L I E> KAR.Y OF THE UN IVERSITY Of ILLINOIS cop. 1* HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY ILLINOIS BY SPECIAL AUTHORS AND CONTRIBUTORS VOLUME II ILLUSTRATED CHICAGO MUNSELL PUBLISHING COMPANY PUBLISHERS 1922 In the first century of the Christian era, Tacitus (perhaps the greatest of Roman historians) wrote that the object of history was "to rescue virtuous acts from the oblivion to which the want of records would consign them." BIOGRAPHICAL CHAPTER XL THE PART OF BIOGRAPHY IN GENERAL HISTORY CITIZENS OF MCHENRY COUNTY AND OUTLINES OF PERSONAL HISTORY — PERSONAL SKETCHES ARRANGED IN ENCYCLOPEDIC ORDER. The verdict of mankind has awarded to the Muse of History the highest place among the Classic Nine. The extent of her office, how- ever, appears to be, by many minds, but imperfectly understood. The task of the historian is comprehensive and exacting. True history reaches beyond the doings of court or camp, beyond the issue of battles or the effects of treaties, and records the trials and the triumphs, the failures and the successes of the men who make history. It is but an imperfect conception of the philosophy of events that fails to accord to portraiture and biography its rightful position as a part — and no unimportant part — of historic narrative. Behind and beneath the ac- tivities of outward life the motive power lies out of sight, just as the furnace fires that work the piston and keep the ponderous screw revolv- ing down in the darkness of the hold. So, the impulsive power which shapes the course of communities may be found in the moulding influ- ences which form its citizens. It is no mere idle curiosity that prompts men to wish to learn the private, as well as the public, lives of their fellows. Rather is it true that such desire tends to prove universal brotherhood; and the interest in personality and biography is not confined to men of any particular caste or vocation. The list of those to whose lot it falls to play a conspicuous part in the great drama of life, is comparatively short; yet communities are made up of individuals, and the aggregate of achievement — no less than the sum total of human happiness — is made up of the deeds of those men and women whose primary aim, through life, is faithfully to per- form the duty that comes nearest to hand. Individual influences upon 459 460 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY human affairs will he considered potent or insignificant, according to the standpoint from which it is viewed. To him who, standing upon the seashore, notes the ebh and flow of the tides and listens to the sullen roar of the waves, as they break upon the beach in seething foam, seem- ingly chafing at their limitations, the ocean appears so vast as to need no tributaries. Yet, without the smallest rill thai helps to swell the "Father of Waters," the mighty torrent of the Mississippi would be lessened, and the beneficent influence of the Gulf Stream diminished. Countless streams, currents and counter currents — sometimes mingling, sometimes counteracting each other — collectively combine to give motion to the accumulated mass of waters. So it is — and so must it ever be — in the ocean of human action, which is formed by the blending and repulsion of currents of thought, of influence and of life, yet more numerous and more tortuous than those which form the "fountains of the deep." The acts and characters of men, like the several faces that compose a composite picture, are wrought together into a compact or heterogeneous whole. History is condensed biography; "Biography is History teaching by example." It is both interesting and instructive to rise above the generaliza- tion of history and trace, in the personality and careers of the men from whom it sprang, the principles and influences, the impulses and ambi- tions, the labors, struggles and triumphs that engross their lives. Here are recorded the careers and achievements of pioneers who, "when the fullness of time had come," came from widely separated sources, some from beyond the sea, impelled by divers motives, little conscious of the import of their acts, and but dimly anticipating the harvest which would spring from the sowing. They built their primi- tive homes, toiling for a present subsistence while laying the founda- tions of private fortunes and future advancement. Most of these have passed away, but not before they beheld a devel- opment of business and population surpassing the wildest dreams of fancy or expectation. A few yet remain whose years have passed the allotted three-score and ten, and who love to recount, among the cher- ished memories of their lives, their reminiscences of early days. [The following items of personal and family history, haying been arranged in encyclopedic (or alphabetical) order as to names of the individual subjects, no spec-id index to this part of the work will be found necessary.) HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 461 CHARLES T. ABBOTT. Charles T. Abbott, proprietor of a general repair shop at Woodstock, is a skilled machinist, and owner of a valuable farm in Greenwood Town- ship. He was born in McIIenry County, September 29, 1859, one of the three children of his parents, George and Emeransa Abbott, natives of Ohio. George Abbott was a fanner and cattle dealer, and held govern- ment contracts for supplying cattle to the army during the Civil War. His death occurred in December, 1889, and his wife died in February. 1890. Charles T. Abbott attended the local schools of his native county, and until 1902, was engaged in farming, but in that year he entered his pres- ent line of business. He specializes in Pennsylvania lubricating oils and grease, and conducts a garage and general repair business, doing an annual business of about .$15,000, and giving employment to four persons. In addition to his tine farm of 183 acres in Greenwood Township, Mr. Abbott owns his residence at Xo. 219 Lumber Street, and is a man of sub- stance in his community. On September 29, 1885, Mr. Abbott was married to Miss Mary Pierce, a daughter of John Pierce, who came from one of the eastern states to Mellenry County. Mr. and Mrs. Abbott have the following children : Lela M., who is the wife of J. D. Manor; George V., now associated with his father, served in the First Mechanical Regiment, Company Seven, was second in the Ford automobile race held in Chicago in 1916, when he drove a machine at an average rate of seventy-five miles an hour ; Ivan, who is attending the University of Illinois and taking a course in elec- trical engineering, and Harold A., who is attending school. Mr. Abbott and family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a Republican, and fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows. A skilled man in his line, Mr. Abbott's services are in great demand bj- those desir- ing expert assistance, and the volume of his trade has increased with each vear he has been in business. CHARLES H. ACKMAN, JR. Charles H. Ackman, Jr., supervisor of Coral Township, and one of the leading men of McHenry County, resides at Union, where he is engaged in a real estate business, although he owns two farms in Coral LIBRARY UNIVERSE OF ILUtm* 462 HISTOKY OF McHENRY COUNTY Township and is interested in the operation of a threshing outfit. He was horn in Cook County, Illinois, April 27, 1876, one of the eight chil- dren of his parents. His father, Charles H. Ackman, Sr., was born in Cook County, Illinois, but later came to McIIenry County, in 1907, and was one of the prosperous farmers here until his death, August 20, 1917. His widow survives him and lives in Kane Count}', Illinois. Charles H. Ackman attended the common and high schools of his native county, and lived on a farm until 1916, when he removed to Union, retaining, however, one farm of 127 acres, and another of 128% acres, both in Coral Township. On October 10, 1900, Mr. Ackman was married to Miss Emma Wiesche, a daughter of Christian Wiesche, one of the pioneers of Coral Township. Mr. and Mrs. Ackman have four children, namely: "Wayne C, LeRoy W., Thelma H. and Harvey H., all of whom were born in McHenry County. The family all belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Ackman belongs to the Evangelical Church. He is a Republican, and was highway commissioner for nine years, and was elected supervisor in 1916. Fraternally he belongs to Oriental Lodge No. 358, A. F. & A. M., and Coral Lodge No. 769, I. O. O. F. FRANCIS J. AICHER. Francis J. Aicher, D. D. S., is one of the capable and skilled members of the dental profession, engaged in active practice at McHenry. He was born at Washburn, 111., February 1, 1890, one of three children born to his parents, Benedict and Anna (Fecht) Aicher. Benedict Aicher was born in Germany and came to the United States in 1861, and after stop- ping for a time in New York City, came on to Illinois, and went into a real estate and stock business at Washburn, 111. There he lived until death claimed him, in 1900. The mother of Francis J. Aicher, who was his second wife, survives him. By a former marriage, Benedict Aicher had four children. Doctor Aicher attended the common and high schools of Washburn, and then took a three years' course in the Dental School of the North- western University, from which he was graduated in 1913. Finding the opening he sought at McHenry, he located in this city immediately fol- lowing his graduation, and since then has built up a very desirable prac- tice, and has earned the confidence of his patients. HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 463 Like other McHenry County men, Doctor Aicher is very patriotic, and when his country entered into the World War, he offered his serv- ices, and on September 15, 1917, was commissioned a first lieutenant in the Dental Reserve of the United States Army. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus and the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he is independent in his views. The Catholic Church holds his member- ship. ALFRED 0. ALLBEE. Alfred 0. Allbee, one of the energetic and prosperous farmers of Dorr Township, was born in Seneca Township, April 16, 1872, a son of Oren and Christina (Lindsay) Allbee, natives of Collins Center, and Buffalo, N. Y., respectively, the date of her birth being November 25, 1828. The paternal grandfather was Adolphus Allbee, and he came to what was then the wilderness of New York state from Vermont, with four or five brothers, and became pioneers of that region. When he was eighteen years old Oren Allbee came to Illinois to join his old employer Alvin King, who had come to McHenry County, and entered land. After a short time, Oren Allbee bought a farm in Seneca Township, three miles west of Woodstock, on the Marengo road, which he kept as his homestead, although he bought and sold several other farms. His death occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Flanders, of Seneca Township, in February, 1914, when he was eighty-six years old. He had been retired for some years after becoming very successful as a farmer. His wife died in December, 1907. They were married November 23, 1863. She was a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Mathew- son) Lindsay, both of Scotch birth, who came to New York City, where Mrs. Allbee was born September 30, 1838. When she was still a child her parents came to McHenry County, locating on a farm in Don- Township, two miles south of Woodstock, which property is still in the family. They were among the pioneers of this section, and made the trip overland with ox teams. The father was killed by an accident in the timber, and he left seven children, all small, namely: Thomas, who had the homestead, died at Woodstock in 1902 leaving no issue; Arthie, who is the only survivor, lives at Wayne, Nebr. ; Jennie M., who married William Scott, lived on a farm near the homestead, where both died; Christina, who became Mrs. Allbee; Mrs. Robert Richards j li. I HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY who died in Dakota: Mary, who married Thomas Wier, went to Kansas and then to Idaho, where she died in 1 9 1 S ; and Archie, who left home when young. The old Lindsay homestead is owned by Mrs. Daggetl of Woodstock. Orel) Allliee was well known as an auctioneer for many years. While a strong Republican, he was no politician. He had three children, namely: Nellie, who married George Redpatli, died in young woman- hood; Alfred O., whose name heads this review; and Mary, who married Will Flanders of Seneca Township. Alfred 0. Allbee remained on the homestead until he was thirty years old, when he bought a farm in Boone County. On November 29, 1902, he was married to Mrs. Ina (Elliott) Gillette, a daughter of George Elliott. After a few years in Boone County, Mr. Allbee sold his farm and came back to McHenry County, buying a tract of land in Coral Township, on which he remained for five years. In 1917 he bought his present place of 107 acres in Dorr and Nunda Townships. It is well improved and fitted for modern dairying. He has a herd of cattle and carries on general farming. Like his father he is a Republican, but no office seeker. He and his wife have had the following children born to them: Hal Eldon, and Majorie Esther, both of whom are at home. Mr. Allbee and his wife are connected with some of the oldest and most influential families in McHenry County, and come of as fine American stock as can be found in the country, and they live up to the best stand- ards of citizenship in every respect. Mr. Allbee is an expert farmer, and his fine farm shows that the owner takes a pride in his premises and knows just what he is about when he directs any work. CHARLES W. ALBRIGHT. Charles W. Albright, one of the prosperous men of McHenry County, who is helping to maintain its prestige as a great dairying center, owns a valuable farm four miles east of Algonquin in Algonquin Township. He was born in Barrington Township, Cook County, Illinois, November 11, 1873, about three miles east of his present farm, a son of Christ and Charlotte Albright, natives of Germany, who with two children came to the United States about 1866, and in 1S76 bought land on Crystal Lake, in Algonquin Township, one mile east of the farm now owned b.y Charles W. Albright. This farm comprised forty acres and was developed into HISTORY OF McHENEY COUNTY 465 an excellent farm, on which Christ Albright lived into old age, dying at his home in McHenry County at the age of eighty-six years. His wife had died six years previously. Their three children to reach maturity were as follows : Ernest, who died in Dundee Township, aged forty- three years, was a farmer, and left a widow and six children; Mary, who is .Mrs. William Mitchell of North Dakota, and Charles W., whose name heads this review. Charles W. Albright remained on the homestead until he was twenty- six years old, when he rented a farm for a few years and then located on his present one, then owned by Robert Haeger, father of Supervisor Haeger. After renting it for two years he went on the farm of William Brandt for fifteen years. Finally in 1912 he bought the Haeger farm, which comprises 130 acres, for which he paid $110 per acre. He has re- built the barn, erected a silo and rebuilt the house, and has a nice place. Dairying is his main feature and he keeps thirty-five cows of the Holstein strain. The farm is well located for dairying purposes, and he has it drained properly. Since buying the farm he has placed ten more acres of it under cultivation. In 1919 he bought sixty acres adjoining the homestead. For three years Mr. Albright served as road commissioner, and has been a capable official. When he was twenty-six years old Mr. Albright was married to Min- nie Golderman, of Algonquin Township, a daughter of Fred and Louise Golderman, who came to McHenry County at an early date. Both are now deceased, but were at one time engaged in farming two and one-half miles east of Algonquin. Mr. and Mrs. Albright have four children, namely : William, Stella, Laura and Hazel, all of whom are at home. Mr. Albright has worked very hard to accomplish what he has and de- serves his present prosperity. He stands very high in his neighborhood, and his associates recognize that he is a man of his word, and one who knows how to get things done right. CHARLES T. ALLEN. Charles T. Allen, formerly assistant state's attorney of McHenry County, is the junior member of the law firm of Lumley & Allen, of Cary. He was born in Algonquin Township, McHenry County, Feb- ruary 27, 1882, one of the six children of Thomas C. and Margaret (Brannan) Allen. Thomas C. Allen was born in Ireland, but came to 466 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY the United States with his parents when a mere infant, and spent the greater part of his life in Algonquin Township. For some years he was general superintendent of the Washington lee Company at Cary, but retired several years prior to his death, which occurred December 10, 1913. Charles T. Allen attended the public schools of McHenry County and the Elgin Academy, from which he was graduated. He then studied law at the Northwestern Law School, being graduated therefrom in 1910, and was admitted to the bar. In the fall of thai year he opened an office at Woodstock, the county seat, and one at Cary, where he retained his residence. In 1915 lie formed a partnership with V. S. Lumley, a prom- inent attorney of the McHenry County bar. Later, upon the election of Mr. Lumley to the office of state's attorney. .Mr. Allen was appointed assistant state's attorney and proved himself a very capable official. From this position on .March 1. 1921, he resigned on account of the large pri- vate practice he had acquired and his extensive real estate interest along Fox River, and since then has maintained his office almost exclusively at Cary. .Mr. Allen has been for the last ten years and is now city attorney of Algonquin and Cary, both of this county. In polities he is a Republi- can. In 1903 Mr. Allen was married to .Miss Vera Mentch, and they have twii sons. Russell C. and Robert E. Mr. Allen is a Mason. Odd Fellow and Elk, and also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and Royal Neighbors. He and his family reside at Cary. 111., where he is most highly esteemed as a man and attorney, as well as throughout McHenry County, where his professional duties and his past connections with the state's attorney's office has given him a large acquaintance. HENRY PHILIPS ALLEN. Henry Philips Allen, now- deceased, was formerly one of the highly- esteemed and reliable men of Dorr Township. He was born in Madison County, N. Y., February 26, 1839, a son of Thomas and Mary (Williams) Allen. In 1840 the family came to McHenry County, settling in Dorr Township, adjoining the farm later owned by Henry Philips Allen, five miles south of Woodstock, which property is still in the family. It was a tract of timber land, but from it Thomas Allen developed a good home, and lived on it until his death, December 11, 1883, when he was aged HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 467 eighty-nine years. His widow died July 3, 1886, aged eighty-seven years. They had three children, namely: James, who owned a farm adjoining the homestead, but retired to Woodstock, there dying, being survived by his widow and daughter, Mrs. George G. Miller; Henry P., whose name heads this review; and Frank, who inherited the homestead, but became a machinist, worked at Union and later at St. Charles, 111., and now lives in California. Henry P. Allen was reared on his father's farm and remained on it until his marriage. He studied to be a teacher, but never followed that calling. On January 16, 1866, he was married to Louisa Hope, a daughter of William and Elizabeth Hope. Mrs. Allen is the only sur- vivor of her father's family of four sons and two daughters, and the only one who continued to reside in McHenry County. She was only seventeen- years old at the time of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Allen began their married life in the house still occupied by Mrs. Allen, on fifty acres of land which were taken from his father's homestead, to which he added until he had 100 acres. He followed general mixed farming, and for a few years conducted a store at Union. Mr. Allen died January 1, 1911, after a major operation in a hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Allen became the parents of the following children: George, who died in boyhood; Rose, who married John Wallace of Seneca Town- ship; Jessie, who married Charlie Gule, of Dorr Township; Dora, who is at home; Kittie, who is Mrs. George Pugh, owns a part of the old Allen farm; Harry A., who is operating his father's homestead. Both Rose and Jessie Allen were school-teachers prior to their marriage and very successful in their chosen calling. The present house on the homestead has been thoroughly modernized and has electric lights, is heated by a furnace, and has other first-class improvements. Harry A. Allen is conducting this farm so as to make it one of the model ones of the county. Henry Philips Allen was one of the upright, honorable men of his community, and when he died Dorr Township suffered a loss it could ill afford. However he left behind him some fine children who are a credit to their name and to the township which gave them birth and fostered them. Y. B. ANDERSON. Page 150. His HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY LEWIS J. ASHBURN. Lewis J. Asliliuni, successful business man and vice-presideni of the Eerrick Feed Company of Harvard, is rightly cumbered among the representative citizens of Me Henry ( lounty. He was born in Wisconsin, October 19, 1889, and is one of the five children of Ole and Julia ( Larsen I Ashburn, prosperous farming people of Rock County, Wis. Growing up on his father's farm, Lewis J. Ashburn attended the dis- trict schools of his native county, and the Sharon High School, and after being graduated from the latter, he took a business course in the Southern Wisconsin Business College at Janesville, W T is. In 1910 Mr. Ashburn came to Harvard and entered the employ of Hunt, Helm, Ferris & Com- pany. After remaining with that concern for two years, and lieing employed in the First State Bank for four years, he went into business for himself and for a time conducted a popular grocery and meat market. Disposing of his business he formed his present connections which are congenial and profitable, and has risen to be the vice-president of his company. On June 5, 1893, Mr. Ashburn was united in marriage with Miss Elsie Mae Crosby, who was born February 18, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Ashburn have one daughter, Dellora Mae, who was born May 8, 1919. An alert and astute business man Mr. Ashburn has risen through his own efforts, and deserves the prosperity which has attended him. W1LLIA1I A. AUSTIN. William A. Austin, now living retired at Richmond, is a justice of the peace and a very representative man in every particular. He was born August 10, 1885, a son of William H. and Angeline (Austin) Austin, both of whom are deceased, the latter passing away in Ohio. William II. Austin was colonel of the regiment raised in McHenry County for serv- ice during the Civil War, and after its close he went to Nebraska, where he died as the result of injuries received in that conflict. He and his wife had the following children : David, who died at the age of sixteen years, about the time of the birth of William A. ; Hattie B., who married Lewis Vogel, deputy assistant secretary of state, resides at Springfield, 111.: Edward, who is the owner of the old farm in Richmond Township, two miles south of Richmond, and William A., whose name heads this review. HISTORY OF McHBNRY COUNTY 469 William A. Austin remained at home until he was sixteen years old, and attended the Richmond High School. At his father's death he as- sumed charge of one of the farms owned by the elder man, and for the subsequent five years was engaged in dairying and stock growing. At the expiration of that period, he moved to Richmond and the farm is now operated on shares by a tenant. This farm is a very valuable one and a herd is kept of about thirty-five cows of the Ilolstein strain. The buildings on the farm were erected by his father for dairying purposes. .Air. Austin is convinced of the wisdom of handling only good stock, and his product is excellent in this respect. While he is not now on the farm, he supervises the work, having learned to be a practical farmer from his father, who at one time was one of the most extensive agriculturalists of the county, owning 560 acres of land. William A. Austin was married September 20, 1911, to Marietta Johnsen, a daughter of Ole and Anna Johnsen, of Richmond Township, who was only eighteen years old at that time. Mr. and .Mis. Austin have four children, namely: Edwin, Harold, Arlen, and Donald P. A strong Republican, like his estimable father, Mr. Austin is now- serving as a jus- tice of the peace. He belongs to Richmond Lodge, A. P. & A. M. Brought up in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his parents were con- sistent members, Mr. Austin is himself a member of it, and contributes very liberally toward its support. Mr. Austin is a man of public spirit, and in his operations he has been broad enough to take advantage of the experience of others and so has rendered a service to his community by redeeming farm land through effective drainage. In his office as justice, he displays good common sense and excellent judgment with reference to human nature, and few of his decrees are reversed by a higher court. EDWARD E. AYER. Edward E. Aver, one of the most distinguished men McHenry County has produced, is known all over the civilized world as the greatest living authority on the history of the American Indian. He has not confined his studies to this one line, however, but is equally well informed upon a variety of subjects, all of his intellectual development being entirely the outgrowth of his own endeavors, for he is a self-made man in the best sense of the word. 470 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY When he was eighteen years old, Edward E. Aver left his home in Harvard and went to Nevada, where he worked in a quartz-mill for a time, going on to San Francisco, where he was engaged in chopping wood and working in a saw-mill. With the outhreak of the Civil "War, he offered his services to his country by enlisting in the First California Cav- alry, and saw service in California, Arizona ami New .Mexico, being dis- charged with the rank of second lieutenant. He then retraced his steps to Harvard, where he arrived July 1, lst>4, joining his father, who had an interest in a general store at that place, and being taken into partner- ship. Soon thereafter, he came to Chicago to buy goods, and on this trip secured Prescott's "Conquest of Mexico.'* which he claims opened the door for him into a new world and inspired him to strive to educate him- self and gain an understanding of the higher things. Mr. Aver has pros- pered in a material way since that day, but he is far prouder that he was the first president of the Field Museum, and chairman of the collection committee, trustee of the Art Institute, director of the Chicago Historical Society, president of the Archaeological Society, member of the Missouri and Wisconsin Historical societies, member of the Chicago Commercial Club, director and advisor of the Crerar Library, and a recognized bib- liophile of international reputation. His collections embrace African jewels, illuminated manuscripts, Korans, Persian manuscripts, laces, furniture, porcelains, lusters, pew- ters, embroidery stuffs, Navajo, Mexican, Algerian and Tunisian blan- kets and many other articles of great value. At the Newberry Library are two rooms which bear his name in which are to be found 17,000 vol- umes of printed books and 4,000 separate manuscripts, some of them volumes; thousands of printed maps; 300 manuscripts; 2,62.") portraits or drawings by artists in the field, 390 prints, 9,770 photographs, includ- ing 8,000 of "The Pictorial History of the Philippines;" sixteen editions and different works of John Smith, twenty-two editions of Hennepin, twenty editions of Jonathan Carver, titty-three editions of Las Casas, every early edition of Champlain, every early edition of Lescarbot, every early edition of Sagard, about 3,000 volumes in the Indian languages, cov- ering 220 tribes in America, thirty-eight in the Philippines, and one in the Sandwich Islands; the finest set of Ptolemy known, sixty volumes including five in manuscript ; one of the great collections of Ortelius and Apianus and general geographical atlases; thirty-nine out of the forty- one Cremaisi in existence in the original editions ; the twenty-six Gilmary Shea: the eight O'Callaghan; all of the Margry; the Cleveland edition of over seventy volumes; the Quebec edition and many manuscripts; and HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 471 100 Mexican pietographs on maguey paper and leather; as well as first and early editions on all parts of North America pertaining especially to Indian history, including 351 titles of Captivities; 1,260 of the 2,625 por- traits and drawings are by Burbank, 400 are by Waldeck, fifty by Carl Bodnier ; 250 are lead-pencil portraits by Catlin, with a short biography of each. What Mr. A,yer considers the very gem of his whole collection is Prescott's ''Conquest of Mexico" in three carefully tooled volumes bound in the very best Grolieresque red binding by Binder Zaehnsdorf, which were the first books he ever bought, about August 1, 1864, and the foundation of his great history of the North American Indian Library. EDWARD M. AYLWARD. Edward M. Aylward, senior member of the firm of Aylward Bros., breeders of high grade stock, is one of the foremost business men of Hebron, and he is the senior member of the grain house of Aylward, Slavin & Randall. He was born at Walworth, Wis., February 19, 1879, one of the nine children of his parents, Richard W. and Mary (Cleary) Aylward. Richard W. Aylward was born in Ireland, but came to the United States in 1850, and after a stay at Walworth, Wis., located in McHenry County, whei-e he still resides, having, during all of his active years, been a farmer. His wife died September 28, 1899. Edward M. Aylward attended the schools of McHenry County, and was reared upon his father's farm. He spent two years in railroading, and then in 1912, began breeding stock, specializing on Holstein cattle, and his annual business is now about $200,000. Mr. Aylward gives em- ployment to six people and he and his brother are recognized as leaders in their line. In 1918 Mr. Aylward formed a partnership with Messrs. Slavin and Randall for the purpose of handling grain, and this firm is doing an immense business. On September 25, 1901, Mr. Aylward was united in marriage with Miss May Monear, a daughter of Wallace Monear, and they have three children, namely: Viola M., Florence and Edward M. The family all belong to the Catholic Church. In politics Mr. Aylward is a Republican, but he has never taken an active part in public life, as his time has been too fully occupied with his business affairs. Mr. Aylward is proud of the fact that his father served his adopted country during the Civil War, enlisting in 1861, and being a brave soldier until his honorable discharge. 172 HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY The family is one of the mosl highly esteemed in McHenry County, and Mr. Aylward is a worthy member of it. FRANK F. AX TELL. Frank F.Axtell, president of the First State Bank of Harvard, and one of the most prominent men of McHenry County, is generally recog- nized as one of the representative financiers of this part of the state. He was born in New York state. October 29, 1847, only child of Alonzo E. and Mary M. (Lambert) Axtell. Alonzo E. Axtell was born in New York state, and, coming to Harvard, became interested in mer- chandising upon an extensive scale. He was also one of the early bankers of McHenry County, and developed into a very prominenl and influential man. Frank F. Axtell attended the schools of Boone County. 111., where the family located in 1851, and Harvard, where they came in 1858. His first employment was as a clerk in his father's store, and he remained with him until 1889, when he organized, as a private concern, the bank of which he is now the executive head, and re-organized it as a state bank in 1909. Mr. Axtell is a member of the American Bankers Association and the Illinois Bankers Association, and he was associated with the Chicago Board of Trade for a number of years. Mr. Axtell was married to Miss Cynthia A. Austin, a daughter of Pasco Austin, and they have one son, E. E. Axtell, who is the cashier of the bank of which his father is president. A daughter, Darline V., died in 1911. She was born in 1882, was a graduate of Vassar College, and a lovely girl, only tw-enty-nine years of age at the time of her death. Mr. Axtell is a Republican. Ever since he came to Harvard lie has taken an intelligent and effective interest in its development, and is justly numbered among its most representative men anil desirable citizens. CHARLES W. BAILEY. Charles W. Bailey, M. I)., one of the leading physicians and surgeons of McHenry County, is successfully engaged in a general practice at Hebron, and he is also connected with the financial life of the city as a HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 473 director of the Bank of Hebron. He was born at Denver, Colo., the only child of his parents, Jefferson A. and Eliza (Bringham) Bailey. Jeffer- son A. Bailey was engaged in farming for many years in the vicinity of Walworth, Wis., but his wife died in 1874. Doctor Bailey attended the common and high schools of Illinois, and then took a course at the Northwestern University, from which he was graduated in 1895, following which he took a medical course in the med- ical department of the same institution. Doctor Bailey then took a course at Rush Medical College, and was graduated in 1900, and for the suc- ceeding year was interne at St. Mary's Hospital of Milwaukee, Wis. He then located at Hebron, where he has since remained. In August, 1918, Doctor Bailey was commissioned captain in the medical corps for service during the World War, and was at Camps Greenleaf and Forest for three months. On December 23, 1918, he was honorably discharged, and returning to Hebron, resumed his practice, which is a very large one, for his patients have great confidence in his skill and knowledge. He belongs to the county," state and American medical associations. In 1904 Doctor Bailey was married to Miss Ida Groesbeck, a daughter of William Groesbeck, and a member of an old pioneer family of Me- Henry County. Doctor and Mrs. Bailey have the following children: Alice E., who was born in 1906 ; Francis J., who was born in 1909, and John W., who was born in 1914. The fraternal connections of Doctor Bailey are with Hebron Lodge No. 604, A. F. & A. M. ; Harvard Chapter No. 91, R. A. M. ; Cavalry Commandery No. 25, K. T., and he is also a Shriner. Politically, he is a Republican. Recognizing the weight Doctor Bailey's name would have, the Bank of Hebron induced him to consent to serve upon its directorate in December, 1916. As a medical man and citizen, Doctor Bailey has proven his sterling worth, and no one stands any higher in public esteem in this part of the state, than does he. SOLOMON BAIRD. Page 132. JOHN BALDOCK. John Baldock, who is now living retired at Alden, was formerly extensively engaged in business as a lumber and feed merchant, and he has also served his township as supervisor. He was born in England, 474 HISTORY OP McIIENRY COUNTY August 16, 1846, one of four children born to his parents, Matthew and Susan (Coy) Baldock, also natives of England, who came to the United States in 1852, locating at what is now Chemung, but was then known as Big Foot. Later Matthew Baldock moved to Alden, where he died in 1S93. John Baldock attended the common schools of Harvard, and grew up in McHenry County. After having been engaged in farming for some years, in 1890 he organized a lumber and feed business, and con- ducted it until 1910, when he sold it to his son, Jay L. Baldock, and his son-in-law, Nathan B. Clawson, who conduct it under the name of Baldock & Clawson. In February, 1865, Mr. Baldock enlisted for service during the Civil War, and was discharged, September 25, 1865, and he has been a member of the local post G. A. R. since its organiza- tion. He is a Republican, and was elected supervisor of Alden Town- ship, and served for sixteen years, and he was a justice of the peace for eleven years. In 1869 Mr. Baldock was married to Miss Mary A. Seward, who died in 1871. Later he was married (second) to Miss Roxie A. Ferris, who belonged to a well known McHenry County family. She died February 9, 1913. By his second marriage Mr. Baldock had two children, namely: Jessie M., who is the wife of Nathan B. Clawson and has had the following children — Frank, George and Eugene, the last two died in childhood; and Jay L., who married Edith Snell, a daughter of John Snell, and they have two daughters, Florence and Dorothy. The family all belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Baldock is highly esteemed by all who know him, and his prosperity is well deserved. AMORY BARBER. Aniory Barber, one of the farmers of Riley Township who is con- nected with some of the leading families of McHenry County, deserves a place in a record of this high class. He was born in the village of Java, Wyoming County, N. Y., a son of Humphrey and Maria (Potter) Barber, natives of Massachusetts and New York, respectively, who came to McHenry County in 1851, to join her brother, Almon Potter, who had already settled in this region, taking up government land. Humphrey Barber entered forty acres of land, now owned by Amory Barber, which is located seven miles south of Marengo, nine miles west HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 475 of Huntley, and there he died at the age of sixty-eight years, and she when eighty-six, in 1901, having survived him for twenty years. In addition to farming, Humphrey Barber discharged the duties of a justice of the peace for many years, having his office in his residence. He was a Universalist. The children born to him and his wife were as follows: Lester, who lived at home for some time, moved to Coral Township, then retired to Marengo, where he died about 1916; Lucinda, who mar- ried William Mallory, died in McHenry County, leaving one child; Lucius, who enlisted at the outbreak of the Civil War in Company D, Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, served through the war, was cap- tured at Acksworth and confined in Andersonville prison, from which he was later exchanged, but not until his health was undermined, and he died a number of years ago from the effects of the hardships he endured ; Amanda, who married W. B. Sheldon, a farmer of McHenry County, died here as did her husband; ,Nivvie, who married W. B. Mallory after the death of her sister, died a few years later, but he survives and makes his home at Elgin; Rose, who married F. E. Stevens of Coral Township; and Amory, whose name heads this review. Amory Barber owns the homestead of his father, which comprises eighty acres of land. Formerly he carried on dairying almost exclu- sively, but of later years has devoted more time to grain production. He is a strong Republican and has served as supervisor of Riley Town- ship, and as a justice of the peace. RICHARD W. BARDWELL. Richard W. Bardwell, superintendent of the public schools of Wood- stock, and one of the leading educators of this part of Illinois, is held in the highest esteem by all who have the honor of his acquaintance. He was born at Tipton, Iowa, May 14, 1889, a son of Conrad Myron and Anna Louise (Wollbcn) Bardwell, the former of whom was born at Northampton, Mass., October 9, 1860, and the latter at Marengo, 111., December 9, 1867. The Bardwell family was founded in America in 1720 by Robert Bardwell, who landed from England at Boston, Mass., in that year. On the maternal side, the family originated in Scotland, and came from thence to the United States, locating in Illinois. Conrad M. Bardwell is a man of high standing and considerable influence among the educators 476 HISTORY OF McHENR"? COUNTY of the state, and for many years has been superintended of differenl public schools. He is a man of force of character, bill also one of fine human qualities, with a large circle of friends both within his profession and out. lie has been honored with various offices within the associa- tions of education, and in 1909 he was president of the State Teachers Association. Richard W. Bardwell was graduated from the University of Illinois, and immediately thereafter accepted the principalship of the schools of Hebron, 111., holding this position during 1910 and 1911, when he took the same position at Delavan, 111., remaining there until 1914, when he came to Woodstock, where his career has been eminently satisfactory in every respect, and his schools and pupils show a remarkable improvement under his supervision. On July 10, 1912, Mr. Bardwell was married, at Evanston, 111., to ( iertrude Smith. She is a daughter of Townscnd and ( 'harlot te (MiddeU) Smith, natives of Beverly, England. Mr. Smith is deceased, but for years was a well known real-estate broker of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Bardwell have the following children: Elizabeth, who was born May 2, 1913; and Richard M., Jr., who was born September 21, 1915. Mr. Bardwell belongs to Hebron Lodge No. 604, A. F. & A. M , and the Order of the Eastern Star, and he is also a member of the college frater- nities of Psi Upsilon and Phi Delta Phi. EDWARD C. BARNARD. Edward C. Barnard, now deceased, was one of the well known figures in McHenry County business life, and owned and operated the mill at Solon Mills in Richmond Township. He was born at Solon Mills, October 19, 1S48, and died June 11, 1918, in his seventieth year. He was a son of George and Ruth (Yates) Barnard, the latter being a de- scendant of Lord Wellington of England. George Barnard owned a farm near Greenwood where he died, and was a farmer and miller, operating a mill at Solon Mills for many years. Both he and his wife lived to an old age. One of their sons, Ensley Barnard is conducting the old farm near Greenwood. Edward ( '. Barnard learned the milling business and for a time operated a mill at Silver Lake, near Cary Station. Later he bought a HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 477 mill from a Mr. Northrup five miles south of Richmond, on the Nip- persink, and operated it from 1884 until 1911, when his health failing, he sold it. The old mill still stands, but has not been operated for some years, although the water power is excellent. Mr Barnard also owned 300 acres of land in the vicinity of his mill, but he left the farm in 1916 to move to Richmond. Mr. Barnard was married his bride being eighteen years old at that time. Mr. and Mrs. Barnard had one son, Earl Clement Barnard. He married Bertha Marsh, and they have a son, Clement. Earl C. Barnard has spent some time in Kansas, but is now living with his mother, and the farm is rented. Mr. Barnard was a public-spirited man, of high standing in his community. He was a charter member of Nunda Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and later was connected with the Masonic lodge at Richmond. CHARLES P. BARNES. Charles P. Barnes at present County Judge of McHenry County, has an extensive acquaintance among the judges and lawyers throughout Northern Illinois, on account of the many important jury cases he has conducted in his own and the adjoining counties, and his ability as a successful criminal lawyer is admitted by all. He was born in the town of Nunda, in the county of McHenry, 111., on February 14, 1862, a son of Charles C. and Lydia (Sayles) Barnes, the former being killed at the Siege of Vicksburg in 1863, as a soldier in the Union Army, leaving a widow and two children, besides Judge Barnes. When eleven years old he commenced working out by the month and, in the summer of 1873, worked eight months for the com- pensation of $7 per month. He worked for his board in winters, and attended the district schools, and at the age of eighteen years became a stationary engineer for the Clayson Drying Company, at Nunda. From his boyhood he had taken a deep interest in law suits, and often walked several miles to hear the trial of a case before a justice of the peace and early acquired a desire to become a lawyer. During the fall and early winter preceding his commencement of the study of law, in a regular law office, he conducted five cases before justices of the peace at Nunda and Crystal Lake, and won four of the five. 478 HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY In March 1881 being then only nineteen years of ago, he entered the law office of Attorney O. II. Gilmore at Woodstock, and worked on a farm near the outskirts of the city for his board, in order that lie might pursue his law studies. After spending a little over one year in the office of Attorney 0. II. Gilmore, who later became County .Judge, he entered the office of former County Judge B. N. Smith, and from that office went before the Appellate Court at Ottawa in the month of March, 1883, and passed a successful examination and was admitted to the bar of this state, and immediately entered upon the practice of law in the City of Woodstock, where he has lived con- tinuously until the present time. In July 1885, he formed a partnership with Hon. Merritt L. Joslyn, who was Assistant Secretary of the Interior during the administration of President Arthur, and for nearly three years the firm practiced law together under the firm name of Joslyn & Barnes. Later he was as- sociated with Attorney D. T. Smiley under the firm name of Barnes & Smiley, and this partnership continued for nearly three years. For a short time, he was in partnership with Attorney John J. Cooney, now deceased, who at one time was a student in his office. Attorneys D. T. Smiley, F. R. Jackman, F. B. Bennett, John J. Cooney, Arthur J. Mul- len and J. I. Lang all studied law in his office, and all passed successful examinations before the Appellate Court for admission to the bar. Judge Barnes has acted for the defense in some of the most cele- brated criminal trials that have ever taken place in the Circuit Court of his county, and has an enviable record as a successful jury lawyer. He enjoys the unusual distinction of never having a jury return a ver- dict against his side on which the client could be sentenced to the peni- tentiary. He is Republican in politics, but in 1912 stood with the Roosevelt movement under the head of the Bull Moosers and was chairman of the Roosevelt movement in McHenry County. In 1916 he sought the Republican nomination for states attorney having for his opponents, Attorneys D. R. Joslyn, then states attorney, and V. S. Lumley, who had previously served in that capacity and in the three-cornered fight, he was defeated by Mr. Lumley who received the nomination. In the fall of 1918, after helping Attorney Calvin J. Hendricks of Harvard to secure the Republican nomination he was placed on the ticket to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Attorney Hendricks and as County Judge has made a record that is highly commended by the attorneys and the people who have had business before his court. HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 479 C. PERCY BARNES. C. Percy Barnes, attorney, junior member of the legal firm of Barnes & Barnes, is one of the able young men of Woodstock, and is associated with his distinguished father in the practice of his profession. He was born at Woodstock, May 22, 1886, one of the three children of his parents, Charles P. and Lanta (Young) Barnes. C. Percy Barnes attended the local schools, and Kent Law School of Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1908, thus following in his father's footsteps, and adopting the law as his profession. Immediately thereafter he was admitted to the bar, and locating at Woodstock, has since been in an active practice, his father being the senior member of the firm of Barnes & Barnes. In 1910, C. Percy Barnes was elected city attorney of Woodstock, which office he still holds. C. Percy Barnes was married to Miss Ruth Freestone, and he and his wife are members of the Congregational Church of Woodstock. In politics he is a Republican. His knowledge of men and their motives, and his keen, analytical mind enable him to handle the cases entrusted to him efficiently and successfully, and he has been connected with some very important jurisprudence that is not confined to the boundaries of his own county. DARWIN A. BARROWS. Darwin A. Barrows, who belongs to one of the prominent pioneer families of McHenry County, is serving his township as assessor, and is numbered among the representative retired farmers of Harvard. He was born in the county, a son of Dexter and Olive E. (Simpson) Barrows, who had eight children. Dexter Barrows was born in Ver- mont, but came to McHenry County in an early day, and became one of the prosperous farmers of this section. He lived to the unusual age of ninety-three years. Darwin A. Barrows was reared on his father's farm, and attended the local schools. During the Civil War, he enlisted in Company E, Ninety-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, although only sixteen years old, and served until the close of hostilities, when he was mustered out. Returning home, he resumed farming, and became the owner of a valu- able farm in Dunham Township. A few years ago he retired from his agricultural activities, and located at Harvard, where he owns his com- ISO HISTORY OF McHBNEY COUNTY fortable residence. A man of mure than average ability, he lias been called upon to hold public office, and for seventeen years he was town clerk and he has hern township assessor for five terms. On June 15, L870, Mr. Barrows was married to Marion E. Billings, and they had the following children: Mildred, who married Ernes! F. Goodknecht; Nellie (!., who married Archie (liven, and Marion, who married Gardner A. Knapp, superintendent of the county home at Hartland. EBER E. BASSETT. Eber E. Bassett, postmaster of West McHenry, is one of the sub- stantial men of McHenry County, and one who has long; been appreciated by his fellow citizens. His appointment came as the just reward of faithful service to the government as a rural free delivery carrier, and since taking hold of the office, he has increased very materially its annual business, and the efficiency of the service. Mr. Bassett was reappointed to the office in September, 1917, and he has one assistant under him. His appointment followed the raising of the office to third class. Eber E. Bassett was born in McHenry County, June 17, 1875, one of the two children of Wilbur F., born in Ohio, and Jennie (Earl) Bassett. born in Vermont. W. F. Bassett came to McHenry in 1854, with his parents, John E. and Celestia Bassett. Jennie (Earl) Bassett came to McHenry in 1868. For some years following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bassett were engaged in farming, but are now retired. Eber E. Bassett attended the local schools, and took a business course at the Elgin Academy during the fall and winter of 1896-97. Until 1905, he was engaged in farming, but in that year became a letter carrier on the rural free delivery route, and continued as such until his appointment as postmaster in 1914. He is a Republican in politics. On December 18, 1S97, he was married to Miss Cora Martin, a daughter of Peter S. and Wealthy A. (Farmer) Martin, and they have two children, namely: Lisle E., and Floribel. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church of West McHenry. Mr. Bassett's fraternal affiliations are with the Modern Woodmen of America, and Mrs. Bassett is a member of the Royal Neighbors. Accommodating and capable, Mr. Bassett is giving universal satisfaction as postmaster, HISTORY OF McHEXRY COUNTY 481 and is correctly regarded as one of the most representative men of his community. ROCKWELL M. BEAN. Rockwell M. Bean, assessor of Seneca Township, and one of the leading farmers of McHenry County, owns and operates a fine rural property known as Maple Farm, which is located three and one-half miles northeast of Marengo, and eight miles southwest of Woodstock. He was born on his grandfather's old home farm, October 10, 1863, a son of William and Philenia (Mead) Bean, and grandson of Simeon Bean of New Hampshire. William Bean was also born in New Hampshire, but when he was eight years old his father brought him to Illinois, and in 1836 secured government land in the woods of McHenry County. Simeon Bean was a leading man of those early days, and lived to be sixty years of age. A man of educational advantages far beyond those of his associates, he was called upon to attend to much public business, as well as settle estates and act as administrator of estates. Both he and his wife were school-teachers in New Hampshire, and after coming to McHenry County he continued to teach during the winter months, and at one time was county superintendent of schools. His children weru as follows: Ellen, who married Daniel Fellows, died at St. Charles, 111., at the age of fifty years; Louise, who married Allen Paddock, is deceased, having passed away at the Paddock home in New York, but she and her husband are both interred in the new cemetery at Marengo; Joseph, who died at the age of twenty years while a student at college; John, who lives in Minnesota; and William, who was the oldest born. William Bean spent two years at Waterloo, Iowa, but returned to McHenry County, and securing the old homestead, lived upon it until his death, in August, 1907, three years subsequent to the death of his wife. He erected the buildings now standing on the Bean farm, and made other improvements, which are now being enjoyed by outsiders as the farm was sold after his death. He was a leader in his community, public spirited and able and served twenty-one years as a member of the school board. The Presbyterian church of Marengo had in him one of its most active workers and devout members. William Bean and his wife had the following children: Frank W., who left home at the age of sixteen years to go to Nebraska, attended college, became a 482 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, and died at Clay Center, Nebr., August 24, 1918; Carlton S., who is a farmer of Davenport, Nebr.; Rockwell M., whose name heads this review; William K., who is a fruitgrower of Michigan; Mae, who is Mrs. L. J. Hand of Marengo; and Rose, who is Mrs. Edward Thomas of Belvidere, 111. On October 12, 1887, Rockwell M. Bean was united in marriage witli Marian Drury, a daughter of L. and Roxa (Angier) Drury, natives of Massachusetts. Following his marriage Mr. Bean spent three years on a large rented farm owned by H. W. Belding, and then went to Davenport, Nebr., operating 600 acres of land, a portion of which he had purchased, and remained there for seven years. Here he met with disaster in the form of continuous droughts so that for the years he was there he made nothing and was glad to get away alive. When he finally arrived in McHenry County he had only twenty-eight cents in cash, and had to provide for his family comprising a wife and two little children. In addition to all this he had a debt of 81,000, and in order to secure his present farm he had to go still deeper into debt, but during the sub- sequent years he has cleared off his obligations, and not only has a valuable farm, but excellent buildings. His barn is a basement one and he has accommodations for twenty cows, for he specializes in dairying. Both he and Mrs. Bean are consistent members of the Baptist church, and he served for eight years consecutively as superintendent of the Sunday school of his church, and for one year was county superintendent of the temperance department. In 1918 Mr. Bean was elected assessor of his township, and has proven very acceptable to the people. Mr. and Mrs. Bean have three children, namely: Arthur W., who married Cora M. Lowe, has a son, Clarence A., and conducts a garage at Marengo; Myron, who is on a farm near his father, married Caroline L. Lundy, and has two children, Marion L. and Marjorie W. ; and Harold, who is at home. He went into the service under the First Draft, but was rejected after reaching the training camp in Georgia on account of disability. All of the sons have had high-school educations, and are young men of ability and a superior order of integrity. ALFRED G. BEATH. Alfred G. Beath, one of the foremost men of Marengo, owns and operates a fine, modern mercantile establishment, and is regarded as 1 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 483 an excellent representative of the best business interests of McHenry County. He was born in England, June 17, 1851, one of the eight children of his parents, Robert and Sarah (Peck) Beath. Robert Beath was a baker by trade, and not liking conditions in England, he brought his family to the United States, settling at Rockford, 111. Alfred G. Beath was reared at Rockford, having been brought there when four years old, and attended its common and high schools. Learn- ing the trade of a baker, he worked at it, and November 6, 1883, he established himself in the baking business at Marengo, conducting it until 1912, when he branched out as a general merchant, and now carries a stock valued at $10,000, and owns the building in which it is located. In 1879 Mr. Beath was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Pherris, and they had one child, Mabel, who married Doctor Ashbaugh, one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Marengo. Mrs. Beath died in 1915. Mr. Beath belongs to the Episcopal Church. Politically he is a Republican, and he was elected a justice of the peace in 1918. He is a Mason, and is High Priest of Lansing Chapter No. 73; and belongs to Calvary Commandery, of Woodstock, and Tibutu Shrine, of Rockford, Illinois. Having traveled extensively and being an exhaustive reader, Mr. Beath is one of the best posted men of Marengo, and his advice is often sought by those who realize that they can rely upon his store of knowledge and good judgment. EDWARD C. BELL. Edward C. Bell, one of the substantial farmers of McHenry Town- ship, owns and operates a farm on the outskirts of Ringwood. He was born two miles north of Ringwood, in McHenry Township, May 6, 1856, a son of John B. and Nancy (Coates) Bell, both natives of Ireland, who were married in England, and soon thereafter came to the United States. Immediately after landing in this country they came direct to Ringwood, reaching it in 1851 or possibly in 1852. For a short period they resided in the village of Ringwood, and then moved on the farm of eighty acres on which Edward C. Bell was born. It was a new farm with poor buildings, but John B. Bell was an excellent farmer and business man and improved his property and added to his farm until he owned between 500 and 600 acres. Later on in life, he moved 48-4 HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY to Ringwood, 1 milt a large house, ami he died there in September, L905, aged eighty-two years; his widow surviving him about twelve years, dying when eighty-seven years old. Edward C. Boll was reared on the farm, and adopted farming as his life work. For twenty-five years he rented land from his father, and then boughl 240 acres in Richmond Township, four miles north of Ringwood, remaining on it eleven years, during that period developing it into a dairy farm. He enlarged the bam and made other improve- ments, and then sold it in 1911, and bought his present farm of fifty acres adjoining Ringwood. The buildings are in excellent condition, and the house was erected by James Green after the loss of the original one by fire. Since buying this property Air. Roll has built a silo and now carries on general farming, although on his other farm he bud eat tie of the Ilolstein strain. On February 10, 18S1 Mr. Bell was married to Florence Motley, of Richmond Township, a daughter of Robert and Ann (Silli Motley, natives of England, Mrs. Motley having been born in the same section of Yorkshire as Mr. Bell's father, and Mr. Motley was born in Lincoln- shire. They were married in Mclienry County, and lived on their farm until Mrs. Motley died. Mr. and Mrs. Bell have the following children: Louis, who is conducting the farm; Robert, who died at the age of twenty years; Bertha, who is Mrs. Esh of Spring Grove; Walter, who died in 1918, aged thirty years; Mary, who is Mrs. Glenn Esh of Spring Grove; and Howard, who is at home. FRED B. BENNETT. Fred B. Bennett, one of the prominent lawyers of McHenry County, real estate owner, and a director of the United State Bank of ( Yystal Lake, is recognized as a representative man of his locality. He was born in Lake County, Illinois, August 2G, 1871, one of three children of his parents, John K. and Louisa (Lytle) Bennett, well-known farmers of Lake County, both now deceased. Fred B. Bennett attended the local schools of Cuba Township, Lake County, and the high school of Barrington, Cook County. Illinois. He then read law with Hon. C. P. Barnes of Woodstock, ami was sub- sequently admitted to the bar. Immediately thereafter, he commenced the practice of his profession in the office of Mr. Barnes, later leaving HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 485 to form a law partnership with Frank R. Jackman, the firm being known as Jackman & Bennett. This association continued for about eight years and until the death of Mr. Jackman in 1908, since which time Mr. Bennett has continued the practice of law alone. He is the legal advisor of the Hoy Banking Company of McHenry, and of the Ringwood Bank, and the United States Bank of Crystal Lake, and is a recognized authority on real estate and corporation law. In politics, a Republican, he has served as city attorney for Huntley and McHenry, and is in every respect one of the leading men of the county. In 1898 Mr. Bennett was married to Miss Kate C. Hibbard, a daughter of John L. Hibbard of Woodstock, and they have a daughter, Katherine R., who is at home. Mr. Bennett and his family belong to the Congregational Church. He is a Thirty-second Degree and Knight Templar Mason, being a past commander of Calvary Commandery No. 25, and also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the Royal Arcanum. A profound scholar and able lawyer, Mr. Bennett is naturally well versed upon many subjects, and his advice is sought by all classes. FILLMORE S. BENNETT. Page 151. WALTER C. BESLEY. Walter C. Besley, D. D. S., one of the leading dental surgeons of McHenry County, is engaged in an active practice at Woodstock, where he is held in the highest esteem, not only in a professional capacity, but personally as well. He was born at Chicago, 111., July 27, 1875, a son of George W. and Sophia (Cone) Besley, who had three children. George W. Besley was for thirty years a druggist of McHenry, McHenry County, later on moved to Woodstock, where he died in January, 1916, his wife having previously passed away. After attending the local schools of McHenry County, and the McHenry High School, Walter C. Besley took a course in dentistry at the Northwestern University, from which he was graduated in 1897, and immediately thereafter embarked in a general practice at Wood- isii HISTORY OP McHBNRY COUNTY stock, where he has since remained. His offices are conveniently located over the State Bank of Woodstock. On June 6, 1900, Doctor Besley was married to Miss Cora G. Bennett, and they have the following children: George V., and Walter B. Doctor Besley and his family belong to the Congregational Church of Wood- stock. In politics he is a Republican, and for the past eight years he has served continuously as a member of the city council. He is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, and an Elk, and prominent in all of these orders. Skilled in his profession, his success with his patients has resulted in the building up of a large and constantly increasing practice, and the establishment of his reputation as a very valuable citizen in his community. GUSTAVUS F. BINNEWIES. Gustavus F. Binnewies, one of the retired farmers of Harvard, was formerly very active in agricultural matters in McHenry County, and still owns his farm in Dunham Township. He was born on this farm, three miles southwest of Harvard, August 22, 1858, a son of Christian and Caroline (Kappenberg) Binnewies, natives of Germany. The parents came to the United States in 1853, and after a stay in Pennsyl- vania, moved to McHenry County, 111., where they bought a small farm, adding to it until they had 160 acres, and forty acres of timber in another farm. The original house is still in use, although different additions and many improvements have been made to it. The father put about half the farm under cultivation, carrying on general farming. He came to this country with nothing, but owing to the opportunities here offered, he was able to acquire a valuable property. His death occurred on the farm, October 16, 1886, at the age of sixty-seven years. His widow survives and makes her home with her son, G. F. Binnewies. Of their children, four now survive, namely: Anna, who lives with her mother and brother; Minnie, who married Harve McWilhams, who is a factory man living at Harvard; Carrie, who married Henry Hopper- stead, who is in a store at Capron; and Gustavus F. One son died at the age of nineteen years while attending Rockford College and Ida, Josephine and Caroline are also deceased. Gustavus F. Binnewies remained on the homestead and took charge of it when his father was taken sick, and he is still interested in it, HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 487 although for the past fifteen years he has lived in Dunham Township. The present tenant had been on the farm for fifteen years, and he is Mr. Binnewies' partner in handling stock. With his leaving the farm, Mr. Binnewies did not lose interest in it, but has kept up the improve- ments, and has a very fine property, that he holds at a high figure. Mr. Binnewies has never married, his sister, Miss Anna being house- keeper for him and his aged mother. He is a Republican, but aside from being a school director, as was his father before him, Mr. Binnewies has not cared to hold office. In the early days of McHenry County, the home of the Binnewies family was the stopping place for the traveling ministers of the German Evangelical faith who used to hold services in the schoolhouses of the neighborhood. When a church of this creed was established at Harvard, they attended it, and gave it their support. Mr. Binnewies is recognized as one of the representative men of his country, and his family is justly numbered among the pioneer ones of this region. RICHARD BISHOP. Page 131. FRED A. BOHLANDER. Fred A. Bohlander, one of the leading merchants of McHenry County, owns and operates a fine dry goods establishment at West McHenry, and he is also a director of the West McHenry State Bank. He was born at Monroe, 111., May 21, 1863, one of the seven children born to his parents. His father, Peter Bohlander, was born in Germany, but came to the United States in 1833. He lived at West Chicago, moving thence to South Chicago, and finally to Monroe, 111., where he died in 1901. His wife, whose maiden name was Schroeder, died in 1894. Fred A. Bohlander was reared on his father's farm, and early learned to make himself useful in its conduct. He attended the local schools, and was well grounded in the common branches. When he left home to start in business on his own account, he connected himself with the wholesale shoe trade, continuing in it until 1901, when he came to West I— HISTORY OF McHBNBY COUNTY McHenry and founded his present house. He carries a full and com- plete line of ready-to-wear garments for women, men's furnishing goods, clothing, groceries, shoes and rubber goods, tin and granite ware, notions, toys and all goods ordinarily carried by a modern department store. His stock is a very large and comprehensive one, and the prices are as low as is consistent with the quality and service. In August, 1916, Mr. Pohlander was elected a director of the West McHenry State Bank, his association giving added prestige to that institution. In 1S90 Mr. Bohlander was married to Miss Anna Warneke, a daughter of August Warneke, of Will County, 111., and they have one son, Roy, who is now at Sycamore, 111., married Viola Cole. Mr. and Mrs. Bohlander belong to the Evangelical Protestant Church. In political faith, he is a Republican. A man of importance in his com- munity, Mr. Bohlander was connected with the various movements connected with the war activities here, and has otherwise proven his good citizenship and worth as a man. WILLIAM A. BOIES. William A. Boies, one of the most highly respected men of McHenry County, who was formerly a successful agriculturalist of Coral Town- ship, is now living retired on his fine farm one mile west of Marengo. He was born at Homer, Courtland County, N. Y., December 15, 1841, a son of Israel and Mary (Ives) Boies, the former born in Massachusetts, and the latter in Connecticut. The Horace Boies, one time governor of Iowa, was a first cousin of Israel Boies, and the family is one found all over the country. In 1859 Israel Boies brought his family west to Dar- lington, Wis., where they lived for five years, and then came to McHenry County, settling at Marengo. William A. Boies was educated in New York. He was married, February 20, 1865, at Darlington, Wis., to Lottie Shimmins, who was born on Long Island, N. Y., Oct, 23, 1842, but brought to Wisconsin when a child. After his marriage, Mr. Boies rented his present farm, and during the period he was preparing to buy it, his father, Israel, dealt in cattle, buying at Darlington and shipping to Chicago, having had much experience in stock dealing in New York state. In fact it was the realization of the better opportunities he would have in the west to buy cattle that brought him to Wisconsin. During his earlier HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY ls;i experiences in the east, Israel Boies drove both cattle and sheep to the New York and Philadelphia markets, from rural regions, where he had bought them. In 1878 he went to Byron, 111., and established himself in a butter manufacturing business, and after he had sold it at a fair profit, he built another butter factory at Davis Junction, 111., and another at Genoa, 111., and operated the latter until 1882, when he returned to McHenry County and spent his remaining years at the home of his son, William A. Boies, in Coral Township. In the meanwhile William A. Boies had been associated in the stock business with his father, operating the Marengo end of it, but in 1868 bought what had been the Orsan Rogers farm. Here during the follow- ing year he began making butter, producing his own milk and keeping forty cows. The butter was made by his mother, who was so expert that the demand for her product increased to such an extent that in 1870, William A. Boies erected a building that is still standing, and in order to increase the output, began buying milk of his neighbors. In time he commenced shipping to eastern markets, receiving what was then considered a gilt-edged price, forty cents per pound. Ordinary butter then sold for twenty cents per pound. Until about 1875 Mr. Boies practically controlled the milk supply of his neighborhood, but his success encouraged others to enter his line, and similar creameries were established. His own butter was known as "Creamery" butter, and there was such a demand for it, especially in Rhode Island, that he could not supply it. Recognizing his ability, the owners of the other creameries endeavored to secure him as manager, and he undertook too many responsibilities, as during five years he had charge of nineteen creameries, one of them being in Boone County. Disaster overtook these many enterprises, numerous causes contributing, but the same condition prevailed all over the state. The men who had assumed management were carried down, and the majority of them lost their entire investment, and Mr. Boies was no exception. About 1884, the bottom having fallen out, a change began, which has resulted in the establishment of the present system of handling the milk. It is claimed that one contributing cause of failure was excessive speculation on the Board of Trade. While the project was not a success, the foundation was laid for the development of McHenry into the leading dairy county of Illinois. The early creameries had to contend with many difficulties, among them being the lack of proper equipment. They had no means of testing the milk, nor of preserving it, and disaster was certain. Mr. Boies shouldered his responsibilities, and went to work to clear 490 HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNTY off his debts incurred by the inevitable bankruptcy. Although offered a very Battering position at a high salary in Pennsylvania, he borrowed sufficient money to go into general fanning, and through that calling rehabilitated himself financially among the people who had so highly trusted him. Here he raised Holstein cattle, and was very active until about 1918, when he retired. To liquidate his debts he sold his farm, but bought it back again in 1890, and still lives upon it. He owns 588 acres on the Grant Highway. To his credit be it said that while he lost everything, no farmer who dealt with him was out a cent, al- though he could, had he cared to do so, have evaded many of his obli- gations. Mr. and Mrs. Boies have two children, namely: Philip, who operates the home farm, is unmarried, and lives at home; and Jessie M., who married N. L. Jackson, a real estate dealer of Belvidere, 111. While he is not connected with any religious organization, Mr. Boies attends the services of the Presbyterian Church of which his wife is a member, and he gives it a generous support. Looking back over his life, Mr. Boies takes great pleasure in the fact that in spite of disaster he has kept his name clean, and his credit good. At no time was that credit impaired, for his associates knew that his word was good as gold and that what he promised to carry out, he would do without any evasion, and time has proved this to be correct. Such a man is a valuable asset to any community, and Coral Township is proud of him and what he stands for. EMIL W. BOLLE. Emil W. Bolle, a general farmer and dairyman of Grafton Township, owns and operates 200 acres of valuable land. He was born in Switzer- land, May 21, 1868, a son of Charles and Mary (Corsell) Bolle, and a grandson of Joseph Bolle, a native of France. Charles Bolle was born in Germany, and was a civil engineer. Emil W. Bolle attended the common and high schools of Germany, and came to the United States in 1903, settling in McHcnry County. Prior to coming here, he was superintendent of a large tanning factory at Berlin, Germany. Since coming here, he has been engaged in farming. In 1913, he bought his present farm of 200 acres in Grafton Township, and he milks twenty-four cows.