker's THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 323 Gn)\e. when there were only three families ill that locality. The family endured all the h.ardships and privations incident to pioneer life. As it was a long distance to mill they often ground their meal in an old hand mill. In those early days the father, who was a hatter by trade, would catch the beavers and manufacture the fur into hats, which he would then strap on his back and start out to sell to the settlers. He also cleared and improved a farm of one hun- dred acres in Stark county, where he made his home for some years, though his last days were spent in California. In his fam- ily were thirteen children, and those still living besides our subject are Robert R., a lawyer of Argentine, Kansas; Mrs. Jane Driscoll, of Eagle Grove, Iowa; and Mrs. Missouri Lee, of Twin Springs, Kansas. Washington Dunbar's early educational advantages were meager as there were but few schools in this section of the state when the family located here. In 1852 he came to Henry county, and purchased forty acres of land on section 31, W'etherstield township, to which he added from time to time as his financial resources merited until he now has three hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. In past years he has prob- ably cleared and improved more land in Henry county than any other of its citizens, but is now living a retired life while his sons operate the farm. He has been emi- nently successful, having by hard work and tireless energy accumulated a handsome property. On the 24th of December, 1846, ilr. Dunbar was united in marriage with Miss Anna Lee, who was born in Warren county. New York, June 10, 1825, and was the third in order of birth in a familv of twelve children, whose parents were Josephus and Elizabeth (Bennett) Lee, also natives of New York state. This family removed to Stark county, Illinois, about 1844. Mrs. Dunbar died on the i.st of April, 1S97. at De Funiak Springs, near Pensacola, Flor- ida, whither she had gone in company with her husband with the hope of recovering her health, which had been bad for a num- ber of years. Her remains were interred in La Fayette cemetery, Stark county, Illinois. Religiously she was a memljer of the Uni- versalist Church. By this union ]Mr. Dun- bar had nine children, namelj^: Oscar; Or- ville, deceased; Orson; Alburtus, who mar- ried Nellie, daughter of Louis Clark, of Sheffield; .'\delia, wife of De Witt ^^'inney. of Knox ccjunty, Illinois; Burwell, deceased; Charles, who married Viola White, of La Fayette; Effie L., wife of Bradford Eynder of Sark county, Illinois; and Harry, who married Bessie Newell, of Galva. Mr. Dunbar was again married, June 7, 1900, his second union being with Miss Anna Cardiff, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of William V. antl Catherine (Sipes) Cardiff, both of whom died and were buried in Galva. this ounty. She is one of a family of thirteen children, se\'en of whom are still living. Mr. Dunbar is a man of sterling character, whose word is considered as good as his bond, and is high- ly respected and esteemed by all who know him. In politics he is a strong Republican and for many years he efficiently served as school director. WILLIAM DONALDSON. Among the honored and highly esteemed citizens of W^ethersfield is numbered William Donaldson, who was horn in county Lon- 324 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. donderry, Ireland. February -, 1827, and tliere grew to manliood. receiving but lim- ited educational advantages. He is there- fore a self-educated as well as a self-made man. \\'ith the hope of bettering his condi- tion in the new world, he took ship at Bel- fast, in 184S, and on the Charles of Balti- more, a sailing vessel, crossed the broad Atlantic, being six weeks and three days upon the water. In a fog on the banks of Xew Foundland the ship on which he sailed ran into another vessel, but was only slightly damaged and reached New York in safety in May of that year. Mr. Donaldson pro- ceeded at once to Philadelphia, and there ^vent to Pottstown, Pennsylvania, where he joined a cousin who was foreman on rail- road construction. After working there for a little while he went to Cincinanti, Ohio, \\here other cousins were living, antl where he engaged in d raying for some time. On coming west in 1855, he first lo- cated near Elmira, Stark county, Illinois. \vhere he rented land and engaged in farm- ing for six years. Wliile a resident of Cincinnati, Mr. Don- aldson was married, December 0, 1852, to Miss Eliza Blackwood, who was born and reared in County Tyrone, Ireland, where her father, Robert Blackwood, spent his entire life. They have seven children liv- ing, namely: Robert, who is married and lives in Kewanee; George, who is married and is employed as boss in the Kewanee tube works; Tillie, one of the teachers of Wethersfield; Lizzie, wife of Xorman Oliver, of Kewanee; Emma, a teacher in the Kewanee schools; William, a carriage trim- mer in Chicago; and Clara, wife of Fred Shepherd, of Peoria. They also lost two -children : Thomas, wlio died at the age of four years; and Maggie, who married Robert N. Martin and removed to Ne- braska, but died at the home of her father in 1888, leaving five children, two of whom, William and Alfred N., reside with their grandparents. The others are Harry, Ella and Elsie. Mr. Donaldson's first purchase of land consisted of one hundred and twenty acres of timber in Kewanee township, Henry county, which he bought on coming to this county in 1861. This he cleared, fenced and placed under cultivation, but after re- siding thereon for about six years he sold the place and purchased eighty acres of prairie land in Burns township, to which he subsecjuently added until he has a tract of one hundred and sixty acres. He made many excellent improvements upon the place, and continued its cultivation until his removal to Wethersfield in 1886. Here ha purchased a residence which he has since remodeled, and now has a very pleasant and attractive home. To his diligence, persever- ance and industry may be attributed his suc- cess in life for he came to the new world empty handed, and has had to make his own way in the world unaided. Originally Mr. Donaldson was an old line Whig and cast 'his first presidential vote for Zachary Taylor, but since the formation of the Republican party in 1856, he has been a supporter of its principles, and has sup- ported all of its presidential nominees. He was once elected justice of the peace but re- fused to qualify, preferring to give his un- divided attention to his business interests. He has, however, served as school director and given his children good educations, fully realizing the ad\antages of such a training. He and his wife were reared in the Presbv- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 325 tcrian Church and still adhere to that faith, while his daughters hold membership in the Congregational Church. The family is Avidely known and highly respected. E. X. PETERSOX. Xumhered among the prominent and successful young faniers of Andover town- ship is E. X'. Peterson, who resides on sec- tion 34, where he was born February 3, 1875. His father, C. P. Peterson, was a native of Sweden and was single on his emigration to America. Coming to Henry county. Illinois, he located in Andover township, and was one of its honored early settlers. It was in 1849 that he bought the land on which our subject now resides, it being at that time all wild prairie, which he at once began to break and improve. He was married in Andover township, in 1854. to Miss W'ilhelmina Bloomberg, who was also born in Sweden, and the\' became the parents of four children, of whom our sub- ject is the youngest, the others being Mrs. Clara Almeda Lofgren, a resident of Knox county, Illinois; C. A., who is married and lives in Clover township, Henry cnunty: and Frank William, of Knox county. The mother died in 1875, during the infancy of our subject, but the father long survived her, passing away in Andover township July 4, 1897, honored and respected by all who knew him. He was one of the promi- nent Republicans of his community and took quite an active part in political affairs. E. N. Peterson was educated in the pub- lic schools of Andover township and reared upon the old homestead which he now owns and occupies. It is a good farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres, being well improved and under a high state of cultivation. In 1900 ht built a fine barn, fifty-two by fifty-six feet, with a capacity of forty tons of hay, and has made an addition to his house, so that it is now one of the best residences in the locality. He carries on general farming and stock raising, and in his labors is meeting with excellent success. On the 3d of June, 1897, in Andover township, Mr. Peterson was united in mar- riage with Miss Matilda V. Hultgreen, a na- tive of that township and a daughter of An- drew V. and Christina Hultgreen, pioneers of Andover. Mr. Peterson gives his polit- ical support to the Republican party and its l)rinciples, and is a member of the Lutheran Church at Andover. GEORGE \\'ESTOX. George \\'eston, deceased, was for thirty years one of the leading farmers and honor- ed citizens of Kewanee township, his home being on section 16. He was born on the 28th of January, 1827, in Morgan county, Ohio, and was a son of Jeremiah and Ma- tilda (Anderson) Weston, the former a na- tive of Xew Hampshire, the latter of Mary- land. In the Buckeye state he was reared to manhood and was educated in its public schools. Coming west in 1850 he first lo- cated in Iowa, but after spending a short time in that state he removed to this county, antl took up iiis residence on section 16, Ke- wanee township, where he followed farming throughout the remainder of his life. Here he steadily prospered, and at the time of his death owned about three hundred acres of valuable farmine land. 326 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. On the 23d of October, 1863, Mr. \\'es- ton was united in marriage with ^Nlrs. Helen (Stark) Stephenson, widow of Henry Stephenson, who was born in Xew York and died in Michigan in 1856, leaving two chil- dren : lona, wife of J. W. Adams, of Kan- sas City, Kansas, and Isett, wife of Henry Spurlock, of Kansas City, Kansas. Mrs. \\'eston is a nati\e of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Stutely and Eliza Ann (Steven- son) Stark, natives of ^Massachusetts and Xew York, respectiveh*. Her paternal grand- father was born in A'erniont and his wife in Xew Hampshire. In 1833 her family re- moved to ^ledina county, Ohio, where they made their home until coming to Illinois in 1864, when they took up their residence in Bureau county. Three years later they removed to Galesburg. where Mr. Stark lived retired until his death in 1869. By occupation he was a farmer. Subsequently his widow went to Kansas, and died in Perry, that state, in 18S9. They reared a family of eight children. Unto ilr. and !Mrs. \\'eston were born five children, name- ly Ina, wife of Warren Lester, who now lives on ilrs. \\'eston's farm; May, a den- tist of Kansas City, Missouri; Stutely, a farmer of Kewanee township; Tillie, wife of U. G. Pyle, of the same township ; and Lee, at home with his mother. Mrs. ^^'eston has a fine farm of three hundred and eighty acres, and from it derives a good income. She is a faithful member of the Congrega- tional Church of Kewanee, and is highly re- spected and esteemed by all who know her. Fraternally Mr. Weston was an active member of the Grange. He always took a deep and commendable interest in educa- tional affairs, and efRcientl)' served as school director in his district from the time of its organization until his death, which occurred August II, 1886. He was recognized as one of the valued and useful citizens of his community, and his death was mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances who esteemed him highly for his sterling worth. SIMEOX HELLER. Simeon Heller, deceased, was for many years one of the leading citizens of Loraine township, owning and operating a fine farm of two hundred acres on section 5. He was born ^larch 21, 1821, in Luzerne countv, Pennsylvania, of which state his parents, David and Catherine Heller, were life-long residents. By occupation the father was a farmer. During his boyhood and youth our sub- ject attended school only three months, the remainder of the time being devoted to the work of the home farm. On leaving the parental roof at the age of twenty-one, he came b)' w-ay of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Illinois, where his brother Da\id was living, and worked for him for a time. At the age of twentythree he was united in marriage with Miss Maud Arnett, a native of Alsace-Loraine, France, who came with her parents to this county and settled in Whiteside county, Illinois, in the early '30s. After his marriage !Mr. Heller pre- empted a tract of government land in Lo- raine township, to the improvement and cul- tivation of which he devoted his energies until the discovery of gold in California, v.hen he crossed the plains with his wife's brothers, George, Jacob and \\'illiam Ar- nett. The trip was made with an ox team and consumed six months. While engaged in mining he received news of his wife's THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 327 deatli, but being penniless he was unable to return home at that time. The news was sucli a shock to him that tor several months he was hardly conscious of where he was. He remained on the Pacific coast for twehe years, and met with good success before re- turning home. On again reaching this state he located upon the land which he had pre- empted in Henry county, and throughout the remainder of his life engaged in agricul- tural pursuits. He died on the 30th of June, 1 88", honored and respected by all who knew him, and his remains were interred in Loraine cemetery. In his political views he was a Republican, and religiously he was a consistent member of the jNIethodist Epis- copal Church, to which his wife also be- longed. Mr. Heller's first wife died in the early ■fifties, leaving one child, Susan, now the wife of Peter Lininger, of Boone, Iowa. He was again married February 15, 1864, his second union being with Miss Mary Pobanz, a native of Prussia, Germany, where her l^arents, David and Mary Pobanz, were also born. In 1863 the family came to America and located in Osco township, Henry county, Illinois, where the father engaged in farming for five years, but spent the remain- der of his life in Dodge county, Nebraska. He had three children: John, deceased; ^lar}-, now Mrs. Heller; and a daughter, who died in infancy. By his second mar- riage Mr. Heller had twelve children, name- ly : Lewis D., who first married Josephine Egert and second Annie W'ahlheim and lives in Loraine township; Emma K., a trained nurse now in St. Paul's hospital, Butte, Montana, and a member of the East- ern Star at Prophetstown, Illinois; Joseph S., wlio is mentioned below: William D., a barl^er of Twin Bridge, Montana, who married Clara Polinger, and is a member of the blue lodge and Eastern Star chapter of the Masonic fraternity at Erie, Illinois; Levi A., a farmer of Dudge omnty, Ne- braska, who married Rose Kopisk_\' and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of .\mer- ica; Annie M., wife of Clarence Bollen, of Taylor county, Iowa; Phebe and Alice R., both at home; Louisa Matilda, who died at the age of three years; Elsie, who died at the age of four months; Perry O., at home; and Leonard, who died at the age of one year and nine months. Joseph S. Heller, son of our subject, was born December i, 1867, and was edu- cated in the home school and the North- western Normal at Geneseo. He assisted in the labors of the farm until 1893, when he went to Twin Bridge, Montana, where he was on a ranch for a time, and from there went to Minnesota and Iowa. On his re- turn to this county in the spring of 1894, he took charge of the home place and has since successfully managed the same, being a man of good business ability and sound judgment. Politically he is identifietl with the Republican party, and fraternally is a member of Bollen Lodge, No. 412, F. & A. M., of Spring Hill, in which he has served as junior warden. SAMUEL RUSSELL. Samuel Russell, who is practically living a retired life in the city of Kewanee, Illinois, was born in Wilmington, Clinton county, Ohio, on the 6th of October, 1834, but was only seven years old when he removed to Delaware county, Indiana, with his parents, John and Susanna (Wickersham) Russell, 328 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the former also a native of the Buckeye state, and the latter of Virginia, although she was only three years old when she be- came a resident of Ohio. Our subject's pa- ternal grandfather, James Russell, was born in Ireland, and was a lad of thirteen years Avhen he came with his parents to the United States, the family being among the early set- tlers of Ohio, where he grew to manhood and spent the greater part of his life. His death occurred in Delaware county, Indiana. In his family were eleven children, of whom nine reached years of maturity. John Russell, the eldest of this family and the father of our subject, received but a limited education, learning to read, write and cipher after he attained his. majority. He was only able to attend school a short time during the winter and then had to wade through the snow three miles to the school Jaouse. His early life was devoted to agricul- tural pursuits, and at the age of nineteen j'ears he learned the plasterer's and brick mason's trades, at which he worked for about twenty years. In 1841 he removed to Delaware county, IndiSna, where he pur- chased eighty acres of land, and was en- gaged in farming throughout the remainder ^of his life. Politically he was first a Whig and an abolitionist and later a Republican, and religiously was a member of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, in which he served as class leader and steward for a number of years. He died in 1857 at about the age of fifty-two years, and his wife,, who long sur- vived him, passed away in 1881. She had made her home in Henry county, Illinois, from 1859. They were the parents of four i^hildren, namely: James, who died at the age of four years; Samuel, our subject; jNIiriam, wife of Jeremiah Bickford, a re- tired citizen of Kewanee : and Caroline, wife of James Stafford, a retired citizen of Al- bany, Delaware county, Indiana. When tlie family located in Delaware county, Indiana, that region was very wild, and on starting his children to scliool tlie- father blazed the trees through the heavy forest that they might find their way home. There was scarceh- a frame house in the county, outside of iluncie. the county seat, where there were a few. The dwellings were nearly all built of logs, with one door and one window, with large fire place built of rough stone and mud, the chimnies being of split sticks and mud. Xails were not known, with the exception of a few made by the blacksmith. A\'ooden pins were used in- stead of nails, an auger or a gimlet being used to make the hole, in which the wooden pin was inserted and driven in solidly. The school houses were also built of logs, with seats made of small logs split in two parts, wooden pins being inserted on the round side for legs, thus giving a flat surface on which to sit. There was neither back or cushion to the seats. The roofs of the houses were made of split boards about two and a half or three feet lonp- called clapboards, which were laid on timbers called ribs, and held there by poles laid on them, one pole being used to a tier of clapboards. The floors were made of puncheons, that is slabs split out of large timber from three to four inches thick, while a board placed on pins formed a desk on which the scholars practiced writing about ten or fifteen minutes a day, that being all the teacher thought necessary to devote to that accomplishment. Amid such primitive surroundings, young Russell acquired liis education, walking a mile antl a quarter to school each morning and re- turning home at night. He was onlv per- mitted to attend in the winter, and never THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 329 longer than thirty-five days in one year. At I the age of eighteen his education was com- i pleted, so far as liis school life was cdu- l cerned. and he then dexnted his entire time to work. He remained at home until his re- moval to Illinois in 1859. with the exception ■of a few months spent in Minnesnta and Illinois. On the 31st of March, i85t>. Mr. Rus- sell married Miss ^Matilda Zehner, who was born in Wayne county. Indiana, and is the third in order of birth in a famil}" nf nine children, whose parents were Benjamin and Hester Zehner, natives of Pennsylvania, and early settlers of Wayne county, Indiana. , from which they later removed to Delaware county, the same state. Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Russell, Francis died at the age of two years, Cora at the age of three, and Mary at the age of fourteen. John B., a graduate of Wheaton College and now superintendent of the public schools of Wheaton, Illinois, married Isabel Gunn, and they have two children, Edna L.. and Ever- ett C. Frank H. is a physician, now cm-^ nected with the Presbyterian hos])ital ni t'hicago. He is also a graduate of Wheatnn College, Rush ^ledical College and the Theological Seminary of the CDUgregational (."hurch of Chicago. Eva M. is a graduate of the Kewanee high schof)l, and is now taking the literary course at the Chicago University. In 1859 Mr. Russell and his family came to Henry county, Illinois, and located on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres which he had purchased in 1856 in Clover town- ship, at that time all wild and unimproved. He erected there(in a house, fourteen by twenty feet, in which he lived while break- ing his land and placing it under cultivation. On disiX)sing of that property in 1865 he bought a partially improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Wethcrsfield township, where he made his home until his removal to Kewanee on the first of January. 1 89 1. During his youth he learned the brick mason's and plasterer's trades with his father, but has not followed that occupation for forty years. While engaged in farming he gave considerable attention to the raising and feeding of stock, generally keeping about one hundred hogs and twenty head of cattle. He still oversees the management of his farm, though he has retired from active labor. He is an active member and steward of the Free Methodist Church. Politically he is a Prohibitionist. LEWIS URICK. The subject of this sketch is a worthy representative of the agricultural interests of Loraine township, his home being on sec- tion 9, and is also prominently identified w ith public affairs. He was born November 5. i860, on the farm where he still resides, his parents being Rudolph and Mary ( Shafer) L^rick, the former a nati\e of Switzerland, the latter of Germany. In his natix'e land the father learned the mason's trade which he followed for many years. At the age of twenty-one he crossed the board Atlantic and located in Pennsylvania, where he was thus employed for fi\e years. On coming west he settled at what is kncnvn as lOutch Bottom, Portland township, White- side county, Illinois, in 1844, and took up government land, which he operated for a few years. He then purchased a farm in Loraine township. Henry county, on which he located, and became (piite a large land 330 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. owner, tliough lie divided his property among his children prior to his death. He died April lo, 1899, at the age of ninety years and nine months, and his remains were in- terred in Loraine cemetery. He retained his mental faculties until the last, but for fif- teen years was blind, owing to some mortar getting in his eyes while working at his trade. He continued to follow that occu- pation in connection with farming for many years, and in all his undertakings was em- inently successful. He affiliated with the Republican party from its organization, and was an earnest member of the Evangelical Church. Rudolph Urick was twice married, his first union being with Catherine Rapp, b}' whom he had six children, four still living, namely: Catherine, wife of Samuel Arnett, of Geneseo; Isaac, a resident of Portland township, \\'hiteside county; Jacob, a ranch- man of Colorado; and Louisa, wife of Jo- seph Kopp, a farmer of Andubon, Iowa. The mother of these children died in 1856, and the father subsequently wedded Mary Shafer. To them were born two sons: David, who married Matilda R. Huntington and is engaged in farming in Portland township, \Miiteside county ; ' and Lewis, our subject. The mother is still living at the age of seventy-seven years and lives on the old homestead with her son Lewis. In early life our subject attended the dis- trict school near liis home and remained un- der the parental roof. Prior to his marriage he took charge of the farm, and has since successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising. He also feeds cattle and hogs for market. He has some fine stock upon his farm, his specialty being Aberdeen Angus cattle. He is now the owner of three hundred and twentv acres of land in one body, two hundred acres of which he re- ceived from his father, and since then has added one hundred and twenty, and is one of the most prosperous citizens of his com- munity. On the 5th of February, 1889, Mr. Urick married ^liss Hattie M. Sieben, a native of this county, and a daughter of John Sieben, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. The children born of this union were Clarence, who died at the age of three 3-ears; Perry and Ira. Religiously the par- ents are members of the Evangelical Church, of which ]\Ir. Urick is a trustee. In his po- litical affiliations he is a Republican, and has been a delegate to various county con- ventions. He is now serving his tenth year as township clerk, and has filled the office of school director a number of years. In the spring of 1900 he was census enumer- ator for Loraine and Phenix townships, and devoted eighteen days to the work of that office. He is quite prominent in local pol- itics and in church work, and is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of his com- munity. AMBROSE MATHEWS. Among the honored veterans of the Civil war and representative citizens of this county, who are now living a retired life in W'ethersfield is Ambrose ^lathews, who smce 1845 has been a resident of Henry county. He was born in Seneca Falls. Seneca county. New York, on the 20th of December, 1830, and on the paternal side is of Scotch ancestry, his grandfather, Henry Mathews, being a native of Scotland and a pioneer farmer of Seneca county. New York. There the father, A. W. Mathews, was born THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 33» and reared, and on reaching; nianliood mar- ried Miss Margaret Conner, a native of tlie same state and of Irish extraction. From liis native county lie removed to Geauga count\% Ohio, where he engaged in farm- ing for about sixteen years and also owned and operated a saw and grist mill. lie traded his farm in that county for a share in the property of the W^ethersfield colony in Henry county, Illinois, receiving one hun- dred and sixty acres of prairie land, twenty acres of timber land, and a village lot of two and a half acres. By team he removed to this county, arriving here July 31, 1845. He purchased a house and lot in \\'ethers- field, where he made his home while his older sons improved the farm. Here he died in. 1884, at the advanced age of nearly ninety- three years. His first wife, who was the mother of our subject, had passed away some years previously, and he married again, his second wife surviving him. He served as a drummer in the war of 1812. During his boyhood and youth Ambrose Mathews attended the common schools, com- pleting his education in this Cdunly. Ik- was seventeen years of «ge when he came to Illinois with his father, but after spend- ing two years here he returned to Chardon, Geauge county, Ohio, where he learned the shoemaker's trade with a brother, remain- ing there two years. On his return to this county he worked at his trade in \\'ethers- field with his brother, who carried on a shop there for some years. Our subject was thus employctl until after the Civil war broke out, when he en- listed July 17, 1862, in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee under command of ■Generals Grant and Sherman. He was first under fire at Thompson Hill, ^Mississippi, and later participated in the battles of Port Gibson and Bakers Creek. He was in a hun- ning fight at Jackson Crossroads, and in the battle of Champion Hills, which was one of the most important engagements of the war. He was also in the battle of Black River Bridge and for forty-seven days par- ticipated in the siege of \^icksburg. being a member of General Logan's brigade, which was the first to enter the city after its sur- render. He has a picture of Generals Grant and Pemberton taken after the surrender and mounted in a case made from the famous I'emberton Oak, under which the surrender was made. Later Mr. Mathews was on guard and provost dul_\' in that city for some time, and then mrirclieil with his command througli Louisiana to Monroe, which jilace they captured, after which they returned to Vicksburg, remaining there on provost duty until the following spring, in the meantime going on several scouting expeditions to Jackson. They then went to Mobile, and took part in the siege of Spanish b'ort, which lasted three weeks. They dug under the walls, and entered the fort at two o'clock ir. the morning much to the surjjrise of the rebels. Mr. Mathews' command then marched to Montgomery, Alabama, which the rebels evacuated after rolling cotton in the streets and setting fire to it. In August they were ordered north to Chicago, where Mr. Mathews was honorably discharged August 9, 1865, and then returned to his home in ^Vethersfield. He entered the serv- ice as cori)oral, and was ser\ing" as com- missary sergeant when mustered out. He was never seriously wounded, but at Bakers Creek a ball passed through his clothing and cut his shoulder, and at Vicksburg an- other ball i)ierced his clothing and grazed 332 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the flesli, finally lodging in his cartridge belt. He kept the latter ball for several )^ears as a sort of memento of his army life. For two years after the war Mr. Llathews worked at his trade in Kewanee, and then followed farming in Kewanee, Burns and Wethersfield townships for sev- eral years. Subsequently he worked at the carpenter's trade and at various occupa- tions in the village of Wethersfield, but for some years has lived a retired life, enjoy- ing a well earned rest. On the 1st of January, 1852, in Henry county, Mr. Mathews was united in marriage with Miss Maria Cline, who was born in Dutchess county, New York, but came here in 1845 during her girlhood with her brother. Her father, Abraham Cline, had died in the Empire state. ]\Irs. Mathews passed away August 4, 1S90, and was laid to rest in the \\'ethersfield cemetery. By that union were born five children who are still living, namely : Cordelia, wife of James Wiley, of Wethersfield, by whom she has four children, May, Lillian, Laura and Frank G. ; Edward, a mechanical engineer in the tube works at Kewanee; Rosa, wife of George E. Dustin, of Wethersfield, by whom she has four children, Emory, Clara, George and Blanche; ^lelva, who is now her fa- ther's housekeeper; and John L., who is married and works in the shops of Kewanee. Jane Ann, the oldest of the famil}-, died in early childhood. Politically j\Ir. Mathews is a stalwart Republican, and has supported every presi- dential candidate of that party since casting his first vote for John C. Fremont in 1856. He has been honored with several local of- fices; was elected constable and township collector on the organization of Wethersfield township, and served in that capacity three years ; has also filled the office of road com- missioner; was assessor of Wethersfield township for the long period of twenty years; and has frequently served as a dele- gate to the county conventions of his party. He and his daughter are members of the Congregational Church, and he is also con- nected with the Grand Army post, of Ke- wanee, in which he has filled all the chairs and is now past commander. He has al- ways been found true to every trust reposed ir. him, whether public or private, and has been found a loyal and patriotic citizen in days of peace as well as in time of war. X. C. GILBERT. N. C. Gilbert is one of Geneseo's highly respected citizens, whose useful and well- spent life has not only gained for him the confidence of his fellow men, but has also secured for him a comfortable competence which enables him to lay aside all business cares and spend his declining days in ease and retirement. He was born in Ontario county. New York, February 10, 1834, and is a son of Horace and Ann E. (Carpenter) Gilbert, the former a native of Connecticut,, the latter of Herkimer county, New York. His maternal grandparents were Nathaniel and Betsey (Green) Carpenter. Through- out his active business life the father fol- lowed the occupation of farming in Ontario county, New York, where he owned about three hundred acres of land. For man} years he served as deacon in the Congrega- tional Church, to which he belonged, while his wife was a devout and active member of the Baptist Church. He died in 1862,. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 33J at the age of sixty years. Slie long sur- vived him, dying in 1897, when within seven days of the eiglity-seventh anniversary of her hirth. Their children were as follows : ?\Iary, deceased wife of J. R. Hopkins; N. C, the subject of this review; E. Curtis, a farmer of this county, who was born in 1S36 and died in 1889; H. C, formerly a farmer and nmv a hanker of Lima. New York; Elon II., who dicil at the age of twelve years; and Elizabeth G., wife of Gil- bert \\". Peck, of Canandaigua, Xew York. N. C. Gilbert was reared on his father's farm and educated in the public schools of the neighborhood. When his school days were over he took up the occupation of farm- ing, which he has made his life work. Com- ing to Henry county, Illinois, in 1856, he purchased a farm in Geneseo township w here he resided four years and then removed to Munson township, where he purchased a farm of eighty acres, to which he has added and now owns four hundred acres in that township, and successfully operated it until 1893, since which time he has rented his land and lived a retired life. His farm has been occupied by his son, H. Mark, or his son-in-law, D. S. Brown, since 1893. He was a charter member of both the Farmers National Bank and the First National Bank, of Geneseo, and was a stockholder and di- rector of the former up to January i, 1901. He is also a charter member and president of the Geneseo, Edford & Munson Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and has ever been identified with those enterprises calculated to advance the interests of his town and county. On the 9th of August, i860, ]\Ir. Gilbert was united in marriage with Miss Francelia Amsden, a native of Rochester, Vermont, and a daughter of R. P. and Lora Ann (Buck) Amsden, who were also born in the Green Mountain state. The father died at the age of eighty-four years, but the mother is still living at the age of eighty-five. In religious belief they were Baptists. They came west in 1854, and settled on a farm in Geneseo township, this county, where they reared their family of children, namely : Lucien C, now a farmer of Missouri; Fran- celia, wife of our subject; \'iola, wife of Aaron Wilson, of Menlo. Iowa; Darwin R.. a farmer of Scranton, Iowa; John L., also a resident of that state; Lorenzo S., a resi- dent of Los Angeles, California; Myra. w1k> married W. E. Tipton, and died at the age of thirty- four years; and Minnie, wife of J. A. Phillips, an attorney of Dunlap, Iowa. Three children have been born to our sub- ject and his wife: }ilay, at home: H. Alark, a farmer of North Yakima, Washington, who is married and has four children, Curtiss, Lois, Elon and Margaret: and Lora, v.ife of D. S. Brown, a farmer of Munsun township, this county, by whom she has one child, Ethel, who died at the age of seven years. In early life INlr. Gilbert was a stanch. Republican, but since 189 J has been a sup- porter of the Populist party. While living on his farm he served as treasurer of Mun- son township for thirteen years, resigning that position on his removal to Geneseo in. 1893. He was also supervisor of the town- ship for over ten consecutive years, and has- always taken an active and commendable interest in public affairs, doing all in his power to advance the general welfare. He was president of the Henry County Fair As- sociation for nine consecutive years. He possesses great energy, good judgment and indefatigable industry and these elements have brought to him a well-deserved pros- 334 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. perity, which now enables him to put aside active labor and enjoy tlie competence which former toil grained for him. WILLIAM R. GOODRICH. No state in the Union can boast of a more heroic band of pioneers than Illinois. Their privations, hardships and earnest la- bors have resulted in establishing one of the foremost commonwealths of America, and its wonderful advancement has been largely secured through the sturdy and in- telligent manhood of descendants of Puri- tans with their moral, intellectual and phj-s- ical stamina; but their work is nearly com- plete, and all too soon the last of those sturdy pioneers will have passed away; but their memory will ever remain green among those who loved them and appreciated their ef- forts. The oldest settler of Henry county now residing within its limits is William R. Goodrich, of Kewanee, who was born in the town of Hilo, on the island of Hawaii. Februarj' 20, 1832. His parents, Joseph and ilartha (Barnes) Goodrich, were both natives of Wethersfield, Connecticut, and of English descent. The father was reared in the Congregational faith and educated at Yale L^niversity. After his gradua- tion he learned the trade of ship car- penter, which he followed for a time, and then studied for the ministry. After being ordained he was sent as a missionary to Hawaii in 1822, being the second to locate there, and the first sent there by the Congre- gational Church. He did an excellent work- in preaching to the natives all over the isl- and and made many converts, his church afterward becoming the largest in the world, with a membership of five thousand. After spending fourteen years there, he re- turned to America in the spring of 1836, and joined his family in Wethersfield, Con- necticut, where he had left them. In the fall of that year, in company with Xorman But- ler and John F. Willard, he came to Henry county, Illinois, by wagon, and settled in what is now Kewanee township, where he took up one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land and one hundred and twenty acres of timber land, purchasing the same when it came into market. He erected a log cabin, twenty-two by thirty feet, upon his place, but it was only partially roofed that winter, though it was the home of the three men until spring. They endured many hard- ships, and their food consisted of only a quar- ter of a beef, two pounds of butter and some cracked corn. In the spring of 1837 Mr. Goodrich returned to Connecticut for his family, and by way of the Erie canal and Great Lakes, proceeded at once to Chicago, which was then a small village, one of its principal features being the block house. There he purchased a team of Indian ponies and drove across the country to Henry coun- ty. Immediately after his arrival he com- menced to improve and cultivate his land, making it his home throughout the remain- der of his life. He died in 1832, in his fifty- eighth year, and his first wife died in 1840. at the age of fortv years, being the first person interred in the burying ground at Wethers- field. For his second wife he married Rachel Curtis. His children were all by the first union and were as follows : Lelah, who died at the age of six months: Xancy, wife of Dr. William H. Day. of Kewanee; Jane L.. widow of E. E. Slocum and a resident of Lodi, Illinois: Joseph, a retired citizen of THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 335 Ravenswood. Illinois; William R., our sub- ject; Charles B., who died at the age of for- ty-six years; and Martha, who died at the age of forty. William R. Goodrich began his educa- tion in Wethersfield, in a log building which was used as a school house and church, and the knowledge he acquired in the school room has been greatly supplemented by reading and observation in subsequent years. As soon as he was old enough to be of any as- sistance he commenced aiding in the work of the farm and give his father the benefit of his labors until twenty-two years of age. when he began work at the carpenter's trade. ^vhich he had learned with his father. In 1855, he built for H. G. Little and Nelson Lay the first school house erected in Ke- Avanee, it being a one-story structure, four- teen by twenty-four feet, and considered very fine at that time. He followed that trade for four years, and in 1857, erected a building and started the first bakery in Ke- wanee. After conducting it as such for three 3-ears, he turned it into an eating house, which he carried on in connection with work at the gunsmith's trade. In 1886 he sold out and has since lived retired. On the 22d of November, 1857, Mr. Goodrich married Miss Harriet M. Slocum, a native of New York and a daugliter of L. O. Slocum, who was also born in that state, and removed to Kewanee in 1856, making liis home here until 1880, when he went to Adair county, Iowa. By trade he was a shoemaker. ^Ir. and Mrs. Goodrich are the parents of five children : William B., a paint- er, of Chicago, who married Ella Rinebeck, and has one child, Lena May; Roland S.. a resident of southern Oregon, who marrierl Ideila Berry; Frederick G., a foundryman, of RfU'k Island, who married Jennie llenrv. and has three daughters, Hattie. Minnie and Grace; Charles E., a carpenter by trade, who is now working in the rolling mills of Ke- wanee; and L. J., who married Xellie Will- iams and is engaged in the practice of oste- opathy at Flint, Michigan. Since the organization of the Repul)lican party, Mr. Goodrich has been one of its stanch supporters. He is a member of the Independent Order of Mutual .Vid. and both he and his wife hold membership in the Z^Iethodist Episcopal Church, of which he was trustee for six years. In 1893 they went to Oregon and spent seventeen months on the Pacific coast for the benefit of his health. ^Ir. Goodrich can relate many interesting incidents of pioneer life, when this country was all wild and unimproved. On one occa- sion he was within ten rods of a herd of deer that must have numbered at least six hun- dred. GEORGE T. FREES. This well-known and prominent citizen of Ed ford township, who owns and operates a good farm of one hundred and thirty acres on sections 21 and 16, was born in the neighbor- ing county of Rock Island on the 22d of ]ilarch, 1859, and is a son of Henry and Catherine (Mantler) Frels. The father was a native of Germany, and was nineteen years of age when he came to the United States. For five years he followed the life of a sailor on the ocean, and the same length of time was spent on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. At the end of that period he came to Illinois, and took up his residence in Rock Island county, where he purchased one hun- dred and eighty acres of government land at llic regular i)rice of one dollar and a (|unrter 336 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. per acre. He also became owner of two Inm- clred acres of land in Edford townsliip, Hen- r}- county, but continued to make his In >me in the former county throughout life, dying there in 1880, at the age of sixty-one years. His wife passed away in 1861. Of the eight children born to them, two died in infancy, the others being Margaret, wife of Mark Hauberg, a farmer of Rock Island county; j\Iary, deceased wife of Adam Garnent. a farmer of Henry county ; Henry and \\'ill- iam, both farmers of Rock Island county: George T., our subject; and Henrietta, wife of Fred Schmoll, a farmer of Osco township, Henr}- county. During his minorit\\ George T. Frels remained at home and gave his father the benefit of his labors. He attended the com- mon schools and completed his education at the business college of Clinton, Iowa. On leaving home at the age of twenty-two he set- tled on his present farm in Edford township, and to its cultivation and improvement has since devoted his energies. As a general farmer and stock raiser he has met with good success, and is to-day one of the well-to-do citizens of his communit}'. At Barstow, Rock Island county, Air. Frels was married Xo\-emher 16, 1882, to jMiss Xettie Golden, who was horn June 29, 1865. a daughter of Benjamin and Addie (Franklin) Golden, agriculturists of that county. The father was horn in Peekskill, Westchester county, Xew York, !ilarch 26, i8.|4, and came to Illinois in 1853. He was four years in the Union army during the Civil war, enlisting first in May, 1861, in the Nineteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and in December, 1861, in the Fifty-first Illinois "\"olunteer Infantry, in which regiment he served until October, 1865, when he was flis- charged. His regiment formed part of the Fourth Corps, Army of the Cumberland. He was wounded on the 27th of June, 1864, at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, in Georgia. He was married September 14, 1864, to Miss Addie Franklin. He now resides in Mc- Cune, Crawford county. Kansas, engaged in fanning. His wife was born in Hampton township, Rock Island county. Illinois. March 3. 1843. her parents beng Joel Grout and Betsy F. (Edwards) Franklin. Her mother died about ten years ago at the age of sevent3-six years, and her father contin- ued to reside on the farm in Hampton town- ship, Rock Island county, where he located on coming west in pioneer days, until his death, December io,i900,at the age of ninety years. He was a native of \'ermont, and was ninet}- years of age on the 24th of October. 1900. ]\Irs. Frels is the oldest in a family of seven children, the others being May, de- ceased wife of ^\'arren Sykes, a farmer of Hampton township. Rock Island county; Luther, a farmer of Kansas: .Vrthur: Flora, wife of Sherman Scott, a farmer of Mc- Cune, Kansas; Xellie, wife of Claude Willis, a barber, of AlcCune ; and Frederick, who died at the age of one year. To Air. and Mrs. Frejs were born the following named children: Genevra Pearl, born in Rock Island county, September 19, 1883, and Addie Alay, lx)rn in Edford town- ship, Henry county, Alay 12, 1885, are both at home; George Royal, born December 21, 1886, died at the age of four years and five days; Rilla Blanche, born June 10, 1892, died at the age of sixteen months; Benjamin Ar- thur, born October 2, 1895, Goldie Irene, born August 13, 1897, and Mildred, born April 16, 1899, complete the family. Mr. Frels is one of the leading and influ- ential men of his community and has held public office almost continuously during THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 337 liis residence in this county, at present serv- ing as commissioner and scliool director. At different times he has filled the position of assessor, collector and road commissioner, discharging his duties in a commendable and satisfactory manner. He attends the Ger- man Lutheran Church, and is highly es- teemed bv all who know him. DAXIEL McC.\RTHV. Daniel McCarthy, deceased, was for for- ty-five }-ears one of the trusted and faithful emjiloyes of the Rock Island Railroad Com- pany, and for over a quarter of a century V. as an honored resident of Geneseo, Illinois. He was born in 1835, in county Kerry. Ire- land, where his parents, Timothy and Mary (OBrien) McCarthy, spent their entire lives. The other members of the family were Mary, who wedded ^\'illiam O'Xeal. and lived for a time in Bureau and Rock Island counties, Illi- nois, and died in Rock Island January 31, 1900; Xora, who married Edward Swee- ney, and both died in Montreal, Canada ; Jo- hannah, who married a Mr. Hogan, and died in Boston, Massachusetts, in February, 1898. Her husband died in Boston, also. Cather- ine, who died in Ireland unmarried, and ^lichael, who went to St. Louis, Missouri, and has not been heard of in thirty years. On his emigration to America, in 1846, Daniel McCarthy located at Ottawa, Illinois, and soon afterward entered the service of the Rock Island Railroad Company. On the 18th of November, 1855, he led to the mar- riage altar Miss Mary Maher, who was also Lorn in county Kerry, Ireland, .\ugust 15, 1 83 1, and is a daughter ot Jeremiah and Catherine (Ford) Maher, life-long residents of that country. Mrs. McCarthy is the fourth in order of birth in a family of five children, the others being Patrick, who married yiar- garet Errit, and lived in Ottawa, Illinois, but after her death and his second marriage, he removed to Tiskilwa, Bureau county, this state; Daniel H., who died in Texas: Bar- tlioloniew, who married Margaret Wolf, and resides in LaSalle county, Illinois, and John. who wedded Mary Bartell, and died in Min- nesota, in June, 1897. Unto Mr. and Airs. McCarthy were born seven children, namely : Mary, now the wife of Edward Shields. of Hanct)ck county, Iowa; Catherine, wife of John O'Brien, a grocer of Geneseo, by whom she has two children, Ger- trude and Florence; Daniel, who died in in- fanc}- ; Xannie, who died at the age of eight- een years; Xellie. who married John Carney, of Rock Island, and died March 13, 1897, leaving two children, Mary, who now lives with Mrs. [McCarthy, and Maud, who lives with her aunt, Mrs. Shields; Lizzie, wife of James Kidne\', sui)erintendent of the water works of the R(->ck Island railroad at Daven- port, by whom she had four children, Ed- ward, deceased, Mary, Daniel and Catherine; and Agnes, a teacher in the public schools of Henry county. From Ottawa Mr. McCarthy removed to Bureau county, and in 1867 came to Gen- eseo, where he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred August 27. 1894. As previously stated, he was in the employ of the Rock Island Railroad Com- pany for forty-five years, and had the entire confidence of ihe railroad officials, as well as the respect of his fellow citizens. He read a great deal and was well i)Osted on the af- fairs of the country. By his ballot he sup- ported the men and measures of the Demo- cratic party. He was a devout member of 338 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the Catholic Church, to whicli his wife mid family also I>eloiig, and ftn- nine }eai"s during- his residence in Tiskihva, Bureau county, the priest made his home with him. He contrih- uted most liberally to the support of his church and gave generously to all charities. As a man he was public spirited and progres- sive and his word was considered as good as his bond. ^^•ILLIA:M a. xe\'ille. This well-known real-estate dealer, con- tractor and builder of Kewanee. with office over the First National Bank, is a true type of western progress and enterprise, and the city owes not a little of its property to his en- ergetic eftorts. His diligence, prudent bus- iness methods and reliable sagacity have all combined to make him one of the ablest busi- ness men of the community, and he has achieved an enviable success. A native of Henry county. 3ilr. Xe\ille was born February 3, 1855. and is a son of Patrick Xe\ille, who was liorn in Ireland, and died in early life. The father came ti.i America when (juite young, and belie\-ing this county to be a desirable locality, he en- tered a tract of government land, the south- west quarter of section 24, Burns townshii), which is still in possession of the family. His house, built of lumber hauled from Chi- cago with ox teams, is still standing, and was occupied until 1883. At the time of its erection, it was surrounded by saplings which have grown into large and beautiful trees. Thoughout life the father followed agricul- tural pursuits. He was married in Henry county, about 1840, to Miss Jane Pounds, who was born in Pennsylvania, IMarch 12, 1812, and later lived in Canton, Stark coun- ty, Ohio, and being left an orphan at an early age \vas bound out according to the custom of that time. She long survived her husband, dying on the 14th of February, 1896, when nearly eighty-four years of age. During her girlhood in Ohio she united with the Chris- tian Church, of which she was a devout and active member throughout life. Her chil- dren, were Thomas P., now a resident of Stu- art, Iowa; Mary A., who died in infancy; James L., a resident of Belleville, Kansas, who was a soldier of the Civil war and was taken prisoner at Harper's Ferry, enduring all the hardships of southern prison life; P. H., who lives on a farm adjoining the old homestead; and ^^'illiam A., our subject. Mrs. Neville came to Illinios in 1840, first stopping in Fulton, but soon after coming to Henry county, and at the time of her death she was one of the- earliest pioneers left. The boyhood and youth of William A. Neville were passed in much the usual man- ner of farmer boys of his day, attending the district schools, wdiere he conned his lessons on slab seats. Having become thoroughly familiar with agricultural pursuits he en- gaged in farming for several years in Iowa after his school days were over, and then turned his attention to the carpenter's trade. He has since engaged in contracting and building. It has been his plan to> erect houses, wliich he would then sell, thus deal- ing extensively in real estate, as he has built hundreds of houses in Kewanee. In this way he has done much to impove the city. Indeed, few persons have done more to ad- vance its interests than 'Mr. Neville. He has also erected several large brick buildings, his first being Hotel Main. In design and structure his own residence is one of the most beautiful in the city. In 1895 he laid out a tract of six acres, known as Neville's THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 339 addition to the city of Kewanee, on wliicli lie has built and sold many houses. He has jjaid out large sums for help in his work. On the 14th of February, 1878, Mr. Neville was united in marriage with Miss Cynthia \\'est, who was born in Ohio, and in 1863, when a child of six years came to Illi- nois with her parents, Michael and Pliebe (Mettler) West, also natives of the Buck- eye state. By this union have been born four children, namely: Russell T., who is now a traveling salesman for a firm engaged in photographic work; Frank R., Ralph L. and Edna H., all at home. Mrs. Neville is a member of the IMethodist Episcopal Church, and socially she and her husband are \ery popular with a wide circle of friends and ac- quaintances. In politics he is a Prohi- bitionist. GEORGE R. \\\ ARNOLD. George Richard W. .Arnold, a member of the well-known firm of Arnold & Goembel, dealers in grain and coal, is one of the im- portant factors in the business circles of Geneseo. He was born on the 21st of May, 1857, in Cook county, Illinois, and is a son of J. George and Salome (Windling) Ar- nold, both natives of Alsace, now a province of Germany. In early life the mother came to America with her parents, Philip and Mary Windling, and at the age of thirteen years the father crossed the Atlantic in com- pany with his mother and five children, his father having died in Germany at the age of thirty-five years. It was in 1844 that the Arnold family reached, this country and took up their residence in Cook county, Illinois. They improved a farm in Northfield town- ship, where the grandmother of our subject spent her remaining da3's, dying there at the age of fifty-five years. She was an earnest member of the Evangelical .Association, and her husband held membership in the Luther- an Church in Germany. Our subject is the oldest in a family of five children, the others being Lavina Sarah, vvife of Samuel Rapp, a farmer of White- side county, Illinois ; Ashton and Henrietta, who both died in infancy; and Flora, at home with her mother, who is an honored resident of Geneseo, and is now in her seventieth year. It was in 1883 that the family came to Henry county, and took up their residence on a farm on section 17, Geneseo township, just outside the corporate limits of the city of that name. During his boyhood George R. W. Ar- nold acquired a good practical education in the common schools of his native county, and also gained an excellent knowledge of agricultural pursuits. He came with the family to this county in 1883, and success- fully operated the home farm in Geneseo township, which consists of ninety-five acres of very valuable and well improved land. He continued his farming operations until 1895, when he embarked in his present business at Geneseo, as a partner of Aaron Rapp, under the firm name of Rapp & Ar- nold. That connection continued two years, and he has since engaged in business with Samuel Goembel under the style of .Vrnold & Goembel. There are only two elevators in Geneseo, and this firm receives a liberal share of the patronage. Mr. Arnold was married, April 29, 1897, to Miss Lorena I-. Offerle, and to them has been born a daughter, Onida Lois, the joy and pride of the home. She was named after the ship "Onida," in which Mr. Ar- nold's father came to America. Mrs. Arnold 340 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. was born in Pennsylvania, and is a daughter of John and Catherine Offerle. the former a native of Alsace, Germany, the latter of the Keystone state. They are still living at the ages of seventj'-one and sixty-five years, respectively, and are highly respected citizens of Geneseo. Religiously they are members of the Evangelical Association. Their chil- dren are Josie, wife of John Minch, of Hoop- pole; Henry, who married McKinley and follows farming in Kansas; Anna, wife of Philip Somers, a farmer of Hooppole; Cora, deceased; Lorena L., wife of our sub- ject; Alfred, who married Lou W'ildermuth and is a farmer of this county; and Aaron, a resident of Enid, Oklahoma. Politically ^Ir. Arnold is identified with the Republican party, and socially affiliates ■with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of the Globe. Both he and his wife are members of the Evangelical Asso- ciation, and he has served as steward of the church and superintendent of the Sunday- school for several years. By untiring in- dustry and sound business judgment he has v.on merited success in all his undertakings, and is in all respects worthy the high regard in which he is held by his fellow men. XELS M. ROXSTRUM. . For a quarter of a century tliis gentleman has been identified with the business interests oi Kewanee as a painter and contractor, and having become one of its leading citizens he is now serving as alderman of the fifth ward. He comes from across the sea. his birth hav- ing occurred April 14. 1851, in the southern part of Sweden, where his parents, Muns and Hannah (Paulson) Gunnason, spent their entire lives. His father, who was a manufacturer of ale, died at the age of sev- enty-three years, but the mother is still living and is about eighty years of age. Thej, were the parents of eight children, of whom one daughter died in infancy, the others being Johanna, now a widow and a resident of Sweden; Nels M., our subject; Mary, Augusta and Annie, also residents of Swe- den; Elsie, wife of Joseph Schronover, of Kewanee; and Xellie, wife of Xels Ander- son of the same city. On completing his education in the pub- lic schools of Sweden Mr. Ronstrum en- gaged in clerking in a general store there for three years. In 1869, at the age of sev- enteen years, he decided to try his fortune in America, where he believed better oppor- tunities were afforded ambitious young men than in the countries of the old world. He sailed from Guttenberg to Hull, England, and at Glasgow, Scotland, took passage on a vessel bound for Xew York. On arriving in that city he proceeded at once to Knox- ville, Knox count)', Illinois, where he had relatives living. For about six months he clerked in a dry-goods store at that place, and then spent two years in Iowa and X'e- braska, following painting and railroading most of the time. On his return to Illinois Mr. Ronstrum spent a short time in Galesburg, and then came to Kewanee, where he has since made his home. After working on a farm for a few months he obtained a situation in the grocery store of L. W. Lewis, with whom he remained about a )'ear, and for the same length of time was in the employ of C. A. Shulton, a dry-goods merchant of Kewanee. Since his marriage, in 1876, he has engaged in the painting business, and as a contractor receives a liberal patronage. On the 26th of November, 1876, Mr. Ronstrum married Miss Julia Kleiner, who THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 341 was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, but was only two years old wben brought to tliis county by her i)arents, George and Monroe Kleiner, the family locating in Ker wanee when it was a small village. Through- out life her father followed the mason's trade. Mrs. Ronstrum is the oldest of his children, the others being Clara, now the widow of M. L. Frank and a resident of Chicago; Ella, wife of Dr. S. J. Sharp, of Kewanee; and Johanna, who died at the age of eighteen years. Unto our subject and his wife have also been born four children, namely : Carrie, now the wife of G. W. I'age. of Kewanee ; George, who is with his father in the painting business and resides at home : Mayme, who is also at home and a com- positor in the office of the Star-Courier; and Emmet, attending the Kewanee schools. Formerly Mr. Ronstrum was an Odd Fellow, but at present is not connected with that order. He is, however, a member of the Royal Circle and Cyprus Camp, Xo. 84. M. W. .\. Since casting his first presidential ballot for James A. Garfield, he has affiliated with the Republican party, and in the spring of 1900 was the first Republican alderman ever elected in the fifth ward, receiving a majority of thirty-six. This fact plainly indicates his personal popularity and the con- fidence and trust reposed in him by his fel- low citizens. He is now serving as chair- man of the park an(l cemetery committees, and is also a member of the committees on finance and streets. ROBERT F. STEELE. Robert F. Steele, deceased, was for tliirty years identified with the business and po- litical affairs of Geneseo, and during all that time enjoyeil the respect of his fellow towns- men by reason of his strict integrity and true manliness. His devotion to the city's welfare made him a valued factor in public life, and in his death (ieneseo was deprived of one of her best citizens. Mr. Steele was born in Xew Hampshire, January 10, 1831, of Scotch-Irish ancestry, his parents being Robert and Betsey Steele, also natives of the old Granite state, where the father followed farming for many years. He came west in 1856 and spent his last days in Geneseo, Illinois, where.his death oc- curred in 1887. In New Hampshire he had served as deacon in the Presbyterian Church for many years, and during his residence here held the same office in the Congrega- tional Church. His wife, who was also an active member of the same church, died in 1876, at the age of eighty- four years. In their family were four children : Robert F., of this review ; Mary, who wedded Elihu Bryant, and both are now deceased ; Eliza- beth, a resident of Arizona, who lirst mar- ried John Milton Taylor, and after his death John Van Suyl; and Samuel, who died in Geneseo many years ago. Amid New England scenes Robert F- Steele grew to manhood, and he was mar- ried in Methuen, Massachusetts, April 21, 1857, to Miss Anna E. Hardy, who was born in Antrim, New Hampshire, of which town her husband was also a native. Her parents were Silas and .\bigail (_ Farley) Hardy, both of English extraction, and the former a son of Sarah Spofford, who be- longed to a very noted family in American history and a relative oi Si)offord, the librarian at Washington, D. C. His father, David Hardy, fought for American inde- pendence, and thus Mrs. Steele is a daugh- ter of the Revolution. Her father, who 342 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. was by occupation a farmer, died in Antrim, New Hampshire, in 1855. Her mother, ]^Irs. Abigail Hardy, was born Jmie I, 1800, and died in February, 18S7. Mrs. Steele is the younger in a family of two children. Her sister, Sarah Abigail, is the wife of Dr. A. J. French, of Lawrence, Massachusetts. They have no children liv- ing. To our subject and his wife was born a daughter, Abbie, now the wife of Colonel H. V. Fisher, who is represented on anotiier page of this volume. Soon after his marriage, in 1857, Mr. Steele came to Geneseo, Illinois, and em- barked in the shoe business under the firm name of Bryant & Steele, which connection was continued until i860, when he sold cut. In August, 1862, he entered the L'nii)n army as a private of Company I, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, but was later made commissary sergeant. He went with his regiment to Kentucky and re- mained in the service until hostilities ceased. The exposure of his army life brought on disease, the effects of which probably caused his early death. After his return home he was engaged in the insurance business as a member of the firm of Hosford & Steele until about two years prior to his death, when he commenced handling real estate. Mr. Steele died September 6, 1887, at the age of fifty-six years, honored and respected by all who knew him. He was an active member of the Congregational Church and was serving as deacon at the time of his death. His political support was given first to the Whig and later the Republican parties, and in his social relations was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Republic. He was quite prominent and influential in public affairs, serving as chairman of the board of supervisors for some years, and also effi- ciently filled the office of justice of the peace for many years. In 1867 he was appointed postmaster of Geneseo, and while filling that office he also served as city clerk. He was mayor three terms, and such was his popu- larity as chief executive that he might have held the office indefinitely had he not re- fused to accept the honor longer. He was also a member of the board of education several terms, and director in the Farmers Xational Bank, and his various official duties were discharged with promptness and fidelity worthy of the highest commendation. No man in the community stood higher socially and those who knew him best speak in un- qualified terms of his sterling integrity, his lionor in business, and his fidelity to all the duties of public and private life. At his death of Mayor J. H. Mitchell, of Geneseo, issued the following ordinance : "As an e\i- dence of our esteem for ^Ir. Steele and our deep regret at his weath, and as a mark of respect, I hereby request merchants, bankers and other places of business to close from ten o'clock a. m. until noon on Thursday, September 8, 1887." JOHN P. BRADY. Among the prominent young business men of Kewanee is John P. Brady, a whole- sale and retail liquor dealer, who was born in that cit}' on the 27th of February, 1868. and is a son of Thomas and Rosanna (Trainer) Brady, who are represented on another page of this volume. For many years the father carried on the business now conducted by his son, and was also inter- ested in the ice business. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 343 John P. Brady was reared and educated in Kewanee and since attaining to man's estate has been prominently identified with its business interests. His place is one of the finest of the kind in the city, everything about it being first-class, while the goods handled are the best that money can buy. He makes a specialty of fine bottled goods and high grade cigars, in which department he has the largest and finest line in Kewanee. A finely equipped billiard hall occupies the second floor of the building, where all lovers of the game can while away an hour in a most pleasant manner. Mr. Brady also con- ducts a regular bottling works, manufactur- ing soda water and all kinds of soft drinks, which he supplies to the trade. Buying his goods directly from the manufacturers, he receives the benefit of cash discounts, and is thus able to give a better article for the same amount of money than those who buy on credit. His house is conducted in a quiet and orderly manner, and as a consequence his trade is both large and far-reaching. Mr. Brady is a genial, accommodating gen- tleman, and treats his patrons in a manner which makes them feel like calling again. He manages his business ujwn strictly busi- ness principles autl has scored a signal suc- cess in the prosecution of the same. Mr. Brady has also leased what is known as Crystal Lake, which he has converted into an ideal resort, with boating, bathing and shooting the chutes. This he now rents for picnic purposes. There is also a base-ball ground attached. He has been manager of the base-ball team of Kewanee, which is one of the best amateur organizations of the kind in the state, and which has at times de- feated the professionals. In September, 1894, ^Ir. Brady was united in marriage with Miss Marv Martin, a daughter of P. K. Martin, who was born in Ireland. For two terms Mr. Brady was secretary of the township Republican central committee, and took an active part in the campaign of 1900 for McKinley, Roose- velt and Yates. He is well liked by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, and en- joys the respect of tlie entire community. GEORGE \^■. ROWE. George W. Rowe, of Geneseo, is now Ii\'- ing a retired life in the enjoyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly de- serves by reason of his industrious efiforts of former years. Accomplishment and prog- ress ever imply labor, energ}' and diligence, and it was those qualities that enabled our subject to rise from the ranks of the many and stand among the successful few. A native of New York, Mr. Rowe was born in the town of Bath, Steuben county. May 20, 1825, and is a son of John Smith and Rachel (Sherrer) Rowe, who were also born in the Empire state, and made their home there until their removal to Illinois in 1835, when they took up their residence in \\'hiteside comity. The father secured a tract of government land and built a log house, into which the family moved the next fall. There he engaged in general farming and stock raising until his death when fifty- two years of age. In political sentiment he was a Republican. His wife died a few years after locating in Whiteside county. They were the parents of eight children, namely : Delanson, who was killed in a tor- nado at the home place in Whiteside county when twenty-one years of age; George W., our subject; Lovina, widow of La Fayette 344 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD Crandall, of Erie township, Whiteside county; Elvira, who married Jackson War- ner and died at the age of forty years; Eliza Ann, deceased wife of Henry Kempster. a farmer of Portland, \\'hiteside county; INIary Jane, wife of James Calkens, a farmer of Hillsdale, Rock Island count)'; William, who was killed at the same time as his brother Delanson, when about twelve years old ; and Robert E., who entered the Civil war as a member of Company K, One Hvui- dred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infan- try, and was killed in the battle of Chicka- mauga at the age of nineteen. George W. Rowe attended school at the place of his birth and also in Whiteside county, Illinois, and supplemented the knowledge there acquired by home study. He remained under the parental roof until he married at the age of twenty-four years to Miss Julianna Kempster, of Portland, Whiteside county, and then mo\ed to a farm on section i8, Phenix township, Henry county, where he had purchased one hun- dred and sixty acres of wild land. He soon placed the farm under a high state of culti- vation, and erected thereon a good set of buildings. There his wife died in August, 1889, and her remains were interred in the Sharon churchyard of Portland township, Whiteside county. There were four chil- dren by this union, all born in Henry county with exception of Ann Eliza, the eldest, who died at the age of three years and nine months. (2) Viola M. married John J. Guild, a farmer of Portland township, Whiteside county, and died at the age of forty years, leaving three sons, Edward, Frank and Elias. (3^ Edith is the wife of J. B. Walker, a farmer of the same town- ship, and they have two cliildren, Edna and Charles. (4) Arthur H. died at the age of three years and nine months. After the death of his wife. Mr. Rowe rented his farm and lived with his children for a time. Later he married Mrs. Lucy Urick, of Portland. Whiteside county, a daughter of Henry and Susanna (Henney) Hines. The father was born in Germany, but was only six months old when brought to this country by his parents. His mother died shortly after landing in America. The family located on a farm in \\'ayne county, Ohio, where Mr. Hines grew to manhood. On coming west he took up his residence at Pink Prairie, Phenix township, Henry county, where he followed agricultural pur- suits until called to his final rest in 1869, at the age of fifty-three years. His widow is still living at the age of seventy-five years, and now makes her home in Geneseo. In their family were eight children, as follows : ( I ) John, a farmer of Brown county, Kan- sas, married Amanda Hershman and has four children; (2) Luc)', wife of our sub- ject, is next in order of birth. (3) Chris- tina is the wife of Aaron Rapp, a prosper- ous citizen and retired farmer of Geneseo, and they have five children: Alice, wife ot John Bollen, of Geneseo; Flora and Cora, twins; Emma; Roy, who died at the age of seventeen years; and Stella. {4) Mary is the wife of Abner Oflferle, a farmer of Of- ferle, Kansas, which place was named in honor of his father, and they have two chil- dren. (5) Sarah is the wife of Leonard Seiben, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. (6) Hattie is the wife of John Goembel, a retired farmer of Gen- eseo. (7) Peter, pastor of the Congrega- tional Church, of Kearnej', Nebraska. (8) Adam, a farmer of Phenix township, this THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 345 ■county, married Sadie Bollen, daughter of John Bollen, of Geneseo, and they have two children, Floyd and Gertrude. JNIrs. Rowe was born in Wayne county. Ohio, and first married Andrew Urick, a life-long residen; of Whiteside county, Illinois, and a farmer by occupation. He became quite well-to-do and died April 4, 1895, at the age of fifty- one years. During the Civil war he served nine months in Compan)' G, One Hundred and Fifty-six Illinois Volunteer Infantry. To Mr. and Mrs. Urick were born six chil- dren: (i )ilary is the wife of Charles Smith, oi Searstown, Rock Island county, who is employed in the plow factory at that ])]ace, and they have three children. Effie. Lester and Haruld. ( j) Henry, a farmer of Portland township, Whiteside count}', mar- ried Myrtle Kempster and they have one child, Jessie. (3) Albert resides on the home farm in Portland township, Whiteside county. (4) Julia and (5) Earl live with their nuither in Geneseo. (6) Frank died in infancy. In his farming operations Mr. Rowe met with most excellent success and acquired over seven hundred acres of valuable land in Phenix township, this county, most of which he has divided among his children, though he still retains the homestead farm. He always devoted considerable attention to the raising of stock, and found that branch of his business quite profitable. He is now living retired at a pleasant home on North Aldrich street, Geneseo. In his political affiliations he is a Republican. He has seen almost the entire development of this section of the state, having located in W'hite- i side county when the timber was inhabited "by Indians, while wolves, deer and wild game was plentiful. When he took up his resi- dence in Henry county most of the land was wild and unimpro\ed, and he built the first house on what is called the Rock river bot- tom in Phenix township. In the Avork of advancement and progress he has ever born his part. He is now one of the highly re- spected citizens of Geneseo, and his long residence in this section of the state and the active part he has taken in its development well entitle him to representation in the liistory of his adopted county. CARL KIRCHNER. Carl Kirchner, a well-known retired far- mer of Geneseo, is a man whose successful struggle with adverse circurpstances shows what can be accomplished by industry and economy, especially if a sensible wife sec- onds his efforts to secure a home and com- petence. Coming to the new world empty- handed they were obliged to make their way without any of the aids which are usually considered essential to success. Mr. Kirchner was born in Prussia, Ger- many, January 28, 1830, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Foughrodt) Kirchner, also natives of that country. At the death of his parents he was the only representa- tive of the family living. He was reared and educated in the land of his birth, and there he was married, January 14, 1852, to Miss Margaret Moak, who was born in Ger- many, December 31, 1831. In 1855 they bade good-bye to the fatherland and came to America as passengers on the "Bremen," which sailed from Bremen, Germany, and at length dropped anchor in the harbor of New Orleans. From the Crescent City they came up the Mississippi river to Davenport, Iowa, where Mr. Kirchner had an uncle living. 346 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. The young couple both found work on the bluff near Rock Island, he receiving eight dollars per month and board for his services. ]\Irs. Kirchner often did a man'a work in the fields, stacking hay, planting corn or hauling grain. In this way she earned thirty-seven and a half cents per day. Her uncle paid two hundred dollars for ten acres of land, which he gave the young couple, and by their combined efforts they were able to add to it from time to time until they now own three hundred and forty acres of well improved and valuable land in Hanna township, this county. They continued to reside upon the farm until 1896, when they removed to Geneseo, where they bought a lot and built a large and handsome home. Here they are now living retired from active labor and are enjoying a well-earned rest. Mr. and Mrs. Kirchner are the parents of five children, namely : ( i ) Lizzie is now the wife of William Oberly, of Hooppole, this county, and they have nine children, Francis, Charles, Henry, Lawrence, Anna, William, May, Clarence and Josie. (2) Catherine is the wife of Frank Rink, who is engaged in farming near Geneseo, and they have four childen, Ida, Lawrence, Henrietta and Clayton. (3) Henry, residing at Scran- ton, near Des Moines, Iowa, married Edith Russar and they have one child, Flossie. (4) George, a farmer living near Geneseo, Illi- nois, wedded ]\Iary Steiger, and they have one child. Hazel. 5) Lena is the wife of Joseph Friend, of Davenport, Iowa. Religiously Mr. Kirchner and his family hold membership in the Catholic Church, and politically he is identified with the Dem- ocratic party. For the success they have achieved in life he and his wife deserve great credit, it being due entirely to their untiring industry, good management and indomitable perseverance. They are widely and favorably known and have many friend* throughout the county. CHARLES A. KELLOGG. Among the thrifty and well-to-do agri- culturists of Henry county is Charles A. Kellogg, who owns and operates a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres on sec- tion 9, W'ethersfield township, two miles south of Kewanee. A native of Michigan, he was born in St. Joseph county, April 14, 1848, and is a son of A. B. Kellogg and grandson of Hosmer Kellogg. The birth of the father occurred October 22, 1799, in Massachusetts, where he grew to manhood and married. His first wife died in that state in 1843. The following year he re- nioved to \Miite Pigeon, St. Joseph county, ^Michigan, where he engaged in merchan- dising with his brothers for several years. During his residence there he wedded Mrs. Harriet Stanley, iicc Loomis, a native of Connecticut. In 1850 they came to Henry county, Illinois, and took up their residence in Wethersfield, where Mr. Kellogg worked at the carpenter's and joiner's trade, and also conducted a cooper shop and dealt in agri- cultural implements. During the last feu- years of his life he lived with our subject upon the farm, where he died July 23, 1887, at the age of eighty-eight years. His sec- ond, wife survived him, and passed away March 5, 1891, the remains of both being- interred in Wethersfield cemetery. By their union were born three sons and one daugh- ter, namely : Henry L., who died in March, 1894; Charles A., of this review; George THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 347 C, a business man of Tiskilwa, Bureau county, Illinois; and Cynthia IM., wife of E. J. Ray, a farmer of Wethersfield town- ship. Being only two years old when brought by his parents to this county, his boyhood and youth were passed in \\'ethersfield, and he was educated in the schools of that place and Kewanee. On starting out in life for himself he worked by the month as a farm hand, and then engaged in farming upon rented land. In Bureau county, Illinois, he was married February 20, 1868, to Miss Kate S. Weeks, who was born on the Hud- son river, near Newburg, Orange county, Xew York, of which county her parents, George C. and Susan A. (Brewster) Weeks, were also natives. In the spring of 1856 her lather brought the family to Illinois, and after spending four years in' Galesburg, took up his residence upon a farm in Bureau county, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits for some years. His last days, however, were spent in retirement from ac- tive labor in Tiskilwa, where he departed this life in the spring of 1874. Since his death jMrs. Weeks has resided with her chil- dren, and now makes her home with our subject and his wife. Mrs. Kellogg was reared in Galesburg and Bureau county, and by her marriage has become the mother of ten children : George A., who is married and holds a responsible business position in Atlanta, Georgia, and he has three children, Albert Frederick, Florence C, and George A. ; Frederick B. ; Susan E., wife of J. G. Hoffman, a merchant of Kewanee, by whom she has one son, J. Brewster; Edwin L., v\-ho holds a responsible position in the Ke- wanee bank; and Harry C, Ellen K., Charles F., Matilda W. and C. Herbert, all at home. Matilda is now attendins: the hi^h school of Kewanee, and Herbert is pursuing his studies in the AVethersfield school. Mr. and I\Irs. Kellogg began their do- mestic life on a farm in Bureau county, where they made their home for a few years, and in addition to his farming opera- tions he was engaged in business there for two or three years, and als<:> operated a corn sheller for some time. In January, 1875, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 9, Wethersfield township, Henry county, where he has since made his home. He has made many permanent im- provements upon the place, and has suc- cessfully engaged in general farming and stock raising, his specialty being short horn cattle. Since attaining his majority Mr. Kel- logg has always affiliated with the Republi- can party and cast his first presidential vote for General U. S. Grant, in 1872. He has been a delegate to a number of county con- ventions of his party, and has taken quite an active part in pubhc affairs, serving as a member of the school board some years; as assessor about eight years; and justice of the peace of Wethersfield for four years. In whatever position he has been called upon to fill he has proved a faithful and efficient officer. He and his family attend the Con- gregational Church of Kewanee, and are highly respected and esteemed by all who know them. THOMAS BRADY. Thomas Brady, deceased, was for many years a well-known business man of Ke- wanee as a wholesale and retail dealer in liquor and cigars. He was born in county Cavan, Ireland, May 3, 1845. and was a 348 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. son of Patrick and Catherine Brady, who spent their entire lives in that country. In their family were eight children but Patrick is now the only survivor. It was in 1862 that our subject emigrated to America and took up' his residence in Chi- cago, where he commenced work for the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy Railroad Compan}'. In their employ he came to Ke- wanee, and remained with them for seven years, at the end of which time the shops were removed to Mendota. He then em- barked in the saloon business and later en- gaged in the manufacture of all sorts of carbonated beverages and soft drinks, and conducted one of the most popular saloons of the city. He has paid as high as thirteen hundred dollars for freight at one time on a shipment of ice and he did a very large and profitable business for some years. Mr. Brad}'^ was married in Kewanee, February 3, 1866, to Miss Rosanna Trainer, a native of county Tyrone, Ireland, and a daughter of James and Hilary Trainer. The father, who was a farmer by occupation, was born in the same county, October 18, 1818, and died in that country in 1866, while the mother was born in 1819, and died in 1870. They were married in 1840 and w^ere the parents of nine children : Owen, John, Kate, Mary, James, Mar}-, Patrick, Katie and Rosanna. Mrs. Brady is the youngest and only one of the family now- living. She was eighteen 3-ears of age when in 1866 she and her sister, Mary, came to America, landing in Xew York. They came direct to Kewanee, where their brother John was living, and where Mrs. Brady has since made her home. Unto our subject and his wife ^vere born eleven children as follows: Katie A., a noted singer and a graduate of the Chicago Cen- tral ^lusical College, is now the wife of Oliver P. Hamilton, of Nashville, North Carolina, and they have one child, ilary: John P., a prominent business man of Ke- wanee, is represented on another page ot this volume; Thomas is a resident of Butte, ^Montana; James died at the age of twenty m.onths; Frank married Bertha Connell and resides in Kewanee ; ^lamie, living at home, is also an excellent singer and a pupil of her older sister; Rosa died at the age of eleven months; Martha is now in Asheville, North Carolina; Willie plays on the piccolo, flute and piano, and is now- pursuing his musical studies at St. Bede College, Peru, Illinois; Joe is atending school in Kankakee, Illinois ; and Alorris is a student in the Kewanee schools. The family are all communicants of the Catholic Church, and ^Irs. Brady is also a member of the Ladies' Aid Society. ^Ir. Brady died May 13, 1895. He was a man of affairs and was represented in all enterprises which he believed would prove of benefit to the city and community in which he lived. He was a stockholder in the Henr}' Count}- Fair Association, and was one of the most progressive and public- spirited citizens of this section of the city. In his death the community therefore lost a most useful and valued member of societv. THOMAS TAYLOR. Among the bra\e men who went to the defense of their country during the dark days of the Rebellion was the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, now' re- siding on \\'est ^lain street, Geneseo, Illi- nois. He was born in Albany, New York, ilay 18, 1846, and from that city came to THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 349 Illinois at the age of eight years with hif» parents, Thomas and Jane (Westbury) Tay- lor, locating in Chicago. The father was a native of Bainbryshire England, and was twenty years of age on his emigration to the United States. For some years he was en- gaged in business as a carriage manufac- turer at Albany, and in 1853 moved to Chi- cago, where he followed the same occupa- tion for about five years. In 1858 he ac- cepted the position of overseer and master mechanic of the convict prison in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he died of yellow fever the following year, leaving a widow and five children. Two children died pre- vious to his death. The mother long sur- viveil her husband, dying at her home in Chicago, April 2, 1894, at the age of sixty- nine years. She was born in Greenbush, New York, of English parentage. Thomas Taylor, our subject, is the oldest of the family of seven children, the others being: Sarah, born in Albany, is the wife of Albert Pfangle, of Aurora, Illinois; Elisha, born in Albany, is engaged in the tinsmith business in Geneseo, Illinois; Har- riet died at the age of thirteen years; George, born in Chicago, is a carpenter and con- tractor of that city; Mary J., born in Aurora, died in infancy; and Mrs. Harriet Smith, died at the age of twenty-two years, leaving one child, Xellie. now deceased. Our subject was principally educated at Aurora, Illinois, where he attended Clark Seminary, and after the Civil war he w as also a student at the Soldiers' State College, in Fulton, Illinois. On the ist of January, 1863, he enlisted at Aurora, in Company B, Fifty-eighth Illinois N'olunteer Infantry for three years nr during the war. and was mustered into the United States service at Springtield, lUintiis, as a private, under command of Captain David J. Lynch and Coloaiel William F. Lynch. The regiment was assigned to the Second Brigade, Third Division, Sixteenth Corps, Army of the Tennessee, and was in the folowing engage- ments : Nashville, Pleasant Hill, Fort De Russey, Meridian, luka, Jackson, Canton and Yellow Bayou. .\t luka 'My. Taylor was wounded by a niinie ball splitting his chin; at Mayfield, Kentucky, he was also slightly wounded in the right foot; while at Yellow Bayou he was verv seriously wound- ed, May 18, i8()4, Iiy the explosion of a shell, breaking his collar bone and fractur- ing his shoulder blade. This necessitated the amputation of his left arm at the shoulder. For eight months Air. Taylor was confined at Jefferson Barracks hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, at the end of which time he was transferred to Keokuk, Iowa, where he remained until August 25, 1864, when he was hunorahly discharged. He was in the ser\ice one \ear before his en- listment, acting indei)endently. as he was under age. After his dischar^'e nuv gallant young soldier returned to Aurora for a short time and entered the Soldiers' College at Fulton, where he pursued a four 3'ears' course and was graduated. For the following five years he was employed as clerk for the Dirmiond Jo Steamer Company, and then came to Geneseo, in 1874, where he has since made his home. He attended a course of lectures at the Chicago School of Psychology, and was graduated at that institution May i, 1900. Religiously he is a member of the Unitarian Church of Geneseo, and frater- nally is connected with the Modern Wood- men Camp, No. 40, and the Home Forum. As one of the honored veterans of the Civil war, and a highly esteemed citizen of Henry 3SO THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. county, he is certainly deserving of promi- nent mention in this volume. Mr. Taylor was married in Geneseo. in 1885, to Miss Augusta Priebe, who was born in Germany, and was eight years old when she came to the new world with her parents, ^^"illiam and Rosine (Welke) Priebe, locat- ing in Geneseo. Both in his native land and for some years after coming to America, ]Mr. Priebe followed the carpenter's trade, but later purchased a farm in Geneseo township, this county, just outside the corporation, and turned his attention to agricultural pur- suits. There he and his wife still reside. The)' are the parents of eleven children, of whom the following are still living : William F., born in Germany, married Matilda Sim- ater, and resides in Minonk, Woodford county, Illinois. He is extensively engaged in the poultry business, having alx)ut two dozen branch houses throughout the United States and also an ofifice in England, to which he ships large guantities of poultry. ]\Irs. Taylor is the second in order of birth in this family. Herman married Lizzie W^arren and is engaged in the poultry busi- ness in Bradford, Stark county, Illinois. Pauline, born in Germany, is the wife of Frederick Glawe, who is engaged in the same business in Guthrie Center, Iowa. ^lin- nie, born in Geneseo, is now teaching in the public schools of that place. Louis is en- gaged in farming on the home place in Geneseo township. ^latilda is also at home. Henry has charge of his brother's branch house at Peoria, Illinois. Those of the chil- dren now deceased are Emil, who died in Chicago at the age of twenty-three years; Hannah, who died in Geneseo, at the age of twenty-nine; and Otilla, who died in Ger- many, in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have two children : May, born in Geneseo, May 21, 1886, and Thomas, Jr., born in the same place August 5, 1889. Both are now attending the local schools. !Mrs. Taylor is also a Unitarian in religious belief and is a member of the Eastern Star Chapter of the ^Masonic fraternity and the ^^'oman's Re- lief Corps of the Grand Army of the Re- public. The family is one of prominence in Geneseo. HARRY A. REHERD. The subject of this review is one of the younger members of the Henry county bar, but his prominence is by no means measured by his years; on the contrary he has already won a reputation which many an older practitioner might well envy. One must work to attain greatness in any walk of life, but in this profession, probably more than in any other, success depends upon individual efforts. Mr. Reherd is a native of Henry county, born on his father's farm southeast of Gene- seo, July 18, 1 87 1, his parents being Jacob Keller Reherd and Lucy Louise (Ware) Reherd, who are presented on another page uf this volume. The boyhood of our subject was passed amid rural scenes. He received his earh- education in the country schools where he was given the credit of being a diligent and faithful student. Later he at- tended the Geneseo Collegiate Institute, graduating therefrom in the year of 1890, being president of his class. He has twice held the position of president of the Alumni Association of that institution and was one of the speakers at the corner-stone-laying at Atkinson hall, one of its school buildings. He was for several years an efficient and popular teacher in the public schools in the 11. A KKHEKl). I !R1?ARY UNIVFRSi.i UF ILLINOIS llRBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 333 county, reading law during vacation, in the office of Judge George E. Waite, of Geneseo. In September, 1895, he became a student in the law department of the State Univer- sity of Iowa, at Iowa City, where, during his year's work, he was recognized as an able student and forcible debater. A year later he entered the office of the prominent law firm of Benjamin & jNIorrissey, of Bloomington, Illinois, and attended the ses- sions of the Bloomington Law School. On February 24, 1897, he was admitted, with high honors, to practice law by the supreme court of Illinois, and soon after entered the law office in Geneseo, of Judge George E. Waite, master in chancery of Henry county, where he practiced for nearly two years, when he opened an office for himself in Geneseo. Personally Mr. Reherd is a very pleasant man to meet and impresses those who come in contact with him with his energy and sincerity. iVlways diligent and painstaking in his legal work, he has built up a strong law practice which is rapidly increasing. He is possessed of a strong personality, and ease of manner, a good personal appearance, and splendid self control — qualities so desirable in a successful trial lawyer. Air. Reherd has taken a somewhat ac- tive part in campaign work, and has more than a local reputation as a public speaker. In the fall of 1900 he was the Democratic nominee for state's attorney for Henry county. During the campaign he proved himself to be the possessor of a ix»werful, well-modulated voice, a good command of language, and to have the ability and energy to deliver an eloquent, argumentative speech. Although he failed of election, yet his campaign was a remarkable one. His \ote was the largest ever received by a Dem- ocrat for that county office. The majority of the opposition, was reduced liy o\er a thousand votes. Mr. Reherd is especially interested in the educational affairs of the county. He is a man of even temperament and intensity of purpose and has been a consistent mem- ber of the First Presbyterian Church of Geneseo since November, 1889. He has always taken an active interest in public afifairs and supports all enterprises which he believes will prove of public benefit. He is one of the energetic capable young men of the county who lives not for himself alone l)ut to also use his ability and his inlUience for the benefit of the community in which he resides, and the county and state of which he is a citizen. JACOB KELLER REHERD. Among the practical, progressive and highly esteemed farmers of Geneseo town- ship, Ilenry county, is numbered Jacob Keller Reherd, who was born in Harrison- burg, Rockingham county, Virginia. Sei>- tember 9, 1834, and is of the good old Pennsylvania Dutch stock. His father, William Reherd. was born in York county, Pennsylvania, in 1792. He was a man of great energy, industry and thrift and highly esteemed by those who best knew him. At the time of his death he was ninety-two years okl. William Reherd in l-.is young manhood went to Harrisonburg, Rockingham county, Virginia, and en- gaged in business and in farming. He mar- ried Anna Keller, who was born in Harri- sonburg in 1802 and died in 1867. Hers 354 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. was a life of great usefulness and unselfish devotion to their large family of children, seven of whom are still living, one having died in infancy and one at middle age. The boyhood of Jacob Keller Reherd ■was spent in the Shenandoah valley in \'ir- ginia, he receiving his education in the pub- he and private schools of Harrisonburg. In 1856 he came to Henry county, Illinois, locating on the farm on sections 26 and 27, Geneseo township, where he now resides. At that time the land was all wild and un- improved, but he soon broke the land, fenced it, and erected good and substantial buildings thereon, making a pleasant home for himself and familj'. On January 10, 1S65, at Geneseo, ilr. Reherd married L.i\cy Louise \\'are, one of the four children of Joel and Lucy (Cros- sett) Ware. Joel \\'are was born in Swanzey, Che- shire county, Xew Hampshire, June 23, 1809, of Scotch ancestry, being a direct de- scendant of Robert Bruce, of Scotland. In i860, he came to Illinois where he taught in the public schools of the county for many years, also engaging in farming. He died at Geneseo in April, 1897, at the age of eighty-eight years. Up to the time of his death he was very active both in body and mind and was a constant student of public events, being for his age an exceptional man in this respect. Lucy (Crossett). Ware was born at Prescott, ^Massachusetts, December 16, 181 3, and is still living in Geneseo, at the age of eighty-seven, while her mother li\ed at Amherst, Massachusetts, to the ripe old age of one hundred and two years. On her centennial birthday her photograph was taken, showing her to be well preserved and her hair to be still black as a raven's wing. Lucy Louise (Ware) Reherd was boni at Wellsville, Allegany county, Xew York, }ilarch 2, 1844. She is a woman of in- telligence and education; the possessor of quiet, friendly, helpful ways; a woman whose "children rise up and call her blessed." Both ilr. and Mrs. Reherd are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Gene- seo, and were among the ones who founded the church in 1868. They are the parents of five children, all grown to manhood and womanhood : ^^'illiam Robert, who was, un- til recently, connected with the Geneseo Arena as editor; Herbert Ware, who mar- ried Louise il. ilcClure, of Mediapolis. Iowa. He was pastor at ililan, Illinois, for four years, and is now pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church of Detroit, Michigan; Harry Arthur, a prominent attorne}" of Geneseo, who is represented on another page of this volume; ;Mar\- Louise, a student at the State University of Iowa ; and Fanny Fern, a student of music at Rock Island, Illinois; all of whom are capable, indus- trious young people. Mr. Reherd is a conservative man of good judgment and of broad intelligence. A- man unselfishlj^ devoted to his family and who has ever taken an active interest in public affairs, especially educational and political. Since attaining his majority he has been a stanch supporter of the Democ- rac)" and is one of the most influential rep- resentatives of the party in his community. For eight years he represented his town- ship, which is strongly Republican, as as- sistant supervisor, being for that length of time an invincible opponent to the Republi- can nominees for that office. ;Mr. Reherd represented his school dis- trict as director for eighteen years, was a. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 355- member of the Geneseo to\vnshi|) library board for several terms, was one of the pro- moters of the Geneseo Collegiate Institute, and a member of the board 'of directors of that institution for over ten years. He is one of the men who has helped to make the county what it is to-day. one of the richest agricultural districts in the state, and has taken an active interest in all that tends to its improvement and the advancement of its people. JEFFERSON W. TAYLOR. This well-known retired agriculturist c^f Geneseo, is an honored representative of one of the earhest families of this state, and is a true type of the energetic, hardy men who have actively assisted in developing and im- proving this beautiful and fertile agricul- tural country. In fact Mr. Taylor is a na- tive of Illinois, his birth occurring near New Haven, \\'hite county, on the 22nd of February, 1818, before the state was ad- mitted to the L'nion. His parents were Eph- raim Merritt and Ebbie (Hayes) Taylor. The father was born on the Roanoke river in Rollin county, Virginia, and when about sixteen years of age moved with his parents to North Carolina, and later to the Blue Ridge mountains in Tennessee, where our subject's grandfather, Richard Taylor, died. The father, Ephraim Taylor, then took care '>f his mother, and together they came to Illinois in 1812, locating in White county, where he died in 1845, at the age of fifty- seven years. He followed the accupation of farming throughout life, and both he and his wife were earnest and consistent members of the Baptist Church. She also died in \\'hite countv about a vear before his death occurred. Their family numbered seven children, of whom our subject is the eldest. (2) Ihulson R., a retired farmer and carpenter, of Geneseo, wedded Mary .\. Porter, and has six children, William H., George H., Frederick L., I\Iary Ida, John J., and Daniel A. (3) Sarah is the widow of Rodney Linnell, a farmer, anel resides in Geneseo with her daughter. Mrs. Cann. She has two children: Lucy, wife of Thomas Cann, a meat merchant of Geneseo; and Mary, wife of James Searls, a farmer of Hanna township, this cnunty. (4) Alsadie married Irson Olinger and both are now deceased; (5) Eliza married Ephraim JNIer- ritt Stokes and they are also deceased. (6) Bradley H. died at the age of forty years. (7) William died in childhood. Being the oldest son, Jefferson W. Tay- lor was obliged to work on the farm during 1-iis boyhood and vouth. and was unable to at- tend school until twenty-two years of age. He remained with his parents in White county until twenty-five, when he and his cousin came up the ^lississippi river on a steamboat to Davenport, Iowa, and after passing the winter with his cousin at that place, he came to Henry county, Illinois, and bought a farm in what is now Hanna township. He also purchased the ferry, which crossed the ri\er at Cleveland, known as the Cleveland ferr\-, which he operated about seven years. He then sold the ferry and gave his entire attention to farming for a time, but later embarked in the dry goods business at Colona Station, where he built a store and dwelling house. Not meeting with success in that enterprise, he soon re- turned to farming in Hanna towns!iip. where he had previously purchased five hun- dred acres of wild land, though he after- ward sold two hundred acres of that amount. ;56 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. After operating: his farm for alx)ut eleven years he sold the place, taking a note and mortgage on a firm in Whiteside county. After living upon the latter place for five or six years, he disposed of it and came to Geneseo, where he has since led a retired life, enjoying a well-earned rest. He has a comfortable home on South State street. v>hich is the abode of hospitality and good cheer. In 1845 ^^r. Taylor married Miss Alfred Linnell, a daughter of Rufus and Lucy (^lelvin) Linnell. Her father was born on an island between the United States and Canada, known as Linnell's Island, which was settled bv his father, a native of France. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were born six children, as follows: (i) Ephriam Mer- ritt, named for his grandfather, is now en- gaged in the insurance business at Chariton, Lucas county, Iowa. He was in the regidar army for five years, taking part in Indian warfare, and lost his health in the service. For his second wife he married Eva Lewis, of Wayne county, Iowa, and they have seven children, Jeflferson W., Florence. Jen- nie. Elmer, Maude, Lewis and Blaine. (2) Mary married first Elijah Gove, a farmer, and carpenter of Hanna township, by whom she had two children, Clinton D. and one who died in infancy; and for her second husband she married \\"ilbur Hobson, a prominent farmer of Lucas county, Iowa, by whom she had one child. Ernest. ( 3 ) George ^^'., station agent on the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy railroad at Burling- ton, Iowa, wedded ^lary Deem and had two sons, Frank and Edwin. (4) Rilla is the wife of George Bills, a farmer of Edford township, this county, and they have two children, Archer and Roy. (5) Lisse is the ^vife of George Detrick. a laundrvman of Dixon, Lee county, Illinois. (6) The youngest died in infancy unnamed. Mr. Taylor cast his first presidential vote for ^^'illianl Henrj- Harrison, in 1840, and continued a supporter of the ^^ hig party until the organization of the Republican party when joined its ranks and has con- tinued to fight under its banner. He has held several township offices of honor and trust, and has always faithfully performed any duty devolving upon him whether pub- lic or private. For many years he was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in early life was connected with the Methodist Church, but is now a Presbyterian. During the long years of his residence in Henry coiuity, Mr. Taylor has become widely known, and his many excellent traits of character have gained for him the high re- gard of many friends. HORACE J. COMBS. Horace J. Combs, an active and enter- prising farmer whose farm of ninety-five acres is pleasantly located on section 10, Wethersfield township, within two miles of Kewanee, was born in Marshall county, Illi- nois, November 29, 1856, and is a son of Warner Combs, who was born in \\"est \'ir- ginia, in January, 1825. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Combs, was one of the early settlers of \\'est \'irginia, and later became one of the pioneers of Wjandot county, Ohio. There the father grew to manhood and married Miss Elizabeth ^^'ood, a native of \\'yandot county, and a daughter of Francis Wood, also one of its pioneer settlers. In 1852, Warner Combs came to Illinois and located in Marshall countv, where he transformed a tract of THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 357 wild land into a good farm. His last days were spent in retirement from active labor at Sparland. where he died in 1896. His first wife, who was the mother of our sub- ject, passed away in 1870, and he was again married. By the first union there were five ciiil- dren, namely: Sarepta, who is now her brother's housekeeper; Horace J., of this review; Mrs. Emma Duncan, a widow, who also resides with her brother; Electa, wife of George Joseph, of Peoria; and Sherman who successfully engaged in teaching school for five years, and is now with his brother on the farm. By his second marriage the father had two children : Harry, a resident of Kewanee, and \'iola, wile of James Stin- son, of Hamlin, Indiana. On the old homestead in Marshall county Horace J. Combs passed the days of his boyhood and youth, and early became familiar with all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturalist. On leaving the parental roof he engaged in farming upon rented land in that county for four years, and then purchased a farm there, consist- ing of one hundred and sixty acres, which he cultivated for several years. Selling that place in 1892 he purchased his present farm on section 10, Wethersfield township, Henry county, upon which he located the following year and which he has since successfully operated. He has remodeled the buildings and made other improvements upon tiie place. In connection with his general farm ing he carries on stock raising, and in that branch of his business he has also prospered. In his political views Mr. Combs is inde- pendent and supports the men whom he be- lieves best qualified for office regardless of party lines. He has never aspired to office but takes a deep and commendable interest in public affairs. He and his sister Serepta hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church of Kewanee, while the other mem- bers of the family are either Baptists or Presbyterians in religious belief. Miss Combs is an active church worker and is now president of the Home Missionary So- ciety of Kewanee. The family is one of prominence in the community where they re- side and its members are held in high regard by all who know them. JOHN WENKE. Among the old and honored residents of Geneseo is John \\'enke, who was for many years actively engaged in farming, but is now living a retired life in Geneseo. A na- tive of Germany, he was born in Oldenburg on the 14th of December, 1S20, and is a son of Frederick and Anna (Myer) Wenke, who passed their entire lives in that coun- try. There our subject grew to manhood, and was married in Germany March 19, 1852, to Miss Helena Oltmanns, a daughter of John and Anna (^Koelke) Oltmanns, who also made their home in Cierniany throughout life. In 1850 Mr. W'enke crossed the briny deep, and on landing in New Orleans pro- ceeded up the Mississippi river to St. Louis, whence he came to Hampton, Illinois. The folowing year he returned to his native land and was married and in April, 1852, came back to America with his wife. When he returned to Ham.pton he purchased a farm and for thirty-nine years he was success- fully engaged in farming in Rock Island county. He purchased two hundred acres of unbroken prairie and timber land, for 358 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. which he paid seven dollars per acre, and .after clearing the same he placed it under a high state of cultivation, converting the wild tract into a most desirable farm. This place he sold in 1890 for fifty-six dollars per acre, and then removed to Geneseo, where he has since lived a retired life, enjoy- ing the fruits of former toil. Mr. and Mrs. Wenke have a family of five children living, namely: Johannah, wife of Rev. C. Seuel, living near IMilwaukee, \\'isconsin; Eliza, wife of Frederick Ras- tede, a merchant of Geneseo; John, who married Lena Oltmanns and lives on a farm near Geneseo; Fred, who married Tillie Herges, and resides on the old homestead in Hampton, Illinois; and Henry, a merchant, who married Emma Salto and makes his home in Geneseo. Two children died in in- fancy; Helen and one unnamed. Mr. Wenke and his family hold mem bership in the German Lutheran Church, and in politics he is identified with the Dem- ocratic party. Wherever known he is held in high regard, and well merits the confi- dence and respect which he receives, for his life has been an upright, honorable and use- ful one. ^\ ILLIAM D. HOHMAXX, AI. D. Dr. Hohmann is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Kewanee, Illi- nois, and has that love for and devotion to his profession which has brought to him success and won him a place among the ablest representatives of the medical frater- nity in Henry county. He was bom in Cas- sel, Germany, September 18, 1867, a son of William M. and Sophia (Volkmar) Hoh- mann, who spent their entire lives in that country. They were representatives of very old and highly respected families, the Doc- tor's maternal ancestors being manufac- turing and mercantile people. His paternal grandfather, John Hohmann, served in the German army during the Napoleonic wars, and during the latter part of his military career was superintendent of the military prison at Cassel, Germany. He died in that country in 1868. William M. Hohmann, the doctor's father, was a machinist by trade, and followed that vocation through- out life, mostly in the employ of the govern- ment. During the Franco-Prussian war he had charge of the round house of the gov- ernment at Fulda, Germany, where he died in 1872, at the age of thirty-eight years. His wife long survived him, dying at Cas- sel, August 9, 1894. They were parents of six children, four of whom are still living, namely: J. H., a traveling man living in New York city; Louis, who is connected with the \\'hitlock Printing Press Alanu- facturing Company, with headquarters at Derby, Connecticut; William D., our sub- ject; and ]\Iarie, a resident of Kansas City. Dr. Hohmann received a good education at Hersfeld, Germany, and had an excel- lent knowledge of the English language prior to his emigration to .Vmerica which materially assisted him in making his way rapidly in his adopted home. At the age of sixteen he crossed the Atlantic alone and took up his residence in Baltimore, Mary- land, where he secured a jjosition in a drug store, working there uninterruptedly from 1883 until 1887. In September, 1885, he entered the Maryland College of Pharmacy, at the same time continuing his connection with the drug store. After graduating from that institution in 1887 he matricu- lated at the Baltimore Medical College in THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 359 the fall of tliat year, and recci\e(l the de- gree of M. D. on the 15th of April. 1890, having spent tlie last eight months in the jMaryland (ieneral Hospital as resident student. He then engaged in the practice of medicine in Baltimore until the fall of 1 89 1, when he came to Kewanee and opened an ofifice. As a general practitioner he has secured a liberal patronage, but he also makes a specialty of skin diseases, in which he took a post graduate course in Berlin at- tending the clinics of the Imperial Charities and other noted hospitals, his time mostly being spent in hard work. He is a member of Kewanee"s Physician's Club, of which he has held office of secretary. On tile "th of June, 1899. Dr. Hohmann was united in marriage with ]\liss Anna Frederickson, of Kewanee. In his social relations the doctor is a member of the blue lodge, chapter and comniantlery nf the Ma sonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern \\'oodmen of .America. In 1895 he returned to his native land, and spent five months delightfully in visiting Germany, France and many places of nute in Europe. He possesses the broad culture which only travel can bring, and is one of the most pop- ular and prominent citizens of Kewanee. ISAAC M. FLEET. As an agriculturist this gentleman was for many years actively identified with the development and improvement of Henry county, and now after a useful and well- spent life is living retired in Geneseo. .\ native of New York, he was born in Suffolk county on the 28tli of Oct. ibcr. 1815. and is a son of Gilbert and Keziah (Jarvis) Fleet. The father was born in Huntington, Long Island, and engaged in farming at his birthplace throughout his active busi- ness life, dying there at the age of fifty-si.K years. His widow long survived him and lived to the advanced age of ninety-five years. In their family were four children, all born on Long Island, our subject being the oldest <.>i the number and now the only survivoi. The boyhood and youth of our subject were passed under the parental roof, and he engaged in farming uix)n the old home- stead for some years. At the age of about twenty-eight he became interested in the coasting trade from New York harbor, and followed that business for seven years, at the end of which tune he sold liis vessel and resumed farming upon the home place, where he continued to reside for several years. In 1843 ^^r. Fleet was married at Hunt- ington, Long Island, to Mrs. Susan Stratton, widow of Ustick V. Stratton and a daugh- ter of Eliphalet and Phoebe (Ketchem) Oak- ley. Her father, who was a soldier of the war of 181 2, spent his entire life in Suffolk county, Long Island, New York. For a few years he followed farming, then operat- ed both a flouring and woolen mill on Long Island, and for a great many years led the life of a sailor, running a coasting vessel from New York harbor. He finally built another flouring mill at Islip, Long Island, which he operated during the remainder of his life. He died at his home in Babylon, about 1867, at the age of eighty-one years, and his wife passed away in 1858, at the age of seventy-seven. Of their seven chil- dren Mrs. Fleet is the fifth in order of birth and the only one now living. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Fleet, but Isaac M. and one unnamed died in infancy. The following still sur- \!\e : Gilbert, traveling salesman for the 36o THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Wilson Buggy Company of Moline. Illinois, and a resident of that place, married Eliza Barton and has one son, Fred E. Eliphalei C, superintendent of a fruit farm in Ari- zona, married Ada Sneider, and has four children, James S., Ray B., Helen Josephine and Lawrence. Frances Elizabeth and Clara Augusta are both at home with their par- ents. Mortimer, superintendent of the farm at the state insane asylum at Hampton, Rock Island county, Illinois, married !Miss Helen Richmond. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Fleet were all born in Xew York state ex- cept Mortimer, the 3'oungest, who was born in Henry county, Illinois. Selling his interests in the east in 1857, Mr. Fleet came to Henry county, Illinois, and purchased a quarter-section of wild land in Munson township, which he at once began to improve. He erected thereon a large and substantial farm house, barns and other buildings, and placed the entire farm imder a high state of cultivation. He con- tinued to operate his land until 1897, when he removed to the city of Geneseo and pur- chased his present comfortable home on West IMain street, where he is now living a retired life, enjoying the fruits of his early industry and surrounded by the comforts which he has so truly earned and richly de- serves. The Republican party finds in him a stanch supporter of its principles, and al- though he has never sought or held office, he is public spirited and an advocate of all measures that tend to improve or benefit the community in which he resides. JOHN H. RULE. Numbered among the well-to-do farm- ers and highly esteemed citizens of Weth- ersfield township is John H. Rule, who owns and operates a well-improved and \aluable farm of one hundred and six- ty acres on sectinn jt,. A native of Illi- nois, he was born in Elmira township. Stark count}'. June 4. 1856. and is a son of John and Jone (Hume) Rule, who were born, reared and married in Scot land and emigrated to America in 1852. They sailed from Liverpool, England, and landed in New York. After spending about six months in the Empire state they came to Illinois, and took up their residence in Stark county, where at first the father op- erated a rented farm. Subsequently he pur- chased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Bureau county, which he broke and placed under cultivation, and later added to it an adjoining tract of eighty acres. About 1879 he bought the farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Wethersfield township, Henry coun- ty, where our subject now resides, it being all under cultivation at that time. There he continued to successfully engage in general farming and stock raising throughout the remainder of his life. He was a stanch sup- porter of the Republican party and its prin- ciples, and was highly respected and es teemed by all who knew him. He died in 1890, at the age of seventy-seven years, and his wife passed away in 1892, at the age of seventy-two, the remains of both being in- terred at Almira, Illinois. The}- were the parents of eleven children, namely : Alex- ander, Jane, Mary, Charlotte, James. WilN iam, Robert, John, Catherine. Walter and Thomas. John H. Rule was reared upon his fa- ther's farm, which he aided in operating as soon as old enough to be of any assistance, and thus acquired a good practical knowl- edge of agricultural pursuits. His literary education was obtained in the country schools THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 361 of the neiglib(M"lioo(l. Fchruarv 6. 1871). lie was united in marriage with Miss Anna Longmate. a tlaughter nt Tnnnard and Susan (Brown) Longniate. By this union lie has liad five children, namely: lilsie J., Bertha L., Robert V.. hilin 1".. and Frank A., all living. Mrs. Rule died March ,^0. 1890. and for his second wife Mr. Rule married Emma Richardson, a daughter of Joseph and Mary ( Xatress ) Richardson, and to them has been born one child, Mary E. Lillian, whose birth occurred January 30, 1896. Mr. Rule owned and operated the old homestead imtil a short time ago, which is a well impro\-ed farm of one hundred and si.xty acres on section 2^. Wethersfiekl township, and in connection with its culti-. ration he successfully engaged in stock- raising. For eighteen years he owned and operated a steam thresher, doing a profitable business with it. He had on his farm a new and handsome residence, liuilt in modern style of architecture, and supi)lied with all the conveniences and accessories of a city home. He owns four hundred and eighty acres in South Dakota. In his political affiliations Mr. Rule is a Republican, and he takes a deep and commendable interest in all enterprises which he believes will prove of public benefit. b'.RKK b.RlCKSOX. This well-known expressnian of Ke- wanee. Illinois, was lx)rn on the ^8tli of Sep- tember. 1845. in Bolnas, Sweden, of which ])lace his parents, Erick and Betsy (Johnson) Erickson, were also natives. There the fa- ther followed farming througimut his acti\e 17 business life, dying there at the age of sev- enty-eight \-ears. His wife also died in IJolnas at the age of seventy-four. Their children were h'rick. of this review : Jonas, who died at the age of twenty-fi\e years; Olaf, who is engaged in the shoe business in Sw eden ; Betsy, who died at the age of four years: ami Peter, who died in Kewanee at the age of thirty-two. Mr. lu"ickson is indebted to the public schools of his native land for his educa- tional privileges. He assisted his father in the operation of the home farm until four- teen years of age and then worked as a farm hand in Sweden until his emigration to this country in 1868. He sailed from Guttenberg, and after fourteen dass spent upon the water landed in Xcw 'S'ork City, whence he proceeded at once to Altdniia, Knox county, Illinois. After four days spent at that place he went to Peoria, and was engaged in railroad work between that city and Bushnell for about a month. Fie then returned to .Mtoona. where he was emiiloyed as a farm hand for f(.)ur months, and at the end nf that time came to Ke- wanee. Mere he fmind employment in the coal mine of (i. L. Piatt, about a mile east of tiiwn. where he remained tw^o years, and then worked on the farm oi C. C. Blisli, in W'ethersfield townsliip,for the same length of time. ])uring the following year and a half lie was with Crawford & Gerhart, of Kewa- nee, and remained with his successor, .\. F. Bigelow, for twenty-three years. Mr. lu-ick- son was with Ma_\-bew Brothers a year and a half, and in 1900 bought the exi)ress line of J. R. Keggl\. which he is now carrying on with good success, doing a general ex- jiress business. On the _'5th of October. 187^), Mr. Erickton married .Miss Carrie Johnson, who 362 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. was also born in Bolnas, Sweden, a daugh- ter of John and Engburg (Peterson) John- son, natives of the same place. The mother died in Sweden at the age of thirt3'-nine years, but the father is still living in that country at the age of seventy-five. By oc- cupation he is a laborer. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Erickson are Adolphie. who lives at home and is engaged in the millin- ery business; Ernest, who is assisting his fa- ther in business ; and Morris, who is attend- ing school. The family are members of the Swedish Lutheran Church, and are highly respected and esteemed by all who know them. In politics Mr. Erickson is a Repub- lican, and faithfully served his fellow citi- zens as tax collector in 1900. JAMES WARREX James Warren, deceased, was for many years one of the highly esteemed citizens ot Geneseo, Illinois. His early home was on the other side of the Atlantic, for he was born in county Clare, Ireland, in 1814, and was one of a family of thirteen children, v.hose parents never left the Emerald Isle and have long since been dead. His brother, Andrew, came to America and settled in Lima, Ohio. Our subject spent the first thirfeen years fo his life in his native land, and then re- solved to try his fortune in America. After his emigration to the new world he lived for seven years in the east, and then came to Henry county, Illinois, locating here long before the Rock Island railroad was built. His was the' first house built in Geneseo, and he witnessed almost the entire develop- ment of this region, in the work of which he bore an important part. In early manhood he engaged in farming, but spent the last forty j-ears of his life in Geneseo. On the 3d of October, 1887. Mr. War- ren was united in marriage with Miss Bridget Murray, also a native of county Clare. Ireland, and a daughter of Andrew and Mary (Sullivan) Murray, who were lifelong residents of that country. The mother died on Christmas day, 1898, but the father is still living. Their children were Kate, a resident of Ireland; Bridget, widow of our subject; Maggie, who is employed at the Geneseo House in Geneseo, Illinois; Anna, wife of Burford Howell, a barber of Geneseo; and two daughters, now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. \\'arren had two children, namely: James, who was born September 3, 1887, and is now living with his mother while attending school in Geneseo ; and Mary, who died in infancy. In religious belief ^Ir. Warren was a Catholic, and in politics was a Democrat. He died March 17, 1899, honored and re- spected by all who knew him. As one of the pioneer and representative citizens of Geneseo, he is certainly deserving of prom- inent mention in this volume. DAVID L. PURVIAXCE. This well-known and highly respected citizen of Geneseo, was born near Paris, Preble county, Ohio, on the 4th of October, 1833, and is a son of Levi and Sophia (Woods) Purviance. His paternal grandfa- ther was David Purviance, one of the found- ers of the Christian Church in Kentucky, being engaged in preaching in that state and Ohio for many years. His death occurred in Ohio. The father was a native of Tennes- see and was a voung man when he moved to THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 363 the Buckeye state. He, too, became a niiiii,ster •of the Christian Church, and followed that sacred calling in Ohio for almost half a century. In 1856 he came to Henry county, Illinois, and for a time engaged in farming in Osco township, t)ut returned to Ohio, where he died at the age of eighty-two years. His wife passed away in the same state. They were the parents of five children, of whom our subject is the youngest and only survivor; one died in infancy; Andrew made his home in Henry county for fifteen years, but spent his last days in Nebraska; Mary died at the age of twenty-one years; Sophia •died at the age of six. David L. Purviance received his educa- tion in the schools of Ohio, and after reach-- ing man"s estate he was engaged in general merchandising at Xew Paris for some years. Subsequently he was engaged in the dry- goods business with his brother Andrew at Indianapolis, Indiana, for a short time, and then returned to Ohio. Disposing of his interests there the same 3'ear, he came to Illinois, in 1855, ^"^ located near what is now Morristown, Osco township, Henry •county, where he followed farming for about seven years. He was next engaged in the grocery business at Morristown and in the fall of 1871 removed to Osco, where he also conducted a grocery store, and served as postmaster of the village for eighteen years under the administrations of Presidents ■Grant, Hayes, Garfield and Arthur. Closing out his store in 1890, he came to Geneseo, where he has resided ever since. He has not engaged in any active business for himself, and is at present employed in the wall pa- per store of Mr. Johnson on South Main street. On the 2nd of June, 1853, Mr. Pur\i- ance married ^liss Hainiah M. ^lurton, a daughter of Thomas and Eleanor (Schenck) Morton, both natives of Ohio. Mrs. Pur- viance died November 2, 1875. leaving nine children, namely: Charles \V., a merchant of Wyoming, Illinois; Thomas L., who is employed in the freight office of the Monon railroad at Chicago; Frank M., general agent for the American Stock Food Com- pany at Jacksonville, Illinois; Annie M., wife of Albert Ankney, of Peoria; William G., station agent at Abingdon, Illinois; Xellie E., wife of Henry Bestor, a farmer of Osco township, this county; Kate, wife of D. O. Hinman, a farmer of Osco town- ship; Walter, an employe of Swift & Com- pany, packers, of Chicago; and Hannah L., a resident of Geneseo. Those of the family now deceased were Ella J., who died at the age of sixteen months; George J., who died at the age of two months; and Winfield S., v.ho died at the age of one year. ]Mr. Pur- viance was again married, July 31, 1890, his second union being with Mrs. Harriet Edwards, widow of Herbert R. Edwards, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume together with a more extended mention of herself and family, yh. and Mrs. Purviance have a pleasant home on South Oakwood a\enue, Geneseo, where they are surrounded in- a large circle of friends and acquaintances, who esteem tliem highly for their sterling worth. During his residence in Osco township Mr. Purviance v,as a member and constant attendant of the Christian Church. JAMES C.WAXAGH. The subject of this review is the owner of a well-imi)roved and highly-cultivated farm of one hundred and si.xty acres pleas- 364 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. antly located on section 23. W'ethersfield township, within six miles of Kewanee. He ^vas born on an adjoining place, August 3>, 1844, and throughout life has been identi- fied with the interests of this county, and has done mucli to ad\-ance its welfare, es- pecially along agricultural lines. Patrick Cavanagh, the father of our subject, was a native of county West Meath, Ireland, where he was reared upon a farm, and when a young man came to the United States, locating first in Xew York, where he learned the stone mason's trade, which he followed for some years. There he mar- ried Bridget Hunt, also of Irish birth, and in 1840 they came to Illinois. After spending two years at Almira, Stark county, they removed to Henry county, Mr. Cavanagh having previously purchased a small tract of land in Wethersfield township. It was a piece of unbroken prairie, on which he erected a log cabin, in which the family lived for a few years while he fenced the land and placed it under cultivation. He added to his original purchase until he had three hundred and twenty acres in the home place, and also owned property elsewhere, becom- ing one of the substantial farmers of his communit}-. Here he died August 2"]. 1884, and his wife passed away August 17, 1886, both being laid to rest in St. Marx's cem- etery on the Cavanagh farm. They were the parents of six children, two sons and four daughters, all of whom reached years of maturity. On the home farm James Cavanagh grew to manhood, and was educated in the Saxon school. On the 20th of February, 1872, he led to the marriage altar ^liss Bridget Joyce, who was reared and educated in Kewanee, of which place her father, ^Matthew Joyce, was an early settler. For two years after his marriage he lived upon a part of the old homestead, and then lo- cated on the farm where he now resides. He has erected thereon a commodious and pleasant residence, good barns and other outbuildings, and now has one of the most desirable farms of its size in the community. As a farmer and stock raiser he has gained a well-merited success, and is to-day one of the well-to-do citizens of W'ethersfield township. Mr. and Mrs. Cavanagh are the parents of five children, namely : John P. and AlJjert M., both of whom now hold business posi- tions in Kewanee, although the latter was formerly a school teacher: and James M., Leroy D. and Lottie Ann. all at home. The family are communicants of the Catholic Church of Kewanee. and are people of the highest respectability. In early life Mr. Cavanagh supix)rted the Democratic party, but is now a Republican in politics, but at local elections votes for man and not for party. He is public spirited and progressive and gives his aid to all enterprises for the public good. \villia:\i OURS. -Among the honored residents and repre- sentative citizens of W'ethersfield township none are more deserving of mention in this volume than William Ours, who has been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising on section 29 for manv years. He was born near Clarksburg, \'irginia, on the 26th of April, 1822, and is one of a family of three children, whose parents were Jacob and Xancy (Kushlipp) Ours. Our subject remained in his native state until he attained his majority and then re- moved to Indiana, where he spent the fol- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 365 . Inwing eighteen years. Tlierejie was united in marriage December j. 1^49. with Miss Eliza (.icHulale. horn Oct.iher 15, iSjf), a ilaugiiter uf Jarents in Sweden, crossing the ocean on the steamer Algeria, in November. After three delightful months spent in his native land, he took passage on the steamer Bothnia for the return voyage. On the Xorth Sea the \essel encountered one of the worst storms known for years, and it retjuired six days' to cross that body of water, which is usually accomplished in twenty-four hours, from Copenhagen to Hull. OTIS W. HOIT. The subject of this rex'icw. who now owns and occupies a valuable farm of four I'.undred acres on section 24. Edfonl town- ship, has throughout life been actively iden- tified with the agricultural interests of Hen- 1"}' county, and is a worthy representative of one of its oldest and most highly respect- ed families. On the paternal side his great- grandfather, John Hoit, was a Revolution- ary soldier, ami just after his return from the war moved from his early home in Hop- kinton to Canaan, that state. Levi \\'. Hoit, the father of our sub- ^■1 |H ^^^^Bf "^^^^^^^^^H t^ t ^ ^■^^1 B ^^^^^^^^H ^1,^^^^ jg^^^^^^^^^^^^B OTIS W. HOIT. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 371 ject, was 1)orn in Canaan, Xoveniher 15, 1827, a son of Bartlett and Prudence (Wil- son) Hoit. Bartlett Hoit was a native of the same place and tliere spent the greater part of liis life. In 1854 he came to Illi- nois and located i>n the farm in lulford tcwnsiiip, Henry cnunty. whore 1 nn- suhject now resides, inakin,^' it his hdUic until his death, which occurred Xcxemhcr 3, !8()4. In his family were imly two children and one died in infanc}'. Reared in his native state, l,evi W. Hoit was educated at Canaan and Meritlen, New Hampshire, taking an academic course, and with liis father he learned the carpen- ter's and millwright's trades. .\l the age (if twenty-one he went to Louisiana with his father, working there fur two ur three years, lie came to this county with his parents in 1854, and assisted ir, hreaking and improxing the hume farm, consisting of twci hundred ;uul forty acres, on which not a furrow had been tiuMied or an im- pro\cment made when the family located therenn. Throughout life he successfull}' followed general farming and stock raising, and converted his place into one of the most liighly ciUtivated tracts and desirable farm.-, in the coimty. Jn 1881 he remo\ed to Geneseo and purchased a city home on the corner of West Main anil lienrv streets, but continueil to look after his farming anil stock raising interests. For some years he was a director of the First National Bank of that city. He was killed in a cyclone on the 1st of May, 1892, while returning home from the bank. Mr. Hoit was an exceeding- ly active man, was pre-eminently public- spirited and progressi\e, and took a deep interest in all that tended to the develop- ment and improvement of tlie conniiunity in which he lived. In his political \icws he was a Republican, and for many years served as supervisor n\ lulford townshi]), besides filling sexeral minor offices. In early life he was a Bajnist, bin later attend- ed the Congregational Church, and gave liberally to all denominations. He was a man of sterling worth and strict integrity, and wherever known was held in high re- gard. On the J2Ui\ of May. 185(1. at (ien- eseo. he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah 1'". Im-cucIi. a native of Coventry, Connecticut, and a daughter of Oliver B. and Jane K. ( h'rench ) h^rench. I ler father was also born in that state, where he con- tinued to make his home until i84('), when he removed to Branch county. Michigan, and was engaged in farming there uiUil com- ing to Henry county, Illinois, in 1853. For some years he followed the same occupa- tion in Geneseo township, but was living a retired life in the city of Geneseo at the time of his death, which occurred October _'5, 1890, when he was about seventy-nine \ears of age. His wife had passed away January 18, 1879, at the age of sixty-three. Of their four children two died in infancy, the others being Mrs. iloit and l^lla J., wife of Allen B. Cady, of (ieneseo. Otis W. Hoit, whose name introduces this sketch, is the only child of Levi W. and Sarah \'.. { ImcucIi ) Hoit. lie was born on the home farm in Ivlfonl tow nshii). May J4, 1857, and was educated in the common schools of Geneseo and the State I'niversi- ty at Champaign, where he pursueil the agricultural course and was graduateil in 1879. Returning to his home he has since successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising, making a specialty of polled .\ngus cattle — a Ijreed from southern Scot- land. At Champaign, Mr. Hoit was married, 372 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. in 1879, to !Miss [Maggie E. Stewart, a daughter of John P. Stewart, a retired far- mer of Champaign county. The only child born of this union died in infancj- unnamed, and Mrs. Hoit departed this life May 19, 1885, being laid to rest in Oakwood cem- etery, Geneseo. Our subject was again married, in Edford township, October 11, 1888, his second union being with Miss Henrietta P. ^l. Schroeder, a daughter of Henry and \\ilhelmina (^W'eigandJ Schroe- der. For many years her father has been one of the prominent farmers of Edford township. ;Mr. and [Mrs. Hoit ha\e one child, Maurice E., born June 2;^, 1893. Religiously [Mr. Hoit is a Congregation- alist, and i)olitically is an ardent supporter of the Republican party. He has held a nimiber of minor offices in his township, and for the past seven years has ser\-ed as supervisor, with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He takes an active interest in promoting the welfare of his county, aiding all enterprises tending to benefit the public, and enjoys in a high degree the confidence and esteem of his fellow men. PATRICK O'DAY. Among the old and honored residents of Geneseo we take pleasure in mentioning the name of Patrick ODay, who was for many years prominently identified with the busi- ness interests of this locality, but is now liv- ing a retired life. He was born eight miles from the city of Limerick, county Clare, Ireland, and is a son of Patrick and Biddie (O'Connor) ODay, who spent their entire lives in that countrv. He had six half brothers and sisters, John, Donald, Thomas, Bridget, Catherine and Xora, all of whon> came to America and died in this country. During his boyhood and j'outh our sub- ject had no educational advantages, but he has always made the best use of his oppor- tunities and is a well informed man. At the age of twentj-three he crossed the At- lantic on a sailing vessel named the "Breeze," which dropped anchor in the har- bor of Quebec, Canada, after seven weeks and three days upon the water. He spent two days in Montreal and then went tcr Waterloo, where he worked on the farm ot a Mr. Foster until fall when he returned to [Montreal. By boat he proceeded to St. John's, and then went to \'ermont, and on to Boston, where he met [Michael Crosby, who had driven into the city with a load of wood. He returned home with him and worked on his farm for a time. The fol- lowing spring he returned to his native land with a man taking a load of horses to Eng- land, and remained in Ireland four years. At the end of that time [Mr. O'Day again came to the new world, bringing with him his brother, Donald O'Day. On land- ing in Xew York they proceeded at once tc Fetlock Falls, and from there went to Goshen, Connecticut, where both found em- plo}'ment at farm labor. Our subject's duties were principally in connection with the manufacture of cheese. About 1855 he came to Henry count)', Illinois, and pur- chased eighty acres of land from John [Mc- Coy, for which he paid one thousand dol- lars, and upon which he lived for fifteen years. On disposing of this farm he bought seventeen acres of land now within the city limits of Geneseo, and there he has since made his home. Being a man of sound judgment, keen THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 37J discernment and g-ood Inisiness al)ility. Mr. O'Dav made considerable money during the Civil war by taking advantage of the rise in prices. He bought three thousand bushels of corn for six cents per bushel, and after- ward sold it for one dollar and ten cent.s per bushel, investing the proceeds in a farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Cam- bridge. Half of this he subsequently sold at a great profit. He put up two large ricks of hay when it was practically worth noth- ing, and before the close of the war he shipped the same to St. Louis, where he re- ceived fifty-five dollars per ton. He also got a good price for his straw, fifty dollars per ton. Hogs were then worth twelve dol- . lars per hundred, live weight, and he dis- iwsed of a herd of one hundred and fifty, for which he received twenty-six hundred dollars, selling the same to two men from Chicago, who were packing pork to ship to the West Indies. Mr. O'Day has been twice married. His first wife having died, he married, in February, 1871, Miss Isabella McXally, who was born in Port Lanone, county Derry, Ireland, a daughter of Hugh and Isabella (^ Carney; McXally, the former a native of county Antrim, the latter of county London- derry. Of their eight children only Mrs. O'Day and Catherine came to the United States, the latter being Mrs. Peter Heninan, of Dwight, Illinois. The others died in Ire- land. The Republican party has always found in Mr. O'Day a stanch supporter of its prin- ciples, and he cast his last presidential vote fur \\'iniam McKinley. Both he and his wife are devuut members of the Catholic Church, and are highly respected and es- teemed by all who know them. Although nearly ninety-five years of age, Mr. O'Day still possesses an excellent memory and is able to sing a number of old Irish Ijallads with a voice that denotes the fact that in his prime he must have been a splendid singer. His life is a living illustration of what ability, energy and force of character can accom- plish, and to such men the west owes its prosperity, its rapid progress and its ad- vancement. TOHX REDUS. After many years of active labor as an agriculturist this gentleman is now living a retired hfe in Geneseo. He was born in Holstein, Germany, on the 17th of Novem- ber, 1837, and was seventeen years of age when he came to the United States. His parents, John and Johanna (Luren) Redus, spent their entire lives in Germany, where the father followed the blacksmith's trade, and also conducted a country inn near Olden- burg. He died at the age of seventy-two vears, having survived the mother of our subject some years. John is the oldest of their three children. Henry entered the cavalry service of his native land, and al- though he took part in no war he died while on garrison duty in the city of Schleswig. when about twenty-three years of age. Eliza is now the wife of a Mr. "Wolff and has charge of the inn which her father con- ducted during his life time. She was Iwrn after our subject came to the United States- and he has never seen her. It was in 1854 that Mr. Redus crossed the ocean and took up his residence in Dav- enport, Iowa, where he worked for nearly a year. In April, 1855, he came to Geneseo. Illinois, and was employed in the city and surrounding countrv until the Civil war 374 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. lnoke out. Feeling- that his adopted country needed his services he enHsted in Septem- lier. 1861. for tiiree years, or during the war. as a member of Company E. Forty- third Tlhnois X'olunteer Infantry. He par- ticipateel in tlie Ixittles.of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson. Shiloh. Corinth and \'icksburg, and also many skirmislies. He was dis- charged from the Veteran Reserve Corps in tlie city of Wasliington, Septeml)er 23, 18(14. and returned to his liome in Geneseo. He resided there until the spring of 1867, when he rented a farm and turned his atten- tion to its operati the new world in search of home and for- tune, and at present we see his ambitious dreams realized, for he is in possession of a handsome property. For the success that he has achieved in life he deserves great credit for it is due to his untiring labors, perse- A-erance and good management. THOMAS T. HAXXOX. For many years Thomas T. Hannon was actively identified with the agricultural in- terests of this county, and having acquired a handsome competence he is now able to lay aside all business cares and spend the sunset of his life in ease and retirement from active labor at his pleasant home in Gene- seo. Like many of our best citizens, he comes from across tlie sea, his birth having occurred in county Kerry, Ireland, Decem- ber 24, 1823. His parents, Thomas and Hannah (Ouilter) Hannon, were also na- tives of the Emerald Isle. In the famih- v.ere four sons and four daughters, all of whom are now deceased with exception of our subject. His brothers and sisters who came to America were Mathew, who mar- ried IMary Callahan, and made his home iia CJeneseo, Illinois, and is now dead. Han- nah, wife of Thomas Callahan, of Terre IrTaute, Indiana; and Catherine, wife of Timothy Carroll, of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Mr. Hannon grew to manhood in his na- tive land, and in 1850 came to the United States on a sailing vessel, which was five weeks and three days in making the pas- sage from Cork to New York. He first located at Elizabethtown, Xew Jersey, where he worked on a farm for four weeks, and then went to Buffalo, X'ew York, where he remained a short time while in the em- ploy of the X'ew York & Erie Railroad Company. In the fall of 1850 he went to Strasburg, Ohio, near Cleveland, where he worked for the railroad three years, and subsequently made his home at Terre Haute, Indiana, for four years. Later Mr. Hannon conducted a store at St. Marys, Indiana, and while there he was married, July 2, 1853, to ]\Iiss Hannah Cro- nin, also a native of county Kerry, Ireland, who came to this country in 1850, sailing from Cork and landing at Boston. Her father, John Cronin, died in Ireland, but her mother, who bore the maiden name of Ella Scanlin, came to America and settled in In- diana. She was accompanied by her chil- dren, consisting of five sons and three daughters, all of whom are now deceased with the exception of Mrs. Hannon and John, who married }tlary McCarthy and lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Han- non are as follows: (i) Thomas F., born in Lacon, Illinois, December 19, 1856, mar- ried Anna Collins and resides in Rock Isl- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 377 and. They liave two daugliters, Regina and Blanche. (2) Mar}^ born in Peru, Illinois, September 26, 1858, lives with her ])arents. (3) Ellen, born September 27, i860, is the wife of John Hughe.s, of North English, ■ Iowa. (4) Kate, born October 27, 1S62, is the wife of Robert Summit, of Xorth Eng- lish, Iowa, and they have fnur children, Frank, Cirace, Thomas and .Mary. (5) Mathew, lx)rn October 23. 1864, married Catherine Boyle and resides on a farm in Geneseo township, this county. They have one child, Evaline. (6) Patrick, horn July 16, 1870, married Anna Weimer, and is en- gaged in farming in the same tiuvnship. They have one child, Adley. 1 7) William, born .\pril 23, 1872, married Delia Weimer and is a resident of Geneseo. They ha\e one child, Raymond. (8) Lucy, horn March i, 1874, is the wife of James Law- ery, a farmer of Geneseo township. (9) Edward, born December 24, 1875, married Susie Oil and is engaged in farming in Gen- eseo township. On coming to Illinois, Mr. Hannon spent two years in Peru, and then remo\ed to Bureau county, where he was engagetl in the grocery business for a time. Having saved some money he purchased forty acres of land in Geneseo township, Henry county, to which he subsequently added tracts of one hundred, twenty and eighty acres. This was either raw prairie or swamp land when it came into his possession, antl he kept a skiff, in which he rowed over parts of his farm shooting wild ducks. After tiling and draining his place, he put it under excellent cultivation, and iiad one of the best im- proved farms in the locality. He continued to actively engage in farming until 1896, when he sold the place to his sons and re- moved to Geneseo, where he bought a lot and built a good residence. Here he is now enjoying a well-earned rest. He is a man of affluence and has provided for each mem- ber of his family in a substantial manner. In his political views I\Ir. Hannon is a stanch Democrat, but has cared nothing for public office, having served only as school director. He and his family are de- vout Catholics. While he has not sought nor desired prominence in public life, he is a man the weight of whose counsels has been felt throughout his community, and he is pre-eminently public-spirited, taking an ac- ti\c interest in all that tends toward the ad- vancement of his town anil county. His faithful labors have won for him the ease and comfort which should always follow a well-spent and useful life. He is e.xceed- ingly generous and is ever ready to relieve the poor or distressed. PHILIP SIIAXER. The subject of this re\iew is one of the oldest and most honored citizens of Henry county, his home being on section zj, Weth- ersfield township. Years of quiet useful-, ness and a life in which the old fashioned \-irtues of sobriety, industry and integrity are exemplified have a simple beauty that no words can portray. Youth has its charms, but an honorable and honored old age, t(j which the lenghtening years luu-e added dignity and sweetness, has a brighter radiance, as if some ray from the life beyond already rested upon it. Mr. Shaner was born in L\-coming coun- ty, Pennsylvania, -Vpril 14, 18 14, and is a son of Jacob Shaner, a native of Germany, who came to America with his parents when a young man of nineteen years and settled in Pennsylvania, where he spent 378 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the remainder nt his life. He was married near Philadelpliia. and reared his family upon a farm. On leaving the old homestead at the age of seventeen vears. Philip Shaner went to Cattaraugus county, Xew York, where he worked upon a farm for a few years, anil while there he was married January i8. 1S35. the lad\' of his choice being Miss Me- Hnda Jackson, who was born near W'ilkea Barre, Luzerne county. Pennsyhania. Jan- uary 2. 1 81 8, a ilaughter of Cyrus and Zeraviah (Winters) Jackson, but was reared in Cattaraugus county, Xew York, whither her parents removed when she was ([uite young. For a year or so after his marriage Mr. Shaner engaged in farming upon rented land in that county, and in 1838 came west by team, the journey occupying about a month. He located in what is now Stark county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming for about eight years, and in 1846 came to Henry county and purchased eight)' acres of land in Wethersheld township, on which was erected a small frame house and stable. To the further improvement and culti\ation of his place he at once turned his attention, and in his pioneer home experienced all the hardships and privations of frontier life. Prosperity at length crowned his well-di- rected efTorts and he added to his original purchase until he now has three hundred and twenty acres of land in one body. He has erected thereon two sets of good build- ings, has planted shade and fruit trees, and to-day has a \ery valuable anil wel-im- proved farm. In his labors he has always been aided and encouraged by his estimable wife, and to their combined efiforts is due his success, for he started out in life for him- self without capital. Mr. and Mrs. Shaner have lived to- gether as man and wife for the long period of sixty-six years, being the oldest married couple in the county. They are the parents of ten children, all of whom reached adult age. namely : Mary became the wife of .\lex- ander Johnson and died, leaving five chil- dren: Sarah Jane married Draper Hitch- cock and died, leaving one son : John is mar- ried and lives in Nebraska; Charles is mar- ried and carries on a part of the home farm ; William is a resident of Kewanee; Eliza is the wife of John Peterson, of W'ethersfield township; Oliver is a farmer of the same township: Washington is also a farmer of this county : Electa is the wife of George Paterson. of Wyoming. Stark county. Illi- nois; and Albert is a farmer of Henry county. In 1840 Mr. Shaner voted for "Tippe- canoe and Tyler, too." and continued to sup- port the W big party until the organization of the Republican party, when he joined its ranks and has since been an earnest advocate of its principles. He and his wife are con- sistent and faithful members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church and receive and merit the liigh regard of the entire comnui- nity in which they live. Although both have passed the eightieth milestone on life's jour- ney, they are still hale and hearty, and now in the evening of life are surrounded l)y a large circle of friends and acquaintances who have for them unljounded respect. ISAAC THORP. The well-known farmer, residing on sec- tion 7, Kewanee township. Henry county, Illinois, is a native of Ohio, his birth having THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 379 occurred in Belpre townsliii), W'asliingtou county, February i6, 183^. His father, Moses Thorp, was born in Bedford, i'enn- syivania, in 181 7, and came west in 1848 by steamlioat to Peoria, his destination being Burns, IlHnois. By trade he was a cooper but devoted the greater part of his hfe to fanning, and on his arrival in tiiis county settled on a farm in Burns township. Tlie country at that time was nearly all wild prairie and wild game was very plentiful, prairie chickens even roosting upon trees near the house. They endured all the hard- ships and privations incident to pioneer life, and in the development of the county they bore an important part. The father died in 1880, and his wife passed away in 1870. She bore the maiden name of Sarah Clark, and was born in Ohio in 181 5. In the family of this worthy couple were eleven children, namely : ( i ) Hannah, now a resident of Altoona, Jllinuis, has been three times married, her first husband being Elias Thrasker, the second Thomas Weeks and the third a Mr. Foster. Her children are Jane, Mira, Julia, Emma, Evelyn, Ada, Rose and Elias. (J) Jonas, deceased, served through the Civil war as a member of the Si.xty-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infan^ try. He married first Sarah Wybrough, by whom she had three children, Emma, Will- iam, and Elsie, and for his second wife mar- ried Elliza Mort, now* a resident of Kewa- nee, by whom she had the following chil- dren, John, Edward, Cora, Sarah, Ger- trude, Charles, Lewis, Maggie and Maud. (3) Samuel, who was also a member of the Sixty-fifth Illinois regiment, and is now a resident of Burns township, this count)', married Jane Mooney, and has one child, Lillie. (4) Isaac, our subject, is next in or- der of birth. (5) Sarah Ann is the widow of Edwin Vincent and resides at Stromburg, Nebraska, with her family, consisting of five children, Albert, John, Frank. Hetlie and Lottie. (6) Tact lb a re>i(lent ni llurns township, this county, married Sarah Clark and they have two children, Eugene and Flora. (7) Mary died at the home of her father, in Burns township. (8) Arthur, deceased, married Loretta Folsoni, now a resident of (Colorado, and they had three children, Ernest, Ira and Asa. (9) Lydia married Joseph Mooney, and they died, leaving luur children, Sarah, Alice, Pearl and Alva, now residents of Munson town- ship. Henry county. (10) Frank, a resi- dent of Decatur county, Iowa, married Sarah \Vhitehouse and they have three chil- dren, William, Cynthia and Thomas. (11) Hettie is the wife of Robert Garland, of Decatur count}-, Iowa, and they have si.x children. Bertha, Elizabeth, Ethel, Pearl, Harrison and . Isaac Thorp was a lad of twelve years on the removal of the family to Henry- county, and amidst pioneer scenes he grew to manhood. He remembers when the town of \\'ethersfield had but one store, that o£ McClure & Penny, and the early settlers did most of their trading at Peoria, while most of the lumber was hauled by ox teams from Chicago, it requiring one week to make the trip. His father first rented a farm of Pat- rick Neville, in Burns township, on which a log house had been built, but later pur- chased forty acres of land at the govern- ment price of one dollar and a ijuartcr per acre, but so rapidly did land rise in value that the second year it was worth eight dol- lars per acre, and is today worth eighty dol- lars. Mr. Thorp entered the service of his country during the dark days of the Rebel- lion, and served for seven months in the 38o THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Illinois Infantry. In 1879 he purchased forty acres of land in Kewanee township, for which he paid fifteen hundred dollars, and to its improvement and cultivation he has since devoted his energies. As time has passed he has prospered in his labors, and has added to his landed possessions from time to time until he now has one hun- dred acres. He is a supporter of the Re- publican party, but has never cared for po- litical honors, preferring to give his entire attention to his business interests. On the 27th of February, 1861, in Burns township, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Thorp and Miss Eliza Adams, a daugh- ter of Charles and Mary Ann (Sims) Adams. The father, who was a native of Xew Jersey and a farmer by occupation, came to Kewanee with. his family in 185::. Of his twelve children, Rhoda, Jano. Maiy Ji.., John, Martin, Caroline, Samuel and Harriet, are all now deceased. John desert- ed the Rebel army and joined the Union iorces during the Civil war; Martin was a jnember of the Missouri Volunteer Cavalry; and Samuel of the One Hundred and Twen- ty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Those of the family now living are as follows : ( i ) James, a resident of Weiser, Idaho, mar- ried Ellen Clark, and they have six children, Elias, Charles, James, Madison, Ida and Xora. {2) Eliza, wife of our subject, is the next of the family. (3) Lucy is the wife of Alonzo Collins, of Geneseo, Illinois, and their children are Alfreta, Carrie, Lee, Wealthy, Annetta, Edith, Clyde, Addie. ;Mary, Kate, Harry, Grover and John. (4) Louisa married first William Kiser, of Ke wanee, by whom she had two children, Sam- uel and Clara, and for her second husband married John Wolf, by whom she had four children, Robert, Bertha. Xellie and Minnie. (5) Joseph, a resident of Bureau county. lilinois, was also a member of the One Hun dred and Twenty-fourth Illinois regiment cUiring the Civil war. He married Wait- still \\'ilsey (known as Dot), and they have six children, Roxey, William. Frank, Hat- tie, Agnes and Grover. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thorp have been born nine children : ( i ) ^lary, born June 24, 1862, is the wife of Oran De Witt, who lives near Arispee, Iowa, and they have two children, ^Myrle and Oma. Samuel, born January 11, 1864, is a carpenter of Kewa- nee. He married Lena Whetzig, and they have two children, Mabel and Lloyd. (3) John, born December 4, 1865, is represented on another page of this volume. (4) Stella, born April 6, 1868, has been three times married, her first husband being Grant \\'illiamson, the second Charles Kern, and the third Robert Wolf, a resident of Burns township. Her son Clifford resides with our subject. (5) Carrie, born June 14, 1871, is the wife of William Carter, of Lahonta, Colorado, and they have three children, Etha, Emmet and Helen. (6) Xellie. born July 13, 1874, is the wife of Charles Buftat, of Kewanee, and they have one child, Hazel. (7) Xorman, born July 9, 1877, married Emma Whetzig and lives in Kewanee. (8) Xora, born February 16, 1880, died May 10, 1880, and was buried in Burns township. (9) Jessie, born July 9, 1881, resides in Kewanee. JOHX THORP. John Thorp is one of the energetic and progressive farmers of Kewanee township, V. here he is now successfully engaged in the operation of one hundred and sixty acres of THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 381 land, wliich he has placed under a high state •of cultivation. His entire life lias heen spent in Henry county and he is indebted to its district schools for his educational privi- leges. He was lx)rn in Burns township, De- ceml)er 4, 1865, a son of Isaac and Eliza (Adams) Thorp, whose sketch rqipears elsewhere in this work. May II. 1890. Mr. Tiinri) was united in Jiiarriage with Miss Hattie Williamson, of Kewanee. Her father. Chester William son, was horn and reared in \ew ^"ork state and there married Miss Electa Jane Rogers. They came to Illinois at an early date and took up their residence in a log cabin on a farm in Bureau county. Mrs. Williamson is still a resident of that comity, but her hus- band died there in April. i89(;. Their fam- ily numbered ten children, namely: Lafay- ette, who died leaving a family living in Oregon; Seymour, a resident of Iowa, who married Melissa Hackett, and has four chil- dren, Gertrude, Roy, Blanch and an infant; Sarah, a resident of Iowa and widow of Samuel Keppler, by whom she four ciiil- dren, Josie, ^ilaud, Tillie and Cecil ; Par- don, deceased, who resided in Oregon, but was buried in Kewanee; Lousetta, wife of Frank Lewis, of Kickaixxi, Peori.i count}-. Illinois, by whom she has fi\e children. Mav, Ira, Elmer, Fred and Eddie: (iilbert, a resi- dent of Bureau county, Illinois, who mar ried Augusta Knight and has five children. Nellie, Myrtle, Knight, May and Ray; Grant, deceased, who married Stella Thorp, now a resident of Burns township, by whom he had one child, Clifford ; Chester, who died unmarried in Bureau county, in July. 1900; Hattie, wife of our subject, and Effie, who died unmarried in Bureau county in May, 1900. To Mr. and Mrs. Thorp were born four children, Blanch, Ruby. Roy and Xora, but Roy and Nora are now deceased. Mr. Thorp casts his ballot with the Republican party and has efficienth' served as school director in his district. Socially he is a member of the Modern W^oodmen of America, and is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of bis community. GEORGE W. FERGUSON. Success is determined 1)\- one's abilitv to recognize opportunity, and to pursue this with a resolute and unflagging energy. It results from continued labor, and the man who thus accomplishes his purpose usually becomes an important factor in the business circles of the community with which he is connected. Through such means Mr. I'erguson has attained a leading place among the substantial citizens of Western township, his home being on section 11. He was born near Quincy, Adams county, Illi- nois, June 18, 1847, :"id is the son of Rob- ert G. and Nancy (^WilsonJ Ferguson, the former a native of Ohio, born near Steuben- \ille, Jefferson county, the latter part of December, 18 15, and the latter at Chelsea, hve miles from Boston, Massachusetts, De- cember 13, 1825. When a young man Robert G. Ferguson left his native state and came to Illinois, becoming one of the pioneers of Adams county. He there married Nancy Wilson, ' daughter of Benjamin and ilary (Webster) Wilson, pioneers of Adams county, locating there in 1836, when their daughter was but eleven years of age. For some years after their marriage, Mr. Ferguson engaged in farming in Adams county, but in 1850 he made an overland trip to California, and 382 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. after working in the mines of that state for about ten months he returned to Illi- nois by way of the Isthmus of Panama and New Orleans. After his return he followed farming in Adams county until 1863, when he removed to Henry county and purchased a farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 1 1 , Western township, where our subject now resides. This place he improved and operated until called to his final rest, October 10, 1869, at the age of fifty-three 3'ears. His widow survives him and makes her home with our subject. He was a mem- ber of the Free Will Baptist Church. In politics he was first a Whig and later a Re- publican. As road commissioner he as- sisted in laying out the roads in an early day. In the public schools of Adams county, and in Prairie Academy, at Orion, George W. Ferguson was educated, and after the death of his father he took charge of the farm and business, and has since added to the original farm until he now has four hundred acres, which he has converted into one of the best improved places of the town- ship. He has erected a large and pleasant residence, two barns and other outbuildings, has set out fruit and shade trees, and has a most attractive country home. Besides his valuable property he owns another well- improved farm of two hundred and forty- seven acres on section 4, Western township. He has always given considerable attention to the raising and feeding of stock for mar- ket, and annually ships from six to eight carloads of cattle and hogs. As a farmer and stock raiser he has been eminently suc- cessful, but has not confined his attention alone to these industries. On the re-or- ganization of the Farmers Bank of Orion he became a stockholder and was elected president of what is now one of the most substantial financial institutions in the coun- ty and not a little of its success is due tO' his business ability and sound judgment, as he is one of the ablest financiers of his com- munity. He was one of the charter mem- bers of the Osco, \\'estern and Rural I\Iutual Insurance Company, and at its or- ganization was elected one of its directors and treasurer of the same. He has not missed a meeting of the board since its organization, and it is not too much to say- that much of its success is due to him. In 1897 he was one of the promoters of the Western Telephone Company, which has- an instrument in nearly every home in Western township. In Osco township, Henry county. Mr. Ferguson was married, January 20. 187J, to Miss Inez E. Hitchcock, a native of Fulton county, Illinois, and a daughter of Walker L. Hitchcock, who came to this state at an early day and finally located in Henry county. By this union were born six children as follows : Grace, wife of 'SI. I-. Love, a farmer living near Orion ; Roy T., who assists in the operation of one of his father's farms; Helen M.. now a student at Knox College, Galesburg; Harry, who is attending the high school in that city ; and PTarriet and Alice, both at home. Politically Mr. Ferguson has been iden- tified with the Republican party since cast- ing his first presidential vote for General U. S. Grant, and has ever taken an active interest in political affairs, though he has never sought office. For some years, however, he efificiently served on the school board, and has always been a friend of education. With the Methodist Episcopal Church of Orion he and his wife hold mem- bership, and in social circles of tiie com- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 383 munity tliey occupy an enviable position. His strict integrity and honoral)le dealing in business commend bim to tbe confidence of all; his pleasant manner wins him friends and he is one of the popular and lionored citizens of the section of the •county. P. H. NEVILLE. The subject of this sketch is one of the most prosperous farmers and stock raisers of Burns township, as well as one of its most popular and influential citizens. He was Ijorn near his present home, Xovem- l)er II. 1848, his j)arents being Patrick and Jane (Pounds) Xeville. the former a na- tive of Ireland, tbe latter of Pennsyl\-ania. In 1833, when about twenty-two years of age, the father emigrated to the new world and spent some time in Baltimore, Mary- land, and from that state removed to Illinois prior to 1835. In early life be was vari- ously employed, hut afterwards be turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He jnirchased one iiundred and sixty acres of government land on the southwest quarter of section 24, Burns township, Henry coun- ty, and to its cultivation and improvement ■devoted the remainder of his life. He owned one hundred and seventy acres of land at the time of his death, which occurred in April, 1849. He was one of tlie earliest settlers of this county, and was a man hon- ored and esteemed by all who knew him. His wife long survived bim and died at tbe home of our subject. February 14, 1897. Their children were T. P., a resident of Stewart Iowa; J. L., of Republic county, Kansas; P. H.. of this review; and W. A., of Kewanee. Illinois. Our subject attended the public schools if this county and grew to manhood uix)n the home farm. On reaching maturity he took charge of the family affairs and cared for his mother until her death. Through- out his active business life be has followed farming and stock raising extensively, and now feeds about one hundred and fifty head of cattle and alxnit five hundred hogs per year. He ships his own stock to the city markets. In business affairs he is energetic and progressive, and has met with most excellent success. He is now the owner of seven hundred and ten acres of valuable farming land, whicb is under a high state of cultivation and improved with good buildings. He has been one of the directors and stockholders of tbe Ke- wanee National Bank since its organiza- tion. On the 31st of August, 1886, Mr. Ne- ville was united in marriage with Miss Frances Ann Tossell, a native of Devon- shire, England, and a daughter of Thomas and Grace (Berry) Tossell. Her father is still a resident of that country, but her mother is now deceased. Of the four chil- dren lx)rn to Mr. and Mrs. Neville, the eld- est, George Henry, is deceased. Those living are Nora Edna, born November 26, 1889; Florence E., May 16, 1891; and Olive Myrtle, March 8, 1896. Fraternally Mr. Neville is a member of tbe Knights of Pythias, and politically is a stanch supporter of the Republican party. For over twenty years he has served as school director in his district ; filled tiie of- fice of assessor two years; and is at present supervisor of his township, to which re- sponsible position he was elected in 1899. He is connected with the Kewanee District Agricultural Fair .'\ssociation. and takes 384 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. considerable interest in the agricultural ex- liibits of the county. He was one of the organizers of the fair and has for the past two years been director and has every year had some official position. He is puljlic- spirited and progressive, and gives a cheer- ful support to all enterprises calculated to advance the interests of his community along any line. DAVID M. MARTIN. Throughout iiis business career this gentleman has been identified with the ag- ricultural interests of Henry Cdunty, and is now successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising on section 5, Ke- wanee township. He was born in Phila- delphia, Pennsylvania, on the i8th of Feb- ruary, 1862, and was only a few weeks old when brought to this country by his par- ents, Joseph and Mary Ann Martin, natives of Ireland, mIio emigrated to America in 1856, landing in Philadelphia. On the Emerald Isle the father had followed carpet weaving and continued to carry on that business during his residence in Phila- delphia, but in this county he engaged in farming. Plis death occurred in Cornwall township on the 7th of July, 1892, but his wife is still living and continues to reside there. They were the parents of nine chil- dren, namely: (i) Robert died in Annawan township, in January, 1869. (2) Eliza is the wife of A. S. Cosner, a farmer of Corn- wall township, and they have one child, Sarah, now the wife of Mart Farnum. (3) John, a resident of Burns township, married Luella Potter and they have two children, Marion and Elsie. (4) Joseph, who is engaged in the stock business in Ke- wanee, married Hulda Dunmyer, and they had two children. Clair and Carl, deceased. (5) David M., our subject, is next in order of birth. (6) Samuel, a farmer and stock raiser of Annawan township, married Alice Wright, and they have five children, Leah, Wilbur, Ehncr and Roy. and an infant son. (7) George, who is engaged in the cream- ery business in this county, married Ella Girkin. and they have two children, Arthur and Earl. (8) Mary Jane died in Burns township in 1862. The father of t)ur subject was one of a. family of seven children, tiie others being as follows: (2) John was married in Ireland to Elizabeth McKrell and on coming to this country settled on a farm in Burns township, Henry county, Illinois. He died in October. 1899. lea\ing five children, Hugh, Robert, John. William J. and Sarah J. (3) Hugh, a retired farmer of Kewanee, married Jane Graham and has five children,. Henry, Anna, Robert, Da\id and Mary. (4) Robert, a retired farmer of Cliarles City, Fhiyd county, Iowa, married Belle Anderson, and they have eight children, George, Anna, Hugh, Albert, Jennie, David, William and Samuel. (5) Samuel, a farmer, who died in 1898, married Kate- Walker, now a resident of Eldora, Iowa, and they had five children, Wallace, Harry, William, Charles and Effie. (6) William, unmarried, was a soldier of the Civil war and died in the ser\-ice at Cairo, Illinois. (7) Mary Ann wedded Hugh Hawthorn, of Wethersfield, and died in Galesburg, Illi- nois, in 1877, leaving six children. Eliza- beth, Robert, Martin FI., David, Anna and James. Mr. ?^Iartin, wlmse name introduces this review, was reared upon a farm and ac- quired his early education in the district THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 385 scliools, l)ut in 1876 went to Iowa, wliere lie completed his studies, returning home in 1882. He then commenced farming in Iiurns township, hut a year later removed to Ciirnwall township. He suhsequently spent another year in Burns township, and at the end of that time returned to Corn- wall township, where he made his home for thirteen years. Since then he has been a resident of Kewanee township. In 1894 he purchased a good farm of one hundred and si.xty acres in Cornwall township, which lit still owns. In connection with general farming he is still engaged in raising stock for market, and as he thoroughly imder- stands his chosen calling he is meeting witli marked success in his undertakings. On the 23d of February, 1888, in Burns township. Mr. Martin married Miss Sarah C. Anderson. Her father, David Anderson, was born in Ireland, in 1818, and came to America with his parents, locating on a farm in Ohio. There he married Sarah Hen- derson, and shortly afterward remo\-ed to Wisconsin, but after a year spent in that state he came to Henry county, Illinois, and made his home on a farm in Burns town- ship throughout the remainder of his life, dying there May 18, 1895. His widow is still residing ujjon that place. In their fam- ily were seven children, namely : ( 1 ) ^laggie is the wife of Samuel Warner, of Burns township, and they have four children, Burt, Lartie, Margaret and Lowell. (2) George, a farmer of Burns township, married Esther Corkrell, of Kewanee, and they have two children, David and Lolla. ( t,) Mamie died in 1867. (4) Sarah C.. wife of our subject, is next in order of l)irth. (5) Ollie Belle is the wife of Ernest Couve, a farmer of Burns township. ( 6 ) Mary is the wife of \\'illiam Rol)Son. a farmer and stuck raiser of Burns township, and they have one child, Wilbur. (7) Albert lives on the home farm with his mother. Since casting his first presidential vote for Grover Cleveland, Mr. Martin has affil- iated with the Democratic party, but has never sought nt)r desired public office, though as a pul)lic-spirited and progressive citizen he takes a deep and commendable interest in public affairs and gives his sup- port to all enterprises for the good of the community. Airs. Martin is a member of the Presbyterian Church. DANIEL SELXER. Among the practical and progressive ag- riculturists of Edford township is this gen- tleman, who resides on section 36. He was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, on the 2ist of May, 1842, and is a son of John and ^Margaret (Yothers) Seiner, both of whom were Dunkards. The father, who was a native of Germany, came to the L'nited States at an early date and settled in Bucks county, Pennsyhania, where he engaged in farming throughout the remainder of his life. He died in 1856, at the age of fifty- tv,'o years, honored and respected by all who knew him. J lis wife, who was born in Pennsylvania, of German parentage, sur- \-i\ed him ior some years, dying in Bucks county in 1882, at the ripe old age of enty-eiglit. This worthy couple were the jjarents of seven children, namely: Alary Ann, deceased wife of Richard Corson, a carpenter of Bucks county; Elizabeth, wife of Isaac Wolfe, a farmer of the same coun- ty : Hiram, a farmer of Bucks county, who died at the age of about fifty years; Bar- 386 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. iwra, wife of James Flack, a carpenter and contractor of Bucks county; Wilhelmina, wife of Henderson Van Pelt, a farmer of Maryland; Daniel, our subject; and 'Cath- erine, widow of Alfred Boileau, a merchant of Southampton, Pennsylvania. During his boyhood and youth Daniel Seiner attended the public schools of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and remained at the place of his birth until 1865. In the mean- time the Civil war broke out, and he enlisted in July, 1864, in Company D, Thirty-first Pennsylvania Volunteer State ^lilitia, and was honorabh- discharged at Philadelphia, in July of that year. Returning home, he remained on the farm until the following spring, and then came west, locating in Geneseo township, Henry county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming upon rented land for eleven years. His first purchase consisted of eighty acres of land on section 31, that township, where he made his home for nine years, and then operated a rented farm of eighty acres for the same length of time. In 1894 he bought eighty acres of land on section 36, Edford township, and to its development and cultivation has since devoted his energies with marked success. He has made all the improvements oi: the place, and its neat and thrifty appearance plainly indicates his careful supervision. At Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Mr. Seiner was married September 19, 1864, the lady of his choice being Miss Annie ^I. Brown, also a native of the Keystone state, and a daughter of George and Maria (Closson) Brown. The father, who was a retired farmer, died in Bucks county, Pennsylvania. To ^Ir. and Mrs. Seiner were born three children, namely: Jennie, born in Osco township, this county, is now the wife of Frank L. Butler, who is engaged in the creamery and poultry business in Geneseo. Kate married William Frank, of Geneseo, a son of Jacob Frank, and is now a farmer of Alabama, and she died leaving one child, Leonard Ray, who resides with our subject. Arthur Bertram, born in Geneseo township, is now twenty-four years of age and assists his father in the operation of the home farm. JAMES S. HADSALL. Burns township has no more honored or highly esteemed citizen than James S. Hadsall, whose home is on section 34. He was born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, September 26, 1822. His ancestry were of English descent and among the very earliest settlers of the Wyoming valley, owning a large tract of land at the mouth of Sutton's creek, four miles up the Susc|ue- hanna river from the head of the \\'yoming valley. There his great-grandfather, to- gether with his negro servant, was killed by the Indians while hoeing corn, in 177.6, the da\' before the Wyoming massacre. His brothers, Stephen and John Hadsall, were serving in the Colonial army and were then located at Wyoming, where they were cap- tured by the Indians, but their lives were saved by reprie\'e. To Stephen was al- l()tted the task of carrying a keg of paint to Connecticut, it being used to paint the reprieved prisoners every morning. Edward Hadsall, the grandfather of our subject, removed from Connecticut to the \\'yoming valley prior to the massacre, but fortunately was away when that terrible crime was committed, having gone to Xew England for some cattle. Subsequently he returned and made his home on the original J. S. HADSALL. UNIVERSlit OF ILLiNOiS URBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 389 Hadsall farm at the iiioutli nf Suttmi's creek until 1803, when he sold his jJrDperty there an and died in 1885. His death occurred the same year. All of their fourteen children w ere born in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. The tW'O eldest died in infancy. Edward, born January 26, 1813, married Jane Dia- mond, of Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, and in 1856 removed to Michigan, where he now resides. In the county of his nativity James S. Hadsall grew to manhood, and after com- pleting bis education in the local schools he learned the carpenter's trade, which he fol- lowed until i8y6. In 1852 he first canie to Henry county, Illinois, and entered the Miuthwest quarter of section 34, Burns township, but spent the following four years in Pennsylvania, locating permanently here in 1856. In connection with farming he has engaged in contracting and building, and has also operated a coal bank located on the southern part of his farm. He first dis- covered coal and opened up his first bank in 1857, since which time he has worked the mines, and at times has employed as many as twenty men. He has done a large amount of building in liurns and adjoining town- ships, as well as in .\el)raska and L.nva, and has built many bridges in this and other It.icalities. This w as bis principal occupation during the summer months, during which time he emjjloyed from four to eight men. He has thoroughly improved the home farm, and also owned a farm in Saunders county, Xebraska, that he later gave to his daughter. Mr. Hadsall was married January 13, 1848, in New Trov, now Wyoming, Penn- sylvania, to Miss Malinda Brace, wdiose parents, William rmd Anna (Munson) Brace, were natives of New York state. l-"ive children were born to this imion : ]Me- dora, who died in infancy; Anna E., wife of Edgar Kimerling, of Xebraska; Henry, who was born September 2t„ 1855, and was killed by falling from a Iniilding December 3, 1882; one who died in infancy; and Smith, a farmer of Burns township, wdio was born September 12, i860, and married Julia Zeigler, of Kewanee. During the Civil war ^Ir. Hadsall en- listed in the spring of 1864, in the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Illinois Volun- teer Infantry, being mustered into the United States service at Chicago. He was honorably discharged in the fall of the same year and is now a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He is also connected with the ^Masonic fraternity. • He cast his first presidential vote for Henry Clay and supported the \\'big party until the organiza- tion of the Republican party, with which he has since been identified. Since coming 39° THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. to Henry ccmiity he l.as taken an active and prominent part in public affairs, and has been honored with several local offices, hav- ing served as school trustee and director and commissioner of highways. In i860 he was first elected justice of the peace, which position he creditably filled for six- teen years and then declined to longer serve. He was appointed postmaster of Hawley, June 16, 1879. and filled the office for the long period of twenty-two 3'ears to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. . AUGUST WALTERS. Residing on section 2, Burns township, is one of the representative German- Ameri- can citizens of Henry count}-. He was born in Prussia, Germany, on the 2d of October, 1824, his parents being Martin and Hannah (\\'ithaus) Walters, also natives of Prussia, where they spent their entire li\es. In their family were five children. Our subject had one brother who came to America but after- ward returned to the fatherland, and a sister who became a resident of Michigan, where her death occurred. During his boyhood Air. \\'alters at- tended the public schools of his native land, and continued to live in the land of his birth until after reaching man's estate. There he was married March 31, 1850, to Miss Au- gusta \\'olgost. who was also born in Prus- sia, July 16, 1825. In 1857 *^'^^3' came to the United States, taking passage at Bremen on the Augusta, which after a pleasant voyage of six weeks dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. By way of Chicago Mr. \\'al- ters came direct to Kewanee, Illinois, where he was employed at general labor for a time. In 1861 he made his first purchase of land, but the tract was unbroken and covered with brush; four year later he added to it forty acres of timber land. He cleared and placed under cultivation the entire tract witlj exception of five acres, and in 1869 traded it for eightv acres of improved land on sec- tion 3, Burns township, to which he subse- quently added another eight}' acres on sec- tion 2. He still owns the latter tract and to its cultivation and further improvement is now devoting his time and attention. He is also engaged in stock raising. ]\Ir. and ]\Irs. Walters became the par- ents of six children : August F., born in Germany, Feliruary 20, 1851, married Hel- ena Spengel and is engaged in farming; two others, both of whom were born in Ger- many, died in infancy; Amelia, born in Ke- wanee, Illinois, November 18. 1858, is the wife of W. F. Berg, a native of Germany, and a farmer of Burns township, living with our subject; they have three children. Carl, Hulda and ^^'illian■l; Carl, born Oc- tober 2, i860, died from the eff'ects of a sunstroke and was buried in Cosner ceme- tery ; and Lizzie died in Kewanee and was buried at \\'ethersfield. Politically Mr. ^^'alters is identified with the Republican party, and for two years he capably filled the cfiice of pathmaster in his township. Religiously he and his wife are Ijoth members of the Gerinan Lutheran Church, and are highly respected and es- teemed 1.1V all who knrn November 7. 1870, and died ^lay 15. 1871. ELIJAH STOREY. The stock raising interests of Henr\' county find in Mr. Storey a worthy repre- sentative. He has owned some of the most noted animals in this section of the state, and in his chosen line of occupation has been eminently successful. He was born in Ke- wanee on the 29th of October, 1851, and belongs to one of the honored pioneer fam- ilies of the county. His father, janus Sto- rey, was born in Oneida county. New York. jMarch 18, 1828, and attended the common schools of that locality. At the age of twelve years he removed to Canada with his par- ents, Elijah and Louise (^Vheeler) Storey, also natives of Oneida county, New York. While in Canada the father of our subject worked for a man who was in the emplo}- of the English government as Indian agent and trader, and remained with him until se\en- teen years of age. Two years later he came with his parents to Illinois, reaching Ke- v.-anee on the 23d of July. 1S47. Here his father died in 1850, and his mother passed away soon afterwards. Her parents were natives of Dutchess county. New York, and spent their lives in that state. The paternal greatgrandparents of our subject were also born in this country. On coming to Henry county, Jarius Storey entered forty acres of land on sec- tion 4, Kewanee township, and later entered two other forty-acre tracts. At that time there was not a single building on the present site of Kewanee, it being covered with tall prairie grass. A few Indians were still en- camped here, and deer and other wild game was plentiful. About four times a year i[r. Storey would go either to Peru or La Salle, on the Illinois river, to obtain provisions, these being the nearest market places at that time. In those early days he cut all his grain with a cradle and threshed it with a flail. Throughout life he has successfully engaged in farming and is still living on the land which he entered from the government. He was married in Kewanee, in 1850, to ^Miss Nancy Dingman, who was born in Canada, and came to this county with her parents in 1849. They were also natives of that coun- try and had eleven children, of whom Mrs. Storey was seventh in order of birth. The others were as follows : ( i ) Mary, wedded James Bradford, a blacksmith of Annawan, who during the Civil war enlisted in the One Hundred and T went}'- fourth Illinois Regiment, but was confined in the hospital at Indianapolis during the most of his ser- vice. He and his wife died, leaving three children, Lucy, Lovina and Josephus. (2) David, a farmer by occupation, married Mary Showers, of Kewanee, and moved to Kansas, where both died, leaving a family. (3) William married a Miss Hodge, and they died, leaving four children who arc residents of Dayton, Iowa. (4) Joseph married Jane Rockey and lived in Kewanee when the Civil war broke out. In 1864 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty- fourth Illinois Infantry, and was wounded during Morgan's raid. After the war he removed to Kansas, where he followed farming until his death. He left three chil- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 393 dren. (.5) Jennette married George Min- ord and they died, leaving- nine children, who reside in Iowa. (6) Margaret wedded George Mesker, and at their deaths they left four children, IMerritt, Hattie, Elizabeth and George, residents of Kewanee. (7) Nancy was the mother of our subject. (8) Eliza married James McXeal and they died, leaving two children, \\'illiam and John, of Alba township. (9) James and his wife died in Iowa leaving no family. (10) Law- rence was married in Abingdon, lllino'S, and at his death left a family. He was a contractor and was killed in the erection of a building, (ii) Frank enlisted in 1861 in Company I, Twenty-seventh Illinois In- fantry, was wounded in the battles of Look- out Mountain and Chattanooga, and was mustered out in 1865. He first married Hat- tie Aikens and, second, Ella Kelsey, and with liis family now resides in Iowa. !Mrs. Xancy Storey, who was a consistent member of the Baptist Church, died December 30, 1865, and was buried on the ist of January, 1866. Elijah, our subject, was the oldest of her seven children. David L., born in 1853, died at the age of eleven years; Josephus died at the age of four months; and three died in infancy. Jane, born in 1861, is the wife of Geoge Ditto, of Keithsburg, Iowa, and they have tiiree children living, Dora, Jarius and Laura Pearl, and one deceased, Ray. The father was again married April 25, 1867, his second union being with Eliz- abeth Swyhart, whose parents were na- tives of Ohio. By this union two children were born, but the older died at the age of two months. Tessa, born October 4, 1872, is with her parents. Since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, he has been identified with the Republican party, and has served as overseer of high- ways and school director for a number of years, but has never sought office. He is one of the honored and highly respected citizens of his conniuniity. Since attaining man's estate Elijah Storey, of this review, has engaged in farm- ing and stock raising and now successfully operates eighty-five acres of land, but he gives especial attention to the other branch of his business and is to-day one of the mosr extensive stock raisers of Illinois. The first colt he raised won first premium at Cam- bridge in 1876 and afterward won pre- miums wherever shown for the four years. He owned the French draft horse, Sultan, who was also shown at four county fairs and won first and sweepstakes at each exhi- bition, and won first prize for two succes- sive years at the Illinois state fair. He was then sold to a party in Iowa. His next horse, Arimus, a Percheron, won twenty- four first prizes in Henr}- county, and also won prizes at the state fairs. He now owns a French coach stallion, L'rbin, which won first premium and a gold medal in his class at the World's fair in 1893. ^Ir. Storey owned the celebrated horse, \'oltaire, also a prize winner, being considered the best horse in his class in the state. He is now engaged in breeding Percheron, Clydesdale and French coach horses, and also registered cattle and hogs. He thoroughly under- stands his business, and the success that has crowned his well-directed efforts is cer- tainly justly merited. On the 27th of February. 1872, Mr. Storey was united in marriage with Miss Lavina ^IcClennan, who was born in Ken- dall county, Illinois, September 2^, 1852. a daughter of David and Resinda I, Call j Mc- Clennan. Her father was born in Xiagara county, Xew York, September 5. 1820. antl 394 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ■came to Henry county, Illinois, in 1855. lo- cating first in Annawan, and later removing to Alba township. He died December 9, 1898. His wife, who was born in Canada, November _'_>, 1820. died December 29. i860. They were married August 29. 1844. and became the parents of four children, namely : George, the eldest, died in infancy. John married Retta Blake and lived for a time in Alba to\vnshi|j. and then removed to Iowa, where she dietl. Of their four children, two are now deceased. For his second wife he married ]\Irs. Sabina Ben- son, and they now live in Ruthven, Palo Alto county, Iowa. Lavina is the wife of our subject. Ella married George Andrews. ^vho died November 9, 1899, and she has since married Chris Jorgensen, of Pipestone, Minnesota. To Mr. and Mrs. Storey were born five children, namely: Nellie, born September 19, 1874, died October 5, 1875; Jarius L., born July 12, 1876, Clarence L., born October 7, 1882, are all at home, with exception of Ida, who stays with her grand- parents much of the time, being a great fa- vorite with them. Politically ]Mr. Storey is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, .and religiously is an active and prominent m-ember of the United Brethren Church, and is now serving as trustee and steward of the parsonage and church. JONAS WESTERLUND. A brilliant example of a self-made American citizen and a grand exemplifica- tion of the progress that an ambitious for- eigner can make in this country of unbound- ed opportunities, is shown in the case of Jonas Westerlund. who is now living a re- tired life in Orion. Success in any walk of life is an indication of earnest endeavor and persevering effort — characteristics that he possesses in an eminent degree. Mr. Westerlund was born in Hasela, North Hilsingland, Gafleburgsland, Swe- den, March 31, 1830, and is a son of Eric Abraham and Elizabeth (Johnson) Wester- lund. botli of whom were natives of Swe- den, the father horn in 1801. In 1850, the family sailed for the new world, and after spending a year or two in Andover, the father purchased eighty acres of land in Lynn township, which he improved and where he spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1867. He was one of the early members of the Swedish Lutheran Churcli in Andover, uniting with it on his arri\al in the county. Our subject grew to manhood on a farm in liis native land, and there attended school but his educational advantages were very limited, and his knowledge of English has been acquired through his own unaided ef- forts since coming to this country. In 1850. with the other members of his father's fam- ily, he took passage on the Oden, a sailing vessel, which was eleven weeks and three days in crossing the ocean. The}- exper- ienced some very severe storms, during which the masts, railings and nearly every- thing on deck was washed overboard. The captain, who was an old sailor, said that he had never seen as rough a sea or as bad a storm, and Mr. Westerlund says that he would not have returned to his native land ii\ such a storm for all Sweden. His mother and one sister died during the voyage and were buried at sea. On reaching New York the remainder of the family proceeded at once to Illinois bv wav of the Hudson river THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 395 to Albany; hy railroail to Buffalo; by the Great Lakes to Chicago; by canal to Peru, Illinois; and by team to Andover. Our subject, however, walked from Peru to his new home in this county, arriving here the middle of November, 1850. On the way his father's brother, Andrew W'esterlund. was killed while crossing the bridge at Princeton. Illinois. For a year Jonas Wcsterlund worked as a farm hand in this county, and in the fall of 185 1, went to Minensota, where he was employed in the pineries, sawmills and on the river for five years, during which period he visited the family in Henry county thre>.' or four time. He ran numerous rafts of logs and lumber down the river to St. Louis during which time he would call at home. In 1854 he made his first purchase of land, consisting of eighty acres of wild prairie on section 2, Lynn township, which he hired broken and which he leased until his return to the county in 1856, when he took up his residence thereon and turned his attention to farming. Prospering in this undertak- ing he was able to add to his property fmm time to time until he now owns four hun- dred and forty acres of ricli and arable land. upon which he has erected a large frame house, good barns and other outbuildings. set out one of the early orchards, and ma(L* many other improvements which add great- ly to the value and attractive appearance of the place. Since 1895, however, he has rented his farm and has lived a retired life in Orion, where he owns a good residence and where, surrounded b'- all the comforts of life, he is enjoying a well-earned rest. While in Minnesota, Mir. Westerlund was married, in 1856, to Miss Ellen Nelson, who was born in Skona, Snoarp Brobyso- ken, Gynehard, Christiansladt, Sweden. December 23, 1835, and daughter of Nels Olsen and his wife, Manuel E. Peterson, who died in Sweden. With two brothers she came to Minnesota in 1853, locating in Stillwater, which was her home until her marriage. By this union were born five children, who are still li\ing: Lizzie, wife of John W. Anderson, of Dayton, Iowa; Neils Hennings, a farmer ; John Edwartl, a farmer of Lynn township; Joseph E., a practicing physician of Cambridge; and Luther, who operates his father's farm. Two sons died; Charles died shortly after his marriage; and Nathan died at the age of twenty years. When the family first located in Henry county, labor was cheap, and a man could earn but twenty-five to fifty cents a day, and that usually had to be taken in "store pay," the party receiving an order on a store for the amount. On one occasion, the family needing some groceries, Mr. Wes- terlund started for Rock Island, the near- est trading point, with twenty bushels of com on the ear, which he sold for nine cents a bushel. He had to pay twenty cents toll across Rock river, and a storm coming up he had to remain all night in Rock Island. When he i)aid for his meals and lodgings he liad but twenty-five cents left, and that he spent for tobacco. Returning home, he again loaded his wagon with corn, and this time met with better success, as he sold it promptly and was enabled to return home the same night with the much needed groceries. Politically Mr. Westerlund was origi- nally a Whig and cast his first presidential vote for Millard Fillmore in 1856, in Min- nesota, but four years later he supported .Abraham Lincoln for the presidency, and has since been a stanch Republican, but 396 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. never an office seeker. However, he has taken an active interest in educational af- fairs and was a member of the school board for several years, during- which time he did much to secure better schools and compe- tent teachers. He has also served as com- missioner of highways, and in the discharge of his public duties has displayed the same fidelity that has ever marked his private life. He and his wife are active and earnest members of the Evangelical Swedish Lu- theran Church, ha\ing been reared in that faith, and are among the most highly re- spected and esteemed citizens of their com- munity. His remarkable success in life, is due to his own energy and capable man- agement, and his career has ever been such as to win for him the confidence and high regard of those witli whom he has been brought in contact. JULIUS CHARLET. This prominent and influential agricul- turist residing on section lo, Burns town- ship, Henry county, Illinois, was born on the 25th of July, 1839, in Klein Ziethen, a small \illage of Germany, not far from Ber- lin, and is a son of Abraham and Dorothy Charlet, also natives of that country, where the father died in 1848. In 1856 the mother came to America, bringing the family with her. She had six children, fom- sons and two daughters, namely : John, now de- ceased; August, who is represented on an- other page of this \olume; Dorothy, de- ceased; Julius, our subject; William, de- ceased; and Louisa, widow of Oscar Fischer and a resident of Burns township, whose sketch also appears in this work. Julius Charlet was sixteen years of age when he came with the family to this coun- try and became a resilient of Henry county, Illinois, where he was employed at general labor until after the Civil war broke out. Feeling that his adopted country needed his services he enlisted at Kewanee in 1862, in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty- fourth Illinois Vohuiteer Infantry, under Captain M. B. Potter. The regiment was organized at Springfield, Illinois, and saw considerable active service. Mr. Charlet participated in the battles of Port Gib- son, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hills, Brownsville, Chunkey Station, Benton, Jackson Cross Roads and the siege of Span- ish Fort. He was wounded at the battle of Vicksburg, and after three years of faithful service on southern battlefields he was hon- orably discharged and returned to Kewanee. In 1866 Mr. Charlet married Miss Au- gusta Couve, a native of Prussia, Germany, and a daughter of David and Mary (Ouart ) Couve, who were also born in that country and came to the United States in 1855, lo- cating in Wethersfield, this county. She' was one of a family of five children. Of the eight children born to ^Mr. and Mrs. Char- let, five are still living, namely: William; Edward, who married Louisa Lehman; Lena, wife of Gustaft' Gutchlag; Bernard; and Leonora. After his marriage ^Ir. Charlet was en- gaged in farming near Kewanee until 1871, and then purchased eighty acres of his present farm on section 10, Burns township, the boundaries of which he has since ex- tended until they now enclose one hundred and thirty-five acres of well improved land. Flaving mastered the carpenter's trade he has done considerable work along that line in connection with farmiup-. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 397 Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Charlet arc members of the Christian Science Church ; socially he is an honored member of Kewa- nee Post G. A. R. His political support is given the men and measures of the Republi- can part}-, and he has taken (|uite an active and prominent part in local politics. For four years he acceptably served as supervisor of his township, and has filled the office of school director for fifteen years in a capable and satisfactorv manner. WILLIS F. EVANS. Among" Henr}- county's native sons none have been more prominently identified with her agricultural interests than Willis V. E\ans, who was born I\Iay jo, 18O5, on the old homestead on section jo, Pheni.K town- ship, where he now resides, liis parents be- ing Thomas and Christnia (liorshmanji Evans. His father was also a native of this county, his birth having occurred in Phenix township on the 14th of October, iS4_'. During his minority he remained upon the farm where he was born, and then purchased the place now occupied by our subject. His first purchase consisted of ninety-six acres, on which he built a large and substantial farm hou.se and other buildings. He placed his land under a high state of cultivation and continued to successfully engage in agricul- tural pursuits until his death, which occurred on the home farm November 22, 1891, after a long illness. He always engaged in gen- eral farming and stock raising and took great pride in making his place one of the model farms of the couiity. In his political views he was a Republican, and for three years he capably filled the office of highway commissioner, but never cared for political preferment. In early life he was a supporter of the Methodist Church, but afterward at- tended the United Evangelical Church, and always led an upright, honorable Christia:?, life. His wife died on the _'7th of Septem- ber, 1886. They were married in (ieneseo and became the parents of four children, of whom Willis F., is the oldest, the others being Alta M., now a resident of Kansas; Charles, who died at the age of fourteen years; and Thomas M., who is employed in a cannery at Washington. Willis F. Evans spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon the home farm and under his father's able direction actjuired an excellent knowledge of agricultural pursuits, which now numbers him among the most thorough and skilled farmers of his commu- nity. In the winter of i8yo, he was mar- ried in Phenix township to Miss Cora E. Siebcn, a daughter of Valentine and Caro- line (Butzer) Sieben. The father was boru in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, October 14, 1839, a son of Joseph and Aboline Sie- ben, and came with his family to the United States in 1852. The parents located in Whiteside county. Illinois, but he came to Henry county, where he obtained work as a farm hand, being thus employed until his marriage July 10, i860. Later he engaged in breaking prairie and threshing, he and his brother-in-law, Jacob Butzer, buying a threshing machine together in 1862. The following year he purchased two hundred acres of land on section 3, Phenix township, where he continued to make his home until (*allcd from this life in 1886. His wife sur\i\ed him for a number of years and at the time of her death, which occurred in 1898, was living in Geneseo. She was a native of this county, anil a daughter of 398 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. George Frederick Butzer, one of its pioneer settlers. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Sieben were George, who died at the age of eight years ; Fred ; Annie ; Ella ; Cora E. : Frank; and two wlio died in infancy. Mr. and ^Irs. Evans have one child, Glenn L., born on the old homestead, September 15. 1894. As a Repnblican 'Sh. Evans takes quite an active and prominent part in local poli- tics, and has held die office of collector two years; assessor of Phenix township for five years; and at present is a school trustee. which position he has filled most creditably for six years. Religiously he is a member of Ebenezer United Evangelical Church. AUGUST F. SPIEGEL. Germany has furnished to America many of her most enterprising and thrifty citizens, who in this land of the free have gained for themselves and family a com- fortable competence. Among those who have settled in Henry county, and are to-day numbered among her best citizens is Au- gust F. Spiegel, who is successfully engaged in farming on section 21, Burns township. He was born in German}', July 19, 1837, a son of Frederick and Foeder Spiegel, who remained in Prussia until 1861, when they emigrated to the new w-orld and took up their residence in Kewanee township, Henry county, Illinois. Here the father followed farming, though in his native land he had worked at the miller's trade. He died Feb- ruary 2, 1889, and his wife departed this life in 1880, the remains of both being in- terred in the Kewanee cemetery. In their family w'ere eight children who came to this country, our subject and his brother, Fred- erick, being the first to cross the Atlantic. August Spiegel grew to manhood in his native land, and received a good practical education in the German language. In 1857, at the age of twenty years he and his brother took passage on a sailing vessel at Hamburg, and after a stormy voyage of five weeks and three days landed in Xew York. He came at once to Kewanee. Illi- nois, where he worked as a farm hand for a time. In 1865 he bought sixty acres of land in Neponset township. Bureau county, Illi- nois, to which he subsequently added sixty acres. On disposing of that property in 18S3 "he purchased a half section of land in Burns township, Henry county, but has since sold eighty acres of this. The remain- der he has placed under a high state of cul- tivation and supplied with all the conven- iences and accessories of the model farm of the present day. On the 19th of June, 1862, [Mr. Spiegel was united in marriage with iliss Carrie Custer, also a native of Germany, who came to America in 1856 with her parents, \\'illiam and Caroline (Nuebert) Custer, landing in New York. The family located ill Kewanee, Illinois, where the father worked at the mason's trade for about five years, and then purchased property in Ke- wanee township and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He prospered in his labors and accumulated a valuable prop- erty. He died in 1897, at the age of eighty- six years, and his wife passed away in 1876, at the age of seventy-six, their remains be- ing interred in Kewanee township. Of their eight children four are still living. ]\Irs. Spiegel began her education in the schools of Prussia, and after the emigra- tion of the familv to America she attended THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 399 school liere to some extent. By her mar- riage she has become the mother of twelve <:hildren, but only five are now living. Louisa died at the age of nineteen years and was buried in Kewanee. The surviv- ing members of the family are as follows : Edward, born in 1863, luarried Emma Lehman, and is engaged in fruit farming near Milan, Illinois: Mary is the wife of Henry Kempin, of Kewanee; Clara is the wife of Peter Verstrette, who is employed in the shops at Kewanee; and Carl and Theodore assist their father in the opera- tion of the Jiome farm. By his ballot Mr. Spiegel sui)p«)rts the juen and measures of the Republican party, and for two years he efficiently filled the office of school director. He is a member of the German Lutheran Churcii, and is a man highly respected and esteenied l)_v all wlm Jinow him on account of his sterling worth. His wife is also a member of the German Lutheran Church. 'Sir. Spiegel has a fine home, furnace heated, and a barn 40x60 ftet. with large cribs and outlniildings. In addition to general farming he raises considerable stock. H. J. STEWART. M. D. Although but a recent ac(|uisition to the goodly array of enterprising professional ir)en of Kewanee this well-known physician and surgeon is already building up an ex- cellent practice, his specialties being the dis- eases of the eye. ear, nose and throat. He was born in Warren county, Illinois, March 21, 1868, a son of David B. and Sarah E. (Pilkington) Stewart, natives of Pennsyl- •\ania and early settlers of this state. Tiie fatlier, who is a farmer by occupation, is still living in Warren county, at the age of seventy-six years, while his wife is sixty- three j'ears of age. For many years lie served as justice of the peace in Spring Grove, that township. On account of a cancer the Doctor recently assisted in re- moving his father's left ear with the hope of stopping that terrible disease. In the family were nine children, of whom five sons and three daughters are still living. Dr. Stewart was reared on a farm and began his education in the country schools. Later he attended the high school at Alexis, Illinois, and the Northwestern University at Chicago, graduating from the medical department of that institution in 1893. He devoted several months to hospital work, and in 1899 took a post-graduate course on tlie diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, thus becoming well fitted for the profession which he has chosen as a life work. On the 1st of June, 1893, soon after his graduation, lie opened an ofifice in Viola, Mercer county, Illinois, where he was engaged in practice until coming to Kewanee, March i, 1900. With seven years' experience he comes to this place w-ell qualified, and his skill and ability have already won for him a good patronage. He is very progressive and keeps well posted on the latest discoveries made in the science of medicine and sur- gery. As a citizen he is enterprising and public spirited and is such a man as gives character to a community. In 1894 Dr. Stewart married Miss Ade- laide H. Frazier, a native of Viola. Her father H. B. Frazier, was one of the leading merchants of that place, where he died July II, 1898, at the age of sixty-three years, and was succeeded in business by his sons, John, Fred and Edwin. There are also 400 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. three daughters in the family. Adelaide H., wife of our subject; Xannie, wife of M. R. McKinnon ; and Sarah, wife of Dr. McClannahan. of ^^iola. The mother of these children is still an honored resident of that place. Dr. and Mrs. Stewart have two chil- dren, Florence Verl and Louise Ruth. The parents both hold membership in the Presby- terian Church, and the Doctor is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, the Galva District iledical Association, the State Medical Association, and the Kewanee Medical Society, being secretary of the last named. In \\'arren county he served as school trustee for a time; was also president of the village board of Viola for six )-ears; trustee and chairman of the village council; and township school trustee three years. He was elected to these positions on the Democratic ticket, but at present is not an advocate of the issues of modern Democ- racy JOSEPH JOHXSTOX. There passed away at his home in Galva township, February ii, 1899, Joseph Johnston, who was one of the most highly esteemed men of that locality. He was lx)rn in Ayrshire, Scotland, Xovember 14, 1831, a son of Isaac and Margaret (McGill) Johnston, who spent their entire lives in that country, the father being engaged in farming. Our subject \\as the second in order of birth in their family of ten chil- dren, of whom three sons and three daugh- ters are still living. The daughters and one son still reside in Scotland, while two sons make their home in this country, these be- ing John, who lives in Iowa; and William, who lives north of Oneida, Illinois. During his boyhood Joseph Johnston re- ceived only a limited education in the schools of his native land, but by reading and ob- servation in subsequent years became a well informed man. He always transacted his own business affairs and by the successful management of the same became one of the most prosperous citizens of his community. On coming to America in 1856 he tirst lo- cated near \'ictoria, Illinois, where he worked as a farm hand for a !Mr. Sansberry until going to the gold fields of Colorado, in 1862. There he engaged in prospecting and teaming, three times crossing the plains \\ ith merchandise to Den\-er. He met with success while in the west, and on his return to Illinois was able to purchase eighty acres of land south of Xekoma, in Henrj- county, to the impro\ement and cultivation of which he at once turned his attention. Later he purchased an improved farm of three hundred and twenty acres, part in Ontario and part in Walnut Grove town- ships, where he made his home until 1881, when he removed to a farm of one hundred seventy-two and a half acres west of Galva, though he still retained his former place. He also purchased one hundred and seven- teen acres of land adjoining Galva, a part of which has since been subdivided into town lots. In his farming operations he met with most excellent success, becoming the owner of about six hundred and ten acres of valuable land, two hundred and ninety acres of which was in this county, the remaining half section being in Knox county. He gave special attention to the raising of stock, both horses and cattle, and found this branch of his business quite profit- able. Mr. Johnston was twice married, his first wife being Janet Anderson, by whom THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 401 lie had five children, all living, namely: jNIary, John, Isaac, Henry and Maggie, and all, with the exception of John who resides in Knox county, living in Henry county. After the death of the mother, Mr. Johnston was again married, in March, 1877, his second union being with Miss Margaret JNIeikle, who was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1845, ^'''d came to the new world in 1873, locating in Henry county, Illinois. Her parents both died in the old country, never coming to the United States. To them were born three children : Elizabeth, now the wife of Lloyd Jones, of Galva township, by whom she had one child, Ber- iiice; William, who lives with his lirother on the farm; and Janet, at home witli her mother. The Republican ])arty always found in Mr. Johnston a stanch supporter of its prin-. ciples, but he would never accept or hold public office, preferring to gi\e his undi- vided attention to his business interests. He always enjoyed good health up to within a few months of his death and continued to actively engage in the work of the farm until the last. For a number of years he was connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was an earnest and ■consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. Xo man in his community was more respected of more fully enjoyed the -confidence of his fellow citizens, and none €ver better deserved such respect and con- fidence, for his was an honorable and up- right life, consistent with his professions in every respect. ORIX FI. LOOM IS. For many years this gentleman was one of the leading business men of Kewanee, but in January, 1900. he sold out, and is now practically living a retired life in that city, where he is so well and favorably known. He was born in Coventry, Connec- ticut, June 17, 1822, and is one of a family of eight children, three sons and five daugh- ters, whose parents were Selah and Esther (Howard) Loomis, natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts, respectively. In 1S33 the family removed to Michigan, and after seventeen years spent in that state came to W'ethersfield township, Henry county, Illi- nois. The father died in Kewanee in 1871, at the age of eighty-six years, and the mother passed away in 1876, at the age of eighty-four. Orin' H. Loomis began his education in the schools of his native state, and com- pleted his literary training at the White Pigeon brancli of the ^Michigan University. For one year he was professor of metlie-' matics at that institution, and for the suc- ceeding five years taught in the district schools of Michigan. In 1S4J he had charge of a school at Freeport. Illinois, where was educated Charles Giteau and sis- ter. E\en at school they were notably bad, so much so that the teacher sent them home with their books, and with the understand- ing that they were not to return until better behavior on their part could be assured. Several days later the father returned the children to school and vouched for their good behavior. They were accordingly given another trial and there was a marked improvement in their deportment. Their father stood high in the community, but the children were taught disobedience to his rule by their mother. This fact un- doubtedly led to the terrible event which occurred at the Pennsylvania Railroad dejxjt at Washington, D. C, July 2, 1881, when the .son took the life of one of the nation's 402 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. able and worthy statesmen — James A. Gar- field — and caused sorrow throughout the civilized world. For this act Charles Giteau was hanged at W'asliington, June 30, 1882. In 1849 ^^f. Loomis came to Henry county and was engaged in farming with his father in Wethersfield township for a time. On the 1st of September, 1854, he embarked in the grain business in Kewanee, and shipped the second carload of grain that ever left this station. In 1855 he and his associates built the first steam elevator erected in Kewanee, and he continued to deal in grain until 1862, when he became interested in the agricultural implement business, which he carried on until 1870. For the following three years he engaged in farming, and on his return to Kewanee at the end of that time resumed business at his old stand, where he remained until he retired from active life in January, 1900. At Edwardsburg, Michigan, j\Ir. Loomis %vas married, in 1846, to JMiss Rosetta Rogers, who died there in the spring of 1849. On the 27th of August, 1850, at East Hamburg, New York, Mr. Loomis vas united in marriage with Miss Cornelia A. Starkweather. By this union were born eight children, namely : ( i ) Frances, who passed away in 1857, when only six years and a half old. (2) Niles Howard, a resi- dent of Nora, Oklahoma, married Carrie Minnick, and they have nine children : Orin Howard, who first married Louise Feurst, who is deceased; Bertha, wife of Fred Steele, by whom she has one son, George, deceased ; William H. ; Guy ; Fred ; Eugene ; George ; Clark ; Alma ; and Carrie, who died in childhood. (3) Henry L., a resident of Bloomington, Illinois, married Jennie Regan, and they have seven children : Cath- erine, wife of John Borst, by whom she has two children; ^lark ; Raymond; William; Henry; and Louise. (4) Lucy C. is the wife of Willis E. Terry, of Galesburg, and they have five children : Grace L. ; Julia T. ;. Willis; Lucy; and Ruth. (5) Rosetta M. is the wife of Edward A. Hubbard, of Chi- cago, and they have one child, Loren. (6) Grace E. is the wife of J. J. Pratt, an im- porter of goods at Buenos Ayres, South America, and they have one child, Norman. (7) Emma F., now a resident of Galesburg, is the widow of Rev. Charles Leeper, a Congregational minister, who died at Pe- tosky, Michigan. (8) Hattie M. is the wife of Dr. C. W. Hall, of Kewanee. The mother of these children, who was an earnest and consistent member of the Congrega- tional Church, died January 18, 1890. In his political views Mr. Loomis is an ardent Republican, and was one of the twelve that organized the party in Henry county in 1854. Of that number only our subject now survives, Henry G. Little, aged eighty-eight years, died in Grinnell, Iowa, ir November, 1900. ]\Ir. Loomis served as justice of the peace for some time during the '60s, and was a school trustee for years. He has been an important factor in edu- cational affairs, and was one of the pro- jectors of the Wethersfield Academy, with the establishment of which he was promi- nently identified, and which was finally con- verted into a common school. Both edu- cation and religion have had Mr. Loomis'' best endeavors through life. He is a prom- inent member of the Congregational Church. and since coming to Henry county has served as superintendent of the Wethers- field Sunday-school eleven years, and the Kewanee Sunday-school thirty-seven year.s — a record which probably has no parallel in the state. For sixteen vears he had a THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 403 Sunda3'-school in the country and attendeil every Sunday. His life has been an hon- orable and useful one, and he justly merits the high regard in which he is uniformly held by his fellow citizens, who appreciate his sterling worth and many excellencies of character. ELBERT P. KEMERLIXG. This progressive and enterprising agri- culturist, whose home is on section 35, Burns township, has spent his entire life upon his present farm, for there he was born February i, 1851, and is a representa- tive of one of the prominent pioneer fam- ilies of Henry county. His father, Jacob Kemerling, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, May 18, 1807, and received his edu- cation in the common schools of that lo- cality. He chose farming as a life work. On the 23d of March, 1837, he became a resident of Hem-y county, Illinois, where, in connection with his brothers he entered a large amount of land. He was one of a family of seven children, the others being John, Joseph, Henry, George, Katherine and Anna. His share of the property was one hundred and sixty acres in Kewanee township, a similar amount in Galva ttnvn- ship, and three hundred and twenty acres in Burns township. On the last men- tioned tract he erected a log house _'Oxi6 feet, in which he and his family lived while he broke the virgin soil and made other im- provements upon the place. The lumber for his first frame house had to be hauled from Rock Island, and in those early days he marketed his grain in Chicago and Pe- oria. Wild game of all kinds was found in abundance, wolves often came prowling about the house at night, and on one oc- casion the father of our subject was attacked by a catamount, which he shot at but failed to kill. It was captured, however, the fol- lowing morning by others. On the loth of February, 1831, Jacob Kemerling mar- ried Sarah Albright, who died September 20, 1863. By that union he had nine chil- dren, of whom our subject is the youngest. The others that are still living are Henry H., who married Anna Miller, of Burns township, and is now engaged in farming at Rockport, Missouri; Sophrona, wife of George Carbaugh, of Crawford county, Iowa; Prudence H., wife of W. J. Anscomb, a farmer of Burns township ; and Charlotte, wife of G. W. Caldwell, of Iowa. Levi, the oldest, died in Arkansas in 1894. In 1868 the father was again married, his sec- ond union being with Elizabeth Ewing. He filled the offices of assessor and school director, serving in the former position for the long i)eriod of twenty years. He died in 1881. The subject of this sketch was Ivirn in a primitive log caliin. then so conmiun on the frontier, and was reared amid pioneer scenes, while his early education was ob- tained in an improvised school room in the cellar of his present home. He early became familiar with the labors of the farm, and since reaching manhood has dev(.>ted his time and attention to the cultivation of the old homestead, owning a line farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he has made many impro\'ements. On the 3d of October, 1878, near Har- lansburg, Pennsylvania, Mr. Kemerling was united in marriage with Miss Elvira Dean, a native of that county, and a daugh- ter of William E. and Eliza (Hanna) Dean, who were born in Pennsylvania. She is the 404 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. oldest of their four cliildren. the others being Judson, who married Hattie Hetten- baugh and Hves in Lawrence county, Penn- sylvania; ilary, wife of ^^lisner Kemerling. a farmer and carpenter of the same county ; and Edward, who married Florence Stude- baker, of Butler county, and follows farm- ing in Lawrence county, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Kemerling have two children : William J., born September 15, 1880, at- tended Brown's Business College at Gales- burg, from which he received a diploma for bookkeeping in 1899, ^"d is now at home; and Mones Albert, born Ocfbber 8, 1888. still attending school. Politically Mr. Kemerling has been a lifelong Democrat, and has taken an active and prominent part in local affairs, having served as tax collector one term, road com- missioner three years and school director about twenty years. He is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge. Xo. 128, and the Modern Woodmen Camp, Xo. 84, both of Kewanee; while his wife holds member- ship in the Baptist Church. Both are wide- ly known and have a host of warm friends in the community where they reside. He now lives retired on the farm. OLOF L. PETERSOX. A\'Iiile "the race is not always to the swift nor the battle to the strong," the in- variable law of destiny accords to tireless energA" and ability a successful career. The truth of this assertion is abundantly verified in the life of Mr. Peterson, a leading furni- ture dealer of Galva, Illinois. He was born on tlie 30th of August, 1840, in Sweden, where his parents. Per Persson and Christine Olson, spent their en- tire lives as farming people. Twelve chil- dren were born to them, and five of the num- ber are still living, namely : Per, still a resi- dent of Sweden; Olof L., our subject; Jacob, of Sweden ; John, a railroad em- jjloye of Galva ; and Eric, who is employed on a ranch in Colorado. Reared in the land of his birth, O. L. Peterson is indebted to its common schools for his educational advantages. He re- mained on the home farm until eighteen years of age, when he commenced learning the trade of a cabinet and furniture maker, receiving no wages during two years of his apprenticeship. At the end of that time he had become a skilled workman. Before leaving Sweden he was married, in 1865 to ]\Iiss Brita Hansen, who was born in the same neighborhood as her husband, Feb- ruary 18, 1840, and is the only member of her family now living. Her parents both died in Galva, Illinois. In 1865, soon after his marriage, ilr. Peterson brought his bride to the L'nited States, it requiring fourteen days to make the voyage from Liverpool to Xew York, and another week to reach Chicago. Com- ing at once to Galva, he secured work with a Mr. Bates, a furniture dealer of this place, with whom he remained onl\' a short time, and for two years was in the employ of a Mr. Curtis, who kept one man constantly busy manufacturing furniture, nearly all of which was made by hand at that time, with the exception of beds and chairs. When he landed in Galva Mr. Peterson had only twenty dollars, but being econom- ical and industrious he was soon able to purchase a home. After working for others for a few years, he also bought an interest in a furniture store, in partnersiiip with ilr. Headstrom, and together thev carried on O. L PETERSON. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 407 business for a year. In 1870 P. Herdien 2jurcliased INIr. Headstrom's interest, antl the firm of Peterson & Herdien conducted the business for eighteen years with marked success. They started on a small scale. Init kept adding;- to tlieir stock until they car- ried a complete line of furniture, much of whicii was manufactured i>y them, alsd con- ducting Ijranch stores at Cambridge and Kearney, Nebraska. In 1887 Peterson & Herdien dissolved partnership after their store was destroyed by fire, at a loss of about two thousand dollars. Mr. Peterson at once rebuilt, erecting his present building, and put in a new and better stock of goods. Besides furniture he carries carpets, win- dow shades and bicycles, his stock being valued at seven thousand dollars, and he occupies both floors of his building. He does some repair work, and also does under- taking and embalming in partnership with Andrew Becklean. In connection with his home and busi- ness property in Galva, JMr. Peterson owns a farm of si.xty acres adjoining the ttnvn. He was one of the early stockholders of the First National Bank, incorporated Farmers' and Merchants' Bank, but in 1887 sold the stock and invested in the Galva State Bank, of which he is now a stockholder. He was one of the incorporators and is a stock- holder of the Wistrand Manufacturing Company, which he assisted in organizing; is also a stockholder of the Hayes Pump & Planter Company, the Galva Gas & Coke Company, the Galva Telephone Company and the Farmers' Elevator Company. From 1877 to 1891 he held shares in the Herdien Coal Company, whose mine was operated quite profitably. From 1891 to 1896 he held the largest share in the Grav Eagle Coal Company, of Galva. ]\Ir. and ]\Irs. Peterson are the parents of five children, namely : A. Olivia, who is a graduate of the public schools of Galva and the Northwestern University of Evanston, and is now teaching in the schools of Galva ; Alfred L. received a business educatitm in Galesburg, married Althea Anderson and is a head Ijookkeeper for the Hayes Pump & Planter Company; Oscar Manual, who took a business course in Chicago, and is with his father in the store; Emma Z.. at home; and Victor V., who was in the em- ploy of Swift & Company for a year, and is now bookkeeper for a hartlware company of Chicago. Politically Mr. Peterson is identified with the Republican party, and fraternally affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 408, and the Modern Woodmen of America, No. 241. He is a prominent and influential member of the .Swedish Methodist Church of Galva, which he assisted in building, and with which he has always been officially connected, having served as trustee for twenty-six years. He is a very liberal supporter of the church and for a time the whole burden rested upon him, the congregation being weak. Without the aid of influence or wealth he has risen to a position of prominence in his community and his native genius and acquired ability are stepping-stones on which he has mounted. NELS RUNQUIST. \\'hen after years of long and earnest IaI)or in some honorable field of business a man puts aside all cares to spend his re- maining years in the enjoyment of the fruits (jf his former toil, it is certainlv a 4o8 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. well deserved reward of his former industry. Mr. Runquist is now living- retired at his pleasant home in Galva. Illinois, and his history is one that shows the accomplish- ment of well-directed labor. A native of Sweden, he was born in Helsingland, August 31, 1837, and in 1846 came to America with his parents, John and Christine Runquist, who formed a part of the colony that settled at Bishop Hill, this county, during that year. There the mother died in 1856, and the father passed away in 1865. He was a shoemaker by trade and followed that occupation, both in Sweden and in Illinois. Of their five children two are also deceased, the living being j\Irs. Christine Ottestrum, Mrs. Hannah Lind- gren and Xels, all residents of Galva. Xels Runquist began his education in the schools of his native land, and continued his studies for a time after the family lo- cated at Bishop Hill. During his youth he learned the harness maker's trade, which he followed until 1863, and then embarked in the grocery business at Galva as a member of tlie firm of Johnson, Erickson & Com- pany. This partnership was dissolved two 5-ears later, and jSIr. Runquist carried on the business alone imtil 1883. He began work with a small stock, which he gradually in- creased to meet the growing demands of his trade as the population of the town in- creased, and was soon at the head of a large and profitable business. In 1883 he sold out, but started in the same business again on the 1st of January, 1890, with a stock of goods valued at three thousand dollars, which was destroyed by fire the following March. He at once rebuilt, erecting a good brick building, which has been divided into two large store rooms, and from the rent of these he receives a good income. In 1892 Mr. Runquist purchased the Galva House, which is a fire-proof, brick structure, and besides this property he owns his residence and two other houses and lots in Galva. He has a nice home, supplied with all modern conveniences and conveniently lo- cated within two blocks of the business jMr- tion of the town. In 1865 Mr. Runquist was united in marriage with Miss Martha Nelson, who was born in Sweden, June 24, 1840, and as a member of the Bishop Hill colony start- ed for America in 1 846 with her parents,^ who died on the journey, together with her two brothers. She was thus left alone iii the world at the tender age of six years,, and grew to womanhood in the colony. The voyage across the Atlantic was made in a sailing vessel and consumed seven weeks. From New York the colony made their way by the canal and the Great Lakes to Chi- cago, and then walked to Bishop Hill. Both Mr. and Mrs. Runquist were quite young al this time. They found the country very vvild and entirely unimproved. It was most- ly prairie land with very little timber, but settlements were ahva}s made in the forests. \\'olves, deer and feathered game abounded. Four children were born to our subject and his wife, of whom one died in infanc\-, and Lillie died in 1896, at the age of fourteen years. Olive, born in 1876, is now the wife of Professor B. J. Dean, of ^lendota Col- lege, and the)' have one son, Harold F. Fred E., born in 1879, lives at home, and is now pursuing a collegiate course at ;\Ien- dota, Illinois, where he graduated after tak- ing a business course. ^Ir. Runquist gives his political support to the men and measures of the Repu1)lican party, and has taken an active part in the work of his party. He has twice efficiently THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 409. served as a member of tlie town board and has capably filled tbe office of township as- sessor since 1894, having been constantly re-elected to that position. He and his wife are faithful members of the Second Ad- ventist Church, of Mendota. and merit and receive the respect and esteem of all who know them. JOHN H. SCHROEDER. The subject of this sketch, who is now successfully engaged in carrying on a farm of one hundred and fifteen acres on section 23, Edford township, is one of the native sons of Henry county, his birth having oc- curred February 11, 1868, on the old home- stead in section 15, Edford township, where his father, G. H. Schroeder, now resides. The latter was born in Oldenburg, Ger- many, October 19, 1834, a son of John and Catherine (Wicker) Schroeder, also na- tives of that part of Germany. According to the laws of his native land he attended school there from the age of six to fourteen years. He was about seventeen years of age when he determined to try his fortune in America and took passage on a sailing vessel, which, after a voyage of forty-two days, landed him safely in New Orleans, on the 1st of June, 1852. Coming up the Mississippi river, he first located in Rock Island county, Illinois, and began life in Hampton township with a capital of twelve dollars and fifty cents. During the first summer he received only seven dollars per month for his labor. The succeeding win- ter he attended school while doing chores for his board, and continued to work as a farm hand until 1859, when he purchased a tract of land in that township, residing thereon for four years. In 1863 he came to Edford township. Henry county, where he operated rented land one year, and then purchased eighty acres on section 15, where he has since made his home. He has pros- pered in his new home, and is to-day the owner of a valuable and well improved farm of two hundred and forty acres, where he resides, besides a farm of one hundred and fifteen acres on section 23. Edford town- ship, and one hundred and sixty acres in Osco township. In 1859 he married Miss Wilhelmina Weigand, a native of Prussia,. Germany, and they have become the par- ents of seven children, whose names and dates of birth are as follows: Henrietta P., October 13, 1863; ^Martha P., February 2~,, 1866; John H., February 11. 1868; Charles F., June 21, 1870; Minnie L., Oc- tober 5, 1874; Louie A., April 25, 1876; and Elmer A., February 12, 1881. The early education of John H. Schroe- der was obtained in the district schools near his boyhood home, and for two years he pursued his studies at the Xorthwestern Normal School of Geneseo. His knowledge of farm work was obtained under the able direction of his father, and he remained under the parental roof, assisting in the culti- vation of the fields, until twenty-si.x years of age, when he removed to the farm which he now occupies. In its operation he is now meeting with good success, being a thor- ough and systematic farmer and a man of good business abilitv. In connection with general farming he is quite extensively en- gaged in the raising of cattle, his specialty being Aberdeen Angus. On the 30th of January, 1S95. at Mor- ristown, Osco township, Mr. Schroeder married Miss Nora E, Weidlein, a daugh- ter of Andrew and Sarah (Conrad) W'eid- 410 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. lein. Slie was born in Osco townsliij), and \vas educated in the ]nil)lic Schdols r alnmst lialf a century. -v native of Ireland, slie was born in county Londonderry, August 9, 1827, and is one of a family of tive children, all of wliom are now living. Her parents, Robert and Catherine (Gibbons) McRell, were also boni on the Emerald Isle and came to the new world in 1848, locating first in Phila- delphia, Pennsylvania. Four years later they came to Hein-y county, Illinois, and tLX)k: up their residence in Burns township, V, here they continued to make their home throughout life. They were consistent and faithful members of the Episcopal Church, and were held in high regard by all who had the pleasure of their acquaintance. The fa- ther died in 1887, at the age of ninety-three years, and the mother passed away Septem- ber 4, 1885, at the age of eighty-nine, the remains of both being interred in Cosners cemetery. The family is noted for lon- gevity. Miss Elizabeth McRell \\as a young lady when she came to this country with her sis- ter in 1847, one year before her parents •came, and in 1850 she was married in Phila- delphia to John Martin. After their mar- riage they lived for about two years in Phil- adelphia and then moved to Bellefontaine, Ohio, where they remained until the spring of 1855, and then came to Henry county, Illinois. Subsequently they spent a short time in Iowa, but on disposing of their prop- erty there they returned to this county and I\Ir. Martin purchased forty acres of land in Burns township, to which lie added from time to time until he had accumulated four hundred acres, but having given a farm to bis son, he had but two hundred and eighty acres at the time of his death. His farm he placed under a high state of cultivation and in connection with its operation he also cn,gaged in raising and feeding stock for market, and was quite an extensive shipper. He served as county commissioner and school director and also filled other local oftices of honor and trust. He was one of the leading and prominent citizens of his community. After a useful and well-spent life lie passed away October 28, 1899, and was laid to rest in Cosners cemetery. He lield membership in the Presbyterian Church, to which Mrs. Martin also belongs. Unto this worthy couple were born six children, as follows: Hugh A., who is rep- resented on another page of this volume; Robert, a resident of Kewanee; John G., deceased ; William James, a resident of Chi- cago; Sarah Jane, now Mrs. J. W. Barber, \\ho has charge of Airs. Alartin's farm, having rented it for the past eleven years; and one who died in infancy. The members of this family are quite prominent in the communities where thev reside. ARTHUR C. BUTLER. Among the prominent educators of west- ern Illinois is numbered Professor A. C. Butler, who is now serving as superintend- ent of the public schools of Kewanee. He is a native of this state, his birth having occurred in Morgan county, in 1848. His fatlier, James L. Butler, was born in Vir- ginia, in 1815, and about 1840 came to Illi- nois, locating near Jacksonville, Morgan county, where he was married, in 1844, to Miss Oletha Sargent, who was born in Brown county, Ohio, in February, 1825, and v.as bn night to this state in 1828, by her par- ents, \\'illiam L. and Malinda Sargent. Her father took a very prominent part in local 418 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. politics, and. Ijeing \ery outspoken in liis support of aljolition principles, he got into se- rious trouble several times. He was a per- sonal friend of Owen Lovejoy and strongly denounced liis murderers. His home was the stopping place for the itinerate minis- ters, for he was a devout Christian, and in early days with h.is wife and children in an ox cart would go t«j the two-days' meet ings in their locality. Later the Mount Zion Methodist Episcopal church was built upon his farm in Morgan county, and his home became a station on tlie "underground rail- road." James L. Butler, the professor's father, engaged in farming in Morgan county until 1862, when he removed to Macon county, Illinois, and eight years later went to Xeosha county. Kansas, where he improved a farm and continued to make his home until his death, whicli occurred in 1891, when he was seventy-si.x years of age. He was also actively identified with religious work, and was an officer in the ^lethodist Episcopal Church for more than a generation. He was a radical temperance man, and often talked on that and other subjects along moral lines. He also took a deep interest in educational affairs, was a prominent factor in all school work, and was a member of the school board for years. He was instrumental in building the first brick school house in his locality, and took great interest in building and sus- taining the church at South Mound. Kansas. He was a lover of nature, especially the forest, and planted more than one thousand trees upon his farm. Upon that place his son and daughter still reside.- His wife passed away !\lay 29, 1900. At the age of eight vears she united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and throughout life was a consistent and faithful Christian. To this worthy couple were Ix^rn twelve children, two of whom died in infancy, the others being as follows: Charles \\'esley, enlisted in 1862 in Battery B, Second Illi- nois Light Artillery, and was with Sher- man on the march to the sea. He was cap- tured at Goldsboro. North Carolina, and as a prisoner of war was confined at Danville, \'irginia, for a short time, and was then transferred to Libby prison, remaining there until Grant captured Richmond. \\'hile waiting to be mustered out at Camp Butler, Springfield, Illinois, he died in June. 1865, at the age of twenty-three years. Ar- thur C, our subject, is the next in order of birth, \\illiam K. is a resident of Kansas City. John T. makes his home in Tuscola, Illinois. Fletcher A. is a practicing physi- cial of Harvard, Nebraska. Thomas P. ii" a physician of San Diego, California. Z^Iilton S. and IMelinda reside on the old homestead in Kansas. Julia Belle is the wife of George Duree, of Edna, Kansas. Harriet ^I. is the wife of John Hinson. a farmer of Oxford, Arkansas. Professor Butler was reared on the home farm in Morgan county, Illinois, un- til fourteen years of age, when he accom- panied the family on their removal to Macon county. His early education was acquired in the district schools, and he later attended the State Normal School at Normal, Illi- nois, where he was graduated in 1878. Prior to his graduation he taught school for two terms, and then took charge of the public schools at Normal, where he remained two years. For the same length of time he was principal of the public schools of \^irginia. Cass county, where he had seven assistants. At the end of that time he was chosen super- intendent of the schools at Beardstown, the same countv. where he remained nine years. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 419 ai:(l Iiad from fifteen to twenty-two teachers imder him. During that time three scliool buililing:; were erected at tliat place and a great improvement made in educational work. He established a manual training department of the public school — one of tlie first of its kind in the state — which was ■very successful during his stay there. In 1 89 1 Professor Butler was elected as princi- jial of the Taylorville (Illinois) township ingh school, where he remained three years, and in 1894 was chosen superintendent oi the schools of Kewanee. which responsible position he has since filled in a most credit- able and satisfactory manner. He now has forty-five assistants, and everything is in first c'ass order. Kewanee has five moderr, .^chool buildings, which in regard to sanitary conditions and conveniences rank among the best in the state. On the 15th of June, 1871, Professor I'.utler was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Eaton, a native of Illinois, and a daughter of William K. and Elizabeth Ea- ton, who were natives of Sullivan county, Indiana. By this union were born three children : Wilbur F. (iazcllc J. is very pro- ficient in music and is now jjursuing her studies along that line at Kno.x College, Galesburg: she has successfully taught both vocal and instrumental music, and her ser- vices as a musician are in great demand in both church and social circles. Ruby Al- berta died in 1895, at the age of eight years. She was a sweet little girl of much prom- ise, and possessed remarkable elocutionary talent. William K. Eatcm. Mrs. Butler's father, ^vas one of the active ami enterprising far- mers of Christian county, and served as supervisor of his town.ship from its organi- jzation until his death, which occurred in 1867, when he was about fifty-two years of age. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and did all within his power for the betterment of his fellow men. His wife was a remarkable woman, who after his death kept her familj- together and carefully reared them. She was also a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and died in that faith in June, 1900, at the age of seventy-five years. Their chil- dren were Emma R., wife of M. R. Wetzel, a farmer of Christian county; Eliza, wife ot cur subject : Margaret A., wife of W'. A. Clawson, of Assumption, Illinois; William, a farmer living near the same place : Jordan S., who resides on the old homestead, near Stonington. Christian county ; and Dora, wife of Bentley Kearns, who lives near Owaneco, Illinois. Professor Butler is ])rominent in educa- tional circles, and has served as president of the Central Illinois Teachers' .Association and vice-president of the State .\ssociation. He has achieved a iiigh reputation in insti- tute work, in which he has taken a very ac- tive and prominent part since the law was enacted for that purpose. .\s an educator he ranks deservedly high, and has contrib- uted many able articles to educational jour- nals and other magazines. He is the author of a work entitled "Persimmons," a twelve mo. volume, and has written many bright and interesting stories for boys and girls, which have been published in the School Xews and have been most highly appre- ciated. .Among these are a vacation story, Christmas story. Thanksgiving story, tem- perance story and Memorial Day story, the last being an allegory. The Professor has also delivered a numl)er of lectures before institutes and teachers" associations. He is a Master Mason, and both he and his wife 420 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. are active meinljers of the Methodist Epis- copal Church of Kewanee. of wiiich lie is one of the trustees. RICHARD PAYXE. Among the representative business men of Galva is this well-known manufacturer of brick, who has lieen a resident of Henry count}- since 1865. and during the greater part of this time has been prominently iden- tified with its industrial interests. He was born in Oswestry. Shropshire, England, May 12, 1824, his parents being Thomas and Catherine (Richards) Payne, natives of the same place. The father and grandfather were also brick-makers, the latter being en- gaged in that business in England through- out life. He died at the age of seventy-nine years, and his wife passed away at the ex- treme old age (if line hundred and one years. In his nati\e land the father fullowed his chosen occupation until 1850. when he brought his familv to America and settled at Henry, Marshall county, Illinois, where he worked at his trade imtil he laiil aside all business cares. There his death occurred when he was ninety-six years of age, and his wife, who was a consistent member of the W'esleyan ^ilethodist Ciiurch, passed away at the age of seventy-nine. Nine cliildren were born to them, of whom one daughter, ^lary, died in England at the age of twelve years, prior to the emi- gration of the family to America. Thomas, the eldest, was for thirty years engaged in market gardening at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where he died in 1899, when over eighty years of age. John was formerly engageil in the manufacture of brick at Chariton, Iowa, but is now farming in Kansas. Anna is the wife of George Jarvis of England. Ed- ward, who died in Henry, Illinois in 1894, manufactured nearly all the brick made in that section of the state for many years. Ricliard. our subject, is next in order of birth. William is a brick manufacturer of Chariton, Lucas county, Iowa. Ann, de- ceased, was the wife of Henry Rommel, who engaged in farming near Wataga, Illi- nois. George has for thirty-five years lived a retired life in Geneseo. The children were all educatetl in the common schools of England. Durng his minority Richard Payne re- mained at home with his parents, and with iiis father }earned the art of brick making, to which he has devoted his time and atten- tion since ten years of age,. At the age of twenty-one he commenced working in a brick A'ard near home, and after the emigration uf the famil}" to the new W(.:rld, he and his lirothers .started a _\'ard at Henry, Illinois, which was conducted by one of the Iirotliers until his death in 1894. On withdrawing from the firm our subject and lircjther Will- iam went to Galesburg, wiiere they estab- lished a plant and were engaged in the manu- facture of brick, for ten years, meeting with remarkable success financially. Then sell- ing to his brother he came to Henry count}' in 1865, purchased land and erected teni- porar}- kilns near the "gnne,"' where he was located for two }"ears, biu when coal \vas disco\ered in the eastern part oi (iaha, he removed to his present local cni. He begar^ business here on a small scale, but has en- larged his plant to meet tire growing de- mands of his trade, and has manufactured as high as two million, three hundred thou sand brick annually, ha\ing three large kilns with a capacity of two Inindred thousand TPIE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 42 1 brick eacli. In former years Peoria was his principal market, and lie furnished man} tiiousand l)ricks for the post office at that jilace. He also shipped to manj- other points throuj^lioiit the surrounding county. He has employed as many as thirty men during the busy season, and now gives employment to about ten. At present he does little out- side soliciting, taking only those orders which come to him. In his brick making he uses nunlern machinerw the daily capac ity of which is about thirty-five thousand, and he makes it a point to manufacture about twenty thousand brick. The capacity of his tlrying sheds and racks is about one hun- dred thousand. Mr. Payne now ships his brick mainly to Kewanee. He owns a whole block of ground in Galva. and has erected thereon his present comfortable residence. In 1876 Mr. Payne married Miss Ame- lia Rowe. a native of Cornwall, England, by whom he liad two children, namely : Xellie, now the wife of Forest Barlow, a farmer of Kno.\ C()unty, by whom she has three chil- dren. Amy, Richard and Howard; and Thomas who lives at home and aids his father in business. The wife and mother died in i'ebruary, i88j. and in 1SS4 Mr. Payne was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Elizabeth J. Truscott, also a native of Cornwall, England. All her people reside in England. Htr father antl mother, however, are both dead. Mrs. Payne crime to .\merica at age of twenty-five pears, coming direct to Galva. and in the fall of 1S71 was married to William Truscott, also a native of Cornwall. England. He followed mining until his death in 1881. By his ballot Mr. Payne supports tlie men and measures of the Democratic party, but has never taken an active part in politi- cal affairs, though he has capably served as a member of the town board. Starting out in life for himself empty-handed, he de- serves great credit for the success that he has achieved in life, and his career demonstrates what can be accomplished by industry, dili- gence and good management. Pi.WID B. BARGE. One of the honoretl early settlers and highly respected citizens of Henry county is David B. Barge, who is now living a re- tired life on section 29, Plienix township. He was born in Armstrong county, Penn- sylvania, on the 3d of May, 1827, and is a son of John and Jane (Elliott) Barge, also natives of the same state. By trade the father was a carpenter but devoted many years of his life to the occupation of farm- ing. \\'hen our subject was seven years old the family removed to Richland county, Ohio, and after living there for two years took up their residence in Wayne county, that state, where the father engaged in agri- cultural pursuits until called from this life at the age of seventy-five years. The mother survived him many years and came to Illi- nois, making her home with our subject, un- til she died at about the same age. They were the parents of sixteen children, of whom Da\iil B. is the fourteenth in order of birth. The others who are still living are Robert, a farmer of Nebraska; William, a lawyer of Dixon, Illinois; and Isabella, a resident of Grand Island, Nebraska.. During his boyhood David B. Barge at- tended the common schools of Ohio, and aid- ed his father in the labors of the farm. On leaving home in 1847. 'i^ started for \\'is- consin bv wav of the (Jreat Lakes, l)ut on 422 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. account of a fierce storm which was raging the vessel on wiiicii he took passage was un- able to land its passengers at Alilwaukee and proceeded to Chicago, whence ^Ir. Page went by canal to La Salle, Illinois, and by stage to Princeton, from which place he later walked to Henry county. Here he oa- gaged in threshing until fall, when he went to Grant county. \\'isconsin, for the pur- pose of mining, but being unable to obtain employment along that line, he engaged in chopping cord wood through the winter. On March 4, 1848. he again came to Illi- nois, going by stage to Galena and on foot to Albany, where he again took a stage for Geneseo, but on account of the muddy roads was forced to walk much of the distance. On arriving here he purchased a land warrant, and in May went to Dixon on foot to enter one hundred and sixty acres of government land on section 28. Phenix township, to the improvement and cultivation of which he devoted his energies until 1894, when he rented his farm and went to live on the place owned by his son, on section 29, Piienix township. On the 6th of April, 1851, ^Mr. Barge was united in marriage with Miss Eliza M. Aid rich, a native of Pickaway county, Ohio, and a daughter of Columbus C. and Sophia (Overmeyer) Aldrich. The father was born in Providence county. Rhode Island, and at an early day removed to Pickaway county. Obit), and afterward to Henry county, Illinois, making his home in Hanna township until his death, which occurred when he was about sixty-seven years of age. Throughout life he followed the occupation of farming. His wife died in the same township at the advanced age of eighty-five years. Of their six children, only two are now living on the old homestead in Hanna township. Mr. and Mrs. Barge have two children: Alvin W., a prosperous farmer, who owns and operates a fine farm of two hundred and twenty acres on section 29, Phenix township, and has filled the office of road commissioner, married Lulu Spade, a native of Pennsylvania, and they have three children, Clyde, Milly and Glenn, all born in Phenix township. Alice C. is the wife of Thomas Lauderbaugh, also a farmer of Phenix township. When Mr. Barge recorded the deed for his first piece of land in Henry county there V. as not a house between Geneseo and Cam- bridge, and hardly a foot of cultivated land. Deer and prairie wolves were often seen, and wild game was found in abundance. In the work of development and progress he has ever borne his part, and by breaking and improving about six hundred and twenty acres of land he has materially advanced the interests of the county . His career well in- dicates what can be accomplished by deter- mined effort for he started out in life for himself empty-handed, and his success is due entirely to his own industry, good busi- ness ability and excellent management. Hav- ing acquired a comfortable competence, he is now able to lay aside all business cares and is living a retired life. Politically Mr. Barge has been a life-long Democrat. EUGEXIO K. HAYES. In the great competitive struggle of life, v.lien each must enter the field and fight his way to the front, or else be overtaken by disaster of circumstance pr place, there is ever particular interest attaching to the life of one wlxi has turned tlie tide of sue- ^^ ~^*?<>~s & >m^ 1 fSH^^^V >Agjfc E. K. HAYES. ^.,1 OFiaiNOIS URBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 425 cess, has surniounted tlie obstacles and lias shown his ability to cope witli otiiers in their rush for tiie coveted goal. Occupying a prominent place among th.e successful business men of Henry county is E. K. Hayes, vice-president and manager of the Haves Pump & Planter Company, of Gal\a. .\ natixe of Illinois, he was born in La Fayette, Stark county, on the 21st of May, 1848, a son of Harry and Harriet (Wright) Hayes, botli natives of New York, where their marriage was celebrated. He is of linglish and Scotch descent, but for many generations his ancestors have been resi- dents of this criuntry. His father was Imrn in Saratoga county, Xcw York, in 1806, and about 1829 came to Illinois, being one •of the earliest settlers of Stark county. From a wild, unbroken tract of land he developed a tine farm, and continued to follow agricultural pursuits throughout life. He was quite an extensive stock raiser and met with excellent success in his undertak- ings. He was a stanch Al)olitit)nist and one of the earliest advocates of that doctrine. After a long, busy and useful life, he passed away at the age of eighty-two years, and his wife, wlu) was born in 1807, died .Xjjril 30, 1875, aged sixty-eight years. Of their four children the oldest was Ixjrn in Xew York before the family came to this state. In order of birth they were as follows : Julia A., who married Jnhn Peterson and died in Kewatiee ; Mary E., deceased wife of A. M. Snyder, of Stark county; Mar- garet, who died at the age of eighteen years : and Eugenio K., the only survivor. Mr. Hayes, of this review, received his etlucation in the public schools of Stark and Henry counties. He remained upon the home farm, which he later owned, until 1875, when he purchased a farm near Kewanee, where he remained si.x rears. In 1 88 1 he entered into partnership with H. H. Perkins in the manufacture of the Boss shoveling board. His first invention was a two-row stalk cutter, known as the Hayes two-row cutter, which he sold to the Decre- -Mansur Company at a fair price. This he in\entcd while 1 m the home farm, intro- (hiced III the trade by wagon, ;md created a demrnid for the same. He was first en- gaged in Inisiness at Kewanee. where he soon doubled the manufacturing capacity of his place, and added to it the retail busi- ress. .\t the end of a year he purchased Mr. Perkins' interest, and CdUtinued in business alone at Kewanee until i8S(). when he removed to CJalva. On the 5th of Jan- uary, iS(ji, he organized a stock cnuipanv v, ilh a capital of one hundred thousand dol- lars, which a few years later was increased to two hundred lliousand dnllars. Mr. Hayes, is one of the largest stockholders of the company, ser\ed as its president for some time, and is now \ice-president and manager. Tlie_\' now manufacture corn planters, pumjis, riding and walking cultiva- tors, harrows, shoveling boards, but make a specialty of cultiwators and planters, their capacity being one hundred complete ma- chines per day. The plans for the manufac- ture of all these machines have been dictated by our subject, with the exception of the riding cultixatur, whicli was inventeil by his son, Ralph W. Mr. Hayes has i)at- ented an autmnatic reel for winding check row wire: a two cylinder force iiump: and the Ha_\es and h'.clipse planters, nf which th.ere are between thirty-tive and forty thou- sand now on the market. He has numer- ous patents on shoveling boards, of which he manufactures from twenty-five to thirty tliousand annualh', and alxuU four inindred 426 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. tliousand liave been placed upon the mar- ket. Mr. Hayes also has two patents on a steel lawn swing manufactured by the com- pany, and has perfected one of the most com- plet lines of walking and riding cultivators on the market. Under his management the company has steadily prospered and is one of the most important industrial concerns in the county. They now have eight sales- men upon the road, traveling through Illi- nois. Iowa, Kansas. Missouri, Indiana, Wisconsin. Minnesota and South Dakota. On the 19th of January. 1871, in Stark county, ^Ir. Hayes was united in marriage vvith Miss ^latilda J- Dack, who was born in Henry county. October 8. 1848, a daugh- ter of Joim and Jane Dack, pioneers of this section. By trade the father was a shoemaker, but for many years he was en- gaged in farming, and died upon his farm south of Kewanee. The death of his wife occurred in that city. They were of Scotch and Irish descent. Their children who are now living are John, a resident of Nebraska, who owns about one thousand, two hundred acres; Thomas, who is also living in that state, where he owns sixteen hundred and twenty acres of land ; Frederick, superinten- dent of the Hayes Pump & Planter Com- pany; !Mrs. Sarah A. Gillan, a resident of Omaha : and Matilda J., wife of our subject. Mr. and ^Irs. Hayes have five children, namely: Ralph ^\'., a graduate of the me- chanical engineering department of Ann Arbor University, is of an inventive turn of mind and is now assistant superintend- ent in his father's shop. He married Stella ]Mink and they have one daughter, Lucile. Albert L. attended the University of Cham- paign one year, and Ann Arbor two years, and is now salesman and general agent for the Hayes I^nnp & Planter Company, with headquarters at Council Bluffs, Iowa. For- rest S. is fitting himself for a lawyer at Ann Arlx'r. I'red D. possesses consider- able talent as an artist, and is now a student at the Chicago Art Institute. Percy C. is now employed as time keeper in his father's office. All of the sons, with the exception of Albert L., are graduates of the Galva high school. Being a strong temperance man Mr. Hayes supixjrts the Prohibition party, and has taken an active part in its work. He lias been a delegate to its conventions and has been candidate for state treasurer on the party ticket. He is an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he has been officially connected, and. i.= now serving as superintendent of the Sunday school. Fraternally he is a membec of the Modern Woodmen of America. Starting out in life for himself with no capital his prosperity has been worthily achieved, and he well deserves the enviable position which he now occupies in business circles. Self-reliance, conscientiousness, en- erg}- and honesty — these are the traits of character that insure the highest emoluments and greatest success, and to these may be attributed tlie success that has crowned the efforts of ^Ir. Haves. HUGH A. MARTI X. It is quite interesting to observe, in noting the various members of a community, how they ha\e been gathered together from different states and localities and how well they usually combine to form an intelligent and prosperous community. The subject of this sketch, who to-dav is a successful THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 427 fanner residing on section 13. Burns town- sliip. Henry cnnnty. Illinois, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the 19th of June, 185 1. His father, John Martin, was a native of county Londonderry, Ireland, his birth having occurred near Belfast, March 6, 18 18. On leaving the Emerald Isle at the age of twenty-one he came to America and tiM)k up his residence in Phila- delphia, where he si)ent several years. Liiter he lived in Ohio, and in 1B54 came to Henrv county, Illinois, making his home in Burnr. township throughout the remainder of his life. His first purchase of land consisted of forty acres which he broke and improved, and to it added from time to time as his financial resources increased until he had ac- cumulated four hundred acres of valuable land, which he placed under a high state of cultivation. In connection with the opera- tion of his land he was also extensively en gaged in raising, buying and shipping stock, and found that business (|uite profitable. ll\j was widely and favorablv known through- out the cmmty, and in his death, which oc- curred October jy, 1899, the CDmmunity realized that it had lost one of its best citi- zens. His remains were interred in Corner cemetery. While a resident of Philadelphia, John Martin married Elizabeth McRell, and they became the parents of si-x cnildren, of whom our subject is the eldest. Robert, now a resident of Kewanee, married Laura Snyder, native of Illinois, who died, leaving three children. John G. married Elizabeth Keni- erling. of this township, and followed farm- ing in Burns township mitil his death, which occurred about fifteen years ago. Three of his four children are still living. William J. married Anna L. Radford, and is now in the stock commission business at the stockyards in Chicago. Sarah Jane is the wife of James Barber, a farmer of Burns township, and they have one child living. Elizabeth, the youngest of the family, died in infancy. Hugh A. ^Martin was only three years old when brought by his parents to this county, and almost his entire life has been passed in Burns township, though the fam- ily lived for a short time in Wethersfield. After completing his education he taught school for one year, but with that exception he has always followeil farming during his business career. He also buys and sells considerable stock, and by njjrigbt and hon- orable dealings has gained an' enviable rep- lilation in business circles. He is now the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and eighty acres in Burns township, all under cultivation. In his political afliliations he is ;'. stanch Democrat, and has served as trnvn- sh.ip assessor and collector. On the J5th of December. 187^^, Mr. Martin was united in marriage with ^liss Mary O. Alexander, a native of Illinois, and li them have been born three sons, namely; J-idwin. born December 9, 1875. married Alice M. Andrews, a native of Iowa, and they have one child, Lloyd : Charles A., born August 30, 1877, and Wallace .\., born September 2. 1885. are both at home. The ])arents are members of the Presbyterian Church. Samuel .\lexander. the father of Mrs. Martin, was one of the i)ioneers of Henry county, having come here from Dutchess county, Xew York, at an early day. .\t that time Kewanee contained only one or tow log houses, and this region was all wild and unimproved. Here he conducted a store and also engaged in stock raising and general farming. In 1848 he married Jane 42 8 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Ann Cline, and to tlieni were born four chil- dren : Maria C, l)orn June 5. 1849, '* the wife of ^lilo Bunker, of Xew Hampshire. INIrs. Martin is ne.xt in order of l>irth. George F.. l)orn June 28, 1858, married Alice Big- 1)y, and is engaged in mercantile business in Nebraska. Alice C. born December 20, i860, is the wife of Stephen West, of Ke- v.anee, Illinois. The mother of these chil- dren died ]\Iay 16. 1875. and was buried in ^^'ethersfield, this county, while the father died December 17, 189S, and was laid to rest ip Xeliraska. SHER.MAX L. RISHEL. The subject of this sketch, who is a suc- •cessful and enterjjrising farmer residing on section 32. Munson township, is one of Henry county's native sons, his birth having ■occurred in Cambridge, February 28, 1865. On both sides he is of German descent, though his original American ancestors lo- cated here many generations ago. His father John A. Rishel, was a native of Columbia county. Pennsylvania, and come to Henry county. Illinois, in September, 1859, at the age of nineteen years. Being a dentist, he at one opened an office in Cambridge, and en- gaged in the practice of his profession for a time, but later turned his attention to farm- ing, becoming owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Munson township, on which he locater after spending a short time in Burns township. It was in 1865 that he retired from his professional labors. He erected a good and substantial building upon his place and made many other useful and valuable improvements, but was an invalid during the last fifteen years of his life, dur- ing which time the farm was operated by his sons, who were young men of industrious habits and good business ability. He died upon his farm in 1896. honored and respect- ed by all who knew him. His wife, who bore the maiden name of ^larie Fesler, was born in Havana, Illinois, but was living with b.er parents in Burns township, this county, at the time of her marriage. She still sur- \i\es her husband and now makes her home in Cambridge. The children born to them are Addie, wife of F. H. York, of Michigan ; .Sherman L.. our subject; and ^\'ebster D., who lives on the home farm in Munson township. During his boyhood and youth Sherman L. Rishel attended the public schools and also took an elective course at the North- western Normal Schrx)! in Geneseo. He re- mained with his parents until his marriage. aiding in the work of the farm. He now owns and successfully operates one hun- dred and fifty-four acres of well-improved and highly cultivated land on section ^2. !Munson township. He carries on general farming and stock raising, making a spec- ialty of Aberdeen and Angus cattle, and also handles about a carload of hogs annually. In his farming operations he has met with fair success, and has found the stock busi- ness quite profitable. In April, 1889, Mr. Rishel married ^liss Etta Helson, who was born in Munson township, in 1864. Her father, Charles Nelson, followed farming in that township until his death, which occurred in July, 1900, and her mother still resides there. He came to this county about 1859, and from the wild prairie developed a good farm. Mrs. Rishel is the second in order of birth in a family of five children, the others being Justina, wife of G. W. Hutchinson, of Cam- bridge; Manie. wife oi ]. M. Anderson, of THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 42^ Andovcr ; \\"i!liani C. and F. J., both resi- dents th died, the former in 1857, and the latter when our subject was very young. She bore the maiden name of Rel)ecca \\'alker, antl was a native of Xew Jersey. Otu" subject grew to manhood in his na- tive city and was educated in private schools. Having a great fondness for country life he chose farming as an occupation, and when a youiig man followed that i)iu-suit near I'hiladephia for a time. 'J'here he was mar- ried Septemljer ^. 1849, to Miss Edith lilackfan, and they made their home on a farm within six miles nf Philadelphia for fi\-e years. The wife died on that place, leaving a daughter, Mary, who was reared by an aunt in Cincinnati, and is now a resi- dent of Piiiladelphia. Jt was in the spring uf 1836 that Mr. Wa_\ne came to Henry county, Illinois, and jjurchased one hundred and sixty acres of w ild land near Orion. He broke acre after acre of the virgin soil tuitil the entire tract was under culti\ation ; he erected good and stibstantial buildings, set out fruit and forest trees, and made many other improx'ements upon the place. He prospered in his farming operations, and added to his landed posses- sions from time to time until he had four hundretl and ten acres, which he con\'erted 430 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. into one of the most valuable and desirable farms of the localit\-. He has since dis- posed of part of this, but still owns the orig- inal tract of one hundred and sixty acres, which he now rents, while he lives a retired life in Orion, enjoying a well-earned rest. In connection with general farming he also carried on stock raising in a profitable man- ner. His home in Orion embraces a whole block and is one of the best and most beau- tiful places in the village. ^Ir. \\ayne was again married, December ^, 1856, his second union being with Miss Sarah E. Leibee. who was born [March 9, 1835, and reared in !Middletown, Ohio, and is of German descent. Her paternal grand- father was one of the first settlers and busi- ness men of Cincinnati, at one time owning a large part of that city. Her father, George Leibee, was born in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1802, but his early life was principally passed in Cincinnati, where he later engaged in business. From there he remo^'ed to IMiddletown, Ohio, and in 1855 came to Osco township, Henry county, Ilinois, where he opened up and improved a farm of eight hundred acres. He became one of the sub- stantial men of the county, and gave to each of his children a farm. He married Mar- garet Dean, daughter of Adam Dean. He died in 1886, at the age of eighty-four years and his wife died in 1863. They were mem- bers of the Protestant ilethodist Church. ^Ir. and ilrs. \\'ayne have a family of four children, namely: (i) George H., a prom- inent business man of Orion, married Har- riet Jones and has three children, Bessie, Stella and Forest. (2) ^largaret L. is the wife of Etlward Duffield, a stock dealer of Orion. (3) Clara J. married Henry J- Crampton and died in Orion, in 1887. leav- ing two children, Geneva and Clinton \\'ayne. (4) Charles, a grain and lumber dealer of Reynolds, Rock Island county. Illi- rois, married Susan Breckenridge, a daugh •ter of James Breckenridge. of Galva. and they have five children, James B., Carl. Mary E., William and Edward A. Politically Mr. Wayne was originally an old line ^^ hig, but since the organization of the Republican party has been a stanch sup- porter of its men and measures, but has never aspired to office. He has ever been a stanch friend of education and of public schools, and while living on his farm efficiently served as a member of the school board for some years. He and his wife are members of the Chris- tian Science Church of Rock Island, and are among the most highly respected and honor- ed citizens of Orion. Mr. \\'ayne was made a Mason at Cambridge, and was a charter member of Coal \'alley lodge, in Avhicli he served as master, but has since demitted his membership to Sherman lodge, at Orion. He takes a deep interest in everything pertain- ing to the public welfare of the town, and withholds his support from no enterprise calculated to prove of public benefit. FRANK S. MELVIX. Among the most enterprising and pro- gressive citizens of ilunson township is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, and who is successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits on sections 4 and 11 and is also interested in the manufacturing business in Rock Island. He was born in Belknap county, Xew Hampshire, May 6, 1854, and on the paternal side is of Scotch- Irish descent and on the maternal side of English extraction. His parents were George THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 431 T. and Lucy A. (Fox) Melvin, the foniicr of wiioni was born in Maine, in 1825, and died in Deceml)er. 1885, wiiile tlie latter was born in New Hanipsliire in 1832, and died in 1SS4. The fatlier received only a com- mon school education, and when a young man commenced work as a car builder. In the spring of 1857, he went to Chicago, and entered the employ of the Chicago, Rock Isl- and & Pacific railroad, but in the fall of the same year was transferred to Rock Island and placed in charge of the car department, where both passenger and freight cars were built and repaired. He remainetl there un- til 1862, when, owing to ill health, he re- signed his position and came direct to Mun- son township, Henry county, where he pur- chased a farm and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. Meeting with suc- cess in this undertaking, he added to his landed possessions, and at the time of his death he owned two hundred and twenty acres of valuable land. He was reared to farm work in Xew England and followed it throughout much of his life. Both he and his wife died on the farm in Munson town- ship. His political support was given the Republican party, thougii he never would accept office. He gave to the support of all church and charitable work, and was a mem- ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows. He came to this state with limited means, and his success was due to his own well-directed and energetic efforts. In the family were only two children, of whom Frank S. is the older. Fred H., a retired farmer, formerly of Munson township, now lives in Geneseo. Reared on the home farm, Frank S. ^lel- vin was principally educated in the neighbor- ing schools, but also took a special course of private instruction. He remained under the parental roof until 1874. when at the age of twenty years he entered the employ of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company, in the supply department between Rock Island and Peru, but at the end of two years his health failed and he went to Colo- rado, remaining there about nine months. On his return to Illinois, he located on the home farm, which he and his brother oper- ated together until his marriage. In December, 1884, Air. Melvin wedded Miss Eva J. Thomas, who was born in Maine, in June, 1853 and came to Illinois, with her parents in 1870, locating on the farm on section 4, Munson township, Henry county, now occupied by our subject. Here her mother is still living with our subject. Of her five children only three survive, these being Henry C, traveling salesman for wholesale poultry dealers and a resident of Minonk, Illinois; Augtista S. married William M. Rideout and now resides in Ot- tumwa, Iowa; and Eva J., wife of our sub- ject. Mr. and Mrs. Melvin have three chil- dren; George Herbert, born in Decem- ber, 1886; Frank S., born in March, 1888; and Lora A., born in November, 1890. Both sons are now students at the Collegiate In- stitute of Geneseo, where they are pursuing a general course of stud}-. In 1899, George li., though one of the youngest of his class, took first prize of a year's tuition at that school. Since his marriage Mr. Melvin has resid- ed upon his present farm, and has success- fully engaged in general farming. He is the owner of one hundred and ninety acres of very valuable and productixe land in this count}'. He is one of the stockholders, sec- retary and treasurer of the Xovelty Manufac turing Company of Rock Island, which was ii^corporated with a capital stock of twenty- 432 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. five liunclred dollars, and he also has charge of the traveling department. He is a wide- awake, energetic business man, and generally carries forward to successful completion whatever lie undertakes. Since attaining his majority Mr. I\Iel\ in has been identified with the Republican party, ami is a member of the county cen- tral committee from INIunson township. He has served as collector of his township; was appointed township school treasurer in 1893 and has since filled that office; and in 1899 was elected supervisor, in which capacit}- he is now serving his fellow citizens in a most able and acceptable manner. ]\Ir. !Melvin is a member of the ]\Iodern Woodmen Camp, No. 40, of Genesee, and also holds mem- bership in the Congregational Church at that place, in which he formerly served as Sunday-school superintendent. He is a worthy representative of that class of citi- zens who lead quiet, industrious, honest and useful lives, and constitute the best portion of a community. \\'herever known he is held in high regard, and is certainly deserving of honorable mention in the history of his adopted county. JACOB J. FLEMING. In Jacob J. Fleming we find a worthy representative of the industrial interests of Kewanee, in which city he has engaged in mining since 1857. He was born in Dur- ham county, England, July 9, 1843, h's par- ents being Jacob and Mary (Coatsworth) Fleming. The father followed lead mining until his death, which occurred in that coun- try in 1845, ^vhen he was about fift}' years of age. Religiously he was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Ir. his family were seven children, of whom three also died in England, these being Mary Ann, who died in infancy; !Mary Ann (the second of that name), who died at the age of ten years; and Elizabeth. The others \\ere Hannah, now a resident of Pennsylva- nia : Thomas, who died in Nevada, !Mis- souri, in 1895, at the age of sixty-four years; Joseph, a resident of Spring A'al- ley, Illinois; and Jacob J., our subject. In 1853, the mother, accompanied by her four children, came to America. The voyage was a pleasant one, lasting thirty days. The family first located at ilonongahela City, I ennsylvania, where they lived until coming to Kewanee in 1857. Here the mother died July 29, 1887, at the ripe old age of eighty- two years, six months and twenty-one days. From early girlhood she was a member of the ilethodist Episcopal Church, and was a most estimable lady. Jacob J. Fleming acquired the rudiments of an education in his native land, but when little over eight years of age was compelled to leaAe school and go to work as his father was in ill health and the family needed his earnings. He worked at washing and sepa- rating lead ore for the mills until coming to America with his mother. Since 1857 he has been a resident of Kewanee and has been identified with its coal mining interests. Hf is now successfully operating a mine one mile east of the city, giving employment' to sev- enteen men below and one above ground. The present output of the mine is about five hundred bushels per day, and last year about seven thousand tons were mined, all of which yas sold to the local trade. On the 14th of February, 1870, J^Ir. Fleming married ^Miss Elizabeth Fall, a na- tive of Illinois, and a daughter of Thomas THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 433 and Mar_\- Fall, who came to this coiinti")' from Coniwall, England, in the latter i)art of the '40s, and first settled in Wisconsin, but in 11^65, took up their residence in Henry county, Illinois. The father was born No- vember 18, 1822, and died February 25, 1892. He was a lead, coal and copper miner, but was mstly engaged in lead mining. His widow is still an honored resident of Ke- wanee. They were the parents of ten chil- dren, of whom Mrs. Fleming is the oldest. The others were Elijah, a grocer of Ke- wanee; John, who was accidentally killed in the Lathrop mine in 1870, at the age of si.xteen years, falling frcm the top to the bot- tom of the shaft; Mary J., wife of Enoch I'iler, of Peoria; Almira, \v!u) !i\cs with her nu.ther in Kewanee; William T.. who died in January, 1872, at the age of ten years; Edith M.. at home"; Cora 1., who died in 1885, at the age of eighteen; Albert T., a resident of Kewanee; and Esther, who graduated from the sciiools of Kewanee, and liar, successfully engaged in teaching here for about ten years. To Mr. and Mrs. Fleming have been born the following children : Mary E., born March 17, 1871, died September 26, 1872; .\nnie L., born January 17, 1873, died Octo- ber 11, 1879; Minnie Etta is at home; Es- tella -M. has been a bookkeeper at Lay & Lymans for the past si.K years; .Albert W. is bookkeeper for the Western Tube Com- pany ; Thomas E. is a traveling salesman, living in Denver, Colorado; Eva A. is clerk- ing in the store of Lay tS: Lyman at Kewa- nee; John C. is with the Kewanee Boiler Company; Flora M. will graduate from tlie high school of Kewanee in the class of 1902 : Jacob E. is in the eighth grade at school; Ethel .\. is in the fifth grade; and Edith O. i.-; in the third grade. Mrs. Fleming is a member of the Primitive Methodist Church; is well \ersed, and is a lady of i)leasing pres- ence, who takes jileasure in making those around her happy and contented. Since casting his first presidential vnte for Abraham Lincoln in 1864, Mr. I-leming has been identified with the Republican party and has done all within his power to insure its success. For three years he efticiently served as alderman of Kewanee, and has recently been elected assessor for the en- suing 3'ear. He was census enumerator in 1900, and has ever taken an active and com- mendable interest in public affairs. He is one of the most highly respected and es- teemed citizens of Kewanee, and deserves great credit for the success that he has ;ichie\-ed in life. ROBERT .McRELL. This well-to-do and highly esteemed citizen of Burns township, whose home i.s on section 10, was born near Tubermore, county Londonderry, Ireland, in Ma\-, 1827, and was reared and educated in his native lanil, being a young man of twenty-one years when he came to the new world, in 1848. He sailed from Belfast to New York, and from the latter city to Philadelphia, where he spent four years. His parents, Robert and Catherine (^Gibbons) McRell, crossed the Atlantic in 1849, ^nd also took up their residence in Philadelphia. Three years later the family removed to Logan county, Ohio, and in the spring of 1856 came to Henry county, Illinois. Here the mother died in 1888, and the mother departed this life in 1886, the remains of both being in- terred in Cosner cemetery. Political! v he was a stanch supporter of the Democratic party. The five children of the family were all 434 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. born in Ireland, and in order of birth they are as follows : Elizal)eth is a resident of Burns lownship. Robert is the next of the family. Esther, who n(3w resides with our subject, was married in Philadelphia, in 1S50, to Ri>l)ert Hawthorne, who died there in 1863. Of the seven children born of that union only two are now living, these being Robert J., who married Lucy Watson, of Galva; and Lizzie, wife of Leroy Snyder. James, a prominent farmer of Burns town- ship, is represented on another page of this \olume. Thomas lives in Arkansas. In his native land our subject engaged in farming, but while a resident of Phila- delphia he was employed as a weaver of ingrain carpets. In Logan county, Oliio, he engaged in agricultural pursuits for four years, and continued to follow the same oc- cupation after coming to this county, in the spring of 1S56. He and his brother James each bought a quarter-section of land in Burns township, a part of which had been broken and a part covered with timber. On this farm he lived a number of years, then sold and purchased forty acres on section 10, the same township, and there he has since made his home. He subsequently added eighty acres to the tract, but later sold it to his nephew, and for the last few years has lived retired, but remaining in the old home. He is widely and favorably known and during his long residence in this county he has made a host of warm friends, who esteem him highly for his ster- ling worth. WILLIAM McMEEKIX. Galva's well-known and popular post- master has made for himself an honorable record. Depending upon his own resources, looking for no outside aid or support, he has risen to a place of prominence in the commercial and professional world. A na- tive of Henry county, he was liorn in West- ern township, Xovember 13. 1854. His fa- ther, William McMeekin, was born in Ire- land, and about 1854 came to this country, locating in Rock Island county, Illinois, where he was united in marriage with ]\Iiss Agnes Reed, also a native of the Emerald Isle. Subsequently they came to Henry county and took up their residence on a farm in Western township, which has been their home since 1858. The father has trans formed the wild prairie land into highly cultivated fields, and has made excellent improvements thereon. He is now seventy- nine years of age, while his wife is sixty- eight. The children born to this worthy couple are as follows: James, a farmer of Western township: Mary J., wife of W. T. Mc- Whinney, of the same township: William, our subject; Frank, one of the publishers of the Port Byron Globe, uf Port Byron, Rock Island county; John, an employe of the Moline Plow Company; Robert, who assists in the operation of the home farm; Hugh, who is also engaged in farming upon the home place and is employed as telegraph operator by the Rock Island & Peoria Com- pany; Alexander and Alida, Innh at home, and the latter now a sc1kx.i1 teacher. The children were all provided with good com- mon school educations, and Frank took a course of stenography and bookkeeping at a business college. Politically the family is identified with the Republican party, and the father and seven sons have twice cast their ballots for William McKinley. The parents are active and faithful members of the United I'resbvterian Church, and Mr. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 435 .McMeekiii was (Uie of tlie i'duikIlts of the lliimestead church in Rural lnwushii). Ruck Ij-laiul count}-. During his Ijoyiiood the sul^ject of this re\ iew attended tlie puhlic scliools of Orion and Coal \'alley, Illinois, and then took up the classical course in the Iowa City Acad- emy. .\fter graduating from that institu- tion he entered the University of Iowa, \> here he also jnirsued the classical course, but left school during his sophomore year. h'or four years he successfully engaged in teaching sclu)ol at Sunny Hill, this county. Coming to Galva in 188O he commenced the study of law with T. E. Milchrist, now state senator from Chicago, and was prin- cipal of the south side school two years. In i8Sy he hecamc a member of the firm of Ro_\(l iS: .McMeekiii, puliH>hers of the Stand- ard, which Un> al\\a_\s heen a Reiiuhlican paper, and ten years later purchased lii.s partner's interest in the business, becoming sole proprietor. During all these years he has served as editor, and untler his efticient management tiie paper has steadily m creased in circulation and importance until it is to-day one of tlie leading journals of tlie county. In i88«; -Mr. .Mc.Meekin marrietl Miss Clara C. Bates, who was l)orn in Galva, Septemljer ,50, i8<')i, a dauglner of Join; and Julia IJales. Her fatlier was one of the early settlers of Galva, having located here about 1854, and followed cabinet mak- ing for a time. He died in 1870. The mother is still living in (ialva, at the age of e'ghty-two years. Since attaining his majority .Mr. Mc- Meekin has always affiliated with the Re- publican party, and has been an active worker in its ranks, taking especial inter- est in towrt and county politics. ( )n the Tst of -\pril. 1899, he was appointed post- master of (ialva under President McKinley, and is now efficiently tilling that office, while his wife acts as his assistant. I'rior to her marriage she was BookkeejK'r for Palmer, Walker & Johnson, one of the leading busi- ness firms of Galva. She is an active worker in the Methodist Episco])al Church ; for three years served as president of the Young Women's Christion Temperance Union, of Gaha, and takes an active inter- est in the woman's suffrage movement. She is a most estimable lady, and is highl\' re- spected and esteemed liy all who know her. -Mr. .McMeekin is also a leading member of the Methotlist Episcopal Church, and has served on the board of managers. He is a leader in the temperance cause; has served as chairman of the local committee for ti\e \ears : and is a memljer of the Modern Woodmen Camp of Gaha, Xo. 24 1. On starting out in life for himself he was with- (Hit capital and the success that he has achieved is due entirely to his own well- directed anil energetic efforts. 1 le 1k!.-> steadily worked his way upward to a po- sition of prominence in business circles, and well merits the prosiieritx' that has come Uj him. TllO.M.\S P. PlHRCl-:. Thomas I'. Pierce, jiresident of tlie Union National Bank, of Kewanee, Illinois, (.ccupies a foremost position among the prominent financiers of this .section of the state. L'pon the commercial activity of a conimunit}' depends its jjrosperity and the men who are now recognized as leading citizens are those who are at the head of important business enter[)rises. Mr. Pierce 43<5 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. is a man of broad capabilities, who carries forward to successful completion whatever iie undertakes. A native of Illinois, he was torn in Kane county, October 3, 1838, and is a son of Thomas and Ruth (Powell) Pierce. The father was a Welshman by birth, and when a vouth emigrated to America, locating in Xew York state, where he made his home from 1817 to 1835, engaged in contracting and building, having learned the carpenter"^ trade in Wales. In the Empire state he married Ruth Powell, whose family was also from Wales, although she was born in New- York. In 1835 Mr. Pierce came to Illinois by wav of the Great Lakes, and settled near Aurora. Kane county, taking up a tract of government land near Jericho Corners. He pre-empted this land, and for many years devoted his energies to the improvement and cultivation of his place. In 1854 he removed to Aurora, where he lived retired throughout the remainder of his life, dying there m 1872. His wife long survived him and passed awa}" in 189J. Unto them were born four children, namely : William died several vears ago in Kewanee. where he was engaged in the hardware business. Plis wife, who bore the maiden name of Fannie Lay, has since married again and now li\es in Chicago. Elizabeth is the wife of H, IM. Howard, of Aurora. Thomas P. is next in order of birth. John H. is presi- dent of the Western Tube \\'orks, of Ke wanee. During his boyhood Thomas P. Pierce pursued his studies in the district sciiool of Sugar Grove township, Kane county, whicli was about a mile from his home, and later attentled the high school of Aurora. After completing his education he learned the trade of a tinner, and in the fall of 1863 embarked in the hardware business in Ke wanee. Three years later he admitted his lirother John H. to partnership in the busi- ness, which was then carried on under the firm style of Pierce & Brother for about fifteen years. Subsecjuently O. J. Brown became interested in the business, under the firm name of Pierce & Brown, but this part nership did not last long on account of Mr. Brown's health, and Mr. Pierce was alone in business until he disposed of the store. In December, 1880, the L'nion National Bank secured its charter and began business, its original directors being Stephen Bull, R. F. Wiley. M. C. Ouinn, ^^". H. Lyman, T. P. Pierce. W. W. Stevens and A. F. Bige- low. Mr. Pierce has served as president from the beginning, while H. L. Kellogg is now cashier, and \\ . H. Lxman. \ice- president. Under the able management ot its officers the bank has steadily prospered and the capital stock has been increased from fifty to se\enty-five thousand dollars, with a surplus now equal to the capital. It built and occupies a fine stone building with latest impro\-ed vaults and safes. Mr. Pierce is also a memljer of the board of directors oi the Kewanee Boiler Company. In September, 1864, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Charlotte L. Talcott. a native of Michigan. Her father, Joseph Augustus Talcott, was born in Coventry, Connecticut, ^lay 12, 18 10, and was a son of Joseph and Mary ( Loomis ) Talcott. natives of the same state. The l"akx)tt family came originally from Eng- land, and was founded in Connecticut in early colonial days. Mrs. Pierce's father was the eldest of a family of three children, the others being Nathaniel Ells and Mercy Rebecca, both now deceased. Joseph A. Talcott received a good common-schi 1 '1 ed- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 437 I'.catinii and fur many years enfjatjed in teacliin.i;-. In 18,5') lie removed to White ]'iiL;ei'n, Michiij^an. wliere lie fiill'iwed that pui^uit I'lir sniiie time, three nf his children heint;' horn there. In 1S50 he eame to Wethersfield. llhn.>is. and tanylit the old A\'ethersfield school lor a few )-ears. When Kewance was ])latted lie removed to the new \illa';e. and in the midst nf a corntield hnilt his residence on what is now (."liestnnt street, jnst south of where the I'"]>iscoi)al Church stands. Here he enLja^ed in the in- .--urance hnsiness for man}' ye.ars. at _ the -,ime time tillino- the office of justice of the peace, lie wedded Miss Mary M. Loomis. idso a native of Connecticut, and they he- came the ])arents of live children: Mary Eli/.ahelh. horn in Coventrv-. Connecticut. i> now the widow of J. D. K. Sleiiiiit, and makes her home in Richmond, \'ira;-inia. though she s])ends the greater jiart of her time in traveling: Harriet Rebecca died at the age of three years; Charlotte Maria is the wife of our subject; Jose])h died in in- fancy; and .Mice Louisa, horn in Wethers- field. is the wife of John Lllis. of Kewanee. Mr. Talcott died January i,\. iS()i, at the age of eighty \ears. and his wife passed away April _'". i8c^5. at the advanced age of eighty-si.x \'cars and eleven months, the remains of both l)eing interred in I'leasant \'iew cemetery. Tliev were active and faithful members of the (."ongregational Church for o\-er sixty years, and .\lr. Tal- cott served a.s trustee of the church and su- perintendent of the Sunday-school for many years. He also sang" in the choir in early (lays. He was an active member of the Ma- sonic fraternity for a great many vears. and was a stanch su])porter of the Republi- can ])arty, though he would accept no office besides that of justice of the peace. He was one of Kewanee's most honored and re- s])ected citizens during the long years fif his residence here. Cnlo .Mr. and ?vlrs. Pierce were born two children, Init the elder, a daughter, died in infancy. William T., who is with the Western Tube Company, of Kewanee. married Teressa Cronau and they have one child. Thomas C. ^Irs. I'ierce is a member of the Congregational Church. Fraternally our su])ject is a Kniglil Templar Mason, and i)olitically is an ardent l\e])ublican. .Since 1SS4 he has been a member of the state board of equalization and is to-day the oldest in the service. He has served on all of the important committees, and was chair- man of the committee on lands for several \cars, lie was jiresident of the village hoard several terms was also a member of the countv board of sniiervisors a number of years, and was a ])residential elector in the fall of 1900. The career of Mr. Pierce has ever been .such as to warrant the trust and confidence of th.e business world, for he has ever conducted all transactions on the strictest ])rinci])les of honor and integrity. His devotion to the public gjood is un(|ues- tioned. and he has ever maintained a char- acter and standing that has impressed all with his sincere and manly purjiose to do b\ others as he would have others do by liim. PETER (). XORLLXC. This ])roniinent druggist of (iaiva has l)robablv done "is much to promote the com- mercial activity, advance the general wel- fare and secure the material development of the town and surrounding country as anv other individual. .\s a business man 438 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. he is enterprising, energetic and always abreast of the times, and lias been rewarded by a comfortable com])etence. yir. Xorling" was born in Sweden, abont fifty miles from Stockholm, December 15. 1852, and is the oldest child of Andrew O. and Elizabeth Xorling, both of whom were born in that country in i8j6, and as mem- bers of the Bishop Hill colony came to Hen- ry county. Illinois, in 1H54. Throughout his active business life the lather followed farming, but is now living a retired life in Galva, enjoying a well-earned rest. He became owner of one hundred and twenty- seven acres of land in Galva township, whicii was his portion when the land owned by the colony was divided among its members. He has made his home in Galva since 1893. Politically he has always been a strong Re- publican, liut has never aspired for any polit- ical honors. His family consists of seven children, all of whom reached years of ma- turity, Peter O. being the oldest. Antirew, \\ ho was formerly engaged in the drug busi- ness with our subject, now owns about eleven hundred acres of land at Litchfield. Nebraska, in company witii his brother, Tohn E., and is conducting a large cattle ranch. John E. is treasurer and secretary of the Swedish Tribune, of Chicago, which is one of the oldest Swedish newspapers in tin- L'nited States, being first started at Galva under the name of the Xew World. At one, time he was also associated witii cjur subject in the drug business tV)r se\eral vears. Amanda di^d on her fatner's fanu Decem- lier 23. 189J. Matdda lives with her par ents in (jaha. Lillie is the wife of S. P. Swan.son. who conducts a prosperous tail- t)ring establishment in Centerville. Iowa. Alfred W. graduated in pharmacy at the L'nivers!tv of Illinois, and was in the dru" business with our subject for a number of years, but is now engaged in the insurance business at Galva. Mr. Xorling, of this review, was only two years old when brought by his parent.^, to the Lnited States, and he received his early education in the public schools of this county. He remained on the home farm, assisting his father in its improve- ment unt'l 1876. In the meantime he took a trip to Sweden and remained there about a year. On the 26th of March 1876, he opened a drug store at Bishop Hill, though he had but little capital at that time. He hired competent help, and by his unusual business ability built up an e.xcellent trade. In 1881 he formed a partnership with hisi two brothers, and opened branch stores at Xekoma and Galva. and this connection wa:: dissolved a year later, and our subject be- came owner of the store at Galva, where he carried a complete line of drugs, druggists' sundries, patent medicines, i)aints, oils, wall paper and fancy goods, valued at thirty- five hundred dollars. Selling a one-half interest to his brother in 1884. this partnershi].- continuetl till 1S87. when they sold to P. Hanson. In 1884 he purchased a grocery store in Peoria, which he conducted for fifteen months, and then sold his interest in the business to his partner. On his return to Henry county he located at Cambridge, where he purchased a store buikling and stocked it with drugs, etc., doing a thri\ing business there from 1886, to 1893. Seeing a good opening at his old home in Galva. iMr. Xorling re-purchased the drug store of the widow of P. Hanson, and has since successfully engaged in that business at this place. Pre-eminently public-spiriteil and pro- gressive, iMr. Xorling has done much ti- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 439 advance the interests of the t^wn. especially along- industrial lines. I le purchased a large amount of stock in tiie Mnlford Heater Company formed at Streator for the manu- facture of (litterent articles, and through the ip.tluence of himself and brothers the plant was removed to Galva. The company is now doing business on a thriving basis, witii a capital stock of forty-five thousand dollars, its oflicers being E. W. Houghton, president: l\ O. Xorling, secretary; T. II. John>ton. treasurer; O. E. Vocum. vice- president: and l\andi)lph Boyd, manager. They now manufacture the Mulford heaters and the Boyd corn planters. In 1899 Mr. Xorling became interestetl in a stock com- pany made up entirely of Swedish people, known as the W'estrand Manufacturing Company, wiiich was organized with a cap- ital stock of twenty thousand dollars and ia also engaged in the manufacture of corn planters and other farm implements. They have erected a large building for the conduct of their business in the northeast i)art of Galva. Our subject is one of the largest .stockholders and a director of this com- pany; is also a director and stockholder of the Galva Telephone Comiiany; and a stock- holder of the Wood Mining Company of Boulder, Colorado, which is ilcveloping and working one of the largest gold mines of the west. He has been manager of the Galva opera house for some time, and en- deavors to treat the people of Gaha to some interesting and enjoyable entertainments. He has through his own well-directed efforts accumulated considerable property, includ- ing real estate in Chicago and Peoria. He still owns a store building at Bishop Hill; in 1897 erected a modern brick building in Cambridge, now occupied as a drug and jewelry store ; and has a good farm of three •hundred and twenty acres in Nebraska. Mr. Xorling is also connected with news[)apcr work. During the Civil war the Xew World was started at Galva by Chaiscr & Johnson and published partly in Swedish and partly in English. Shortly afterward it was removed to Chicago, and in August, 1900, was published by P. O. and J. E. Xor- ling and S. E. Carlson, editor of the Foster- landct. a Swedish religious paper. They combined the two and now publish what is known as ihc Swedish Tribune or Svenska Tnbuncn and Fosterlandet. The circula- tion is rapidly increasing, and it is proving a ver\' paying investment. In 18S0 Mi: Xorling married Miss .-\manda Xordstedt, who was born in Bish- op Hill, January 1, 1S60, a daughter of Olof B. and Christine Xordstedt, who came to this country from Sweden in 185 J and settled in the colony here. Her f;ithcr was lx)rn in 1822 and died in 189-'. He served through the Civil war as a member of the I'ifty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. taking with him his eldest son. I'^red, who was but fourteen years old when he entered the service. The father was taken prisoner but soon exchanged at Fort Donelson and rejoined his regiment, remaining at the fnjnt until hostilities ceased. His wife sur- vives him and continues to live in Bishop Hill. Their children were Christine, wfe of Peter Johnson, of Bishop Hill, who is an ex- sheriff of Henry county; Jane, wife of An- drew Johnston, a manufacturer of pop and soda water at Galva; Kate, wife of H. Harmon, a grocer of Fitzgerald, Georgia, Mary, wife of Howard Fuller, of Peoria; Ella, a dressmaker of Peoria; Minnie, wife of Charles Hedley. telegraph operator for the Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company at Galva; Amanda, wife of our subject; 440 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD- and Fred, a farmer of Sydney, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Xorling liave two sons: Milford P., who was l)orn Deceml:)er 23. 1881, and ib now attending the Young Men's Cln"is- tian Association College at Chicago; and Le Roy A., who was horn April 9. 1884. and is at home. !Mr. Xorling is quite prominent in fra- ternal circles and is now serving as treas- user of the Odd Fellows lodge of Gaha. in which he has passed through all the chairs ; and is chief of the Galva lodge of Fraternal Trilnmes. He also belongs to the Modern \\'oodmen of America: and is a thirty-sec- ond-degree Ma.son. a member of the Mystic Shrine, and the Yeomen of America, while both he and his wife belong to the Eastern Star Chapter, of which she is worthy matron. As a Republican ^Ir. Xorling takes an ac- tive interest in political affairs, and has been a dele.gate to county conventions several times, but has ne\er aspired to office. He does all in his power to promote the interests of his town and aih'ance the welfare of its citizens. He is widel_\- and favorably known, and his extensive circle of friends esteem him highlv for bis genuine worth. PHILIP J. WIXTZ. Among the honored veterans of the Ci\il war who claim Henry county as their home none fou.ght more valiantly for the preserva- tion of the Union than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He has been a resident of Annawan for almost half a century and has been prominently identified with her industrial interests. Mr. NN'intz v,as born in Rappahannock county. Virginia. November 4, 1826, and is of German de- scent on both the j^aternal and maternal sides. His father, Henry W'intz, was born at Culpeper, ^'irg•inia, April 17, 1788, and was married in Loudoun county, that state, June 3, 1824, by Rev. S. G. Roszell, to Miss Sarah Frye, whose birth occurred February 10, 1797. Her father, Philip J. Frye, was born in Germany, August 13, 1775, and came to .\merica in 1793. He spent his life as a farmer on Goose creek in Loudoun county, Virginia, where he died Xovember 20, 1841, his remains being interred at Mid- dleburg, that state. He was drafted during the war of 1812. and after being given his accoutrements went to }iliddleburg only to find that the war had ended and his services were not needed. On the 7th of April, 1796, he married Catherine \'irtz, and of the children born to them Mrs. \\ intz was the oldest. In order of birth the others were as follows: Elizabeth, born January 24, 1799, died unmarried September 7, 1866; Mar- garet, born December 12, 1800. became the wife of David Daily, of Preble county, Ohio, and died about 1844: Henry, torn April 21, 1803, married a Miss Burnside and died in Indiana in 1848; Joseph, born ]\Iay 14, 1809, died on the old homestead unmarried July 2, 1876; George P., born October 30, 1823, died in Loudoun county, \'irginia, at the age of fifteen years; Con- rad, born May 14. 1809. married Susannah Thomas and died in Butler county, Ohio. September 29, 1882; Ann C, born .\pril 30, 1814, married Townsend Howell, of \'ir- ginia, anil died in Clark comity, Illinois, February 9, 1886; Christina, born December 27. 1816, died in Loudoun county. \'irginia, unmarried. April 8. 1877; and Eveline, born ^Jarch 12. 1820. became the wife of James Lawson, of Fauquier county. \'irginia. and died in Maryland. ^larch 2t„ 1899. After bis marriage Henrv W'intz fol- liftRARY UNIVtRSin Ue ILLINOIS URBANA p. J. WINTZ. "NfSfe MRS. P J. WINTZ. LIBRARY UNIVERSIIY Of ILLINOIS URBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 445 lowed farming in his native state until 1828 Avhen lie removed to Warren county. Oliio. our subject at that time being eighteen months old. Two years later the father took up his residence in Preble county, Ohio, and operated a rented farm near Xew Hope for five years, but died before the e.xpiration of the lease. He followed agricultural pur- suits throughout life and died in Preble county. October 27. 1833. His wife sur- vived him some years, ilying September 18, 1846. in the same locality. They had a fam- ily of five children, namely: Peter, born Sep- tember 5. 1825. married Catherine Frye. now deceased, and lives in Carlock, McLean county, Illinois : Philip J., our subject, is next in order of birth; Mary Ann, born Au- gust 22, 1828. became the wife of Samuel Frve, and died in Sedgwick county, Kansas, ^lay 20. 1891; Daniel, born June 36. 1831. married Sabina Truckcess and resides near Converse, Howard county. Indiana; and Elizabeth, born March 2^. 1833, is the wife ■ f George Lowman, of Sedgwick county. Kansas. The early educational advantages of Philip J. Wintz were limited, as he was only ai)le to attend the tlistrict schools one month during each year for fourteen years, pur- suing his studies in a primitive log school house in Preble county, Ohio. Even the seats and desks were made of split logs set upon pegs. He was not quite seven years of age when his father died, and was nineteen ac the time of his mother's death. Five years later he left his old home in Preble county, Ohio, and went to Warren county, tliat state, working on a farm at Springlwro one year at ten dollars per month, after wliich he toolc lip the carpenter's trade. While there he Avas married. Ajjril 3. 1852. to Miss Mary Frve. a daughter of Solomon and Sara'; Frye. She died Xovemlier 29, 1898. They had no children. Mrs. Pbilij) J. Wintz. ;/.v Mary Frye. was lx)rn near Springboro. \\'arren county, Ohio, January 16, 1830. and was the daugh- ter of Solomon and Sarah. (Hayiies) Frye, the former a native of Loudoun county, \'ir- ginia, born October 12, 1800. He was a son oi Henry Joseph and Catherine (Wid- deman ) h'rye. the former being a brother of Philip J. Frye. maternal grandfather of tiur subject. Henry Joseph Frye was a na- tive of Germany, as was his brother Philip. Solomon Frye, the father of Mrs. Wintz, was born in Loudoun county. \'irginia. and moved to Ohio with his parents in 1816. when sixteen years of age. He learned the trade of a carpenter and also owned and operated a farm. He married Sarah Haynes. March 12, 1826. She was a native of Rock- ingham ccwnty, Virginia, born October 12, 1803, and belonged to an old American fam- iivof German extracti' his kitchen constituted the whole house. For a year he worked at the carpenters trade, and in 1S55 did the tirst blacksmithing done in the \illage. Selling out a \ear later he follow- ed the millwright's and carpenter's trades until 1SS4. He constructed the majority of tiie buildings in the southern part of the township, including the church built in 1858, and also assisted in building the first and second mills erected at Annawan. The last house built by him was the residence of James MacChesney. in 1877. He now con- ducts a general machine and repair shop. After the inauguration of the Civil war, !Mr. \\'intz enlisted at Princeton, Bureau county, Illinois, as a musician in a regi- mental band, which started for St. Louis to join Burgess' sharpshooters, but at Alton they were arrested for the reason that the colonel of the regiment that they were going to join reported that they had broke camp and were going to join the rebels. Finding that this was untrue Governor Yates ordered them to Springfield, and, after two weeks spent at Camp Butler, they were sent to Camp Douglas. Chicago, where the band was assigned to the Fifty-seventh Illinois Wilun- teer Infantry. They went first to Cairo, then t(i Paducah. Kentucky, and from there by boat to Fort Henry, where they arrived just after the battle, being in time to cook their supper on the fires which the rebels had left. Returning to Paducah. they went up the Ohio and Cumberland rivers to Fort Donelson, and took part in the engagement at that place. They then marched fourteen miles across the country to Fort Henry, and pro- ceeded u]) the Tennessee river to Krump's Landing. According to orders from the war department the regimental bands were mustered out, only one being retained for each brigade. I\Ir. Wintz was discharged March 20, 1862, and returned to his home in Aanawan, but on the 12th of the following August he re-enlisted as a private in Com- pany A, One Flundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, being mustered in at Peoria. The company was at first cum- n-.anded by Tristram T. Dow. who was af- terward made colonel of the regiment, while John L. Dow was promoted to the captaincy of the company. From Peoria the regiment went to Cincinnati and later to Covington, Kentucky, where they remained about two weeks before going to Lexington. After en- gaging in some skirmishes, ilr. W'intz was detailed to Captain Law's howitzer battery, v. ith which he was connected for six months. During this time he took part in the Mor- gan raid through Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio to Buflington's Island, where they cap- tured Morgan's guns. In the fall of 1865 he rejoined his old company, and with them went to Kingston and Athens, Tennessee, and later to Lpwden after participating in a skirmish on the Hiawasie riv«r. They re- treated before General Longstreet's com- mand, which pursued them to Knoxville, and in a skirmish November 18, 1863, Cap- tain Asa H. Lee, commander of Company A, was killed, while our subject received a gunshot wound back of the right ear. Four of the company were killed and two wound- ed. When ^Ir. W'intz regained conscious- ness the Confederate line had advanced past him, cutting him off from his command. He made his way through the lines in a small \ inevard but over twentv shots were fired at THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 447 liiiii. He crawled into a barn, and wlien it was struck l)y a rehel sliell lie made his way t' a corncrib, which siiortlv afterwartl was torn to pieces by anotlier shell. He then staggered on through the timber and tinall\' reached his company, but on the way to the field hospital fell exhausted on the l)ank of Second creek. He was then taken in charge by the ambulance corps, and was confined to the hospital until the i8th of the following January, when he was granted a thirty days' furlough. In March ho rejoined his regi- ment at Mt. Sterling. Kentucky, and with them went to Knoxville. He participateil in a skirmish at Rocky Face, Georgia, and the battle of Resaca, where he received a gunsluit wound in tb.e right arm and was ^LiU to Xa:h\ille. .\ week lat^r be was transferred to the liospiial ;it Louis\ilL', where he remained until July. Ha\ing taken the smallnox be was then sent to the pest hos])ital near l^ouisville, where he was confined initil October, 1864. He then started to rejoin his command at .Vtlanta but on reaching Chattanooga remained there two weeks on duty in the convalescent hos- pital. He was then detailed with others to dri\e ten thousand head of cattle to .\tlanta for General Sherman's army. .\t .Mtoor.a he met his comijany returning, and with them w L'nt to Nashville, and later to Decatur, Georgia, where they were stationed to watch the movements of Hood. When that general advanced they fell back to Franklin, Tennessee, and particijjated in the severe battle at that place. They also took part in the battle of Nashville in December, 1864, and then followed Hood to Columbia, Ten- nessee, w here they remained one month. At Clifton, on the Tennessee river, they board- ed a steamer and went to Cincinnati, am; bv train proceeded to Alexandria \'irginia, by way of Columbus and Belle .\ir, and by steamer to I-'ort Fisher. In a storm during this vovage the vessels were l)lown sixty miles out to sea. After a month spent at P'ort Fisher they went to Smithville, North Carolina, taking part in the skirmish at that place and the captin^e of Fort Anderson. They were also in a skirmish at Town Creek, and then ad\anced to Wilmington and Kingston, North Carolina. .\t the latter i;!ace Mr. Wintz sprained his ankle, and was confined in the lios])ital at Newburn one month, and in the hospital at Beaufort, North Carolina, until honorably discharged at the close of the war, June 14, 1863. He cast bis first iiresidential vots for Zachar\' Taylor, and since the organization oi the Republican party has been one of its stanch suppi)rters. Religiouslv he is a iiienibL'r ot the I'nited Brethren in Christ. C1I.\R1.FS i'..\rbi-:r. .\miMig the leading citizens y trade the father was a fuller and cloth dresser, and followed that trade during his active life in Pennsylvania. Ill 1860 be came to Henry county an(', maile his home with our subject until his death, October 9, 1872. His wife died many years liefore in Pennsylvania. Our subject was one of a familv of se\en children, the otiiers^ 448 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. l-eiiig Calvin D., wlm married Eiipliemia Ferris, and lives near Scranton, Pennsyl- ^■ania ; Mary Ann. wIki wedded James Mutt. ;i miller, of Blakelv, Pensn\'l\\'inia. and bcth iire now deceased: John, deceased; William, a farmer and cari)enter, who married Hulda lirown and li\'es near Carliondale. Pennsyl- \ania: .Miles, who married ^lartha Cald- Avell, of Kewanee, Illinois; and Louisa, wife of Earlington ^'osburgIl, of Luzerne county, I'enn.sylvania. Charles Barber was reared and educated in the county of his nativit}'. and on start- ip.g out in life for himself engaged in lum- bering until his marriage, which was cele- brated in Luzerne comUy. Aprd 13. 1S57, ]\Iiss Alarv Broatlfoot becoming his wife. She. too, as born in that county, and is one of a family of four children, but Elizabeth imd Jane are now deceased. Her brother Rol)ert is still li\ing. Her parents, James iind Elizabeth (JMitchell) Broadfoot, were natives of Scotland, and on their emigration to America, in 1834, located in Pennsylva- nia, where the father dieil in 185S. By oc- cupation he was a farmer. The death of his wife occurred in Illinois August 9, 1872. After his marriage J\Ir. Barber engaged in farming in Pennsylvania until the fall of i860, when he came to Henr\- county, Illi- nois, and purchased a partially improved farm of eighty acres on section 2. Bm^ns township, on which he built and made other improvements. On selling that property in 1873. he bought another eighty-acre tract on section 15, where he has since made his liome. This he has placed under a high state of cultivation, and in connection with its operation he is successfully engaged in stock raising. Unto Mr. and ]\Irs. Barber were born eight children as follows: Marv is now the wife of George Snyder, a farmer of \\ hite- side county, Illinois, and they have two children. George and Arthur; James, a far- mer of Burns township, this county, mar ried Sarah Martin and they have one child. ]\Iarv lilizabeth : Francinia is the wife of John Wells, a farmer of Cornwall town- sl'.ip. and the}- ha\e one child, Charles; Darius and Anna are both at home with their parents: Clara is the v.ife of Frank Wells, a farmer of Cornwall township, and thev have one child, IMildred L. ; and John who is now six feet, four inches m height. is engaged in farming on the home place. Both Mr. and Mrs. Barber are earnest and consistent memliers of the Methodist lipiscopal Church, of which he is now trus- tee, and are held in high regard by all who know them. B}- his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Republican party, and has served as school director and path- master for a number of years. \\ hen he came to this county corn was onlv worth se\-en cents per bushel, and a laborer re- ceixed but fifty cents per claw Times were \ery hard, and wild cat mone_\' was in cir- culation, but all this has since changed and to-day Henry county is one of the most pros- perous and thri\ing districts in the state. F. A. MILLER. This gentleman, who is proprietor of a livery, sale and feed stable in Geneseo, Illi- nois, was born near that city on the 8th of June. 1859, and is a son of J. Adam and Varonica (Rink) Miller. The father was liorn in Germany, in 1828, and in 1831 emi- grated to America with his parents. He followed farming in this county for some THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 449 vears, then turned his attenlion tci tlie hvery Inisiness, and still later engaged in teaming. His death occin-red here in 1895. He was a Democrat in politics, and was widely and favorably known throughout the county, where the greater part of his life was passed. His wife, who was a native of Henry county, and a consistent member of tirace Evangel- ical Church of Geneseo. died in 1897, at the age of sixty-three years. Her father, Joseph Rink, came to this country from German.y many years ago. ¥. A. Miller is the third in order of birth iv a family of seven children, the other being Z\lary, wife of J. H. Rickel, of Geneseo; George, highway commissii^mer of the same place; Catherine/ wife of William Baker, a farmer of Phenix township, this cuiunty ; John X. and \\ illiam !.., bulh residents of Hooppole township; and L'lara, wife of Le- ander Brown, ui Nebraska. The boyhood and youth of our subject were passed u\K>n a farm near Geneseo and in. that place, and he attended both the coun- try and city schools. After the completion of his education he engaged in teaming for a time, taking contracts on the turnpike and for other work. For three years he served as highw^ay commissioner of Geneseo town- ship, and for five years followed farming there. He then embarked in the livery busi- ness, buying out Henry Franks, of Geneseo. He keeps about twenty good horses and a tine line of buggies and carriages, being well prepared to accommodate the traveling public. He is a wide-awake, energetic bus- iness man, and very courteous to his cus- tomers. Mr. Miller was married on the 19th of February, 1885, to Miss Minnie Kicksey, a native of this county, and a daughter of Frederick and Caroline (Leaflander) Kick- sev, who were from ( iermany. By this union ha\-e been born four children: Leonard A., Belva A., Clarence A. and Floyd. Both Mr. and Mrs. ]\iiller hold membership in the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Gene- seo, and he is also connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. In his i)olitical af- liliations he is a Republican. HUGH W. rRlTCHARD. As one of the most progressive and ener- getic agriculturists of Henry county, Illi- nois, this gentleman is now successfully fol- lowing his chosen calling on section 14, Geneseo township, where he owns and oper- ates a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres. He and his brother, Robert L., are also proprietors of the Sharon Stock farm, a valuable farnt of three hundred and seventy- three acres in Loraine township. Through- out his active business career he has engaged in general farming and stock raising, and is to-day one of the most prosperous citizens of his community. Mr. Pritchard's early home was on the other side of the Atlantic, for he was born in county Down, Ireland, October 6, 1852, and was a little over twelve years of age in 1865 when brought to America by his par- ents, Henry and Mary (Boyd )Pritchard, who located in Alba township, this county, where the father purchased a farm. Suc- cess attended his well-directed efforts in se- curing a home for himself and famil_\-, and he became the owner of nine hundred and twenty acres of as line farming land as is to be found in the county. Most of this was wild and unimproved when it came into his possession, but he transformed it into a 450 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. liiglily cultivated tract. He was also born in ciiunty Down. Ireland, in 1816, and in that country was married, June 16, 1836, to Miss -Mary Warnuck. wliu died April 14, ]S45, lea\-ing' four sons, namely: William, horn September 26, 1837, died in Mitchell- ville, Iowa, December 29, 1899. He fol- lowed farming very successfully for many years, and was also engaged in the banking ]>usiness for some years before his death, antl was the owner of nine hundred and twenty- six acres of valuable land. He was a man of prominence in his community and held n-any public offices of trust. James, born ^larch 5, 1839, is a retired farmer of Clar- inda, Iowa. Samuel, born February 18, 1841, is a wealthy farmer and stock raiser of Alba township, this county, where he owns one thousand acres of land. He is a veteran of the Civil war. Henry, born March 21, 1843, '^ ''Iso an extensive farmer and stock raiser, his specialty being cattle, and is the owner of nine hundred and twenty acres of land in Alba township. In September, 1843, tli^ father wedded Miss ^lary Boyd, by whom he had seven children, as follows : Alexander, born October 15, 1846, is a very prominent and successful farmer and stock dealer of Harlan, Shelby county, Iowa, own- ing a number of highly improved farms ag- gregating several hundred acres of land. He is one of the leading Republicans of his community, and has served as county treas- urer two terms. Alice, born June 3, 1848, ever came to this country. She is now the widow of John Pritchard and resides on a farm in county Down, Ireland. Robert L., born December 11, 1849, is a retired farmer of Geneseo, who owns one hundred and fif- teen acres of land on section 22, Geneseo tc.wnship, antl a half interest in the Sharon Stock farm with our subject. Hugh W. is next in order of birth. Mary J., born July I, 1853, is the wife of Jesse L. Lamont, a farmer and stuck raiser of Prophetstown. \\"hiteside county. Illinois, who raises a high grade of hogs and cattle. Sarah, born July 7, 1856, is the wife of Samuel McCuUough, a prosperous farmer and stock dealer of ^larne, Iowa. The father of this family died IMarch 4, 1885, the mother, April 14, 1881, honored and respected by all who knew them. During his boyhood and youth Hugh \\'. Pritchard attended the district schools near his home and assisted his father in the labors of the farm. He remained on the old home- stead farm until his father's death in 1892, when he purchased the farm in Geneseo township which he now occupies. He has since remodeled the residence, making it a pleasant and substantial home, has built barns and other outbuildings, and has als'. tiled the land and jjlaced it under a high state of cultivation. At Thornburg, Iowa, February 7, 1883, ^Ir. Pritchard was united in marriage with Miss Augusta McCracken. a native of Rock Island county, Illinois, and a daughter of James and Eliza (AlcCormick) McCracken, who were born in county Down, Ireland, and were married there in 183 1. Her father, who was a farmer by occupation, was born in 1808. and died in 1884, but her mother is still living at the old home near Thorn- burg, at the age of eighty-six years. In tlieir famil}- were h\-e children, one son and fi.>ur daughters, all residents of Keokuk county, Iowa, with the exception of Mrs. Pritchard. who is the youngest of the family. Our sub- ject and his wife have two children : ^laud I., who is now attending the Geneseo high school: and Paul C, who is a student in the home school. By his ballot Mr. Pritchard supports the THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 451 men and measures of the Republican party and, as a public-spirited and enterprising citizen, he gives his support to all worthy measures calculated to advance the moral educational or material welfare of his town- ship and county. For some years he has been an efficient school director, and at present is serving his fourth year as a member of the district board. For some years he has been an active and prominent member of the First Congregational Church of Geneseo, and now holds the ofricc of deacon in tlie same. TOHX C.\RSK. One of tiie highly-esteemed citizens of Fhenix township is this well-known farmer who owns and operates a line farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section ^;^. A r.ative of Ohio, he was born in Wayne county, January 24. 1844, and was seven years of age when brought to Henry county. Illinois, by his parents, William and Mary (Finley) Carse, the family locating on the farm where our subject now resides. The father was born in county Down, Ireland, and on his emigration to the United States ai the age of seventeen years he took up his residence in Ohio, where he made his home until coming to this state. He made farm- ing his life occupation. Fie died at the ripe old age of eighly-si.x. having survived his wife some years. They were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom arc still living. Since coming to this county John Carse has lived on the old homestead in Phenix township, and throughout his active bus- iness life has successfully engaged in gen- eral farming and stock raising. As he has never married his sisters. Sarah and Marv, keep house for him. He has seen the won derful changes that iiave taken place in this section of the state during the past half cen- tury, and has ever borne his part in its up- building and progress. He is widely and favorably known, and is held in the warmest regard by his many friends. JOHN H. WEXKE. This well-to-do and highU'-respected citi- zen of Osco townsliii), residing on section 3. is a native son of Illinois, his birth having occurred in Rock Island county, September 22, 1S57. Flis father. John Wenkc was born in Oldenburg. Germany, in 18.20, and was educated in that country. On roacliing manhood he entered tiie German army, in v.hich he served for seven years. He was the youngest son of a large family, all of whom were married and had children of their own wlien he left the army. He would have in- herited his father's estate, but being single, he made a settlement with the other mem- bers of the family, whereby he received about four hundred dollars. He then made prepa- rations to come to the United States and establish a home of his own. In 1850 he crossed the ocean and invested his capital in land in Rock Island county. Illinois, then in its natural state. This he cleared of the timber and converted it into a high- ly cultivated tract after several years of hard labor, during which he entlured many hard- ships such as the early pioneers encounter in the settlement of a community. His was a very successful career until okl age made it necessary for him to retire from active labor, which he did in i8go. purchasing a home in Geneseo, this county, where he now resides. He acquired two hundred acres of land which was fully improved by liimself. 45: THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. In 185 J Jnliii W'enke. Sr.. returned to (lerman\- tor liis proniisetl bride, Miss Helena Oltmanns. who was liorn there in 1829. After his marriage he returned at ^)nce to the home he had prepared for her in Illinois. Although now well advanced in years they still enjoy the best of health, and are highly respected and esteemed by all Avho know them. They have always been active members and supporters of the Luther- an Church. Mr. \\'enke has never mingled in politics but votes for the best man regard- less of party lines. Of a generous disix)si- tion he makes many friends, and has the con- fidence of all with whom he has come in contact either in business or social life. He is the father of seven children, two of whom died in early childhood. The others are Hannah, wife of Claus Suel, of Milwaukee; Elizabeth, wife of Fred Rested, of Geneseo; Fred, who is engaged in farming on the old homestead in Rock Island county; John H., a twin brother of Fred and the subject of this sketch ; and Henry, a grocer of Gen- eseo. John H. \\'enke is indebted to the pub- lic schools of Rock Island county for his educational advantages. He remained under the parental roof until twenty-three years of age. During his youth he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm, and during the last five yeai's he remained tb.ereon he and his brother operated the place. In 1881 he was united in marriage with Miss Helena Oltmanns, who was born in Rock Island county, in 1856, a daughter of Diedrich and Katrina Oltmanns, who still reside there. She is one of a family of nine children who are still hving, but with the exception of Mrs. John Buell, of Gene- seo, they are scattered through dififerent states. !Mr. anil }\Irs. John H. W'enke have one daughter, Ruphina H.. who was born November 22, 1882, and was educated in the common schools of this county and the col- lege at Geneseo. where she was graduated in 1900. She is now at home with her parents. For two years after his marriage Mr. W'enke remained on his father's farm. He owned a tract of land in Rock Island county which he rented until 1884, and then sold on the purchase of his present farm of one hundred and eighty-six acres on section 3, Osco township, Henry county. It has since been his permanent home. At the time of l^jurchase the improvements upon the place were all old, but he has rebuilt the residence and barns, has tiled the land and divided it into fields of convenient size by well-kept fences, making the farm one of the most at- tractive country homes in the locality. In connection with general farming he is en- gaged in feeding stock for market, averaging one car load of cattle and two of hogs each year. By his ballot 'Mr. W'enke supports the men and measures of tlie Democratic party, but aside from voting he takes no active part in politics, though he has been ofilicially con- nected with the schools of his district. He has served as trustee, treasurer and collector 01 the Lutheran Church, in which he holds membership, and has alwaj-s been promi- nently identified with the church and its \\ork. He is widely and favorabl}^ known and universally respected on account ot his sterling worth. GEORGE PEART. Among the successful and well-to-do agriculturists who are carrying on t!:eir chosen occupation in Kewanee township is THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 455 this well-known farmer of section 5. He was horn in Cumberlandshire, England, Sei>- temljer 19. 1834. and is a son of Jacob and Hannah (Bell) Peart, natives of the same place. The father was engaged in lead min- ing and gave our subject the benclil of liis e-Kjierience and knowledge in that industry. He was born in 1893, and died in i8^8, v.hile his wife was born in 1800, and died in 185 1. They never left England. In ihcir family were eleven children, namely: John, ;; miner, died in Australia, in 1890, at the age of seventy-six years. Jacob, a music leachfer, died in the same country in 1S85, at the age of seventy-four years. Robert is married and lives with his family in Austra- lia, at about the age of seventy-two years. He has been interested in gold mining for about forty-five years, and has made and lost three fortunes. Thomas, a resident of To- ronto, Canada, first married Jane Gibbons, and second, ^Irs. Byruni Levens, and has the following named children ; W'ilham, Fred, George, Charles, Hannah Belle and Margaret. Hannah is the wife of Edward Milburn, a farmer of Burns township, this county, and they have two children living, Robert and John, while Anna Belle is de- ceased. George, our subject, is the next one of the family. Anna is the widow of William Scott and a resident of Kewanee. Her children are Hannah, Elizabeth, Mary, Fannie, Emilj' and William. Tamer is the viife of John Stabler, a farmer of Kewa- riee. William, deceased, was a school teacher by occupation. He married Ann Ridley, now a resident of Toronto, Canada, and to them were born children : Elizaljeth, Clement, Et^e, Florence, Agnes, Maud and ^lorley. Joseph, a farmer of ^Missouri, married a Miss Powell and has two cliildren. Joshua died in England at the age of two vears. On coming to the new world in 1857, George Peart first located in Canada, where he was engaged in farming for eight years, and in Oxbridge, Canada, he was married, November 7, 1865, to Miss Mary Jane Legge, who was born in the town of Bee- ford, Yorkshire, England, May u. 1845, and also a resident of Canada in 1857. Her father, Robert Legge, was born in Durham- shire, England in 1820, and brought his family to America in 1857. He made farm- irig his life occupation and died ^lay 3, 1899. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Anna ilolson, was born in Yorkshire, England, March 29, 1820, and is still living at Oxbridge, Canada, a hale and heart}' old woman of eighty-one years. They, too, were (he parents of eleven children : ( i ) Har- riet is the wife of Isaac Archer, a farmer of Rockwell, Calhoun county, Iowa, and they have seven children, John, Joseph, Elizabeth, Walter, Albert, Charles and Anna. (2) Mrs. Peart is the second in order of birth in this family. (3) Ehzabeth married David Parkin, and both are now deceased, together with three of tiieir six children. Mr. Par- kin was a farmer of ilanitoulin Island. (4) Charlotte is living with her mother in Can- ada. (5) William, also a farmer of ^Nlani- toulin Island, married Jane Warren, and they have tliree children. (6) Sarah is the wife of Richard Hoskins, a farmer of Pine- dale, Canada. (7) George D. married Sarah Madill and followed farming at Oxbridge, Canada. Both he and his wife are now de- ceased. (8) Anna L., deceased, was the wife of Samuel Bagshaw, a farmer of Oril- lia, Canada, and left five children, Alice, Sarah, Maud, Hazel and Clara. (9) Mar- garet married first David Hogg, a contrac- tor, by whom she had two sons, and for her second husbantl she married Samuel Sly, 454 THE BIOGR-\PHICAL RECORD. by whom she had one child. They reside at \\"hite\vood, Manitoba. ( lo) Robert, a farmer of ilanitoba, married Annie Xeu- 5ome and has five daughters. ( 1 1 ) Han- nah Maria is the wife of Samuel Ball, of Oxbridge, Canada, and they have five chil- dren. Burt, George, Charles, Rolland and :\lary. ^Ir. and ^Irs. Peart are the parents of eight children, as follows : Hannah Maria, wife of Thomas Dynes, a farmer of Kewa- nee township, this county, by whom she had two children, George C, living, and Roy P., deceased ; Robert ilolson, a farmer of Anna- wan township, who married Lizzie ]McDer- mott, and has one child, Lois E. ; George D., a farmer of the same township, who married Blanche Barton and has two chil- dren, ^lorley P. and Thelma; William X.. John, Jennie, Charlotte and Frances, all at home. In 1865, soon after his marriage, 'Sir. Peart came to the United States and located at Fredericktown, ^ladison county, ilis- 50uri, where he was engaged in lead mining for a year, but after sinking a shaft eighty feet and not striking ore, he abandoned the project and removed to Kewanee, Illinois, in 1866. Here he was engaged in coal min- ing for five years, vmder the firm name of Peart & Company, his partners being Isaac Archer and \\'illiam Coast. In 1871 he pur- chased eighty acres of land in Kewanee township, for which he paid two thousand dollars, and in 1880 bought another eight v- acre tract. Subsequently he added by pur- chase until he owned four hundred acres, but in 1898 sold eighty acres to his son Robert. He has placed the land under a high state of cultivation, and has success- fully engaged in its operation. He is a .thorough and svstematic farmer and a good reliable business man. In his .political af- filiations he is a Democrat. Both he and his wife attend the L'nited Brethren Church, and stand high in the community wiiere they reside. JOHX CAL\1X DEWEY. This well-known and prominent grain dealer of Annawan Ijelongs to a verj- old and distinguished family. The Deweys were an old feudal family of French Flanders, from which the town of Douai, France, derived its name. Some of its members went to England with William the Conqueror and settled in Lincolnshire, northeast of Lon- don. The progenitor of the family in Amer- ica was Thomas Dewey, who became a dis- senter and emigrated from Sandwich, Kent county, England, with Governor ^^'inthrop and Rev. John Warham. It is supposed that he was a passenger on the Lyon, which ar- rived at Salem, Massachusetts, from Bris- tol, England, in 1630. He was the com mon ancestor of the large and influential family now scattered throughout this coun- try. He settled in Windsor, Connecticut, in 1630. and from him our subject is de- scended in direct line through Josiah, who was born in Windsor, Connecticut. October 10, 1641 ; Josiah. h:>m in Xorthampton, Massachusetts. December 24, 1666: Will- iam, born in the same place, in January, 1692; Simeon, born in Lebanon. Connecti- cut. May I, 1718: and William, who was not only the great-grandfather of our sub- ject, but bore the same relation to .\drairal George Dewey, the hero of Manila Bay. He was bom in Lebanon. Connecticut. January 1 1 . 1 746, and died in Hanover, Xew Hamp- shire, January 10. 1813. He married Re becca Carrier, and tci whom were born four- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 455 teen chililren, one of whom was Simon, wliole son Julius Yemas Dewey, was tlie father of tlie Admiral. Israel Dewey the grandfather of our subject, was horn in J Iano\er. New Hampshire, January 26, 1777. and died in Lunenburg, \"ermont, July J 1 . 1 862. Ilarry Hovey Dewey, our subject's father, was born in Berlin, Vermont, De- cember 30, 1809, and was one of a family uf ten children. In early life he follow'ed farming in Berlin and Lunenburg, Ver- mont, removing to the latter place in 1848. In 1863 he came to Sheffield, Illinois, but after residing there for three years he went to Keosauqua, Van Buren county, Iowa. In 1877, however, he returned to Sheffield, where he spent the remainder of his life in retirement from active labor, dying there in September, 1899. He married 2^Iiss Mary Louisa Cummings, September 25, 1836, who was also born in Berlin, Vermont, January 19. 1 81 6, a daughter of Deacon Fenno and Reliecca (Smart) Cummings. She died No vember 27, 1890. By this union were born .seven children whose names and dates of birth were as folows : Lucia Louisa. Sep- tember 23, 1837; Anna, December 8, 1839; Henry Harrison, March 20, 1841 ; John Calvin, April 18, 1843; Benjamin Fenno, November 25, 1845; Mary I^valine, Au- gust 12. 1848; and William \\'hipple, July 14, 1851. Anna died at birth, and Evaline died October 5, 1865. John C. Dewey, of this review, was born in Berlin. \'ermont, and was reared and edu ■ cated in his native state. In 1863, at the age (if twenty years, he came with the family to Illinois and settled in Sheffield, Bureau county, and there he enlisted. May 14. 1864, in Company H, One Hundred and Thirty ninth Illinois ^'olunteer Infantrv. under Ca|)tain \\ illiam Fairman. He was h(,)nor- ably discharged October 28, 1864. and soon afterward went to Keosauqua, Van Buren county. Iowa, where he spent eight years. During the following two years he was again a resident of Sheffield, Illinois, and then came to Henry county, being engaged in the grain business in Atkinson for four }ears. He next spent two yeairs in Centre- ville, Iowa, and from there went to Alendon, Nebraska, where he made his home until 1888. Subsequently he was a resident of Loomis, that state, and in the spring of 1895 located in Buda, Illinois, where he lived until coming to Annawan on the first of De- cember, 1897. Since 1886 he has engaged in the grain business, and now handles about four hundred thousand bushels of grain an- nually. The capacity of his elevator is about thirty-two thousand bushels. He is a man of keen perception, sound judgment and un- bounded enterprise, and to the.se character- i.-lics may be attributed his success in life. On the 30th of Septembei, 1880, in Au- rora, Illinois, Mr. Dewey was united in mar- riage with Miss Elizabeth Mears, who was born in Chicago, September 24, 1854, and is a daugiiter of William and .'Xnn Latham, natives of Ireland. Five children blessed this union : Fenno Cummings, born November 8. 1881 : Harry Mars, born October 4, 1885 ; a daughter, who was born and died January 16. 1886; Annie Louise, born November 15, 1891 ; and William Joseph, born September 5, 1893. The two oldest are now attending schocil in Davenport, Iowa. ROSSFTER F. SC1100N0\'ER. Among the leading citizens and represen- tative farmers of Burns township is num- bered Rosseter F. Schoonover, of section 456 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 34. will) was Ixirn near Marietta. Washing- ton county, Ohio. April ir. 1833. and is a son of Henry and Eunice (Hopkins) Schouno\er, natives of tlie same county. His paternal grandfather. Nicholas Schoonover, was horn in Connecticut of Holland ances- try, and became one of the pioneers of the Buckeye state, where liis death occurred. He was a soldier of the war of 1812, and a far- mer by occupation. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Blue, was also a native of New England. The remains of both were interred at Belfire. Ohio. The father of our subject was killed March 4, 1S42. by being thrown from a horse, at the age of thirty-seven years. The mother long survived him and married again. She was eighty-two years of age at the time of her death. Ajjril 18, 1893. She was born in New Jersey, of English descent and was a daughter of Freeman and Sarah (Leach) Hopkins, who moved to Ohio when Eunice was but two years old. . Our subject is one of a family of six children. His sister Emeline, now the V, idow of John F. Finch, is represented on another page of this volume. Adolphus enlisted in Cambridge in Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Illinois ^'ol- unteer Infantry and was taken prisoner while on duty in Louisiana and sent to Ty- ler. Texas. He died at Shreveport, Louis- iana, from the effects of his prison life ^larch 4, 18C4, at the age of twenty-seven years. Mary wedded Alonzo Reardon. a native of Ohio, who was killed in the battle of Look- out Mountain during the Civil war. She died in Iowa, in i860, leaving two children. Caroline became the wife of Stephen Xeed- ham. a farmer of Ohio. Asa enlisted in an Ohio regiment in 1864. and served until the close of the war. He married Maggie Ro- rah. a native of Pennsylvania, and lives in Missouri. For her second husband the mother married Aaron Herrington, a native of South Carolina, and l)v that union had five children, namely : Dallas, who mar- ried Ella Breckenridge and follows farming at Princeton, Illinois; Barbara, who mar- ried ^^'illiam Harvey and died in Marion, Iowa; Lillie, wife of William \\"heeler, a mason of Parkersburg. \\'est Virginia; Do- rinda, wife of Jefferson Potter, a farmer of Kewanee township, this county ; and Joseph who married Lizzie Burford and lives on the old homestead in Washington county, Ohio. Rosseter F. Schoonover was educated in the public schools of his native county, and assisted his step-father in the work ot the home farm until nineteen years of age, v.hen he came to Peoria, Illinois, where he worked on the farm of Lyman Hitchcock for three years, and on G. Dickinson's farm two years. On the 1st of January, 1857. he was united in marriage with iliss Mar- gery Harlan, who was born and reared in Peoria county and is a daughter of Moses Harlan, a pioneer of that county, coming from Indiana. He was born in War- ren county, Ohio, July 5, 1787, and first married Ann Jennings, of Ohio, January 28, 1 81 3, and the children born to them were as follows : George B., deceased, married Sarah Cornelison and lived in Peoria coun- ty, where he followed farming: Sarah Hop- kins is the widow of Aaron Wilkinson and a resident of Xewton, Nebraska : John, a resident of Xewton, Harvey county. Kan- sas, lost his wife before the Civil war, and enlisted at Peoria, Illinois, in 1862, remain- ing in the service until hostilities ceased : Phoebe, a resident of Princeville, Illinois. i> the widow of Rice McMillan, who took his family to Oregon about 1849; Milton mar- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 457 lied Susan Gelkensoii and tiled six months after tlieir marriage, wliile slie is now liv- ing in Stuart, Iowa : and Lewis, deceased, married Eveline Chapin in 1846 and lived in Iowa. For his second wife the father of these children wedded Mary Butler, who ^vas born in Shenandoah county, Virginia. August 9. 1797. By this union were born four children, namely : Joseph married Arminda Hadsall and is at Stuart, Iowa, retired. He enlisted in the I'orty-seventh Illinois \'olunteer Infantry during the war, in 1861. and later re-enlisted, serving in all four years. He came very nearly losing his eyesight. Thomas married Lizzie Sterns, of Peoria county, Illinois, and is now a lawyer, editor of a paper and over- seer of government timber in Oregon. Mary died unmarried at the age of thirty years, and was buried in W'ethersfield. Margery, wife of our subject, completes the family. She was educated in the country schools and remained at home with her parents in Peoria county until her marriage. Moses Harlan moved to Peoria county, Illinois, (bout 1833, and was a pioneer of Radner township. He was one of the leading men of tliat county and served as a member of the legislature about 1840. In politics he was a \\ big. and in religious belief a L'niver- salist. He died September 3, 1842, and his wife, November 21, 1876. His father, George Harlan, died ^lay 6. 1821, aged eighty-two years, and his wife, Margery, in 1 82 1, in her seventy-eighth year. They were of the same family as Chief Justice Harlan. Immediately after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Schoonover came to Henry county, and he purchased eighty acres of land on sec-- tion 27, Burns township, to which he has since added eighty acres on section 34 ; sixty acres on the same section : eightv acres on section 21; and two hundred acres on sec- tion 26. The first eighty acres were un- broken when they came into his possession, but the other tracts were all under culti- vation. The improvements that he has placed upon his land amount to about eight thousand dollars, and he now has one of the best and most desirable farms in Burns township. Besides this valuable property he has a well improved farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres in Riley township, Ne- maha county, Kansas. In connection with general farming he is successfully engaged in stock raising, his specialty being hogs. Mr. and Mrs. Schoonover have become the parents of eleven children : Mary Eunice, born November 7, 1857, first married John W'ilhelm, a farmer of Burns township, and second, William Chadwick, a veteran of the Civil war, now living in Nemaiia county, Kansas; Joseph Ward, born July 8, i860, was married in 1886 to Elsie Ronstrom ancl io a resident of Kewanee; Lee B., born Feb- ruary 7, 1862, was married September 7, 1888, to Ada Daily, and is a farmer of Corning, Kansas; Adolphus, born June 13, 1864, married Lizzie Earl and is a farmer of Corning, Kansas; Etta, born November 6. 1868, died at the age of nearly four years; Emeline, born February 14, 1871. is the wife of John Anderson, of Nobles coun- ty, Minnesota; John Rosseter, born Octo- ber 28, 1873, wedded Mary Helchsell and is a farmer of Galva township, this county; Grace, born January 10, 1876, is the wife of Lyman Snyder, who is engaged in farm ing on the home place ; Ruea, born .\ugust 20, 1879, is the wife of Orville Snyder, a farmer of Burns township: Olive, born March 8, 1882, is at home with her parents; and Bethula, 1x>rn January 6, 1887, died November 7, 1887. 458 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Since casting- his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont, in 1856, Mr. Schoon- o\er lias been a stanch supporter of tlie Re- ])nhncan party, and he has most efficiently filled the office of school director. His wife is a nieniher of the [Methodist Episcopal Church, and hoth are held in high regard bv all w h(_) know theiu. LOUIS OBERG. This well-known and energetic farmer residing- on section 20. Galva township, was Ijorn in Sweden on the jgth of September, i(S49. His ])arent& died in that country and there two sisters still reside, but his only brother, John Oberg, is also engaged in farming in Galva township, this county. By occupation the father was also an agri- culturist. Our subject was reared upon a farm, and early in life gained a good practical knowledge of agricultural pursuits, although his literary education was limited. He cc^ntinued to engage in farming in the land of his birth until 1875, when he determined t(. try his fnrtune in the United States, Avliere he belie\ed that better opportunities were afforded ambitious young men. On crossing the ocean that year he came direct to Henry county. Illinois, where he worked 1)_\- the month as a farm hand until 1879, artl then went to Chicago, where he was em ])!oyed in a furniture factory for si.x vears. On the expiration of that period he returned to Henry county, and resunied farming. After renting land for some time he pur- cliased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section jo, Galva township, which is well tiled, under a high state of culti\-ation and improved with good build- ings. He carries on mixed farming and is meeting with well-deserved success in his- labors. He is a stockholder in the Farm- ers Ele\-ator of Gal\-a. and is also iiUer- ested in the \\'estrand Manufacturing Com- l)any of that place. In 1879 Mr. Oberg married ^liss Kate- Peterson, who was born in Sweden, De- cember 9, 1844, and came to Illinois in 1869. Her parents both died in Sweden, but she has one sister, Annie, wife of Emil W'al gren, who resides in Chicago : Peter, who died in Chicago, in 1898: and fi\e others who reside in the old country,- namely; Elsie, Christine, Eric, Andrew ami Betsy. Of the four children liorn to Mr. and ]\Irs. Oberg. Jennie. Ijorn in Chicago, died at the age of fifteen months ; and Alben died at the age of three years. Esther, born January 7. 1883, and Edward, born ^lay 7. 1885, have been educated in the country school near their home. Mr. Oberg gives his political support to the men and measures of the Republican party, antl has been called upon to fill local offices. He is now serving as highway com- missioner and school trustee, and is justly regarded as one of the leading citizens of his communit\-. HUGH .\. CALHOUX. This gentleman, who is one of the most prosperous and successful agriculturists of Galva township, has made his hon-ie in Henry county since 1865. A native of Illi- nois, he was born in Stark count}-, I-'ebru- ary 20, 1861, his parents being Andrew and Mary ((lalbraith) Calhoun, Ixith now de- ceased. The father was born in the north of Ireland in 1824, and when twenty-four \-ears of age came to the United States. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 459 si)eii(liiig" alioiu nine years in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania. In 1S56 he hecanie a resi- dent of Stark county. Illinois, where he lived until 1865. where he came to Henry ct)unty and rented a farm until the spring of 1866, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of what is now the old home farm, to which he added until at the time 1887, and two years ])revious matle a trip to the land of his birth, .\ftcr his death his widow and Fred Callioim carried raine, where he was ir.tcrested in the wool trade. On tirst cnniing to Illinois, in 1851. Mr. Wiley located in Brimfield, Peoria county, w here he purchased properly, and two years later took ix)ssession of the same, making some impro\'ements thereon. In the fail of 1853 he bought the land where Gul\a is no\\ located, and in partnership with his cousin, laid out the town before the railroad wa-i built. He purchased many farms in this county, which he improved ;md then sold at a profit, and as a business man had a very successful career. He became connected with the banking interests of Galva, and was the first presitlent of the National Bank of that place. Later his cousin, D. L. Wiley, j)urchased an interest in the business, which tb.ey carried mi together until their charter- expired, when it was merged into the bank belonging to the firm of L. 'M. Yocum & Company, who still conduct it. Our subject served as cashier for a time after this change, but on account of ill health was obliged to resign that ix)sitioii and retire from active business cares. At the time of his death he owned a farm in Galva township, but most of his landed interests were in Iowa and still l)elong to the estate. In April, 1842. ]\Ir. Wiley was united in marriage with Miss Louise Bailey, also a native of Windham county, Vermont, liy whom he had one son. Walter Lorenzo, who was born at Saxton's Ri\er, that state, Jan- uary 6, 1844, and dietl in Galva, Illinois, May 22, 1862. His wife dietl on the nth of July, the same year, at which time ^Ir. \\'iley was very ill with typhoid fever, and knew nothing of his loss. He was again married, February 11, 1864, his .second union being with :Miss Eunice B. Williams, of Galva, who was also born in Oneida county, New ^'ork, and daughter of Edson and Cor- inthia (Spencer) Williams and who came to this country at an early day. They became ])arents of two children. Jessie L., now the wife of Alfred Hare, of Galva; and Walter S., who died April 2, 1879, at the age of seven vears. The wife and ninther died April 25, 1883. On the 23111 of July. 1895. Mr. Wiley was united in r.iarriage with Miss Kate Garev. who v,as bi>rn in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, in September, 1851, a daugh- ter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Marsden) darev. Her father died in that state in 1853. Public-spirited and progressive Mr. Wiley always took an active interest in ad- vancing the welfare of his town, and gave of his time and money to promote various enterprises. He was a stockholder of the Hayes Pump & Planter Company, and also a large stockholder of the Galva State Bank, of which he was a director for a number oi years. He cast his first presidential vote for Henry Clay, the Whig candidate and on the organization of the Republican party joined its ranks, always taking an actix'e in- terest in political affairs. He was a delegate 464 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. to the national convention in Chicag'o of liis party that nominated Grant in 1868, and for four years was a member of the board of equalization. He secured the right of way for the Rock Island & Peoria railroad through Galva. and was one of the directors and vice-president of the company for a number of years. The last public office which he held was that of president of the board of equalization. For sixty-four years he was an earnest and consistent member of the Baptist Church, always held some of- fice, serving as trustee and treasurer, as well a£ leader of the choir for a number of years. He took a \ery acti\x and influential part in church wiirk. and in his younger years served as sujierintendent of the Sunday school. He was of a poetic turn of mind and wrote many lieautiful poems. In daily life and action he was ever genial and af- fable, and his friendship was highly prized. J. D. DICKIXSOX, M. D. For half a century Dr. Dickinson has been a resident of Henry countv, and has been one of the leading practitioners of Galva since September. 1877. He was born in Oberlin, Ohio. January 13, 1846, a son of Richard and Edna (Needham) Dickinson. His ancestors were originally from England, but the family was founded in Xew England many generations ago. In early life the Doctor's father followed the carpenter's trade, but took up farming aljout 1848, anrl devoted his remaining years to that pursuit. He brought his family to Henry county, Illinois, in 1850. He was born in Randolph. Ohio, in 181 8, and died in \\'ethersheld township in 1897, while bis wife was Ijorn in Massachusetts in 1814. and died in 1868. Thej' had three sons: j. I)., our subject; Oliver W., a carpenter of W'illiamstown. \'ermont; and George A., agent for the Prudential Insurance Com- pany at Galva. Dr. Dickinson attended the public schools of Wetherstield and the academy at Kewa- nee, and also pursued a classical course at W'heaton, Illinois, which C(.)urse. lio\\e\er. he was unalile to complete on account of sickness. For a time he engaged in teach- ing school in this state, and then en- tered the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company, as land ex- aminer from St. Paul to Breckenridge. Min- nesota, wliich ]X)sition he tilled for si.x months. He studied medicine for a time with Dr. Parsons, of Kewanee, and then at- tended lectures at Hahnemann Medical Col- lege, Chicago, Illinois, where he was grad- uated March 19, 1874, and then engaged in practice with his former preceptor at Kewa- nee for a short time. He followed his chosen profession at Wataga, Knox county, from the spring of 1875 until the fall of 1877. and then came to Galva, where he has since liad his office. With the growth of the town h.is patronage steadily increased, and he now enjovs a good practice, whicli extends many miles into the surrounding country. He has met with well merited success, and owns a pleasant home in Galva. On the 13th of October, 1875, in W'eth- ersfield, Dr. Dickinson was imited in mar- riage with Miss Eva Ray, whi> was born in St. Lawrence county, Xew York, in 1854. and came to Henry count_v when fourteen Aears of age. As her mother had died when she was but five years old she made her home with her aunt, Ishs. Cornelia Oliver, who is n.ow livine in Kewanee at the age of sev- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 465 enty years. Mrs. Dickinson's father was a lawyer and school teacher hy profession. He resided in New York state until two years after his marriage when lie removed to Michigan, where he died. While residing in ilie latter state he devoted his time to law, serving at one time as county judge. He was very successful in the practice ot law. In [jDJitical sentiment the Doctor is a Kepuhlican. He was mayor of Galva in 1899: has served on tlie school hoard, during which time the new school house was erected in 1894. He takes (|uite an active part in religious affairs as a memher of the Congre- gational Church, and is now .serving as deacon of the same. He is a member and examining physician of the Modern Wood- men Camp. Xo. 241 : tlie Fraternal Tribunal Camp. Xo, 10: and the Bankers' Life Insur- ance Company of Des Moines, Iowa, As a physician he stands deservedly high among his professional brethren, and as a citizen merits and receives the respect of all wh(i know him. HOX. CH.VRLKS C. WILSOX. One of the most distinguisiied members of the legal profession in Henry county, and one who is known not alone within its borders, but throughout the state and na- tion, is the Hon. Charles C. Wilson, of Ke- wanee. He is a native of Massachusetts, l)orn September 18. 1829. and is a son of Enoch and .\bigail (Richardson ) Wilson, the former a native of Wrentham, Massachu- setts, and the latter of Portland, ^Nlaine, Thev were the i)arents of fourteen children, of whom the judge was eighth in order of birth. In his native state Judge Wilson grew to manhood, and in its schools he received his early education. In liis lunhood and vouth the great west was a popular theme 11! discussion, and Illinois was considered a i)art of that country, and to this state he determined to come at the earliest oppor- tunity. Accordingly, about the time he attained his majority, he came to Illinois. and for a time made his home in Stark ctiunty. where he ])urcliased a ti^act of land and began farming. In 1S54, however, he gave up the farm anhn- son. chief justice of the supreme court of Utah, a position he filled with marked credit until he resigned in the latter i)art of 1870 and returned to Kewanee. In 1830. just prior to his removal to Illinois, judge Wilsi>n was united in mar- riage with Miss Maria X. Benham. a native of X'ermont. and daughter i)f Judge Ben- ham, of Chittenden county, that state. They were, however, married in Massachu- setts, By this union seven children were born, all of whom are yet living — Jennie M.. .\bbie. Laura M.. Charles E,, Cora. George and Edward, In jiolitics. Judge ^\■ilson is an ardent Republican, a jiarty with which he has been 466 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. associated ever since its organization. He has ne\'er sought pohtical preferment, al- though he consented to ser\e one term as mayor of Kewanee. He has repeatedly refused nominations to office, including that ■of a member of congress, a position that he would have filled with credit and to the ?;itisfaction of all. He has ever been will- ing to gi\-e of his time to the interests of his party and the welfare of his friends, responding ti > anv and all calls when his health would permit. The city of Kewanee has ahva}-s found in him a steadfast friend, one willing to make any sacrifice consistent with good business judgment to advance its interests. He has taken an active inter- est in fostering local manufacturing in- dustries, and has been a large stockholder ii! such enterprises. Modest and unassuming, but with abili- ties that would have made him a name and fame in larger cities, Judge Wilson has pursued the even tenor of his way, content to be numbered with those of his fellow citizens who cared not for high honors, but who will be rememl)cred bv future gen- erations fi.>r the general impress of their character on those with whom they were surrounded. He is certainly a high type of the American citizen, and his friends are numerous througout county and state, and those who know him have for him the greatest esteem. y. L. ANDERSON. One of the l)usiest, most energetic and most enterprising business men of Annawan, Illinois, is \'. L. Anderson, an extensive grain and lumber dealer. He was born near Eergen, Norway, on the 2nd of February. 1855, and is a son of Lars and Julia (Hol- stensen) Anderson, both natives of that im- mediate locality. His paternal grandfather was Andrew Anderson, a millwright by trade, who ran a sawmill and also engaged in farming. He spent his entire life in Norway and died at about the age of eighty years. In 1866 the parents of our subject came to America in a sailing vessel, landing in Quebec, Canada, after six weeks spent upon the water. The}' proceeded at once to Norway, La Salle county, Illinois, where the father made his home until called to his final rest August 27, 1871, at the age of forty-nine vears. In bis native land he had followed the stone mason's trade and im- mediately after locating here he resumed tl'.at occupation, to which he devoted his en- ergies throughout the remainder of his life. His widow still survives him at the age of eighty-one years, and now makes her home in Sheridan, La Salle county. Their fam- ily consisted of nine children, as follows : Gertrude, deceased wife of Dax'id Cothren, of Norway, Illinois Andrew, who spent a sl'iort time in this country and then returned to his native land, where he died in the winter of 1900; Julia, wife of O. Clement- son, of Oklahoma, Illinois; Johannes, a sailor, who lost his life in the North Sea; LTalsten, a resident of Norway; A'. L., our subject: John, a farmer of Sandwich, Illi- nois : and Barney and Gunner, both farm- ers of Sheridan, Illinois. V. L. Anderson acquired his primary education in the schools of Norway, and after coming with his parents to this coun- try attended the jiublic schools of La Salle county, Illinois, for a time. At the age of THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 467 nineteen he commenced farming on liis own account at Sheridan, that county, and was thus einployeil for tliree years, at the end of whicli time lie accepted a position with the tirm t)f CViurtright & L'omiKUiy, grain deal- ers of Millington, Illinois, in whose emi)loy lie remained until iSScrcep- tion, sound judgment and unbounded en- terprise and to these characteristics may 1)C attributed his wonderful success in Inisines:^ affairs. On the 2 1st of October, 1886, was cele- brated the marriage of Mr. Anderson and TnIiss Cora W'atters, of Millington, Illinois, a daughter of I. B. S. Walters, and by this union have been born two children, Vera and La \'erne. In his political views Mr. Ander- son is decidedly a Prohibitionist, and in his social relations he is connected with the Ma- sonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias and the ^lodern ^\'oodmen of America. Both he and his wife are active members of the ^Methodist Episcopal Church and are people of the highest respectability. W ILLIAM RonKRTS. The subject of this sketch is one of the i)roniinent citizens of I'lurns township. ;;nd is successfully engaged in general farm- ing and stock .raising in Burns township. He was born in Oswego, Xew York, on the 5lh of November, 1831, and is a son of Michael and ]Minerva (Atchison) Roberts, r.atives of Maine and Xew York, respect- ively. Coming west in 1833, the father first located in Peoria and soon after moved to Pulton county, Illinois, hut in 1S53 came to Henr\- county, where he spent the re- mainder of his life. By occupation he, too, was a farmer and stock raiser. He hauled llie first stone used in the construction of the Peoria court house, and was promi- nently identified with public affairs in early days. He died December 25. 1881, and his wife departed this life April 2-, 1874, the remains of Ixjth being interred in Cosners cemetery. In their family were thirteen children but only four are now li\ing. Their names and dates of birth are as follows : Diantha, September 15, i8_'3: .\nn, Au- gust 23, 1824; John, April 2, 182O; Alme- da, February 5, 1828; Edwin. December \2. 1829; William, November 5. 1831; Ja- cob, November 5, 1833; Stephen, October I, 1835; Plenry, January i, 1838; Eances, June 10, 1839; Martha, February 10, 1844. Of these Stephen served three years as a member of the One Hundred and Twelftn Illinois \'olunteer infantry during- the Civil war, and took part in several important battles. Henry was also numbered among the boys in blue of that regiment. While re- turning from a foraging expedition through Tennessee he and others entered the com- misarv's store at Lebanon, Kentucky, antl 468 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. one of tlie numl)er carelessly discharged an old carbine, which was 1:)elieved to be nn- loaded. The discharge ignited the powder and he with four others were burned to deatli, dying after twelve hours of the most intense suffering. William Roberts accompanied the family on their removal to Illinois. On the 30th of December, 1852, he was united in mar- riage with !Miss Esther Green, who was also born in New York, December 25, 1837, a daughter of William and Esther (Atchin- chinson, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and in recognition of his services re- ceived a pension in the way of a grant of land. He died in this count)' and was buried in Cosners cemeter}-. Airs. Roberts is the second in order of birth in a family of four children, the others being as follows : Horace enlisted in the fall of 1861, in the Forty- second Illinois \'oIunteer Infantry, and after serving one year contracted measles. He re- turned home and died from the effects of the disease, his remains being interred in Cos- ners cemetery. Lyman, now a resident of Atkinson, this county, was in the one-hun- dred day service as a member of the Forty- second Regiment, ^^'alter now makes his home in Nebraska. Mr. and Airs. Roberts are the parents of six children, namely: Ida, born March 4, 1854. died September 10, 1855. Emma, born October 9, 1856, is the wife of Will- iam Alahony, a native of Wisconsin, where lie is now engaged in farming, and they have three sons, William, Clarence and El- mer. Frank E., born November 24, 1859. died September 24, i860. Elmer E., born October 23, 1861, married Addie Long, and is engaged in farming in Burns township. They have four children. Clyde, Esther, Clara and Belva. Laura V., born Time 16, 1865. is the wife of Samuel Pugh. of Ke- wanee, and they have one child, JNIorton. Roscoe E., bom January 23, 1871, married Millicent Gerkin and is engaged in farming in Burns township. Throughout his active business life Air. Roberts has engaged in farming and stock raising, making a specialty of short horn cattle. He is also interested in the dairy business, and manufacttu^es butter quite ex- tensively. He owns and successfully oper- ates a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres, which he has ]3laced under a high state of cultivation and improved with good buildings. He was educated in the public schools. He first bought eighty acres of his present farm, which he improved and added to from time to time until he now owns two hundred and forty acres. He keeps up to the front. In 1S82 he built a fine home that is still one of the best in the township. He was one of the charter mem- bers of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company. The Republican party finds in him a stanch supporter of its principles, and he takes considerable interest in political affairs, though he has never been a politician in the sense of office seeking. Both he and his wife are earnest and consistent mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are held in high regard by a large circle of friends and acquaintances who esteem them highlv for their sterling worth. DONALD CAMPBELL AIURCHISON. Donald C. Alurchison, deceased, was for many years prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Henry county, owning and operating a good farm of one THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 469 linmlred and sixty acres (in section 14. (ialva ii'wnsliip, where his. widow now resides. He was born in Rotlisiiire, Scotland. De- cember 25. 1839. '^"'' ^^'1* ^'1^ eiglitli in or- der of birtli in a family of twelve children. Seven of the nnniber are still living, three are residents of this county, these being Roilerick, a traveling salesman, residing in Kewanee; Kenneth, a retired farmer of the >ame place; and Duncan, living east of Ke- wanee on a farm. The parents, I'indlay and Catherine (McLean) ]\Iurchis his residence on the farm where our sub- ject now lives, ^^'hile a resident of Eng- land he followed the wheelwright's trade, but after coming to America mostly engaged in farming. He died in 1875. at the age of eighty-one years, and his wife departed this life in 1870. at the age of about sixty- fi\'e. They were well known and held in high regard in the community where they made their home. Eight children were born to them, namely: Mary married John War- ten, of Pike county, Illinois. He is now deceased. Elizabeth, deceased wife of WiW- iam W'arten; Jane, wife of George Otley, of Kewanee ; ilargaret, who married George Patrick and died in Scott county, where he still lives; Rachel, wife of David Hilman, of Luverne, Minnesota; William, our sub- ject; and John, who died in Henry county, in 1884, at the age of forty- four years. One boy died in infancy. The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood and youth in his native county, and attended its public schools. In 1855 he came with the family to Henry county, and has since resided ujxjn his present farm. He is a skilled agriculturist and in its op- eration is meeting with good success. In politics he is an ardent Republican and has efficiently filled the office of school director in his district. On the 1 8th of March. 1872, was cele- brated the marriage of !Mr. Haxby and Miss Eveline ^IcGee, a native of Peoria, Peoria county, Illinois, and a daughter of John and ]Mary Ann McGee, Ixjth of whom were born in Pennsylvania. Her father died during her childhood, and her mother departed this life in 1891, at the age of sixty-five years. ^Ir. and ^Irs. Haxby have become the parents of six children : Rachel, born June 7, 1873, is now the wife of Andrew Rassusson, of Bureau county, Illinois, and they have one child, George; Ella H., born ilarch 8, 1874. is at home; Ljdia Mar- garet, born March 20, 1876, is the wife of Cornelius Dingman, of Williams, Iowa; Ethel May, born July 18, 1878, Lafford, lx)rn April 17, 1881, and Robert Lee, born September 18, 1884, are all at home. The family is one of prominence in the com- munitv where thev reside. ELMER E. FITCH. Elmer E. Fitch, of the firm of Fitch & Ouinn. publishers of the Galva News, has been a resident of Henry county since 1875. He was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, August 13, 1846, and is a son of George and Deborah (Boleyn) Fitch, the former a native of Norwalk, Connecticut, the latter of Trumbull county, Ohio. On the paternal side he is of English ancestry. The first of the Fitch family to come to Amer- ica was James Fitch, of Boking, Essex county, England, who crossed the Atlantic in 1636, and took up his residence in Massa- chusetts. Our subject is also descended from John Haynes, the first governor of the Hartford colony. His paternal grandfather was William Haynes Fitch. George Fitch, the father, was a school teacher and followed that occupation throughout life. He died in Ohio, in De- E. E. FITCH. Ilfi9/1RY UNIVERSIlY OF ILLINOIS URBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 473 cember, 1847. He was twice married and liy his first wife lirul one daiigliter. Jane, who married Ira Kitcli. and (hed at licr hi line in i"raniril, 1900. Her iiushand was killed in the h.attlc of Sixittsylvania, in 18^14. 1 ler children were fieorjje, Willard. Nettie and Iretta. Tlie second wife of (ieorge Fitch was the mother of onr snhject. After his death she lived for two years in Laporte, Indiana, [ . anil in 183^1 renio\ed to Fayette county, Iowa. Still later she made her home in Beaconsfield, RinggoKl county. Iowa, where she died January 11. 1895. in tiie seventy- first year of her age. In 1S61 she married \\'illiam O. Hageman. who siu"\ives her and continues to live in Beaconsheld. By that iniion there were two children, hut one died in infancy. I'hilo 1".. a farmer of Beacons- Held, is mrirried and has a famih-. I'dmer 1'".. hitch is the youngest of the four children horn of his father's second n:arriage, the others being as follows : (_ i ) Martin Bentley, a physician of Decorah, Iowa, entered the Union army during the Civil war as a member of the lughteenth Iowa \'ohmteer Infantry, hut was trans- ferred to the Si.xteenth Regiment, and was with Sherman on the march to the sea. He married .Miss Helen R. Hayes, and five children were l.)orn to this union, two of whom survive. He married for his second wife Miss Belle Xelson. of Decorah, and they have four sons. ( j) Alice married ' Thomas Kennedy and both died in Ohio. (3) George W., a resident of West Union. Iowa, was a teacher in early life and served as county superintendent of Fayette county, Iowa, for five terms, but is now engaged in 1)iographical work with the B. F. Bowen Publishing Company. In May. 1861. at the age of si.xteen years he enlisted in Company D, Sixty-second Pennsylvania Volunteer In- fantry, and took part in thirty-seven battles. For a time he was held a prisoner in Libby jirison and Belle Isle, and was twice slight- ly wounded but not disabled. He re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth Penn- sylvania Regiment and remained in the service imtil the close of the war. In 1866 he married Roxie A. Moore, and to them were born seven children: William E. ; Mary L., deceased; Myrtle E. ; Densel A.; (ieorge Porter, deceased; Clara E. : and Maud \V. Our subject was also among the l)oys in blue during the Rebellion, enlisting August 14, 1862, at the age of sixteen in Company .\. Thirty-eighth Iowa \'olunteer Infantry. Fie was then li\ing on the home f;uMn in Fayette county, Iowa, h'or a time the regi- ment did guartl duty at St. Louis and went on several raids in Arkansas and Missouri. They assisted in the capture of Union City, Tennessee, and then went to Xew Madrid, Missouri, and from there to Vicksburg in 1863. taking part in the siege and capture of that stronghold. They went on the expe- dition to Vazoo City, from wliich i)oint they made a forced march to Black Ri\er Bridge for the purjxise of taking part in the H.ttle of Jackson, Ijut, arri\ing too late, re- turned to Yazoo City, and from there went t.i Port Hudson and New Orleans, Louisi- ana, and to Brownsville, Te.xas, which thev assisted in capturing. In 1864 they went to Mobile Bav and participated in the siege and capture of Fort ^lorgan, after which they returned to Donaldsonville, Louisiana. At ]\Iorganza Bend, in December, 1864, the regiment was consolidated with the Thirty- fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and from there went to Pensacola, Florida, marching through the swamps to the rear of ]\Iobile, 474 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. They took part in tlie siege and final charge a: Fort Blakely, which surrendered at sun- down, April 9, 1865. They then went up the Alabama river to Selma. where they d'ut garrison duty for a few weeks. They next went to Houston. Texas, where they were mustered out August 15. 1865. Mr. Fitch received his final discharge at Davenport, Iowa, on the 5th of the following September. After lea\ing the service he entered the Upper Iowa University, at Fayette, and later became a student at the Iowa State University, of Iowa City, where he was graduated in 1874. taking a thorough classical course. For a year he was princi- pal of the \\'est Hill school, of Burlington. Iowa, and in 1875, came to Galva, Illinois, as superintendent of schools, which position he acceptably filled for eight years. In 188 J he was appointed by the board of supervisors as county superintendent of schools. The following year he resigned the position of superintendent of the Galva schools, and purchased the plant of the Galva News, which he conducted alone until 1888, when lie admitted H. Ouinn to a partnershiii in the business. Together they have since car- ried on the paper with marked success, and have made it one of the most popular jour- nals in this section of the state. On the 5th of July, 1876. in Decorah, Iowa, Mr. Fitch w-as united in marriage with Miss Rachel Helgesen, who was born near Madison, Wisconsin, April 23. 1850, a daughter of Thomas and Anna Helgesen. natives of Norway. The mother died in .Wi.sconsin in 1852, at the age of twenty- six, and the father died in Galva. Illinois. in 1895, ^t the age of eighty-one. Mr. Hel- gesen came to America in 1848 to seek his fortune, but chiefly to escape the persecu- tions of the Ouakers in Xorwav, of which sect he was a zealous member. He emigrat- ed to Iowa in 1856 and \\as a successful farmer for thirty-nine years. ^Irs. Fitch, was the only child born of that union, but by a later marriage the father had a large family of children, four of whom are still living, namely : ^^Irs. Mary Passmore. of Elsinore, Utah : Hon. Henry T.. of Milton, North Dakota : [Mrs. H. T. Hammer, of Pullman, Illinois : and Albert, of Milton, North Dakota. Mrs. Fitch was also edu- cated at the Upper Iowa and the Iowa State Universities, and prior "to her marriage en- gaged in teaching in the Iowa City schools. She has decided literary tastes, is pu'jlic spirited, and hopes to see the establishment in Galva of a free kindergarten and manual training school, and a free public library. She is a member and past president of the \\". C. T. U. and Equal Sttffrage Associa- tions. Our subject and his wife have three children: George H., born June 5. 1877, is a graduate of Knox College, and is now editor of the Galva News: Rachel Louise, Ixjrn September 27. 1878. and Ro])ert Haynes, born January 17, 1881. are both attending Knox College. By his ballot and through the columns of his paper Mr. Fitch has always supported the Republican party and its principles, and has taken quite an active part in political affairs. Since resigning his position as su- perintendent of the Galva schools he has served six years as a member of the board of education, and was president of the same for five years. He has been commander of the Grand Army Post, No. 7,^. and is one of the suprenie directors of the ^lystic Workers of the World, being a prominent member of both societies. He was appointed postmaster at Galva in 1891 by President Harrison and served four vears. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 475 ROBERT HAV. Tliis gentlcnian. wlio spent his eaii_\- life in active business and mainly in agri- cultural pursuits, is udw living a retired lite on a fine farm one-half mile east of the vil- lage of Annawan. A man of energy and more than urdinary business capacity, his success in life has been largely due to his own efforts and the sound judgment which has enabled him to make the most of his o])- portimities. Mr. I lay was born near Hanover, Saluda townsiiii). Jefferson county, Indiana. Sep- tember 30, iSji. a son of Thomas and Sarah (Maiden) Hav. The father was born in Kelso, Scotlantl, on the ri\er Tweed, and was twelve rears of age when he came t') this countr}-. in 1S13. \\ith his pareiits, William and Jane (Taylor) Hay. The fam- ily located in Saluda township. Jefferson county. Indiana, being numl^ered among the earliest pioneers of that locality, and there they all died. The children were Thomas. the father of our subject: Isabel, who was married in Scotland to Andrew Davidson, and came with the famil\- to the new world: IJetsy. who became the wife of .Samuel Wells: and Annie, who married .\ndrew Getty, who was born near Gettysburg. Pennsyhania. \\ illiam May was the only child of Robert and .\nna (Turnbull) Hay, also natives of Scotland, where his mother died about 1820. Shortly afterward the father went to Canada to visit his son and died while there. Thomas Hay, the father of our subject, continued his residence in Jefferson county. Indiana, until 1856, when he came to Henry county, Illinois, and settled on a farm two and a half miles east of Annawan, mak- ing that his home until about four rears before his death, when he mo\ed to the vil- lage. There he died July 3. 189J. and his wife passed away three days later. She was born in Raleigh. North Carolina, in 1800, a daughter of Andrew and Mary (Passwater) Alaiden, natives of the same state, who as early as 1806 removed to In- diana and settled in Jefferson county. Their otlier children were John, who died in Wash- ington. Clark countv. Indiana: .\bner. who died in Lexington, Scott count}-. Indiana; and Mary, who wedded Lawrence Brooks anil remained a resident of Indiana until after her husband's death and then went west. Mrs. Hay's ])aternal grandfather. John Maiden, was a native of Wales and came to the new world ])rior to the Revolu- tionary war. in which he look up arms against the mother country and served un- der General Washington. Our subject is the second in order of birth in a family of nine children, the others being as follows; .V. Jackson died at the age of two years: Mary died at the age of three; ^\'iIliam married Samantha Shaw and died af Colorado Springs. Colorado, where he lived for five-'years prior to his death: John married, first, Elizal)eth Crawford and, sec- ond. Susan Hardy, and resides in .Austin, Scott county. Indiana; Jane is the widow of Henry Giles and a reside;it of Annawan> Illinois: George died in Clyde. Kansas, in 1894: Thomas married Columbia Iierry, now deceased, and lives in Oklahfima; Law- rence B. married Jennie Foster, of .\nna- v.an, and makes his home in (iuthrie. ( )kla- homa : and Maggie, who married Daniel Patterson : he died in Omaha, Nebraska, and she now resides in .\nnawan. Reared in the comity of his nativity, Robert Hay acquired his education in the pioneer schools of that localitv and remained 476 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. at liome with liis parents until he attained the age of twenty-three years. He was then married. March 12, 1845, to Miss Margaret Crawford, who was also born in Jefferson county. Indiana, October 15, 1826, a daugh- ter of David and Sarah (McXelley) Craw- ford, who died in that state. By this union ^vere Ixirn fourteen children, as follows : ( i j Oliver P.. now entomologist in the national museum at New York city, married Molly Housman, of Rutland, Illinois, and they have four children, William P.. Mamie. Fannie and Robert. (2) ^Nlary E. is the wife of Thomas Clarke, of ;Missouri. and they have had five children. (3) Jwlia is the wife of Miles Shimel, of Bradford. Stark county, Illinois, and they have one child, Edward. (4) Sarah Jane (deceased). (5) Thomas married Marrietta Stever, of Pennsylvania, and died in Schaller. Sac county, Iowa, in 1881, leaving two children. Belle and Ella. (6) Ann married George Reed and resides at Yuma, South Dakota. (7) Francis' M. married Xellie Lombard. They reside at Bradford. Stark county. Illi- nois. (8) Maria married Levi D. Rich. They reside at Los Angeles, California. (7) Bell married William H. Wilcox, of Adel, Iowa. (10) Lerov married Kate Schriver, resides at Milo. Illinois. (11) Clarence mar- ried Mabel Foster, of Bradford, Stark coun- ty, Illinois, where they reside, and they have five children. (12) George married Mary Stoner, of ^\'hiting, Indiana, and is l>ook- keeper for the Standard Oil Company at that place. (13) Robert, also a resident of Brad- ford, married Ruth Suthpen, of that place, and they have one child. Ralph. One died in infancy, unnamed. The mother of these children died at Bradford, Stark county. January 7. 1887, and ^^Ir. Hay was again married, October 8, 1891, his second union Ijeing with !Mary Frances Baker, who was born in Annawau township, Henry county, October 16, 1853. Her parents, John and Isabel (Crawford) Baker, came to this county in 1850, and were numbered among its honored and highly respected citizens. They are both now deceased. In 1850 ilr.' Hay came to Illinois, and purchased a farm in Milo township, BureaiJ county. Avhich he improved and continued to successfully operate until his removal to his present place, one-half mile east of An- na wan, in 1 89 1. Here he has a fine farm of two hundred and ninety-six acres, and besides this valuable property still owns two hundred and a half acres of land in Milo township. Bureau county, and one hundred and sixty acres in Dawes county, Nebraska, all of which he now rents, while he lives a re- tired life, enjoying the fruits of former toil. He was a thorough and systematic farmer and due success has not been denied him. His first presidential vote was cast for James K. Polk, and since 1856 he has been a sup- ix)rter of the Democratic party. He is wide- ly and favorably known throughout the community in which he resides, and wher- e\er known is held in high regard. GEORGE FESLER. Prominent among the successful agri- culturists of Burns township is George Fes- ler, who follows his chosen calling on sec- tion 7. A native of Illinois, he was born in Mason county, on the 2nd of June, 1844, and is a son of Adam and Susana (Everitt) Fesler, both of whom were natives of Penn- S}l\-ania and of German descent. In con- iiectii^n with his father Adam Fesler was THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 477 engaged in the milling business in the east, and being burned out he came to Illinois in 1836 with the hope of regaining his lost fi^rtunc. The journey was made by lx)at to I'eoria. Soon he came to Henry county and entered a claim of forty acres, on which he erected a log house, and to which he subsecjuently added eighty acres. After placing this land under cultivation he sold the place and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of mibroken prairie land in Burns townshi]), which he also impro\ed and cultivated, making a good farm. He died in 1S75. and his wife passed away in 189^, both being laid to rest in the ( ieneseo cem- etery. Tn this wi irthy couple were born eight children as follows: Mar}' is the wife of William Tell, a native of (lermany and now a resident of (ieneseo ; the second child died in infancy: Sarah is the wife of J. J. Mur- l)hy, a farmer of Firth. Nebraska: Maria is the widow of John A. Rishel and a resident of Cambridge, this count}': (ieorge. our sub- ject, is next in order of birth: Irene is the wife of L. Cherry, of (ieneseo: Hester is the widow of M. ^\'inegar : twins died in infancy. The subject of this .sketch was a lad of twelve years when he removed with his par- ents to Burns township and there he has since resided. He attended the district schools in the immediate vicinity of his I'.onie. and for a time pursued his studies in the (ieneseo .schools. When not in school he assisted in the work of the farm and thus gained a gtxjd ])ractical knowledge of the occupation which he has chosen as a life work. He now owns a well-improved iarm of one hundred and sixty acres, and as a farmer and stock raiser is meeting with ■vvell-deserved success. On the -th of October. 1867, Mr. Fesler married Miss I'^annie Green, a daughter of Robert and Sarah (Whittenhall ) Green, both natives of Xew York. Six children bles.scd this imion. namely: .\lbert. l)orn March 13. 1871. is at home: Sarah Jane, born X(i\enilier 8, 1873. is the wife of Wal- ter Fell : Susan, born March 24, 1876. is de- ceased : Edith, born August 25, 1879, is the wife of J. F. Tohn.son; Ray, born Novem- ber _'J. 1885, is deceased: and Rolland, born August II, 1888, is at home. In his political affiliations Mr. Fesler is a Democrat, and he has been called uix)n to till the office of school director. He has in his possession a number of Rexolutionary war relics, which he inherited from his grandfather I-'esler, who fought for .\mei-- ican independence in that .struggle, and alstj has a part of the barrel of an old Hintlock musket. He is one of the leading citizens of his co:unuuiitv. and is held in high re- gard by all who know him. .Mrs. busier is a member of the Christian Science Church and first reader of the church, and in her limited field has been a successful healer. EUGEXE G. r. AKER. AnK)ng the young and enterprising farmers of Henry county must be numbered luigene G. Baker, who is now successfully pursuing his chosen \'ocation on .-ectiou 3.1.. .\lba townshi]). He was born on tlic 5th of January, 1S72. in Bureau count}, Illi- nois, two miles north of Xejjonset, and is a son of Wellington P. and Hadasre (Graves) Baker, natives of Somerset county, Maine. The father had two brothers and two sis- ters, namely: l^dwin. who died in Somer.set 4/8 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. county, Maine, in 1899, leaving three chil- dren, Guy, Nellie and Edith: Alfred A., a resident of Bureau county, Illinois, who has fine daughter hy his first wife, Sallie; Flor- ence, wife of Levi Wilson. li\-ing near Fort Scott, Kansas, hy whom she has six children. Minnie, Alice, Clare, Helen, Grace and Maud. Julia, a resident of Somerset coun- ty. Maine, and widow of Calvin Colby, by whom she had one child, Georgia. Olu subject's mother was one of a family of six children, the others being Helen, wife of Sewell Dinsmore, of Boston, Massachusetts, liy whom she has three children, Amos, Agnes and Hattie: Hattie, wife of James Eklridge, living near Kewanee, Illinois, by \vhom she has two children. Lulu and Dor- cas ; Addie. a school teacher of Neponset, Illinois: and Moses and Frank, who both tl:ed in Somerset county, Maine, the former at the age of twenty-fi\-e years, the latter ar the age of eight. The subject of this sketch is the third ir. order of birth in a familv of ten children. nine of whom are lixing. the others being as follows: Walter died in infancy: Emma, born February 10, 1871, is with her parents: Melvin W.. born Xo\ember 15, 1874, mar- ried Celia Roos, of Geneseo, Illinois, and i;, now engaged in farming near Muscatine. Iowa: Grace, born Octolier 18, 1877, is a school teacher of Henry. Illinois: Martha, born Januarv 22. 1879. \\ ilHam, born Jan- uary I J, 1 88 1, Frank and I'red. twins, born July 21. 1883. and lulwin. born Januarv 5, 1886. are all at home. Mr. Baker, of this review, was only two years old when the family removed to Alba township this county, and was educated prin- cipally in its district school. For a time Ik; was emploxed as clerk in a hotel at Daven- port. Iowa, and while there attended school for a time. Since his return to Alba town- shi]). he has engaged in agricultural pursuits, ar.d now o]ierates one of his father's farms on section 34, Alba township. On the 5th of January, 1896, Mr. Baker was married, in Da\enport, to Miss Zora ]\Iachesney, who was born in Annawan, this county, April 16, 1871. Her father, An- drew Taylor Machesney, was born in Penn- sylvania, in 1849. and had one brother and one sister, namelv : William, who married Blanch Everett, by whom she has one child, Edna, and lives in Wellsville. Ohio: and Mary, who died in Penns\'lvania. at the age of eighteen years. During the Cix'il war he served three years as a member of the Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania \'olunteer In- fantry, and was wounded in the right arm. In 1868 he married Clara M. Gochenouer, who was born in Ohio, in- 1852, and is the tenth in order of birth in a family of eleverr children, the others being as follows: Henry, now deceased : Xewton and Dora, residents of Nebraska: William, a resident of Anna- wan, this countv, married Elmira Carey, now deceased, and had five children, Lillian^ Ada, 01i\e, Anna, and Clinton, deceased; -\dam, a resilient of Blair. Nebraska, wedded }vlary Burgess and has six children, Joseph, Ella, Alma, Mary, Frank and Annie : John, of Annawan, Illinois, had four children. Nettie. Clarence. Charles, deceased, and Otho : Barbara Ann is the wife of Frank I'atton. of Lux'erne. Iowa, and thev ha\'e fi\e children. \\'illiam. Tillie, Christinai Maggie and Emma: Mary is the wife of John Eibert, of Belgrade, Nebraska : Re- becca is the wife of Jacob Messmore, of, Kewanee, and they have one child, Emma : Sarah is the wife of William Frouk, of Lu- \erne. Iowa, and they have four children, Anna. William. Burton and Matilda: and THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 479 Xancv. deceased, was tlie wife of Xelson Swagger, of Luverne. Iowa, and they liacl four children, Edith. Charles. Susan and Clara, .\fter his marriage Mr. ^lachesney came west and took ui) his residence near Annawan, Henry county. Illinois. Politically Mr. Baker is identified with the Re])uhlican party, and is now most creditahly serving his second year as sujier- visor of .\lba townshi]). He has also filled the office of township clerk three years, and i.-- one of the leading and influential citizens of his community. Religiously he is a member of the Congregational Church, and socially is connected with the Knights of Pythias Traternity. in which he has filled all the chairs and is n<)w past chancellor. His V. ife belongs to the I'nited Brethren Church, and is a member of the Star Circle and Thimble Societv. J.\MES O. THORP. .\mong the leatling and re])rescntati\e agriculturists of lUirns townsliip is Jacob O. Thorp, who owns any trade her father w as a shoemaker. 1 Ic had a family of ten children. .Mr. and Mrs. Thorp have one son and one daughter: Eu- gene Ward, born Septemlier 20, 1869, was married. .August 11. 1893, to Nannie E. M\ers and they lia\c two children, Wes!e>- and Jesse: I-'lorence. born .April 4, 1875, is now the wife of James McRell. Jr., and they 48o THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ]ia\e line cliild. Minnie H., born Octcilier 23. 1899. Since casting his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincohi, Mr. Thorp has never wavered in his allegience to the Republican party, and he has most efficiently filled the offices of tax collector, road commissioner for six years and school director, serving in the latter position for ten years. ^Mrs. Thorp is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church and they receive and merit the respect and esteem of all who ki'ow them. OLOF PETERSON. Many of the most enterprising and suc- cessful farmers of Henry county have come from the land beyond the sea, and in the new world have made for themsehes and families good homes. Prominent among these is Olof Peterson, a well-known citizen of Cialva township, his home being on sec- tion 12. He has been a resident of this county since 1871. ^Nlr. Peterson was born in the southeast- ern part of Sweden, January 29, 1850. a son of Peter and Annie Johnson, life-long residents of that country. In early life the father followed the occupation of a farmer and later worked as a laborer. He died in 1898, at the age of eighty-four years, and his wife passed awa)- in 1900, at the age of eighty-three. Of the seven children born to them three died in childhood, the other;i being Olof, our subject ; Peter, a farmer and cattle raiser of South Dakota ; and Ella and Buel Peterson, both of Sweden. It \\as se\"en years after our subject came to America that his brother crossed the ocean, and for three rears worked as a farm hand ir Henry count}-. He then farmed rented land two years, after which he went to 'Slis- souri where he farmed for two years. Dur- ing this period he returned to Galva and iu January, 1884, he married Miss Lucy Al- derman. In 1886 he went to South Dakota, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres near Bonilla, where he has since resided. In his early bo}hood Olof Peterson at- tended the common schools of his native land, but at the age of ten years he was compelled to lay aside his books and go to work. He herded stock until old enough to perform more arduous labor, and then worked in a mill for six years, the last yeas as head-miller, during which time he thor- oughly learned the miller's trade. On at- taining his majority he bade good-bye to home and family, and alone came to Amer- ica. Ha\ing only half enough money to pay his passage he was obliged to borrow the balance with which he purchased his ticket to his destination — Kewanee, Illinois, — and was entirely unfamiliar with the English lan- guage. He at once found work on a farm b}- the month and was thus employed for five years, during which time he saved enough money to buy some farm implements and stock, and during the following years he operated rented land. In 1878 he purchased eighty acres of land of Jerry Bickford, in Wethersfield township, on which he lived three years and at the same time worked rented land. He then sold to A. C. Taylor, and bought eighty acres of Peter Levine in Galva townshij). where he now resdes. and in January, 1882, he bought an adjoining eighty acres of the Daniels heirs. His first home here was destroyed by fire in 18S5, but he has erected a more mod- ern residence, and has also erected a large MRS. O. PETERSON. FRANK PETERSON. MR. O. PETERSON. UNIVERSlIt [jt ILLINOIS UKbANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 4S3 liarn and slieds tor the accommodation ot his stock. As a stock raiser and breeder he has been remarkably successfnl. He lias a tine drove of Poland China hogs for breeding piu'ix'ses. and finds a ready market for the same. He also makes a specialty of short liorn cattle, and has Ijeen interested in rais- ing Clydesdale and Englishshire hor.ses, but is now giving his attention to Xormans. Be- sides his farm of one hundred and si.xty acres on section 12, Galva township, he owns forty acres on section 7. W'ethersfield, and has also improved that property in a most creditable manner. He also owns and oper- ates a corn sheller and grinder and thresh- ing outfit, his son acting as engineer. On the 30th of January. 1879, Mr. Pe- terson was united in marriage with Miss Rosina Adelia Mallory. who was torn in Whiteside county, Illinois. April 3, 1856, and is a daughter of G. W. and Susan (Smith) Mallory, the former a native of A'ermont, the latter of Essex county, New York. The mother died Xovember 4, 1898, but the father is still living in Annawan, this county, at the age of seventy-nine years. They were the parents of ten children, all of whom are still living, namely: Tamar C, wife of Arthur Wood, of Xew Boston, Illinois ; Josephine A., wife of Henry Buck- ley, of Kewanee: Rosina A., wife of our subject; Isabella A., wife of R. Eugene Cook, of Red Oak, Iowa; Edith A., wife of George Anderson, of Alba township, tiii^ county; Herbert E. married Cora W'illitt. and lives in .\nnawan ; E\a A., wife of Henry Seeley. of Xew Boston, Illi- nois; Wallace E., George A. and Susie E., all three living at home. The children were educated in the ])ublic schools of Ke- wanee, where the family resided from i860 to 188;. ^Ir. and Mrs. Peterson have one son, Erank E.. who was born July 29, 1S80, in W'ethersfield township, and completed his education in the W'ethersfield high school. He is now assisting his father in business. By his ballot Mr. Peterson supports tlie men and measures of the Republican pai ty, and has held minor offices in his townshi;j. For nine years he has capably served as school director, and has always taken a de- cided interest in maintaining good schools. He and his wife are members of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church and are highly re- spected and esteemed by all who know them. Although he has always led a very active and industrious life, he has ever enjoyed good health, and his career has ever been such as to command the confidence and warm regard of those with whom he has been brought in contact. As a business man he stands among the ablest in his communitv. F. CHARLES SPIEGEL. Among the citizens of (ialva township who are of foreign birth is the genclenian whose name introduces this sketch, his home being on section i. He was born in Prussia. Germany, April 13, 1844. and in 1861, came to the United States with his parents. Fred- erick and Minnie Spiegel, it recpiiring about a month to cross the ocean. On landing in this country they proceeded at once to Ke- wanee, Illinois, two sons, .\ugust and Fred, having previously located here in 1837. The parents lived on a farm near that city for some years, but spent their last days in the city. Both are now deceased, the mother having died first. In Germany the father followed the miller's trade, and having saved a little money he invested it in a trfict of timber land on coming to this county and 484 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. turned his attention to agricultural pur- suits. His i)lace consisted of one hundred and forty acres, and to its improvement and cultivation he devoted his energies until liis removal to Kewanee. wlien he sold the farm. Charles Spiegel is the fourth in order of birth in a family of twelve children, two of ^vhom died young, the others being .\ugust. a resident of Burns township: Fred, of Cambridge: Albert, who died al)out 1882 upon his farm in W'ethersfield townshi]): where he owned a half section of land : Emi! a retired farmer of Kewanee: Ernest, who died on his farm in Galva township in 1899: Louisa, wife of William Coover, a veteran of the Civil war. residing in Kewanee; Au- gusta .wife of Fred Schaffer of Cornwall township: and Pauline wife of August Wal- ter, of Burns township. The family were all educated in the public schools of Germany. After coming to this country they all worked together for some time, and bv their com- bined efforts met witli excellent success. They have made for themselves good homes and farms, and all that they have acquired has been gained by hard work and good management. The subject of this sketch received his education in the schools of Germany and also learned the traits of economy and fru- gality, which ha\e been important factors in his success, enabling him to acc|uire a comfortable comijetence. .\t the age of seventeen he came to the new world, and at first worked as a laborer by the month until he secured a .start in life. In 1866 he and his brother, .\lbert. purchased a farm for which they went in debt about ten thou- sand dollars. It consisted of two hundred and forty acres in Wethersfield township, which tlie\- operated top^ether for five years, but at the end of that time our subject sold a part of his interest to his brother and the remainder to J. .\rmstrong. He then bought eighty acres of land in Galva township, on which he lived for five years, and on selling that property in 1877. he purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section i, the same township. At that time it was \'er\' poorly improved, but he has since made it one of the best farms of the community. In 1883 he erected a good barn and two years later built his present residence, which is supplied with modern improvements. The buildings erected by him are good and substantial structures, which have cost him about seven th(5usand dollars, and he has also spent over nine hundred dol- lars in tiling and draining his land. In con- nection with general farming he raises horses, cattle and hogs for market purposes, making a specialty of Xorman horses, of which he has some very fine specimens. Be- sides his fine farm he owns residence prop- erty in Kewanee. and a building lot in W'eth- ersfield. In 1870 Mr. Spiegel was united in mar- riage with Miss Herminia Ouret. who was also born in Germany and was eight years old when brought to this country by her par- ents, both of whom are now deceased. By occupation her father was a farmer. She is one of a family of four children the others being \\'illiam. a farmer of Nebraska: .Au- gust, who lives north of Kewanee: and Augusta, wife of Charles Campien. now a carpenter of Kewanee, who was formerly engaged in farming here and in Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Spiegel are the parents of three children: Emma, wife of Isaac Xelson. of Kewanee, by whom she has three children, and Clara and Bernard, both at home. .\lt h.ave attended the district school near home, ard later the schools i-)f Kewanee. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 485. Mr. Spiegel is a stocklmkler of tlie I'ar- niers" Elevator in Clalva. and a.s a public- spirited citizen he takes a deep interest in e\erytliing calculated to prove of public bene- fit. Since attaining his majority he ha.s been an actixe worker for the success of the Re- publican party, with which he has always affiliated. He fa\-ors good schools and has been an efficient scIkujI officer. He and his wife are members of the 1-utheran L'hurch of Kewanee, has served on its board oi trus- tees, and in his younger days took an active part in church work. Possessing the esteem and respect of the entire community, he may well be ranked among the representative and prominent citizens of the county. His honor and integrity are unimpeachable, his v.ord being considered as good as his bond. D.WIT) AXDERSOX. David .\nderson. deceased, was for many years a prominent and highly esteemed citi- zen of Burns township. Henry county. Illi- nois, where his family still reside, lie was biu'n in l.oiidonderrv. Ireland. Decemlier 18. 1 81 8. and was a lad of thirteen years when he came to .-\merica with his parents. George and Jennie .\ndcrson. On their voy- age across the Atlantic they were ship- wrecked, and three of the daughters, one of whom was only five months old. were on one small island all night. whiU" their par ents and the remainder of the famih- were on another. For a short time the family resided in Philailelphia and then removed tn Ohio, locating near \\ est Liberty, where the father engaged in farming. The parents spent the remainder of their lives in that locality, the father dying March 15. 1879. aged eighty-si.\ \ears. the mother many years before. They had eight children, all born in Ireland with the e.xception of Jennie. In order of birth they were as follows: Wil- son, now a resident of Huntsville, (^hio; l)a\i(l, our suliject ; Matthew, of Madison, Wisconsin: Uelle, wife of Roliert Martin, of Iowa City, Iowa: Sarah, wife of John Eni- erv, of Bellefontainc, Ohio; Marv, widow of J'eter Emery, and a resident of I'ellefontaine, Ohio: Xancy, deceased: and Jennie, de- ceased wife of William McKlree. David .Anderson received a common school education and was reared to haljits of industr\- upon the home farm. Prior to his marriage he was engaged in the boot and shoe business in Bellefontaine. but after that followed farming tliroughout the remain- der of his life. On the 8th of May. i8f>_>. he led to the marriage altar Miss Sarah J. Hen- derson, who was born near Utica, Licking ccninty, Ohio, .Ajiril 2/. 1840. Her parents, Robert and Margaret (McDavitt) Hender- son, were both natives of Jefferson coimty. Ohio, and of Scotch-Irish descent, though their ancestors came to .\merica at a verv early day. To them were Ijorn tluec chil- dren of whom Mrs. Anderson is the oldest: Belle is the wife of (iilhert Walker, of Salis- bury, MissoiuM; and Caroline C, the de- ceased wife of J. B. Whitney, of Burns townshi]). this county. Mr. and Mrs. .\nderson became the i)ar- ents of sexen children, namely: Margaret, wife of Samuel Warner, of Burns town- ship: ( ieorge, also a resident of Burns town- ship, who married Esther Corckel. of Ke- wanee, and has two children, David and Lola: Sarah Cornelia, wife of David .Mar- tin, of Kewanee township: Eva Lou, wife of I'rank Simonton, of Burns townshi]), by whom she has two children, h'thel and 486 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. IMyrtle: Olive Belle, wife df Ernest Cmive. I if liurns ti>\vnshi|): .Mary Lizzie, wife of A\'illiani Robson. of the same tuwnsliip. by ■whom .she has one child, Wilbur Lee: and Albert D. at home with his mother. Shortly after his marriage in iSv2. Mr. Anderson removed to Wisconsin and set- tled in Pine Bluff. Dane county, but in 2ilarch. 1S64. he returned to Oiiio. and after spending the winter there he came to Henry •county, Illinois, in 1S65. He purchased a part of the present farm im section 9, Burns tdwnshi]), and to it added from time to time until be owned two hundred and sixty acres •of well improved and highly productive land at the time of his death, which occurred May 26, 1895. He '3"ilt being ]\Iiss Christina ^1. X_\-e, also a native of Sweden, and a daugiiter of John and Eva Elizabeth Xye, who were born, reared and married in that country, and in 1867, emigrated to the new world, locating in An- dover township, this county, where the mother died. For many years the father was a prominent and well-known farmer of that township, but is now living in Cambridge. Mrs. Streed died September 19, 1896, at the age of forty-four years, leaving eight chil- dren, namely: Clara M., Bunyan C. O., Fer- dinand J., George J., Fred E., Ella J., Mabel C. and Paul H. Politically Mr. Streed is an active Re- publican and has filled the ofifices of collec- tor and school director in Andover town- ship. Socially he is an honored member of the Grand Army Post at Cambridge. He holds membership in the Lutheran Church, and his life has ever been such as to com- mand the respect and confidence of all with \\hom he has come in contact either in bus- iness or social circles. FRANK H. STREED. For over half a century the Streed f;un- iiy has been prominently identified with the agricultural and business interests of Henry countv, and its various members have won for the name an enviable distinction liy their intelligence and worth. This high reputa- tion is in no way diminished in the present generation, and our subject, who is a well- knoxvn Inisiness man of C'lah, displays in a marked degree the admirable characteristics which the name suggests. A native of Henry county. ]\Ir. Streed was born March 2. 1857, on section 34, .\n- dox'er township, in an old hrmse which was erected in 1850. and is the only cne still standing in that tnwriship. His parents were Swan P. and Anna S. (Nelson) Streed, whose sketch appears on another page of this ^■olume. The boyhood and j'outh of our subject were passed in his native township, and his literary education was acquired in its public schools. He engaged in farming on the old homestead from 1878 to 1890. and then became interested in the grain bus- iness at Ulah, as manager for E. S. East- man & Company of Peoria. He is also en-> gaged in the coal business on his own ac- count, and for some time carried on mer- cantile 'Pursuits at Ulah, but for the pasi four years has rented his store building. By fair and honorable dealing he has se- cured an excellent trade, and is meeting with well deserved success. On the 17th of :\Iay, 189-', -Mr. Streed was married in Andover township, to ^liss Julia A. Griffin, a nati^■e of that township, of which her father, H. G. Grifiin, was ons of the pioneers, Init is now a resident of Cambridge. Our subject and his wife have two children, Henry G. and Eugene F. The Republican party has always found in Mr. Streed a stanch supporter of its prin- ciples, and he is now a member of the town- ship central committee. He served as as- sessor and Collector in Andover township in 1 888 and 1890. respectively, antl is now most capably filling the efiice of justice of the peace in Cambridge township. He is a pleasant, genial gentleman who has a host of friends, and is ^"crv popular in the commu- IIR9/IPY UNIVERSIlT Of ILLINOIS URBANA JOHN V. STREED. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 497 r.ity where lie resides, lie attends and sup- ]X)rts the Coi;gregational Church of Cam- bridge, of wliich his wife is an earnest nieniher. JOIIX \'. STREED. One of the ablest and most prominent members of the legal profession, now prac- ticing at the Henry County Bar, is the sub- ject of tliis sketcli, who is a native of the cmnit}', born in the townsliip of Andover, March 13. 1859, tlie son of Swan P. and .\nna S. (Nelson) Streed, bntli of whom were natives of Sweden. The former was born, reared and educated in Hum Socken. 0>terg(_ithland, Sweden, and there he was twice married, and by his first wife he had one son Marker F.. who now resides in Os- Co, Henry county, Illinois. In 1849 1'^ took passage on a sailing vessel for the United States, and after a voyage of eleven weeks landed at Castle Garden, New York, from v.hence he at once proceeded \.o Henry ciiunty. Illinois, arriving here on the 15th cf August of that year, locating in Andover township. While en route he lost his second wife, and in September following his arrival, he married MissWnna S. Nelson, who was burn ill Hycklinge, Sweden, and who Come ' '\ cr in the same vessel with him. They be- came the parents of ten children, seven of \\ hom are still living," namely : Anna L. Nel- son, a resident of Cambridge; Frank H.,- of Ulah, Henry county; John \'., of tliis sketch: Edmund L.. of Rock Island, Illi- nois; Joseph A., of Orion, Illinois; Huldah S. Shirley, of Kent, Iowa; and Myrtle C, of the same place. On locating in .Andover township. Swan P. Streed purchased a tract of wild land. and to its im]:)rovement and cultivation he de\oted his energies throughout the re- mainder of his life. He became one of the most uriiminent.and iniUK-nlial men of that locality, and was widely and favorably known throughout the county. As a Repub- lican, he took an active part in local poli- tics, and was a recognized leader in public affairs in his community. He was one of the original members of the Swedish Evangel- ical Lutheran Church in Andover and for a time served as one of its deacons. He died on his farm, December 28th, 1878, and his wife passed away July 6, 1891. On the home farm in Andoxer township, John \". Streed grew to manhood, and his early education was obtained in the district schools of the neighborhood. For a time he was a student at Abingdon College, and later attended the Geneseo Normal school and the Chicago University. In the latter school he pursued an elective course, bu^: which was equal to the standard courses of the leading universities. In 1887 he enterctl the Nortli- western University at E\anston, Illinois, where he remained one year, and then be- came a student at the Union College of Law, Chicago, where, he was graduated with the degree of LL. B. in 1890. While pursuing his studies in the various institutions, Mr. Streed practically earned all the money re- (juired to secure his education. He carried papers, lit and extinguished street lamps, cared for the lecture room and some of the recitation rooms of the University, and took meter statements and distributed gas bills fur the Gas Compnay. While doing these \arious things for his support, he did not neglect his studies, but stood at the head of his classes, and came through with not only a liberal education, but with an independence of character that comes onlv to those who 498 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. are self-supporting and wlio lia\'e confidence ill themselves. On graduating from the Law School , Mr. Streed opened an office in Chicago, Init in the fall of 1890 he removed to Cambridge, aiKl has since been successfully engaged in the practice at that place. He was a memljer of the well known firm of Turner & Streed from the time of locating in Cambridge un- til 1899, when Mr. Turner was elected countx judge of Henrv county, since which time he has been alone. He enjoys a large and lucra- tive practice and is regarded both by the peo- ple and his associates as one of the best law- yers in the county. He speaks not only Eng- lish, but also the Swedish and German lan- guages equall}- as well, having a natural talent in that direction, and is reputed to be one of the best linguists in northwestern Llinois. His knowledge of these languager. has been of great assistance to him in the jjractice of his profession. At Union Pier, Michigan, December 24th, 1887, Mr. Streed was united in mar- riage with ]\Iiss Luna Estella Gowd}-. a na- tive of McHenry county. Illinois, of which place her parents, Franklin and Marv ( Mil- lard ) Ciowcly were early settlers, but who. for some years. ha\'e been living at Union Pier. Mrs. Ciowdy is a relative of Millard Fillmore and Mr. Gowdy is a cousin of the late W. C. Ckiwdy, of the Cook County Bar. Fraternally !Mr. Streed is a member of Cambridge lodge, Xo. 49. A. F. & A. M., the Order of the Eastern Star, the In- ilependent Order of Odd Fellows of Cam- l)ridge: the Encampment of Odd Fellows at (ialva; of the Rebekah lodge at Cambridge, He also Ijelongs to the Knights of the Globe, the Home Forum Safety Fund Investment Company, the Xorth Star Benefit Associa- tion r>f Cambridge, and is an honorary mem- l;er of Phi Psi, a Greek letter society of the Chicago University. He is one of the leading chess pla\'ers of the west and has- successfully taken part in several chess tour- naments : also several matches played by teleph(jne and telegraph. Mr. Streed has been an active director of the Cambridge Public Library for several years and has done much to elevate the class of literature in the library. For three years he was an instructor in the University Ex- tension Course on the subject of History, and he has a fine reputation as a historian. Air. Streed is one of the active members of the Republican party and is a well known and effective campaign speaker in both the English and Swedish languages. At present he is \ice president of the Swedish-American Republican League of the state of Illinois, and is secretary of the Henry county organ- ization of said league. In 1899 he was prom- iriently mentioned as a candidate for county jiidge but failing to get the nomination oi> the Republican ticket his partner was nom- inated and elected on the Democratic ticket. Upright, relialile and honorable, his strict ad- lierence to principle commands the respect of all. The place he has won in the legal pro- fession is accorded him in recognition of his skill and ability, and the place he oc- cupies in the social world is a tribute to that genuine worth and true nobleness of char- acter which are universaly recognized and lionored. JUDSON P. PAIXE. For over a quarter of a century Judson P. Paine has been a prominent resident of Annawan and during most of this time has efticiently served as justice of the peace. He THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 499 "was Ijorn i>n tlie present site of Millerton, in Xortheast tnwiisliip. DulcllL's^ county. New York. January _>_'. 1834, and is a worthy I'epresentative of one of tlic oldest and most liifjlily respected families of that rej^ion. His patern.il great-grandfather came to this Country from England prior to the Revolu- tionar\- war and from the government en- tered the land on which our subject's birth cKCurred. I'or this farm, consisting of two hundred and forty-eigiit acres, it is said, that he paid six cents ])er acre. There lii:t son. Jeremi.ah I'aine. the grandfather of our subject, was born in 1780. and made it his bonie throughoul life, his occupation being that of a farmer. He wedded Mary W'ood- ard. and t(_i them were born seven children, namely: Lorenda became the wife of Tru- man Eggleston, and after lix'ing for a lime, near the old homestead removed to Toledo, Oiiio. where both died: Piatt A., the father of our subject, was second in order of birth : Sarah Ann married llailey Bijwdisli and l)()th died in Cedar Rapids. Iowa, where three of their sons now reside: (ieorge died in infancy; Rachel became the wife of Mor- timer 1'. Worth, of Poughkeepsie, Xew. ^'ork. where their deaths occurred; Jere- miah W. spent his entire life on the old home- stead ; and Mary became the wife of Darius I'cnn\-. of Dutchess count v, Xew ^'o^k. where both died. Piatt A. Paine, father of om- subject. was born on the old homestead in Dutchess counl\'. June -'4. 180O. and continued to re- side there until called to bis final rest Xo- vember 21, 1878. He made farming his life work. He married INIiss Juliette Russel, who was also born in Dutchess county, in 1813. and died in 1876. Her parents. Eli antl Mary ( Aldrich ) Russell, both l)eIonged to old .\merican families, while the former was of England and the latter of German descent. Fi\e children were born to Piatt .\. Paine and wife, namely; James R.. born June 19, 1830. married tirst Julia Eggles- ton. who died young, and second Cynthia Tripj). and now owns and operates the old homestead farm which has never passed ont of the family since entered from the govern- ment by the great-grandfather of our sub- ject ; Judson P. is the next of tlie family ; Theron J., born in June. 1836. married Anna Culver and was a member of the firm of Millard, Paine & Brown, wholesale grocerji of Xew York cit\-, where he and his wife both died in 1895: Martin \\'., born Jime 21, 1841, married bjnily E-ggleston, and re- sides in Xortheast township. Dutchess coun-> ty, in the house where our subject was bornj Julia May, born March 25, 1852, married George Huston and removed to Roanoke, \'irginia, where she died in October, 1890. Judson P. Paine grew to manhood upon the home farm, and was educated in the public schools of the neighborhood. On leav- ing the parental roof in 1856 he came to Henry county, Illinois, and purchased a farm ii^. Annawan township, consisting of the west bald of the northwest quarter of section 13, where he followed farming epiite successful- ly until 1874, when he removed to the vil- lage of Annawan, making it his home e\'er since. Here he has engaged in the real-es- tate business and for twenty-four years has tilled the office of justice of the peace with credit to him.self and to the entire satisfac- tion of the general public. On the 19th of September, 1852, Mr. Paine was united in marriage with Miss Harriet M. Webster, who was b.orn in Xortheast townshi]), Dutchess C(.nnity. Xew York, .\ugust 19, 1834. and is the only child of Edmunil and .\bigail ( Molmes) Webster. 500 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. al^o natives of that county. She was only two years old when her father died at the oge of thirty-one. Several years later her mother came to Illinois, and died in Anna- wan. February ij, 1872, at the age of fifty- eight years. Mr. and ^Irs. Paine became the parents of two children: Josephine A., born December 2^1. 1853, is the wife of Lewis Daniels, of Adair, Iowa; and Leroy H.. born October 22. 1858. married Carrie Gray, of Montana, and also resides in Adair, lov.a. In 1867 ^Ir. Paine was a passenger while on his way to visit his old home on the Har- lem railroad train which was struck by a cyclone at Boston Corners, Xew York, fif- teen people being instantly killed while thir- ty-five died later from the effect oi their in* juries. The car in which he was seated was turned over three and a half times and struck a fence along the railroad track. His skull was fractured, and his breast bone and one finger were. broken. Although not a mem- ber of any religious denomination he is a liberal contributor to church work and gives his support to any enterprise tending to ad- vance the moral or social welfare of his com- munitv. J. SAXFORD BURXS. Among the leading and representative citizens of Orion. Illinois, is J. Sanford Burns, who occupies a prominent position ill ^Masonic circles. He was born in Clinton, Allegheny count}-. Pennsylvania, Xovember 25. 185 1, and is the son of John M. and Esther (Meaner) Burns, both of whom were born in the same town, county and state as our subject, where they were married Octo- ber 18, 1849. The latter was a daughter of Samuel S. Meanor, also a native of the Keystone state, who was born at Clinton, and in early life learned the cabinet maker's trade, which he followed for some time. He never left his native state, and died in Clin- ton, in 1875, at the age of seventy-five years. In religious belief he was a Pres- byterian. The family were of Scotch-Irish ancestry, and strong in their religious views, which were of the Calvinistic order. Robert Burns, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a farmer by occupation. He was a native of Allegheny county, Penn- sylvania, and was a son of one of its pio- neers. Religiously, he was a Presbyterian. John ]M. Burns, the father, was born Sep* tember 9, 1826. and grew to manhood in his native state. After reaching mature years- he engaged in farming in Allegheny county, at which occupation he continued until 1852, when he went to California by the Panama route, and spent about three years there in prospecting and mining, with fair success, returning home by the same route. In the fall of 1855 he came to Henry county, Illi- nois, and purchased a tract of two hundred and forty acres in ^^'estern township, orr which the family located in the following spring. A thorough and skillful farmer, he met with marked success in his chosen voca- tion, and became the owner of five hundred and sixty-six acres of rich and arable land, all in one body. He continued to extensive- ly engage in general fanning and stock- raising imtil 1886, when he laid aside busi- ness cares and removed to Orion, where his- last years were spent in ease and quiet. Al- though he was one of the prominent and influential men of his community, he never cared for official honors, preferring to give his entire time and attention to his business interests. He died in Orion, Xovember 19, THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 501 1895, whle his wife passed away May 7, 1894, tlie remains of both being interred in AX'estern cemetery, where a substantial mon- ument marks their last resting place. In their family were two children, J. Sanford being the only son. Mary J., the daugh- ter, born September 17. 1855. married Or. L. L. Long. September 26, 1S83. They re- sided in Toulon, Illinois, where she died April 29. 1894. leaving three children. Bes- sie E.. J. Ft)rest and Lester E.. while one child, Eva. died at the age of six months. J. Sandfnrd Burns was only four yeafs of age when the family came to Henry coun- ty, and here he grew to manhood on the home farm, and received his primary educa- t'um in the district schools of Western town- ship. Later he attended Prairie Home Aca- demy, a private school at Orion, and also took a course at a Davenport Commercial College. During his youth he gave his father the benefit of his lalx.irs, and continued tf aid in the operation of the farm until the removal of his parents to Orion, when he took complete charge of the place, carrying on farming and stock raising most success- fully for a numljer of years. He made a specialty of the breeding of red polled cattle and Shropshire sheep, and has some fine specimens of these animals uixni the home farm. In the fall of 1894. after the death of his mother, he .sold his farming interests and removed to Orion, where he has since lived a retired life. On the 20th of February, 1884, Mr. Burns was married in Rural township. Rock Island county, Illinois, to Miss Belle Cofifee, a native of Hancock county. Illinois, and z\ daughter of Thomas Elwood and Hannah (Wright) Coffee, who were born, reared and married in Belmont county, Ohio, the latter being a daughter of Benjamin Wright. Mrs. Burns was reared in Rock Island coun- ty, Illinois, where her family located in ]\Iarch, 1853. Her education was obtained in the district schools of Rock Island county, the Prairie Home .\cademy of Orion, and the Jacksonville Young Ladies' Atheneum, of Jacksonville, Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. Burns two children have been bom — Clif- ford Coffee, born June 30, 1885, and Ken- neth Meanor. .\ugust 28, 1889. Thomas E. Coffee, the father i>f Mrs. Burns, was born January 14, 1823. and died September 5. 1898. Hannah (Wright) Coffee was born December 10, 1825. He was one of the prominent men of Rural town.ship. Rock Island county, Illinois, and one of its most e.xtensive farmers. He wa.i a strong advocate of temperance, even in an early day becoming a member of the Sons of Temperance and keeping his pledge until his death. .\ broad, liberal and strong man, he was respected by all. His widow still lives on the farm, and is a worker in the temiierance cause and eipial suffrage. They were the parents of 'four children, of whom two sons died in infancy. The twin sister of Mrs. Burns, Ella, born in Hancock county, Illinois. January 17. 1853, *'^'" *"''■ vives. She had the same educational ad- vantages as Mrs. Burns, and was married December 31, 1879. to H. D. Xutting. They now reside in Emporia, Kansas. In his iKilitical views, Mr. Burns is a stalwart Republican, and cast his first presi- dential vote for Rutherford B. Hayes. He takes an active interest in the welfare of his l)arty. and is an earnest advocate of its prin ciples. He formerly held membership in the Presbyterian (Inirch. while his wife was identified with the Universalists, but both now attend the Methodist Episcopal Church of Orion. Fraternallv he is a 502 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Knight Templar Mason and is very promi- nent in ^lasonic circles. He is a memljer of Sherman Lodge. Xo. 535. A. F. &- A. M., of Orion ; Barrett Chapter. Xo. 18. R. A. M. : and Everts Commandery. Xo. i(S, K. T.. of Rock Island, Illinois. He is now serving as deputy grand lecturer and district deputy grand master of the state .>f Illinois. He is a pleasant, genial gentleman of high so- cial qualities, and is held in high regard by a large circle of friends and acquaintances throughout Henry and Rock Island counties, where he is especiallv widely known. HUGH \\'HITE. The records of the lives of dur fore- fathers are of interest to the modern citizen, not alone for the historical value but for the inspiration and example they afford ; vet we need not look to the past. Although surroundings may dift'er, the essential condi- tions of human life are ever the same, and a man can learn much from the success of tliose around him. The career of Mr. White seems almost jjhenomenal. yet his success has been by no means the result of fortunate circumstances. It has come to him through erjcrgy, labor and perseverance, directed liv an evenly balanced mind and by honorable business princii)les. This well-known citizen of .Vnnawan was born in W'cllsburg. Rrooke countv. \\'est \'irginia. Jtme 24, 1834. a son of Thompson and Martha (Curry) \Miite. On the paternal side he traces his ancestry Ijack to William White, who was of Scotch de- scent and lived in the n wdrk with liis fatlier until the hit- ter's death, and then took cliarge of tlie farm. He has since purchased his sister's interest in the place, and in its operation is meeting with marked success. He follows both general farming and stock raising. Since the farm came irito his possession he has added to its buildings, and made many otlier imi)ro\-ements which enhance the x'alue and attractive a])])earance nf the place. ( )n January t,. ithcr W. (Convcr.se") I'.uck, both natives of the .same state. In 18,^7 the father brought his family to Illinois, and took U]) his residence in .-\ndover township, Henr)' comity, where he purchased eighty acres of government land. He broke the virgin soil and to the original innxdiase ;ulded from time to time until he had two hundred acres, which he ])laced under a high state cif cultixation. In connectinn with general f;'.rming he was largely interested in stuck raising, and was also engaged in the dairy business, manufactin"ing cheese quite e.Kten- sively, which was marketeil in Rock Island. l'ri]< an active in- terest in the slavery (luestimi. his home being a station on the nndergromid railway, and on the organization of the Republican party became one of its st;nich supporters, lie was one of the leading members of the .\n(lo\er Presbyterian Church, and took a prominent part in its work. He died at the home of our subject October 2J, 1878, honored and respected bv all who knew him. His esii- mable wife passed away on the 12th of b'eb- ruar}-, 1887. Of their seven children only two are now living. The first ele\en years of his life VaI- mund Buck passed at his birth place, and then accompanied his parents on their re- moval to this county. He completed his edu- cation in the schools of Geneseo and Cales- luu-g, and after la\-ing aside his text bociks tiirned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He met with well-deser\eid success in hi?t- farnnng operations and at the time of his death owned two lunidrcd and se\-enty-five acres of valualile land, it being one of the most desirable farms of its size in .Vndover township. His first purchase of land was in Munson township, which he sold one year later, and purchased a farm tw(j and ■5o8 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. a halt miles west of Cambridge, of one hun- dred and sixty acres, tn which he added and there made Iiis home until his retirement to Cambridge in i88j. On the 31st of January, 1855, 'Sir. Buck Avas united in marriage'with ]Miss ]\Iariette W'oolsey, a nati\-e of Andover. this county, liorn August i. 1838. and the first white child born in Andover tnwnship. a tlaugh- ter of Jesse and Freeloxx ( Rogers ) W'oolsey. both nati\'es of Long Island, New York. The father was born in 1786, and was the oldest of a family of twelve sons. In 1836 lie came to Richland Grove. Illinois, but subsequently returned to Xew York, where he was married. Bringing his wife to this slate he settled in Andoxer township, Henrv county, where he took up a government claim of one hundred and sixty acres of land, keeping a public Imuse at And(i\'er village. He died on the uth of Xovember, 1871. hir. ^vife on the 20th of March, 1867, and the remains of both were interred in the An- dover cemetery. They were active memliers ■of the Presbyterian Church, and were highly respected b}" all who knew them. Thev had fjnly two children, of whom ]\Irs. Buck is the older. Gilbert R. is now a prominent physician of Normal. Illinois, where he en- jo\'s a large and lucrati\"e jaractice. During the war of the Rel)ellion he was adjutant of the One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois A'olunteer Infantry and was slightly wound- ed in an engagement. Unto Mr. and Airs. Buck were born four children, namely: Lydia R.. Ijorn May 7, 1856, is the wife of John A. Schoettler, of Cambridge, and has four children, Arthur E., Laura G., M}-rtle AT. and Leroy F. Cal- vin M., born .\pril i, 1861, is a resident of California. He first married Leni Leoti Howell, and after iier death wedded Aliss Florence Hatch, of Haywards, California. Edmund W.. born March 31. 1867, mar- ried Selma M. Anderson and lives in Chi- cago. Illinois. Jessie E., born June 29. 1874, is the* wife of John S. Miller, foreman of the Saturday Mail, of Aluscatine, Iowa. Air. Buck died February 13, 1886. and was laid to rest in Cambridge cemetery. In politics he was an ardent Republican and took an active interest in all public ques- tions. He served several terms as supervisor and assessor of his township, and his official duties were always conscientiously and faithfully performed. He was a prominent and influential member of the Congrega- tional Church of Cambridge, .in which he ser\-ed as deaciMi. took an acti\e part in its work, and was tleepl}' interested in 'all relig- ious subjects. For a number of years he was president of the Henrv County Tem- perance Alliance and during that time did effectixe work for the cause of temperance. He was also for a time president of the County Sunday School Association. He stood high in the community where h.c made his home, and enjoyed the confi- dence and res]3ect of all who knew him. His widow is now a resident of Cambridge, where she is surrounded by a large circle of friends and acf|uaintances who have foi her the highest regard. F. G. WELTOX. This honored veteran of the Civil war and well-known county clerk of Hc.iry county, Illinois, who makes his home m Cambridge, was Ixirn near A\'aterbury, Xew Haven county, Connecticut, on the 14th i^r April. 1843. and is a son of Alliert and Su- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 509. san A. (Biilwell) \\'elton. natives of Coii-# necticut and Oliio, respectively. They mar- ried in tlie former state, where the mother removed (hiring lier childhood. In earh life the father was a wood turner, hut after coming to lUinios. in 1831, he turned his at- tention to agTicultural ])nrsuits, and owned twd iir three farms in Henry cmuitw Dis- posing of his property here, he moved to Xehraska in 1869, and continued to engage in farming there until his death, which oc ■ curred June 6, 1899, when he was over seventy-nine years of age. He served aj justice of the- peace many years and lield other offices during the war. In religituis he- lief he was an Episcopalian, to which church iiis widow also belongs. She is uuw an ' honored-' resident of Camhridgc. Of ilieir loin- children only twn are now h\ing. namely: F. G., our subject; and George \\'., a farmer of W'averly, Nebraska. Mary E. dietl at the age of fcjurteen years; and Clarence \\'., at the age of one year. 1'. G. W'elton began his education in the schools of his native state, and later attended the public schools of this county, being eight years of age when the family came to Illinois. He also attended commer- cial college at W'heaton, Illinois after his return from the Civil war. On the 28th of July, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Forty- second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and muler command of General Fremont partici- pated in the battle of Spring-field, Missouri. With his command he was then sent to Co- lumbus, Kentucky, on the river below Cairo, and they were later attached to the fleet at Island Xo. 10. Joining General Pope's army, they went to I^irt Pillow, and from there to Hamburg Landing, Tennes- see. They particicpated in the siege of Cor- inth, the battle of Farmington, Mississippi; Columbia, Tennessee; and Stone River: were through the Tullahoma campaign and in the battles of Chickamauga. Missi : Flora B.. wife of William Tnlly. ui Colora- do; Cirace F.. wife of Clarence Ward, of Atkinson township, this county ; and Helen, wife of Abel Ward, of Munson township, this county. After a well-spent and busy life Mr. Ed- v.ards passed awa\- in Western township on the 2 1st of Xoxember, 1S74. He efficiently filled the f)ffice of school director for a time, and was serving; as assessor of his township at the time of his death. While a resident of Moline he was a member of the Congre- gational Church, but after his removal to Western township he joined the English Lutheran Church, which his family al&o at- tended. On the 3! St of July. 1890, Mrs. Edwards became the wife of David L. I'ur- \iance, who is represented on another page of this \oluiue. and they now reside on South OakwMod a\euue. (ieneseo. JOHX FRi':.M()XT (.".\LK1XS. Among the nati\e suns of llenr_\- county \\ho are now ])rominently connected with its agricultural interests is John I'. Calkins, wlio is successfully engaged in farming on section 22, Oxford township. 11 is tine farm of one hundred and se\'enty-t\\() acres adjoins the corporate limits of .\lpha, and its neat and thrifty appearance plainly indicates the care- ful supervision and gi-od business abilit\- of the owner. Mr. Calkins w.as born at the homestead in Alpha, December i, 1856, a son of An- son and Hulda G. Calkins, whose sketch ap- ])ears elsewhere in this work. He was reared in nuich the usual manner of farmer boys of his tiiue and received a good practical educa- tion in the common schools near his home. He remained under the i)arental roof until Ids marriage, which was celebrated at .\lpha, January 28. 1879, Miss Elvir;i J. Elliott lie- coming his wife. She was born in Henry county, Ohio, and is a daughter of Willard Elliott, who met death by accident in Henry county, Ohio. Her mother afterward came to Illinois and here married Charles hdlit.itt, a brother of her first husliand. Mrs. Cal- kins was principall}- reared and educated at Alpha. ]'>\- her luarriage she has become the mother of five children, namely: Etfie A., Edna P., Mary H., Stella E. and Frances W. The three younger children are still in school. .\fter his marriage ]\Ir. Calkins located upon his present farm and to its further im- provement and cultivation he has since de- voted his energies. He has enlarged and re- modeled the residence and now has a \ery pleasant home, surrounded Ijy good out- buildings and shade and fruit trees. In con- nection with his farming operations he is engaged in raising and feeding stock for market, which branch of his business he finds (|uite ]M"ofitable. Since attaining his major- it)- he has supiiorled the men and measures of the Republican part}', but lias ne\er sought office, preferring to give his time and atten- tion to his business interests. 1 lis wife and two older daughters are actix'e members of the Baptist Church, to which he contriljutes liberally although not a member of any re- ligious denomination. Fraternally he is con- nected with the Modern Woodmen of .\iuer- ica at -\l])ha. and both he and his wife '.leld 522 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. nieniljership in tlie Fraternal Trilnnie at \\'noclliiill. They are widely and faxorably known, and no c home, and after living retired for two years he bought the elevator of Emanuel LawT baugh and emliarked in the grain business, to which he has since added coal. His lirother is a member of the firm and the_\- do (juite a large and ]jrofitable business. i\Ir. Alussey was married. Xovember g. 185-', to .Miss Charlotte E. Moulthrop, who was liorn in \'ermont in 1829, and is of Scotch-Irish e.xtraction. Her father, Tru- man Moulthrop, followed farming near Rut- land. L'nto i\Ir. and Mrs. ]\Iusse_\' werel'Orn three children: Henr}- Ellsworth, who died at the age of six months; Jennie E.. Avife of I. J. Emmons, of Atkinson: and .-Mice Emily, wife of W. F. .\rnold. b}' whom she lias three children. Henry. Helen and Har- riet. Mr. iMussey is an acti\-e memlier and deacon in the Congregational Church, while his wife is an Episcopalian in religious be- lief. F'oliticall)- he is a stanch supporter of the Republican ])arty and its principles. He h.as e\'er taken an active and prominent part ir. educational affairs, and ser\'ed as school director in Will count\- eighteen A'ear^. in Henrv count\" for three vears. MRS. PACLIX.V H. SHIXX. .\mong the well-known residents and honored citizens of Oxford townshi]), the Shinn family occupy an envialile position. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 523 Their linmestcad adjnins the xillage . Shinn was horn in AiUlison coun- ty. \'erni(>nt. l'"ehruary k). i Sj8. and belongs to an old and prominent Xew England t'am- ih', tracing her ancestry hack to Rohert Pease, who came to the new world on the ship Francis from Ipswich, England, and landed in Boston in .\pril, 1634. hut later settled in Salem, Massachusetts. Her father. Ohed Pease, was born in Enfield, Connecti- cut, April 20, 1789, and was a son of Eze- kiel Pease, also a native of the same state 'J"he former was reared in Connecticut, hut when a voung man went to A'ermont. where he cleared a farm and made for himself and family a good home. There he was married April T r. 181 1, to Miss Lydia Lamos, a na- tive of Xew Hampshire. He continued to engage in farming in \'ermont until 1839, w hen he came west and took up his residence in Knox county. Illinois, wliere he entered land and o])ened up a farm, making it his home until called to his fina; rest, in 1845. His wife died Xoxemhcr 28. i8f)3. On the removal of her parents to this state, Mrs. Shinu remained with a sister in \'ermont U) com])lete her education, and in 1844 joined her ])arents in Knox county. Prior to her marriage she was successfully engaged in teaching school in Kno.x and Warren counties. On the 9th of January, i84(S. she wedded Moses H. Shinn. who wa^ born in Harrison count}'. West Virginia. Xo\-eniher 3. iSji. a son of Hiram Shinn. The ])rogenitor of his fami]\' in .\nierica was John Shinn. a Quaker, who came to this coiuUr\- froni England in 1(^)79, landing at I'.urlington. .\ew Jersev. and later located in West \'irginia. In 1833 Muses H. Shinn came to Illinois, and after spending some years in Fulton county, he took up bis resi- dence in Kuox count)' in 1841. Being a black- smith by trade be followed that occupation in early life, but on his renioval to Henry county, in 1855, he purchased land and turned bis attention to agricultural ]nu-suits. Jr, ()xford township he improved the farm of two hundred and forty acres on which his widow still resides, erecting thereon a good residence and substantial barns and out-build- ings, and making many other iiuprovements which added greatly to the value and ru- tractive appearance of the place. He also bought land in Kansas for bis children. On com])leting his ajiprenticeship as a black- .Muith he started out in life for himself with a ca])ital i>f only twenty-tive cents, but being iridustrious. enerp'etic and anibitious he met with success in bis undertakings, and by the assistance of bis estimable wife accumulated a large and valualile property. He continued to actively engage in farming until his death, which occurred May \(>. 1883. He was well and favorably known throughout his section of the county as a luan of business integrity and sterling worth, and had the confidence and respect of all with whom be came in contact. Politically he was a stanch Repub- lican, the principles of which jiarty his fam- ily also support. L'nto Mr. ami Mrs. Sbiiui were lioru six children, namely : S_\'lvi;i .\.. wife of Charles Hall, of Akron. Iowa: Carroll A., who is married and eng;iged in farming in Jewell couut\'. Kansas: Bertha P.. who was grad- uated from Knox College in 1894. and is now successfully engaged in teaching in Jlenry. Illinois. The others are now de- ceased. .\rigelia L.. the brst born, and lul- win both died in infancy. Jenette li. ivarried Robert Watson, of Henry county, and died in March, 1892, at the age of thir- ty-nine year.s, leaving one child, Ethel Wat- son, who finds a home with her grand- 524 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. motlier. Mrs. Shinn and her daughter Bertha are members of tlie Metliodist Epis- copal Church and are lield in liigh regard by all who know them. TOHX D. HILL. Among the bra\e men who devoted the opening years of their manhood to the de- fense of our country from the internal foes who sought her dismemberment was John D. Hill, now a prominent resident of Gen- eseo. He was born in Rappahannock coun- t}', Mrginia. March nj. 1843, '^"t in 1855 came with his parents to this county, witii whose interests he has since been actively identified. William T. Hill, the father of our sul)- ject. was bt:)rn in Culpeper county, \'irginia, April 10. 1821. and was the oldest son of John K. and Grace (Jenkins) Hill, also na- tives of the Old Dnminiim. and the former a soldier of the war oi 181J. \\'illiam l". Hill grew to manhood upon a farm in Rap- pahannock county, and on the 30th of March, 1841, was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Lockhart. who was born there Januarv 13. i8ji. They continued their residence in Rappahannock until 1845, wiien they removed to Rockingham county, \'ir- ginia, where they made their home for si.K years. The following four vears were spent in Augusta county, the same state, where Mr. Hill operated a rented farm, and in 1855 h.e came to Henry county. Illinois, the family traveling overland in a spring wagon, while their household goods w ere hauled in a Iv/o- horse lumber wagon. It rec|uired tlurty days til make the journey. For two years the father rented a farm in Cornwall town- ship, and then purchased one hundred and si.xty acres of wild prairie land on section 24. Munson townshii), for which he paid ten dollars per acre. It is now the property of our subject, and beng under a high state of cultivation and well improved, it is worth eighty dollars per acre. In 1856 the father erected thereon the first house, and the fol- lowing year harvested the first crop. He added to his farm until he had two hundred and eighty acres, and also owned city prop- erty in Geneseo. and three farms of two hun- dred and forty acres each in Nebraska. \\'illiam T. Hill died December 30, 1893, and his wife died October 2, 1884, and their remains are interred in Oakwood cemetery, Geneseo. John D. Hill, of this review, is the sec- ond in order of birth in a family of fourteen children, the others being as follows : ^^'ill- iam J., born January 15. 1842. enlisted Au- gust 15, 1862, in L\>mpany C, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was killed in the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, June 7, 1864. George R., born -August 13, 1844, was married, December 31, 1873, to ]Mary M. Taylor, and is now en- gaged in the implement business in Salt Lake City. Utah. Sarah Elizabeth, born August 5. 1846, was married. January 2^. 1865, to George Dugdale. now a retired farmer of Geneseo, Illinois. Julia F.. born February 20, 1848, married Samuel J. ^lurphy, and died December 24, 1884. Edward L.. born April 24, 1849, ^^'is married. Deceember 2S. 1 87 1, to Ella Calhoun, and is now a traveling salesman for the McC(jrmick Reaper Com- pany, residing in Des Moines, Iowa. Rachel \'.. born April 2J. 1851, was married, De- cember 28, 187 1, to Porter Liken, now a retired farmer of Geneseo, Illinois. Mary E., born September 7, 1852. was married. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 527 September 7. 1876, t"*' '''^'' Febuary 6, iQoo. her remains being interred in Oak- wood cemeterv, (ienesei>. 1 Icr parents were Buenos and Sarah (Osborn ) .\yres, of Mun- son township, this county, where her father owned and operated four hundred and eighty acres of valuable land. He was of a mechan- ical turn of mind, antl of great ])hysical en- ergy. He was also extremely ])hilanthropi- cal. and was interested in all that tended to the ad\ancement of the community in which he lived. He died in T8y5. at the age of cightv-h\e \'ears. honored and loved by all who knew him, and his wife passed away Xovember i, 1894, at the age of seventy- eight years. He belonged to a family of Iinglish origin, which was foimded in Mas- sachusetts in the early part of the seven- teenth century, tracing his ancestry back to the famous Ca])tain John A}'res, of Brook- field, that state. Mrs. Hill was one of a family of ele\-en children who in order of l)irth were as fol- l.. born July 26, 1836. married. July 13, 1864, Annie L. Stone, now a resident of Des Moines, Iowa, and died March 28, 1900. He was a promi- nent attorne\-. In the spring of 1837 the fatlier of this family removed to Defiance, Ohio, where the following six children were 528 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. born: George \\'., born January 6, 1839. died October 10, 1S39. Mary A., born No- vemlier 22. 1840, died November 25, 1840. Samuel P., l^nrn ]May 16, 1842, \\as married, April 6, 187 1, to Alary Inglefield. He was engaged in the practice of law at Knoxville, Iowa, for a time, but subsequently embarked in the newspaper business, and is now editor of the Herald of ]\Iarshalltown, Iowa. Mrs. Hill was the next in ijrder as ; and Elmira Dixou. of Henry county, Illinois. Two sons gave up their lives on the altar of their country dur- ing the dark days of the Civil war, these being Benjamin W'., who died at New Or- leans: and John .M.. who was killed in a charge on A'icksburg. Our suliject is the oldest of the three children born of the third marriage, the others being Cynthia and Ralph -M. rile latter i> married and resides in .\lpha. ("xntliia was married Xox'emlx'r ,iO. T'SjO. to Warren Huey, and located at Xew Windsor, where he died February 12, 1882, leaving one son, \'ernon, who assists his uncle in the operation of the farm, while Mrs. Huey keeps house for her brother. .\fter the death of his father Porter Wil- ber remained at home with his mother, and assisted her in carrying ou the phice. 1 le suc- ceeded to the old homestead, and since i88j his sister. Mrs. Huey. has been his house- keeper as previously stated. They both hold meml)ership in the Haptist Church at .Mplui. and Mr. Wilber is also connected with the Xew Windsor lo,lge. I. O. O. I', lie has affiliated with the Democratic party since casting his hrst presidential vote for Samuel J. Tilden in 1876, but at local elections where no issue is involved he usually votes for the nian whom he believes best ((uali- lied to fill the office, regardless of party line^j. CHARLES P. ROOS. .\mong th.e enterprising, progressive and energetic farmers of Loraine township is numbered Charles P. Roos, who is following his chosen occupation on section 18, where he ojierates a valual)le farm of three hundred acres of his father's, besides one hundred and thirt_\'-eight acres of his own in section 10, elegantly impro\'ed with substantial buildings. He was Ijorn in that township on the 1st of Xo\ ember, i8fK), and through- out his actix'e Inisiness life has been promi- nently identifietl with its agricultural in- terests. Jacol) Roos, father of our subject, was born in Prussia, (iermauy, .\ugust 30, 1837. and was sixteen }'ears of age when he came to the new world with his father, I'hilip Koos, and took u]) his residence in Loraine township, this county. During the gold ex- c'tement at I 'ikes Peak, he went to Colorado in 1859, and engaged in teaming from Den- \'er to the mountains until the Civil war bnrke out. when he enlistetl in the l'"irst Col- iirado Cavalry, and remained in the service until the cessation of hostilities. He was mostly engaged in lighting Indians on the frontier, .\fter receiving his discharge he remained in Colnrado about two year> and then returned to this connlv and turned his 530 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. attention to agricultural pursuits, in which he met with marked success, becoming owner of five hundred and twenty acres of fine farm- ing land. . He is now living a retired life in Geneseo, enjoying a well-earned rest. On the 25th of January. 1867. he married Miss Rosina Ott. a native of Cook county, Illi- nois, and a daughter of Casper and Eliza- "beth Ott. She died March 8. 1886. andiwas laid to rest in Loraine cemetery. ]\Ir. Roos v.as again married, in October. 1900. his sec- ond union being with Ella McGowan. Charles P. Roos is the oldest of the eight children born of the first marriage, the others Leing as follows: Joseph C. married Lotta Smith, and lives on a farm adjoining our subject's place; Louisa is the wife of Will- iam Rader. whose farm also adjoins that of our subject; Albert died in infancy: Kate M. is the wife of Daniel Heller, who lives on a part of the old Heller homestead in Loraine township ; William H. is in the employ of the Deere Corn Planter Company of Rock Isl- and: and Carrie M. and Martha are both with their father in Geneseo. During his boyhood and youth Charles P. Roos attended the district schools near his home, and when his education was com- pleted he gave his father the benefit of his labors on the farm. He has always engaged in general farming since starting in life for himself. and is interested in the breeding of tb.oroughbred Aberdeen Angus cattle, of which he has a fine herd. At the age of nineteen he purchased an interest with his father in a horse-power threshing machine, and later engaged in operating the same in partnership with Louis Lenzer for three years, at the end of which time Mr. Lenzer sold out to Edward Sommers. This connec- tion also continued three years, when his brother. Joseph, purchased Mr. Summers' interest, which he subsec|uently sold to John P(ipi>enthien. Our subject was in partner- ship with the last named gentleman for three years, and since that time has engaged in business alone, operating a steam thresher, corn sheller, saw. grist and sorghum mills quite successfully. He is a wide-awake, en- ergetic business man. of known reliability, and carries forward to successful completion \v hatever he undertakes. At Geneseo, on the nth of February. 1892. Mr. Roos was united in marriage with Miss Barbara Gerstner, a daughter of \^al- ■ entine and Margaret (Marsengarb) Gerst- ner, natives of Germany, who came to Amer- ica, in 1870, and located in Geneseo, where they spent one year. The father was then successfullv engaged in farming in this county until 1898. when he returned to Gen- eseo. and has since lived a retired life. His children are Susan, at home; Eva. wife of John F. Poppenthein, of Geneseo; Barbara, wife of our subject; Johnnie, at home; Mag- gie, wife of William Santee. of Phenix town- ship. this county: Katie, wife of Luther Hen- ander. of Geneseo : Dena. twin sister of Ka- tie, at home; Elizabeth. Mary and Emma, all at home. Two children were lx)rn to Mr. and Mrs. Roos : Neva Erman, who was born May 6. 1895, and died March 24, 1899; and a son, born May 10, 1900. EZRA LITTEX. Ezra Litten is a thorough and skillful farmer and a business man of more than or- dinary capacity, who is successfull}- carry- ing on his chosen calling on section ^;^. Wel- ler township. A native of Pennsylvania, his birth occurred in Fulton countv, that state. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 531 January i, 1834, liis parents being John and Sophia (Knable) Litten. The former was born in Maryland of Enghsh ancestry, llic hitter in Pennsylvania of German extraction. Both died in the Keystone state. By occupa- tion the father was a farmer, and in religious belief was a Methodist. He gave his sujjport to the Democratic party l)ut never took any active part in political matters. At the time of his death he was about sixty-nine years of age. Of his thirteen children three died in infancy, and Wilson and Catherine died during the Civil war, aged twelve and fnur- tcen years, respectively. The others were as follows: Ezra, our subject; Richmond, who served in a Maryland regiment during the Civil war and died in Kansas in 1885 : Isaac, of W'eller township, this county; Sarah J., wife of Hillery Dawson, of Morgan county, West Virginia; John, a resident of Kansas; Thomas, who resides in Pennsylvania; and Malachi. who lives' near the old homestead iri Penns\-lvania; and Jared, who died in 1877. Reared in his native state, Ezra Litten received a good common school education for those days, but his advantages were much in- ferior to those of most boys at the present time. He remained on the home farm until twenty-four years of age, and then went to Ohio, where he worked as a farm hantl for two years. In i860 he came to Henry coun- ty, Illinois, lie had previously visited this slate in 1855, but after spending a short time in Knox county he returned to his Pennsyl- \ania home. In Ilem-y county he engaged i:i farming until after the inauguration of the Ci\'il war. In August. 1862, 'Slv. Litten joined the boys in blue of Company G, (3ne Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was ill the tlrst four months after enterinL"" the army, but after that was in active service until the close of the war, taking part in some of the most important engagements of the war, including the battles of Resaca, Georgia; Columbia, Tennessee; Franklin, Tennessee: and Xashville. Tennessee; ilon- ticello and Richmond, Kentucky; Calhoun, I'hiladelphia, Campbell's Station and Knox- ville, "Tennessee; and was with General Sherman all through the Atlanta campaign. He was under command of Generals Thom- as and Burnsides in Kentucky and Tennessee in 1864; and was with General Schofield in Xorth Carolina in 18O5. He participated in one lumdred and ten .skirmishes, and was sligbtl}' wounded at Utoy Creek in August, 1864. On the cessation of hostilities he was mustered out at Greensboro, North Carolina, Jtme 20, 1865, and was honorably discharged at Chicago. Returning to Ilenrv county Mr. Litten resinned farming, and in 1868 purchased a farm of eight}' acres in Weller township, to which he has since atlded se\enty acres, all unimproved when it came into his possession. He has since tiled the land and placed it under a high state of cultivation, and has erected good and substantial buildings there. Lie carries on general farming and stockrais- ing, making a specialty of cattle and hogs for market purposes. In 1866 Mr. Litten was iniiled in mar- riage with Aliss Ivhoda Hess, who was al- S(^ born in Pulton count}-, Penn.sylvania, in 1836, their m;uriage being celebrated there. Her parents. Stillwell and Asenith Hess, spent their entire li\es in Pennsylvania, where all her relatives live with exception ot two sisters in Kansas. Mr. and Airs. Lit- ten have three children ; Abbie Asenith, born in 1868, was married, Deceml>er 18. 1900, to John I'^ Johnson, of Knox coun- 532 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ty; John Howard, born in iS/2, is on tlie home farm: and Thomas J. H., born in iH^cS. is learning- telegraphy in Galva. All ha\e receix'ed good common school educa- tions. Mr. Litten has held some school office for many years, but takes no part in politics, though he is willing to aid' any enterprise for the public good. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church, and both are held in the highest regard by all who ha\-e the pleasure of their acquaintance. WILLIAM L. CLAY. Henry county has no more enterprising or skillful farmer than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. He is the owner of much ^"aluable property, includ- ing his home place of three hundred and seventy acres on section 35, Oxford town- ship. He was born in Chester, Windsor county, A'ermont, August 29, 1831, and is a worthy representative of an old colonial family which was founded in this coimtry by three brothers, natives of England, who crossed the Atlantic during the seven- teenth century. One of these located in ^lassachusetts. the second in North Caro- lina and the third in Virginia. From the first our subject is descended. His pater- nal grandfather, Timothy Clay, was a na- tive of Massachusetts and one of the early settlers of Chester, Vermont. As' a poor man with an ax upon his shoulder he went to that place, and in the midst of the wil- tlerness made for himself and famih- a liome. John L. Cla_\-. the father of our subject, was born October 3, 1802, in the same house where occurred the birth of \\'illiam L. He grew to manhood in Chester, and married Miss Lousia M. Balch. a native of Andover township, \\'indsor county, and a daughter of Joel Balch, who was also from }ilassachu- setts, and was a soldier of the war of 1812. Her grandfather. Hart Balch, aided the col- onies in their struggle for independence in the Revolutionary war, remaining in the ser \ ice from the battle of Lexington until the surrender at Yorktown. He, too, was a pioneer of the Green Mountain state. Af- ter his marriage John L. Clay operated the old homestead for some years and there all of his children were born, his familv being composed of four sons and one daughter. In 1837 he went to Knox county, Illinois, and helped to raise the first house built at Galesburg. Purchasing land he and his familv took up their residence there in 1840. At the time Galesburg contained only one store, two blacksmith shops, Knox Acade- my, and about thirty-seven houses. There he prospered in his farming operations and became the owner of four hundred acres of valuable land, upon which he spent the remainder of his life, dying there in 1878, at the ripe old age of seventy-six years. His wife survived him a number of years, dying in 1892, at the age of eighty-eight. At the age of nine years AMlliam L. Cla}- came with his parents to Illinois, and spent his early life in Knox county, remain- ing with his father until 1854, when he pur- chased a half section of raw prairie land on section 35, Oxford township, Henry county, where he now resides. Lpon his p'ace he erected a little house, in which he lived alone while breaking his land and ])lacing it under cultivation. Subsequently he built a more commodious and preten- tious dwelling-; a large barn and substan- tial outbuildings, and he has also set out THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 533 shade and fruit trees, wlricli add greatly to tlie attracti\e a])])earance of the place. Throughout lii.s business career he has fol- lowed stock raising- in connection with his farming; operations, and always keeps on hand a high grade of stock. Besides his home farm, now consisting of three hun- dred and twenty acres in Oxford township, Henry county, he owns an adjoining tract of two hundred and forty acres in Knox county; two farms aggregating four hun- dred acres in ^'ork coimt}-, Nebraska ; and one hundred and si\t\' acres in W arren county, Illinois. He is a man of excellent business ability and sound judgment, and to these characteristics may be attrilnited his wonderful success. At Knoxville, Illinois. Mr. Clay was married, November 22, 1854, to Miss Har- riet A. Davison, who was born in Ohio, but was reared in Knox county, this state, of which her father, Artenius Da\ison, was one of the early settlers. She died in February, 1868, lea\ing two children, name- ly: Seth H.. who now resides in Cam- bridge; and Mary L.. wife of E. J. Rich- ards, who is engaged in farming on the Clay homestead. For his second wife Mr. Clay married Miss .\nn M. Johnson. \\\v> \vas born in Sweden, but reared in this county. By this union there are three children: Fannie M., wife of H. M. Wil- sey, of Galesburg: Warren L., at home; and Eugenia Marion, wife of Frank Welch. a farmer of Knox county. Politically Mr. Clay is a Jeffersonian Democrat, and has never failed to cast his ballot for each presidential nominee of that party since he first voted in 1852 for I">ank- lin Pierce. He has ne\'er cared fi>r politi- cal honors, preferring to give his undivid- ed attention to his extensive business in- terests. IVaternally he is a Royr>l .\rch Masf the leading and prominent citizens of his comnnmitv. JAMES RILEY. James Riley lielongs to that class of men whom the world terms self-made, for starting out in life for himself emptv- handed he has conquered all the obstacles in the ])ath to success, and has not only se- cured for himself a handsome competence. but by his efforts has materially advanced the interests of the community with which he has been associated. For almost half a ccntmy he was one of the active and ener- getic farmers of Henry county, but is now living a retired life in .\tkinson. Mr. Riley was bo.rn in Licking coiuitv. Ohio, July JO, 1824. a .son of Paul and Elizabeth ( Laughlin I Riley, natives of PennsyKania and pioneers of Licking countv, Ohio, whence thev came to Illinois 534 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. in 1835, tlie journey being made In- team. Locating in Bureau county, tiie fatiier opened up a farm on the present site of Sheffield, but later sold that place to the railroad company and bought another, on which he s])ent the remainder of his life. James Riley was a lad of ten years when he removed with the family to Bureau county, and there h- grew to manhood. On the 25th of May, 1848, he was united in marriage w'ith ]\Iiss Sarah Ann Dunbar, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, in 1828. Her father. Hiram Dunl^ar, was Imru and reared in Licking county. Ohio, and there married Jemima \\'olf, aLo a native of the Buckeye state. In 1836 they brought their family to Illinois, and took up their resi- dence in Putnam county, where Mr. Dun- bar first worked at the carpenter's and wheelwright's trades, and later turned his attention to farming. Subsequently he re- sided in Henry county for some years, and then remoxed to Kansas, where his death occurred, though his remains were brought back to Geneseo. this county, for interment. His wife still survi\es him at the advanced age of ninety-three years, and makes lier home w"ith a son in Atkinson. Unto Mr. and Mrs'. Riley were born the following children : Jemima married Ben- jamin McCloud and died leaving three children; Mary Elizabeth died at the age of three years: William, a retired farmer of Atkinson: Hiram, who is married and resides with his parents : EUery, who is married and is now operating a coal shaft on his father's place; Laura, wife of Vic- tor McCullough, of Calhoun county, Iowa ; Alice, wife of John Xowers, a merchant of Atkinson ; and Nellie, w'ho died in infancy. After his marriage Mr. Riley was en- gaged in farming in Bureau countv until 1854, when he came to Henry county and purchased two hundred and forty acres of wild land in Cornwall township, which he broke, fenced and improved, transforming it into a fine farm. He continued the oper- atinon of that land until 1882. wdien he rented the place and bought a tract of for- ty acres where he now- resides. Since then he has practically lived a retired life, enjoy- ing the fruits of former toil. Twelve acres of his land has been laid out in tow^n lots, forming an addition to Atkinson. Under- lying his farm is a good grade of coal in three x'eins, and his sons have sunk a shaft and engaged in mining for the past six years. Prior to the Civil war IMr. Riley was' a stanch Abolitionist, and was connected with Owen Lovejoy in his w-ork to abolish sla- ^•ery. He feels a just pride in his eflforts to assist the poor negroes' to gain their free- dom, and loyally did he stand by Lovejoy in the trying days preceding the Rebellion. On the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks, voting for Fre- mont in 1856 and Lincoln in i860 and 1864. Being- a strong temperance man and believing that the principles of prohibition to be the most important issue before the people of to-day, he now supports' the Pro- hiljition party. For some years he was a member of the school board in his district, but has never cared for political honors. He and his familv are members of the Free ]\Iethodist Church, and are held in warm regard by all who know them. JAMES :\IACHESXEY. Prominent among the agriculturalists of Henry county is James IMachesne}', who for almost half a centurv has been identified LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLh. URBANA JAMES MACHESNEY. MRS. JAMES MACHESNEY. LIBRARY UNIVERSIlIf Ul- ILLINOIS URBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 537 Avitli her growth ami ile\clopmeiU. while his name is inseparalily cunnected with her farming interests. He is a man of keen dis- crimination and sound judgment, and his executive ability and excellent management have brought to liini a high degree of suc- cess, so that he is now the largest land owner of .\nnawan township. A native of Pennsylvania. Mr. AIacb.es- ney was born in (ireensburg. Westmoreland C(junty, .Marcii 17, 1817. his parents being- Andrew and Alary (Henders(jn) Alaches- ney. The father was born in Ireland and vas four years of age when brought by his parents to .\merica in 1786. The grand- father William Machesney. spent the remain- iler of his life in Westmoreland county, TennsyKania, where lie died about 1825. His wife had pre\'iously passed awav. both being (]uite old at the time of their death. By occupation he was a farmer. Their fam- ily consisted of si.x children, namely : John, who spent liis early life in Pennsylvania, and then removed to Ohio : Andrew, the father of our subject; William, who made his home in Westmoreland county. Penn- sylvania, until death; Elizabeth, who became the wife of David AIcElvane, of Butler county, Pennsylvania; Margaret, and one other daughter, both deceased. Throughout his active business career Andrew Machesney also followed the voca-. tion of a farmer. For two years lie li\'ed in Ohio, but at the end of that time returned to \\"estmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and died at his home near Greensburg, in 1864, at the ripe old age of eighty-two years. His wife died in January, 1868, at about the age of seventy-two. She was a native of the Key- stone state and of Scotch descent. Tliey were the parents of thirteen children. John was a farmer of Westmoreland count v, where be died at the age of eighty-six; William spent most of his life in Pennsylva- nia, but in his declining years came west to live with a daughter in Colfax, Iowa, where he died at the age of seventy-eight; Andrew died in Westmoreland county, Pennsylva- nia, at the same age; Jane became the wife of Thomas Dunkin, of that county, and later nioved to Marion, Indiana county, Penn- sylvania, where he died several years ago, and where she is still living; Alexander is still a resident of Westmoreland county; James, our subject, is next in order of birth ; Henderson died in Westmoreland county, at the age of twenty-six; Mary wedded Ar- chie Davis and died in Blairsville, Indiana count}', Pennsylvania, at the age of about seventy; Lewis was a life-long resident of Peiins_\l\ania : Alaragaret, deceased, was the wife of John Alower}-; David died at Grin- nell, Iowa ; Jackson, deceased, was a resident of Pennsylvania; and Elizabeth is the wife of Henry Lawbach, of Stewart, Iowa. In the county of his nativity James Ma- chesney grew to manhood, and is indebted to its public schools for his educational privileges. There he followed farming when his school days were over until coming to Illinois ill 1854 w^ith his brother, David, who was a physician. In the winter of 1855 they opened a drug store in Annaw-an at the loca- tion of the present drug store at that place, and carried on business there until the i6th i-if March, i860. Since then our subject has engaged in farming, and has converted many a wild tract into highly cultivated fields. In his farming operations he has met with remarkable success, and is now the owner of eight hundred and twent\' acres of rich and productive land, upon which he has erected good and substantial buildings. Mrs. Machesney is also the owner of a farm 538 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. of one hundred and sixty acres in Anna- wan townsliip. He now rents most of his property. His residence is pleasantly lo- cated on section 29, six and a half miles southwest of Annawan. Prosperity has at- tended his well-directed efforts, and within the past four years he has purchased twenty- two thousand dollars' worth of land. He has never given a mortgage in his life. Mr. Wachesne)' was married, January 30, 1861, to Mrs. Selinda Johnson, a native of Tippecanoe county^ Indiana. Her par- ents were Silas and Sarah (Henderson) Burgett, natives of Ohio; they both died in Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Machesney have five children, as follows : ]\Iar)' Agnes, wife of Joseph Anderson, of Annawan; Anna Ar- delia, wife of James E. Douglas, of Anna- wan township; James H., who married Minnie, daughter of Robert Booth, of An- nawan township, and lives in Annawan; Milton Howard, who married Densey Barton and resides at the same place; and Morgan Burgett, who married Xora, daugh- ter of James Batten, of Annawan. In his political views.Mr. Machesney is a stanch Republican. He cast his first pres- idential vote for Zachary Taylor and has always taken a deep and commendable in- terest in public affairs, although he has never cared for the honors or emoluments of pub- lic office, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his extensive business in- terests. He is one of the representative citizens and prominent men of his com- munity, and is highly respected and es- teemed wherever known. FRANK L. HOUGH. Among the representative business men of the county none are more deserving of representation in this volume than Frank L. Hough, who for thirty years has been actively engaged in the grain business in WoodhuU, and who has, through his well- directed efforts, gained a comfortable com- petence that numbers him among the sub- stantial citizens of the community. A native of Illinois, he was born in ^^larshall county, October 12, 1844, and is the only child who grew to maturity of the union of Rev. Marshall Hough and Ma- tilda flyers. His father was born and reared in Greene county, Xew York, and when a young man came to Illinois. He was a graduate of ilonticello College and was ordained a minister of the Baptist Church, but later united with the Univer- salist Church and continued in the minis- try of the latter until his death in 1847, when our subject was only three years old. He was twice married, and by his first wife had two children : Baylis, who married and settled in Iowa, where his death oc- curred; and Mrs. Eliza S. Leonard, a widow residing in Denver, Colorado. The mother of our subject was also married twice, her first husband being Baplis Garrison, and tc them were born two children : William B., a resident of Iowa; and Ada, deceased. !Mrs. Hough was born in \\'estmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in 18 14, and came to Illinois about 1828 with her father, Da- vid ilyers, who first settled in Sangamon count)' and later removed to ^larshall coun- ty. She is the second in order of birth in a farail)' of twelve children, all of whom married and reared families of their own. Besides herself four of the number are still living, these being Hiram, who was born in Illinois, and is now living retired in Gales- burg; ^Irs. Dorinda Ong, a resident of La- con, Illinois; ]Mrs. Emily Burnham and JNlrs. Eliza Roberts, both of Iowa. Al- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 539 ihnugii eiglit_v-se\en years of age. Mrs. Hough is still hale and hearty, and contin- ues ti) act as lier son's housekeeper. During his early lite Frank L. Hough >pent three _\ears with his sisters in Ottum- \\a. Liwa, hut in the fall of 1858 returned 111 Galesburg, where he was reared and educated, completing his studies at Lom- liard University. In i860 he taught one term of school in Iowa, and then embarked in the grain business at Galesburg, wnich lie carried on at that place for three years, hi 1870 he came to Woodhull, and has since engaged in the grain business at this place, having erected a large elevator and a good brick office. He owns or leases ele- \ators at Alplia, Opheim, Lynn, Orion, \'iola and Xew Windsor, and probably does the largest business of any dealer in the county. By fair and honorable dealing he iias built up an excellent trade, and has be- con>e one of the most prosperous citizens (if the community. He has inxested his cajiital in real estate, (iwning two hundred acres in Knox county, ami with Judge Bigelow, of Galva, bought sixty acres ad- joining the village, which was laid out and kuiiwn as Bigelow & Hough's adtlition to the village of Woodhull. This has been well sold and settled up. He is also inter- ested in other real estate. He started mit in life for himself empty-handed, and his success is due entirel}' to his diligence, perseverance and good management. Since attaining his majority Air. Hough has supported the men and measures of the Republican party, and is accounted mie of niost i)rogressive and public-spirited citi- zens of his community. He has served as a member of the town board, but has never sought political honors. Fraternally he is a Master Mastm. having united with the order at Woodhull. His mother is an ear- nest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a most estimable lady. WILLIAAI KIEXE. (jermany has contributed a large quota of the sturdy, energetic agriculturists of Henry county, Illinois, and among them are to be found men of sterling worth and integrity, who have succeeded in life through their own industry and persever- ance. To this class' belongs the subject of this re\iew, who is now a well-to-do farm- er residing on section 12, Loraine town- shi]). Ml'. Kicne was born on the 7th of March. 1S4O, in Hanover, Germany, of which pmvincc his parents, Henry and Fredereka (Sien) Kiene, were also natives. The father, who was a shoemaker by trade, died in that country al)Out 1S60, and the muther departed this life in 1S92. They had three children: Elizabeth, wife of W'ill- iani Myer, of Germany; William, our sub- ject ; and Charles, who is married and lives in Germany. Reared in the land of his birth, Air. Kiene is indebted to its public schools for his educational advantages. Bidding good-bv to home and friends in 1869, he took passage on a steamer at Bremen, and after a voyage of tw-enty'-one days landed in Xew Orleans, whence he came up the Mississippi river to Davenport, Iowa. His destination, was Henry county, Illinois, and on reaching Geneseo, in the evening, he was so tired out that he fell asleep in the deixjt and did not awaken until the fol- lowing mornine at nine. During the first 540 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. sixteen nmnths (jf liis residence here lie \\i irked fur George Arnett, and later was in the emplciy of (j. (jraft and Charles Zy- jer for one vear each. On the 1 6th of P'ehruary. 1873, Mr. Kienc married Miss Frances 'Idiurwenger, of (ieneseii, a danghter of ]\Iark and h'liza- htth (Linninger) Thnrwenger. wlm emi- grated to Henry county from Germany in 1868. The father died in 1893, the mother in 1886, both in Loraine township. She was the oldest of their three children, the others being Kate, wife of Antonia Syler, of Kewanee : and Jacob, who is also mar- ried and li\-es in Kewanee. ?klr. and ^Irs. Kiene are the parents of five children, namely : ( i ) I'rank. born November lO, 1873. is a resident of Loraine township. He married Flora Egert and the}- ha\c two children. Francis and Burton. (2) IMary, born April 6, 1874, is the wife of Fred Ken- wick, (if Bartlett, Nebraska, and they have twii children, I'hilip and an infant. (3) Katie, horn .\ugust 6, 1876, is the wife of I'^rank h^gert. of Kewanee, and they have one child, William yi. (4) I'hilip, l)orn February 20. 1885. is attending the home school. (5) Otto died in infancy. For four years after his marriage Mr. Kiene operated a rented farm, and in 1876 purchased seventy-five acres of land on section 12, Loraine township, for which he paid seventeen hundred dollars'. The im- pro\-enients upon the place at that time were verv slight. InU through his untiring labors and good management he has made it one of the best farms of the locality, having added to the original purchase until now it comprises one hundred and thirt}-fi\e acres of well-improved land. On coming to this country he was entirely unfamiliar with the English language and knew noth- ing of farm work, and the success that he has achieved is certainly well merited. His knowledge of his chosen occupation has lieen gained by experience, and he is to-day a thorough and systematic farmer. He al- st raises stock for the market. For a num- ber of )-ears he has filled the office of school director, and has alwa^'s taken a commenda- ble interest in public affairs. Fraternally he is a member of Brooks Camp, Xo. 225, M. W. A. In religious belief he is a Lu- theran, while his wife holds membership in the Catholic Church. SWAN T. OLSOX. Although an adopted son of America, the coiuitry has no more patriotic or loyal I citizen than Swan T. Olson, who fought | for the preserA-ation din-ing- the dark days of the Rebellion, and is to-day an honored citizen of AVoodhull, Illinois. He was born in Blekingelan, Lister Herrad Gammaes- tcrp Socken, Sweden, March 3, 1838, a son of Truedson and Celia (Trulson) Olson, who came to this country in 1867. The mother died November 8, 1867. at the age of about sixty years, and the father de- parted this life in 1895, at the age of eighty. Coming to the new world in 1856, Swan T. Olson proceeded at once to Illinois, landing in Galesburg, Knox county, on the 10th of -\ugnst. He had the misfortune to l)reak his leg on the first day spent in that cit}-. After his recovery, in 1837, he commenced work on the farm of Judge b'erris. west of Galesburg'. and remained in his employ for nearly three years. He con- tinued to work by the month as a farm hand until the Civil war broke out. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 541 Feeling tliat tlie country neetled liis ser\-ices. Mr. Olson enlisted on the first call in 1861, but the coni])an\- which he joined was not accepted ;d that time. In August of the same year he enlisted in oth natives of ■county Down, Ireland. The father, who Avas captain of a ship, was lost at sea in 1838, and the mother died in Xew \'ork, in 1844. To Mr. and Mrs. Warnock were born the following children : ( i ) Joseph, lx)rn in Camden, Xew Jersey, Xovember 17. 1854, •died in Nebraska, August 25, 1888, immar- ried. (2) William, born in Camden, Xew Jersey, January 31, 1857, married L}da Steele, and the\- liaxe ten children, .\rthur, Kay, Maud. ( iracie. I'loy. Howard, Warren, -Aroma. Lee and Lewis. ( 3) Peter W., born in this county, August 20, 1859, resides in Idaho, lie married Edna lirainard and they have three children. Mabel E., Earl and Ruth. (4) Mary J., born January i, 1862, is the wife of F"red Detro, of Mineral, Illinois, and they have two children, Milo and Naomi E. (5) Elizabeth A., born Au- gust 6, i866, is the wife of Albert Steele, of Annawan. (6) Hugh J., l)orn June 25, 1869, lives near his father in Alba town- ship. He married Pheuny Hirshberger, and they have four children, \'erne Joseph, Nina E.. Carl C. and LitTard A. [j) Helena R.. born January i, 1872. is the wife of William R. b'rew, who lives in Ke- wanee. (8) John C. a dentist, born March 21, 1874, resides in Wyanet, Bureau county, Illinois. He married Lenora Pottorf and they have two children, Alice H. and Oscar W. {9) Hugh James, born April 9, 1864, dietl April 2/, 1865. (10) George, born Oc- tober 28, 1876, died the same month. On first coming to Henry countw Illi- nois, in 1857, Mr. Warnock located in Colona township, where he followed farm- ing until the spring of 1867, when he pur- chased eighty acres of land in Alba town- ship, for which he paid twelve and a half dollars per acre. This he soon broke and placed under cultiwition. and has since added to it mitil he now has a tract of two hundred and forty acres. He takes a great irAerest in horticulture, and is extensively engaged in the raising of cattle and hogs, making a specialty oi the breeding of Aber- deen Angus cattle, which are considered the best in the world for beef purposes. He owns "Ides Eclip.ser," a full uncle of the steer "Advance" that .sold at the live stock show of 1900, at Chicago, to a New York firm, for one dollar and a half per jKumd. He has a very fine herd upon hi> 548 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. place, and is able to command the highest prices for his cattle, and has a great many pedigreed cattle. y\v. W'arnock's political support is given the Republican party, and he has been called upon to fill the offices of school trustee and director, collector, assessor and justice of the peace, having held the latter office for a number of years. He and his wife are both earnest members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church, and are held in \\tirm regard by all who know them. OLOF OLSON. For half a century Olof Olson has been a resident of Henry county, and is to-day one of the leading farmers of Weller township, his home being on section 26. He was born in Sweden. July 13, 1843, and came to the L'nited States with his parents, Eric and Catherine (Jolmsun) Olson, in 1849. It was four niunths from the time that they left their old home in Sweden before they ar- rived in this county, their destination being Bishop Hill, where so many of their coun- trvmen had settled. Cholera having broken out in the colony they proceeded to Gales- burg, "where they remained until the epidemic was over and then located at Bishop Hill. The father, m ho was a miner and laborer by occupation, worked around Victoria for sev- eral years. He died on a farm in Henry county, at the age of seventy-six, but his wife is still living at the age of eighty-three years, and now makes her home with our subject. Their other children were Jonas, who lives near Xekoma. Weller township; and a daughter, Avho died at the age of three years. During their bovhood th.e sons remained v>ith their mother at Bishop Hill, and are in- (lel)ted to the schools' of that place for their educational privileges. As' .soon as old enough our subject was employed by the colony as ox boy and herdsman, and con- tinued to W(_)rk there until after the Civil war broke out. Feeling that his adopted country needed his services, he enlisted in 1865 in the One Hundred and Forty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and remained in the service until hostilities ceased. Fie then re- sumed work as a farm hand in Weller town- ship, and was thus employed initil his mar- riage. On the 22nd of Deceinl)er, 1S66. ]\lr. Olson wedded Miss Mary Malmgren, who was born in Bishop Hill, December 27, 1846, being the first child born in the colony. Her parents were Jonas and Anna Malmgren, who came with the second party to this coun- try. The mother died of cholera in 1S49 when Mrs. Olson was only three years old, and one daughter died in infancy. Chris- tine E., born in Sweden, is now the wife of Olof Nordstrom, of Alabama. The father was again married and by his second union had two children, of whom one daughter died in infancy. Abraham grew to manhood and died in Kewanee in 1898. The mother, Mrs. Catherine Malmgren, is living in the city at the age of eighty-four years, but the father is now deceased. He was always a very ac- ti\-e man and a hard worker, and followed the blacksmith's trade in the colon_\-. Mr. and Mrs. Olson have three children, namely: Emma, born May 19, 1868, taught school prior to her marriage, and is now the v/ife of Paul L. Johnson, of Bishop Flill, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this vol- ume; Jennie, born June 18, 1871, was a stenographer prior to her marriage, and is now the wife of E. L. Swanson, of Bishop THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 549 Hill: and Henry, born May 30, 1875. assists in the work of the home farm. At the age of ten years the children of the colony had to go to work, and Mr. Ol- son thus early began his business career. After his marriage he located upon his present farm, and to its cultivation and im- provement has since devoted his energies un- til he now has one (jf the most desirable farms of its size in W'eller township, it consisting of one hundred and twenty acres. In con- nection with general farming he has also engaged in >tock raising with good success, and is now one of the well-to-do farmers of the cDmmunity. He has held som^ school offices but has never aspired to ixilitical honors. Socially he is an honored member of the Modern A\'oodnien camp at Bishop Hill and the Grand Army post at Galva, while his son Henry is also connected with the former fraternitv and the Select Knights of America. Mrs. Olson is a consistent and faithful memlier of the Swedish ]\Iethodist Episcopal Church of Bishop Hill and as a Sunday-school teacher takes an active part in its work. The family is one of prominence in the communitv where thev reside. HERMAN. KRAUSE. Many of Henry county's most enterpris- ing and industrious citizens have come from beyond the sea, among them being Herman Krause. who is successfully engaged in agri- cultural pursuits on section 10, Burns town- ship. He was born in Germany, in 1840, a S(jn of Louis and Augusta (Marshner) Krause. natives of the same country, where they continued to make their home until iS^6. when thev emigrated with their fam- ily to America. The voyage was a long and tedious one. consuming seven weeks and six days. They sailed from Bremen and landed in New York, whence they came di- rect to Kewanee, Illinois. The father was a small farmer in his native land, and after following various occupations in Kewanee, he purchased forty acres of unbroken timber land on Mud creek, in 1864. and again turned his attention to agricultural pur- suits. Subsef|uently he sold that place to his brother August, and bought two eighty- acre tracts, one of which he paid for. while the other was paid for by our subject. The first home of the family was merely a small shanty, but was later replaced by a good frame residence. The father died in 1872. and was buried in Cosners cemetery. He was twice married and by his first union had two sons, William and August. The chil- dren by the second marriage were Herman, Fred, Tena and Albert. The mother of these is still living and now makes her home with her son Albert. Being princi])ally reared in the father- land, Herman Krause obtained his educa- tion in the schools of Germany. He ac- companied the family on their removal to this country, and remained with his father until he was married, December 25, 1863, to Miss Christina Peterson, who was born in Sweden, and came to the L'nited States with her parents. Ten children bless this union, namely: Emma, now the wife of Louis Leonard, a farmer of Burns township ; Frank, who married ]\Iinnie Snyder and is also engaged in farming in Burns township ; John, who married and is engaged in farm- ing at Atkinson ; Charles, who married Liz- zie Hepner and is a mechanic of Kewanee ; Al)ner, who married Ella A\'hitehead and follows farming; Eddie, at home; Winnie, 5 50 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. \vife of Taylor ^Nlonte. a fanner: and Car- rie and Samuel, both at h(ime. The mother of these children died and fcir his second wife Mr. Krause married Mrs. Louisa Swechenilyne. Mr. Krause has a well-imiiroved farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section lo. I'.urns township, and in connection with general farming he is successfully engaged in stock raising. L'pon Iris place is a good residence, substantial barns and other out- buildings, and everything about the place denotes the thrift and enterprise of the owner, whcj is numbered among the most skillful farmers of the neighborhood. He is a supporter of the Democratic party, and holds membership in the (ierman Lutheran ■Church. HOX. WILLIAM C. STICKXEY. In the past ages the history of a country was the record of wars and conciuests ; to-day it is the record of commercial activity, and those whose names are foremrist in its annals are the leaders in business circles. Among the most prominent business men of Henry county is William C. Stickney. of A\'oodhull, who has a wide reputation as a capable finan- cier and occupies a position of no little prom- inence in connection with the political af- fairs iif the county. William C. Stickney was born in Cam- bridgejKirt, Massachusetts, September 6. 1846, and is descended from a prominent early Xew England family, being of the eighth generation from William Stickney, who founded the family in America as early as 1637. Records of the family, however, in England, can be traced back to 1331- \\'illiam Sticknev settled at Rowlev, Massa- chusetts, where he was a selectman and free- holder, and filled several offices of trust and honor. (2) Samuel Stickney, his eldest son, was also born in England in 1633, and came with his parents to Rowley, Massachusetts. He was later a large freeholder of Brad- ford, and the early records show him as having been a selectman there nine years between 1671 and 1695, and in 1689 a rep- resentative to the Council of Safety, at Boston to confirm the new administration. (3) William Stickney was a freeholder at Bradford, where he died young. (4) Will- iam Stickney, a resident of Billerica, ap- pears on the Massachusetts muster rolls in 1/22, althougli not eighteen years old. He was prominent in public affairs, ha\ing for many years ser\ed as town clerk, selectman, and a representative to the first Provincial Congress, which was convened at Salem. October 7, 1774. at no little peril to its members. He was also a representative to the second Provincial Congress, convened at Cambridge, February i. 1775, serving on many of the most important commitcees, and in the third Pro\'incial Congress, of which he was a member, he took an equallj- important part. I 5 ) ^\'illiam Stickney. of Billerica. was a sergeant in Col. Bridge's regiment, and was in the battles of Lexing- ton and Bunker Hill. Later he was a lieu- tenant in Col. Mcintosh's regiment. In 1784 he moved to an unbroken wilderness, which was afterwards inciirporated as Graf- ton. \'ermiint. which place he represented in the general court (legislature) of \'er- mont for two years. (6) William Stickney, a farmer of Grafton. \'ermont, was select- man, representative to the general court of \'ermont. and held many other offices of trust. (7) Henry Stickney. cuir subject's fa- W. C. STICKNEY. LIBRARY UNIVtRSIlY UF ILLINOIS URBANA THE BIOGBLA.PHICAL RECORD. 555 ther. was born in (jrafton, \'erinont. Jan- uary 29, 1S07, and grew to manhood in tliat state. For some years lie was en- gaged in tile commission and grain business in Boston. Massacliusetts. and while there he married Miss Mary Anna Wood, a na- tive of Xew Hampshire, and a daughter of David \\'ood, who was also born in that state. In 1853 Henry Stickney emigrated to Illi- nois with his family and located in Henry county, where he entered some government land, securing other tracts on land warrants, and kept adding to his landed possessions until he owned, about one thousand acres. He was one of the most successful farmers of the county, as well as one of its promi- nent early settlers. His death resulted from an accident Xo\ember 16, 1866. He was well known liiroughout Henry and adjoin- ing counties, and was elected a member of the first board of county supervisors. His v.ife survived him a number of years and departed this life February 19, 1888, being laid to rest by his side in the W'oodhull cemetery. (For further information see the Stickney Family Genealogy, Salem, Massachusetts.) (8) William C. Stickney was six years of age when he came with his parents to this county, and on the old homestead farm he grew to manhood, receiving his primary education in the common schools. Later he attended Knox College for some time. On the completion of his education he re- turned to the farm and for several years de- voted his time to agricultural pursuits. He succeeded to the old homestead, which he operated until 1892, and at the same time successfully engaged in stock raising, his farm being headquarters for registered short horns for many years. In 1880 he purchased an interest in the Farmers Bank at Wood- hull, and on his removal to that town in 1 892 he assumed the active management of the bank, w hich is now one of the most re- liable financial institutions of Henry count\\ In connection with his banking business he still carries on the home farm, he now own- ing three hundred and fifty acres of the original homestead. He is also interested in the electric light plant at Woodhull in partnership with II. E. Houghton and T. F. Bell, it being built and put in operation by these gentlemen. On the 13th of April, 1870. in Wood- hull, Mr. Stickney was united in marriage with Miss Ida A. Clarke, a native of Con- necticut and a daughter of Jason Clarke, who brought his family to this county among the early settlers, where Mrs. Stick- ney was reared and educated. By this union were born three children, namely : William W., who is engaged in farming on the old Stickney homestead, married Xellie, daugh- ter of T. W. Gamble, of Woodhull, and they have two children, William Wilson and Ida; Grace M. is the wife of Dr. W. A. Davis, of Woodhull: and Henry C. completes the fam- ily. The wife and mother died March 31, 1 89 1, and her remains were interred in Woodhull cemetery. Since attaining his majority Mr. Stick- ney has aftiliated with the Republican party, and has supported ever}' presitlential nom- inee of the party since casting his first bal- lot for General U. S. Grant. For several terms he was one of the leading and in- fluential members of the county board of supervisors, and was a member of the board at the September session, 1878, when the resolution was passed for building the pres- ent court house. In 1894 he was elected to the state legislature, becoming a member of the Thirtv-ninth general assemblv. He 554 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. filled the office in a most creditable man- ner: was a member of the committees on appropriations, corporations and banking; and materially assisted in securing the pass- age of a bill for the establishment of an in- sane asylum in this district. He takes' a deep interest in everything pertaining to the public welfare, and withholds his support from no enterprise calculated to prove of public benefit. His genial, pleasant manner has made him quite popular in both public and jjrivate life, and as a public-spirited and enterprising man he is recognized as a valued citizen of the conununitv. WILLIAM C. GILLESPIE. For the past ten years' this gentleman has been successfully engaged in the hotel business in Alpha, and by his genial, pleas- ant manner has made many warm friends among his patrons and fellow citizens. He was born in fiercer count)-, Pennsyhania, December 13, 1829, and there grew to man- hood upon a farm, his early life being de- voted to work at the carpenter's trade. On first coming west, in 1853, Mr. Gil- lespie, located in Comanche, Iowa, where he engaged in carpentering for a time. In the fall of the same year, however, he went to northern Wisconsin, where he spent a few months, and then returned to Iowa, but in January, 1854, came to Illinois, taking up his residence in Mercer count)"^, where he worked at his trade for a few years. In i860 he went to Pikes Peak, where he en- gaged in mining with fair success for about two years. After the battle of Lexington, ^lissouri. Mr. Gillespie went to Denver with the in- tention of enlisting but found the quota full and so returned to his old home in Illinois. Soon afterward, however, he went to Leav- enworth, Kansas, where he enlisted in Com- pany H, Eighth Kansas \'olunteer Infantry, and with his command proceeded at once to Tennessee. He participated in a number of skirmishes and several important en- gagements, including the battles of Look- out Alountain and Corinth ; the Atlanta cam- paign, and the battle of Xashville, and later at Perryville, Kentucky, under command of General Jefterson C. Davis; and was in a forced march from Xashville to Louis- ^"ille, and in the fight at Green River Bridge, In 1863 he was honorably discharged and returned home, but the following year re- enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Fortieth Illinois \'olunteer Infantn.-, and with this regiment went to Memphis, Ten- nessee. He was on active duty until the term of his enlistment expired, and was dis- charged at Chicago earh- in the year 1865. He then returned to his farm in Mercer county, and in connection with its opera- tions he engaged in raising and dealing in stock, and was also extensively interested in bee culture, having quite a large apiary. On the 22nd of Februar}-, 1869, in Aledo, Mercer county, Mr. Gillespie was married by Rev. James Poag to Miss Sarah M. Decker, a native of that county, and a daughter of Westfall Decker, who was born in Ohio, and came to Illinois in 1837, lo- cating in IMercer county. By this union were born four children, namely: Hannah ]\I., wife of Forrest Wilson, a farmer of Henry county ; John C, a resident of Alpha ; Ida E., wife of ^^'illiam Shivey, a farmer of Henry county; and Bonnie D., at home with her parents. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 555 After his marriat^'e Mr. Gillespie settled on a farm near Aledo, in Mercer tcjwn- ship, Mercer county, where he purchased eighty acres of land, which he broke, fenceil and improved. Subsequently he bought an- other farm of similar size, and still later an- other tract of eighty acres, all of which he operated. One of the farms he traded for three hundred and twenty acres of land in Coffey county, Kansas, but after residing there for one year he sold out and returned to tlie old home farm in Mercer county, Illi- nois. A year later he returned to Kansas and bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres' in Butler county, where he lived for a few years and then sold. He was subse- quently engaged in agricultural pursuits in Mercer county, Illinois, until coming to Alpha in 1890, when he purchased a hotel and has since successfully conducted the same. Besides his property he owns seven acres and a good residence in the village, and has a farm of three hundred and twenty acres near Rolla, Missouri. On starting out in life for himself his capital consisted only of a pair of willing hands and a firm de- termination to succeed. Being a man of sound judgment, keen discrimination and good business ability, as well as a capable financier, he has met with success in life and is now quite well-to-do. in 1872 Mr. Gil- lespie made a trip to California, and spent six months on trlie Pacific slope. He cast his first presidential vote for Franklin Pierce, in 1852, and since the organization of the Republican party has been one of its stanch supporters, but has never cared for po- litical preferment. He is an honored member of Oxford Lodge, No. 367, F. & A. M., at New Windsor, and is also connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is widely and favorably known throughout this section of the state, with whose inter- ests he has so long been identified, and well merits the high regard in which he is held. FIENRV BOOMER. Among the leading citizens of .Atkin- son township is numbered Henry Boomer, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits on section 28, a mile and a (juarter from the village of Atkinson, lie first came to Illi- nois in 1843, 'Tid has been a resident of this county since 1862. He was born in Jeffer- son county. New York, July 23, 1825, and is a son of Michael Boomer, whose birth occurred in the same county, April 23, 1794. His paternal grandfather, Edward Boomer, was also a native of New York, "and belonged to one of its pioneer families. The father served as a drummer in the war of 1812, and participated in se\eral engagements, in- cluding the battle of Sackett Harbor. In his native county he married Miss Martha Moore, who w'as also born there November 19, 1795, and died July 20, 1843, while his death occurred- September 9, 1847. By oc- cupation he was a farmer, and followed that pursuit in JelYerson c<_iunt_\'. New York, throughout life. Henry Boomer is the onl_\' sur\i\-or of a family of thirteen children, consjisting of eight sons and five daughters. His early life was spent upon the home farm and he pursued his studies in the common schools of the neighborhood. He came to Illinois in 1843, 'I'ld ^oi" several years worked on a farm near Elgin, Kane count}'. Return- ing to the county of his nativity he was there married, March i, 1849, to Miss Julia Wood, who was also born in Jefferson county. New York, of which her father, James Wood, was an early settler. 556 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Soon after liis marriage Mr. Boomer re- turned to. Illinois, and took up his residence near Sa\anna. La Salle county, where he rented land and engaged in farming for eight years. In 1862 he came to Henry county and purchased one iiundred and twenty acres of land in Atkinson township, where he now resides. At that time only a few acres had been broken, and a little shanty erected thereon, but to its further improvement and cultivation he at once turned his attention, and now has a very desirable and attractive farm, supplied with all the conveniences and accessories found- upon a model farm of the present day. To .the original tract he has added eighty acres, and now has two hun- dred acres of rich and arable land. In con- nection with his farming operations he also raises and feeds stock. yir. Boomer's first wife died here Au- gust 9. 1894. By that union there were four children, namely : Herbert, a railroad man of Ottumwa, Iowa, married, and died ]May 20. 1893, leaving four children, Eugene, Harry. Jesse and Frank; ^Irs. Emogene Thayer is a widow living in California; Gertrude, the wife of Timothy Sammons, of St. Paul. Minnesota, and they have two children. Rosaline and Aldin J. ; and Jay, who carries on the home farm, married Miss Helen Placater, a native of La Salle coun- ty, and has two children, Floyd Henry and Olive Gertrude. Mr. Boomer was again married in Jeffer- son county, Xew York, November 15, 1898, his second union being with Mrs. Flora Hol- lister \\'ilcox, a daughter of Colonel Charles Hollister of that county, who served with distinction as an officer in the war of 181 2, and rose from the rank of captain to colonel, holding four commissions. He spent his entire life in the Empire state. and there married Miss Pleuma Lewis, the mother of Mrs. Boomer. Colonel Charles Hollister was a son of John Hollister. who was engaged in the supply department of General Washington's army during the Revolutionary war. There the wife of our subject was reared and educated. Her first husband was Henry Noble, who died in the service of his country during the Civil war, leaving one son, Charles Noble, a resi- dent of Jefferson county. New York. There ^Irs. Noble wedded James ^^'ilcox, and with him removed to Michigan, where his death occurred. IXIr. Boomer is now practically living a retired life while his son operates the farm. Politically he is a Jeffersonian Democrat, and is a stanch supporter of his party prin- ciples. His wife is a member of the Geneseo Baptist Church, and both are held in the warmest regard by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. THOMAS C. CO\A'DEN. This well-to-do and progressive farmer residing on section 17, Burns township, was born in Millwood, Guernsey county, Ohio, on the 8th of August, 1849, ^ son of Will- iam and Mary (Rogers) Cowden. The fa- ther was born in Ireland in 1798, and when a boy came to America with three brothers, one of whom drifted to parts unknown. After spending some time in New York, he went to Ohio, where he was married, and where he continued to reside until coming to Henry county, Illinois, about 1854, lo- cating in Burns township, on the state road, buying eighty acres. He also took up six eighty-acre tracts of land, including the southwest quarter of section 17, and north- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 559 west quarter of section 20. and nortli- east (|uartcr of section 19, tliat town siiij). Me was called to his linal rest July 31. 1 89 1. He was one of the most prosperous as well as one of the most highly esteemed citizens of his community. His second wife died when our sul)ject was but three or four years old. To this worthy cou[)le were born the lol- lowing children : William Washington was a member of Company D. One Hundred and Twelfth Jlliniiis N'oluntecr Infantry, during the Civil war and was killed in the battle of Resaca. Joseph ser\ed tiiree years ill Company A. Forty-second Illinois X'olun- teer Infantry, and re-enlisted in the Fourth United Stales Cavalry. He died fmni rlie etiects of his arm_\- ser\ice while home on a furlough, after having spent thirteen months in the hospital at Nashville. D. L.. now a retired farmer of Cambriilge, Illi- nois, was also a member of the One Hun- dred and Twelfth Illinois Infantry. Jjlin H., a farmer, died at tiie age of twenty- three years. Thomas C, our subject, is the next son. Jacob G. is a farmer living near Tecumseh, Johnson county, Nebraska. Mary, deceased, tirst married George Davis and. second, S. 1. Mathews and had two children by the former marriage. Deborah is also deceased. She was the wife of J. G. Walker. Reared upon the home farm. Thomas C. Cowden early became familiar with all the duties which fall to the lot of the agricult- urist, and acquired his literary education in the public schools of the neighborhood. He still lives upon the old homestead, owning one hundred and twenty acres, and in his farm operations is meeting with most ex- cellent success. He has owned and oper- ated a threshing machine and corn sheller twenty-three years. On the 6th of Febru- ary, 1883, was celebrated his marriage with Miss Anna Michaels, a native of McDon- ough county, Illinois, and a daughter of Isaac and Margaret (Walker) Michaels. Her mother died near Salisbury, IMissouri, July 10, 1882, and her father departed this life in Alabama, February 14. 1900. Mr. and ^Irs. Cowden have two children: Law- rence H., born June 18, 1885; and Flossie, born December 24. 1892. Like his brothers, Mr. Cowden was also numbered among the boys in blue during the Rebellion, enlisting in 1865, at the age of fifteen years, in Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war. He was mustered into the United States ser\ice at Chicago, and then sent to Tullahonia, Tennessee. When hostilities ceased and his services were no longer need- ed he was mustered out at Memphis, and honorably discharged at Springfield, Illi- nois. As a Republican he has taken quite an active and prominent part in local pol- itics since casting his first presidential vote for Grant. He has been a member of the township central committee, and for three years was a member of the Republican C(junty central committee. He has served as school director about eighteen years, and has also filled various other ot^ces, includ- ing that of drainage commissioner, his du- ties always being faithfully and conscien- tiously performed. .\.\1)RIA\' ARXni'lSr. This j)roniinenl and successful merchant of Bishop Hill, was born in Helsingland, in the northern part of Sweden, .\pril 29, 1847, and is the secoml in order of birth in a family 560 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. of sex'en children, all of whom reached years of maturity, but two are now deceased. Peter, John, Anna and Sarah still reside in Sweden, our subject being the only member of the family in the United States. The tleath of his parents occurred in Sweden, where they spent their entire lives. The father, Andrew Arnquist, Sr., was a carpen- ter by trade. Our subject's early education was ac- quired in the common schools of his native land. The parents being in straitened circumstances the children early became de- pendent upon their own resources for a Hve- lihood, and he worked with his father at the carpenter's trade, and also at farm labor until his emigration to America in 1870. On landing on the shores of this country, he proceeded at once to Henry county, Illi- nois, his destination being Bishop Hill. After working as a farm hand for three years !Mr. Arnquist commenced clerking in the general store of Linbeck & Jacobson, where he gained his first knowledge of mercantile pursuits. In the fall of 1877 ^^^ bought a lot, and erected thereon a build- ing, in which he placed a small stock of gen- eral merchandise. From the beginning his trade steadily increased and he soon built up a good, extensive business. A few years after opening his store he bought the general mercantile establishment of A. Barlow, which he consolidated with his own, and has since conducted business as a dealer in general merchandise, furniture and under- takers" supplies, carrying a stock valued at eight thousand dollars. In addition to his business property and pleasant home in Bishop Hill he owns a farm of two hundred and eighty acres in \\'eller and Galva town- ships, all under cultivation and well im- ])roved. This he now rents. In 1873 ^Ir. Arnquist was united in mar- riage with Miss Anna E. Berg, who was also born in Sweden and came to this coun- try the same year as her husband. They have become the parents of five children, namely : Bennett, who when quite young commenced learning the mercantile business with his father, and is now the efficient manager of the store; Almeda, who is a normal g'raduate and is now successfully teaching school in Bishop Hill ; Emma, de- ceased ; Andy, who is with his brother in the store; and Blanche. All of the children reside at home, and the sons are now success- full}- conducting the store for their father. They are wide-awake and energetic young men of good business and executive ability. Politically !Mr. Arnquist is identified with the Republican party, and is now serv- ing as trustee of the township schools. He has been a member of the town board for many years, and was president of the same for some time. He is a supporter of all church work, and a prominent member of W'eller lodge, A. O. U. W.. the Select Knights of America and the Home Forum. He has been a trustee of all of these, and financier of the first named order. He has made the most of his opportunities through life, and although he came to this country in limited circumstances he is now one of the substantial and well-to-do citizens of his community and his success is due to his own well-directed and energetic efforts. JOHN HEXDERSOX. This well-to-do agriculturist of section 15, Oxford township, is a typical self-made man. Placing his reliance upon industry THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 561 and perseverance, lie lias made the most of circumstances, however discouraging, and lias won his way to a substantial success, his fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres adjoining the corixjrate limits of Alpha being a tangible evidence of prosperity. Mr. Henderson was born on the 9th of September, 1831. in Indiana county, Penn- svlvania, and is a son of Brice and Anna (Thomas) Henderson, also natives of that state. The father was one of the first set- tlers of Indiana county and there grew to manhood and married. He died about 1836, and his wife, who long survived him, passed away in Indiana county about 1873. They were the parents of six children, three of whom reached years of maturity, but only our subject is now living. The children were small when the father died, being left for the mother to rear, and most faithfully did she discharge that arduous duty. The boyhood and youth of our subject were spent upon a farm and he was educated in the common schools of his native county. When a young man he came to Henry coun- ty, Illinois, in the fall of 1856, and after working by the month as a farm hand for three or four years he purchased eighty acres of partially broken land, where he now resides. He located uix)n his farm in 1 86 1, and to its further development has since given his time and attention with most gratifying results. He has added to the original purchase until he now has three hun- dred and twenty acres, on which he has made many substantial improvements, so that he now has one of the most attractive and de- sirable farms of its size in the county. He also owns one half-section in Barton county, Kansas, and also one hundred and si.xty acres in Pawnee county, Nebraska. In connec- tion with general farming he has success- fully engaged in stock raising. January 10, 1861, Mr. Henderson was married in this county to Miss Eliza Cox, who was born in Indiana but reared in Illi- nois. She is a sister of J. F. Cox, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume. ^Ir. and Mrs. Henderson have become the parents of five children, namely : Frank, who is married and follows farming in Pawnee county, Nebraska; Anna, who died at the age of thirteen years; ^\'illiam, who assists in the operation of the home farm; Jennie, wife of J. \\'. McLaughlin, of Oxford town- ship; and Fannie, at home. ^Ir. Henderson cast his first presidential vote for W'infield Scott, the \N hig candi- date of 1852, and has been identified with the Republican party since its organization in 1856. He has never sought political honors, but being a warm friend of our pub- lic-school system he faithfully served as a member of the school board for some years. His supix)rt is given to all enterprises which he believes calculated to prove of public benefit, and be is accounted one of the \alu- able citizens of this community CHARLES H. RUGII. Charles H. Rugh, who resides on section 20, Colona township, owns and operates a fine farm of three hundred and forty-two and a half acres, whose neat and thjifty ap- pearance well indicates his careful super- vision. Substantial improvements are sur- rounded by well tilled fields, and all the ac- cessories and conveniences of a model farm are there found. His place is known as tliQ old Glenn homestead. S62 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Mr. Rugh is one of Illinois' nati\'e sons, for he was born in Rock Island county. Feb- ruary 25, 1844. His father. Henry Rugh, was born near Ijlairstnwn, Indiana county, Pennsx'hania. in 1810. and was still a young man when, in 1837, he left that state and removed to Rock Island. Illinois, where as a mechanic he followed the cabinet maker's trade until 1849. Gold being discovered in California that year, he went to the Pa- cific slope and spent several years there, be- ing moderately successful in his mining operations. In 1867 he returned to Illinois, but in the spring of 1S69 again went to Cali- fornia, though he spent his last days with our subject in Missouri, where he died in 1876. His wife, who bore the maiden name of JMarv A. Spiers, departed this life in 1847. Charles H. Rugh, whose name intro- duces this sketch, spent his boyhood and youth with James Glenn and one of his sons, assisting in carrying on the farm and at- tending the local schools for a few months during the winter season. In 1868 he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Eliza Glenn, a daughter of James Glenn, who was one of the honored pioneers of Henry coun- ty, having located here in May, 1835. He v.as born on one of Henry Clay's farms in Kentucky. July 18. 181 1. and was reared in that state. On coming to Henry county, Illinois, he opened up and ftnproved the farm r.dw iiwned by Mr. Rugh. Our subject and his wife are the parents of three sons, name- ly : Frank G., who is married and now en- gaged in the telephone business in Kewanee, Illinois ; Harry, who is married and is an electrician and telegrapher of Sandwich, Illinois; and James, who holds a business position in Rock Island. After his marriage Mr. Rugh engaged ill farming in this countv for one ^■ear, and then remii\ed to Butte cmmty, California. where he followed gold mining with fair success for a short time. In 1873 'i*^ ''*^" turned to Henry cnunty, Illinois, and re- sumed farming. Init two years later renrnved to Holt county. Missouri, where he pur- chased o\-er ft)ur hundred acres oi land, v.hicli he inij)r(i\e(l and farmed successfully for nine years. He went to Dakota in 1882. but se\"en \ears later we again find him in ^Missouri, where he spent one winter. In 1890 he returneil to this county, and ]jur- chased the old Glenn homestead, on which he has since engaged in general farming and stock raising with marked success. On attaining his majority Mr. Rugh supported General U. S. Grant for the presi- dency in 1868. and the Republican party has since fnund in him a stalwart adxocate of its principles. He has never aspired to ottice, preferring rather to give his undivided at- tention to his business interests. He is ener- getic, progressive and enterprising and to these characteristics may be attributed his success in life. JACOB LIEVEXS. Among the prosperous farmers of At- kinson township, Jacob Elevens occupies an enviable position. Since coming to the new world he has through his own unaided ef- forts steadily prospered until he is now the owner of a well improved and valuable farm of four hundred and f(irty acres nf land on section 21. and twcj hundred and furty on section 3. His early home was on the other side (if the Atlantic, for he was born in Belgium. February 2/. 1843, ^"^ ^^''s there reared upon a farm, receiving a good com- mon school education in his nati\"e tongue. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 563 Inn his knowledge of the English language lias all been ac(|uire(I since coining to .\mcrica. In 187-' Mr. Lieven;, led to the marriage altar Miss Rosalie Vandevort, who was born in the same neighborhood as her Inisband, and as a wedding jonrney the young couple came to this country. From New York they proceeded at once to Illinois, their f the vear. .\t 564 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. the inaugunitiuii of the Civil war lie joined the boys in blue, enlisting August 3. 1861, in the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, which was assigned to the Army of the Tennessee. He participated in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh and Franklin, after which he was taken ill with typhoid fever and sent to the hospital at Keokuk, Iowa. After his reco\-ery he was placed on de- tached duty as clerk in the office of the general hospital at Keokuk, Iowa, and for a time served as ward master. When his term of enlistment expired he was honorably dis- charged in October, 1864, and returned to his home in this county. Here Mr. Cox was married, December 6, 1864, the lady of his choice being Miss Jane W. Sutton, who was born in Canada, but was reared in \Msconsin and Illinois. Her father, William B. Sutton, died in the Badger state, after which her mother mar- ried R. ^I. W'ilber and removed to Illinois, making her home for a time in Warren county, and later in Henry county. ^Ir. and ilrs. Cox are the parents of the following children : ^linnie, a professional trained nurse ; Elmer, who is married and lives on a farm in Nebraska: Clinton C, who is married and engaged in the grain and coal business in Alpha ; Walter, also a business man of that place ; Daisy and Trev^, both at home; Lyle, who is attending the Alpha school ; and Carlton, the second born, died at the age of two years. After his marriage 'Sh. Cox located on a farm a mile and a half from Alpha, where he owns one hundred and sixty acres, and to its improvement and cultivation devoted F.is energies until 1890, when he rented the place and removed to Alpha. Here he opened a furniture store and two years later added to it an undertaking business'. He carries a well assorted stock, and liy fair and honorable dealing has built up an excellent trade, which is constantly increasing. Since attaining his majority Mr. Cox has affiliated with the Republican party, and cast his first presidential vote for Abra- ham Lincoln in 1864 and for every nominea of the party since that time. He has taken quite an active part in local politics : has lieen a delegate to county, state and con- gressional conventions : and has been hon- ored with a number of official positions of trust and responsibility, having served as collector, road commissioner, township clerk and supervisor. He was an influential mem- ber of the county board for twelve years; was chairman of the equalization committee some vears ; and a member of other im- portant committees. He pro\ed a very com- petent and faithful officer. He is also an tifficial member and trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Alpha, and holds mem- bership in Oxford Lodge, Xo. 367, F. & A. :\I. ; Horeb Chapter, at Rio, Xo. 4, R. A. M. ; and Sherman Post. Xo. 479, G. A. R., of Woodhull. WILLIAM A. :\IUSSEY. } Among- the representatixx business men of Atkinson is William A. IMussey, the .j junior member of the firm of IMussey ' Brothers, dealers in grain and coal at that place. A native of Vermont, he was born at Rutland, June 22, 1839, and is a son of Henry and Sabra Amanda (Lawrence) Mussey. He was educated in the district schools of that locality, which he attended until eighteen years of age, and upon his father's farm early acquired an excellent knowledge of agricultural pursuits. On the 15th of August, 1862, during the THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 565 dark days of the Rel)elli<>n, Mr. Mussey en- listed in Company K, Twelftli \'ermont In- fantry, nnder Colonel A. P. Blunt, and was mustered into the I'nited States service at Brattleboro, about the ist of Sei)tember. The regiment was assigned to the Army of the Potomac and was stationed near Wash- ington to defend that city most of the time, though it took part in the battles of Gettys- burg. For over fi\e months Mr. Mussey was conrtnetl to the hospital, and was mus- tered out with his regiment at Brattleboro, \'ermont, July 16. iS(i_v Returning hume lie resumed farming uixjn his father's ])lace and remained under the parental roof until the fall nf 1868, when he removed to Henry cnunty. lllinnis. The previous winter he had visited this county, and on the 31st of March, 1868, led to the marriage altar Miss Louisa Xowers, a daugiiter of Thomas Xowers, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. By this union have been born two children, namely: Clara Foster is now the wife oi 11. P. Hinckley, who is connected with Armour &. Company at .Allegheny, Pennsylvania, and they have one child, Gertrude Abbie. Harry R. is a graduate oi Beloit College, and is now principal of the Port Byron Academy. -\s previously stated Mr. Mussey re- moved to this county in the fall of 1868, anil for several years was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits, his farm adjoining the corporate limits of .\tkinson, in which village he made his home, b'or two years he was a silent partner of his brother in the grain and coal business at that place, and in 1885 became actively associated with him in the management of that enterprise under the firm name of Mussey Brother.s. He is .1 wide-awake and progressive business man, and lias met with well-deserved success. I'xith Mr. and Mrs. Mus.sey are active members of the Congregational Church, and he is also a charter member of Atkinson Cam]), M. W. .\.. of which he was the first venerable consul. In his political affiliations he is a Repul)lican, and has served as presi- dent of the board of trustees of the village and justice of the peace one term. WILLIAM 1'A1'!':X1)1CK. 'I'liis well-known and successful farmer and stuck raiser residing on section 24, Lnraine township, was liorn in lierlin, Ger- many, on the _'9th of July, 1859. and is a son of Louis and Sophia (Greenwood) Papendick, also natives of the fatherland, the former born in .Sdiwerin, the latter near Berlin. In 18^)3 Louis Papendick brought his fantil_\- to America, and on land- ing in Xew York proceeded at once to Mor- ri.son, \\'hiteside county, Illinois, where be was engaged in cabinet making for a short tiine. He subsequently made his home in Pro])hctstown for three }-ears, mid at the end of that i)ei"iod came to lleiiry county, and purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Loraine township, upon which he resided until called to his final rest Janu- ary 31, 1879. His wife survived him for a few years and passed away September 30, 1887. They were the parents of five chil- dren, of whom two died in infancy, the others being Carrie, wife of John Jai|uet, of Loraine township: \\'illiam, our subject; and Otis, who married Anna Walzcr and is engaged in farming in Rock county, Minne- sota. William l'a])en(lick was only three years old when brought liv his parents to this coun- 566 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. try. and he is indebted to the district schools of W'liiteside and Henry ct)unties tor his ed- cational privileges. During his boyhood and youth he remained at home and did his share of the farm work, and after the death of his father he and his brother Otis took control of the place, which they operated in partner- sliip until 1888. when our subject purchased his brother's interest. He has a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres under a high state of cultivation, and as a tiller of the soil and stock raiser is meeting with ex- cellent success. On the 3d of March, 1886, was celebrat- ed the marriage of Mr. Papendick and Miss Lizzie Kreps, and three children bless their union, namely : Julia Beatrice. l)orn April 26, 1887; Hattie born February 22. 1889: and Louis, born February 26, 1891. All are now in school. Mrs. Papendick is a native of Bureau county, Illinois, and a daughter of Christian and Annie (Chaplar) Kreps. who were born, reared and married in Switzerland, where the father fallowed the carpenter's trade until their emigration to America in 1850. They first located in Bu- reau county, Illinois, but later came to Henry county, and took up their residence in Lo- raine township, where the father died in 1865. the mother in 1885. Of their ten chil- dren nine are still living, namely: Anna, widow of George Liverknecht and a resi- dent of Geneseo: ]Mary, wife of Charles Walzer, of Loraine township: Christian, a resident of Chatfield, Fillmore county, Min- nesota; John, who was formerly a resident of California, but is now engaged in gold mining at Cape Nome, Alaska: Caroline, wife of John Xeiswenger of Geneseo: Fred, of Rock county, Minnesota : Lizzie, wife of our subject; Elias, a merchant of Rock Rapids. Iowa : and Emeline. a resident of Geneseo. Mr. and Mrs. Papendick hold member- ship in the Evangelical Church, and he is also connected with Hoop Pole Camp, Xo. 126, :\1. W. A. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party, and is prominently identi- fied with public affairs in his community. For eight years he has creditably served as justice of the peace, and has also been school director for a number of years. He is one of the union special drainage commis- sioners, which has reclaimed fourteen hun- dred acres of land in his part of the coun- ty, their main ditch being eight miles in length. He is one of the most progressive and public-spirited citizens' of the community and is widelv and fa\orablv known. IRA E. KELSEY. Ira E. Kelsey, an active and energetic farmer, who carries on his chosen occupation on section 16, Annawan township, is a na- tive of Connecticut, his birth having oc+ curred in Kensington, March 18, 1850. His father, Erastus Kelsey, was born in Portland, Connecticut, January 10, 1821, and belonged to an old Xew England family. He was twice married, his first wife being Fanny Way, who died in Annawan town- ship, this county. March 22, 1869, leaving three children, of whom our subject is the oldest, William E., born July 2, 1853, died ii? Annawan, in April, 1888. Mary Eliza- beth, born June 10, 1868, is now the wife of Richard Arkland, of Calhoun county, Iowa. For his second wife the father mar- MR. AND MRS. IRA KELSEY. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 569 Tied Johannah Burgess, of Somerset county, Maine, who died August 10. 1895, while his death occurred Marcli 26, 1896. The family came to Illinois in 1856 and first located in Bureau county, but the following spring came to Henry county, the father purchasing one hundred and six and two- thirds acres of land on section 16, Annawan township, at twenty-si.x dollars per acre. Throughout liis active business life he fol- lowed farming, and preferring to devote his entire time and attention to that occupation he would never accept public office. Ira E. Kelsey received his education in the district school near his boyhood home, and obtained a thorough knowledge of ag- ricultural pursuits upon his father's farm. On leaving the parental roof, in 1870. he went to the western frontier, and spent three years in Kansas and Nebraska among th!« Indians, with whom he was on quite familiar terms, often camping out with them. On his return home in 1873. his father retired from active labor and he succeeded to tlie management of the farm, and has since su':- cessfully engaged in its operation. He h.n.^ never cared to enter politics, though he takes a deep and commendable interest \a public affairs. Fraternally he is a mem- ber of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Xeighbors. and his wife also belongs to the latter order. On the 20th of March. 1870. Mr. Kelsey A\as united in marriage with Miss Frances M. Boss, a native of Rochester, ew York, who died October 2. 1881. He was again married October 14. 1882. his second union being with Miss Augusta Koch, of Daven- port. Iowa, who was born in New York. August 26, 1853. and is a daughter of Carl and Ernestina ( Edler) Koch, both natixes of Germany. On coming to America. In 1850. her parents located in New Yoik, where the}' made their home until Mrs. Kelsey was three years old. when they re- moved to Davenport, h^wa. The father, who was a carpenter by trade, died April 4. 1897. and the mother departed this life August 6, 1887. Of their three children Carl died in childhood. Augusta is next in order of birth; and Louisa is the wife of John Cole, of Davenport. Iowa. By his second mar- riage Mr. Kelsey has had five children, namely: Edna L.. born ^larch 10, 1884. is attending school ; Arthur C. born October 26, 1885. died February 4. 1887: Laura May. lx>rn December 16, 1887. is also in school; Florence F., born August 26. 1890; and Leroy Oscar, born July 4. 1893, are also pursuing their studies in the local schools and reside at home. R. \V. MILAR. For almost a cjuarter of a century R. W. Milar has been engaged in the fire in- surance business in Atkinson, tliougii he is now practically living a retired life, enjoying a well-earned rest. He was born in Somer- set county. Pennsylvania. July 29. 1824. and is a son of John and Isabel (Fulton') Milar. natives of Maryland and Pennsylva- nia, respectively. Born of jXKir ])arents the fa- ther was thrown upon his own resources at an early age and learned the blacksmith's trade in Baltimore. \\'hen a young man he went to Pennsylvania, where he married and continued to make his home until his death, which occurred when our subject was a small boy. He left a widow and six children, namely; Samuel, deceased; Eli. a retired farmer of Tuscarawas conntv. Ohio, now 570 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. eighty years of age: Michael, who died iiT Missouri; R. \\'.. our subject; John A., de- ceased; and !Mary Aim, who is Hving on a farm in Tuscarawas county. Ohio. There the motlier died at tiie age of seventy-six j'ears. having never married again. R. W. Milar began liis education in the schools of Pennsylvania, but his advantages along that line were limited, and he never at- tended school more than a year. At the age of twelve years he accompanied the family on their removal to Tuscarawas county. Ohio, where he worked on a farm for four years, and then commenced learning the miller's trade, to which he devoted his en- ergies for four years, but was forced to give up that occupation as he found it injurious to his health. He next took up the trade of carpenter, which he followed many years. On the 6th of July. 1849, ^Ir- ^lilar married M'iss Rebecca Knisley, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Jacob B. Knisley, who was a carpenter Xof ew Philadelphia. Ohio, where ^Ir. Milar made his home un- til 1855. In that year, accompanied by his wife and three chiklren, he came west and located in Geneseo county. Illinois, where he worked at his trade for a short time. and the folowing year he came to Atkinson, which at that time had just been laid out. He assisted in the construction of the first building erected here, and for many years built the greater portion of its business houses and private residences. In 1877 he became interested in the fire insurance busi- ness, and now represents the following companies : the Hartford, of Hartford. Connecticut; the Springfield, of Springfield, jMassachusetts ; the Phoenix, of Brooklyn; the Phcenix. of Hartford; the Fire Associa- tion, of Philadelphia; and the Insurance Company of North America. He has been engaged in this business longer than any other man in this section of the state. Al- though he started out in life empty-handed he has accjuired some property, and is now the owner of a good farm of eighty acres, two miles north of Atkinson, which is suc- cessfully operated under his supervision. ]\Irs. Milar, who was a consistent and faithful member of the Congregational Church, died in Xovember. 1892, at the age of sixty years, and was laid to rest in Oak- wood cemetery, Geneseo. She was the mother of four children, namely : Theodore, a carpenter of Atkinson, married Eliza Ruth Storm and they have one child. Storm ; Leroy married Clara Guesbecker, and died in At- kinson, Xovember 28. 1898, at the age of forty- four years, leaving one child, Robert; J. Knisley married Anna Green and died in Atkinson, in 1882, at the age of twenty-six years ; and Clara is the wife of R. E. Bailey, a painter, decorator and paper hanger, and they live with our subject. They had a daughter, who died in infancy. 'Sir. Milar was made a Mason at Aima- wan. in 1867. and still holds membership in Annawan Lodge, Xo. 433, which has been moved to Atkinson. He served as worship- ful master of the same for six years, and has represented the lodge in the grand lodge of the state. He cast his first presidential vote in 1848 for John P. Hale, the Freesoil can- didate, and since the organization of the Republican party has been one of its stanch supporters. He has been a delegate to many conventions, and has been honored with po- litical positions, having served as constable seventeen years; justice of the peace twenty years and school director many years, and deputy sheriff of Henry county four years; discharging the various duties of these posi- tions with fidelitv and aliilitv. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. FESTUS C. COLE. The natural advantages of this section of the state attracted at an early day a su- perior class of settlers, thrifty, industrious, progressive and law-abiding, whose influ- ence has given permanent direction to the development of the locality. Among the worthy pioneers of Henry county Festus C. Cole holds a prominent place. Since June. 1839 he has made his home here, and now owns and operates a valuable farm of one liundred and sixty acres on section 28, Ox- ford township, one mile soutli of Alpha. Mr. Cole was born near Sherburne, in Madison county. Xew York, December 22. 1833. a son of .\mos and Augusta (Briggs) Cole. His father was born in the same state in 1806, and there made his home until com- ing west in 1839. Settling in Henry county, lie built the fourth house in Oxford town- ship and the first blacksmith shop in that sec- tion of the county, his patrons coming as far as forty miles to have work done. He continued to carry on blacksmithing for fif- teen years, and then devoted his entire time to agricultural pursuits. He had entered some land from the government and also purchased some, and opened up the farm i\\K)n which our subject now resides, it be- ing his place of residence for many years. He died at the home of a daughter in Aledo, Illinois, in February, 1897, while his wife departed this life in 1876. Festus C. Cole was only five years of age when brought by his parents to this, county, and in Oxford township the days of his boyhood and youth were passed. He aided his father in the shop and on the farm, and also worked for neighboring farmers for some years. He succeeded to the old homestead, and by purchase added to it from time to time until he had five hun- dred acres, but with the exception of the original tract of one hundred and sixty acres he has divided the property among his chil- dren. In i860, in this county, Mr. Cole was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Taze, who was born and reared in Pennsyl- vania and came to Illinois when a yoiuig lady. Prior to her marriage she engaged in teaching school in Henr}- county. Mr. Cole has been called upon to mourn the loss of his estimable wife, who died January i, 1898, leaving two children: William, who now operates tiie home farm, married Mar- tha Stitt and has four children. May. Clinton, Erma and Robert: and Edith is the wife of Otis Timberlake, a farmer of Oxford town- ship, and they have three children, Lyle. ^lyrtle and ^Minnie. Mr. and Mrs. Cole lost two children : Cynthia, who died at the age of nineteen years ; and LeRo\-, who died at the age of three. In his political views Mr. Cole is a Jef- fersonian Democrat and cast his first presi- dential vote for James Buchanan in 1856. but at local elections he votes independent of party lines, supporting the men whom he believes best qualified to fill the offices. For three years he was a member of the school board, but has never cared for political hon- ors. During the long years of his residence in Henry county he has watched with inter- est its wonderful development, and in its improvement and upbuilding he has ever borne his part. He has become widely known, and his many excellent traits of char- acter have gained him the high regard of his many friends. As an honored pioneer and representative citizen he is certainly deserv- ing of prominent mention in the history ot his adopted county. 572 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. AMOS A. MACKEV. The well-known and efficient bookkeeper and assistant cashier of the W'oodhull Bank, was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania. April 22. 1856, and is a son nt William A. and Emily (Hammond) ^lackey, also natives of that county. The Mackey family is of Scotch-Irish descent, and was founded in the United States during the seventeenth century. On reaching the new world our sul)ject"s ancestors located in Lancaster coun- ty. Pennsylvania. As a merchant and tanner liis father carried cin business at Spring Ri\er. Pennsylvania, throughout life. The subject of this review completed liis education by a course at Chambersburg Academy, and remained under the parental roof until eighteen years of age. He began his business career in the employ of a col- lection agency in the oil regions of Pennsyl- vania, where he spent one year. In 1875 he came to Illinois and after stopping for a short time in Galesburg he took up his resi- dence in \\'oodhull, Henry county, where he has since made his home. I'(;)r se\en years he was in the employ of a dry-goods house of that place, and then, during President Gar- field's administration, was appointed post- master of W'oodhull, which position he creditably filled for four years. During the following four years he was l:)ookkeeper in the l)ank, after which he again served as postmaster under President Harrison. Since 1882 he has maintained his connection with the bank, and is now serving as bookkeeper and assistant cashier, his services there hav- ing always given the utmost satisfaction. At W'oodhull. Mr. Mackey was married, February 22. 1883, to Miss Carrie L. Woods, who was born in Pennsylvania, but was rearetl in this countv, her father, Robert L. Woods, being one of the old residents of \\'oodhull. By this union have been born two children, Lyle E. and Wayne W. In his political views ^Ir. Mackey is a stalwart Republican, and has always taken an active interest in public affairs. He is the present township treasurer, and for six years served as a member of the school board. Both he and his wife hold member- ship in the Presbyterian Church of Wood- hull, and he is prominently connected with the blue lodge of the ^Masonic fraternity at that place, of which he is now secretary : the chapter at Rio ; and the commandery at Galesbure. LESTER COWLES WELTOX. Among the early residents and honored citizens of Henry county was the late Les- ter Cowles W'elton. who was born in Har- winton, Litchfield county. Connecticut, April 20, 181 7, a son of Xoah and Ellen ( Cowles ) W'elton, also natives of that place. He was reared on the home farm and en- joyed the advantages of the common schools of the neighborhood. After reaching his majority he left the parental roof and went to Vermont to live with an older sister, who was a widow, and remained there three years, at the end of which time he returned to Connecticut. In October. 1845, -^I''- \\ elton was uriited in marriage with Mi^s Ora Mathews, of Bristol, Conecticut, and the following spring they came to Illinois, locating in Peo- ria county, where he pre-empted a home- stead, upon which he lived until 1855. It was in that year that he removed to Henry county, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land at one dollar and a quar- LESTER C. WELTON. UNIVERSln Ot ILLINOIS URBAN A THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 57S ler per acre. Later he bought anotlier quar- ter-section, and as both tracts were raw- prairie land wlien they came into his pos- session, he at once turned his attention to their improvement. Acre after acre was broken until at length the entire farm was under a high state of cultivation. In 1876 he sold that place and spent a year in rest- ing, traveling and visiting friends in the east. He also spent some time at the Cen- tennial exposition in Philadelphia. On his returned to Henry county he located in Cam- bridge, and assisted in organizing the First National Bank at that place. He was also interested in the First National Bank at Geneseo. In the fall of 1882 Mr. W'elton removed to Reno county, Kansas, and pur- chased a section of land four miles west of Hutchinson, to which he added from time tti time until he owned twelve hundred and fortN' acres of \alual)Ie farming land. He also invested in the I'irst National Bank of Hutchinson, and was (Mie of its directors throughout the remainder of his life. He was a business man whose ability and judge- ment was always respected, and in all his dealings was upright and honorable. In his family were four children, name- ly : James M.. a resident of Geneseo, Illi- nois; Ellen, wife of W. M. Ringle, of Osco, Illinois; Merritt H., of Wiota, Iowa; and Margaret.wife of Chester O'Neal, of Hutch- inson. Kansas. Mr. W'elton renioxed his tamily to Kansas in 1883, and continued to make his home on his farm near Hutchin- son until his death, which occurred June 15, 1896. His wife survived him four years, dying on the i8th of October, 1900. Both were earnest and consistent members of the Episcopal Church, and had many warm friends in the communities where thev had made tlieir home. PoHticalJv Mr. W'elton was an active Republican, and was the tirst supervisor of Osco township, this county, being elected to that office in 1858. He held other minor offices, and always took a deep and commendable interest in the welfare of his community. He was a kind neighbor and valued citizen, and his life was one which was fraught with u.sefulness and crowned witli success. JOHN J.\OUET. Numbered among the well-to-do agri- culturists and higlil}- esteemed citizens of Loraine township is the gentleman whose home is on section 14, Loraine township. He was born in Cook county, Illinois, Sep- tember 15. 1848, and is a .son of Christian Jaquct, a native of Alsace, (jcrmany, and a carpenter Ijy trade. The father came to America about 1835 and located in Cook county, Illinois, where his first wife died, leaving one child. Christian, now a resident of Sterling. Illinois. For his second wife he married Elizabeth ]\Ietzner, wiio was also born in Germany and when a young girl came alone to the Cnited States. By this union four children were born: Fred, de- ceased; Joim, our subject; Mary, wife of Adam W'ierhold. of Vorktown township, this county; and Henry, a resident of Bureau county, Illinois. .\l)out i860 the father re- moved to Henry county and purchased eighty acres of land in Yorktown township, where he engaged in farming until his death in 1864. His wife survived him many years, dying in February, 1891, at the age of sev- enty-m'ne. .\s soon as he attained a sufficient age John Jaquel entered the district schools of 576 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Cook cciuiit}-, where he pursued liis studies until twehe years old, when he accompanied the family on their removal to this county, completing his education in the schools of Yorktown township. He began life for him- self as a farm hand in the employ of Jake Shuler, of that township, receiving seven dollars per month in compensation for his services. At the age of seventeen he worked two months for his half-brother, Christian, who was engaged in farming in Loraine township, and the following spring com- menced learning the carpente'r's trade, to \\hich he devoted his energies for three years. On attaining his majority he went to Boone county, Iowa, where he followed that occupation three months, but on his return to this' county resumed farming, being em- ployed by the month for three years. The following year he rented the John Rapp farm in Yorktown township, but at the end of tliat time he returned to his old employer, Irwin Shelton, with whom he remained an- other year. Air. Jaquet was married February 26, 1874, to JMiss Carrie Papendick, a daughter of Louis and Sophia (Greenwood) Papen- dick, of whom more extended mention is made in the sketch of William Papendick on another page of this volume. To them have been born ten children, namely: Will- iam, deceased ; Cecelia, now the wife of James Pray, of Rock Island; Albert, de- ceased; Cora, wife of Edward Oberle, of Loraine township, by whom she has two children, John and Edna; Nellie, at home; and Lillie, Ralph, John, Howard and Inez, all in school. For four years after his marriage Air. Jaquet rented the home place in Yorktown township, and then operated the old Papen- dick homestead in Loraine township for one year. At the end of that time he purchased eighty acres of land on section 13, the lat- ter township, and to this he has since added, making a good farm (jf one hundred and thirty acres, which is well improved and under a high state of cultivation. He is an energetic and progressive farmer and stock raiser, and a man of good business anc executive ability. Religiously both Mr. and Mrs. Jaquet aer members of the United Evangelical Church, and politically he is identified with the Re- publican party, of which he has been a stanch supporter since casting his first presidential vote for General U. S. Grant. He is now serving his ninth year as school trustee, and has held the office of road commissioner six years, during which time a number of bridges have been built under his super- vision. He takes an active interest in all enterprises calculated to prove of public benefit, and for eight years has been a mem- ber of the Union special drainage commis- sion, which has reclaimed several thousand acres of what once was considered worthless swamp land. LOUIS HELLER. Among the prosperous and successful agriculturists of Loraine township is Louis Heller, whose home is on section 32. Dur- ing his entire life he has been a resident of that township, his birth having occurred on section 4, February 3, 1842. His parents were David and Catherine (Arnett) Heller, the former a native of Luzerne county, Penn- sylvania, the latter of Alsace-Loraine, France. The paternal grandfather, David Heller, was born in Pennsylvania of Ger- man ancestry, and belonged to one of the THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 577 pioneer families of Luzerne county. He served for several years as a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and in days of peace fol- lowed agricultural pursuits. In early life David Heller, the father of our subject, worked at the weaver's trade in his native state. In 1832 he came west and located in what is now Loraine township. Henry county, Illinois, where he took up a tract of government land and built thereon a log cabin, in which some of his children were born. He added to his place from time to time as his financial resources increased until he had about twehe hundred acres of land, and was one of the wealthiest citizens of his community. He continued to active- ly engage in farming until his death, which occurred in 1881, when he was sixty-nine years of age, his remains being interred in Loraine cemetery. In his political views he was a strong Republican but never cared for office. His wife died in Geneseo, in 1900, at the age of se\-enty-nine. Their children were Caroline, deceased ; Louis, our subject ; Susan, deceased ; Levinus, who was formerly engaged in farming in Atkinson township, but is now living a retired life in Geneseo: Lavina, who died in infancy; Solomon, who lives near the old homestead in Loraine township; Samuel, a resident of Michigan; Wesley, of Atkinson township; Ella, wife of Fredierick Rieger, of Geneseo; and Mary, who died in infancy. During the boyhood of our subject he attended the district schools in winter, while through the summer months he aided in th? labors of the fields. At that time wild game of all kinds was plentiful and he well re- members seeing deer on the prairies, whik the wolves often made the night hideous with their howling. Among his early recol- lections is that of himself and friend convert- ing a hog trough into a canoe with tiie in- tion of crossing a slough in order that they might get some seed, but the rude boat tipped over and the boys found themselves in the mud and water. He continued to pur- sue his studies in an old log school house on his father's farm until about twenty-one years of age. On the I2th of Feliruary, 1867. Mr. Heller was united in marriage with Miss Margaret \\'agner, who was born .in Germany and was four years of age when brought to the L'nited States by her father, John Wagner. The family located in Chicago, where ^[r. Wagner worked at his trade of tailor for one year, and then came to Henry county, settling in Loraine township, where he purchased land and engaged in farming throughout the re- mainder of his life. He died in January, 1882, and his first wife passed away when i\Irs. Heller was only ten years old. They were the parents of six children, four of whom are still living, these being ^^largaret, wife of our subject ; Elizabeth, wife of Philip -Arnctt, of Whiteside county ; Catherine, wife of Isaac Urich, of Whiteside county; and Helen, wife of George Besse, of Erie, White- side county. Susan and Henry both died in infancy. For his second wife the father mar- ried Caroline Rieger, who died in 1875. IJy this union he also had six children : Cor,->line. deceased wife of Edward OfTerle; Louisa, wife of Bell Heffelfinger; August, a resident of Nebraska; Hattie, wife of Edward Rowe; John, who died at the age of ten years, and Edward, who died at the age of fixe. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Heller ninj children have been born, namely : Elizabeth, wife of Albert Sands of Loraine township ; George, who married Ella Johnson and is engaged in farming in the same township; Edward, 578 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. vho married Fl(jra Smith, and is also a far- mer i)f Loraine to\viislii|); Laura and Lei mi ard, 1)i.)tli deceased; Alaliel, at home; Ruy and (Hoy twins, and Earl, all three attend- ing school. After his marriage Mr. Heller was en- gaged in farming c)n one of his father's places for a time, and then purchased his present farm of three hundred and eighty- iive acres on section 32, Loraine township, which at that time was only partially im- pro\-ed but is now under a high state of cul- tivation and is one of the most desirable places in the locality. Religiously Mr. and }vlrs. Heller are members of the Lnited Evangelical Church of Loraine township, and fraternally he is connected with Geneseo Camp, No. 40, ^I. W'. A. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the Re- publican party, and has served as school director about thirty years and tax collector one term. He iS one of the leading citizens and representative farmers of his commu- r.it}-, and is held in high regard by all who know him. AIRS. HULDA G. CALKINS. Prominent among the early settlers of Henry county and honored residents of Alpha is Mrs. Calkins, who is familiarly known as Aunt Hulda by her numerous friends. She came to this state in 1841, and has made her home in Henry county since 1847. -^ natix'e of Massachusetts, she was born in Stockbridge, July 19, 1826, and be- longs to an old New England family. Her paternal grandfather, Samuel Griffin, was a native of Vermont, but spent much of his life in the Bay state. Her father, John Griffin, was born in Massachusetts in 1795, and there he was married about 1818 to Miss Mary Hoag, a native of Columbia cianity. New York, where he learned the weaver's trade. In early life he followed the carpenter's and joiner's trade in his na- tive state, where he continued to make his home until coming west with his family iri 1841. He first located near the present town of \'iola, in Mercer county, Illinois, then known as Stewart's Corners, where he opened up and improved a farm, on which he continued to reside until called to his final rest June 4, 1S65, at the age of sev- enty years. His wife sur\i\'ed him several years, and died January 11, 1891, at the ad- vanced age of ninety-one years and six months. Further mention is made of the family in the sketch of H. G. Griffin, of Cambridge, on another page of this volume, he being a brother of Mrs. Calkins. As previously stated Mrs. Calkins came to this state with her parents in 1841. She was principally reared and educated in Alassachusetts, and became one of the pio- neer school teachers of Henry county. On the 20th of April, 1847, she gave her hand in marriage to Anson Calkins, who was born in Austerlitz, Columbia county. New York, in 1818, and there grew to manhood. During his youth he learned the carpenter's and joiner's trade. On coming to Illinois in 1841, he located in Knox county, where he planted a large number of trees and en- gaged in the nursery business for about si.x years. He made the acquaintance of Miss Griffin while stopping at her father's resi- dence for dinner while passing through this county, and the friendship then formed soon ripened into love, resulting in their marriage. They began their domestic life upon a farm of forty acres in Oxford town- ship where Airs. Calkins still resides, now liBRARY Ul^lVtK^lir OF ILLINOIS USSA.NA ANSON CALKINS. MRS. HULDA G. CALKINS. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 583 within tiic \ illat^e nt Alplia, there heing no tcwn at tiiat time. Here ^Ir. Calkins also started a nursery, which he successfully car- ried CHI tor many years, and sold the greater numher of evergreen and ornamental trees and sliruhs now found in this localitx'. lie was also engaged in the cidli\ation of va- rious kinds of fruit, and followed general farming quite extensivelv. Prospering in his husiness enterprises, he added ti\ his original tract of forty acres from time to time until he owned o\'er one thousand .'icres of \ ery \alual)le and i)rotlucti\e land, lie laid out the town of .\lpha upon hi^ farm, and gax'.e the railroad company right of way and a site for the depot. He was in- strumental in building up the village, and ah a puhlic-spirited and enterpri.sing citizen gave his support to all measures for the jjublic good. In his political views he was originally an old line ^^'hig, and later he became a stanch Republican. Prior to the war of the Rebellion he was an ardent Abo- litionist, and was interested in the "under- grouud railroad" in that way assisting many a negro on his way to Canada and free- dom, lie tilled the office of as.sessor for a time, but never cared for political honors, preferring to devote his time and attention to his business interests. Me died July jo, 1895. at the age of seventy-seven years, honored and respected by all who knew iiini. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Calkins were born ten chiklren, namely: Myra P., wife of jVlexander A. Shaw, a farmer of Knox county: Mary li.. wife of Ira I'rankenber- ger, a farmer of O.xford township. Henry countx': J. H., a resident of .Vlpha; John I"., a farmer of Oxford township: W'inficld C. who is engaged in farming near Mt. Ver- non. Illinois; Lucia M., who was married ii. October. 1875. to E. P. Leland. the first telegraph operator at .\lpha. and died the following March: and four who died in in- fanc)'. Mrs. Calkins is a consistent and faith- ful member of the liajjtist Church, and is loved and respected b\- all who know her. .\> a pioneer of this section of the state she has witnes.sed almost its entire development. .She has seen the wild prairie transformed into highly cultivated tields: railroads, tele- gra[)hs and telephones introduced: while hamlets have grown into thriving cities and villages with all of the conveniences of an advanced civilization. She can relate many interesting incidents of pioneer life. JACOr. MYERS. Among the honored and highly esteemed citizens of Atkinson who are now living, re- tired from active labor is Jacob Myers, who was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, October 14, 1831, and is a son f)f Jacob and Elizabeth ( P.loom ) Myers, also natives of that state. The Myers family was original- ly from Ciermaii}-, and was founded in this country o\-er two lumdred v'ears ago. Oiu" subject's paternal grandfather was a native of New^ Jersey and one of the first settlers of Franklin county, Pennsylvania. There the father was liMirn. reared and educated, pursuing his studies in an old log school house witli slab seats and puncheon fio(jr. In early life he followed farming with his father and later on his own acccjunt. making tliat his life work, lie was very successful and accunuilated a comfort.able competence. He died upon his f.arm in I'ranklin county. Pennsylvania, at a comparatively early age, when our subject was onlv ;i vear old. He ;84 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. left two other cliildren : Jolin. a blacksmith, who died in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania ; and Amy. deceased wife of Isaac Peck, of Franklin county. The mother subsequently became the wife of Leonard Bievens. also a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and a representative of one of its old fam- ilies. By that union she had Hve children, namely : Michael, a resident of Hagers- town. Marjiand ; Pawl, who Uves on the old homestead in Franklin county. Pennsylva- nia; ^lary, wife of Henry Yeakle, of the same county; Sarah, wife of John Phillips, of Plum Run, Pennsylvania: and Amanda, widow of John Pitman and a resident of Franklin county. Mrs. Bievens died in 1859 and her second husband is also deceased. ^Ir. jSIyers, of this review, grew to man- hood in ,the county of his nativity, and in early days would walk two miles over the hills to school, W'here he pursued his studies for about six weeks during the year. At the age of thirteen he commenced learning the blacksmith's trade with his imcle, Michael Bloom, and during the four years of his ap- prenticeship received only his board and clothes in compensation for his labor. Later he worked as a journeyman in Pennsylvania until the fall of 1855. On the 8th of November, that year, Mr. flyers was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Fritz, also a native of Franklin county, and a daughter of Frederick Fritz, who spent liis entire life there. A week later they came to Kewanee. Illinois, where they rented a house, and where Mr. Myers %yorked at his trade during the following winter. In the fall of 1856 he purchased eighty acres of land in Burns township, and during the sum- .mer season devoted his energies to ts im- provement and cultivation, while throughout the winter he worked at his trade, "- imde hib iiome in that township for nine years, and then removed to Atkinson township in 1865. In the fall of that year Mrs. Myers died leaving four children : Charles D. is now a painter and paper hanger of Kansas City. Clayton \\'. is a graduate of Hahnemann Medica College of Chicago, and was for a time engaged in practice at Kingman. Kan- sas. \\"hile there he was appointed by Gover- nor Stanlev of that state as assistant super- intendent of the insane asylum at Topeka, which responsible position he is now filling. Leli Blanche died at the age of four years. Z\Iaggie is the wife of W. I. Goff, of El Reno, Oklahoma, and they have one child, Imogene. Air. Myers was again married, in Feb- ruary. 1867, his second union being with Airs. Mary Jane Alger, a native of Xew York state and a daughter of Theodore Xoyes. Her first husband, Horace Alger, died January 13, 1864. leaving two children, namely: Geraldine, wife of B. C. Ogden, of Lyons, Kansas, by whom she has one son, Cordy: and Noyes B., who married Pearl Woodford, and is engaged in mercantile business in Wessington. South Dakota. After his removal to Atkinson. Mr. Myers conducted a blacksmith shop at that place for nine years, and then purchased forty acres of land in Atkinson township, to which he has since added at different times tracts of forty, two hundred, one hundred and twenty, and eight}' acres, making in all four hundred and eighty acres of rich and arable land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. He lives in town but for some years continued to drive into the country and 'iversee the operation of his land. At present he rents the property and is living retire ■,' joying the fruits of former tc.'il. In his "l-tical views he is an, ardent THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 585 Republican, but cares nothing for political honors. He has, however, filled various school offices, and takes an active interest in securing efficient teachers and good schools. His wife is a member of the Free W'ill Bap- tist Church and both are held in high regard by all who have the pleasure of their accjuain- tance. GEORGE HUFFMAN. Among the honored veterans of the Civil war and representative citizens of Galva township is George Huffman, who resides on section 11. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Washington county, on the 29th of October, 1839, and is a son of Abram and Hannah (Bo wen) Huffman, also natives of the Keystone state, while the former was of German and the latter of English descent. The maternal grandfather, Mason Bowen, was a soldier of the war of 1812. Coming west in 1865 he first settled in Henry county, Illinois, and purchased three hun- dred and twenty acres of land in Gaiva town- ship, converting the wild tract into a good farm. He was always an active worker and at the time of his death owned a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres in this county, and a half section of good farm land in Min- nesota. This property was all acquired through his own industry and good manage- ment. During his boyhood he had received but a limited education. He died at the home of our subject in 1892, and his wife died January 4, 1901, in Kewanee, aged eighty- one years. Of the twelve children Ixjrn to this worthy couple three died when young. The others are as follows : George, our subject ; Mason, a resident of Galva township, who was a soldier of the Civil war and was v.ounded in the service; Julia A., wife of R. T. Bryan, a farmer of Iowa; Dilly, wife of William Briner, also a veteran of the Civil war, residing in Kewanee; Eliza, wife of Joe Johnson of the same place ; Mary, wife of Charles White, of Slayton, Minnesota ; John, a farmer of Peoria county, Illinois; Mahala, wife of Robert Sprague, of Lake Wilson, Minnesota ; and William S., of Peoria coun- ty, Illinois. In the common schools of Pennsylvania George Huffman acquired his literary edu- cation, and he remained at home with his parents until after the inauguration of the Civil war. In 1862 he enlisted in Company K, Fourteenth West Virginia Volunteer Infantry, and remained in the service until hostilities ceased, taking part in the battles of Cedar Creek, Winchester, Bunker Hill, Boliver Heights, Call Town, Lynchburg, and many other engagements of lesser im- portance. At the close of the war he was honorably discharged at Cumberland, and arrived home on the 4th of July, 1865. In the fall of the same year he came with his parents to Henry county, Illinois, and after w orking on his father's farm for two years, he purchased forty acres of wild land in 1868 and began the improvement of his farm, on which he has made his home ever since. He now operates about eighty acres of land, and as a general farmer is meeting with well de- served success. Mr. Huffman has been twice married. In 1862 he wedded Miss Catherine Martin, who died November 23, 1865, and on the loth of May. 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Cassie J. Bowler, who was born in Green county, Pennsyh-ania, in 1840. Her mother died in that state when Mrs. Huff- man was onlv twelve rears old, and in 1868 586 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. slie came to Illinois with her father, Samuel Bowler, who spent his last days at her home, he has two brothers and two sisters, namely : Margaret, wife of Jacol) \\'ilson, of Galva twonshij); Charit}', a resident of the same township: John, of Wood county. West \'ir- ginia : and George, of St. Louis, Missouri. One brother died in Chicago, Illinois, in 1896. Mr. and Mrs. Huffman have four children: Hannah L.. born November 23, 1869, is at home; Ellen, born May 16, 187 1, i:, the wife of Elmer Wright, of Kewanee. and they ha\e three children, Roy E., Nel- lie P. and Mallei. ( 3 ) Maggie, born .August 16, 1873, married Jnhn Hicks, of Kewanee, and ilied Feljruary 25, 1896; and ^^'alter H., born ^Nlarch i, 1880, operates the home farm. In 1867 Mr. Huffman was accidentally inj-ured in a threshing machine, which re- sulted in the loss of his foot. Politically he is identified with the Republican party, and re- ligiously he and his family are members of the L'nited Brethren Church. He is promi- nent in Grand Army circles and is an hon- ored member of the post at Galva. He is a worthy representative of that class of citi- zens who lead, ((uiet, industrious and useful lives, and constitute the best portion of a ccmmunitv. JA^IES H. NEWMAN. This well-to-do farmer residing on sec- tion 23, Clover township, has made his home in Henry county since the spring of 1855, and now owns and operates a valuable farm of one hundred and forty acres. He was burn in Westchester county, New York, June 19, 1833, and is a son of Banks and Sarah (Reynolds) Newman, who were life long residents of that county. His paternal grandfather, James Newman, was a native of New York and one of the first settlers of Westchester county, while the maternal grandfather. James Reynulds, was liorn in Connecticut and was also an early settler of \\'estchester county. New York. The lat- ter fought for .\nierican independence in the Revolutionar}' war. Though reared upon a farm. Banks Newman followed the shoe- maker's trade throughout life, and died in the spring of 1843. H's wife survived him and reared their six children, all of whom reached adult age, namely: Clarissa J., who died at the age of nineteen: Elias G., who married anil located in New York city, where Ids death occurred ; Rachel Ann, a resident of Westchester county, New York; Charles William, of Staten Island, New York ; Ed- gar B., of Westchester county: and James H., our subject, who is second in order of birth. James H. Newman grew to manhood ir, his natixe county, anil recei\-ed a good common-school education. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade, which he fol- lowed for some time both in New York and Illinois. In the spring of 1855 he came to this county with his cousin, Alvah Rey- nolds, and togethei- they engaged in con- tracting and building in Henry and Knox counties for three years. Mr. Newman then rented a farm and in connection with its operation continued to work at his trade. -After the country became involved in cixil war, he enlisted in the fall of 1861 in Waterhouse' Battery of Chicago, and as a member of the Western army was under the command of Generals Grant and Sherman. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Tennesssee, and Jackson, Mississippi, and in the siege of \'icksburg. being present at its THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 587 surrender. He entered the service as a jiri- \ate hut was made (|uartermaster sergeant, and acted in tliat capacity- during the whole time of his service. I'or a time lie was ill at Shiloh. and when his term of enlistment ex- pired was honorahly discharged at Louis- ville. Kentucky, December 19, 1864. While at home on a furlough Mr. New- man had purchaseil eighty acres of raw land where he now resides, and after his mar- riage in 1865 he located thereon and com- menced to break and improve the land. He built a good small house, which he has since remodeled and enlarged, and has erected two barns and other outbuildings. He has also set out fruit and shade trees, and has added to his farm a tract of sixty acres, and now h.as a well-improved and valuable farm of one hundred and forty acres. He has always given considerable attention to the raising and feeding of stock for market, and is ac- counted one of the successful agriculturists of the comnuinit}'. On coming to this state he was wiihoui capital or influential friends and to his own untiring labor and good bus- iness ability is due his success. On the 30th of November, 1865, Mr. Newman letl to the marriage altar Miss Cynthia .\. Hayden. a native of Montgomery county, Indiana, and a daughter of A. R. Hayden. an honored \-eteran of the Civil war. who came to Henry county at an early day and is now one of the substantial far- mers of Clover townshij). By this union were born two sons, Clark and Orris H. The latter is well educated and is now principal of a ward school in Pekin. Illinois. He is married and has two children. Marie and James Harold. Politically Mr. Newman has been a life- long Republican, haxing cast his first presi- Mr. and Mrs. Mc- Corkle were Joseph, an employe in the roll- ing mills of Kewanee, who married Lefa -Vdams and has three children. Earl, Fred- die and \'erna ; Charles, who wedded Mary E. Johnson and died in Lincoln, Nebraska, leaving one child; Eri J., Peoria; William, V\ho married Isabella Mason, now deceased, and li\-es in Lincoln, Nebraska; Mary, who was drowned in the Ohio river at the age of fifteen years ; Henry, a resident of Salt Lake City, Utah ; Elburt. a farmer of Stark coun- ty, Illinois; Susan, who died in infancy; George, who fought through the Spanish- American war, and is now with the L'nited States army in the Philippines ; Eri, who is a traveling salesman for a clothing house and lives in Lincoln, Nebraska ; Baj-ard, who died in infancy; and Marshall, a boiler maker of Bellair, Ohio. The wife and mother, who was a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, died February 23, 1874, and was laid to rest in Moundsville, West Virginia. ;\lr. McCorkle was made a Mason in Marshall Union Lodge, No. 8, at Mounds- ville, West, Virginia, and has always affil- iated with the Republican party, but hai taken no active part in politics aside from voting. He has made many friends during his residence in Kewanee, and is held in high regard bv all who know him. L. D. ANDERSON. Among the enterprising and public-spir- ited citizens of Geneseo may be numbered L. D. Anderson, who does a successful bus- iness in establishing drive wells and water works on farms throughout the surrounding countrv. He was born in Bucvrus, Craw- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 589 ford county, Ohio, April 7, 1847. ^"^ i* '^ son of Jolin and Mary (Andrews) Ander- son, the father a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, the mother of Ashland county, Ohio. In early life the father learned the tinner's trade and followed that business for a time, but later conducted a hotel in Bucy- rus. Ohio. In 1851 he came to Geneseo, Illinois, driving all the way from Bucyrus. Ohio, with a team and buggy. He embarked in the tinware and stove business, hauling h's goods to this place from the canal at I'eru, tliere being no railroad here at that time. In 1858 he turned his attention to farming and successfully carried on that oc- cupation for twenty years, at the end of Vi hich time he returned to Geneseo, while his sun, James, operated the farm for the same length of time before it was sold. The fa- ther died in Geneseo July 19, 1892, at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. In his political views he was a strong Republican and helped to organize the party in his local- it}-. He was an anti-slavery man and favored tile vigorous prosecution of tlie war. His fellow citizens recognizing his worth and ability, called upon him to serve as sui^er- visor .several terms, and as a member of the school l)oard for many years. His estimable wife was a daughter of Captain Alanson An- drews, one of the founders of the town of Ashland, Ohio, which was largely built upon his farm. He died in 1850, at the age of sixty-six years. In 1876 his wife, who bore the maiden name of Sally Gates, came to Geneseo, where most r Wells, of Connecticut. The Hon. William H. Wells, the author of Wells' (irammar, was the cousin of Mrs. W'aite. Her mother was Mary B. Ford, daughter of Dyer and Esther ( I'.urnett ) 594 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Ford, and their children were Estlier, Dyer. WilHani Averill and Mary B. The Fords are descendants of of Martha Ford, who came to Plymouth, ^lassachusetts, in tlie ship "Fortune'" in 16.21, with her children. Mrs. \\'aite was born in Old Woodstock, Connecticut, and came with her parents to Geneseo in 1856. Benjamin Weils, her fa- ther, died in Geneseo in 1864, and her mother departed this life in Geneseo in 1886. To Judge and Mrs. Waite were given three chil- dren, Laura X.. Hattie M. and Ruth M. Lt 1886 Hattie ^L married Thomas Everitt and tW'O children were born unto them — - George AA'aite Everitt and Thomas' Waite Everitt. The last named died in February, 1892. Thomas E\eritt, the husband of Hat- tie M., departed this life in 1890. Ruth M. Waite married Henry Dedrick, of Geneseo, in 1895, and they had one child, Henry \Vaite Dedrick, who died in December, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Dedrick now reside in Janes- ville, Wisconsin. XELS GRAXOLTST. The career of him whose name intro- duces this review illustrates most forcibly the ixjssibilities that are open to young men who possess sterling busines qualifications. It proves that ambition, i>erseverance, stead- fast purpose and indefatigable industry, combined with sound business principles, will be rewarded, and that true success fol- lows individual efifort onh% This w^ell-known contractor of Kewanee was born in tlie province'of Skone, Sweden, September 17, 1856, a son of John and Rers- tine (.Anderson) Granquist, also natives of that countrv, where the father was ensraeed in contracting and building for many years, but is now living retired from active labor. His wife died about ten years ago. Unto them were born six children, namely : Mar- garet, wife of Peter Pearson, of Sweden; X'^els, our subject; Hannah, who became the wife of August Beck and died in Kewanee, Illinois; and three who died in infancy. As soon as he reached a sufficient age Xels Granquist entered school, and until seventeen continued his studies, completing liis education by a collegiate course. Thus well equipped for life's responsible duties he began his business career as his father's as- sistant. \\'ith the hope of benefiting his finan- cial condition he came to the new world at the age of twenty-five years and has since made his home in Kewanee, where he worked at his trade in the employ of E. T. Heaps until 1890, when he embarked in business on his own account as a contractor and builder. He has erected many private resi- dences and business blocks in the city, in- cluding the ]McLean block, the Bennison building, the Washington and Irving schools, the Kewanee Boiler Company's> plant, the Union X'^ational Bank, the Hallin block, two new buildings for the Western Tube Company, and at present is erecting another four-story building for the same company at a cost of thirt}' thousand dollars. On the 1 6th of December, 1886, Mr. Granquist married Miss Amanda Danielson, who was born in Sweden but was only a year and a half old when brought to America by her parents, Charles and Louisa (Ander- son) Danielson, locating in Kewanee when it was a mere village. Her father, who fol- lowed gardening for many years, died June 5. 1893, but her mother is still living and continues' to reside in Kewanee. Of the eight children born to them only three are THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 595 now living: namely; Eupheniia. wife of Will Larson, of Kewanee; C. J., a grocer of Ke- wanee; and Amanda, wife of our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Graiiquist have become the parents of four children as follows: Edith, born February 25, 1888, died at the age of fourteen months; Verner Nels, born No- vember 5, 1890, is now attending school; Ralph Clifford, born April 25, 1895, and Inez Amanda, born February 7. 1899, are both at home. On coming to the United States Mr. Granquist was unable to speak a word of English, and for the success that he has achieved here he deserves great credit, it being due entirely ti> his own well-directed and energetic efforts. He is one of 'he lead- ing and influential members of the Swedish Lutheran Evangelical Church, of which he has been a trustee for ten years, and in poli- tics he is identified with the Republican party. He served as a trustee of Kewanee in 1894 and 1895, during which time he was chairman of the streets, alleys and water committees, and was also a member of the park and cemetery committee. In the spring of 1900 he was elected supervisor of Ke- wanee, which office he is now most credit- ably and acceptably filling, and is a member of the committee on public grounds and buildings. He is a man of recognized abil- ity and sterling worth, and merits the high regard in which lie is unifurmlv helil. JOHN O. HILBURG. Since the 19th of June, 1868, the subject of this sketch has been a resident of Henry county, and for a quarter of a century has been one of the leading contractors and builders of Galva. He was born in CJestrik- laud, in the northern part of Sweden, May 3, 1844. His father, who was a soldier in the Swedish army and a carpenter by trade, (lied in that cnuntry. as did also two of liis daughters. In his family were four chil- dren, our subject being the only son. .\bout 1872 the mother and youngest daughter, Catherine, came to the United States and settled in Illinois. The latter became the wife of M. O. Swanson and died in Galva in 1890, while the mother's death occurred in 1893, when she was eighty-one years of age. y,W. Hilburg received a good high-sclmnl education in the land of his birth. He was only seventeen years of age when his father diied and the support of his mother and si>- ters devolved upon him. After his father's death and up to 1868 he followed farming. Coming djrect to Galva he soon fovmd em- ployment as a farm hand, working as such for a few years or at anything he coidd find to do. For a time he worked as a laborer on the 'railroad. In 1869 Mr. Hilburg married Miss Johanna Hagstrum, also a native of Sweden, who came to America about the same tinio as her husband'.' By this union have been born twelve children, namely: John F.. a carpenter now engaged in business as a partner of his father, is married and has' one son, John M. ; William, a painter of Galva. lives at home; Amil is a carpenter residing at home; Jennie is at home; Clara is at home ; Walter is a painter and carpentei li\ing at home; Herman is attending school ; Ernest is a farm hand ; and Nettie, Edna, Francis and Earl are all attending school. The children have all received a good edlica- tion in the common and high schools of Galva. Mrs. Hilburg passed away Decem- ber 2, 1900. 596 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. .\I1 that he has Mr. Hilburg has made liy liard labor. Ha\ing' no capital with v.iiich to embark in business for himself, he continued to work at \arious occupations until 1876, when he became connected with the building' interests of Galva. He has since done a large and successful business as a contractor and builder in and around Galva, filling some contracts in neighboring tcwn.s. In his shop he does some cabinet \\ork, but is principally engaged in house building, and during the busy season em- ploys quite a numl)er of men. He -is a stockholder in the W'estrand Manufactur- ing Company of Gaha, and owns a pleas- ant home in that town, which \vas erected by him in 189 1. In political i^entiment Mr. Hilberg is a Republican, and lis now ac- ceptably serving Ms second term as a mem- ber of the village boardi. He is an active and prominent member of the Swedish Lu- theran Church, of which he has been a deacon for about twenty-three year.s, and superintentlent of the Sunday-school for six- teen ^•ears. SW'AX S\\'AXSOX. There is no element which has entered into our composite national fabric which has been of more practical strength, value and utility than that furnished by the sturdy, persevering and honorable sons of Sweden, and in the progress of our Union this ele- ment has played an important part. Thev have also taken a very active and ])romi- nent part in the dexelopment of Henr\- county and rank among its best citizens. Chief among these is Swan Swanson, one of the oldest pioneers of the Bishop Hill col- ony and the only surviving member of its original trustees. -A native of Helsingland, Sweden, he was born May 28, 1825. and is a son of Swan Olson, a farmer of that country. There the parents and all the children of the family died with exception of our subject and his sister Katrina, who came to America some time after our subject. During his boy- hood Mr. Swanson receixed but a \-ery limited education, only learning to read and write, but being a great reader of good lit- erature he ha;, became a well-informed man. Bidding good-bve to home and family he came to the new workl in 1846, making the voyage in si.x weeks, which was consid- ered a quick trip at that time. By canal and the Great Lakes he proceeded from New York to Chicago, and from the latter city walked to Bishop Hill. He came with the first party of colonists, consisting of si.xty able-bodied men, whose purpose it was to prepare homes for the people and procure more land and assist in getting it under cul- tivation. There were aboiu eleven him- tlred people who left Sweden at that time, for Bishop Hill, but had ilied en route, and others died from exposure during the se\-ere winter tliat followed, as the accom- modations were not sufficient for the num- ber. This part of the county was then all wild and unimproved. The colonists erected a sawmill and began the manufacture of lumber for their houses. Later brick were used in their construction, and luany of the buildings erected at that time are still stand- irig. It was one of the duties of the trus- tees to appoint men to superintend each de- partment in the colony, and Mr. Swanson was assigned to the mercantile depart- ment, with which he was connected for ten years while the colony was in a flourishing condition. In i860, after some dissension and the death of the leader, the colonv (lis- SWAN SWANSON. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 599 solved anil he embarked in merchandising on his own account in partnership with Ja- cob Jacobson, Sr.. successfully conducting ^general store until 1S72. They also pur- chased land which was transformed into valuable farms w ith the assistance of others, as ^Ir. Swanson devotetj his entire attention to his commercial interests. After twent}- years of continuous business he sold his store but continues to engage in agricul- tural pursuits, being the owner of about three hundred acres of well-improved and highly-cultivated land in Weller township. He has been called upon to settle many es- tates, some of them involving much proper- ty, and this together with his own business interests have fully occupied his time. In 1848 Mr. Swanson married Miss Christina Gabrielson, who died in 1877, leaving three sons, namely : C. Walter is a graduate of Eastman's Business College, of Poughkeepsie, Xew York, and is now succesfully engaged in the millinery bus- iness in Galesburg. E. Linne is a graduate of the Burlington Business College, and for ten years has engaged in general merchan- dising in Bishop Hill. He is married and has one daughter, Evelyn S. John is a grad- uate of the common schools of Geneseo, and is now engaged in business with his brother Walter in Galesburg. Mr. Swanson was again married, in 1881, his second union being with Miss Kate Erickson, also a na- tive of Sweden, by whom he has one daugh- ter, Dorothy, who was born in 1890, and is now attending the public schools. Mr. Swanson is public-spirited and pro- gressive and has been a cheerful supporter of all enterprises which he believed would prove of public benefit. He gave liberally toward building the Rock Island & Peoria railroad through Bishop Hill and the estab- lishment of a depot at that place. While engaged in merchandising he was appoint- ed postmaster in 1854 and held that office until he sold his store in 1872. He also served as school treasurer many ^-ears ; was one of the organizers of the new school ; and was a trustee for almost half a cen- tury, retiring from that office in 1900. He has been a member of the village board and served as its president some time. Mr. Swanson has taken a decided interest in maintaining and promoting anything for the advancement of the community in which he lives, and is a liberal subscriber to church wiirk. although not a member of any relig- ious denomination. In his political views he is a Republican. He is quiet and unas- suming in manner, but very popular with a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.- LEWIS W. SLAL'SOX. .\mong the citizens of Henry county whose success in life is due entirely to their own industry and business ability is Lewis \\ . Slauson, a prominent farmer residing on section 19. Clover township, whose birth occurred in Albany county, Xew York, Au- gust I, 1838. His father. Tryanson Slauson, was born in the same county, in iSoS. and there wedded' Mary Tenyck. also a native of -Klbany county and of German ancestry. .\s farming people they spent their entire lives in the county of their nati\-ity. Lewis W. Slauson was reared on the l-.ome farm, and during his youth assisted in the cultivation of the fields during the sum- mer months, while through the winter sea- son he attended the public schools of the neighborhood. On leaving home in 1857. 6oo THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. at the age of nineteen years, he came to IHi- nois with his sister, arriving in Galesburg. Knox comity, in Xoveniber of that year. That winter he attended the district schools, and' the following year worked on a farm in Knox county for thirteen dollars per month. He next engaged in farming for himself upon a rented farm, for a year, hav- ing traded for an old team of horses to carry on his work. The following season he again worked by the month, but the next year en- gaged in farming, and then again was in the emplo)- of others. During the Civil war he operated rented land and in the meantime purchased eighty acres of partially improved land in Clover townsliip, and in connection with its cultivation also engaged in farm- ing on rented property. Selling lus farm in 1869 he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 19, Clover township, V. here he now resides. To the further im- provement and cultivation of this place he devoted his energies and now has one of the best farms of its size in the township. He has also purchased a well improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres a mile and a half east of \\'oodhull. This propert}- stands as a monument to the thrift and en- terprise of the owner, whose success is en- tirely due to his own well-directed efforts and the assistance of his estimable wife, who lias indeed proved a true helpmate to him. In 1866 Mr. Slauson was married in Henry county to Miss Wilhelmina Hough- ton, a native of Vermont and a daughter of Thomas Houghton, who was one of the early settlers of this county. She was only eleven years old when she came with the family to Illinois, and at that early age act- ed as her father's housekeeper. To Mr. and Mrs. Slauson were born six children, but only two are now living, nanielv : Edith and Caroline, both at home. Horace died at the age of twenty-two years; Solon died at the age of thirteen ; Ella married F. Porter Me- Connell and' died January 2~, 1899; and one son died in infancy. IMr. Slauson voted for Abraham Lincoln in i860 and 1864, but later he supported the Greenback and Peoples party, and having always been a strong temperance man he is now identified with the Prohibitionists. For three jears he acceptably filled the office of townsliip assessor, and was school director for twelve \'ears. He assisted in establish- ing the ^lutual Fire Insurance Company, and served as one of its directors for six 3'ears. He has always taken an active in- terest in those enterprises calculated to prove of public benefit, and gi\en his sup- port to all measures which he belie\-ed for the betterment of the community in which he li\'es. He is a prominent member of the Odd Fellows lodge of ^\"oodhull, in which he has passed all the chairs and is now past sfrand. WILLIAM S. CHARLES. William S. Charles, deceased, was one of the prosperous and substantial farmers as well as one of the leading citizens of Burns township, his home being on section 2y2. He was born in London, England, No- vember 1, 1813, and during his childhood removed with his parents to Wales, where he was reared and educated. Determined to try his fortune in the new world w^here he believed that better opportunities were af- forded young men than in his native land, he sailed from Liverpool in 1830, and at length landed at Sandy Hook, whence he proceeded to Xew York City. He first lo- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 60 1 catcd in a small town in the Empire state, where he engaged in farnxing for a Quaker until 1 83 J, and then came to Illinois. He first made his home in that part of Knox county now 'included in Stark county. After living there for three years, April 18, 1835, Mr. Charles was united in mar- riage with Miss Esther Stoddard, a native of Goshen, Connecticut, where she was born, in October, 1S17, theirs being the tirst mar- riage celebrated in Stark county. They be- came the parents of live children, but with one exception all are now deceased. They were as follows: George, born May 14, 1840, was buried at Galva ; Elizabeth, born March 3, 1S4J, ib living in Galva; Frank, born March 8. 1845, is also buried at Galva; Rhoda, born February 28, 184S, died and is buried at Murray, biwa: ;uiil Mar_\-, born May 15, 1851, is burietl at Galva. For about five j'ears after liis marriage Mr. Charles was engaged in farming upon rented land, and then reuKued to Round Grove, purchasing eighty acres of what is now the old homestead. To. this he added from time to time as his financial resources permitted until he had two hundred and eighty acres of very valuable and well-im- proved land. He made his home thereon throughout the remainder of his life and died July 14, 1899. His wife had passed away May 5, 1879, and buth were laid to rest in the Galva cemetery. They were widely and favorably known throughout the community in which they lived and justly merited the high regard in which they were held. Mr. Charles always affiliated with the Republi- can party, and his fellow citizens, recogniz- ing his worth and ability, called: upon liini to serve as supervisor two terms, and school director for the long period of forty years, being actively engaged in upbuilding the school interests of his district, and was an active member of the Imanl when the tirst school house was built and also the present more modern structure. He was also an ex- tensive stock raiser. He was a member of the Church of England, and' led an honor- able, upright life, consistent with his pro- fessions. MRS. LUCY E. HOUGHTOX. Since the spring of 1852 Mrs. Lucy E. llnuglUim has been a resident of Henry county, and has made her home in Wood- hull for the past twelve years. She was born in Windham county, Vermont, on the 6th of December, 1825, and is a daughter of Samuel Johnson, a uati\e of England, who came to the new world when a young man and located in the (irecn Mountain state, where he engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods, carrying mx business at Ches- ter for many years. There he died alx)ut 1835. He had married Miss Lucy Olcott, a native of Vermont, who survived him a n.umber of years anil reared their f;uuily. r^Irs. Houghton passed her girlhood at Chester and was educated in its schools. On the 13111 of Xovember, 1845, she gave her hand in marriage to Calvin C. llougii- ton, who was born and reared in Grafton, Vermont, and was engaged in business at Chester for some years. In 1850 he came to Illinois, and purchased one hundred and six- ty acres of land in Clover township, Henry county, after which he returned to Vermont, Init the following fall he again came to this coiuuy, making the journey across the country in a buggy. He erected a little shanty upon his land, and in the spring of 1852 was joined by his wife and two 602 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. cliilclren wlm were Ix.irn in Chester, \'er- niunt. Thev lixed in that house fur tliree years and then reninx-ed to daleshurg. where they made their home for the same length of time. Mr. Houghton going back and forth to manage his farm. .\t the end of tliree years he again took up his residence thereon, and to the original purchase added eighty acres. He broke, fenced and improved his land, and in its operation met with most excellent success. At length he be- came tlie owner of one thousand acres in this county, and also had nearly two thou- sand acres in Iowa. In connection with farming he was also extensively engaged in raising and dealing in stock, and became one of the most j^rosperous and wealthy citizens of his community, as well as one of its popular and influential citizens. He was public-spirited and progressi\e and gave liis supp(jrt to all enterprises calculated to promote the welfare of his township or county. He died upon his farm ^lay lo, 1874, and the community realized that it had lost one of its valued citizens. To Mr. and Mrs. Houghton were born eight children, namely : Curtis moved to Jefferson county, Iowa, where he married Frances Brooks and engaged in farming un- til his death in 1893. He left three sons. Paul, Glenn and Earl. Henry E., a promi- nent farmer and business man of this county, is represented on another page of this vol- ume. Fred J., a prominent lawyer of Chad- ron, Nebraska, married ^Maggie Benn and has two children, Inez and Manley. Wini- fred is the wife of John Oliver, of Jefferson county, Iowa, and they have five children, Henry, Ned, Clyde, Fred and Ole. Hugh, who lives on a ranch in Oelrichs, South Da- kota, married Alice Rebine and had six chil- dren : ^^label : Fred, who died at the age of eleven years ; Lucy, Jessie, Ray and Kinley. .\ellie died when a young lady. Jessie died in childhood. Helen died in infancy. After Mr. Houghton's death his son Menr\- took charge of the farm and Mrs. Houghton resided thereon until 1888, when she built a pleasant residence in Woodhull and has since made it her home. She is a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church, and an active worker in both church and Sunday-school. She is widely known throughout the county where she has so long made her home, and is held in the highest resard bv her manv friends. SAMUEL WATERS ALLERTON. One of the largest land owners in Henry countv, but who makes his home in the city of Chicago, is the subject of this sketch, who traces his ancestry to Isaac Allerton, wdio came over in the Mayflower, in 1620. Isaac .\llerton was a native of England, and was born between the years 1583 and 1585, the exact date being unknown. He resided in London for some time prior to his removal to Holland in 1609. It is generally admitted that he was the wealthiest of all the Pilgrims and is one of the few among them to whom Bradford and other contemporaneous writers always give the prefix "Mr." which in those days was used as an index of superior fam- ily or respectability. He was also one of the three upon whom the privilege of citizen- ship w^as conferred by the city of Leyden. his associates in this honor being William Brad- ford, afterwards Governor of the Plymouth colony, and Degory Priest, his brother-in- law. He was first married in the city of Leyden, No\ember 4, 161 1, to Marv Nor- SAMUEL W. ALLERTON. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CRBAXA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 60s ris. lit Xewhury. England, and at tlie time of tlie sailing ui the Mayflower lie had four children. His wife died February 2^. 1621. In 1626, he married Fear Brewster, daugh- ter of Elder William Brewster. She was a woman of pleasing appearance and of a pious disposition, and was the mother of Isaac Al- Icrton, the second of that name, from whom the .\llerton family is descended. She died ill i()34, while his death occurred in 1659. Samuel W. Allerton is of the ninth gen- eration from Isaac .\ilerton. of whom men- tion has just been made. He was born at /\menia. Dutchess county. Xew York, and is the son of Samuel W. and Hannah (Hurd) Allerton, the former also being a native of .\menia. born December 5, 1875. -He was unitetl in marriage with Hannah Hurd. March 2(>, 1808. She was born in South Do\er. Dutchess county, Xew York, ard was the eldest daughter of Ebenezer and Rebecca (Phillips) Hurd, her father being an extensive farmer and stock dealer in .\menia. B\- this union there were nine chil- dren, eight of whom were living in January, 1899, at a combined age of over six hundred and thirty years. In his early life. Samuel W. .Mlurton. the father of (lur subject, studied for the medical profession, Init changing his mind, he learned the tailor's trade and became a merchant tailor, while at the same time he carried on a country store. In 1828 he was one of the promoters in building a woolen mill and establishing a factory. In consequence of the reduction of the tariff in 1833, nearly all the manu- factories in Xew England were riuned, and Mr. Allerton lost nearly all his fortune. In 1837 he came west to lov.a, with the hope of building up his ruined fortune, but was taken sick and returned to his eastern home. In 1842 he removed to Yates county, Xew "^'ork. where he rented a l:u-m, and in 1848 bought a farm in Wayne county, in the same str.te, where he hved the remainder of his life. He was a man of sterling integrity, was a Universalist in his religious belief, and lived to the ripe old age of ninet)--nine 3'ears and eight months. Samuel Waters Allerton, our subject, was but seven years of age when his father failed in business, at which time he received an im- jjressioii which has influenced his noble life. While the sheriff was selling his father's ]m,perty. his mother shed tears when two horses which had been highly prized were sold. Putting his arms around his mother's neck he told her that he would be a man and provide for her. In after life he kept his jjromise. He was the youngest of the nine children, and lived at .\menia until he was fourteen years of age, but commenced to v.ork for himself when he was twelve years old. In 1842 he went to Yates county with his parents, and remained with them until they had saved enough money to buy the farm in Wayne county. With his brother Henry, he then rented a farm and made fif- teen hundred dollars, which they invested in a farm in Wayne county, leaving still three thousand dollars unpaid. Renting another farm, Mr. Allerton be- gi»n its cultivation, and at the end of three )ears had saved up thirty-two Inmdred dol- lars. He then went to Xewark, where he worked with his brothers on their farm, and traded in a small way in live stock, in Wayne county. On his return from Albany and Xew^ York, where he had gone with some stock, he said to his brother Henry : "I be- lieve I know as much as the dealers I met, and as we now have the farm paid for and three thousand dollars in money, I will set- tle with you, you taking the farm, and I tak- 6o6 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. iiig the money." His brother repHed: "If you continue as 3'ou are, in a few years you will own the best farm in this country; but it you wish to try the Hve stock trade, tall right. We will settle on this basis. This if all the advice I have to give }'ou. You will run across smart and tricky men, but they always die poor. Make a name and character for yourself, and you are sure to win." The first hundred cattle Samuel bought after dissolving partnership with his brother, he sold in New York at a loss of seven hun- dred dollars. This made him sick, but calling on an elderly uncle who had made a success in life, he was told by his uncle, "Aly boy, you are pretty sick, but don't lose your cour- age. I never found but one dead sure thing, and that was hoeing corn at fiity cents a day. If you make money, you must some- times lose it. Try it over." About this time women had burned a number of bridges on the Erie railroad be- cause the trains would not stop for dinner. Going to Erie, Mr. Allerton purchased one liundred head of cattle which he shipped to to New York over the Erie railroad, and which on account of the burned bridges had to be unloaded and driven to Dunkirk, where they were re-shipped. On Ms arrival he ftmnd the market short on cattle, and his venture netted him three thousand dollars, ■which gave him new courage. He then drifted west and for one year fed and raised cattle in Fulton county, Illinois. The finan- cial panic which swept over the country at this time willed out about all the capital he had, aiitd becoming ill, he concluded that he could not stand the western climate. Re- turning east, he bought an interest in a store with his brother in Newark, New York, and for a short time engaged in the mercantile business. Selling goods, howe\-er. was not agreeable to him, as he desired to deal on a larger scale. \\'hile residing in Illinois, he had met a daughter of Astor C. Thompson, of Fulton county, that state. Having regained his health, he sold his interest in the store, and gathering together what money he had left, and borrowing five thousand dollars, he again came west, the young lady in Fulton county being the principal attraction. On liis arrival there he traded a little, but in IMarch, iS6o. he went to Chicago, which has since continued to be his home. On the ist of July, i860, he was united in marriage with Miss Pamilla ^SI. Thompson, at Peoria, Illinois, and with his young bride returned to Chicago, "where the world turned around e\ery twenty-four hours," and which was the proper place in which to trade. On coming to Chicago, Mr. Allerton commenced to buy and sell live stock in a small way, there being then no general mar- ket in the city, except for a short time dur- ing the winter. Shippers generall)- took their hve stock to the eastern markets. About this t'me there was a decideid break in the Chicago market, and Mr. Allerton desired to bu\-, but having formed no connection with any bank here, the question was how to get money. Among his few acquaintances in Chicago was a man by the name of Tobey, whom he asked to take him to a bank and identify him. Mr. Tobey was willing to do this, but he said that he could not guarantee anything. He was assured by Mr. Allerton that he only wished to be identified, and that he would arrange the balance. He was taken to the bank of George Smith, and on being introduced, said to Mr. ^^'illard, "If I will pay for three telegrams, one to Hal- stead, Chamberlain & Co., asking if the}- will THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 607 pay fny draft : one to your own correspond- ent, to ascertain if Halsteasd, Chamberlain & Co. are all right ; and one to my own bank to assure you that I am all right, can I come down to-morrow and sell you a sight draft?" He replied "Yes." Mr. .\lleTton went back to the stock yards and bought all the hogs in the market, and went down with a draft for eighty thousand dollars, asking Mr. Will- ard if he had received replies to his telegrams. His answer was that he had, and that the replies were favorable. Mr. Allerton handed him the draft, and was told that they could not discount so large a draft on telegrams, and that he had supposed that he would not want more than five thousand dollars. Mr. Allerton said, "You know Mr. Tobey, and 3-ou certainly do not think that he would in- troduce a thief to you." Mr. W'illard, however, would not dis- count the draft, and Mr. Allerton found him- self in a position where he must have money, but what to do he did not knov.-. Leaving the bank, he accidentally met a man from Syracuse, New York, and asked him if he Avas acquainted with any banks in Chicago, and was told that he knew Aikens & Norton. He was taken to them and introduced. Mr. Aiken looked over the telegrams and signi- fied his willingness to comply with Mr. Aller- ton's request, but that he would have to charge one per cent, for the use of the money. In this wa\- Mr. Allerton became a customer of Aikens & Norton. The Civil war broke out and the nation needed money. Con- gress passed the National Bank Act, issuing bonds to secure the circulation. This was regarded by Mr. Allerton as a step in the right direction toward a national currency, as the nation had never had anything but "red dog" and "bob-tailed" currency. To start a national bank would aid the govern- ment and give the people an uniform cur- rency, but for some reason the people seemed slow to start National banks. Mr. Allerton asked Mr. Aikens why he did not start one, and was answered, "because he feared he could not get the stock taken." Mr. .\llerton said that he, with five other men, would take ten thousand dollars each. In this way the First National Bank of Chicago, one of the strongest financial institutions in the coun- try, was started. By his union with Pamilla W. Tliomp- son, two children were born. Kate Ben- nett, born June 10, 1863, married Dr. Fran- cis Sydney Papin, October 14, 1885, and after his death she married Hugo R. John- son. Robert Henry, born March 20, 1873. The mother of these children died, and Mr. Allerton later married her sister. Agnes C. Thompson, the marriage ceremony being solemnized March 15, 1882. They now reside in a beautiful home on Prairie ave- nue. Chicago. Mr. Allerton has been a very successful business man and is well known throughout the state and nation. He wrote the first letter published in the Chicago Tribune in favor of organizing the Union Stock Yards, so as to bring all buyers and sellers together, which has made it the greatest live stock market in the world, and also made Chicago a money center. He always had the desire to own a farm, when he succeeded in ac- cumulating enough money. His desire has certainly been gratified, and he is to-day one of the largest farmers in the country who cultivates his own land, cultivating about forty thousand acres in the very best man- ner. He is said to have a hobby for pur- chasing poorly productive lands, and by cul- tivation "makes them blossom as a rose." He has large interests in ranches and gold mines, and has lands in Dakota. Nebraska, Iowa. Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania 6o8 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and X'ew York, and has always been inter- ested in the live stock trade, and continues to ship live stock to Xew York and Ensfland. Mr. Allerton received his early political education from Henry Clay and Horace Greeley, and has always been a strong be- liever in a protective tariff and free schools. He remembers that in the campaign of 1844, when Henry Clay was a candidate for the presidency, the issue was, "Shall we put a tariff on iron and inaugurate f^ee schools?" The Democrats said that "a tariff would build up home monopolies and free schools wi mid be a burden and a tax on the people." Clay replied. '"Give the people free schools so as to increase their intelhgence, their energy and industry, and home competition would reduce the price of iron." It was then one hundred dollars a ton. Remember- ing the words of Henry Clay, and believing the tree school system has made this great nativering twen- ty-sfx counties in Iowa. Three days was the longest he was out of the sadtlie for six months, doing all his traveling on horse- back. He remained in that employ for one year, and would often be on the road for three or four weeks at a time, carrying all the currency collected by him on his per- son. Later he was with the McCormick Reaper Company as agent and canvassed Henry. Mercer and Rock Island counties, Illinois, .\fter three years spent with that liriu he was taken into the office, \vhere as accountant and bookkeeper he remained the same length of time. Returning to Atkinson in 1863. i\Ir. Xowers entered into business with his fa- ther, remaining with him until the latter's retirement, when his brother. John F., and brother-in-law. H. L. Lyon, purchased the father's interest. Business was conducted under the tirm name of Nowers Brothers when our subject ami his breather sold out to Lyon & Ransom, wlm still carry on the store. In connection with general mercan- tile l)usiness the brothers had also engaged in the implement and lumber business, and have conducted a general banking business since the ist of April, 1881. As dealers in live stock they have done an extensive business since 1864 and ha\e shipped as high as one hundred and fifty carloads a year and now average seventy-five carloads. Our subject was one of the organizers of the Farmers National Bank of Geneseo, of which he was a director for ten years. Be- sides his property in Atkinson he owns a farm of eighty acres adjoining the village, and also owns another eighty-acre tract else- wlierc in Atkinson township. In his political affiliations he is a stanch Republican and has taken a very prominent part in public afifairs. Soon after attaining liis majority he was elected township clerk in Rock Island county, and in 1866 was elected supervisor of Atkinson township, this county, which office he has now most creditably filled for twenty-five years. He was a member of the building committee when the court house was erected, and as chairman of the board he appointed the committee to erect the soldiers' monument at Cambridge, which was completed at a cost of eight thousand dollars and is a credit to the countv. He was chairman of the finance 6i: THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. committee for a number of years, and for the past five years has been chairman of the board. He has been a delegate to state and county conventions of liis party, and in 1883 was elected to the state legislature. So ac- ceptably did he fill that position that lie was re-elected in 1885, and while a member of the assembly he served on the following committees : township and county organiza- tions, banking, claims and militia. One year he was a member of the committee on state charitable institutions and took a very active part in its work. During that time about five hundred thousand dollars were expended on enterprises. He was one of the five mem- bers of the house who had in charge the bill, which was afterward taken up by Gov- ernor Fifer, then in the senate and two other senators, appropriating four hundred thou- sand dollars for the erection of the insane hospital at Kankakee, which is to-day one of the best institutions in the state. While in the legislature Mr. Xowers took an active part in the passage of the high license bill, and was also instrumental in passing the general election law now in force. His pub- lic and his private life are alike above re- proach, for his career has ever been one characterized by the utmost fidelity to duty, and he receives and merits the high regard of the entire communitv. PAUL L. JOHN SOX. Prominent among the successful busi- ness men of Bishop Hill is this' well-known hardware merchant, who was born at that place, June 22, i86r, and is a son of John B. Johnson, one of the colonists, who set- tled here in 1850 after a long and tedious journey of three months' duration. The father was a native of Sweden and there he was first married, but his wife and five children died while on their way to join the colony at Bishop Hill. The only sur- viving child was Catherine, who married Jonas Olson, who died Xovember 18, 1898, aged ninety-six. She resides in Bishop Hill. On his arrival here Mr. Johnson fol- lowed his trade of wagon making until the colony disbanded in i860, when he com- menced farming upon the land which fell to his lot, and to which he added until at the time of his death he owned a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres in W'eller township, which was improved by him. He was a man of powerful build and was recog- nized as the giant of the colony. Religiousl)'' he was of the Second Adventist faith, and politically was a Republican. He was in- terested in maintaining good schools in his district, and eflSciently served as school di- rector. After an active, busy and useful life he passed away in 1891, at the age of seventy-seven years, honored and respected liy all who knew him. In the colony he married Miss Britta Jonsdotter, who was also born in Sweden, in 1827, and came with the colonists to this country in 1850. By this union were born three sons and six daughters, of whom one daughter died in infancy. The others are John E., a farmer ofWeller township; Olof W., who lives on the old home place in the same township; Paul L., our subject; ^latilda, wife of John Xordstrom of Weller township; Olive M. who lives on the home farm with her mother and brother; Pauline, wife of Jonas Ber- gren, of Weller township; Emma C, wife of Tonas Linfors of the same township; and Lottie B., wife of Peter G. Gergren, of Weler township. During boyhood Paul L. Johnson at- tended the common school near his home, 1 H'JflRY UNIVtKiiir Of ILLINOIS p. L. JOHNSON. MRS. P. L. JOHNSON. MmHiii Uf ILLINOIS URBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 617 and also took up higher matliematics and bookkeeping under private instruction, tlius well fitting himself for a business career, lie remained at home assisting his father in the labors of the farm until he was mar- ried in 1882, to ?kliss Amanda Jolmson, who died July 2S. 1887, leaving three sons. Ros- well M.. Clarence R. and LeRoy, who have since tDund liDUies with relatives. Mr. Johnson was again married. December 24, 1890, his second union being with Miss Emma A. Olson, who was born in Bishop Hill. May 19. 1868, and was a student of the (jalva high school, after which she en- gaged in teaching in the township and vil- lage schools. Her father, Olof Olson, one of the colonists, is still living in W'eller township. His otiier children are Jennie V.. wife of E. L. Swanson, postmaster at Bishop Hill, and Henry G., at home. After his first marriage ?^Ir. Juhnscj n engaged in farming for himself until his first wife died, when he removed to Bishop Hill and opened a repair and blacksmith shop. Seeing the needs of the people he in- creased his business, and now carries a full line of shelf and heavy hardware, stoves, ranges, farm macliinery, wagons, buggies, pumps, etc., his stock being valued at four thousand dollars, while his annual business amounts to ten thousand. He jnirchased a lot and erected thereon the building which he now occupies. To his own diligence, enterprise, and good management is due his success in life. In politics Mr. Johnson has always been associated with the indei)endent party; ha.s been a delegate to several county conven- tions, and in 1888 was a delegate to the na- tional convention of the People's party at Cincinnati. Two years later he was a can- didate on the Democratic ticket for countv clerk, and was defeated l)y tlie Republican candidate, who had a majority of four hun- dred and fifteen \-otes, while the county usually has a two thousand Republican ma- jority. For several years he was trustee of the village and is now president of the board, which oflfice he has held for two years. He also served as town' clerk two years. Fra- ternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Good Templars, of which he was chief templar for three years ; and also be- longs to the Modern Woodmen Camp, Xo. 1042, of which he is veneral)le consul, and has been a memljer of the board of man- agers. Mr. Johnson assisted in incorporat- ing what is known as the \'oluntar\- Do- native Society in 1889J with a capital of twelve hundred dollars. The principal now amounts to about fifteen thousand dollars in notes and farm propertv, all oi which has been obtained by donations, it being the ob- ject of the society to su|)p<)rt the ix)or of Bishop Hill and W'eller township. Its of- ficers are C. G. Falk. president: Martin Johnson, vice-president; John Soderquist, treasurer : and Paul L. Johnson, secretary. They ha\e alread\- done an excellent work. Our subject is also president of the Bishop Hill Telephone Company, a local organiza- tion. For seventeen years he was a corres- pondent of the local papers, and has also made contributions to a number of city ])a- pers. He is one of the most intelligent and best informed citizens of his community, and is quite popular both in business and social circles. WILLIAM LAXDW'EHR. -Among the most popular and influential citizens of the northeastern part of Henry countv is \\'illiam Landwehr. one of the 6i8 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. leading business men of Hooppole. A na- tive of Illinois, he was born near Wheeling, Cook county, January 23, 1854, and is a son of Diedrick and Louisa (Xelker) Land- wehr, both natives of Germany, the former born in Hanover. July 5, 1820. the latter near Bremen. May i. 1824. On coming to America in 1840. the father first located in Syracuse, Xew York, but after spending a short time in that city he removed to Wheel- ing, Illinois, after remaining a short time in Chicago. Later he lived in Des Plaines, Cook county, until coming to Henry county, in 1861, when he took up his residence on section 33, Yorktown township. Five years later he removed to section 32. and upon his farm erected the best house in the town- ship. He successfully engaged in agricult- ural pursuits and was an extensive breeder of cattle and hogs. He was a member of the German Evangelical Church and was highly respected and esteemed by all who knew him. His death occurred on his farm in section 32. Yorktown township, January 2y, 1886. and his wife died November 5, 1893. Their children were ^largaret, wife of George Berge, of Tampico. Illinois ; Mary, wife of George Arnold, of Missouri ; AN'illiam, our subject; and Frederick, who married Emma Shears and also lives in Tampico. William Landwehr spent the days of his boyhood and youth in Cook and Henry coun- ties, and remained with his father until the latter's death, when he took charge of the homestead farm, consisting of three hun- dred and thirty-three and a half acres on sections 2>- 3"*^ ii- Yorktown township, and sections 2 and 4. Alba township. In connection with its operation he also ex- tensively engaged in buying and feeding stock for market, usually keeping on hand over one hundred head of cattle. Although he still manages the farm he removed to Hooppole in 1897, and is now engaged in business as a dealer in wagons, buggies and farm implements. He is local agent for the Deering Harvester Company and the Moline Plow Company, and in this new venture he is meeting with good success. Besides his \ aluable farm he owns a splendid home and two other large lots in Hooppole. On the 7th of December, 1879, ^^'is cele- brated the marriage of Mr. Landwehr and !Miss Mary Ann Countryman, and they be- came the parents of two children, namely : Edward, who was born February 15, 1885, and died ^lay 2, 1896; and Horace A., born July 15, 1896. Abraham Countr}nnan, the father of ]\Irs. Landwehr. was born in Little Falls. Herkimer countv. Xew York, Novem- ber 30, 1830, and was the eldest son of Henry and Catherine (Docstader) Country- man, also natives of the Empire state. At the age of fourteen he came with his parents to Illinois, by way of the Erie canal to^ Buffalo and the Great Lakes to Chicago, and settled in Wheeling. Cook county, being among the pioneers of that region, where the father rented land and engaged in farming. On leaving home at the age of nineteen Abraham Countryman commenced learning the carpenter's and joiner's trade, and after three months' apprenticeship he worked as a journeyman for six months. At the end of that time he began taking contracts, and carried on business for himself as a builder until 1867, when he took possession of eighty acres of land on sections 19 and 20, York-: town township, Henry county, which he had purchased in 1854. He made all of the im- provements upon the place and placed the land under a high state of cultivation. Sub- sequently he bought more land adjoining THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 619 until he had one hundred ami sixty acres besides property in Hooppole. Politically he was a lifelong Republican. He \va^ mar- ried. May 5, 1855. to Magdalena Miller, a native of Bavaria, Germany, and to them were born six children: Mary A., wife of William Landwehr; Frank W'., who mar- ried Katie Winterman. of Wisconsin, and re- sides in Greene countv. Iowa ; Edward, who married Lottie Goenibel and lives in Hoop- pole; William, who married Sylvia Goemble and makes his home in Yorktown town- ship, on the old homestead ; .\dley. who died at the age of eight years; and George, pro- fessor in a business college at Dallas, Ore- gon. Mr. Landwehr is one of the trustees of the United English Evangelical Church of Hooppole. As a Republican he takes quite an active interest in local politics, and gives a cheerful support to all enterprises tending to advance the welfare of the community in which he resides. He is a very liberal man, giving much to charitable objects, anil is one of the most popular and highly esteemed citizens of Yorktown township. Of unques- tioned integrity, his word is considered as good as his bond, and he has the confidence of all who know him. JOHN C. CARLSON. For forty years John C. Carlson was ])rominently identified with the agricultural interests of Osco township, Henry county, and having acquired a comfortable com- petence, he is now living a retired life in Aurora. Illinois. Like many of our best citi- zens he is a native of Sweden, born Febru- ary I, 1829. and there grew to manhood. He assisted his father in the work of the home farm until he attained his majority, and then commenced working by the month ai, a laborer, being thus employed for about two years. He next rented laud and en- gaged in farming on his own account. His parents both died in Sweden, in which coun- try his sister, Mrs. Hattie Fritof, is still living. -Vnother sister, Mrs. Carrie W'ei- berg, came to America and is' now a resi- dent of Nebraska. She has five children, who were assisted in obtaining an education by our subject, these being Charles, a prom- inent attorney of Peoria ; Eric, general ticket agent for a railroad company at that place; Edgar, timekeeper for the Rock Island & Pe- oria railroad, with home at Peoria; John. who owns about four hundred acres of land in Jackson county. Nebraska, where he is now serving as supervisor: and Carrie, who is now Mrs. Frederickson of Nebraska, with whom his mother lives. Mr. Carlson is one of the most liberal and generous of men. and has always assisted his relatives to the best of his ability until they could secure a start for themselves. His nephew, Albert Peterson, was educated by him at Daven- port College, and made his' home with our subject for nine years. He is now one of the well-known men of Andover township, this county. W'ishing to better his condition in life. Mr. Carlson came to the United States in i860 without capital and unable to speak the English language. For a year he worked as a farm laborer at nine dollars per month, in this country, during which time he be- came familiar with the customs of the coun- try. Subsequently his wages were increased, and he was finally able to rent a small farm, v.liich he operated with good success for three years. He then purchased a tract of forty acres, which he improved, and as fast 620 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD as his financial resources permitted he added to his acreage. For liis first purcliase he paid fourteen dollars and a half per acre, and for the last seventy-five dollars per acre. He now has a well-improved farm of two lunidred acres in Osco township. In his labors Air. Carlson has met with most ex- cellent success, and although a hard working man he has believed in enjoying life as he went along. He has always been willing to assist any deserving person and has gained an enviable reputation among his many friends and acc|uaintances in his neighbor- hood. When he purchased his farm it was raw prairie, but he erected thereon good, modern buildings, planted trees, and other- wise beautified the place, until he now has one of the best-improved farms in Osco township. In connection with general farming he always engaged in stock rais- ing. Before leaving Sweden ^^Ir. Carlson w as married, in 185 1, to Miss Annie Anderson, by whom he hatl one child, who died at the age of fi\-e years. The- wife died March 28, 1899, on the Imme place which she had heljied to build u]). She was seventy-nine years of age at the time of her death, and was a consistent and faithful member of the Swedish Lutheran Church, of Andover. to which Mr. Carlson also belongs, and of which he has always been a liberal supporter. His name is a s\nonym iov generosity and benevolence, and is one of the men who are a benefit to any community. An extensi\-e traveler, he has visited all through the north and west as far south as the Mexican bor- der of Texas. Besides his property in Henry cnuntv, -\Ir. Carlson has made investments in real estate in Mo.rgan Park, Chicago. Politi- cally he is a stanch Republican, and has worked untiringly for his party, although he has never aspired to office. Since 1884 he has practically lived retired upon his farm in Osco township, while he has rented the land, and in 1900 moved to Aurora, where he expects to spend his remaining days in ease and comfort, enjoying a well-earned rest. His has been a Useful and honorable career and he can well afiford to lay aside all business cares. Few men are better known in the community where he has so lung resided, and he is held in high regard by all. In Aurora, Mr. Carlson makes his home with Mrs. Alma Almgreen, who was born in Sweden, November 2t^, 1866, and there received a good education in the languages, also taking a thorough business course. With a sister she came to America in 1887, and the following year married Charles Alm- green, now deceased, who was a mechanic of Chicago. Her son. Archer, born in 1889. has made a trip to Sweden to visit his grandparents, who are well-to-do people of that country. She has two sisters : Beda, wife of Albert Shultz, who is foreman ma- chinist of the Automatic Machine Company of Aurora; Edith, an employe in the depart- ment store of Scott & Pease of the same place ; and one brother, Temer. who is also with the AutLimatic ?i[achine Company. JOHN LEM JEXXIXGS. This well-known and prominent farmer of Burns township, and an honored veteran of the Ci\il war, was born on Christmas tlay. 1840, at Sheppardstown, Virginia, while his mother was there on a ^•isit. his parents being Levi and Susan H. (Sheppard ) Jen- J. L. JENNINGS. IIRRARY UNIVERSIiy OF ILLINOIS URBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 623 niiigs. nati\es i.il \'iroinia ami Ohio, respec- lively. Tliey removed to Illinois about 1834 and I^I•^l located in Peoria county, but in J 850 came to Henry county. Tlie father first purchased fi\e hundred and twenty acres of land in Cambridge township, consisting of the east half of section u; the east half se(I the uninn of our subject and his wife: Agnes Eh'era. born August 13, 1886: Carl Leonard, who was born Feb- ruary 15. i88q, and died l\Lirch 28. 1890; and Clara Le\ina, born May 12, i8gi. 2^1r. Odenian gi\'es his political support to the men and measures of the Republica.n party, and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, have called upon him to ser\-e as mayor of Annawan one term and as a member of the board of trustees two terms. Fraternally he is an honored mem- ber of the Masonic order, the Knights of Pythias, the Hiime Forum and the ^Modern \\'oodmen of America. Both he and his wife belong to the Eastern Star Chapter of Masonry and she is also a member of the Home Forum. In early life they held mem- bership in the Swedish Lutheran Church, but are now identified with the Congrega- tional Church, and are among the most hiehlv-esteemed citizens of their community. JOSEPH H. ANDERSON. The world instinctively pays deference to the man who has arisen above his early surroundings, overcome the obstacles in his path and reached a high position in the bus- iness world. Throughout life Mr. Ander- son has made the most of his advantages, and through his own well-directed efforts has steadily prospered until he is now one of the substantial farmers of Oxford town- ship, his home being on section 9. He was born in Sweden, February 16, 1837, and was there reared and educated until 1852. when he emigrated to America with his parents, Henry and Hannah An- derson. On landing in Boston, they imme- diately started for Illinnis. their \iestina- tion being Heiu'y count}', but while passing through La Salle county, two miles north of La Salle, the father was taken ill with chol- era and died. There Mrs. Anderson and her sons dug a grave and laid him to rest. This sad task completed they proceeded on their way, walking the entire distance from La Salle to Andover, Henry county. Later they located in Lynn township, where the two sons grew to manhood. For over thirty years ^Irs. Anderson made her liome with our subject, but died in 1892 while -visiting her son Swanty in Red Oak, Iowa. After coming to this country Joseph H. Anderson attended the common schools for a few- winters, but is mostly self-educated. On starting out to earn his own livelihood he worked as a farm hand by the month for five years, and then operated rented land for several years. In 1862 he purchased sixty acres where he now resides, which at that time was entirely imimproved. He erected a small house thereon, and to its further improvement and cultivation has since devoted his energies until he now has a valuable farm. He has extended its boun- daries from time to time until they now en- close three hundred acres ; has enlarged and remodeled his residence, tiled the land, and set out shade trees. Besides this valuable place he owns a tract of nine hundred and sixty-three acres near Holdrege, Nebras- ka, all of which is well improved. In Andover, Mr. Anderson was mar- ried, September 13, 1862, to Miss Matilda Christina Shult, who was born in Sweden and came to the new world when thirteen years of age. She is a sister of Hons Shult, whose sketch appears on another page' of this \-olume. They have seven children liv- ing, namelv: Emma C, now the wife of UmvtRSllY OF ILLINOIS URfiA^A J. H. ANDERSON. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ -^^H W'^W' ^^K^'^ L ^^^ ^ ' ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^■flwM *W|^^^^^^^| * 1 MRS. J. H. ANDERSON. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 631 C. K. Jnlmsiin. a fanner of rheli)> ci'uuty, XeljrasUa : Anna S.. wife of Joliii K. W'ester- laiid 1)1 l-\'nn tnwiishi]). this county: Hilma C. wife of William W'inquist of Phelps county, Xehraska : and Joseph Oscar, Ida. \'ictoria and Lilla. all at home. Three sons and one tlaughter tlied in childhood : kla Jl.. Oscar K.. Henry Theoilore and Hen- ry L. The Republican jiarty has found in .Mr. .Anderson a stanch supporter of its princi|)les since he cast his first presidential vote for Abraiiam Lincoln in i860. Many years ago he served two terms as constable, and has been an efficient member of the school board and clerk of the district fcir a number of years, but has never cared for political honors. I'raternally he is a Knight Templar Mason, and is now serving as secretary of O.xford lodge. .\o. 367. F. & A. M., at New Windsor. He is a member of the Chapter at Rio and Commandery at Galesburg. In religious belief he is a Lutheran, while his wife and children hold membership in the Piaptist Church. His career proves that tlie only true success in life is that which is ac- complished by jjersonal effort antl consecutive in.dustry. It proves that the road to success is tipen to all young men who have the cour- age to tread its pathway, anil tlie life record of such a man should serve as an inspira- tion to the young of this and future genera tions, and teach by incontrovertiljle facts that success is ambition's answer. JOHX W. SHETLER. One of Clover township's most prosper- ous and influential citizens is John \V. Shet- ler, who is now a memljer of the honorable board of supervisors. His home farm, con- sisting of two hundred and fiftv-eight acres of land, is pleasantly located two and a half miles north of Woodhull. t:ll the homestead of the family. 1 le lirsi Ixiughl iiue hundred and sc\ent\-ti\e acres, but has since added to it and now has 1 me <'i the be:jt farms in that part of tlie count \. com- prising two hundred and seventy-si.x acres. His mother resided with him until her death, which occurred March 5. 1873. ^" early life he was a \\ hi.g but since the organizatinn of the Repulilican party has been cme of its stanch supporters. He has filled the ofiices of assessor. cnn>table. highwa}' commis- sioner and school director, and is recognized as one of the most valued and useful citi- zens of his community. On the 14th of June. 1856. .\ndrew -Snj- iday, the father of our subject. w;is united in marriage with Miss Mary Baker, wIm was burn in W'.arren county, I'ennsyKania. .Vpr:! I. 1839. a daughter of Barnharl and Mar\ (Smith) Baker. Her father was also burn in the Keystone state of German ancestry, and followed the butcher business. In 1841 he started with a drove of sheej) to Philadel- ])hia. and being never heard of again is sup- ])iised to have been waylaid and murilered. His wife was a native of Alsace. Germany, -and came to this countrv with .her parents. locating in Pennsylvania, .\fter the death of her husband she came west with her fam- ily, and was again married in Chicago, her second hu.sband l)eing iM-ank Summers. In 1856 they came to Henry county, and I0-. cated on a farm in Loraine l,hed a book of poems, profusel}- illustrated, entitled Poems of the (iolden State Mid- Winter Fair, and another entitled Poems 'of the White City. Returning to Illinois in 189^). he litcated in .\tkinson, and again em- barked in the manufacture of brick and tile. 63S THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Althougli he was witlmut a dullar on reacli- ing tliis place, lie possessed the strung deter- mination to sncceed. and the prosperity that ha> since come to him is due entirely to his own intlustry. persexerance and godd man- agement. At present he is also oi)erating- a coal mine and in hoth nndertakings is meet- irig with good success. In religious belief Mr. Loy is a Presb}'- tcrian, and in politics is a Republican, taking an active interest in public affairs. The art of composition has always come naturally to him, and he has written many beautiful poems and songs. A number nf these were on topis connected with the Spanish-American war. and he has also written many stirring campaign songs. He still has many poems of merit that have never been published, and deserves to be ranked among the leading poets and authors of the west. For twenty years he has been connected with the Clay Workers" Association, and has written and recited a number of odes in its honor, and has ali-o done the same for the Annual Fire Chiefs' Association. MRS. :MARV J. STITT. One of the most highly respected ladies oi Oxford township is Mrs. Marv J. Stitt. who has lived on the farm on section 27. where she now resides, for thirtv-one }-ears. She is a native of Knox county, Ilinois, and a daughter of D. J. Paden, who was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania, in Decem- ber. 1825, while the birth of her paternal grandfather, Isaac Paden, occurred in Fav- ette county, the same state, in 1800. Her an- cestors were of Scotch origin and earlv set- tlers of those counties. In the county of liis nati\-ity D. J. Paden was reared and educated, and with his par- ents came to Illinois about 1842. locating in Kno.x count}', where he married Lucinda !McCaA\', a nati\e of Indiana county, Penn- s}l\ania. and a daughter of William Mc- Caw, who was born in Scotland and died in the Keystone state. Throughout his active business life Mr. Paden followed the car- penter's and joiner's trade. In 1870 he re- moved to Page county, Iowa, and located on a farm. He is still living at the age of sev- enty-fi\e years, and now makes his home with a son in that county, his wife haxdng died Decemlier 20, 1890. I\Irs. Stitt was reared in Henry county, and received a good common-school educa- iton, wdiich enabled her to successfully en- gage in teaching for about five vears prior to her marriage. On the 19th of August, 1 869, she gave her hand in marriage to James Stitt, who was l^orn in Franklin countv, Pennsyh-ania, (October 4, 1827. and there grew to manhood. He was the son of Will- iam and Margaret ( Harmonni ) Stitt. his father being a farmer in Franklin countv, and of Irish descent, the grandfather of our subject coming from county Down, Ireland, about 1 79 1. William Stitt continued to en- gage in farming in Franklin county, Penn- s_\-h-ania, until his coming to Oxford town- shii), Henry comity . Illinois, in 1856. He made liis home near his st.m. and there died in Februar}-, 1873. His wife was also a native of Pennsylvania, of German parent- age. She made her home with her son James prior to her death in 1879. They were mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church. In early life, James Stitt, our subject, learned the tailor's trade. In 1850 he made an overland trip to California with a wagon train, and spent two years in prospecting and mining in the gold fields, returning home JAMES STITT. UNIVERSlir Uf ILLINOIS URBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 641 l)y wa}- of the Isthiims Dt raiiania and Xcw L., wlio carry mi the limne farm for their York city, lii 1S53 lie was first inarrieil iiiotlier. since tlie death ot" their father: Lii- to Elizalieth IlaiiinKnid. in i'ennsyl\-ania. cia. one of tlie successful teachers of the and then reino\-e(l to Stockbridsje. Michigan, countv, roiding- at hniiie; and llarr\- W .. V here he engag-ed in farniino- and working w Im is attending the State L'niversity at at his trade for a short time, luit the follnw- C'liamiiaigii, Illinois. iiig- year came ti> lienry cuniity. Illinois, ar- L'i)"n his farm .Mr. .Stitt erected a cmn- riving here on the 4th of Jnl_\\ '•'^54. He inoilinus and snlistantial residence, and made inirchascd the farm mi section 2;-. Oxford man}- other permanent improvements, st) that township, where his family still reside, the farm is now one of the most desiral)le though at that time it was a tract of one linn- in the locality. Besides this property he had clred and sixty acres of unhrnken prairie, also owned land in Iowa. Nebraska and Kan- wliicli he at unce began to inipro\e and cnb sas. He was one of tlie most successful ti\ate. farmers and stock raisers nf his community In iSdj .Mr. .Stitt joined the boys in l)lue as well as an extensixc stuck buyer, and of L'oni])aiiy D. Hue Hundred and Twelfth these industries are still carried mi in a ]ir(n'- lilinois \"c>lnnteer Infantry, and was chosen itable manner b_\' bis sons, whn annuall\- corporal of his compain-. lie was in active ship from three to five carloads of cattle and ser\ice for three vears, and participated in a hogs to the city market.s. roliticallx' he was number of important engagements, inclu(Hng icientilied with the Republican party for some the battles of Knoxville, Re.saca, the .\tla.nta years, but being a strong temperance man he campaign, the battles of Franklin. Xash\-ille finally gave bis sup]5ort to the men and and Wilmington, and the ICast Tennes.sce measures of the Proliibitinn party, lie raid. I le was also in a large number of skir- ser\ed fm- some years a> township scbi»'l niishes and lesser fights, and was twice trustee, and filled other local offices of honor wounded, first at Knox\ille. 'fennessee, and and trust.' l"or o\er forty years he was a serimisly at Wilmington, .X'irlli Carolina, consistent and faithful niember df the Metbo- Jlis term of enlistment having expired he (list I^piscpal L'hurch. and hi> u])right and was honorably discharged June 20, 1865. honorable life gained for him the ci'iifidence .Mr. Stitts first wife died in Januarv, and esteem of all whc) knew him. lie died i86y, leaving li\-e of the seven children born upon bis farm .\])ril 25, 1896, and was laid to them, namely: Lawrence, who is married to rest in .Suniniit Level cemetery. Since and li\es in C'dluradu; brank I'.., who is hih death Mrs. Stilt and her sons have suc- married and li\es in Cuin. I'age county, cessfulK- managed the business affairs of tlie Iowa: .\manda became the wife of W. C. family, and she has displayed excel- Cole. December 9, 1885. and died .Se])teni- lent business and executive ability. She i.s her ij. i8(y): Wesley K.. will I is married and well and fa\drably known tlin>ugbout this resides in \'iola. Illinois : and b.lmer M.. win) section of the cmuity. and her fanhl_\- is muc makes his bmne in Montana, 'flie children of ])rmninence in the cmnmnnity where they b(irn of the second marriage are as follows: reside. For thirty-four years she has also Charles, who is married and resides in Bar- been a member of the Methodist Episcopal ton countv. Kansas: fames II. and William Cliurcb. 642 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. CHARLES R. LORY. Charles R. Lory, the leading photog- rapher of Kewanee, was born in Platteville. ^^'isconsin, on the 14th of February, 1856. and was only eight years old when he first came to Kewanee. His father, Richard Lory, was born in Cornwall. Englaiul. in 1831. and was there reared and educated, being nineteen years of age when he crossed the Atlantic with his parents. ]Mr. and ^Irs. John Lory. The family located in Platte- \ille. \\ isconsin, where Richard Lorv mar- ried Miss Eliza Trenery. also a nati\-e of Cornwall, England, who as a child had como to this country with her parents and settled in Platteville. There they continued to maks their home until their removal to Kewanee in 1864. Here Mr. Lory was engaged -in the coal business until his death, which oc- curred August 25, 1877. Hi^ widow still survives him and is a member of the Primi- tive Methodist Church. During his boyhood and _\outh Charles R. Lory pursued his studies in the public and high schools of Kewanee. after which he was variously employed for a time. In 1877 he commenced learning photography in a gallery in that city, and for a time followed his chosen occupation at Eldorado, Kansas, but in 1892 returned to Kewanee, where he opened a studio of his own. He was alone in business until 1897, when he formed a partnership with George M. Strong, a prom- inent business man of this place, but the ful lowing year purchased his partner's interest and has since conducted the business alone. He is widely recognized as one of the best and most artistic photographers in this sec- tion of the state, and therefore receives a liberal share of the public patronage. On the 19th of August, 1888, Mr. Lory was united in marriage with }^Iiss Mary J- Thompson, a daughter of Robert S. and Xancy (Callender) Thompson. bi:)th natives of Allegheny countv. Pennsvhania. The fa- ther's early life was spent upon a farm near Pittsburg, where he continued to make his home until coming to Kewanee, Illinois, in 1883. Here he died May 5. 1892. His wif«. had departed this life on the 20th of June, 1 881. Mrs. Lory is a member of the Prim- itive Methodist Church, which her husband attends and supports. For some time Mr. Lt)rv has been a direc- tor of the Kewanee public library and a mem- ber of the purchasing committee. He has also served as secretary of the same for eight years, and to his untiring efforts much of the success of the library is due. Frater- nally he is a member of the Knights of Py- thias and the ^lodern Woodmen of America, and he has been secretary of Camp, Xo. 84, for three years. He occupies a prominent position in musical circles, and for a number of years has been leader of the Kewanee Mil- itary Band, which is one of the finest. bands in this locality. He is also very fond of lit- erature and art. and has one of the best, se- lected private libraries in this section of the state. In 1899 he built a beautiful home on Prospect street, in one of the finest residence portions of the cit}'. and it has Ijecome a favorite resort of a cultured societv circle. JOHX REARDOX. For many years John Reardon. who is now deceased, was one of the leading agricul- turists of Munson township, and the fine farm which he there improved is still in possession of his widow. He was born in THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD 643 county Cork. Ireland. July 4. i8_'5. and was a son of Peter and Mary (Fitzgerald) Rear- don, also natives of the Emerald Isle, where they continued to make their home through- out life. In their family were three sons and three daughters, all of whom came to tha United States and are no wdeceased. It was in 1847 that our subject emigrated to .\merica. sailing from Cork. Ireland, and landing in Quebec. Canada. After working tor a time as a farm hand in the Dominion, lie went to Micliigan, and later to Toledo, Ohio, where he was employed on the docks. While there he was married, !May 2, 1854, tti Miss Margaret Clare, who was also born in Ireland. September 30, 1826, and came to America in April. 1847, — the year of the big emigration. She was one of a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters, who on coming to this country settled in Kings- ton, Canada, but soon became scattered. Mrs. Reardon's brothers are now deceased ; one sister resides in Toledo, Ohio. Our subject and his wife had one child, Marj-, born De- cember 31, 1855. She is now the wife of Au- gust Johnson, a native of Sweden, who now operates the old homestead farm in Mun- son township, and they have three children, Sherman, John, Mary and May. For one year after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Reardon continued to reside in To^ ledo, Ohio, and in 1859 removed to Bloom- ir.gton, Illinois, near which place he engaged in farming for George Hill for four years. The following three years were spent in Galva, where Mr. Reardon was employed as section foreman on the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy Railroad. At the end of that time he purchased one hundred and ten acres of land in Munson township, this county, from P. P. Allen. The land was all broken, Inr. he erected the house and liarn and made many other improvements which added greatly to the value and attractive appear- ance of the place. For twenty years he con- tinued to successfully engage in farming, but in 1888 purchased a good home in Gen- eseo, where he lived retired until his death, which occurred April 24, 1890. His remains were interred at Geneseo. His widow has since sold the house at that place and erected, a more convenient cottage for herself, where she delights to entertain her many friends. She rents her farm to her son-in-law. Mr. Reardon always took an active and com- mendable interest in public affairs, and for three years efficientl}" served as road master in ^lunson township. In r-eligious belief he was a Catholic, to which church his wife and daughter also belong. The family are high- ly respected and esteemed by all who know them. FRANK II. EDWARDS. This prosperous and well-known farmer residing on section 10, Western township, is a man whose sound common sense and vigor, able management of his aflfairs have been important factors in his success, and with his undoubted integrity of character iiave given him an honored position among his fellow men. 3*Ir. Edwards was born in Moline. Ri-ck Island county, August 2, 1857, and is a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of this state. His father, Herbert Edwards, was born in Brattleboro, \'ermont, about 1827, and was a son of William Edwards, who in 1835 brought his famih' to Green county and one year later to Illinois, becoming one of the first settlers of Moline and opening up a farm which is now within tlie citv limits. There Herbert 644 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Edwards grew to maniiood. and in Rock Island county marrietl Harriet Godon, a na- tive of Michigan and a daughter of Amos Gordon, who was also a pioneer of that coun- ty. Throughout the greater part of his ac- ti\e business life Herbert Edwards followed tlie plasterer's trade, but in 1867 he removed til Henry county and located on a farm in \\'estern township, following agricultural pursuits until his death, December 21, 1872. His widow has married again and now re- sides in Geneseo. Reared in Henry count)-, Frank H. Ed^ wards acquired his early education in its district schools, and later pursued his studies for a few terms under Professor Comstock, of Colona. He remained on the farm with his nu)ther and operated a part of the place imtil twenty-five years of age. On the ,23d of January, 1883, near Flanagan, Livings- ton county, Illinois, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Anna ^l. Smith, a nati\e of Maryland, and a daughter of Charles A. Smith, who removed from that state to Liv- ingston county, where Mrs. Edwards was principally reared and educated. By this union were born four children: Ella B., H. Royce. Ethel H. and Elwood Glenn, all at iTOme. Charles A. Smith was born in Germany, and when young came to the United States, landing in Xew York and going from there to ^Maryland, where he married Elizabeth Hays, also a native of Germany, who was brought by her parents to this country when she was two and a half years old, the family locating in Cumberland. After their mar- riage they removed to Living.ston county, Illinois, locating near Long Point, but later moving to a farm near Flanagan, where Mr. Smith now lives. His wife died December 5, 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards began their dr>- mestic life upon the farm in \\'estern town- ship where they still continue to reside. In its operation he has met with marked suc- cess, and to the original tract he has added from time to time until he now has five hun- dred and sixty acres, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. The well tilled fields are made to yield a golden trib- ute in return for the care and labor bestowed upon them, and everything about the place betokens thirft and prosperity. The build- ings are neat and substantial, and the pleas- ant home is the abode of prosperity and good cheer. In conection with general farming- Mr. Edwards raises and feeds considerable stock. The Republican party has always found in him a stanch supporter of its prin- ciples, but he has never cared for political preferment, desiring rather to give his undi- vided attention to his business interests. He and his wife are active and prominent mem- bers of the English Lutheran Church of Mor- ri.stown, with which he is now officially con nected. and they are people of prominence ii: the communitv where thev reside. \\ ILLIAM FORGY. One of Clover township's most substan- tial and successful agriculturists is William Forg)', who dates his residence in Henry county from the 2nd of April, 1854, and to- day owns and occupies a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 8, two and a half miles from \\'oodhull. He was bom in what is now Morrow county, Ohio, May 27, 1826. and is a grandson of Robert Forgy, a native of Ireland, who came to the new world at an earlv dav and settled in ^lif- WILLIAM FORGY. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URSA>\A THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 647 rtin county, Pennsyhaiiia. where lie oi)ene first presidential vote for Franklin Pierce in 1852, and has since been identified with the Democracy, being a stanch supporter of its principles, although he has voted for pro- hibition. He was the first collector in Cloven township, anil for three terms most cred- itably and satisfactorily served as supervi- sor. He also filled the office of school direc- tor for twenty-five or thirty years, and has servetl as district clerk and president of the board, doing all in his power to advance the 648 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. educational interests of the community. Fra- ternally he has atfiliated with the Grange and has served as master of the local Grange. He ij. an enterprising, public-spirited citizen and i:- ever ready to advance those interests for the public good. O. \V. LAGER. O. W. Lager, of the firm of Lager & Company, is proprietor of "the Leader" of Annawan, and is one of the most progressive business men of that thriving little town. His ability, enterprise and upright methods have gained for him an enviable reputation in business circles, and although he is still a young man his popularity is established on a firm basis — that of his own well-tested merit. Mr. Lager was born on a farm east of Stockholm, Sweden. January i, 1877, and is a son of Alfred and Emily Lager, natives of the same locality, who brought their family to America in 1882. when our subject was five years old, and located in Geneseo. In his native land the father learned the carpen- ter's trade, which he still continues to follow at Geneseo. Our subject is the third in order of birth in a family of eight children. He was edu- cated in the public schools of Geneseo, and at the age of fourteen began his business career as clerk in the dry goods store of Bickel & Cook, of Geneseo, in whose employ he re- mained for eight years. In March, 1898, the firm of Lager & Company was formed and purchased the department store of J. L. & L. T. Dow at Annawan. They carry a large and well assorted stock of dry goods, boots, shoes, groceries, queensware, carpets and clothing, in fact everything found in a first class department store. By fair and honorable dealing they have built up an ex- cellent trade and now furnish employment tc four clerks. Mr. Lager is also a member of the firm of C. W. Lager & Company, at Atkinson, the store at that place being under the management of his older brother, C. W. Lager. Both establishments are conducted on a strict!}^ cash basis, and to-day are the leading business houses of the towns in which they are located. Religiously our subject i; a member of the Swedish Lutheran Church. DANIEL MALOXEY. Among the agriculturists of Henry coun- ty who have met with marked success in their life work and are now able to lay aside all business cares and spend the sunset of life in ease and retirement is Daniel Maloney, a well-known and honored citizen of Geneseo. He was born in county Limerick. Ireland, on the 17th of Nevember, 1823, and was baptized at Sologhead by Rev. Thomas Dwyer, his sponsors being Thomas Hewitt and Maria Crowe. His parents were Daniel and Catherine (Croak) Maloney, also na- tivs of county Limerick, who spent their en- tire lives on the Emerald Isle, where the fa- ther followed the occupation of farmng. In their family were nine children, of whom two sons and three daughters came to America, while the others remained in Ireland. Our subject was reared in county Tip- perary, Ireland. It was in 1851 that he crossed the Atlantic from Liverpool on the W'est Point, a sailing vessel, which was eight weeks and three days in making the voyage at that time. On landing in New York, he went to Fairfield, Connecticut, where he worked on a farm two years. He then came west and spent four years in Kewanee, Illi- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 649 nois, wliere he met anil mnrried Miss Mary Downey, wlio was born in county Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1837. a daughter of Patrick and Elizabeth ( Phalen ) Downey. At an early age she emigrated with her parents to Can- ada, where they spent seventeen years, and later resided for three )-ears in Michigan before coming to Kewanee, Illinois. Her fa- ther, who was a farmer by occupation, died in 1866, and was buried in Galesburg, Illi- nois, while her mother died in 1868 in Leavenworth. Kansas. Of their ele\en (-hil- dren all but two were born in Canada. Mr. and ^Irs. Maloney are the parents of ten children, namely: William B., born Jan- uary 19. 1859, married Nettie Fritz and is engaged in farming in Bureau county, Illi- nois; Patrick H., born March 17, i860, and died Deceml)er 14, 1878; Elizabeth, born September 27, 1862, and Louis Michael, and died January 26, 1898, leaving two children, Josie and Helen, who now reside with our subject; John T., born November 25, 1864, married Hattie McCullough, and is a re- tired farmer of Atkinson; Oscar D., born June 25, 1867, is also a resident of Atkin- son; Joseph S. S., born September 16, 1869, was drowned while sw'imming near (jeneseo, June 14, 1892; Francis L., burn June 14, 1872, is a resident of Atkinson; James, born April 28, 1875, Mary E. P., born November I, 1877. and Edward \'., born November 15, 1879, are all at home with their parents. At the time of his marriage ^Ir. Maloney lived in what is called the Scott settlement near Kewanee, and was working on the Chi- cago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Later he rented a farm in Cornwall township, where he resided for twehe years, and then purchased eighty acres on section 12, the same township. On selling that place he bought one hundred and eighty-two acres in Shabbona Grove, which he operated until 1888, and also owned three hundred and twenty acres in Loraine township, all of which property he acquired through his own industry, perseverance and good manage ment. In 1888 he removed to .\tkinson, where he made his home for ten years, and then came to Geneseo, building a large house fitted with all modern improvements, where he expects to spend his remaining days. In his political views he is a Democrat, an 1 he and his family are all members of the Catho- lic Church. In looking back through the past we see a young man who came to the new world empty-handed in search of home and fortune, and at present we see his ambitious dreams realized, for he is now one of the most substantial as well as one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Geneseo, and well deserves mention in the history of his adopted country. THOMAS HUDSON. Probably no man in this section of thu state is more widely known than Thomas Hudson, who for man_\- years has efficiently serx'ed as state inspector of coal mines for the second inspection district. He has made his home in (ialva since 1883, it being about the center of his district. .\ native of Eng- land, he was born in the county of Northum- berland on the 22nd of May, 1846, and is a son of George and Margaret (Robinson) Hudson, who spent their entire lives in thac country as agriculturists. Thomas is the older of their two children, the other being Robert, who is still a resident of the mother country. There the father died when our subject was a small boy, and the mother later became the wife of Thomas Smiles, by whon» 650 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. slie had a daugliter wlio died in Pennsylva- nia. ]\Ir. Smiles, who was a miner by occu- pation, came to America and fi)llo\ved that pursuit in Pennsylvania for a time. Later he spent some time in Te.xas and then re- turned to the Keystone state. During his boyhood Thomas Hudson pursued his studies in the common schools vi his native land until thirteen years of age, when he commenced work in the mines of England as a trapper, and gradually worked his way upward to his present responsible position. He came to the new world in 1871, his destination being Henry, Illinois, where he had friends living, and after a short time spent near that city, he became a resident of Galva. \\here he engaged in coal mining for six months. Subsequently he followed the same occupation at Streator for ten years, and served as pit boss for a time. In Marshall county, Illinois, Air. Hud- son was married in 1871 to Miss Eleanor Fairbairn, also a native of England, who died about a year after their marriage, leav- ing one daughter, Bella, now the wife of Le Roy Miller, a carpenter of Galva, by whom she has two children, Virginia and Helen. Airs. Miller is a graduate of the high school of Galva and prior to her marriage success- fully engaged in teaching school for a time. In 1877, Air. Hudson was again married, his second union being with Aliss Lizzie Hug- gans, who was born in New Jersey but was only two years old when she removed with her parents to Streator, Illinois. Of the seven children born of this marriage the two daughters died in early childhood. The sons survive, and are Fred, a barber of Galva. Charles B. ; Harry, James Edward, and Will- iam McKinley. All are at home, and have been educated in the public schools of Galva. Mr. Hudson was appointed mine inspec- tor l)y Gmernor Hamilton in 1883, having passed an examination as to his competency ill mining affairs on such iinix)rtant matters as mining engineering, mining machinery and appliances; operation of coal mines; ventilation ; geology and chemistry. He is a self-educated man, having had no opiX)rtu- nity to attend school since thirteen years of age, but' is well informed on general topics and especially proficient on subjects pertain- ing lo his chosen calling. Since first pertain- mine inspector of the second district of 111- nois, he has filled that position under every governor except Altgeld. passing the re- quired examination every two years. His long retention plainly indicates his efficiency and trustworthiness. Galva being centrally located in his district he has since made it his h-ome, and has been called upon to serve as a member of the town board of trustees of the village for six years. In politics-he is a stanch Republican, and has been a member of the township Republican central commit- tee. In the mining industry he is one of the most competent men of the city, and has made a thorough study of the two hundred mines now in operation in his district. He is one of the directors of the Homestead & Loan Association of Galva. He owns the property which he has made his home since his return to Galva in 1883. Fraternally Air. Hudson is a Royal Arch Mason, belong- ing to the blue lodge of Galva and the chapter of Kewanee, and he is also a member of the Court of Honor of Galva, of which he is a trustee. L. T. DO\\'. This well-known hardware merchant of Anna wan, was born in that town on the ist of April, 1866, and for the past six years CAPT. JOHN L. DOW^. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 65J lias been a leading reiircsentative of its busi- ness interests. His father, Captain Jolni L. Dow, was born in Canterljury, Xew Hamp- shire, May 6, 1830, and came west in 1846 witii his father, Tristram Dow, who settled at Buda, Bureau county. Illinois. The house the grandfather erected at that place is still standing. There he took up a tract of imbroken prairie land from the govern- ment and to its improvements and cultivation devoted his time and energies until 1854, when the family came to Annawan. On coming west the journey was made by the Erie canal to Buffalo, the Great Lakes to Chicago, and by wagon the remaining dis- tance. The family consisted of the following children : Joseph conducted a hotel and livery stable at ilorris, Illinois, for some time and later ran an elevator at \\'iIton Junction, Iowa, for several .years. From there he re- moved to Bedford, Taylor county, Iowa, where he died in 1893. Tristram T. removed to Davenport, in 1870, and died there in 1882. During the Civil war he enlisted as a private and during his service was promoted to major. I-'Iniira married Ezra Atistin, of Buda, Illinois, and died several years ago. Josiah is a resident of Davenport, Iowa. John L., father of our subject, was the next of the famil}'. Mary became the wife of Jacob Miller and died in Princetown, Illi- nois, in 1895, and Lyman, now deceased. John L. Dow was educated in the public schools of his native place, and remained' with the family until after their removal to Annawan, where he was engaged in mer- cantile business with his two brothers, Tris- tram T. and Josiah, for about ten years. They next turned their attention to the grain business, owning the old elevator which was destroyed by fire. They were also very ex- tensive land owners in this localitv. Sub- scc|uentl\' John I.. Ddw built the elevator now conducted by Mr. Dewey. In 1882 he re- moved to Daxenport, Iowa, where he was interested in an elevator and also in the Crescent Mills, as a member of the firm of l)(i\v. (iilman & Hancock. He was connect- eii with the hardware business at .Anna- wan. but throughout life devoted his time principall}' to the grain business. He died at his home in Davenport, July 5, 1899, hon- iired and resjiected by all who knew him. October 1, 1861, he enlisted as a musician in a regimental band. When the regimental bands were discontinued and only one band for each brigade retained he was discharged and in August. 1862, re-enlisted in Co. A, One Hunilrer five years: and at the end of that jieriod pur- chased one hundred and thirty acres of par- tially improved land in Cornwall township, to which he subsequently added one hundred and fifty acres. He placed his land under a high state of cultivation and made many improvements thereon. Having come to this country in limited circumstances he has ever made the most of ht'fe opportunities and through his own unaided efforts accumulated a handsome property, his life illustrating what can be accomplished through industry, perseverance, good management and a deter- mination to succeed. He died on the 23d' of September, 1899, and was buried in Fair- view cemetery. His wife who was born Oc- tober 3, 1818. is still living, making her home with our subject. Reared upon the home farm William Winter acquired his literary education in the district schools of the neighborhood, and early obtained an excellent knowledge of ag- ricultural pursuits. He is now the owner of the old homestead' and is successfully en- gaged in general farming and stock-raising. On the 1 8th of February. 1891. he led to the marriage altar Miss F'riscilla Plumtree, a daughter of Elijah and Sophia (Bowler) 656 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Pliimtree, now residents nf Kewanee. Her fatlier was born in Laml)ridgeshire, England, and came to the new world in 1849. while the mother was born in London, England, and crossed the Atlantic to this conntry in 1848. ilr. and ]\Irs. Winter have had three children : William, who was born February 9, 1892, and died in infancy; Ethel Jane, born February 17, 1893: and Elijah. lx)rn June 30, 1897. In his political affiliations Mr. Winter is a Republican, and he has capably filled the office of school director for a num- ber of years. He is public-spirited and pro- gressive and takes a commendable interest in ever\i:hing pertaining to the welfare of his communitv. LEWIS HUXT. Among the leading representatives of the agricultural interests of Cornwall town- ship is Lewis Hunt, whose home is on sec- tion 25. For almost sixty j-ears he has been a resident of the county, and has therefore witnessed almost its entire development. \Mien he located here in 1842 Morristown was the county seat, and the court house was a frame structure eighteen by twenty-four feet. The following year, however, this building was converted into a school house, as the county seat v>as removed to Cam- bridge. Mr. Hunt was born in the town of Led- ger, Cayuga count}'. Xew York. January 6, 1829, his parents being Thomas and Electa (Erwin) Hunt, both natives of Roxbury, Connecticut. In early life the father fol- lowed the trade of a cloth dresser and also engaged in farming to some extent. He lived for a time in Canada, about one hun- dred and seventy-five miles east of Detroit and' from that place removed to Iowa, it re- quiring twenty-two days to make the jour- ney. After two weeks spent in that state, however, he came to Illinois. In coming down the ^lississippi the boat on which he was a passenger was frozen in the river and they crossed that stream on the ice April 11, 1842. Three days later the ice in the river was two feet thick, that being one of the coldest winters known in this section of the country. Our subject's brother purchaseti' two hundred and ten acres of raw prairie land about a mile and a half from Colona Station, and our subject aided in its develop- ment. In early days he mowed grass where the station how stands, and ai that time knew almost every man in the county. He is the second in order of birth in a famih' of three children. His brother. Charles, was born in Xew York, in 18 19. and was married in Canada to Elizabeth Knight. By trade he was a shoemaker. He died and was buried at Geneseo, this county. The sister, Eliza- beth, was born in Xew York in 1838. Lewis Hunt made his first purchase of land in 1851, consisting of eighty acres of unbroken prairie land one mile south of An- nawan, which he placed under cultivation and afterward traded for one hundred and twen- ty acres of partially improved land on section 25, Cornwall township, where he now re- sides. To this he has since added a tract of sixty acres, and now has a .well improved and highly cultivated farm, whose neat and tlirifty appearance is an evidence of his care- ful supervision and good business ability. In connection with general farming he is also engaged in stock raising. In i860 ^Ir. Hunt was united in marriage v.ith Miss Sarah Rooney, a native of Tus- cara was, Ohio, and one of a familv of nine THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 659 children. She came to this county in 1854 with her parents, Gabriel and Fannie (Baltz- ly) Rooney, the family locating in Cornwall township. Unto IMr. and Mrs. Hunt were born five children, namely: Leonidas, born December 28, 1S61, died in childhood; John, born February 19, 1863, is' at home; Edgar; Edward, born March 5, 1865, married' Al- mira Bishop, a native of Ohio, and is now engaged in farming in Cornwall township, and Clarinda, born February 19, 1871, is at home. The wife and mother died March iS. 1898, and was laid to rest in Fairxiew ceme- tery, where the children have also been buried". Mr. Hunt cast his first presidential vote for General Scott, the Whig candidate, and is now a stanch supporter of the Republican party. He is a member of the United Breth- ren Church, and is a man who commands the confidence and respect of all with whom he comes in contact either in business or social life. JESSE E. BIEBIXGER. As manager of the Allerton farm, comprising four thousand acres of land in Loraine township, the subject of this sketch has become widely known throughout Henry county as a man of more than ordinary bus- iness ability and keen discrimination. A na- tive of Ohio, he was born near Portsmouth, Scioto county, September 23, 1863, but al- most his entire life has been passed in the Prairie state. John Biebinger, father of our subject, was born in Germany and was si.K years old when he came to the United States with his father, Conrad Biebinger, who settled in Scioto county, Ohio, where he made his home until his death. He followed farming both in his native land and' in this country. John was the third in order of birth in his family of five children, and grew to man- hood on the home farm, his education being acquired in the local schools. On the 27th of January, 1861, he was' united in marriage with Miss Naomi Ellen Cockrell, who was born in Sciota county, a daughter of Jesse and Anna (Marsh) Cockrell, natives of Vir- ginia and Pennsylvania, respectively. The marriage of her parents was celebrated' in Sciota county, Ohio, where her father, with two brothers, located in the early part of the nineteenth century. He took up government land and became an extensive land owner. In his family were twelve children, and with one exception all reached years of maturity, Mrs. Biebinger being the youngest of the family. Her father died when she was but nine years old. After his marriage John Biebinger car- ried on farming in his native state until January, 1865, when he came to Illinois, lo- cating near Monticello, Piatt count}-, where he purchased land' and engaged in the same pursuit with good success. He is now the owner of a well-improved and valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres near that place. In politics he is a Republican and he has been elected to a number of local of- fices. Religiously he is a faithful member of the Christian Church, and socially is a Royal Arch Mason. In his family are six children, namely: Anna Laura is the widow of Will- iam Kinder and a resident of Piatt county, Illinois'; Jesse E., our subject, is the next of the family; David A. married Daisy Stroble, and is in the employ of the John Deere Plow Company at J^Ioline; Isaac Newton, a resi- dent of Piatt county, takes a very active and prominent part in county and state politics. 66o THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. and was one of the presidential electors of Illinois in 1900; Marguerite and Leo are both at home. The daughters have all been school teachers of Piatt county. After attending the common schools' for some years Jesse E. Biebinger entered Union Christian College at Merom, Sullivan coun- t}-, Indiana, where he completed his educa- tion. Later he was in the employ of the Wabash Railroad company as brakeman for three years and was then engaged in farming for Samuel Allerton, near Monticello, for three years. Subsequently he spent a year and a half in this county, constructing the levee on the Allerton place in Loraine township, and aiding in its improvement, as it was orig- inally all swamp land. After this he again spent three years near ^lonticello, but since 1897 has acted as manager of Mr. Allerton's farm in Henry county, and has most credit- ably and acceptably filled that responsible position. He has from ten to fifty men in his employ and raises about two thousand three hundred and fifty acres of com, while the remainder of the four thousand acres is devoted to oats and pasture. His corn crop amounted to about one hundred and twenty- five thousand bushels in 1900. Stock raising claims considerable of his attention and he ships annuall}- about one thousand head' of cattle and eight carloads of hogs. He is a very progressive and enterprising farmer, and is a man of sound business judgment. On the 23d of February, 1890, Mr. Bie- binger was united in marriage with jMiss Mary Le Fevre, a native of Piatt county, and a daughter of Isaac and Annie (Peck) Le Fevre, who were born in Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectivel)', and' in early life removed to Piatt county, Illinois, where Mr. Le Fevre followed farming. Our subject and his wife l^.ave two children, ^'ena and ^'era, twins. born November 11. 1900. In his political aflfiliations Mr. Biebinger is a Republican, but cares nothing for political honors. He takes an active part in those interests' de- signed to promote the general welfare, and is one of the leading citizens of his community. On }klarch i, 1901, Mr. Biebinger re- signed his position as manager of the Aller- ton estate and accepted a position as super- intendent of the shipping department of the John Deere Plow Compan}-, of Moline, Illi- nois, where he has one hundred and fifty men under him. JOSEPH WELLS. Among Henry county's most prosperous and influential citizens are many whose earlj' home was on the other side of the Atlantic. Joseph Wells, now one of the leading agri- culturists of Cornwall township, is a native of England, his birth having occurred in Billinghay, Lincolnshire, in 1836. His par- ents, William B. and Elizabeth (Bee) Wells, were life-long residents of that country. In their family were seven children. Bidding good-by to home and native land in 1 86 1, ^Ir. Wells took passage on the North Britain, a steamer of the Allen line, and' after a voyage of eleven days landed in Portland, Maine. From that place he went to Rochester, New York, and after remain- ing there for two weeks came to Henry coun- ty, Illinois, taking up his residence in At- kinson township at the age of twenty-nine. For three years he worked on a farm and tlien went to Montana. He was three months in making the trip, traveling five hundred miles over a new road, and spending the 4tli of July, 1864, on the banks of the Yellow- stone river. One night Indians attacked the THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 66 1 camp anil stole about' liftv horses and one man was shot in the siioukler witii a bow and arrow. .\t anotlier time a party en route to California was a short distance in advance of the train our subject was with, and had over a hundred head of horses stolen. For five years he was successfulh- engaged in prosjjecting and mining for gold in that state, and then returned to this county. He pur- chased 'inc hundred ami twent}' acres of par- tially inii)ro\ed land on section 9. Cornwall town.sliip. and to its further improvement and culti\ation has since devoted his energies with most gratifying results. He has also adtled eighty acre? of cultivated land to the original tract, while his landed possessions in Cornwall township now aggregate three hundred and thirty-three acres of very val- uable and productive land, all of which pro])erty has been acquired through his own ii'dustry, indefatigable energy, and good l)usiness ability, guided by sound judgment. In his piilitical \iews ^Ir. \\'ells is a stal- wart lI^^^^^^^^^^^H ^ «'«iii.v;^^^H ^Bk i wf Hill^^^^^^H ^^^^^^^^Hi^Hm^H CASPER OTT. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS UKBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 665 (leneseo; Henry, whci married Catherine W'oli and lives in Geneseo; Adolpli, wlio married Lizzie Waltz and resides in the same place : anil Jaci)l). w h( > died at the age of nine years. When (>nl\' six months old Casper Ott accompanied his ])arents on their reino\-al ti Lake county. Illinois, being carried in his mother's arms from Pennsylvania to Chi- cago. There were several families in the ]>arty and the journey was made in covered wagons, then known as prairie schooners. There the father worked as a journeyman tailor, while the famih' made their home in a log cabin. Our subject had no educational advantages, never attending school but one day when twelve years of age. He worked with his father until he attained his major- ity, and together they came to Henry coun- ty, in 1853. The latter purchased a tract oth of October. iXdi. in that township. Mr. Ott was united in marriage v.ith Mary Elizabeth Rapp. by whom he had the following children: .\mos. born Juh' I. i«'^'i,V in Lorainc towuship. ni;irried ]!eck\- Ilimmel. and has three children. ] larr\ V... .\manda and David L. I le is now engaged in the furniture and undertaking business in Pro])hetstown, Illinois. David, born Xovember T. 1865, died October i, 1893. Sarah, born March 14, 1867, is also a resident of Proplietstown. Calvin, born July 10. 1869. married Minnie Sanderson, and li\es in the same place. Leonard, born Jan- iiar\- 30, 1873, makes his home with his i'.rother .\iuos. Cora E.. born December 14, 1876, is teaching school in .\lba township, this county. Mrs. Ott died . l!)ecember 30, 1876. Mr. Ott was again married August 7, 1877, his second union being with Mrs. Louisa Ott. the widow of his brother, Adam, and a dau.ghter of Ludwig and Dorothy ( Lehmann ) Sand, who were natives of Al- sace, (jermany. and early settlers of Gen- eseo, Illinois, where both died. By occu- Ijation the father was a farmer. Of his eleven children two died in infancy, the others being Lewis, who married So])hia Ott and resides in Moline, Illinois: Philip, who died in the army during the Ci\il war; Louisa, wife of our subject: Samuel, who wedded Mary Heinz and died in Kansas; .\melia, wife of Jacob Ofi'erle. of Warren. Pennsylvania; Olied. who married Lillie Brown anil li\-es in northern Iowa; Elizabeth, wife of Law- rence Offerle. of Offcrle. Kansas; Benjamin, who ni.'U'ried Louisa I'rban and resides in Geneseo. Illinois: and Solomon, who died in .\rizona. By her tirst marriage ]\Irs. Ott had the following children: .Anna B.. born Xo- vember g, 1867, is the wife of Irvin Luther, of Walnut. Illinois, and has three children, Eugene .\.. Mary L, and Ruth; and Carrie, born December 26, 1870, is the wife of Ed- ward Zinser. of Yorktown township, this county and lias three children, .\rthur E., Xulford E. and Milan K. .\fter his tirst marriage Mr. Ott leased forty acres of land of his father, and later rented a tract of one hundred and twenty acres owned by him in Yorktown township, li". i8C)8 our subject made his first purchase of land consisting of one hundred and sixty acres on section 21. the same township, l)e- longing to his father, and has since added to it a tract of forty acres, so that he now owns a Fine farm of twn hundred acres, which he has placed under excellent cultivation. In 1889 he erected one of the liest residences in the township, has also built a large barn. 666 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ard has supplied the place with all the con- veniences and accessories found upon a model farm of the present day. In addition to his farm work ilr. Ott has engaged in house moving and is agent for the Home Insurance Company. He is an excellent harness maker and in all his undertakings has been quite successful, and he is now one of the well-to- do and substantial citizens of his community. Although he had no educational privi- leges Mr. Ott fully realizes the advantages of a good education, and for twenty-eight years has efficiently served as school trustee in his district. He has also held the offices of constable and road commissioner, filling the latter position eleven years. He and his family are active members of the Evangelical Association in which he has served as class leader for years. ABRAM TACKSOX LEWIS. ^^'ith the agricultural interests of Corn- wall township, Abram J. Lewis has been closely identified for a number of years, and is now the owner of an excellent farm on section 9. He was born near Chillicothe, Ohio, on the 17th of February, 1851. His father. John Lewis, was born April 1 7, i S20, in Indiana township, Indiana county, Penn- sylvania, and when young removed to Ohio with his parents, William and^ Elizabeth Lewis, also natives of the Keystone state. He grew to manhood upon a farm in Rich- land township, Jackson county, Ohio, and on the 4th of iMay, 1847, wedded ]\Iiss Mary Cozad, of that county. On first coming to Illinois, in 1851, John Lewis located in Ful- ton county, but the following year took up his residence in Cornwall township, Henry count}-, where he purchased a soldier's claim of one hundred and sixty acres on section 21. In his farming operations here he met with remarkable success,- and added to his landed possessions from time to time until he had eleven hundred and sixty acres of well improved land, most of which was un- broken when it came into his possession, but being industrious, energetic and enterprising he became the owner of one of the most valu- able estates in this county. In religious belief he was a Baptist and in politics a Democrat, and was a man highh^ respected and es- teemed by all who knew him. He died March 5, 1900, and his wife passed away July 26, 1 898, the remains of both being in- terred in the Libertj'^ Church burying ground in Cornwall township. To this worthy couple were born fourteen children as follows: ^\'illiam J. married Eliza J. Claypool and is now deceased; Abram J., our subject, is next in order of birth: Samuel F. married Susan J. Rogers and follows farming in Atkinson township, this county ; John H. married Delia Keppler and lives in Geneseo; James Andrew mar- ied Elizabeth Bentley and makes his home in Atkinson township; George W. married Florence De Bloie, and resides in Jasper county, near Xewton, Illinois; Francis M. married Luzetta Williamson and is engaged in farming near Peoria ; Charles A. married Lillian Carnc}- and lives in Kansas City; Charity A. is the wife of James Fell, a resi- dent of Geneseo, this county; Stephen A. married Charit}' Cozad and is engaged -n agricultural pursuits in Cornwall township, section 20; Alfred married Jennie Ole and in a farmer of Munson township; Albert T.^ a twin of Alfred, died in infancy; Robert lives in Kansas City; and ilary is the wife of George Hudson, of Indian Territory. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 667 The subject <>i lliis sketch was only a year nld when lnought by his parents to Henry county, lUinois. and in the school of Iiis lionie district he secured tlie greater part of his education, thougli he attended school at Atkinson one term. During his boyhood antl youth he assisted in the labors of the farm and early ac(|uired an excellent knowl- edge of agricultural pursuits which has been of great benefit in his life wnrk. He is now the owner of a well improxcd and highly cultivated farm of two hundred ancf eighty acres. His political support i?. always given the Democracy, and he capably tilled the office of constable one term, but has never cared for political honors. On the 13th of May, 1876. Mr. Lewis was united in marriage with Miss Mary Catherine Reese, a native of Xew York state, who died March 14. iSSi. Of the two children bom of that iniion. one, Lotta, married Warren' Dunham, and resides in Geneseo townsliip. The other. Roland, died aged one year and ten months. Mr. Lewis was again married. April 14. 1S85, his sec- ond union being with .Miss .Martha J. Mc- l-'arland, by whom he had one child, Mamie Blanch, who died in infancy. Mrs. Lewis" parents are John and Samantha (Julian) McFarland, both natives of northeastern Ohio, the former born Feb- ruary 4, 1829, the latter .\ugust 22, 1832. They are now residents of .Missouri. The names and dates of birth of their children are as follows: Henry .\.. December 29, 1852; Mary E., .March 24. 1854; Sophia and Cynthia, twins, March 12, 1856; Will- iam S., February i, 1858; .Martha J., De- cember 12, 1859; Joseph .\., July 25, 1861 ; Robert S., February J^. 1863; Cora B., I^Iarch 29, 1865; Emma V., December 25, 1866; Tony B., .\pril Jj. 1869; Leonard, July 14. 1871; and Agnes. April 2-,. 1873. .\11 are living with the exception of Leonard, who died July if). 1872. The father removed to Missouri l\\ enty-seve.i years ago, and has followed farming throughout life. JOHX S. F.VKXAM. One of the active, prominent and enter- prising citizens of Cornwall township is the .gentleman whose name heads this sketch, and who is successfully engaged in agricul- tural pursuits on section 15. He was born in Xew Hampshire, Ajjril 26, 1833, and comes of good old New England stock, his parents being Jonathan and Phebe (Stevens) Farnam, also -natives of the Granite state and pioneers of Illinois. By trade the father was a carpenter, but becoming a minister of the Christian Church he devoted consider- able time to religious work. ] le died in this county March 28, 1875, honored and re- spected by all who knew him. 1 lis estimable wife passecf away in 1852, aged thirty-seven \ears. They were the parents of si.x chil- dren, of whom John S. is fourth in order of birth. Sarah, born in 1825, is a resident of Nebraska and the widow of Randall Sar- gent, a farmer by occupati(jn. Hannah C. is also living in Nebra.ska. Lucv married N. C. Bosworth, a farmer of Califorma. now deceased. George W. enlisted dining the Civil war in the First Kan.sas Cavalrv, and was killed in his first battle, at (iunni- son, Colorado, at the age of twenty-two years, his remains being interretf at Kansas City. Luthera is the wife of b^dwin Bos- worth. a farmer of California. John S. Farnam was reared and edu- cated in the east, and was eighteen years of age when he came to Illinois. He was first emi)loyed at farm work near Tiskilwa. Bu- reau ctumty. His first purchase of land con- 668 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. sisted of eighty acres nt unl)rMkcn jirairie near that place, uhicli he cultixated and im- proved. On dispiising (if tliat jji'iipert}' he came to Cornwall township. Henry cimnt)', in 1856, and hought one hundred and sixty acres of land to which he subsequently add- ed forty acres. He also owns eighty acres in Alineral township, Bureau county, all of which is under cultivation with the excep- tion of forty acres of timlier land. He broke the land and erected the buildings there- on, and to-day has one of the liest im- proved farms in Cornwall township. In early life he learned the carpenter's trade with his father, and has built a number of bridges in this county, besides moving and constructing many houses. At the age of twenty-one ^Ir. Farnam was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Tompkins, a native of Illinois and one of a family of six cliildren. Her father, Martin Tompkins, died in this county in 1891, at the home of our subject. Of the ten chil- dren Ixirn to our subject and his wife the first four died in childhood; John is at home; George W. married Jennie Lane, a native of Henry county; Laura is the wdfe of Oliver Nicholson; Nellie is at home: Mabel is the wife of \\'alter Sleaford ; and Martin married Sarah Cosner and li\es at home. During the dark days of the Rebellion Mr. Farnam manifested his' patriotism b\' enlisting in Company D, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry^ and was mustered into the United States service at Peoria as a private, but in six months was promoted commissary sergeant and later to line sergeant. He participated in the bat- tles of Resaca, New Hope Church, Pine Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Utoy Creek, Rough and Ready, Jonesboro and Atlanta, Georgia : Columbia and Franklin, Tennessee; and l'"(irt Anderson, Town Creek and W'il- mingtnn. North Carolina; and was also in Sanders' raid into east Tennessee. He was wounded at Resaca, and during the battle of Franklin was thrown from a bridge and almost killed, falling tw-enty-five feet and striking on bed rock. He was confined in the hospital for six months and then re- turned to his regiment in Greensboro, North Cartilina. and in June, 1865, was mustered' out at the same place and in July was hon- orably discharged from the service at Chi- cago. During the gold excitement at Pikes Peak ]\Ir. Farnam went to Colorado, and V. as engaged in prospecting and mining near that place for three years, returning home with two thousand dollars in gold. He cast his first presidential vote in 1856 and is now a stanch supporter of the men and' measures of the Republican part}^ At one time he was a member of the Grangers As- sociation. He has filled the offices of school director and township supervisor in a most creditable and satisfactory manner, and has been prominently identified wdth the best interests of his locality during his entire residence there. He settled there before Cornwall township was organized and has done much to advance the general w^elfare, always supporting those enterprises wdiich he belie\es will prove of public benefit. He was one of the brave defenders of the Union during the Civil war and has always been a loyal and patriotic citizen. BUENOS AYRES. For o\-er forty years this gentleman was closely identified with the agricultural and business interests of Henrv countv, and was l!h'?/iRy UNlVtItii,, Of ILUNO/S #1 ."Ot* BUENOS AYRES. MRS. BUENOS AYRES. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 673 acc(jiinten sec- tion-, 4 and 9, Yorktown townsliip. Mr. Clementz was lK)rn in .Msace-Lo- raine, at tliat time luider the French gov- ernment, on tlie 6tli of July, it^44. but was only nine months old when brought to tills country, in 1845, by his parents, John and Michelina (Highmiser) Clementz. both of whom were born near Strasburg, Germany, the former in 18 13, the latter In 18 — . The family first located two and a half miles from Xaperville, in ]3u Page county, Illi- nois, where the father purchased one hun- dred and forty acres uf land, partly covered with timber, and to the development and cultivation of this farm he devotetl his time and attention for twelve years. During this time our subject aided in the work of the farm and learned very little English, as German was the laugu;\ge spoken in the home. He then accompanied the family on their removal to Loraine township, Henry- county, where a farm of one hundred and thirty acres was purchased, and here he at- tended the district schools for a time, pur- suing his studies in an old log hut with log seats standing on pegs driven into the floor. There were no desks. After seven years spent at this place the family returned to Xaperville. Xaver remained with his parents two years longer and then again came to Henr)- county, this time locating in York- town township. Subsequently the father traded his Xaperville farm for land in York- town township, which our subject operated. In 1S86 he purchased two hundred acres from his father, and has since bought eighty acres from Mr. Bogardus. This he still re- tains and has improved in a creditable man- ner. Xearly all of the entire tract has been broken by himself, and has been converted bv l.im into one of the finest farms of York- town township. In connection with gen- eral farming he is also engaged in raising cattle for market purposes. Xaver Clementz is the third in order of birth in a family of five children, the others being Josephine, wife of Conrad Seyler, of Prophetstown, Illinois; Lena, wife of D. Smith, a farmer of Yorktown township, this county; August, who mar- ried Barbara Creygar, and died in Xaper- ville, in 1889; and Kate, wife of George Seyler, of Yorktown township. Xaver Clementz has been twice married. In December, 1869, in Loraine township, this county, he married Miss Louisa Gross, who died Octoljer 20, 1873, leaving two children, namely: Frank, who was Ijorn March 11, 1871, and resides with his fa- ther; and Dora, who was born February 7, 1873, and is now the wife of August Seyler, of Yorktown township. On the 20th of June, 1874, Mr. Clementz was united in marriage with Miss Mary Vogel, a native of Xaperville, Illinois, and a daughter of Anthony and ilary Ann (Seyler) \'ogel, lifelong residents of Germany. Her father was born near Strasburg, her mother in Alsace-Loraine. Mrs. \'ogel was the only daughter in the family of eight children, and is now the only survivor. Three of her brothers came to America. By his second marriage ^Ir. Clementz has eight children : Anna, born April 5, 1875, is the wife of Charles Bollenbach, of Columbus Junction, Iowa; William, born September 15, 1877, is at home; Bertha, born January 22, 1880, is the wife of Edward Bollenbach, of York- town Corners, Bureau county; and Martha, born January 28, 1883, Josephine, born May 12, 1886, Katie, born December 26, 1890, Fred, born September 19, 1892, and John, born February 7, 1894, are all at 676 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. b.ome. ]Mr^. Clementz passed away in Sep- tember, 1893. The family are communis cants of the Roman Catholic Church, and are liekl in high regard by all who know them. For a number of years Mr. Clementz has served as school director, supporting the Democratic party, and he gives his support to every worthy enterprise for the puljlic gotid. JOHX S. }>IARTIX. The life of this gentleman has been one of usefulness and he is now living retired in Geneseo, enjoying the fruits of former toil. He was born on the 26th of August, 1831, near Livonia, \\ as'hington count}-, Indiana, a son of Xathan and Sarah (Trimlile) Mar- tin. On the paternal side he is descendea from I'eter Martin, a nati\'e nf the (3kl Do- minion, who was born Februarx- 8, 1841, of German ancestry. His son, John Martin, the grandfather of our subject, \\as born in Martin's Hundred, near Richmond, \'irginia, September 3, 1773, and became one of the first settlers of Kentucky, going to that state with the celebrated Daniel Boone. For some time he lived' m a fort. Li 1823 he removed with his family to Indiana, and in 1849 came to Illinois with his sons, James and John, locating in Woodford county, wdiere he died October 3, 1855. ^is wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Martin, was also born in Virginia, January 24, 1779, and died in Woodford count}-, Illi- nois, May 31, 1858. They were the parents of eleven children, namely: Stephen, who died in Washington county, Indiana; Na- than, the father of our subject; Achsah, wife of Absalom Little, of Clark county, Indiana, where her death occurred ; Lemuel, who died in Sharon, Whiteside county, Illinois ; Moses Jeffries, who died in Greene county, Iowa; Allen, who died in Washington county, In- diana, and was buried on the old' home farm; Enoch Redding, who died in Clark county, that state ; Asa, who died in Olivette, Iowa ; James M., who died in Washington county, Kansas ; John IMason, a resident of Chicago ; and Sarah Elizaljeth, who married .John Sherwood and died in A\'ashingt >n county, Indiana. Xathan Martin, our subject's father, was burn in Shell)}- cnunty, Kentucky. January 12, 1802, and removed to Indiana with his parents in 1823, settling on Bear creek, near the town of Martinsburg, \\'ashington coun- ty. Throughout life he followed the occu- pation of a farmer. In 1825 he made a trip on horseback to Fort Clarke, Illinois, and tl-ien returned to Indiana, where he continued to make his home until 1852, when he re- moved to Sharon, Whiteside county, Illinois. There his wife died ]\Iarch 25, 1864, and about two years later he went to Republic county, Kansas, where he purchased land, residing there until called to his final rest Mfirch 7, 1873. It was in Orange county, Indiana, March 18, 1829, that he married Miss Sarah Trimble, who was born near Paris, Bourbon count}-, Kentucky, \ugust I, 1802. Her father, George Trimble, was a native of Virginia and was also -a companion of Daniel Boone in his early explorations and settlement of the "Dark and Bloody Ground." He wedded JMary Armstrong and ti ' them Avere born seven children : Mary and Tlmmas, who both died in Orange county, Indiana ; Jane, who died in Kentucky; Mar- garet and Elizabeth, who died in Indiana; Sarah, the mother of our subject; and George, who died in Indiana. John S. Martin is the second in order of l):rth in a family of ten children, the others IIR»?ARY UNIVtKSllr Uh ILLINOIS UR6ANA JOHN S. MARTIN. MRS JOHN S. MARTIN. LIBRARY UNIVERSllY OF ILLINOIS URBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 68 1 being- as follows: (ieorge T. died in Sharon. \\liiteside county. Illinois: luiock M. is a resident of Colorado; Sarah Jane married Walter Stone and died in Sharon, Whiteside county; Achsah A. is the wife of David W. Hamilton, of Belleville, Republic county, Kansas: Xathan M. is a resident of Chula. l-ivingston cnunly. .Missouri : James A. died in Atlantic. Iowa: Aniazetta Z. married Benona Benson, now a resident of Rock Isl- land, and she died in Shanm, Whiteside county. Illninois; .Mar\' C is the widow of Frank Hadaw ay and a resident of Prophets- town, Whiteside county: Henrietta C. died in Sharon at tiie age of twenty years. John S. Martin ac(|uired his earl}- educa- tion in the schools of Lixduia, Indiana, and was reared' on the home farm. When a young- man he learned the lailnr's trade at that place, where he w-orkcd for tw-o years. With the hope of bettering his financial condition ill the west, he went to Keokuk, Iowa, in 1850, and from there to Des Moines, which at that time was only a fort. On his return to Indiana, he took uj) cabinet making, which he followed for a slmrt time in |)artnership ■with D. R. Pound at MiddletDwn, X'igo ci;Unt\-, but in June, 1S51, he snld out and returned to his father's place in Washington county. Later in the same year he and his brother George came to Illinois and' settled in Sharon. Whiteside county. In the spring of 1852 he assisted his father in moving with an ox team to this state. At Sharon he fol- lowed farming and also W(jrketl at the car- peiiter trade, in the meantime purchasing lantl in Phenix townshi]), llenrv county. In 1856 he removed to Geneseo. and located on Center street where he still makes his' home. Here Mr. Martin turned his attention to car- penter work, and for a third of a century was in the employ of the Chicago, Rock Islai-id & Pacific Railroad as a general car- penter. He was foreman most of the time and division foreman for seven years, and is now living retired. On the 25th of December, 1855, Mr. Martin married Miss Doxey Ann Hamilton, of Pekin, Washington county, Indiana, who was born in Lincolnton, North Carolina, Xoxeiuber _'o, T828, and was a daughter of Ninian ami Mary .Margaret ( Willfong) Hamilton, also natixes of .\orth Carolina. Her paternal grandparents were .\rchibakl and Pollv ( Hawkins) Hamilton, natives of Maryland, and her maternal grandparents were George and .Mar\- i.ShufordI Will- fong. Her parents renio\ed to I'ekin, In- tliana, in 1831. Their children were Mary Susann;i. who died in infancy: l)o\ev Ann, wife of our subject: Reuben, who died in childhood: Rebecca, who died in infancy; Xinian Bell, who died in Hartsxille, Indiana; David Willfong, a resilient of Bellexille, Re- public county, Kansas: Candace Shuford, willow of Isaac Martin, lixing on her fa- ther's old homestead in I'ekin. Indiana: and George Washington, who died while serv- ing in the Fifty-third Indiana N'olunteer In- fantr\- during the Li\ il war. .Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin, namely: (i) llugii Hamilton, agent for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pa- cific railroad at Blue Island. Illinois. •married .\da Hann.'i. of l"olon;i. Henr\- county, and the\- ha\e four children. Xellie P.. Fdiia L., Fugene P. ami Julia Iv ( .! ) .'^. .Mice is the wife of John C. V. .\_\-res. who is rep- resented on another page of this xohune. ( 3) Fmnia R. is teaching school in Chicago. (4) Lillie May is a physician and surgeon of Albany, Wisconsin. .She is the wife of Dr. Saxton J. Morgan. ( 5 ) .M. I'.lsie is a book- keeper of Boston. Massachusetts. (6) J. 682 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Morrisnn died at tlie age of twenty-one )-ears. Tlie mother of these children depart- ed tliis Hfe January 30. 1901. Mr. ^Martin and his family hold member- ship in the AIetho<:list Episcopal Church, and he superintended the erection of the present church of that denomination built at Geneseo. He has also been a member of the Indepen- dent Order of Odd Fellows since 1865. He cast his first presidential vote fijr W'infield Scott, the A\ hig candidate, and is now a stal- wart supporter of the Republican party. His career has ever been such as to gain for him the confidence and good will of his fellow citizens, and he is held in the highest re- spect and esteem by all who know him. FRANK S. SEARS. This successful and prosperous farmer of Cornwall township was born on the old homestead where he now resides, October 15, 1861, and is a son of John and jMary (Jewett) Sears, both natives of Sharon, Litchfield county, Connecticut. The father was born on the 22nd of May, 1818, and in early life was engaged in merchandising down the Mississippi. In the fall of 1856 he came to Henr)^ county, Illinois, and pur- chasing a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of wild land in Cormvall township he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. Subsequently he purchased a tract of similar size from his brother who had come with him to this state, and also bought another eighty acres, so that he had four hundred acres of land at the time of his death. This he placed under excellent cultivation and improved with a good set of farm buildings. He served as township clerk for a year or more and also filled the office of school direc- tor. He died in February, 1897, and his wife passed away January 6, 1889, both being laid to rest in Fairview cemetery. They were among the most highly respected' and honored citizens of their community. In the family of this w^orthy couple were seven children, namely: Mary J., wife of Dr. E. J. Porter, of Grand Island, Nebraska ; Frank S.. our subject; John, who wedded !Mary \Miififels and lives in Annawan town- ship, this county; Sarah A. : Nellie, who died May 14, 1884; William H.. who mar- ried Naoma Fick and resides in Cornwall township ; and Jessie L. Frank S. Sears obtained his elementary education in the country schools near his boyhood home, and subsequently attended the high schol at Geneseo for two years. He assisted his father in the operation of the home farm until the latter"s death, and th.en took charge of the place, which he has since successfully carried on. Like his fa- ther, he is a stanch supporter of the men and measures of the Republican part}', and for two years he most acceptably served as township clerk. On the 14th of April, 1897, he led to the marriage altar Miss Amy A. Funk, a daughter of George Funk, a sketch of whom appears in this work, and they have become the parents of two children : George y.. who was born March 27, 1898, and died on the 29th of the following April : and Attie Mildred, who was born March 4, 1900. The Sears family is one of the most prominent families of Cornwall township and wherever known is held in high regard. CHRISTIAN G. GIERHART. In the respect that is accorded U> men who have fought their way to success through unfavorable environments we find an unconscious recognition of the intrinsic THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 683 wnrth of a character which can not only ■endure so rough a test but gain new strength through the disciphne. Tlie following his- tLiry sets forth briefly the steps by which oin- subject, now one of the substantial ag- riculturists of Henry county, overcame the disadvantages of his earl\- lite, lie resitles on section 6. Atkinson tnwnship. and is the owner of a fine farm of two hundred acres in that and Geneseo townships. Mr. (iierharl was Ixii-ii in Richland county. Ohio, on the 17th of .\pril, i8_'4, and is a son of Jonas H. and Susan (Stough) (iierhart, both natives of Mary- land, where their marriage was celebrated. The father was born in 179.;. and in 1814 removed to Ashland c<>uni\'. (Jhio. which was then a vast wilderness. W ith his wife and child and one horse the journey was made to their new home in the Buckeye state. With his own hands he built a little cabin in the midst of the forest, and at once began to clear and improve a farm. In later years, with the assistance of his sons, he made a good farm of one hundred and si.Nty acres. .Vbout 18^7 he came to Henry county. Illinois, and spent his last years with his children, dying here in February, On the old honicsiead in Ohio. Chris- tian G. Gierhart grew to manhood, aidin,^ his father in carrying on the farm until he reached years ui maturity. During the Mexican war he enlisted in 1846, in Com- pany K. Third Ohio N'oluuteer Infantry, and was first engaged in guarding trains for about rt\e hundred miles, later participat- ing in the battle of Buena \'ista. He was ill in the hospital for some time, and frcin the effects of that illness he has never fuliy recovered. At the close of tiie war he was honorably discharged at Xew Orleans. By way of Cincinnati he returned to his old home in Ohio, and being in poor health re- mained on his father's farm about two years. In Xovember, 1849. Mr. Gierhart was unitetl in marriage with Miss Saral'i .\. (iray. who was born in rennsylvania and was about six vears old when she accom- panied her father, Joseph Gray, on his re- moval to Ohio, the family being among the early settlers of Ashland couiUy. For some lime after his marriage he worked at any- thing which he could find to do, and con- tracted to cut six hundred cords of wood, most of which he himself cut. In 1853 he came to Henry county, Illinois, and engaged in farming for Charles Demming, who at the advanced age of ninety-seven years is now li\ing in (ieneseo. While serving as justice of the peace in Ohio Mr. Denuning had married Mr. and Mrs. Gierhart. and he swore Mr. Gierhart into the service in the Mexican war. He tilled the office of state senator in Ohio, and held other positions of h.onor and trust. Our subject continued in the employ of Mr. Demming at (ieneseo for four years and during that time opened up a farm. In 1856 he made his first piu'chase of land consisting of eighty acres of raw prairie on section (). Atkinson township, where he now resides, and at once turned his attention to its improveiuent and cidtivation. He erect- ed thereon a small house, which was his home for sixteen years. anins : Mary, wife of our subject; Bridget, wife of Terreiice McCabe: Pacca, who wed- ded Mary Dwyer; Maggie, wife of D. H. Robins: Katie; Fannie, wife of Thomas Cole; and John. Mr. and Mrs. Shearer have two children: Blanche, lx)rn January 6. 1886. and Edith, born July 5. 1887. both attending school. Mr. Shearer owns two hundred and for- ty acres of land, which he has placed un- der excellent cultivation, and on which he has made many useful and valuable im- provements which add greatly to the at- tractive appearance of the place. He makes a specialty of stock raising and shi])ping. and is justly regarded as one of the most progressive and reliable business men of his community. As a Republican Mr. Shearer takes quite an active part in local positions, and he is now acceptably serving as supervisor of Cornwall township, having been elected to that responsible position in April, 1900. He has also filled the office of school di- rector for the past few years. Socially he ic- a member of the Modern Wo"chools. .\s a Rcpulilican Mr. Hurlbutt takes an active interest in public affairs, and has held several minor township offices, serving ;i,' scho ir.ently identified with its growth and de- velopment. He is now the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and sevent}"-three acres on sections 3 and 4. Cornwall town-i ship, which is under a high state of culti- \-ation and well improved. ^Ir. Porter was born in South Hunting- ton township. Westmoreland county. Penn- sylvania, on the 15th of September. 181 5. and is a son of Daniel and Catherine (Gaff- ne\-) Porter, the former a native of \'ir- ginia. the latter of ^It. Pleasant township, Westmoreland county. Pennsylvania. In 1834 the father brought his family to Illi- nois, and after traveling all over the state took up his residence in Decatur on the 6th of October, that year. On account of the frequency of prairie fires he avoided the newer settlements. He spent the 4th of July in Danville, and remained for about four weeks in Bloomington on this trip. He bought a farm of two hundred and forty acres adjoining Decatur, which was al- ready fenced and under cultivation. William Porter is'the fifth in order of birth in a family of eleven children, the others being John, who was drowned in the Youghiogheny river in Pennsylvania; twins, who died in infancy: Edward, who died in Reno. Iowa, at the age of seventy- seven years, leaving a large family living near that place; Isaiah, who went to Cali- fornia in 1849. 'iiK^l lived on the Pacific coast until his death, which occurred at Tacoma, Washington : Harriet, who mar- ried William White and died in Stark coun- ty. Illinois: Lucinda. wife of Daniel Ging- rich of the same county; Catherine, who married Samuel Airhart. and also died in Stark county. Both were graduates of Knox College, of Galesburg. Aaron, a resi- dent of California: and Elizabeth, who died at the age of three years. The subject of this sketch came with his parents to Illinois, and remained on the farm near Decatur until June. 1837, when he went to Stark county. There he entered one hundred and sixt\- acres of unbroken land, to the improvement and cultivation of which he devoted his energies until coming to Henry county in the spring of 1843. He purchased eighty acres of land in Cornwall township, and traded his Stark county farm for a partially impro\ed tract of two hun- dred acres. It is now under a high state of cultivation with good and substantial build- ings, all of which have been erected by Mr. Porter. The neat and thrifty appearance of the place plainly indicates his careful super- vision. In Stark county, on the 5th of May, 1840. Mr. Porter married Miss Eleanor Hamilton, who was born on the i6th of I'ebruary, 181 8. in South Huntington town- ship, ^\'estmoreland county, Pennsylvania, and died in Cornwall township, this coiuity. ^lay 20. 1885. She was one of a family of six children whose parents were Alexan- der and Elizabeth ( Steele) Hamilton. The children born to our subiect and his wife THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 695 were as follows: Mary Martlia, now tiie wife of John T. Rondema , farmer of the state of Washington ; Alexander Hamil- ton, who died in infancy; Jane Ellen, who died at the age of four years: ^^'illiam C. deceased, who married Amanda Turpin niul followed merchandising at Hartwell, Xe- hraska: Charles, who died in infancy; Ella and Daniel, twins, the former of whom first married Horace G. Benedict and. second. Charles S. Terpening. a farmer and school teacher, and the latter married Sarah Lloyd and follows farming: Epaphroditus J., who married Miss ^lary Jewett Sears and is a physician at Grand Island, Xehraska. hav- ing graduated from Rush Medical College. Chicago, in 1878: Josie. wife of AJlison Orville Taylor, a merchant of Minatare, Xe- l)raska: \'iola, wife of James Dysart, a stock raiser of Eagle, Xehraska, and iSowcn, who married .\merica Ernst, and died at Gold Hill, Oregon, of which place he was a physician, being a graduate of the Chicago Homeopathic Medical College: he was also a student in the Rush Medical Col- lege. .Mr. Porter has always taken an active and commendable interest in ])ublic affairs, especially educational matters, and has effi- ciently served as school director. Political- ly lie is identified at present with the Peo- l)les party, and has always been a warm ^upportcr of the principles advocated by .Vbraham Lincoln, and fraternally is con- nectetl with the Grange. In religious belief lit is a Baptist, and is an earnest and con- sistent member of that cliurch. Through the fi fly-eight years of his residence here Mr. Porter has become widely known, and his many e.xcellent traits of character ha\e gained him the high regard of a host of friends. In 1849. in coinpanx' with two others from Bureau county, Illinois, our subject started for the gold fields of California, making the trip with ox teams in about four months" time. On the Little Blue ri\er they joined a wagon train, so that when they tinally crossed the great jilains there were sixt_v-h\e men and one woman and baliy. the wife of our subject's briJther Isaiah. lie remained in California two years, pros- l)ecting and mining. His trip did not prove a financial success. The return trip was made by water, via Xew Orleans, and the .Mississippi river to Peoria, then by stage to Henry county. In iS(n he again went to California. \ia .\e\v \'ork City by boat to .Vspinwall. by rail, ocean and the Isthnuis to Panama and then liy boat to San Francisco. He engaged in milling in Xe\ada and remained four \ears, returning in i8')3 by water to Xew \'ork, thence by rail to Henry county. He crossed the isthmus o\er the now ijroposed canal route by stage and river steamers. In 1883 he went to the state of Washing- ton. \a the Xorthern Pacific, being a jias- senger on the first train to crosv the moun- tains from St. Paul. JOHX TAYLOR. .More than si.xtv-lliree vears ago John Taylor came to Henry C'linty, Illinois, and for almost half a century was actively in- terested in its progress. His labors as one of the founders of the county justly entitle him to a prominent place in its annals. He was born on the i(t{]\ of .\ugust, i8ji, in .\'ew Hampshire, of which state his parents. Andrew and Polly ( I'rown) Taylor, were ^9<5 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. also nati\'es. tlie former liorn January 17. 1789. the latter June 16, 1785. At an early day the family removed to Xew York state, where the motiier died, and later went to \'alparaiso, Indiana, making the journey with ox teams. In 1837 they came to Henry -county, Illinois, and the father took up a tract of government land in Atkinson town- ship, where he made his home imtil his death, which occurred October 26. 1843. Throughout his active business life he fol- lo\\"ed the occupation of a farmer. John Taylor was the third in order of birth in a family of four children, the others being as follows : Xathan \\'oodbury died in Atkinson, this county. Of his seven chil- dren one was killed in a coal bank; two are living in this county; two in Iowa; one ii! Kansas;' and one in Stark cnunty. Illi- nois. James X. also died in Atkinson, and two of his six children are deceased, while two live in Bradford, Stark county; one in ^Missouri ; and one in Iowa. ^Irs. Mary E. Hamilton is a widow living in Geneseo, Illi- nois. She is the mother of seven children, four of whom are still li\ing and reside in Cedar Rapids. Iowa. The subject of this review was about sixteen years of age when he came with his father to this county, and he aided in transforming the wild land into a good farm. Prior to his marriage he became the owner of eighty acres of land, only eight .acres of which had been broken, but he soon placed the remainder under cultivation, and later purchased another eighty-acre tract of Y,-ild land. Arotmd this entire tract he placed a hedge fence and upon the place erected a comfortable residence and a good set of farm buildings, making it his home xmtil his death, which occurred October 12, j88;. He was the first collector of Corn- wall township, and also filled the office of school director. He bore a very active and important part in the early development of the county, and was one of the most hon- ored pioneers and u.seful citizens. At one time he was an active member , 1862, are both at home. (7) (lenrge W.. born December j;. 1864. died .'September 20, 1867. (8) Emeline. born .March _>_>. 1867, died Septemlier 17. the same year. ERIC AXDERSO.X'. Among the leading and pnpular citizens of A\'eller township is Eric Anderson, who has efficiently .served as supervisor of that township since 1S90. He was born in the central part of Sweden, February 5. 1847, a son of Jons and Christine (Olsdu) Ander- son, natives of the same country, the birili of the former occurring Xovember 2, 181 1, the latter Alav 16, 181 5. In 1850 the father brought his family to the United States, ami located at Bishop Jlill, Henry county, Illi- nois. During the greater jiart of the time from 1850 until 1861, he worked at his trade as a blacksmith, but when the cohmv there was disbanded in the latter year he t(jok up farming in Weller township, continuing to follow the same until his death, which oc- curred January 10, 1892. He was a man of exceptionally tine physique, and was high- ly respected and esteemed by all who knew him. His marriage to Christine Olscju re- sulted in the birth of nine children, six of whom grew to maturity, namely : Christine, deceased wife of Eric Olson; Olof, a farmer of Weller tDwnshi]). who enlisted in 1861 ir. Ciimpanv D, Fiftv-seventh Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry, and ser\ed until the close <'f the war: .\ndre\\. who was a member "f the same company and was killed in battle at Corinth. .Mississippi, October 4, 1862; Anna, widow of James W. Kennedy and a resident of Ckilva, Illinois; Eric, the subject of this sketch; and Justus, a farmer of Wel- ler township. The UK.ithcr of these children died Xo\ember 10, l8yi. During his boyhood Eric Anderson at- tended the district school at Bishop Hill, and on completing his education worked with h.is father on the home farm until twenty years of age. During the following tiiree years he was employed as a farm hand l)y others, and then enga.ged in farming t\)r him- self iin a tract of rented land in Weller town- ship. A few }ears later he made his lirst purchase, consisting of twenty-tive acres, which he operated in addition to rented land. He has increased his landed possessions from time to time l)y the purchase of small tracts, until he now has one hundred and two acres of well im])roved and valuable land. In 1870, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage with .Miss Martha Peterson, who was also born in Sweden and came to .\mer- ica alone in iXoO, her people never emigrat- ing to this coinitry. ISy this union was born one child, .\ndrew. who remains on the iiome farm. 'J'he family attend the ]\Iethodist I'-ljiscopal Clnu'ch. and are people of promi- nence in the connnunity where they reside. By bis ballot Mr. .\nderson supports the men and measures of the Republican part v. and his fellow citizens recognizing his worth and ability ha\e called upon him to serve as su- pervisor of Weller towiiship since 1890. He has also filled the ofihce of school director for many years. He is what the world terms a .self-made man as he started out in life fi:r himself with no capital, and the prosperity 698 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. that lias come td him is due entirely to liis own inthistry, |)cr.se\'erance and good man- aeement. PROFESSOR AIARTIX LUTHER. In this age nf intellectual activity, when success in the husiness world depends not upon mere physical prowess but upon men- tal activity, upon an ability to master the l)rinciples and details of any enterprise, the work of the educator has l)ecome of even greater im]jortance than e\"er before. Long occuping- a jirominent rank among the edu- cators of Henry county is Professor Martin Luther, of Geneseo, who is now filling the important position of county superintendent of schools. A native of Illinois, he was born in \A'aukegan, Lake county, December 27, 1849. '1"'' '^ <^ ^''•i "t J"li" J- 'i"*^! Mary Ursilla ( Fehlnian ) Luther, the former a nati\-e of New York, the latter nf France. In i86j the family removed to Hooppole. Henry county, where the father engaged in farming until his death, which occurred Xo^■emI)er 7, 1900. He was a member of tlie Evangelical Association and a supporter of the Republican party. As one of the prominent and influential citizens of his community he was called upon to ser\-e as supervisor of Yorktowernice M.. horn January 5, 1879, was appointed 1)y the school hoard as assist- ant county superintendent in Septemher. 1900. and is now aiding her father in the work of the office: Jessie 1.. Imrn .\ugust 31. 1880. is teaching in the district schools of Henry county; l.erci\- }■... horn l^'eliruarv 21. 1883, is a student in the high school of Gen- esee; and Georgiana M., horn January 13, 1887. is also attending school in Genesee. As a Republican Professor Luther takes ai: active interest in political affairs. In liis social relations he is a member of L'tupia Lodge, No. 310, K. P. ; the Canip of Modern Woodmen, Xe. 40; and the Knights of the (jlolie. Xo. 176. ]Ic is a man ui high in- tellectuality, bniad human sympathies and tolerance, and imbued with line sensibilities and clearly defined ]irinci]>les. Honor and ii.tegrity are syimnymous with his name and he enjoys the respect, contidence and high regard of the people of Henry countw HEXDRicK \.\srixE flshi-:r. The ancestors of this ijmminent citizen, u.n biith the maternal and paternal sides, were eminent in public aft'airs in colonial days, and bore an active and honorable part in the l\e\-olutionary war. The family tree lirst tiii.k root in Ibilland. and was trans- l)lanted by Hendrick Fisher, the great grand- father of Colonel Fisher, who came to this country in 1703. This ancestor was one of the founders of the Dutch Reformed church ill .\merica. and was the hrst president of the old Queen's College, not Ruter's. At the beginning of the Re\-olution he was a member of the Xew Jersey Assembly, was president nf the historic primeval congress which met in Xew \nvk from 173O until independence was declared in I77'>. The suuly of histnry of that period will show that nil man was so frec|uently honored and entrusted with resjionsible duties as this sterling patrint. The parents nf Colonel I'isher were. Caleb Brokaw and Alar\- \'as- •tine Fisher. The father was bora at Bound Brook, New Jersey, and when a xnung man remo\ed tn W'ilkesliarre. l'enns\-l\ania. and fur many }'ears was jjrdminent in hnancial and business atYairs. He was a pioneer in anthracite coal operations. He was an ar- dent -Abolitionist, and was a member of the Republican ])arty for its inceptinn. Culonel Fisher was educated in the public scln)ol of Wilkesbarre, Pennsyh'ania, where he resided, and at Wyoming Seminary, at Kingston, Pennsylvania. Upon starting in life on his own account, he first secured a po- sition in the office of the F. & B. R. R.. now the D. L. & W. In 18O7 he came to Illi- nois, locating first at Aurora where he lived for about two years, and then removed to Genesee where he has resided e\er since. He early engaged in the general hardware business and later in the manufacture of stoves, and was the brst president of the Genesee Stove Cempan\-, and is interested in real estate and banking. His business af- fairs have been both honorable and success- ful, ric married Miss Abbie F. Steele, onlv child of Robert V. and Anna E. (Hardy) Steele. They have three children : Eliza K., 700 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Helen \'.. and .\ileen S. He has always been prominent in everything that pertains to the advancement of the financial, social the religious prosperity of the city, and has been called to fill many positions of honor and trust, such as member of the city council, member of the board of education, trustee of the Northwestern Normal School and ed- itor of the Henr}- County News. He has always been an unflinching Re- publican, and has distinguished himself in the councils of that part of the state. He was elected to the legislature in 1887, and al- though it was his first term he was assigned to the chairmanship of the impprtant com- mittee of canal and river improvement, be- fore which came the important question of the cession' of the property of the Illinois and Michigan canal to the government in the construction of the Hennepin canal. He was appointed chairman of the committee on railroads, one of the most important in the house. In both thirty-fifth and thirty- sixth sessions he introduced antl strongly supported bills which had for their object the erection of an insane hospital in the northwestern part of the state, but although these bills were at the time defeated, the measure was made successful, through his efforts, during his first term in the senate. This hospital is located at W'atertown, in his district. In 1894 his election to the senate occurrel. The thirty-third district he rep- resented, comprised the counties of Rock Island and Henry. His majority was eight thousand one hundred and seventy-four. President Harrison's majority in that district was onlv about three thousand five hundred. He served as president /to tempore of the senate of the fortieth general assembly being the unanimous choice of the Republi- can caucus. He presided with dignity and im])artiality and was governor of the state during the absence of the governor and lieutenant governor. He is a member of the Congregational Church and a Knight Templar. He was commissioned colonel and aid-de-camp to the commander-in- chief of the Illinois National Guard, in which organization he is very {popular and which has no better friend. No resident of the state stands higher in citizenship and no Repulilican more sincere. ERNEST SALZMANN. This well-known farmer residing on sec- tion I, Alba township, is one of the worthy citizens that Germany has ftirnished to the new world. He was born in Loudefeld, Hesse-Cassel, June 11, 1845, a son of Henry and Anna Sabina Salzmann, also natives of Germany, where the father died in 1856. By occupation he was a miller and farmer. The mother came to America in 1880, and now makes her home with her son Christian ii. Alba township, five miles from Annawan. He was married at our subject's hottse to [Nlartless Brandow. There is also another brother Reinhart, the oldest of the three, ^^■ho married Eva Ott and came to America in 1880. Those of the family now de- ceased were Conrad, Henrich, Sabina, !Mol- lie and Frederick. Ernest Salzmann was educated in the dis- trict schools of his native land, and by as- sisting in the work of the home farm he acquired a thorough knowledge of agricul- tural pursuits. He crossed the ocean, land- ing in New York on the loth of April, 1869, and proceeded at once to Ottawa, Illinois, where he worked for a Mr. Ackerman, now THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 701 of Geneseo, liauling ice and iloing general fanii work. I'roni September of tliat year until tile last nt January, 1870, lie was in the enii)!(iy nf llenrv (luemlwl. oi .\nnawan IdWiiship. this CDuntx'. He then ])urchasc(l twii hundred and h\e acres nf land in Alba ti-)wnsliii). for which he paid one thousand dollars, having brought with him to this country twelve hundred dollars in gold that he had received from his father's estate. The timber had been cut from the land, but it was a great task to remove the stumps and place the land under cultivaliDii. He met with many other hardships and difficul- ties in those eanly days. His land was near what is now known as the swamp, fifteen hundred acres of which are still uncultivated. At that time it was suposed to have no bot- tom and no teams ever crossed it. It was inhabited by millions of black birds, wild ducks, geese, etc.. which would flock to ^Ir. Salzmann's fields and destrii\- his corn, so tliat he lost from three to four hundred bushels each vear. This was \-ery discoiu"- aging but he determined to remain. Grad- ually a part of the swamp was tiled and the birds became scarce. To the cultivation and improvement of his land Mr. Salzmann lias devoted his energies until he now has one of the l)est farms in this section of the state. In his labors he was ably assisted by iiis estimable wife, who in their early strug- gles often helped him in the tields, and was to him a true helpmeet. In connection with general farming he raises cattle for market. On the 1st of January, 1870, ^Ir. Salz- mann was united in marriage with Miss Martha Lickhart, of Ottawa, Illinois, who was born in the same place as her husband, ."September 15. 1845, and in i86ij came to .\merica with her parents. John and Annie (Sandrock) Lickhart, also natives of Ger- many. The mother died in Bureau county,' Illinois, in t88o, and the father, who was a mason Iiy trade, passed away the following vear. They had four children, three sons and one daughter, nanich- : George, Casper, Conrad and Martha. Mr. and ^Irs. Salz- mann are the parents of eight children : Sa-- bana, born. 2\Iay 11, 1871, died April 18, 1881; Christian, born April 5, 1874, died August 20, 1874: George, born November 4, 187(1. died August 22, 1878: Mollie, born June 18. 1878, died October 24, 18781 Henry, born October 15. 1879: Lizzie, Iiorii April II, i88j. rheodorc. born September 18, 1883, and Amil, born February 18, 1887, are all at home. Mr. Salzmann is insured in the .\etna and Northwestern Insurance Companies. He has filled the office of road commissioner, and also served as school director for two years, proving a most efficient officer. Re- ligiously he is a member of the Evangelical Church of llooijpole. and as one of the lead- ing ;uid representati\e citizens of his com- ir.unity he is certainly deserving of promi- nent mention in the history of his adopted count v. llUCill .VRMSTROXG. Xumbercd among the prominent citizens and successful agriculturists of Cornwall township is the gentleman whose name in- troduces this review, his home being on sec- tion 27, where he owns and operates a val- uable farm of two hundred and forty acres. He was born in Cornwall township. April 5. 1859. His father. Hugh Armstrong. Sr., v/as a native of Ireland, Ijorn in 1816. In ■'^/i.i 'it^ came to .\merica. sailing from Liv- erjjool to Xew ^'ork, and first located in THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Piiiladeljiliia. Penns_\l\-ania. where for some tune lie was employed in a rolling mill. There he married Miss Mariette Livingston, a na- tive of that city, and in 1855 they came to Henry county, Illinois, locating in Corn- wall township, one-half mile west of the pres- ent home of our subject. The father first purchased forty acres of unimproved land, on which he erected a log cabin, and at once commenced to impro\e his property, doing his plowing with an ox team. Later he sold that place and bought eighty acres of wild land, which after placing under cultivation he sold. His next place was an improved farm of one hundred acres, and on disposing of that he bought a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, which he retained throughout the remainder of his life, adding to it from time to time until he had five hundred acres of well improved and valuable land at the time of his death, which occurred in 1884. His remains were interred in Liberty cemetery. His wife died in 1879 at the age of sixty- seven years, and was laid to rest in the same place. He was engaged in stock-raising as Avell as farming and found that branch of his business quite profitable. By his ballot he supported the men and measures of the Republican party, and always took a com- mendable interest in public affairs, as every true American citizen should. The suljject of this sketch is the second iii order of birth in a family of four children, the others being as follows: George, born in Philadeliihia, Pennsylvania, in 1S54, mar- ried ^Matilda Fronk, a native of Illinois, and died August 19. 1900, leaving eleven chil- dren. ]^Iartha. born in 1861, died in 1890, and was buried near her parents in Liberty cemetery. NN'illiam, born in 1862, married Ada Dynes and died in 1897. leaving a wid- ow and one child living in Atkinson. Hugh Armstrong, whose name stands at the head of this sketch, was reared upon his father's farm and early acquired an excellent knowledge of all the duties which fall to the lot of the agriculturist, while his literary education was obtained in the local schools. His fine farm of two hundred and forty acres is under a high state of cultivation and is improved with good and substantial build- ings, in fact everything about the place tes- tifies to the industry and progressive spirit of the owner, who is accounted one of the most thorough and skillful agriculturists of the community. Since attaining his major- ity he has always identified himself with the Republican party, and has most creditably filled the office of school director. On the 1 2th of October, 1881, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Dynes, a daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Crosby) Dynes, of Atkinson. By this union there is one child, ^lartha, born in June, 1893. HEXRY J. RIXGEL. Henry J. Ringel, a successful farmer residing on section 35, Yorktown township, was born in Xew York on the 29th of March, 1852, and is a son of John Rmgel, a na- tive of Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, who came to America in 1848 and settled in X^ew York. In 185 1 he married ]Miss Georgiana ^ oigt. a native of Prussia, Germany, and a daughter of Frederick \ oigt, who became a resident of Peoria, Illinois, where he lived retired until called from this life at the ad- vanced age of ninety years. John Ringel also removed to Peoria county, where he worked at his trade of broom making and THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 703 also engaged in farming until 1865, when he came to Henry county and bought eighty acres of land on section 36. Yorktown town- ship. He kept adding to his proi>erty until he liad three hundred and twenty-five acres, and throughout the remainder of his life suc- cessfully engaged in its operation. He died in 1899, at the age of seventy-nine years, and was buried in Hoopjiole cemetery. His wife is still living and makes her home with our subject. The nine children born to this worthy couple were as follows: Henry J., our sub- ject; Mary, the wife of John P>rown. of Yorktown township; a daughter who died in infancy; Augusta, wife of Martin Luther, county superintendent of schools and a resi- dent of Geneseo; Minnie, wife of Reuben Ott, of Oklahoma ; John, who died at the age of nineteen years; William, a manufacturer of hardware novelties at Peoria ; Rebecca, wife of George Lrban, of Yorktown town- ship; and Emma, who died at the age of fourteen years. Henry J. Ringel was only six montlis old when brought from the state of Xew York tc Illinois by his parents, and was thirteen years of age when the family took up their residence in this county. He liegan his educa- tion in the common schools of Peoria county ; later attended the public schools of Henry county; and subse(|uently became a student at Xaperville College. Aher completing his education he worked with his fatiier on the home farm until he attained his majority. On the 3d of February. 1887. Mr. Rin- gel was united in marriage w itli Miss Katie E. \'etter, a native of Henry county and a daughter of Michael and Mary ( Haeffer ) \'etter. who were married in tliis county. The father was born in Germany and was sixteen years of age when he crossed the At- lantic and took up his residence in Pennsyl- vania, coming to Henry county. Illinois. twelve years later. The mother is a native of the Keystone state. They are the parents of five children : Kate E., wife of our sub- ject; John, a farmer of Alba township; Min- nie, a school teacher residing with her par- ents; Anna and Alfred, both at home. L'nto ^Ir. and Mrs. Ringel were born five children, namely : John, now attending school ; Clay- ton, who died at the age of two weeks: \'era Standly and Gertrude. At the time of his marriage Mr. Ringel was working for his father and he and his wife began their domestic life on the old homestead. He has since purchased the in- terests of the other heirs in this place, and in its operation has met with excellent suc- cess. He not only settled his father's estate, but was also appointed administrator of the Swanson estate, being- noted for his reliabil- ity and sound judgment in the management of business affairs. Like his father he is a stanch supporter of the Republican ])arty, and has been a delegate to numerous county and state conventions. He has served as school director nine years, and has also filled the office of town clerk, ta.x collector and assessor, holding the last named position at the present time. Religiously both he and his wife are members of the L"nited Evangel- ical Church, and socially he belongs to Hoop- pole Camp, Xo. 126, il. \V. A., of Avhich he has been clerk ten years. He is one of the mtist popular and infiuential citizens of his c. nnnunitv. GEORGE ARXETT. Prominent among the successful agri- culturists of Henry county is George Arnett, who for over si.xty vears has been closely 7C4 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. identified with the liistury of the county, while his name is inseparalily connected witli its farming interests. He is a man of keen discrimination and sound judginent. and hi-- proonounced business ability and excellent management have brought to hifti a high de- gree of success, so that he is now one of the wealthiest citizens of Geneseo, where he is now living a retired life. Mr. Arnett was born in \\ arren. W ar- ren county. Pennsylvania, June 6. 1833. and is a son of Louis and Clara (Schotte) .Ar- nett, natives of France and German}, re- spectively. On first coming to this state the fatlier located in Chicago, at which time it was a mere \illage, and he was offered a liouse and lot near the present post office for six months' work, but refused the offer. In 1837 he came to Henry county and took up two hundred and forty acres of government land in Loraine township. Lpon the wild unbroken prairie, he built a log house, and commenced the cultivation of his land. La- ter he added more land to this farm, hut final- ly sold the place and purchased a farm in Whiteside county. There his wife died in March. 1866, and about four years afterward he disposed of all his farming interests and went to live with his son-in-law. David Hel- ler. Being unable to speak a word of Eng- lish on coming to America, he met with many hindrances in business transactions, but he finally ac(|uired a knowledge of the language through his own unaided efforts, and could converse very fluently, thus showing what can be accomplished if one has persever- ance and a determination to succeed. He was a member of the Evangelical Church, and in politics was first a \\ hig and later a Republican. He died in January, 1868. honoreil and respected by all who knew him. ' George Arnett, of this review, is the eleventh in order of birth in a family of twelve children, eight of whom were born in Germany, the others in Warren, Penn- sylvania, where the parents located on their emigration to America. The children were Louis, who died in Warren, Pennsylvania; Jacob, who died in Geneseo, Illinois, in 1899; -Mar\. will) wedded Samuel Cogswell, and ixjth died in the Keystone state ; .\nthony, a resident of Colorado ; Catherine, who mar- ried David Heller, and lived for some years in Loraine township, this county, but was a resident of Geneseo at the time of her death, which occurred in 1900; Joseph, whose hcime adjoins that of our subject in Geneseo; John, who died in this county in 1898; Phil- lip, who died in California in 1850; Susan, w ho married Simeon Heller, a brother of David, and both died in Henr\- cnunt}'; \\ ill- iam, who died in Loraine township in 1898, while his widow is now a resident of Geneseo; George, our subject; and Samuel, also a resident of Geneseo. During his boyhood and youth George Arnett had scarcely any educational advan- tages, and the knowledge he has acquired has been obtained in the practical school of experience. He remained on the home farm until he attained his majority, when on the 28th of March, 18-53, '^^ started for Cali- fornia with fifty dollars in his pocket, this being the capital with which he began life for himself. He crossed the plains and over the mountains in a large covered wagon. known as a ])rairie schooner, drawn by se\-- eral teams of horses. .\s there were no liridges the rivers had to be forded, and to keep the wagons from running over tlie horses in going down the moun- tains, trees had to be chained to them, and trailed behind tops foremost. The comi)any with which Mr. Arnett tra\- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 705 (?'e(l liad several fights with the Iiuhans. and their liorses were stnlcn 1)\- the red men a nunil)er of limes, l)iU were atterward recaptured. In 1854 during his residence in CaHfi)rnia, lie participated in one of the IntHan wars. On' his way to that state he stopped in Oregon where lie was employed as a farm lahorer a short time. Here he contracted fever and ague, from which he suffered fnr two weeks. He hought an In- dian pony nn which he traveled o\er Cnt.' Inmdred miles through a trackless wilder- ness, carrying his provisions with him. He had nails driven into the heels of his hoots for spurs. On his arrival at the (iolden (iate Mr. Arnett found employment with his brother at seventy-five dollars per month, liaving charge of his pack train up in the mountains for six months. He then pur- chased the train and outfit from his brother, and engaged in the same business on his o\\ n account with good success. He can relate many thrilling and interesting experiences of his life in the far west. After about four years spent in Califor- nia, Mr. .-\rnett returned to Henry county, Illinois, arri\ing home just before Christmas of 1856, and took charge of the farm. His first purchase of land consisted of one hun- dred and sixty acres in Lorainc ti i\\ nsliip, which he bought of his father. Duriu'^' the war he had the misfortune to have his house destroyed 1;_\' fire. In the smumer of 18C14 it was impossible to find men willing to work ui)on the farm, and his wife dro\-e the horses to the reaper, while he and his hired man bound one hundred and seventy-five acres of grain. As wheat advanced in price to three dollars per bushel, he was enabled to get a good start in life. From time to time he added to his landed possessions until he now f>w ns thirteen hundred acres of good land in Henry county, and also has twenty-four hun- dred anil eiglity acres of land under cultiva- tion in Minnesota. In connection with farm- ing he has engaged in stock-raising, his specialty being fine Durham cattle, and he has been most successful in this as well as other business transactions. (3n the 15th of November, 1857, Mr. Ar- nett married Miss Margaret Sieben, who was born N'ovember _', 1841, a daughter of Joseph and .\pollonia ( ( iabel ) Sieben, of whom extended mention is made in the sketch of Leonard .Sieben, on another page of this volume. Six children ble-s this union, namely: (i) Harriet M., born September IJ, 1858, in Loraine township, is now the wife of William Hudnell, a druggist of Helena. Montana, and they have one daugh- ter. Inez. I J) Julia, horn January 8. 1862, is the wife of Alnmnt A. Row. of Washing- ton, Iowa. anrn October i(). 1S77, married Vir_hip up as lost, but fi\'e of the company, in- cluding Mr. Jacnbson, went down in the hold and hunted up iron .and material with which they set to work and repaired the rudder. The vessel arrived in New York shorth' be- fore Clu-istmas. four weeks after the break- ing of the rudder, and after having been on the ocean over thirteen weeks. The major portion of the company was left in Brooklyn until spring, while Mr. Jacobson, with a party of thirty of the strongest and most robust of the men left Xew York shortly after New Years, and set out for their des- tination. Bishop Hill. From Xew York to Albany they traveled fiy fioat, after which they traveled mostly by rail and stage until they reached- Toledo, Ohio, the remainder of the journey being made on foot, reach- ing BishoiJ Hill in the middle of February. 1847. They were accompanied bv one woman, Sohia Shon. who did the cooking for them. Mr. Jacobson was one of the seven trus- tees of the colonx' and had charge of their horses and oxen, each of the company be- ing assigned some special work as best suited their abilities. After the breaking up of the colon}- in i860, he embarked in general mer- chandising, in partnership with Swan Swan- son, who still survives, and carried on the business until 1872, when owing to the ill health of Mr. Jacobson the partnership was dissohed. At the time the colony broke up he came into possession of considerable land in \\'eller township, which he later added to by purchase, and which was successfully op- erated imder his personal supervision^ and was con\-erted into one of the most highlv cultivated tracts in the locality. He made a soecialty of raising stock and broom corn, and met with marked success in the latter \enture. Having had to work hard from early boyhood he was self-educated, but was well informed on the leading questions and issues of the day. He was pufilic-spirited and prog'ressix'e. and took quite an acti\e and prominent part in public affairs. He was t)ne of the original trustees of the Bishop Hill colony, and after the breaking up of the JACOB JACOBSON. LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 711 cnlnnv was supervisor of W'eller townsliip twii terms and constable of the townsliip. He was one of tlie directors who superin- tended the erection of tlie scliool building at that place, and was prominently identified with all enterprises for the good of the com- munity. In 1873 he united with the Meth- odist Ejiiscopal Church and was an acti\e worker and supporter of the same until his death, which occurred December 15, 18S3. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Plelena Peterson, was born Januar_\- 25, i8ji, and died September 8, 1888. They were the parents of four children, but our subject is now the only survivor, the three daughters having died in infancy. Two of the father's brothers also came to .America with the Bishop Hill colony, these being Olof. who died of cholera in 1852 ; and Swan Bjorklund. who died in this count\- in 1880. During his boyhood and youth .Mr. Jacoljson. of this review, jjursued liis studies in the jjublic schools of Bishop Hill. As soon as large enough to be of ?ny assistance he commenced to aid in the farm work, and for four years he engaged in clerking, first in the stores of Bishop Hill and later in Galva, though always making his home in the former place, .\fter the death of his father he operated the farm for two \ears. and then rented it and embarked in the lum- ber business, which lie carried on for three years. Since then he has ])ractically lived retired though he continues to personallv manage his busine.'^s affairs. He has made a number of valuable and useful imjirove- meiits upon the old homestead and has a very comfortable home. He is one of the stockholders and directors of the First Na- tional Bank of Gaha, and has been called u])on t:> administer several estates, his fel- low citizens having the utmost confidence in him. On the 2nd of September. 1886, Mr. Jacohson was united in marriage with Miss Hannah \'. W'igren, who was born near At- tica, Indiana, March 11. 1859. Her father. Rev. John Wigren, was a prominent minister of the Swedish Methodist Epi.scopal Church and one of the ])ioneers of Fountain countv, Indiana, but i.-- now li\ii'g reliretl in Chica- go with his wife and one son. He reared a large family, of whom three sons were Methodist Episcopal ministers, while an- other is connected with the bank at Galva. Mr. and Mrs. Jacohson have three children: Helena C. Margaret E. and Robert E., wdio are being educated in the common schools of Bishop Hill. .Since attaining his majority Mr. Jacob- son has affiliated with the Republican party, and has several times been a delegate to county and congressional conventions, while in i<)00 he w^as a delegate to the state con- vention at Peoria. His father also served as a delegate to the conxentions of his party. ( )ur subject has been honored with a number of local offices, which he has most capably and satisfactorily filled. In March, 1889, lie was appointed school treasurer, and has been re-apix)inted to that position every two vears since. He was census enumerator of W'eller townslii]) in 1900. and was for nine \ear> commissioner of highways and treas- urer of the same. Mr. Jac(il)snn is now an acti\e ;ind intlucntial member o( the village board i>t r.ishop Hill, and at various times has served as trustee and clerk, having al- ways been prominently identified with the in- terests of the community. He is president of the Swedish-American Republican League of Henry county; and is recorder of Se\a Legion Xo. 6. Select Knights of .\merica. of Hisho]) Hill. He is also a Master Mason. Ijelonging to the lodge at Galva. His wife holds mcmljerslii]) in the 712 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. Methodist Epi.sco])al Church, uf which lie is a Hberal siip])i)rter, and while the church was being- rehuilt in 1900 he servetl as a member of the buikling- ctimniittee and treasurer. He is of a \ery genial and social nature, and is held in high regard b_\- all who know him. \\"lLLIAi\[ LAMB. Many years ag'o there came to Henry count}' William Lamb and family whose early home was on the other side of the .\t- lantic. He was born in Selkirk. Scotland, on the 3(1 of November, iSio. and there he g;rew to manhood. .Vt Edinburg, he was married July i, 1834. his wife, Mrs. Mar- garet M. I-^amli, being a native of that cit}', born January 26, 1816. In 1849 they crossed the ocean to Boston, Massachusetts, and six years later came to Henry count}-, Illinois, locating- at .\unawan, where Mr. Lamb was serving as agent for the Rock Island Railroad at the tin-ie of his death, which occurred November 22. 1856. In 1866 his wife was appointed postmistress of that place, and continued to fill the office un- til she was called to her final resting place July 18. 1900, at the age of eighty-four years. Unto this worthy couple were liorn nine children, namely : Catherine, born in Sel- kirk, Scotland, May 21, 1835, is the wife of Joseph Stevens, of Annawan; ^\'illian1, bi^rn in Selkirk, June 14. 1837. died in Annawan, October 9, 1854; Mary R., born in Selkirk, March 29, 1839, was married, January 29, 1863, to Theron Smith, and died July 18. 1876; Margaret B., born in Galashiels. Scot- land, July 15, 1841, was married October 4, 1862, to John L. Dow, a prominent hard- u-are n-ierchant of Annawan; Isabella, born in ("lalashicls. .\ugust i, 1843, ^^'^s married January 12, 1873. to Caleb Swayze (if Anna- wan; Johanna, born in Edinburg, Scotland, Alay 18, 1847, succeeded her niother as post- mistress of .\nnawan in 1900, and is now rilling- that position ; Rojiert H., born in Bos- ton, November 14. 1849, niarried ^lay Cronan, October 21;, 1889, and resides in Kewanee. Illinois: Jesse, born in Belle Isle. Massachusetts, No\emher 3. 1851, died .\o\ember 15, 185 1; and Ellen, born in Tvlorris. Illinois, No\en-iber 20, 1854. was rnarrietl, August 30, 1881. to D. .\. Jones and resides in Moline. Illinois. The fam- ily is one of the highest respectability, and its members are held in the highest esteem wherever known. JAMES McRELL. Burns township has n(_) more jjopular i^r intlnential citizen than James McRell, who has been honored with a number of local offi- ces, and has al\\a\s lieen found true to e\ery trust reposetl in him. He was born in Ire- land in 1838. and was a son of Robert Mc- Rell. \\ hen (|uite \oung he emigrated with the famil\- to America and took up his resi- dence in riiiladelphia. On leaving that city he removed to W'iscoj-isin, and in 1856 came to Henr\- county, Illinois. Subsequenll} hi^ parents also came to this county, where they spent the remainder of their lives, the death of both occurring here. On coming to Henry county Jan-ies Mc- Rell located upon his present farm in Burns township, where he owns two hundred and eighty-t\\-o acres of \-alnable land, ^^■hicl-l he has placed under a high state of cultivation THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. anil imi)ro\e(l witli g-ond l)uil(linos. In liis jjolitical affiliations he is a stalwart Demo- crat, and on his party ticket was elected sup- ervisor of his township, which office he cred- italily and satisfactorily filled for six years. He has also served as commissioner of hig^h- ways and school director for several years, and his official duties have always been niMsi conscientiously and faithfully iierfornied. WILBUR F. STOWELL. Wilbur F. Stowell. one of the leading and representative citizens of Yorktown township, was born there on the i6th of Au- gust. 1853. and belongs to one of the hon- ored pioneer families of Henry county. His father. Lyman Stowell. was liorn in Coles- \illc. Broome county. Xew York, F'ebruary ly. 1 8 10, and was the oldest son of Aaron and Elizabeth (Pratt) Stowell, the former a native of \'ermont, the latter of Broome county, Xew York. When twelve years of age L}man accompanied his parents on their removal to Chenango county, Xew ^'ork. where he grew to manhood upon a farm, his education being actpiired in the subscription schools then in vogue in that section. When twenty-two years of age he went to Steuben county, the same state, for the purpose of learning the millwright's trade, having a natural aotitude fur the use of tools. His brother Allanson was a crafts- man of the same kind. In 1836 they came to Illinois, floating down the Ohio river on a raft to Louisville. Kentucky, whence they jjroceeded on horseback to Ouincy, this state, a distance of four hundred miles. There they s|)ent two months in building a mill, but on account of malaria left that place and went to I'L'asant X'alley. Iowa, that state lieing then a territory. There sev- eral months were passed m the conslructi;i! of mills, but they returned to Quincy in the fall of 1836. The following spring they again went to Pleasant \'alle3- and resumed work at their trade. In the fall of 1837 they went to Prophetstown, Whitesitle coun- ty. Illinois, and erected a sawmill on Coon creek, and also built the first frame house in that town. In 1838 the\- came to licnry county fiir the first time and built a mill on Si)ring creek in Atkinson township. Lyman Stowell then discontinued work at his trade and turned his attention to ag- ricultural pursuits. In 1844 h; rented a farm at Wo, ul wards Bluff, six miles from Proi^hetstown, and was its occupant and manager until 1848. when he removed to Henry coiuity. becoming the first settler of Yorktown township, which was then known as township 18. range 5. He made a claim on sectiiin 9. and built thereon a log hmise. which he ci'vcred with shingles, which he manufactured out of burr oak from his own timber. Six years later he entered the land and secured the title to the same. He placed it under a high state of cultivation and later bought additional tracts, having at the time of his death one hundred and seventy-seven acres, which is now the ])ropertv of our sub- ject. It is line of the best improved places of the locality, being supplied with c\ery- thing fountl upon a model farm of the pres- ent day. including an elc.gant home. The lo.g house which he first erected was locat- ed sixt\' rods west <>f our sul)ject's present residence. The Stowell school, located upon this farm, was the first in the townsh'p. and was built a short time after L}nian Stowell's arrival here and mainly through- his indi- vidual efforts. There his childre.i all re- cei\ed good common-school educations. He also assisted in lavin^^ out the first road be- 7'4 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. tween Annawan and Vorktown. Among the must important mills constructed by Mr. Stowell was the Camden mill on the Missis- sippi river south of Rock Island and op- posite where Milan now stands. At that time it was the leading mill in this part of the country. During the early years of his residence in this state he formed the ac- cpiaintance of many celebrated Indians, in- cluding Wa-bo-kie, chief of the ^^'inneba- goes and commonly known as the Prophet, after whom Prophetstown was named; and he also knew Keokuk, chief of the Sacs and Foxes. In his youth he was a schoolmate of Joseph Smith, the ^lormon Prophet, who was killed at Carthage. Illinois, in 1844, and both boarded with the former's uncle, Josiah Stowell. It was there that he over- heartl the planning of tlie Mormon bible after the discovery of the Uram and Thumim, the glasses and engraved tablets, and he used to relate many interesting stories of Smith and his followers. One day he found the prophet in the wood house search- ing earnestly. Smith explaining that he had lost one of the magic glasses, which he al- leged enabled the wearer to discover hcUlen treasures, as well as to translate the tablets of the bcok of Mormon. Mr. Stowell want- ed to know why he did not take the other glass and find the one that was lost, but re- ceived no satisfactory reply. Smith used to take his adherents out at night and search for hidden treasures, one of the essentials being that no word was to be spoken during the search. Often Mr. Stowell and his com- rades who were not under the prophet's in- fluence, would follijw them and watch their endeavors, but the charm would always be broken l;y some incautious exclamation on the part of the searchers or by interference of tlie lioys. As he overheard the planning of the MiirnK.in bible, Mr. Stowell in later years often wondered how Smith gained so many followers. He cast his first presi- dential vote for William Henry Harrison, and on the organization of the Republican party became one of its stanch supporters. His fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, often called liim to office. He was the first justice of the peace in Yorktown township and held that position a numljer of A-ears. He also served as township col- lector and school director, taking a great interest in educational matters. Prior to his marriage he engaged in teaching school for a numlier of years. On account of a crippled foot he could never enter the mili- tary service of his country, but was always a loyal and patriotic citizen, and took a deep and commendable interest in public affairs. He was a member of the Methodist Church, being converted under the ministry of Rev. Barton Cartwright in 1855. He died De- cember 31. 1899. honored and respected by all who knew him. In Prophetstown. Illinois. Lyman Stow- ell was married, in 1843. to Miss Sarah Leach, a native of Johnsburg, ^^'arren coun- ty. Xew York, who died February 22. 1901. at the age of eighty-six years. By this unton were born four chlildren : Caroline, born February 2. 1848, married S. L. Swee- ney, and both are now deceased, while their family li\es in Arkansas; Emma Jane, born June 30. 1S50. is the wife of J. H. Sweeney, of Jewell Junction. Iowa ; Wilbur F. is next in order of birth; and Sarah A., born Feb- ruary 26. 1857. is the wife of C. R. Bur- rows, of Leon. Illinois. Mr. Stowell, of this review, was reared on the home farm and throughout his active business life has engaged in its operation. He is a thorough and skillful agriculturist and has met witli excellent success in his labors. Besides the old homestead he owns THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. a (luarter-section of land in Oklahoma. On the jotli (if October, 1874, he was united in marriage with Miss Lyd'a A. C Luther, and til them lia\e been hum two children, naniel}' : Harrietta I., liorn July _'4. 1X75. is the wife of S. S. Swanson, who resides with ^Ir. Stowell. and thcv ha\e one child. Roland Xolile. horn March (>. kjoo : and Florence \i.. born February i. 1881. was married. June 14, 1899. to G. F. Day. of Xew Carlisle. Ohio. They also have an adopted son, Harold E.. born May 21. 1897. Jacob Luther, the father of Mrs. Stowell, was horn (in the river Rhine in Weinberg. Germany, in 1815. and about i8j_^ came to America with his parents. Jacob and I.ouisa Luther, locating in Livingston coun- tv, Xew York. About 1828 they removed to Pennsylvania, and ten years later came to Illinois, arriving in Chicago in the fall of 1838. They spent the winter in that city. in the heart of which mud was then knee deep, and town lots could be had for a day's work. The following spring the family went to Lake county, and Jacob Luther, Sr., purchased eighty acres of land twenty-two miles northwest of Chicago, which was en- tirely unimproved. They were among the tirsl settlers of that locality. Later they came to Genese(i. Ilenrx- count}', where Mrs. Stowell's grandfather died. Her grand- UKjther died at Desplaines. Illinois. Their children were Jacob; Emeline. who Ijecame the w'ife of Jacob Ott, of Yorktown town- ship, and both are now deceased; Elizabeth, wife of Jesse W'ilmot, of Missouri; George, deceased, who married Sallie Schock, both ilcceased ; Peter, deceased, w ho wedded Mary Miller. They formerly lived in York- town township, though his widow ncnv re- sides in Iowa: John, deceased, who married Marv I'chlman. a resident of Hoopjiole; William, who died in California unmarried; Da\i(l. who lirst married Caroline Erslinger and second Caroline Reig and lives in Gen- eseo: and Mar\- Ann. who became the wife I'i I'.enhart Wolf and both ;ire imw deceased. Jacob Luther, Jr.. the father of Mrs. Stowell. was the second settler in ^'ork- tow n township, and in those early days was a gre;i>t luniter. being considered one of the best sh(!ts in this ])art of the country. He often hunted deer with the Indians. He was a millwright by trade and invented one of the lirst turbine wheels in the L'nited States. During bis residence in Yorktown lown- shij). he li\ed on section 31. in what is known a.> Hooppole. In 1856 he remox-ed to Gen- seo. where he was engaged in mercantile business for a year, and then went to Rome. Jones county. Iowa, where he made his home nine year.s. then nioxed to Ananiosa. Jones countw Iowa, though he died while working at his trade in Milwaukee. Wis- ci nsin. in 187O. at the age of sixty-two years. His wife, who liore the maiden name of Emeline M. Hawert, was born in 1 81 2. and died in M;irch. 1881. They were the parents of ten children, namely: Mary Magdalene, who died at the age of two vears: Elizabeth, deceased wife of William A. Anderson, of Trinidad, Colorado: Mary, who died at the age of nine years; Louisa, wife of Eli Walker, of Bosworth, Missouri; Jonathan, who was a meml^er of Company I'.. .Xiiith low.'i X'olnnteer Infantry in the Civil war and died in .Vndersonville pris(.)n ; -Mfred. who died at the age of nine years; Aaron, a physician of Clay county, Kansas, who married .\da I'.rown : Lydia A. C, wife It our subject: Henrietta, deceased wife of James Randall, of Sigourney, Iowa; and Sarah 1., wife of C. L. Shaw, of Oklahoma. The Ke])ublican part}' has always found in Mr. Stowell a stanch supporter of its principles, and he has taken quite an influ- 7i6 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. ential part in local pulitics. He has served his fellow citizens as school director nine }ears : constable six years and highway com- missioner nine years, and his official duties have been performed with a promptness and tidelity worthy of the highest commenda- tion. He and his wife are both active mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of \\hii:h he is a trustee, while she is a member of the official board. They are worthy rep- resentatives of two of the oldest and most honored families of Yorktown township, and well merit the high regard in which the\- are heUl. STARKS X. BARKER. The subject of this revie\\' is one of the representative business men and prominent citizens of Annawan, Illinois, dating his resi- dence here from 1859. He is a native of the Empire state, his birth having occurred in the town of Albion, Oswego county, Xew York, January i, 1835. The first of the Barker family to come to America was a native of Wales and one of the early set- tlers of Boston, Alassachusetts, and from him the several branches of the family now scat- tered throughout tlie country are descended. Ebenezer Barker, the father of our sub- ject, was born in Bridgew'ater, New York, X'ovemljer 17, 1800, a son of Ebenezer and Polly (Buellong) Barker, who reared a family of twelve sons. Our subject's father an. 1816. and was a son of George and Mary (Scott) Parker, who spent their entire lives in that country. In his native land he fullnwcd the occupation of an engineer. In 1855 Mr. Parker took passage on a ves.sel at Liverpool, and after a voyage of three weeks landed in Xew York. A week later he reached Sheffield, Illinois, and con- tinued to make his home in this state throughout life. Before leaving England he had purchased'^eighty acres of unbroken land on section i, Cornwall township, this county, through his brother-in-law, and soon after his arrival here he took up his residence thereon. To it he added until at one time he liad three hundred and forty-eight acres all under cultivation with the exception of twen- ty-eight acres of tiniberland. He never had occasion to regret his immigration to Amer- ica, for here he ])rospered, becoming one of the well-to-do and substantial men of his community, as well as one of the most highly esteemed citizens. He cast his first presiden- tial vote for Abraham Lincoln and continued to affiliate with the Republican party tliroughout life, supporting William McKin- ley in 1896. He capably filled the offices of road commissioner and school director, but never cared for political honors, preferring to give his undivided attention to his busi- ness interests. Mr. Parker was married in England prior to coming to the new world, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah Prince, a na- tive of that country and a daughter of Getirge and Rebecca Prince, who were also born there. Thirteen children blessed this union, namely: Eliza, born May 5. 1836, is the wife of Thcjmas Crosby, Kewanee, Illinois; George, born March 21, 1838. died May 6, 1839: Fanny, born .\pril 16, 1839, 7iS THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. (lied ill infancy: Fergus, horn ^^lay 3. :84i. served tiiree years as a member of Company G. Xintli Illinois Cavalry, and lost his health in the army, dying October 5. 1866. leaving a wife and one daughter, ^lary E.. mar- ried and living at Denver. Colorado; George P.. born March i. 1843, married Alice Plenry and is engaged in farming in Shenan- doah, Iowa; Priscilla. born May 5, 1845, is the wife of John Bowen, of Kewanee. Illi- nois; Lucy, born June 12, 1.S47, ^i^d Octo- ber 21, 1855; Rose A., born August 16, 1849. is the wife of Francis E. Morey, of Kewanee township, this county; Robert, born December 2. 185 1. married Ella Work- man and lives in Atkinson ; Mary E., born August 31, 1853, is the wife of Samuel ^I. Kerr, of W'alunt, Iowa; Alice M., born Sep- tember 4, 1856, is the wife of John Galvin, of \\'alnut, Iowa : James, born July 22, 1859, i.- mentioned below; and John T., born Au- gust 31, 1863, died January 12, 1866. On the 3d of January. 1901, the father of these children passed away after a lingering illness of three months, and was laid to rest in Fair- view cemetery b}- the side of his wife, who died March 16, 1892. They stood high in the community where they so long made their home, and those who knew them best were numbered among their warmest friends. James Parker, Jr., son of our subject, was born on the. old homestead in Corn- wall township where he still resides, and was educated in the local schools. As soon as old enough to be of any assistance he commenced to aid in the work of the farm, and on attaining his majority rented a por- tion of the place. Later he purchased land from his father and now owns three hun- dred and fifty acres. He was married, De- cember 9. 1880, to Miss Mary A. Arkland, who was born in Canada. September 7, 1859, and they have become the parents of four children; Babel G., born December 18, 1881, is now attending the high school of Ke- v.anee: and Chester L.. born Xovember 14, 1883, Dessie L., born April 24. 1885. and John W'., Ixirn August 18. 1886, are all at- tending the home school. John and Sarah ( Ellis) Arkland, the parents of ^Irs. Parker, were natives of Canada, from which coun- try they came to the L'nited States in 1864, locating in Annawan, this county. The father, who was a carpenter by trade, died ill 1879. and was buried in Fairview cem- etery, but the mother is still living and makes her home in Atkinson. They had five children- of whom Mrs. Parker is the oldest, the others being as follows: Sarah 3ilinerva, born October 30, i860, lives with her mother in Atkinson; Richard D., born February 24, 1865. wedded Mary E. Kel- sey, and is engaged in farming in Cal- houn county, Iowa ; John Ouincy died in Nebraska : Samuel, born September 6, 1874, married Sarah Stagner and follows farm- ing in Cornwall township, this county. Politically James Parker, Jr., is also identified with the Republican party, and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability for office, have called upon him to serve as school director, supervisor and jus- tice of the peace. Fraternally he is an hon- ored member of the ]Modern Woodmen Camp, Xo. 118. of Atkinson, and the Royal Xeighlxjrs of America, of which latter order Mrs. Parker is also a member. AXDREW S:^IITH. This well-known farmer, who is now ef- ficiently serving as supervisor of Loraine township, was born in Rhine Baden. Ger- THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 719 many,- July JO, [842, a son (-.1 Andrew and -Margaret (Worth) Smith, Ijoth uf ulioni were natives of tlie same province. Tlirongli- oiit tlie greater part of his hfc tiie father engaged in mining iron ore, and died in 1X56, at tlie age of iifty-two }"ears. His \> ife passed away six montlis i)re\ious at the same age. Of tiieir li\e ehilih^en three reached maturity, namely : Margaret, a res- ident of Loraine township, this county, and widow of Joseph Trinkle, one of the early settlers of this locality; Andrew, our suh- ject ; and Mathias, who married Lena Lane and lives in Johnson, Nebraska. Mr. Smith of this re\'iew was reared .and educated in his native Land, where he contin- ued to make his home until the fall of 1S60, V. hen he sailed from lla\ re, France, for Xew ^ ork, in company with his younger brother, Mathias. The voyage lasted thirty-six days, during which they encountered three storms, l)ut our subject was never sea-sick. On landing in this country he was unable to speak a word of English. He remained in Xew York city from I'riday until the follow- ing Monday, and then started for Chicago hy railroad, hut it then required a week to n-..ike the trip. He spent one week in the l.-'.tter city, during which tiine he carried a ton of coal up four (lights of stairs for sev- enty-five cents, but foinid no other eiuploy- ment. Mr. Smith then came to Henry county, where his mother's sister was living, and re- mained with her and her husband until the fnliowing April, when he comtuenced work lor Jaciil) ISarnhart at sexen dollars per month, l)ut at the end of the first inonth his wages were raised to eight dollars. He remained with that gentleiuan for nine luonths, and then attended school for a month and a half, after which he wijrked for Cieorge Ivster one summer for thirteen dollars per month. During the folKnving five years he was in the employ of Joseph .\rnett and then rented a farm in Loraine township one year. On the _'d of M.arch, iSdS, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with ]\liss Mary Ar- nett, who was horn in Whiteside county, Illinois. Her i)areiUs, Jacob and Charlotte ( Summers) .\rnett, were natives oi Lo- raine, France, and Montheim, (ierman)-, re- sjjectively, and were young when they came with their parents to this country, locating in I'ennsjlvania, where their marriage was celebratetl. They continued to make their home there for a few years, and in 1833 went to Chicago by way of the (ireat J.akes. There -Mr. .\rnett purchased forty acres of land in what is umw the heart of the city. Later he \valkc(l to Whiteside county and took up a tract of government land near Portland, on which he and his family subse- quently hxated. Their first home was a log cabin of one room, and for some time Mr. Arnett hauled all his grain either to Chicago or Galena with o.xen. He was one of the men who went to Califorifia during the gold exciteiuent in 1849 niestcad, wlicrc lie died in iS<)_'. Of his fnur children Carl Henry dieil at the aj;c of two years, while Arthur A., C'nra and Xellie are still livintj. It was in iS4() that the father brought his faniilv to the new world. ;.nd after spending" alumt three years in 'A arren county, I'ennsyKani.'i. he came tn llenr_\' ciiunty. Illinois, niakin;;- the jdurnev liy team, lie located on section .^5. Western township, where he opened up and improxed a farm of cis;hty acres, makinj^ it his home until called to his tinal lest in iS<)7- His wife died Janu;u\v i, 1880, antl the remains of both were interred in Andover cemetery, Peter .\. Peterson was only fiv2 y -ars old when hrous;ht b\' his parents to this country, and in 1852 he came with them to Henr_\- county, where he g^rew to manho id nn the home farm, his education being obtained in the local schools. He remained w-.th hi.s father until he attained his majority, ,uid then started out in life for himself as a far- mer upon a tract of forty acres, which he broke, fenced and im])roved. erecting there- on a small house, which he has since remod- eled and enl.'irged. lie has ;iIso hnili a nice large barn with a basement, has erected outbuildings and set out fruit and forest trees which add greatly to the attractive appear- ance of the place. He has purchased more land from time to time and now has a \al- uable farm of one hundrefl and lifty-sc\en acres, which he has ])laced under a high state of cultivation. In connection with general farming he raises and fattens cattle for the market, .ship])ing one car load each year, be- sides a large number of hogs. To his in- dustry, enterprise and good management n'.ay be attributed his success in life, and he is now numbered among the substantial citi- zens of his community. Politically Mr. rctersoii has been a life- long Republican, casting his first presidential ballot for .Xbraham Lincoln in 1864, but he has ne\'er cared for ofificial honors. .\s an advocate of .good schools and competent teachers, he eflicientl)- served as a member of the school board for a number of Ncars, and was also district clerk for snnie years. Religiously he is a member of the Lutheran Church, C.\RL GUTSCHLAG. Carl Gutschlag. residing at Xo. 3,^1 South b^lliolt street, is a well known Ijrick layer of Kewanee and is now efficiently serv- ing as alderman from the fifth ward. He was born near Brandenburg, (ierniany, .\u- gust 5, 1858, a son of Carl and Louisa (lUtschlag. who spent their entire lives in that country. The father, who was a laborer by occu])ation. died at the age of fifty-si.x years, the mother at the age of thirty-si.x. In their family were seven children, two of whom died in childhood, the others being ('arl, our subject: l.onisa. wife of Herman Cleich. of Kewanee: William, a resident of (iermanx' : and .\ugust and (iustax'. both of Kewanee. Carl (hitschlag was reared and educated in his native land, and was twenty-four years of age when he emigrated to America in com- pany with his cousin. Christian Crumstoff, he being the lirst of the family to cross the .\tlantic. On landing in Xew \'ork. he ])roceeded at once to Kewanee, Illinois. In early life he had learned the brick layer's tr.ide in Germany, completing his ajjpren- .ticeship at the age of seventeen years, and after working as ;i journeyman for a time, he began taking contracts. For the past 722 THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. seven years he has engaged in business on his own account and has erected se\cral of the large buildings in Kewanee and the sur- rounding countr}'. On the 24th of February, 1887. Islr. Gut- schlag was united in marriage with ]\Ii'ss jMary Deutschland, who was born in Ger- many in 1863, but was only a year old when brought to the United States by her parents. William and Caroline (Keuter) Deutsch- land. The family located in Kewanee town- ship, this county, where the mother is still living at the age of seventy-four j'ears, but the father died December 4, 1893, at the age of seventy-two. They had six children, namely : \^'il.liam, a farmer of Kewanee township; Minnie and Louisa, who both died in infancy: Amelia, a resident of Kewanee; Mar}-, wife of our subject; and Albert, who died in 1895, at the age of twenty-nine years. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Gut- schlag were Lenora M., A\'illiam F. C, Louis T. and Margaret C, all living; and Paul R., who died in April, 1899, at the age of sixteen months. yiy. and INIrs. Gutschlag are both mem^ hers of the German Exangelical Church and he is a stanch sup])orter i.if the Democratic party and its principles. In April. 1899. he was elected alderman frtim his ward for a term of two years, and has filled that posi- tion in a most creditable and satisfactory manner. XELS F. ANDERSON. This well-known and prominent lawyer of Galva, Illinois, was born in the southern part of Sweden, February ii, 1858, a son of Nels and Maria (Kolokowski) Anderson, who were also born in Sweden, though the latter's parents were natives of Ireland. The father of our subject was a well-edu- cated man and a lumber merchant of his na- tive land. In 1871 he brought his family to America and settled in Greene, Iowa, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres and devoted the remainder of his life to agricultural pursuits. On coming to this country he was well situated financial- Iv. and throughijut his business career met with excellent success. Religiously he was an acti\e member of the Swedish Lutheran Church, and gave liberally to its support. He died in 1881, and his wife passed away in 1894. Untu tliis worthy couple were Ijorn eight cliildren, all of whom are still living, name- ly : Nelson, the subject of this sketch : Chris- tine, a graduate of Ann Arbor Uni\ersity and now a physician of Detroit, Michigan : Andrew \\'., who was educated at Knox College, Galesburg. and is now station agent for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company at Lake Elmo, Minnesota; F. E., a graduate of Ann Arbor University and an attorney of Tacoma, Washington; Otto, also a graduate of Ann Arbor University and a dentist of Stillwater, Minnesota; Theodore, a graduate of the Iowa University, and a resident of Tacoma, Washington : Hannah. an artist of Chicago, who pursued a literary course at the Chicago University, and was graduated from that institution ; and Cor- nelius, who was graduated from Knox College, Galesl)urg, and is now studying medicine at the Northwestern Medical Col- lege of Chicago. The eai'ly education of Nels F. .\nderson was obtained in a Latin school in Sweden. He ■accomj)anied his parents on their emi- gration to the new world and remained witli them until he had completed his education. THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 723 In 1S77 he entered Knox College, where lie pursued a literary course and was graduatetl in iS8j. He took a ])reparatory course at the law schodl n\ the L'nicm Cullege of Law in C'hicagii, where he was a sttulent fur one year, and for eighteen nii>nths thereafter he read law with Thomas 1'^. Milchrist, now state senator. After his admission to the bar in 1886 he remained in Chicago until the following year, and then went to Salina. Kan- ass, where he ojjened an office and engaged in the practice of his profession for three years. In 1890 he came to Galva, and has since had his office at his present location. He has accumulated a very complete and valuable law library, and has liuilt u]) a large and lucrative practice which is constantly increasing-. In 1889 Mr. Anderson was uniteil in marriage with Miss May Winn Williams. who was born in Henry. Illinois, in 1863. a daughter of William Potter and Petronella ( Hoagland ) Williams. Her mother died in 1894. and her father, who was by occupa- tion a f.irmer, is now living in Henry. They had five children, namely: Kate Esmond, a resident of XewburgW Xew York; Archie, a farmer of Henry, Illinois; Bessie, at home; .\netta Wiley, of I'tica, Illinois: and May \\ inn. wife of our subject. Mr. and .Mrs. Ander.son have four children: Leland 1 1., born in 1891; Sumner B.. 1895: Richard ."Stanley, \X()j: and Nelson Paul, 1899. ''1^' f.uuily own a pleasant home in Galva. Since 1890 Mr. Ander.son has been iden- tified with the Democratic party, and has most creditably and acceptably served as village attorney for eight years. He was a member of the school board during the erection of the new school building in Galv;i, and served on the building committee, lie has alwa\s bee'n a strong advocate of those enterprises which he Ijelieved would beneht his adopted town and county, ami is recog- nized as a valuable citizen of the community. As a successful attorney he ha pri\ileges. The mother made her home with them until her death, which occurred in Linn township. Unto Air. and Mrs. Johnson have been born eight children, as folows : Dora is the wife of Crilbert Samuelson, of Osco town- ship, and they have two children, Grace and Herbert. Delia is the wife of William Sam- uelson, of Antlo\er township,' and they ha\c THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 725 Iwi) chililreii, Lester and (iladys. AIukui assists liis father in tlie work uf tlie lK>nie farm. Mal)el is the wife of X'ettleton Burg- son, who lives in Lynn township, near Lynn Center. Wallace. George Harrison, Inez and Ruth are all at home. They ha\c all received good common school educations, and the oldest son took a collegiate cour.se at Moline. After his marriage Mr. Johnson l an ardent Republican, and has taken quite an active and prominent part in public af- fairs. He is president of the township central committee; was supervisor of Lynn township live years ; and was school direc- tor during his entire residence there, and since his return to Andover township has fill- ed that office here. He is one of the direc- ts rs of the State Bank of Orion, and is very p'rominent and influential both in business and political circles. He is one of the trus- tees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a member of the Odtl Fellows lodge of Woodhull. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 920 077338B52 coOl BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF HENRY COUNTY ILL 3 0112 025345965