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BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
OF
OGLE COUNTY,
ILLINOIS.
II^I^T^JSTTFe^^TTKIZ)
A /)(•()/>/(' t/ii7/ /ale NO pride in ilic nohlc acJiicvcniciits of remote aiieestors Tvill never aehicvc
aiiyt/iii/i; -cort/iv to In- reiiieiiibereJ -xitJi priJe l>y remote i^eiierat ions ." — ]M AfAUi.EV .
CHICAGO;
The S. J. Ci.AKKt Publishing Company.
1899,
S/UiK VALLEY COLLEGE
LRC / o r, t Q
"I^iofimphii Ls the oiilv true hisforv."--l:mcrN^n.
PRKFACB.
l^^^^^fllE irreatest of EntjHsh liistoriaiis, Macaui.av
d one of the most
Ijillliant writers of the present century, has said : " Tiie history of a
country is best tolil in a record of the lives of its people." In con-
formity with this idea, the Biogkapiiical Record has been prepared.
Insteail of tjoinij to musty records, and takint,^ therefrom dry statistical
matter that can be appreciated by but few, our corps of writers have
irone to the people, the men and women who have, by their enterprise
and industry, broufrht this county to a rank -^econd to none among
tliose comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their life
struggles. Xo more interesting or instructive matter could be presenteil 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 learneil men anil women, with an inlluence 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 who have striven to succeed, and records how that success has usually
crowned their efYorts. 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 jjerfoiming a deed <if mercy — "They have 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 office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their countrj^'s
call went forth valiantly " to do or ilie," and how through their elTorts the I'nion was
restored and peace once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man antl of every
woman is a lesson that should not be lost upon those who follow after.
Coming generations will a[ipreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, trom
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 ilatter 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. Xot having a proper conception of the work, some
refused to give the information necessary to coinpile a sketch, while others were indifierent.
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 repe.ited calls were made at their residence or place ol business.
May, 1S99.
The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.
HON. R. R. HITT.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
HON. ROBERT R. HITT, who has so
ably represented his district as a mem-
ber of congress, since 1882, is without
doubt the most distinguished of the citizens
of Ogle county. It is not an easy matter to
briefly write the record of such a man,
especially for perusal by his old friends and
acquaintances, many of whom have known
him from early childhood, and to whom his
record is like an open book. For him they
have the greatest admiration, and to them
no honors bestowed upon him could be
thought undeserved. He belongs to them,
and while they know him he also knows
them, and few there be of the old settlers
of Ogle county that he cannot call by name.
Robert Roberts Hitt was born in Urbana,
Champaign county, Ohio, January 16, 1834,
and is the second son of Rev. Thomas S.
Hitt, who drove across the country from his
Ohio home in 1837 and made himself and
family a home in Ogle county, where the
remainder of his life was spent. He located
in Maryland colony, so called because of
the number of settlers from that state who
had migrated to northern Illinois, led by
Samuel Merritt Hitt, an elder brother of
Rev. Thomas, and a man of remarkable
mental attainments and strong personality.
One of the pioneers of Ogle county, he
brought with him from Maryland a well-
filled purse in addition to a fine college
education, two attributes that commanded
the deepest respect in that struggling com-
munity, where ready cash in particular was
all too scarce. By entry and purchase
Squire Hitt secured thousands of acres of
the best farming lands for his brothers and
sisters, who hastened westward to occupy
the choice sites thus selected, so that in a
short time the "tribe of Hittites," as an
old circuit-rider jokingly dubbed the colony,
was a powerful factor in that new country.
Some of the old settlers who have not
forgotten the characteristics of the Hitt
tribe say the family was noted for its fine
physical appearance, whose six feet of man-
hood and womanhood did full credit to its
Kentucky origin. Rev. Thomas Smith Hitt,
who was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky,
at the close of the last century, was a trifle
over si.x feet tall, and, like his father before
him, was a pronounced anti-slavery man. It
was this predilection which led old Martin
Hitt, grandfather of the present congress-
man, to move across to Ohio in i8i6, where
his first act was to free his slaves. Twenty-
one years later his son Thomas, with his
young family, moved to Illinois, attracted
thither by the glowing accounts of the coun-
try as reported by Squire Hitt, who left
Maryland for Illinois in 1836, one year in
advance of his relations.
A warm adherent of the Methodist
church, of which he was an ordained min-
ister, as was also his father. Rev. Martin
Hitt, Rev. Thomas S. Hitt was well fitted
by education and temperament to promote
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the interests of Methodism in the newly
settled country to which he had migrated,
and when the name of Mt. Morris, in honor
of the Methodist bishop, was given to the
Maryland colony, Rev. Thomas Hitt was
one of the first to suggest the founding of a
seminary by the conference. Through his
efforts, ably seconded by his brother. Squire
Hitt, Rock River Seminary was called into
existence, in whose historical walls many of
the most illustrious sons of Illinois — men
famous in the forum and on the battlefield
— received their education.
Here young Robert Hitt early went to
school, and here, too, contemporar}' with
him, only in older classes, were Senator
Cullom, Governor Beveridge, State Senator
Beveridge, John Rawlins, secretary of war
under Grant; judge Cothran, of the supreme
court of Wisconsin; Congressman Magoon,
and many other students who later rose to
eminence in their respective professions.
Of a genial disposition and remarkably pro-
ficient in his studies, Robert Hitt, although
much younger than the majority of the lads
with whom he associated, was a great fav-
orite with all, and when he left Mt. Morris
to complete his education at Asbury Uni-
versity, in Greencastlc, Indiana, no one in
the circle was missed more than he.
The fact that he outstripped his com-
panions in the race for college honors and
graduated while but a youth attests his love
for knowledge and early discipline of mind
and determined application to which he
owes his success in life. While but a lad he
developed a fondness for phonography, and
giving to the art all his leisure hours became
an expert, and upon the completion of his
education went forth into the world well
equipped to enter what was then a com-
paratively new field of usefulness, and to-
day-he is one of the most remarkable men
in the public life of America of this gen-
eration.
The commencement of his public career
is contemporaneous with the agitation of the
question of the perpetuation or over-
throw of the institution of slavery in
the United States. He was the pio-
neer newspaper reporter of the west and
through the instrumentality of his skill, tact,
quick intelligence and a capacity that lay in
many directions, coupled with a breadth of
mind capable of comprehending and appre-
ciating all the phases of that humane and
magnificent enterprise in which his great
party had its birth, the world was given the
merits of the memorable Lincoln and Doug-
las debate of 1858, upon which the glorious
battle of liberty was fought and won.
In one of his published reminiscences,
Albert Woodcock, an old citizen of the
state, speaks of the debate at Freeport,
and the part taken in it by Mr. Hitt:
'• A stand was erected in the field adja-
cent to the city. Thousands of people
gathered about the platform. The speakers
were ready. The throng was impatient.
The tall form of Lincoln arose. He looked
anxiously over the crowd. He called out:
'Where's Hitt? Is Hitt present?' Hitt,
from the extreme outskirts of the living
mass, answered, ' Here I am, but I cannot
get to the platform.' The good-natured
people understood the situation. They
seized the slender youth and passed him
over their heads to the stand."
The story became current that Lincoln
was always asking, " Where is Bob Hitt'"
And " r>ob " found himself famous. He
happened in this connection to do an im-
portant historical service. All civilized peo-
ple know now how excellent was Lincoln's
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
command of language, and how admirable
his Hterary form. He was a master of
speech; but during the Lincoln-Douglas
campaign the Douglas party assailed him as
illiterate, and charged that Hitt touched up
all his speeches so as to make them pre-
sentable. This Mr. Hitt always denied,
stating that frequentl\' his phonographic
notes were written out by an assistant, and
he did not see the transcription from his
notes until it was printed.
During the legislative sessions of the as-
sembly of Illinois, in 1S5S, '59 and '60, Mr.
Hitt was the official reporter employed by
the state. In 1S60, when the trouble arose
in the department of the Missouri, under
General Fremont, calling for immediate ex-
amination, Mr. Lincoln sent the Holt-Davis
commission to St. Louis, and Mr. Hitt was
there laboriously engaged for many months
as its secretary in that memorable investi-
gation. This duty called for the exercise of
abilities of no common order, and the work
was one of immediate importance and his-
torical value. Its voluminous reports, which
detailed the disorders of the unfortunate
Fremont rc-giiiic in Missouri, led to man}'
and important changes and improvements
in the efficiency of that department.
Judge Holt, ex-secretary of war, in the
account of their labors, which he submitted
to the president, paid a high tribute to the
value of Mr. Hitt's services. The severity
of the labors attendant upon this dutj'
brought on a long illness, and after his re-
covery he reported in person to Secretary
Stanton, who requested him to remain at
the war department for important confiden-
tial work and duties in the department of
military justice. In 1863 he was engaged
in the senate of the United States as secre-
tary of a committee examining into the
naval expeditions of Burnside and Banks.
In 1S65 he accompanied a board of treaty
commissioners to the northwest, ascending
the Missouri river a distance of one thou-
sand five hundred miles, for the purpose of
negotiating with the Indian tribes in what
was then a wilderness, which he described
in letters to the Chicago Tribune as the
"abomination of desolation," a lonely
desert, scourged by ferocious savages. It
has now thousands of homesteads scattered
over it and is increasing every month in
population. He returned home in the fall
of the same year. Most of the following
year he passed at Washington and at Ral-
eigh, North Carolina, as recorder of military
courts, spending the summer months at
home.
In 1867-S he \isited Scotland, Switzer-
land, Greece, Egypt, and Palestine, spend-
ing five weeks in Jerusalem. He visited the
famous plain of Marathon, though warned
against robbers, and told he certainly would
be taken by bandits and [irobably killed.
He dressed in a wretched old suit borrowed
from a peasant, mounted the worst horse
to be had, and took a Greek history and a
wallet with a few coppers. He had hardly
opened his book on the ancient battle-field
when robbers came sure enough and seized
him. He begged for food, and they gave
him black bread, which he ate with avidity,
though it was a horror, and gave each of
them a copper. That was too much, and
they let him go.
In 1871 he went to Santo Domingo,
with the three commissioners — Senator Ben
Wade, of Ohio; President White, of Cor-
nell University; and Dr. Samuel G. Howe,
the Boston philanthropist, who were sent
to that island by President Grant to inquire
into its resources and affairs, with a view to
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
its annexation to tlie United States. Mr.
Hitt prepared their report, an interesting
and valuable work, of which fifty thousand
copies were printed.
In the latter part of this year and in
1872 he was busily engaged as reporter of
the noted Kuklux committee of the two
houses, and wrote a large portion of their
enormously extensive report, in thirteen
volumes, exhibiting in great detail the po-
litical condition of the southern states,
nearly every one of which he visited with
the committee. For some time after this
he acted as private secretary of Senator O.
P. Morton, who was one of the great lead-
ers of the Republican party.
In 1873 the Rock River Seminary had
become so embarrassed that the school
stopped and the creditors sold it out. Mr.
Hitt, not forgetful of the deep interest taken
in it long ago by his father, bought it, put it
in repair, and it was started again with a
corps of excellent teachers. It became
again a good school, though it brought no
money profit to repay his liberality. After
six years he transferred it to the Brethren,
or Dunkards, who are carrying it on with
continuous efficiency.
On the 28th of October, 1874, Mr. Hitt
was united in marriage with Miss Sallie Rey-
nolds, of Lafayette, Indiana, of whom it
has been beautifully and truly said, "Gifted
and highly educated, she is a charming and
sweet-spirited woman, and her heart is in
the work of her husband." Immediately
after their marriage, they sailed for Europe,
and while on their wedding tour, in Decem-
ber, 1874, Mr. Hitt was appointed by Presi-
dent Grant secretary of the legation at Paris,
in which position he was continued under
President Hayes. During their official resi-
dence of six years in Paris the home of the
secretary of the legation and his charming
wife was the center of a distinguished co-
terie of Americans and foreigners who were
no less captivated by the intellect, courtli-
ness and tact of Secretary Hitt than by his
wife's brilliant conversational powers and
her talents as a most entertaining hostess.
Two sons were born during their resi-
dence abroad, Robert Reynolds and Will-
iam Floyd.
Returning to this country, in 1S80, and
while at his home in Mount Morris, Mr.
Hitt one day received an urgent telegram
from Mr. Blaine, secretary of state under
President Garfield, asking him to come to
Washington immediately. Supposing the
secretary wished to consult him regarding
French affairs, the late secretary of lega-
tion hastened to the capital, and to his great
surprise was there asked to fill the post of
assistant secretary of state. After a brief
consideration Mr. Hitt accepted the honor,
and it is noteworthy that from that time
until the hour of his death the brilliant sec-
retary and his able assistant remained on
terms of intimate relationship with each
other. When Blaine resigned the state
portfolio after President Garfield's death,
Mr. Hitt went out with his chief the same
day. President Arthur had a high opinion
of Assistant Secretary Hitt, and would glad-
ly have given him a responsible mission
abroad, but, wisely enough, the proffered
honor was declined, Mr. Hitt believing he
had been away from home too long already.
The sudden death of Congressman
Hawk, of the sixth Illinois district, June 29,
1882, two days before the convention to
nominate a candidate, upset all precon-
ceived plans, and a committee asked Mr.
Hitt if it might present his name. The con-
vention approved the choice and Mr. Hitt
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
5
was nominated, elected, and has since been
continued in congress. Writing of Mr.
Hitt's personality in a recent number of
Harper's Weekly, the veteran Washington
correspondent, Murat Halstead, after com-
menting on Mr. Hitt's useful career in con-
gress, where his habits of industry and his
information, knowledge of men and nations,
history and languages and the varied phases
of public life at home and abroad have
given him high distinction, continuing, says:
' ' His congressional work has been chiefly
done in the committee on foreign relations.
He is a positive and systematic protectionist,
was an early advocate of removingthe duty
on sugar and strongly against reducing the
ta.x on whisky. He has attempted to regu-
late the jurisdiction of consuls, as he well
knew their deficiencies, and he strongly
urged, when he had little company, the
observance of treaty stipulations with the
Chinese. The vigilance and experience of
Mr. Hitt on the committee on foreign rela-
tions have been of general and marked
value. In the Cutting case he saved con-
gress from making a mistaken menace
against Mexico. On the Hawaiian inter-
vention he delivered a speech of extraordi-
nary energy and acumen and thoroughness.
Perhaps the strongest of all ,his speeches
was on ' Commercial Union with Canada.'
Mr. Hitt wears well and is a satisfactory
example of the value of the training of jour-
nalism for public life."
From 18S3 until 1S90 his party were in
minority in congress, but Mr. Hitt advanced
in grade, step by step, till he became the lead-
ing member of the Republican minority in the
committee on foreign affairs and its repre-
sentative on the floor of the house, which
gave opportunity for important services to
the country. For example, in 1888, when
a measure was brought in by the adminis-
tration authorizing an immediate threaten-
ing demand upon Mexico for the instant
liberation of Cutting, which the committee
on the previous day had endorsed, and the
whole house was about to adopt, Mr. Hitt,
having in tfie interval made sure of the real
facts, that Cutting was not held oppressively
and that the Mexican government was most
anxious to do anything we requested, and
that the inflamed state of feeling in Mexico
would be fanned into an attack upon Mex-
ico and another disagraceful Mexican war,
if such a resolution were passed, in a short,
clean speech, reversed opinion in the house,
defeated the resolution and prevented infin-
ite mischief, or war.
He was an advocate of wider commerce
with our neighbors on the south and north.
He introduced and secured the unanimous
adoption by the house in March, 18 89, of a
resolution contemplating complete com-
mercial union with Canada, which, once in
operation, would ultimately result in peace-
ful annexation. His speech on this measure,
Murat Halstead said, "was a thorough and
logical presentation of a great, far-reaching
proposition. "
In the previous session, in September,
1888, when President Cleveland's Canadian
retaliation message came suddenly in, right
in the midst of the presidential campaign,
he exposed the mischievous character of
this electioneering device to catch Irish
votes, and discussed the whole question
searchingly. A long debate ensued. Hon.
Bourke Cockran replied to the argument,
but saying of his opponent:
"Mr. Speaker: The distinguishing ad-
dress on the other side, the one that has
furnished the key-note to this discussion,
was the very able and eloquent speech of
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hitt), to
whom, and to whom alone, is due the credit
of lifting the debate to a high plane of par-
liamentary procedure. But I regret to say
that while the speech was eloquent, it lacked
those elements of candor and fairness that
would have made it the greatest speech of
the session."
In 1887 and afterwards he supported the
interstate commerce law, taking exception
only to the long-and-short-haul clause as in-
jurious to his constituents.
In 1 890, when the Republicans came into
power and the memorable struggle of the
Reed congress began, he was at last made
chairman of theconnniltec on foreign affairs,
and has since held that position whenever
his party was in power, and when they were
in minority leading the minority on ques-
tions of foreign policy.
He has been an active member of con-
gress on all current legislation. He effi-
ciently supported the oleomargarine bill to
protect genuine butter from bogus butter
being sold under the same name, the bill to
check counterfeiting lard and other meat
products, and to promote and facilitate their
exportation on favorable terms. He urged
the law passed to foil the subtle attack on
the moral sense of the people by the liquor
interest sheltering itself under a provision of
the interstate commerce act as construed by
a decision of the supreme court. The orig-
inal package law abrogated that decision,
and left the state free to regulate the sale
of li(|nors, whether imported into the state
in original packages or not. lie attacked
the Louisiana lottery swindle, which was
usingthe postal system uutilaljill was passed
prohibiting the United States mails from
being nuule the instrinneut of their nefarious
business.
When in 1890, provision was to be
made for a World's fair in 1893, he sup-
ported the claims of Chicago as the best
site; and he and Mr. Springer were appoint-
ed the two Illinois members of the special
committee to which the subject was en-
trusted. He had charge of the bill when
it came before the house; and as the result
of long, hard labor, Chicago was victorious.
His speech in advocacy of Chicago, Feb-
ruary 20, 1S90, presented the claims of that
city in the strongest light. On the seventh
vote, Chicago received one hundred and
fifty-seven votes — exactly a majority.
He was during the eighties returned in
"off years" by about three thousand five
iiundred majority, in presidential years by
about six thousand five hundred majority,
until 1S90, when, in the tempest of dissatis-
faction after the passage of the McKinley
bill, just before election, he was well nigh
defeated, receiving only five hundred and
eleven majority. In subsequent elections,
with the great popularity of the same mea-
sure after it had been in operation, the old
time majorities were renewed. After the
Wilson tariff bill passed in 1894, his ma-
jority rose to twelve thousand, and in 1896,
with increased dissatisfaction over the re-
suhs of that bill, his majority was nearly
eighteen thousand; and again in i S98 it
was (_)ver fifteen thousand, though it was an
' ' off year."
By watching and urging local interests
in his own district, Mr. Hitt obtained an
appropriation of one hundred thousand dol-
lars fur the improvement of Galena river,
one hundred thousand dollars for a public
building at Rockford, and in 1S99, seventy-
five thousand dollars for a public building at
Freeport.
He has advocated and secured the pass-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
age of various measures to promote recipro-
city and increase trade with tiie other
American republics; and each year has
watched that liberal provision be made for
this cause and for the Bureau of American
Republics in the consular and diplomatic
appropriation bill, of which the chairman of
foreign affairs has charge in its framing and
in its passage through the house and
through the conference committee with the
senate.
In I Sgo he brought in a resolution recog-
nizing the Republic of Brazil, which was
soon unanimously passed. His conservative
counsel and course contributed to the
prompt and peaceful settlement of the
difficulties with Chili in 1S92.
In the same year, when a proposition
was made by the majority to reduce our
mission to Venezuela in grade, he seized
the opportunity, in opposing it, to call pub-
lic attention to the encroachment of Eng-
land upon that feeble republic, in violation
of our Monroe doctrine. Wlien, in Decem-
ber, 1895, President Cleveland sent in his
Venezuelan message demanding a just set-
tlement of this question between Great
Britain and the helpless republic, which was
being gradually swallowed, Mr. Hitt im-
mediately prepared and offered a bill pro-
viding for a commission to investigate and
report the true divisional line, which he
urged ui such a patriotic spirit upon all par-
ties that it was at once unanimously adopt-
ed; by thus referring the question to a calm
tribunal, the public alarm was quieted.
The unanimity of the American congress
led Lord Salisbury to yield to investigation
and arbitration, which the British govern-
ment had twice before refused.
Mr. Hitt has labored to improve the
efficiency of our consular service. He de-
livered an address on the subject before the
Boston Merchants' Association in 1893. In
a speech in the house April 17, 1894, he
discussed the general subject and merciless-
ly exposed the recent scandals in the sale of
public office and the degradation of the serv-
ice. He has been for many years an agent
of the Smithsonian institution. In 1895 he
was appointed by Speaker Crisp, one of
the delegates to the expected international
monetary conference.
He endeavored, successfully, in 1893 to
secure the passage of a bill to check the
abuses and violations of the interstate com-
merce act by Canadian railways. He moved
an amendment to the Wilson tariff bill, Jan-
uary 20, 1894, to secure reciprocity with
Canada in coal, instead of granting the free
admission of Canadian coal without com-
pensation. He again tried to amend the
Wilson tariff act, January 29, 1895, by
striking out the extra duty on refined sugar,
which was there solely to protect the sugar
trust.
Several times he has advocated and
urged the construction of a cable to Ha-
waii, in 1S90, and again in 1895, when
he discussed the matter at length and thor-
oughly.
In 1894 he arraigned in a strenuous
speech the policy of President Cleveland in
trying to overthrow the republican govern-
ment in Hawaii and restore the ex-queen;
and in 189S he brought in the measure for
the annexation of the Hawaiian islands,
which passed the house June 5. Very soon
afterwards he was appointed by the Presi-
dent one of the commissioners to visit the
islands, examine the government and re-
commend necessary legislation to congress.
With Senators Cullom and Morgan, he went
to the islands, and when congress met in-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
troduced in the house a bill, the result of
their labors, to organize the territory of
Hawaii.
In 1896 when the struggle in Cuba
seemed to be regarded by President Cleve-
land with indifference, he brought in and
advocated a resolution expressing the opin-
ion of the house that a state of war ex-
isted, the parties to which were entitled to
belligerent rights. It passed, but no heed
was paid to it.
President McKinley desired to appoint
Mr. Hitt minister to Spain when the gravest
questions were pending, but he did not ac-
cept.
In the spring of 1898, when, with the
the change of administration, there was ex-
pectation of change in events, and great im-
patience for some immediate action by the
house, he made a speech or statement
which, by its conservative tone and assur-
ances, did much to satisfy opinion and pre-
vent hasty action upon a resolution which
the senate had passed, recognizing the
Cuban republic, and which would have
brought embarrassing complications in the
war.
In 1895 Mr. Hitt suffered a long and
severe illness, from which he did not re-
cover full health for nearly two years. In
January, 1897, when the election of United
States senator was impending, Mr. Hitt was
supported in an animated and agreeable
contest by the members of the legislature
from his part of the state, but was not
elected. He is a member of the fifty-
sixth congress, which meets December 4,
I S99.
In his own district Mr. Hitt is very popu-
lar. There is an entire absence of the dic-
tator in his (political composition. He never
meddles with the local campaigns, has no
desire to "boss" any town or county con-
vention and is proud of the fact that no
" machine" prevails in his district. In Ogle
county, for example, there are often five or
six different candidates running for the same
office, and the people usually have the voice
and vote to say which is their choice. In
all his campaigns his personality counts
much. He is the same "Bob" Hitt to-day
that he was a score of years ago, with a
kindly word for all his constituents, and
ready to give his advice and the benefit of
his experience to Republican or Democrat
alike.
On the platform he maintains the fair
ground of debate, never makes the Demo-
crats angry by innuendos or vituperation,
but tries to score his points by a clear, in-
cisive presentation of his case that is well
calculated to carry conviction to the hearts
and minds of his hearers. Animated in tone,
he assumes a conversational style of address,
and is never dull. He pronounces distinctly,
leaves no doubt about the meaning he in-
tends to convey, and has a vocabulary that
is large and particularly well chosen. He
has a most retentive memory, and it is said
of him that he knows the personal history
of every family living in his district, most
of the voters of which he can call by their
given names.
It is an entertainment in itself to watch
Mr. Hitt on the platform just prior to a
political gathering or an old settlers' meet-
ing where he is to deliver an address. Easy
and natural in manner, he is at once the
master of ceremonies as well as the distin-
guished guest.
"Now, Uncle Daniel," he will say,
"you can't see anything over there; just
step forward and take this seat," at the same
time placing a chair in a convenient spot
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
where the old gentleman addressed may
best see and hear everything:;. In this way
Mr. Hitt gets close to the people, chats with
them about their personal affairs and drop-
ping politics folds his hands and discusses
those simple, every-day occurrences that,
after all, are nearest the heart. The Dunk-
ards, of which denomination there is a
strong following in his district, and who,
allied to no particular party, vote according
to the dictates of conscience, have an abid-
ing respect for Mr. Hitt, whom they greatly
admire for his squareness and high purpose.
That they stand by him in every election is
proof "strong as holy writ " of the sterling
character of the man whom the sixth dis-
trict delights to honor.
As already intimated, Mr. Hitt is a mod-
est man and is rarely heard on the platform
outside his district. He has repeatedly
been invited to deliver addresses in Chicago
and elsewhere before social and semi-
political bodies, but has invariably asked to
be excused, although, it is safe to say,
fewer public speakers are better qualified
by nature to interest an audience than he.
An omnivorous reader, his entire house at
Mount Morris might be termed a library,
for every room teems with "man's best
gift to man." Notwithstanding his strong
practical sense, there is a fine undercurrent
of sentiment in his composition which soft-
ens and at the same time elevates the man.
The death of his beloved mother on his re-
turn from Paris in iS8o was a severe blow
to one who fairly idolized the woman who
bore him, and to whom for years he had
carried every confidence and with whom he
had discussed every move of his life. His
father having died many years before, the
bond between the mother and son was
more strongly cemented, although for the
1
memory of his father Mr. Hitt has the most
tender regard. It is his wish that his two
sons may forever keep intact the homestead
farm which their grandfather received from
the government in 1837, and which, curious
to relate, is the only landed property held
by the Hitts in Ogle county, where once
their forefathers were possessed of thou-
sands of acres.
Mr. Hitt is just as popular in Washing-
ton as he is at home, and some of the best
and brainiest people of the country are
proud to claim his friendship, as he is theirs.
The late James G. Blaine, William Walter
Phelps and James Russell Lowell were
among his warmest friends, and between
him and big brainy Tom Reed, of Maine,
there is a deep and long-standing attach-
ment. Mrs. Hitt is justly regarded as one
of the best entertainers at Washington, and
during the season their beautiful home is
in a constant state of receptivity. Viva-
cious, beautiful, full of tact and gracious-
ness, she is an ideal wife of a public man,
and both in his official and home life the
able congressman is rarely blessed in this
respect. Murat Halstead, in an interesting
article in Harper's Weekly, says: "Mr.
Hitt's knowledge of Europe enhances his
estimation of America. He has known two
generations of our foremost men of affairs,
from Lincoln and Douglas to Blaine, Har-
rison and Cleveland; and in the rare scope
of his recollections and the invaluable edu-
cation of his personal services he has re-
tained and refined, and holds with unaf-
fected dignity, the simple modesty of his
laborious early manhood; and there is no
more attractive household than in the hap-
py, hospitable homes his wife and sons
grace and enliven at Mt. Morris and in
Washington."
lO
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
PETER B. WRAGG, whose farm lies in
sections 5 and 6, Grand Detour town-
ship, is a native of Ogle county, born De-
cember 22, 1S52, and is the son of Peter
and Nancy Jane (Thompson) Wragg, the
former a native of England, born October
4, 1 8 14, and the latter of Washington coun-
ty, Maryland, born April 23, 1S25. They
were the parents of the following named
children: William H., born February 13,
1846; Sarah, October 3, 1847, and who is
now the wife of William Hoffman; Ann E.,
January 17, 1850; Mary I., August 10,
1S51; Peter B., December 22, 1852; Dan-
iel S., April iS, 1854; Edward F., June 3,
1857, and who died April 6, i860; John
M., April 7, 1861; and Martha E., wife of
John Nett2, April 11, 18G3.
Peter Wragg was the son of Peter F.
and Hannah (Smith) Wragg, also natives of
England. Being put out to service on a
farm, at which he was displeased, at the
age of fourteen he ran away, and joined his
brother, Thomas, who came to America a
short time previously. The two brothers
engaged at work in a saw and planing mill
in Troy for about six years, and then deter-
mined to come west, having heard of the
great opportunities afforded the poor man
in what was known as the Prairie state. On
coming to Ogle county, Peter Wragg found
employment in a sawmill at Grand Detour,
wlicre he remained two years, saving his
earnings and investing the same in govern-
ment land. He later engaged in breaking
prairie and freighting to and from Chicago,
to Peoria and the Galena lead mines. He
was married June 17, 1845, to Miss Nancy
JaneTliompson.daughterof James and Judith
(b'unck) Thompson, and soon after located
on a farm on section 32, Pine Creek town-
ship, which was his home for about eight-
een months, when he moved to the farm in
Grand Detour township now owned by our
subject. Commencing life in this country
with a capital of two shillings, which he had
on landing, by his industry and good man-
agement, assisted by his faithful wife, he
succeeded in accumulating much property,
having at the time of his death, in January,
1892, some fifteen hundred acres of good
land, besides his personal property. Polit-
ically he was a Democrat. While he could
neither read nor write, he was a man of great
natural ability, and a good business man.
Peter B. Wragg was reared on the old
home farm on which he still resides. He
was earl}' learned to know the meaning of
hard work, and when quite young was ex-
pected to do his full share of farm labor.
He never shirked his duty and toiled early
and late, assisting in the cultivation of the
farm. On the 12th ot January, 1875, he
was united in marriage with Miss Margaret
Ellen Nettz, who was born March 8, 1856,
in Pine Creek township, and a daughter of
Jacob and Ruann (Drenner) Netts, both of
whom were nati\es of Washington county,
Maryland, and who came to Ogle county in
1855. The former was born May 24, 1813,
and the latter September 2j, 1819. They
were the parents of twelve children, four of
whom died in infancy or early childhood.
The living are: Mary E. , born December
28, 1836; Joseph H., December 19, 1840;
Amanda Caroline, September 17, 1847;
Jacob F. , January iS, 1854; Margaret Ellen,
March 8, 1S56; Lyida A., Februarys, 185S;
Alice Amelia, July 14, 1S62, and Clara,
March 30, 1850. By trade Jacob Nettz
was a blacksmith, but on coming to Ogle
county he followed farming in connection
with his trade. He died November iS,
1898. To Mr. and Mrs. Wragg one child
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1 1
has been born, Lura May, born July 3,
1885, and who is now attending the district
school.
The subject of this sketch has made his
home on the farm where he now resides
with the exception of three years. In addi-
tion to the cultivation of his farm he has
been raising red and black polled Angus
cattle, Morgan and Norman horses, and
Poland-China hogs. He is meeting with
success in his chosen calling and has the
confidence of the community in which he
resides. In politics he is a Democrat, and
for nine years has served as school director.
Religiously, he and his wife are members
of the Christian church.
MICHAEL MILLER, now living a re-
tired life in the village of Haldane,
was for years numbered among the active
farmers and business men of Ogle county.
He is a native of Germany, born in Hessen
Darmstadt, February 10, 1831, and is a son
of John and Amelia Carlotte Miller, both
of whom were natives of the same country.
In early life the father engaged in farming,
and in later life was in the hotel business.
He died in his native land in 1840. His
wife survived him about ten years. Our
subject is the youngest of their family of
thirteen children who grew to mature years.
He and his brother Nicholas, now residing
in Adair county, Missouri, are the only sur-
vivors.
Michael Miller grew to manhood in his
native land and received a good education
in the German and French languages. His
knowledge of English was acquired after
his removal to this countr}'. In his youth
he learned the blacksmith trade, at which
he became quite proficient before his emi-
gration to the United States. His native
land afforded little inducements to the poor
man to acquire either wealth or position,
and so he determined to come to a country
where an equal chance was given to all
alike. Accordingly he set sail for New York,
by way of Rotterdam and London. His
vessel was a slow sailing one and he was
thirt3'-five days on the Atlantic ocean, a voy-
age which can now be made in six days.
\\'hile on the voyage they encountered but
one severe storm.
Mr. Miller arrived in New York the week
before Christmas in 1853, and at once set
out for Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, where
he went to work at his trade, and continued
there nearly two years. He then came to
Illinois and located at Freeport. The first
Sunday at that place he saw what to him
was a strange sight, a wagon loaded with
people coming into church, the wagon be-
ing drawn b)' oxen. For about one year he
remained at Freeport, working at his trade,
and then moved to Mt. Morris, where he
continued at his trade for a year and a half.
He then returned to Pennsylvania, and was
married at Chambersburg, August 16, 1857,
to Miss Margaret Florig, a native of Hes-
sen Darmstadt, Germany, but reared in
Baden. Her father, Leonholt Morig, also
a native of Germany, was a miller and baker
by trade. In 1S52 he removed with his
family to the United States and settled in
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and there
spent the remainderof his life. Mrs. Miller
is the oldest of a family of eight children, of
whom three only survive, the others being
Mrs. Catherine Bowers and Mrs. Eva Burket,
both residing in Chambersburg, Pennsyl-
vania.
After marriage. Miller returned with his
liride to Illinois and located at Polo, where
12
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he worked at his trade about nine months,
and March 12, 1858, removed to Haldane,
where he built a shop and began working at
his trade, at which he continued to work
for thirty-five years. For many years he
had the only shop in the place, and in con-
nection had a wagon repair shop. In i86r
he built a residence and located on the lots
where he now resides. He also bought a
a tract of sixty-two acres near the village,
which later his sons began to cultivate. He
also bought eight acres adjoining the village
which he had platted as an addition to the
village. He still owns the farm, which lies
about one mile west of the village, and
which is a well improved place.
Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of
nine children, all of whom have reached ma-
turity. Benjamin F., a farmer, is married,
and resides in Wright county, Iowa. Anna
is the wife of Frank Forney, a farmer of
Ogle county. John resides in Logan, Mon-
tana, where he is engaged in the hotel busi-
ness. Kate married Lewis Carman, a
farmer of Wright county, Iowa, where they
now live. Emma is the wife of A. Hedwick,
of Haldane. Mary now makes her home
in Polo. William, Ida and Charles yet re-
side at home.
Politically Mr. Miller is a Republican,
and during the war was the only Republican
and stanch supporter of the administration
in Haldane. He cast his first presidential
vote for Abraham Lincoln, in i860, and has
never missed casting his vote for the nomi-
nee of the Republican party for president
from that time to the present. The only
official position that he has ever held was
that of school director, an office that he
held for nine years. He and his wife are
meml)ers of the Evangelical church and as-
sisted in the organization of the chufch and
in the erection of the church building. He
was for years one of the official board of
the church, and also superintendent of the
Sunday-school.
Mr. Miller has been a resident of Ogle
county for more than forty-three years, and
one of the two of the original settlers of Hal-
dane that are now left. He is well known, and
by whom known is held in the highest re-
spect. He has been an industrious man,
and all that he possesses has been secured
by hard work, his good wife rendering that
assistance which the true wife always gives.
GEORGE UREXLER, a retired farmer
living in the village of Creston, came
to Ogle county in 1869, and in the thirty
years of his residence here has become a
well-known citizen, one in whom the com-
munity has implicit confidence. He was
born in Wildenberg, Bavaria, Germany,
April 5, 1S34, and is the son of Nicholas
and Catherine (Himler) Dre.xler, both of
whom were natives of Germany, where
their entire lives were spent. . The father,
who was a farmer by occupation, died in
1864, his wife surviving him many years,
dying in 1887.
The subject of this sketch remained in
his native country until he was in his
eighteenth year. He received a good edu-
cation in the schools of Bavaria, and in tlie
meantime assisted his father in the cultiva-
tion of the farm. Friends of his youth had
already emigrated to the United States, and
the desire came into his heart to also go to
that favored land, where even the lowliest
had the opportunity of making a name and
acquiring wealth. With his sister, Anna, he
set sail for the new world in a slow sailing
vessel, and after a long and tedious voyage
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
13
of twenty-eight days they landed in New
York in March, 1852. They located at
Palatine, New York, where his sister later
married Henry Wagner. Mr. and Mrs.
Wagner, who yet remain in Palatine, where
he owns a valuable and well improved farm,
have a family of five living children, one of
whom is married.
On his arrival in Palatine, Mr. Dre.xler
hired to a farmer for the sum of forty dol-
lars per year and a pair of boots. After some
seven months had passed, he was convinced
that the farmer was about to beat him out
of the forty dollars promised. He settled
with him, however, for twenty-eight dollars
for the seven months and quit his service.
The next year he worked for sixty dollars
per year, and continued to be thus employed
at a slight advance until the beginning of
the war, receiving thirteen dollars per month
in i860. In the fall of 1861 he returned to
his native land and there remained until
1866, assisting his parents on the home
farm. Returning to Palatine, New York,
he went to work on a farm for twenty-five
dollars per month, and continued there un-
til 1869.
Mr. Drexler was married in Schenec-
tady, New York, December 8, 1868, to
Miss Eliza Bauder, a native of the town of
Palatine, New York, and a daughter of
Christopher and Lana (Nellis) Bauder, early
settlers of the Mohawk valley, of German
parentage. Mrs. Bauder died in 1854, but
he lived until 1898, and died at the ripe old
age of eighty-seven years. They had a
family of nine children, all of whom are yet
living, as follows: Simon P., of Amster-
dam, New York; Rufus, of Palatine, New
York; Ervin, of Sterling, Illinois; Henry, of
Malta, Illinois; George, of Montgomery
county, New York; Eliza C. , wife of our
subject; Ella, wife of Josiah Nestle, of Pal-
atine, New York; Mrs. Amanda Miller, of
Palatine, New York; Lana, wife of Jeremiah
Van Wie, of Palatine, New York.
In March, 1869, Mr. Dre.xler came with
his bride to Ogle county, where for one year
he worked by the month. In January,
1870, he purchased eighty acres of partially
improved land in Lynnville township, and
commenced life in earnest. Industrious as
the day was long, and with a wife who was
likewise industrious, one who believed the
interests of her husband was that of her
own, he went to work with a determination
to more than make an ordinary living. In
1S75 he purchased eighty acres of land ad-
joining his farm, erected a new barn, and
made many other improvements. In 1888
he purchased one hundred and sixty acres,
giving him a half-section of good land, all of
which was well improved.
Mr. and Mrs. Drexler have two children
living. Libbie J. is now the wife of David
Deily, whose parents reside in the same
township, and they have one child. Alia
Blanche. The}' reside in the township of
Malta, DeKalb count)-, Illinois. Ervin mar-
ried Mary Kempson, in 1896, and is now
successfully carrying on the home farm.
His wife's parents reside in Creston.
Mr. Drexler came to Ogle county with
little else than a stout heart and willing
hands. He had always before worked for
wages, and of course could not lay by very
much of this world's goods. He knew how
to work and was a practical farmer. Day
in and day out he toiled on and the result is
shown by his fine (arm and large quantity
of personal property. He had no special
fad in farming, but in addition to the crops
annually raised on the farm, he was also en-
gaged in stock raising, feeding a large num-
14
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ber of head of cattle and hogs for the gen-
eral markets. He was successful in all that
he did, and his success has come from in-
dustry, economy, wise management, assist-
ed in part by his good wife.
Politically Mr. Drexler is a Republican,
his first presidential ballot having been cast
for General Grant. From that time to the
present he has voted the party ticket, but
has never wanted or cared for public office.
However he was elected, finally qualified,
and served as road commissioner. Inter-
ested in the cause of education, he served
for fifteen years on the school board. Mr.
and Mrs. Drexler have on several occasions
visited the liome of her parents in New
York state. They were reared in the Luth-
eran faith, and while now they are mem-
bers of no church, they attend the Methodist
Episcopal church at Creston.
"\ X HLLLXM BIRD, deceased, was a rep-
V V resentative of the sturdy English
race that have done so much in the civiliza-
tion of the world, and whose influence will
be felt in all time to come. He was born
in the parish of Ciiawleigh, Devonshire,
England, February ii, 1806, and in his na-
tive land grew to manhood. In his youth
he learned the trade of wool comber, which
he followed in Devonshire. After his re-
moval to the United States he learned the
trade of harnessmaker, which he followed
for a number of years. His educational ad-
vantages were not of the best, but by read-
ing and observation he became a well in-
formed man.
Tile covmtries of Europe, with their
pride of aristocracy, give but little opportun-
ity to the poor man to advance in life, and
for that reason many are compelled to
sunder home ties and emigrate to a land
where all are equal in the eyes of the law,
and all have the opportunity to seek and
secure a higher position in life. Because of
this fact William Bird left his native land
in 1834, and after a long and tedious voy-
age in the slow sailing vessels of that time
finally landed in this country and located in
Ohio, which was his home for twenty-three
years and where he made a fairly good
start in life. Still farther west the oppor-
tunities were even greater, and in 1S57 he
came with his family to Ogle county and
located in Lynnville township, which con-
tinued to be his home until his death.
Mr. Bird was married in Norwalk, Ohio,
in I S3 5, to Miss Elizabeth Ford, also a na-
tive of Devonshire, England. Her father.
Rev. James Ford, was born near Cornwall,
Devonshire, England, in 1787. He was a
well educated man, and was a distinguished
minister of the Non-Conformists, He mar-
ried Mary Webber, of his native shire, and
to them were born eight children, five
daughters and three sons — Elizabeth, Ann,
Mary, Susanna, Betsy, James, John W.
and George. They came to the United
States in 1833, and also located in Ohio,
where the father died shortly after their ar-
rival. The mother survived him many
years, dying in 1866.
To William Bin! and wife six chiliiren
were born, five sons and one daughter.
James I'', married Jeannette Payne, and
they have one daughter, Nellie. They re-
side in Rochelle, where he is in the produce
business. John W. was twice married,
first to Martha Nashold, who died, and he
later married Martha Reasoner, by whom
he has two children, F. Ernest and Clara
E. They reside in Iowa, where he has at-
tained considerable prominence as a stock
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
15
raiser and a politician, having served two
terms in tiie legislature of that state. W.
Reed died of an accident in a runaway, De-
cember 26, 1896, at the age of fifty-si.x
years. Clara E. married John A. McCrea,
now of Creston, and they have two daugh-
ters, Ella B. and Florence. (See sketch
elsewhere in this work.) George E. mar-
ried Margaret Starrett, of Jasper county,
Iowa, and they have one daughter, Mary L.
They reside in Rockford, Iowa, where he is
engaged in the farm implement business.
Frank F. is managing the home farm for his
mother. He received a good education in
the schools of Rochelle, and later attended
one year in the normal school at Valpa-
raiso, Indiana. He has taught several
terms in the public schools of Ogle county,
and has given good satisfaction as a teacher.
William Bird departed this life Febru-
ary 23, 1875. He was a belie\cr in the
Christian religion, and died in the full
assurance of faith in a glorious resurrection.
Mrs. Bird, who still survi\'es him, is a mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, and
is a firm believer in the religion of Christ.
She is well known in the township in which
she has made her home for more than forty-
two years, and where\er known she is
greatly esteemed.
HOMER W. MULNIX, who resides on
section 30, Buffalo township, is a
worthy representative of the younger gener-
ation of farmers and stock raisers of Ogle
county. He is a native of the county, and
was born in Eagle Point township, Septem-
ber 2, 1S58. His father, John Mulnix, was
born in Delaware county. New York, in
1897, and there grew to manhood. He
was twice married, first in his native coun-
ty, and with his wife and family came to
Illinois in 1S50, locating in Lee county,
where his first wife died, leaving a family of
six children, three sons and three daugh-
ters. He later married Mrs. Lydia San-
ford, //('(' Sweet, also a native of Delaware
county, New York. After the death of his
first wife and his second marriage he re-
moN'cd to Eagle Point township, where he
spent the remainder of his life. He was a
successful farmer and acquired a comfortable
competence. His death occurred in Febru-
ary, 1 89 1. His wife survived him, and
passed away in 1897. They were the par-
ents of three children: Louisa, who died a
young lady; Homer W., our subject, and
Corydon, a farmer of Ogle county.
Homer W. Mulnix spent his boyhood
and youth on his father's farm, and received
his education in the home school and in the
Polo high school. He continued on the
home farm, and assisted his father in the
management of the farm until the latter's
death. He was married in Cedar county,
Iowa, March 18, 18S5, to Miss Nellie E.Will-
iams, a native of Ohio, who was reared and
educated in Cedar county, Iowa, and daugh-
ter of James Williams, a well known citizen of
that county. After his marriage he rented
one season and then moved to his place of
residence, having succeeded to sixty acres
of his father's estate. He later bought an
adjoining eighty acres, giving him one hun-
dred and forty acres in the home farm.
Subsequently he bought another farm of one
hundred and forty-six acres in the same
neighborhood, and is now cultivating both
farms. For some years he made a specialty
raising, buying and selling horses, but of
late he has turned his attention more espe-
cially to breeding, raising and dealing in cat-
tle, and is counted among the successful
i6
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
stock raisers and farmers of Ogle county.
To Mr. and Mrs. Mulnix have been born
two sons: Forest Robert and John T. , the
former a student of the home school.
Mr. Mulni.x cast his first presidential vote
for James A. Garfield, in 1880, since which
time he has been an earnest advocate of the
principles of the Republican party. He has
never sought or wanted public office, but
having at heart the interest of the public
schools, he has served on the school board
for nine years, and is now township trustee
of schools. Fraternally he is a member of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of
Polo, and also of the Knights of the Globe.
It is as a farmer and stock raiser that he is
best known throughout Ogle and adjoining
counties. He has shown himself well qual-
ified for the business, and is a thoroughly
practical man. A man of strict integrity of
character he makes friends and ever retains
that friendship.
CHARLES M. HALLER, an old and
highly-esteemed citizen of Forreston,
traces his ancestry back to colonial days.
His maternal grandfather. Captain Meach,
who was in command of a vessel, took part
in the Revolutionary war. His daughter,
Abigail Meach, married Robert Hewitt, who
was of English and French ancestry, and
who also took part m the Revolutionary
war, having many narrow escapes in several
engagements. Robert Hewitt was a native
of Connecticut, but with his wife and family
he emigrated to Maryland in 1815. They
were the parents of twelve children, of
whom the mother of our subject was fifth
in order of birth. He died in 1830, and
his remains were buried at Middlebury,
Franklin county, Pennsylvania. His wife
survived him many years, and came with
her family to Illinois in 1840. She lived to
a ripe old age, dying in November, 1855,
in her ninety-fourth year, having been born
August 10, 1 76 1. Her remains were in-
terred in the Hewitt cemetery, at Forres-
ton. She used to cook for the Indians,
and had many interesting stories to relate
of her Revolutionary experiences.
The mother of our subject, Abigail
(Hewitt) Haller, was the daughter of Rob-
ert and Abigail (^Meach) Hewitt. She was
born in iSoo, at Tolland, Windham county,
Connecticut. She was married in January,
1 8 19, to Charles A. Haller, who, by his first
wife, Catherine Bruner, daughter of John
Bruner, a farmer of Frederick county,
Maryland, had four children: John, a
farmer, who lived and died in Attica, Indi-
ana; Henry, a wagonmaker, who also died
at Attica, Indiana; Katherine, wife of Jacob
Dovenbarger, of Washington county, Mary-
land, but who came to Ogle county, and
lived near Adeline ; and Samuel, who
lived and died at Attica, Indiana. To
Charles A. and wife seven children were
born. Charles M. is the subject of this
sketch. Jane Abigail married Francis Ham-
ilton, of Maryland, who removed to Ogle
county, Illinois, where he engaged in farm-
ing. He later removed to Keokuk, Iowa.
Sarah Ann is the widow of Jacob Flaut.
She resides in Lanark, Illinois. James
Robert died when about eleven months old.
Louis lived to be twenty-two years old, and
died in Pine Creek township, and was buried
at Mt. Morris. George William, who had
been a successful school teacher and insur-
ance agent, died at Decatur, Illinois. Jo-
seph is a physician engaged in practice at
Lanark, Illinois. The mother of these
children died at the home of her daughter,
CHARLES M.HALLER.
->>^:
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
19
Sarah, at Lanark, Illinois, in 1882, and was
buried in the cemetery at that place.
Charles Haller, the grandfather of our
subject, came to America from Germany in
colonial days, paying for his passage by
his labor. He landed in Baltimore, and
from there went to Washington, and later
to Loudoun county, Virginia, where Charles
A. Haller, the father of our subject, was
born. By occupation he was a farmer. He
died and was buried at New Market, Mary-
land. When a young man, Charles A. Hal-
ler moved with his parents to Frederick
county, Maryland, where he learned the
wogon-maker's trade and conducted a shop.
Later he moved to Boonesborough, Mar}'-
land, on the National road. With his wife
and four children, in May, 1846, he came to
Ogle county, Illinois, and settled five and
a half miles south of Mt. Morris, on the
Grand Detour road, where he purchased
one hundred and twenty acres of land. He
lived there, however, only si.X'months, and
died December 7, 1848, at the age of sev-
enty years.
The subject of this sketch was born in
Boonesborough, Washington county, Mary-
land, November 15, 1819, and there re-
ceived his education in the subscription
schools, in the meantime assisting his father
in the cultivation of the thirty-three-
acre tract of land which he owned, and
in the manufacture of brick, in which
he was engaged. After attaining his major-
ity, he aided his old school-master, James
Brown, in the management of his school,
which had an attendance of one hundred
scholars, and engaged in their instruction.
In April, 1846, when twenty-seven years
old, he was united in marriage with Miss
Elizabeth Nikirk, daughter of Samuel
Nikirk, a carpet weaver in the town of
2
Boonesborough, Maryland, where she was
born, educated, and grew to womanhood.
The month after his marriage, in company
with his parents and brothers and sisters, he
brought his young bride to Ogle county.
They left Boonesborough May 21, 1846,
their household goods in a two-horse wagon,
and a light wagon with accommodation for
si.x persons, the younger children finding
place in the wagon with the furniture.
Their trip overland took just six weeks, and
they arrived near Mt. Morris, their destina-
tion, July 3, 1846, and immediately set
about erecting a house of four rooms, two
stories high, the lumber for the construction
of which our subject had to get in Chicago.
He set out on Monday morning for Chicago
and arrived home the following Monday.
Those were the days of "ox team transpor-
tation," when the traveler cooked for him-
self along the roadside, slept in his wagon,
and whistled a song along the lonesome
roads to keep himself company.
Their little home erected, young Haller
helped his mother and brothers the next
year, but during the years 1847 and 1848
he took charge of a school at Phelps' Grove,
and in 1S48-9 taught the school on the
Grand Detour road, near Mt. Morris. In
the fall of 1850 he moved to West Grove
and settled on eighty acres of land given
him by his uncle, George W. Hewitt. He
built a frame house and set about improv-
ing the place, dividing his time, however,
between school teaching and farming. He
remained on that place until 1859, when he
went to Forreston and engaged in general
merchandising. Later he purchased a stock
of drugs .from Frank Barker, now of Ro-
chelle, and a former resident of Forreston,
and still conducts the establishment under
the management of his son, E. E. Haller.
^o
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
To Mr. and Mrs. Haller seven children
were born. Samuel Henry died when seven
years old. Susan married John Mullen, but
is now deceased. Charles Louis died at
the age of three years. Theodore F. is the
editor and proprietor of the Forreston Her-
ald. George Louis is now deceased.
Charles M. is now living at Portland, Ore-
gon. Edward Everett is in the drug busi-
ness at Forreston. The mother of these
children died December 23, 1893, at the
age of sixty-five years, and her remains were
interred in the Hewitt cemetery at Forres-
ton.
Mr. Haller sawed the log and split the
stakes used in laying out the town of For-
reston in 1855, the town being laid out on
the land of his uncle, George W. Hewitt,
who had located a claim of eight hundred
acres. The first house built in the place
was a rude frame structure built by the rail-
road company for a boarding house. Dr.
Kingsbury was the first physician in Forres-
ton. The first school teacher was Thomas
J. Hewitt. Mr. Haller was selected as the
first teacher, but having so much to do on
his farm at the time, he secured the place
for his cousin, Mr. Hewitt. The latter mar-
ried Miss Fannie Rockwood, who was his
assistant in the school. The first school
building was just west of where the present
school building now stands. It was a large
frame structure and built under the super-
vision of George W. Hewitt at a cost of
about two thousand dollars.
Mr. Haller cast his first vote at a special
election in his native state, and his first
presidential vote was cast in 1848 for Zach-
ary Taylor, the Whig candidate. With the
Whig party he continued to act until the
organization of the Republican party, since
which time he has given his support to the
men and measures of that party. Relig-
iously he is a Lutheran, and assisted in or-
ganizing the Lutheran church in Forreston
in 1858, and has since been an elder in the
same. He aided and supervised the build-
ing of the church which was dedicated July
10, 1864. By the county court Mr. Haller
was appointed justice of the peace, was
then elected and served one year. He was
later appointed notary public by the gov-
ernor and filled the position twenty years.
He was also township school treasurer si.x
years. All in all, Mr. Haller has led an
active life. He is well known throughout
the county, and all who know him esteem
him for his many excellent qualities of head
and heart.
ZIBA A. LANDERS, senior editor and
proprietor of the Ogle County Repub-
lican, Oregon, Illinois, was born March 21,
1857, at Waukegan, Illinois, and is the son
of Hezekiah M. and Permelia (Ivetchum)
Landers, the former being a native of
Canada, but who came to the United States
in the 'forties, locating in Lake county,
Illinois, where he engaged in farming. In
1858 he removed to Dade county, Missouri,
where he likewise engaged in agricultural
pursuits. He remained in Missouri until
1864, when he was driven out by the Con-
federates, entailing on him a great loss of
property. Leaving Missouri, he returned
to Illinois in June, 1865, and located in
Ogle county, in the town of Dement.
The subject of this sketch was about
eight years old when his parents left Mis-
souri and he has a vivid recollection of that
time and the conditions which compelled
the family to leave. In the district schools
of Ogle county he obtained his education,
attending the same until he was fourteen
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
21
years old, when he went out to earn his
own living. Choosing the printer's trade,
he commenced to learn the business with an
Oregon mechanic, and after completing the
trade he worked as a journeyman, in all
a period of twelve years, when he engaged
in merchandising, at which he continued for
eight years, when he sold out and purchased
the Creston Observer. This was in 1891,
and he continued the publication of the
paper until July, 1894, when he sold
the establishment, and January i, 1895, he
purchased the Ogle County Republican, in
connection with E. L. Reed, which partner-
ship continued until October, 1898, when
Mr. Reed retired from the business and Mr.
Frank C. Sorrel was duly installed in his
position upon the Republican.
Mr. Landers was married November 30,
1881, to Miss Harriet P. Spickerman, daugh-
ter of William and Sarah (Sherman) Spick-
erman, both of whom were natives of
Wayne county, New York, where Mrs.
Landers was also born. Her parents came
to Ogle county in 1870, her father engaging
in farming. By this union four children
have been born — Ernest D., Chester, Clif-
ford and Sherman. Clifford died when one
year old.
Mr. and Mrs. Landers are members of
the Methodist Episcopal church. Frater-
nally, he is a member of Creston Lodge,
No. 320, A. F. & A. M., and Rock River
Chapter, No. 151, R. A. M. In politics he
is a Republican, with which party he has
been identified since attaining his majority,
and served in the forty-first general assem-
bly as sergeant-at-arms of the senate in a
very creditable manner. He is at present a
member of the Republican town committee
of Oregon, and aids with voice and pen in
promulgating the principles of his party.
While residing at Creston he served as a
member of the school board, and also held
other official positions.
The Ogle County Republican was founded
in 1888 by Bemis & Wagoner, and is now
conducted by Landers & Sorrel, who are
first-class newspaper men, good writers and
men of unimpeachable integrity. The pa-
per is a six-column quarto, and in politics is
uncompromisingly Republican.
M
ILTON BURRIGHT. a retired farmer
residing in Oregon, is one of the old-
est living settlers in Ogle county, having
taken up his residence here shortly after he
attained his majority. He was born near
Schenectady, New York, December 25,
181 5, and is the son of Cornelius Burright,
and the grandson of John Burright, of whom
little is known. Cornelius Burright was
born in the Mohawk Valley, New York, and
was by occupation a farmer, a calling that
he pursued during his entire life. He mar-
ried Olive Messenger, also a native of New
York. She died in Licking oounty, Ohio,
in 1S27, when about forty-five years old.
Her father and mother lived to be one hun-
dred and one hundred and three years, re-
spectively. Some years after the death of
his wife Cornelius Burright came to Ogle
county and for twenty-five years prior to his
death made his home with our subject. He
died in August, 1875, at the age of ninety-
eight years and seven months.
W^hile he was yet an infant our subject's
parents moved to Cuyahoga county, Ohio,
and about 1823 moved to Licking county,
in the same state. He was but twelve years
old when his mother died, and the follow-
ing year his father remarried, and from that
time he had to make his own way in the
22
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
world. For one season he worked on the
Ohio canal, driving an ox team at twenty-
five cents per day. For three seasons he
worked in a brick yard in Franklin county,
Ohio, and during the winter cut cord wood
for use in the brick yard in the summer.
He saved his money and in 1836 he walked
one hundred miles to Van Wert county,
Ohio, and entered eighty acres of timber
land, which he held until after he came to
Illinois. About this time he spent two
winters in Mississippi and Louisiana, cutting
wood for steamboats. He was an unusually
good chopper, and on one occasion, with
the assistance of three companions, cut
twelve cords of wood in one day. On a
wager, alone, he cut four and a half cords
in a half day, a record which has probably
never been beaten. His first summer in Illi-
nois was spent in Grand Detour, and his
second one in Dixon.
In April, 1838, Mr. Burright bought a
claim to three quarter-sections of land in
Pine Rock township, and after remaining on
the claim until the following August he went
to Missouri to spend the winter, fearing the
cold of northern Illinois. He went on
south to Natchez, Mississippi, and later to
Louisiana. In the spring of 1839 he re-
turned to Ogle county, and has never felt
the necessity of again leaving it. His farm
he at once began to improve and from time
to time he added to his original purchase
until he once owned over one thousand acres
of choice land. Much of this he disposed
of to his children, retaining only two hun-
dred and fifty-four acres. After living upon
the farm for nearly a half century, he pur-
chased a house and lot in Oregon and has
since lived a retired life.
Since coming to Ogle county, Mr. Bur-
right has never lived under any but his owti
roof. The first log house built upon his
claim was a very rude affair. No stove was
ever used, all cooking being done in the fire-
place. The chimney was made of sticks,
and his bedstead was of his own construc-
tion and had but one leg. It was built in
the corner of the cabin, two sides being
fastened into the logs, one post or leg hold-
ing up the other sides. Its springs were
slats or "shakes" split out of oak logs, and
were thin and elastic, taking the place of
the modern woven wire springs. He later
built a more commodious log house, and
finally a fine brick house, which is the farm
residence to-day. It was one of the first
of its kind between St. Charles, Kane county,
and Dixon, Lee county.
With but little schooling in early life,
Mr. Burright has made up for lost time by
being an extensive reader. After marriage,
his wife, who had a good education for that
day, taught him, and his own natural ability
and perseverance did the rest. His first
two crops of grain he hauled to Chicago
with ox teams, being several days on the
road. Produce was then %ery low and pro-
visions very high.
Mr. Burright was first married October
24, 1839, in Lafayette township. Ogle
county, to Miss Susanna Drummond, born
in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, Decem-
ber 18, I 8 1 9, and a daughter of Andrew and
Elizabeth (Loutzenheiser) Drummond. The
latter, who attained the age of seventy-three
years, was a daughter of Henry Loutzen-
heiser, whose parents emigrated to the
United States when he was but two years
old. He married Judith Merchant, whose
brother. Dr. Da\id Merchant, was a sur-
geon in the Re\-olutionary war. Two other
brothers were also surgeons, but were not
in the Continental service. Andrew Drum-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
23
mond was born in New York state, and
came west in the fall of 1838. He was by
occupation a farmer, and was quite promi-
nent in the early days of the^ county. He
was instrumental in organizing every school
district between Ashton, Lee county, and
Polo, feeing a man of superior education,
he was of great service in that connection.
For some years he served as postmaster of
Ashton. His death occurred at the age of
eighty-seven years. Of the eleven children
born to Andrew and Elizabeth Drummond,
four are yet living in Ogle county. Levi
and Lewis are living in Pine Rock town-
ship; Jackson resides in Lafayette township;
and the present Mrs. Burright in Oregon.
To our subject and his first wife nine
children were born, two of whom died in in-
fancy. Thomas Sheldon married Margaret
Bailey, and they now reside in Dixon, Illi-
nois, with their family of seven children.
Sarah Olive married Jacob Acker, and with
their fi\e children they live in Pine Rock
township, John married Emma Ashbaugh,
by whom he has had thirteen children.
They reside in Iowa. Thornton lives in
Chana. He first married Christine Dug-
dale, by whom he had four children. His
second wife was Miss Addie Lee, by whom
he has one child. Albert lives in Pine Rock
township, near the old home farm. He
first married Armista Thurber, by whom he
has two sons. He next married Mrs. [ulia
Grimes, in'i Haymaker. Jeannette mar-
ried Oscar Dugdale, and with their four
children they live in Pine Rock township,
adjoining the village of Chana. Mary mar-
ried Charles Dailey, and they reside in Pine
Rock township. They have had five chil-
dren, three of whom are living. The
mother of these children died August 24,
1873.
Mr. Burright's second marriage was sol-
emnized February 10, 1875, when he wed-
ded Mrs. Judith Rinker, a sister of his first
wife, who was born in Licking county.
Ohio. She was the widow of Alhanen Rink-
er, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, and
who died near Oregon, October 2, 1855, at
the age of thirty years. He was the father
of four children who lived to maturity.
Wallace E. married Margaret Sutter, by
whom he had seven children. He served
in the Union army, during the Civil war,
but was drowned in a river in Kansas in
187S. Ellen married Robert Garrison, of
Portland, Oregon, and they have four chil-
dren. Frank married Annie Wicks, who
died leaving three children. He lives in
Clearfield, Iowa. Loretta A. married Henry
Yates, who is engaged in the grocery trade
at Chana, Illinois. They have one child.
In politics Mr. Burright is a Republican.
He has not been an office seeker, but has
held several local offices, including school
director, road commissioner, and township
trustee. Fraternally he is a Mason, and re-
ligiously he is identified with the Christian
church, but there being no service held by
that church in Oregon he attends the
Methodist Episcopal church. His wife has
been a church member since the age of fif-
teen years, and is one of the only two orig-
inal members of the first church organized
in Pine Rock township. She has been an
efticient teacher in the Sunday school for
many years. At the age of sixteen she
taught school at Lafayette Grove. She has
now a bed of violets, the sprouts of which
grew at the door of the first school which
she attended when a girl.
Mr. Burright has not only reared his
own children in comfort, giving them good
educations, but has reared several of his
24
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
kindred who were left homeless, and is now
educating his wife's grandson, a son of
Frank Rinker. He is a man highly es-
teemed for his works' sake.
WILLIAM C. BUNN.— In this enlight-
ened age when men of energy, indus-
try and merit are rapidly pushing their way
to the front, those who, by their own indi-
vidual efforts, have won favor and fortune
may properly claim recognition. Years ago,
when the west was entering upon an era of
growth and Ogle county was laying its foun-
dation for future prosperity, there came
thither from all parts of the country men
poor but honest, and with sturdy independ-
ence and a determination to succeed that
justly entitled them to representation in the
history of the great west. Among this now
is Mr. Bunn, who has met with remarkable
success in his business undertakings, and is
now practically living retired in Byron.
He was born on the lOth of February,
1837, in Hunterdon county. New Jersey, of
which county his father, John E. Bunn, was
also a native. On attaining to man's es-
tate the latter married Sarah Conover, who
was born in New Jersey, in 1817. He con-
tinued to successfully engage in farming in
his native county until 1855, when he
brought his family to Illinois, where he
joined some New Jersey friends. For a few
years he resided in Byron township. Ogle
county, and then purchased land in Winne-
bago county, where he developed a fine
farm of two hundred and thirty acres, oper-
ating the same for many years. He finally
sold and in 1882 returned to Byron town-
ship, Ogle county, where he died in 1892,
at the ripe old age of eighty-two years. His
wife had passed away in 1872 and both were
laid to rest in the Stillman 'Valley cemetery.
In the family of this worthy couple were
thirteen children, four sons and nine daugh-
ters, all of whom reached years of maturity.
William C, of this review, is the oldest;
Mary wedded Wesley Yard and is now de-
ceased; A. M. resides on a farm in Byron
township; Mrs. Sarah Powell is a widow;
Anna is deceased; Henry died at the age of
eighteen; Mrs. Lucinda Wells resides in
Rockford, Illinois; Hannah is the wife of
William Van Valzy, of Ogle county; Caro-
line is the wife of Benjamin Anderson, who
owns and occupies the old Bunn homestead;
Jane married but is now deceased; Garrett
is a farmer of Winnebago county; and Mar-
tha is the wife of Henry Liggett, of Marcus,
Iowa.
William C. Bunn was reared in New
Jersey and educated in its common schools.
He came with the family to this state and
assisted his father in opening up the farm,
remaining with him until twenty-five years
of age. In 1861 he was married, in Ogle
county, to Miss Julia Jarver, a native of
New York, who was brought to the county
at the age of twelve years by her father,
Anthony Jarver, a worthy pioneer of Byron
township, where he reared his family. Four
children have been born of their union:
John, who is married and conducts the ele-
vator and buys grain in Byron; Alma, wife
of Homer Long, a business man of Mt. Car-
roll, Carroll county, Illinois; Arthur, a busi-
ness man of Myrtle, Ogle county; and
George, who is employed in the Farmers &
Merchants Bank, of Byron.
For eight years after his marriage Mr.
I5unn engaged in farming on rented land,
but two years before the close of that period
he purchased a half interest in a farm of
two hundred acres, which he operated in
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
!5
connection with the rented farm. In the
spring of 1870 he located upon his place,
but sold his interest in the same two years
later and again became a renter. In 1872
he bought an improved farm of two hun-
dred acres in Marion township, to the fur-
ther development and cultivation of which
he devoted his energies for four years. He
remodeled the house, enlarged the barn and
made many other improvements which
added to its value and attractive appearance.
On account of impaired health he removed
to Byron in the spring of 1S76, but three
years later returned to the farm and con-
tinued to follow agricultural pursuits until
1886, when he rented his place and pur-
chased residence property in the village
where he still resides. He became inter-
ested in the grain business, and four years
later bought the elevator at Byron. He
also began buying and shipping cattle and
hogs on an extensive scale, and became a
large dealer in flour, feed, salt, coal, etc.
At one time Mr. Bunn was one of the
heaviest depositors in the Byron Bank, but
owing to a change of ownership and man-
agement he became dissatisfied and decided
to establish a bank of his own. Later the
bank closed and a number of the depositors
lost heavily. Since then the present Byron
Bank has been started. Withdrawing from
the former institution Mr. Bunn established,
in 1891, the Farmers & Merchants Bank,
which has since done a large and profitable
business, and is one of the solid financial
institutions of the county. Although our
subject started out in life for himself in lim-
ited circumstances he is now one of the
most successful business men of the com-
munity, and is the owner of much valuable
real estate besides his business property, all
of which has been acquired through his own
well-directed efforts. At all times he sup-
ports the principles of the Republican party
by his ballot, and though he served as col-
lector of Marion township at one time, he
has never cared for political preferment.
He is public-spirited and enterprising, giv-
ing a liberal support to all measures which
he believes calculated to advance the moral,
intellectual or material welfare of his own
town or county.
F\V. HOWE, an enterprising business
man and postmaster of Monroe Center,
was born in Cherry Valley, Winnebago
county, Illinois, November 28, 1S65, and is
the son of Maynard and Susan (Foster)
Howe, both of whom were natives of New
York state, but who came west in an early
day and settled in Cherry Valley, where the
fatherengaged in the grain business, having a
large elevator, and building up an extensive
trade, there spent the remainder of his life.
He was also engaged in the hardware trade
for a time. His death occurred at Cherry
\'alley some years since, and his widow later
married T. M. Lee, a lumber merchant of
Cherry Valley. Maynard and Susan (Fos-
ter) Howe were the parents of two chil-
dren,— Fannie, residing in Cherry \'alley,
and our subject.
In his native village our subject grew to
manhood and attended the district school
until sixteen years of age, when he found
employment in the lumber-yard of his step-
father, continuing with him for three years.
While thus employed he learned telegraphy,
and later secured a position with the Chi-
cago & Northwestern railway, where he
was employed about six months. He then
purchased an interest in the lumber-yard
with his stepfather, at Monroe Center, and
S/UiK VALLEY COLLEGE
LRC
43Gi9
26
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
later they purchased the hardware store of
Hildebrand & Eychaner, since which time
they have continued both lines of trade. In
addition to his mercantile interests, Mr.
Howe has an interest in a farm of two hun-
dred acres near Cherry Valley, and has
also considerable town property in Monroe
Center.
On the 1 2th of March, 1889, Mr. Howe
was united in marriage with Miss Cora Alex-
ander, of Monroe Center, and daughter of
J. Alexander, and by this union two chil-
dren have been born, — Maynard A. and
Vera May.
In politics Mr. Howe has always been a
Republican and an earnest advocate of the
principles of the party. For three years he
served as town clerk of Monroe, and in
1 896 and 1897 was assessor of the township.
In April, 1897, he received his appointment
as postmaster of Monroe, which position he
fills in a most satisfactory manner. Frater-
nally, he is a Mason, and also a member of
the Modern Woodmen of America. In his
local camp he has served as clerk for three
years. He is also a member of the Home
Forum and Knights of Pythias. Always
interested in the public schools, he has given
of his time to advance their interests, serv-
ing three years as a school director. Re-
ligiously, Mrs. Howe is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of
which she is deeply interested. As a busi-
ness man Mr. Howe is thoroughly progress-
ive and always up with the times.
NOAH SPEAKER.— One of the busi-
est, most energetic and most enter-
prising citizens of Ogle county is Noah
Speaker — the founder of Egan City. It
was through his influence and determination
that a station was established at that time
and the people of the community owe to
him a debt of gratitude which can never
be repaid for it has proved of inestimable
value to neighboring farmers. For over
half a century he has taken a most promi-
nent and active part in the development
and upbuilding of the county, and has
advanced its interests in every possible
way.
Mr. Speaker was born in Washington
count}-, Mar}land, December 24, 1820, and
on the paternal side is of German extrac-
tion. His father, Samuel Speaker, was
born about 1791, in Ohio, where the grand-
father resided for a few years prior to lo-
cating in Pennsylvania, but later in life he
became a resident of Washington county,
Maryland. Samuel Speaker was reared in
Pennsylvania, and there married Miss Mar-
garet Kretsinger. He was a carpenter and
joiner by trade and followed contracting
and building throughout his active life. He
was a soldier of the war of 18 12 and
received a land warrant for his serv-
ices. In 1855 he joined his children in Ogle
county, Illinois, and here spent his last
years, dying in 1864. The death of his
wife occurred in 1862. Their family, con-
sisting of four sons and two daughters, were
reared in Maryland. William, the eldest,
came west in 1855 and settled in Stephen-
son county, Illinois, where he died. Noah
is the next in order of birth. Washington
also came to Illinois in 1855, but afterward
settled in Ohio, where his death occurred,
but his remains were interred in Egan cem-
etery, this count)'. Isaiah, a carpenter and
joiner, resides in Toledo, Iowa. Eliza re-
mained in Maryland, where she married and
reared a family, but is now deceased. Mary
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
27
Ann, also deceased, married and settled in
Mt. Morris, Illinois.
Noah Speaker is wholly a self-educated
man as he had no school advantages. In
May, 1844, he came to Ogle county, driving
a team across the country for Samuel Rine-
hart, who settled in Adeline. Here our
subject worked by the month for William
Hopwood for four years on his farm near
Oregon, and in 1S49 returned to his native
county, where he was united in marriage
with Miss Catherine Ann Garvin. The fol-
lowing year he again came to Ogle county
and made a permanent location. He had
previously entered a tract of forty acres,
where he now resides and after his marriage
rented a little house near his land. While
breaking and improving his property he
worked at anything by which he could earn
a livelihood and in this way secured a start
in life. In 1853 he built a house upon his
place, and afterwards bought an adjoining
forty acres. He now has a large, neat and
substantial residence, good outbuildings, and,
in fact, all of the conveniences and acces-
sories of a model farm of the nineteenth
century. Two years after the railroad was
laid out he made an effort to get a station
established, and, after a hard struggle, suc-
ceeded. It was located near the northeast
corner of his place by J. M. Egan, a railroad
official, and was named in honor of that
gentleman. Mr. Speaker laid out the town
and has since sold many lots and has suc-
ceeded in founding a thriving little village
which is a credit to him.
He has been called upon to mourn the
loss of his estimable wife, who died April 6,
1895, and was laid to rest in Egan ceme-
tery. To them were born four children,
namely: William, a successful physician of
Manson, Iowa; Alice, wife of John Harmon,
3
of Haldane, Illinois; Rosa, wife of W. W.
Williams, of Des Moines, Iowa; and Marian,
deceased wife of Newton Harmon.
In his political affiliations Mr. Speaker
has been a life-long Democrat, casting his
first presidential vote for Martin Van Buren
in 1836. For si.xteen years he was an effi-
cient member of the school board of Egan,
but has never sought nor desired official
honors, preferring to give his entire atten-
tion to his business interests. As a public-
spirited, enterprising citizen, he certainly
deserves honorable mention in a work of
this kind, and his many friends in Ogle
county will read with interest this brief
sketch of his life.
SAMUEL S. McGUFFIN.— Among the
prominent and enterprising men who
are identified with Ogle county and its ad-
vancement, belongs the subject of this re-
view. His birth occurred in Canada on the
23d of December, 1832, where he lived un-
til his tenth year. He is a son of John
and Margaret (Howard) McGuffin, who came
to Illinois in 1843 and purchased one hun-
dred and sixty acres in Ogle county. They
were the parents of seven children, five of
whom are living. Andrew is the second old-
est. The second son, John, is a Method-
ist minister in Chicago. Annie is the wife
of Benjamin Canfield, a farmer in Ogle
county. Sarah married Solomon Whitaker,
also a farmer in Ogle county. Katie is the
wife of Joseph Mossit and resides in Can-
ada. The sixth child is the subject of this
sketch.
Samuel S. McGuffin worked for his fa-
ther until i860, when he accepted a con-
tract to clear and break a tract of farmland
in Rockvale township, and received in pay-
28
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ment one hundred and sixty acres on sec-
tion 21, where he now resides, and the
present fine residence, outbuildings, or-
chards, fences, ornamental trees and general
thrifty appearance, all bespeak the owner's
enterprise and energy. In 1865 Mr. Mc-
Guffin married Frances Elizabeth Griswold,
who was born February 3, 1845, in Rock-
vale township, which place has always been
her home. Nine children have blessed this
union and are here named in order of birth:
Ida married Isaac Price, who is in the em-
ploy of one of the Chicago railroad com-
panies. Maud is living at home. May is
the wife of R. L. Thomas, a farmer of Ogle
county. Nellie, the fourth child, died in
infancy. Maggie is the wife of Martin Ash-
baugh, of Oregon. Blanch married George
Crowell, of Pocahontas county, Iowa. Cath-
erine is deceased. Talbot is at home aid-
ing in the management of the home farm,
and Edith Frances, the youngest, is also
living at home.
Mrs. McGuffiin is a daughter of George
and Hannah (Jackson) Griswold, who came
to Ogle county, in 1838, and settled in Or-
egon. Her father is an Englishman and
her mother a native of Boston. She is one
of six chidren, namely: William, now de-
ceased; Henry, a well-to-do banker of Man-
son, Iowa, now deceased; Mary, who died
in infancy; Harvey, a farmer and stock-
dealer of Rockvale township; Alice, the wife
of A. W. Price, a dental surgeon and a
large property-owner of Pine Creek town-
ship. Mrs. McGuffin's brother enlisted with
the Seventy-fourth Illinois Volunteer In-
fantry and was wounded in the battle of
of Shiloh. Her uncle, Charles H. Jackson,
served with distinction throughout the Civil
war.
. Mr. McGuffin cast his first vote for Abra-
ham Lincoln, but is an independent voter
rather than a party man, voting his convic-
tions without reference to the politics of
the candidate. He has at all times been an
advocate of good roads, and his ideas, which
he put into practice during his term of town-
ship trustee, did not receive the endorse-
ment of his fellow citizens. The wisdom of
his opinions in this particular is now every-
where apparent, and his ideas and sugges-
tions, while in "advance of his time," are
now being rapidly carried out. Mr. and
Mrs. McGuffin are surrounded by a bright
and intelligent family, each member of
which has displayed marked taste for edu-
cational pursuits, all the girls adopting the
profession of school teaching. They are
active members of the Methodist church,
and the high esteem in which they have
always been held, is the reward for upright-
ness, integrity and sociability in their rela-
tions to all.
DENNIS SULLIVAN, the agreeable,
accommodating and efficient agent and
telegraph operator for the Milwaukee & St.
Paul railroad at Harper, is a native son of
Illinois, born in Winnebago county, Decem-
ber 31, 1857, a son of Dennis Sullivan, Sr. ,
who died just prior to the birth of our sub-
ject. The mother later removed to Mt.
Carroll, Illinois, where her son grew to man-
hood, and completed his education in the
Mt. Carroll high school. He then worked
on a farm for a short time, and subsequently
entered the service of the Milwaukee &
St. Paul railroad as brakeman for a few
months. He next entered the Mt. Carroll
office, where he assisted the agent and
learned telegraphy, remaining there about
three years, during which time he became
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
29
an expert operator. On the 1st of August,
1887, he was given the position of night
operator at Harper, and after three years
and three months spent here, he went to
Galewood, where he was agent and operator
for two years. On the 28th ol July, 1S92,
he was again transferred to Harper, where
he has since served as operator and agent
to the entire satisfaction of the company
and the general public.
At Freeport, Illinois, July 2, 18S9, was
celebrated the marriage of Mr. Sullivan and
Miss Catherine Lang, who was born, reared
and educated in Forreston, and they have be-
come the parents of three children, namely;
Daniel H., Floyd D. and Helen S. Since
attaining his majority, Mr. Sullivan has been
an ardent supporter of the Republican party,
having cast his first presidential vote for
James A. Garfield, but he has never been
an aspirant for office. He is a wide-awake,
energetic business man and since coming to
Harper has bought lots and erected two
neat and substantial residences thereon. In
social as well as business circles he stands
deservedly high, as he is pleasant, genial
and affable and makes friends readily.
JOHN WATERBURY CLINTON, editor
and proprietor of the Ogle County
Press, Polo, was born in Andes, Delaware
county. New York, and is the son of George
N. and Jane A. (Gibbs) Clinton. On his
father's side he traces his ancestry to Jo-
seph Clinton, his great-grandfather, of New
Canaan, Connecticut, who married Phrebe
Benedict. Their son, Joseph Benedict Clin-
ton, married Abigail Camp, and they were
the parents of George Nelson Clinton, the
father of our subject. On his mother's
side he goes back to his grandfather, Phineas
Gibbs, of Andes, New York, who was a na-
tive of Massachusetts, and who married
Anna Thompson, daughter of John Thomp-
son, of Andes, New York, who was in re-
ligion, a Quaker. Joseph Benedict Clinton
was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, in
the First Connecticut Line, under Colonel
Webb. He died in 1828.
George N. Clinton was a shoemaker by
trade, but in his native city engaged in the
general mercantile trade, having a small
general store. He was for a time postmas-
ter of the place. In the winter of 1839-
40, he came to Ogle county and purchased a
settlers' claim of one hundred and sixty acres
of prairie land and forty acres of timber, then
returned east, with a view of returning and
making the claim his permanent home. On
account of the failing health of his wife, he
abandoned the idea, losing the amount paid
for the claim. In 1870, he came once more
to the county, but only on a visit to his
son. The changes wrought in the country
in the thirty years he could scarcely real-
ize. His death occurred in his home at
Andes, New York, in June, 1883. His
good wife preceded him many years, dying
in 1847.
The subject of this sketch received an
academic education in his native state,
where he engaged in teaching until October,
1857, when he came to Polo. During the
ensuing winter he taught the school in Buf-
falo Grove, and the next summer taught a
select school in the old seminary. He was
afterward employed as a teacher in the
Buffalo, Forreston and Polo schools until
1865, when he became editor and proprie-
tor of the Polo Press, of which he is sole
proprieter. He was also publisher and pro-
prietor of the Poultry Argus, and the Fores-
ton Journal, the predecessor of the Herald,
30
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of the former during 1875-6, and the latter
1 87 1-4. He has held the position of town
clerk and assistant supervisor of Buffalo
township, and was postmaster at Polo for
eight years, from 1875 to 1883.
Mr. Clinton is known throughout the
state as a newspaper man, and has been con-
nected with the Illinois Press Association
since 1869. He has been one of its active
members, serving it as treasurer from 1873
to 1875, and from 1876 to 1881. In
February, 1883, he was elected president
of the Association and served one year.
He has been elected several times a dele-
gate from the Illinois Press Association to
the National Association.
On the 24th of January, 1861, Mr. Clin-
ton was united in marriage with Miss Carrie
A. Perkins, a native of Delhi, Delaware
county, New York, and a daughter of Dea-
con Timothy and Sarah (Veghte) Perkins.
Timothy Perkins was the son of Rufus, and
grandson of Timothy Perkins, who were
natives of Massachusetts. Timothy Per-
kins, the father of Mrs. Clinton, served in
the war of 181 2, in Colonel Farrington's
regiment, light infantry, and with his regi-
ment was stationed near Fort Gainesworth.
He married Sarah Veghte, daughter of John
Veghte, of Johnstown, New York. In i 840 he
came to Ogle county, where they spent the
remainder of their lives, the mother dying
in the spring of 1876, when about seventy-
five years of age. The father died Novem-
ber 23, 1884, aged ninety years.
To Mr. and Mrs. Clinton seven children
were born, of whom five are yet living —
Evangeline, George P., John D., Edgar M.
and Anna Lucile; Georgiana, the eldest.
and Bertie F. died in infancy. The living
children are all graduates of the Polo high
school. George P. and John D. are gradu-
ates of the University of Illinois, the former
now serving as assistant botanist in the Illi-
nois Experiment Station connected with
the University of Illinois. Edgar M. is a
student in Stanford University, California.
In politics Mr. Clinton is a Republican,
the Press being an advocate of Republican
principles. He was initiated in the I. O.
O. F., April 26, 1858.
MARTIN L. ETTINGER, retired, is a
gentleman who has retained a person-
al association with the affairs of Rochelle
and Oregon for almost half a century. His life
has been one of honest endeavor, and due suc-
cess has not been denied him. A man of un-
swerving integrity and honor, who has a
perfect appreciation of the higher ethics of
life, he has gained the respect of his asso-
ciates, and is distinctively one of the lead-
ing citizens of Rochelle. He is a native of
Pennsylvania, having been born in the vil-
lage of Dover, York county, on the 23rd of
December, 1832, where he was reared and
educated, attending the common schools
until his seventeenth year. After leaving
school he worked at his trade, that of car-
penter, for three years and in 1854 left the
parental roof for the west, going direct to
Oregon, Illinois, where he worked at his
trade for four years. At this time he was
appointed to a clerkship in the recorder's
office, where he soon made himself at the
necessary official, so much so, that at the
breaking out of the Civil war, it was a most
earnest request of the recortler that he re-
frained from enlisting, which he had fully
intended doing. He served as deputy clerk
of the Circuit court until 1864, when he was
elected county treasurer, serving four years.
At the e.xpiration of this term he opened a
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
31
music store dealing in pianos, organs, etc.
Two years later he was appointed account-
ant at Chicago, for the Chicago & Iowa
Railroad Company, and in 1 877 he was
appointed general ticket agent and auditor
at Rochelle. He filled these two positions
with great credit to himself, until 1887,
since which time he has lived a retired life.
Mr. Ettinger is the second of si.x chil-
dren, three of whom are living. His fa-
ther was Daniel M. Ettinger, who was
born in Rossville, York county, Pennsyl-
vania, and attained the age of eighty-five
years. Mr. Ettinger, Sr., taught school for
thirty-five years, a record few could equal,
and dnring that time acted as local surveyor
and engineer. In 1852 he came to Chicago
and had charge of the engineering depart-
ment of the Wisconsin division of the
Chicago & Northwestern railroad. The
following year he returned to York county,
Pennsylvania, where he made his home un-
til his death. In politics he was a Whig,
and during the war was in charge of one of
the underground railroads. He attended
the Methodist Episcopal church, where he
was a highly respected member. The
mother of our subject was Lavina (Toomy)
Ettinger, a daughter of Peter Toomy, a res-
ident of Perry county, Pennsylvania, formerly
of York county.
In March, 1855, there occurred in Free-
port, Illinois, the marriage of our subject
to Miss Eleanor Cregier, of New Jersey, and
they are the parents of seven children, three
of whom are living: Frank, an engineer on
the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy railroad,
is married, and has three children; Carrie,
Charles and Blanche. The second chhld
Banche, is the wife of B. W. Eraser, a
merchant of Polo, Ilinois. Carrie, the
youngest living child, is attending school at
Rochelle. The paternal grandparents of
our subject were Adam and Abbie (Miller)
Ettinger. The former was born in York
county, Pennsylvania, dying at the age of
ninety-six, and was a minister of a denom-
ination known as the Albrights.
Martin L. Ettinger is an independent
Democrat, and is serving as chairman of
the county central committee. For a num-
ber of years he was a justice of the peace.
He was for two years a member of the city
council of Rochelle and is a member of the
Masonic fraternity. When the Ogle & Car-
roll county railroad was projected he was
instrumental in aiding the enterprise
through, and was a stockholder and secre-
tary of said company until it was absorbed
by the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy Rail-
road Company. Most of his mature years
have been spent in active railroad life, and
he has that genial bearing common to rail-
road officials. He has served as president
of the Rochelle Whist club, and is voted
by his friends as an all around good fellow.
JOHN SMALL, a retired farmer living on
section 20, Lincoln township, came to
Ogle county in March, 1864, when in his
eighteenth year. He was born in Washing-
ton county, Maryland, Jul}' 28, 1S46, and
is the son of John and Elizabeth (Wenrick)
Small, the former a native of Maryland and
the latter of Pennsylvania. The parents
never came west, but both passed to their
reward in Maryland, the father dying in
1853, the mother surviving him a number
of years, rearing and caring for their chil-
dren. They were the parents of three sons
and four daughters, who grew to mature
years, but of the number our subject and
his sister, Sarah J., wife of Henry A. Long,
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of Scott county, Kansas, are the only sur-
vivors.
In his native county John Small re-
mained until in his eighteenth year. His
educational advantages were very limited,
but he has made use of the opportunities he
has had in mingling with the world until
to-day he is a well-informed man. He came
to Ogle county and here joined his sister,
Mrs. Long, who, with her husband, had set-
tled here some time previously. On his ar-
rival he commenced farm work by the month
and continued to be thus employed during
the summer and fall of 1864. The war for
the Union had now been in progress for
nearly four years, and although not eighteen
years old he determined to offer his services
to his country. He enlisted March 8, 1865,
"for one year or during the war," becom-
ing a member of Company K, Fifteenth Illi-
nois Volunteer Infantry, and joined his regi-
ment, which was then at Raleigh, North
Carolina. With his regiment he was en-
gaged in doing guard duty along the rail-
roads, and continued to be thus actively em-
ployed until near the close of the war. He
was later taken sick and was in Harewood
hospital, at Washington City, for about three
weeks. He received an honorable discharge
July 13, 1865.
Being within a few miles of his old home
when discharged he concluded to visit rela-
tives and friends in Maryland and Pennsyl-
vania, and so spent delightfully a couple of
weeks. He then returned to Ogle county
and the following season worked by the
month. He then purchased a threshing
machine and for several years engaged in
threshing grain, a business which was then
fairly remunerative. On the 13th of Jan-
uary, 1876, he was united in marriage with
Miss Susanna Tschopp, who was born and
reared in Ogle county, and daughter of
Philip Tschopp, a native of Northumberland
county, Pennsylvania, who there grew to
manhood and married Susanna Heckart,
also a native of Pennsylvania. They had a
family of five daughters and one son who
grew to mature years: Helen, who married
John Rebuck, and died about 1881; Mrs.
Catherine Weaver, of Mt. Morris township;
Anna, wife of John Pagan, of Lincoln town-
ship; Charles Henry, who resides at Hal-
dane. Ogle county; Sarah, wife of Fred
Martz, of Lincoln township; and Susanna,
wife of our subject. Mr. Tschopp came
with his family to Ogle county in 1854, and
settled in Leaf River township and afterward
moved to Mt. Morris township, that part
which is now Lincoln township, and here
spent the remainder of his life, dying in the
fall of 1 89 1. His wife survives him and is
now living in Forreston.
After his marriage Mr. Small rented a
farm in Mt. Morris township, and continued
fo rent for several years. In 1883 he pur-
chased a farm of one hundred and twenty
acres in Lincoln township, to which he re-
moved with his family, and on which they
lived for nine years, in the meantime put-
ting some substantial improvements upon
the place. Selling that farm, he bought the
place on which they now reside, which lies
about three-fourths of a mile west of Hal-
dane, and where he has since lived retired.
Politically Mr. Small is a Republican,
although he was reared a Democrat. He
never, however, voted the Democratic
ticket, but cast his first presidential ballot
for General Grant in 1868. He has taken
quite an active part in local politics and has
been a delegate to various conventions of
his party. He is at present a member of
the Lincoln township central committee of
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
33
his party, and of the county central com-
mittee. For seven consecutive years he
served as assessor of his township, and
for nine years was a member of the school
board, and president of the same for years.
In all local afiairs he has been quite active.
Since 1890 he has been secretary of the
Lincoln Township Insurance Company.
He is also secretary and treasurer of the
Ogle County Farmers' Institute, and was a
delegate to the Farmers' National Congress,
which met at Fort Worth, Texas, Decem-
ber 6, 1898. While gone he visited Galves-
ton, Houston, Waco, San Antonio, and a
number of other important points in the
"Lone Star state." Fraternally he is a
member of the G. A. R. , of Mt. Morris. In
the thirty-five years he has been a resident
of Ogle county he has made man}' friends,
who esteem him as one worthy of their con-
fidence.
GEORGE H. ANDREW, one of the
leading citizens of Ogle county, was
born in Paine's Point, Pine Rock township,
Ogle county, July 16, 1855. Heisasonof
Nicholas and Margaret (Eychaner) Andrew,
who were married in 1840. Nicholas An-
drew was born in 18 18, on the Mohawk
river. New York, where he was reared and
educated, and followed the occupation of
farming. Mrs. Andrew was born in 1824,
in the state of New York, and is the daugh-
ter of Conrad Eychaner, a farmer of New
York state. Mr. Eychaner took an active
part in the Mexican war, and served with
much distinction. Shortly after his mar-
riage he came to Illinois and was among
the first settlers of the county. Mr. and
Mrs. Andrew had five children. Daniel,
the eldest and a prominent farmer of Ogle
county, was born in 1S45 ^nd died in 1898.
Franklin, born in March, 1S47, is at present
road commissioner of Pine Rock township.
Nathan, born in 1850, is a prominent mer-
chant in the town of Oregon. Amanda was
born in 1S52 and died in 1865. Mr. An-
drew died in 1856, in the prime of life, be-
ing only thirty-eight years of age. His wife
is still living at Paine's Point, and enjoys
a comfortable old age.
The gentleman whose name heads this
review, received his education in the com-
mon school, and after completing his edu-
cation took up the pursuit of farming, which
he followed until 1879, when he removed
to Ghana. On the nineteenth of Septem-
ber, 1878, he was united in marriage to Ida
M. Eddy, a daughter of Horace and Jane
(Woodward) Eddy, natives of De Kalb
county, where Mr. Eddy is a prominent
farmer. To Mr. and Mrs. Andrew two
children have been born: Eddy Glenn, at-
tending school at Oregon; and Edith Lyle
at home with her parents. At various
times Mr. Andrew's popularity has been
evinced by his election to office in township
and county. He has for thirteen years ful-
filled the office of township assessor, and in
December, 1894, he vvas appointed deputy
sheriff. In this capacity he served with
great distinction, which led up to his elec-
tion, in 1898, to the office of sheriff of Ogle
county. After election he removed to Ore-
gon, where he now resides. Mr. Andrew
is a prominent member of the Masonic fra-
ternity, Oregon Lodge, No. 420, Ivnights
of Pythias, and the Modern Woodmen of
America. He attained his majority in 1S76
and cast his first vote for Rutherford B.
Hayes, and each succeeding election, town,
county, state or national he has given his
support and ballot to the principles of the
Republican platform.
34
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
BENJAMIN T. HEDRICK, deceased,
who was numbered among the early
settlers of Ogle county, was a true repre-
sentative of that class of men who enter into
a new country, where hardships must be
experienced, and by the sweat of their face,
prepare the way, rendering the paths
smooth for those who shall come after
them. He was a native of Washington
county, Maryland, and was born November
I, 1812, in Sharpsburg. His father, George
Hedrick, was a native of Pennsylvania, and
was born February 3, 1779, while his
mother was born in Washington county,
Maryland, April 12, 1785. George Hed-
rick was a mechanic, but on going to Mary-
land engaged in agricultural pursuits on a
large scale, owning several slaves. During
the war of 1812 he served as a recruiting
officer. He never came west, but died in
Washington county, Maryland, April 21,
1 83 1, his wife surviving him some eighteen
years, dying January 10, 1859. They had
a large family.
The subject of this sketch grew to man-
hood in his native county, and after passing
through the common schools, entered Will-
iamstown College, Virginia. On the 19th
of October, 1841, he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Anna Shryock, who was
born October 21, 1808, in Hagerstown,
Maryland. She was the daughter of George
Shryock, born February 24, 1783, and
Elizabeth (Lewis) Shryock, born August 5,
1784. He was an officer, with the rank of
captain, in the war of 1812, under General
Ringold. He was the son of John Shryock,
a representative of one of the old Maryland
families. Elizabeth Lewis was the daugh-
ter of Captain William Lewis, who served
in the Revolutionary war, under Gen-
eral Wayne. Anna Shryock was the old-
est of a family of eight children born to
George and Elizabeth Shryock. John Shry-
ock was the son of Leonard Shryock, one of
two brothers who emigrated to the colonies
from one of the German states, probably
about the year 1720, settling in York coun-
ty, Pennsylvania.
To B. T. and Anna Hedrick five chil-
dren were born, one of whom died in in-
fancy. George M. is married, and is en-
gaged in farming in Lincoln township. Ogle
county. He has five children. Lucy T.
resides in Polo, where she is well known
and universally esteemed. She is a mem-
ber and an active worker in the Lutheran
church. Walter K. is married and has four
children. He also lives in Lincoln town-
ship, where he is engaged in farming. Al-
len M. is married and has had five children.
He is now living in Santa Paula, California.
In 1845 Mr. Hedrick came with his fam-
ily to Ogle county and settled on a tract of
land consisting of one hundred and twenty-
acres, in Mt. Morris township, which he
had previously purchased. He at once
commenced its improvement, and in due
time had a farm of which he had just rea-
son to be proud. After living upon that
farm for thirty-one years, and there rearing
his children, he went to California for a stay
of one year, and in 1879 moved to Polo, in
order that he might live a retired life. He
was quite a traveller, and thorough!)' en-
joyed visiting various parts of his native
land and associating with people of whom
he had heard but had not seen. Success
had crowned his efforts and he felt that he
could take some enjoyment in life. At the
time of his death he was the owner of sev-
eral farms in Ogle county, and was consid-
ered one of the county's best and most pros-
jjerous citizens.
B. T. HEDRICK.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
37
In politics Mr. Hedrick was a Repub-
lican, after the organization of the party.
His experience with slavery made him a
warm advocate of Republican principles,
and he did not hesitate to express his con-
victions. During the Civil war he was a
strong Union man, and on one occasion
when a draft was imminent, in company
with Prof. Williamson, of Mt. Morris Col-
lege, and the pastor of the Methodist Epis-
copal church at Mt. Morris, went to Dixon
and secured enough men to save the town-
ship from a draft. He was a very capable
and influential man and served the county
well during that trying period. His death
occurred July 19, 1886, his faithful wife
having preceded him to their heavenly home
some thirty years, having died July 27,
1866. They were both devoted members
of the Lutheran church, and died in the
faith of a blessed resurrection. He was
well known in every part of the county, and
those knowing him had for him the greatest
respect. He served his township as a mem-
ber of the county board of supervisors, and
in various local positions, and in whatever
position he was asked to fill, he was ever
faithful.
EZRA H. EVANS.— In the respect that
is accorded to men who have fought
their own way to success through unfavor-
able environments we find an unconscious
recognition of the intrinsic worth of a char-
acter which can not only endure so rough a
test, but gain new strength through the dis-
cipline. The following history sets forth
briefly the steps by which our subject, now
one of the substantial citizens of Byron,
overcame the disadvantages of his early life.
This worthy pioneer of Ogle county, was
4
born in Oneida county, New York, Novem-
ber 22, 1829, and is a representative of an
old New York family of Welsh descent.
His father, Ozias Evans, and his grandfa-
ther, Hugh Evans, were both natives of
Oneida county. The former wedded Miss
Mary Jeffords, who was born in Herkimer
county. New York and was left an orphan
in childhood. In Oneida county they reared
their family, but finally removed to New
Milford, Illinois, where they spent their last
years. The father died, however, in Wis-
consin, while on a visit, but was laid to rest
by the side of his wife in Byron cemetery,
her death having occurred several years pre-
viously. To them were born six children,
two sons and six daughters, of whom all are
still living with the exception of the eldest,
Mary, wife of Thomas Cook, and Sally and
Sally 2d; Ezra H., of this sketch; Mrs.
Nancy Soper is a widow living in California;
Caroline is the wife of Robert Andrews, of
Rockford, Illinois; Mrs. Martha Fisher is
a widow living at Black River Falls, Wis-
consin; and Erastus C. is living retired in
Denver, Colorado.
Ezra H. Evans was reared on a farm
and received a good common-school educa-
tion which well fitted him for the practical
duties of life. He was eighteen years of
age on coming to Ogle county in the fall of
1848, but the following year was spent on a
farm in Wisconsin. Returning to this
county in 1849, he secured one hundred
and sixty acres of land in Marion township
with a land warrant. He located in New
Milford and engaged in teaming for five
years, hauling flour to Rockford.
In August, 1850, Mr. Evans was married
in Winnebago county, Illinois, to Miss Phebe
Ann Osborn, a native of Northamptonshire,
England, and a daughter of George Osborn,
3S
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
who was born in the same shire and emi-
grated to the new world about 1S31, locat-
ing at Hudson, New York, where he spent
four or five years. At the end of that time
he bought a farm in Oneida county, where
he made his home for eleven years, and on
coming west, in 1846, settled in Winnebago
county, Illinois, ten miles west of Rockford,
where he purchased a partially improved
farm and there spent his remaining days in
agricultural pursuits. In his native land he
married Hannah Webster, who died in
Oneida county. New York, and he subse-
quently married again. Mrs. Evans was
the only daughter by the first marriage, but
there were three sons, all of whom were
born in England and are now deceased. All
married and lived for a time in Illinois, but
Joseph died in Texas, and William died in
Ogle county, Illinois, and George died in
California. Mrs. Evans was principally
reared and educated in Oneida county. New
York, being a young lady when the family
removed to this state. By her marriage to
our subject she has become the mother of
three children: Fransula M. , wife of David
Creager, a farmer of Byron township. Ogle
county; Arthur A. died at the age of nine-
teen months; and Earnest E., who has been
in the drug business in Los Gatos, Cali-
fornia, for the last three years. For about
ten years he was engaged in Byron, Illinois,
in drug business. In 1885 he married Miss
Elizabeth Spalding, daughter of Phineas
Spalding, of Beloit, Wisconsin.
Mr. and Mrs. Evans spent the first year
of their married life with her father, our
subject assisting in the operation of the
farm, and then removed to New Milford,
where he engaged in teaming for five years.
In 1857 they located on the land he had
purchased in Marion township, moving down
the river in a ferry boat in the spring of that
year, when the streams were very high and
the roads almost impassable. Mr. Evans
built a frame house, fenced his land and
began the development of his farm, which
he successfully operated for about twelve
years. He then sold the place and bought
a residence in Byron, where he still resides.
Three years after locating here he purchased
a farm of fifty-five acres in Byron township,
adjoining the village, and has since added
to it a thirty-acre tract, all of which he op-
erates. He also owns a well-improved and
valuable farm of eighty acres on the north-
ern line of the county in Byron township,
and is to-daj' one of the most prosperous
and successful citizens of the community,
the result of his own industry, enterprise
and good management.
Politically Mr. Evans has been a sup-
porter of the men and measures of the Re-
publican party since casting his first vote for
John C. Fremont in 1856, but he has never
sought or cared for official honors, though
he served as commissioner of highways in
Byron township and as township trustee.
Religiously his wife is a faithful member of
the Congregational church of Byron, and
socially he is one of the oldest members of
the Masonic lodge at that place, in which
he has served as senior warden and also be-
longs to Rockford chapter, R. A. M. Mr.
and Mrs. Evans spent the winter of 1896-
97 on the Pacific slope, visiting their son
and other relatives, including Mrs. Evans'
brother's wife and family, and an uncle of
Mr. Evans. They thoroughly enjoyed the
trip and returned home by way of the
Southern Pacific route, stopping in Te.xas
for a time. They brought home with them
a fine collection of mosses, shells, pebbles
and other curios gathered on the beach of
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
39
the Pacific. In 1S76 they spent four months
in visiting the Centennial exposition at
Philadelphia, and old friends in New York.
They receive and merit the high regard of
the entire community in which they live
and have a host of warm friends throughout
Ogle county, who will read with interest
this short sketch of so worthy a couple.
TIMOTHY W. ALDEN.— There are few
men more worthy of representation in
a work of this character than the subject of
this sketch, who is now passing his declin-
ing years in retirement from active labor on
his farm on section 8, Leaf River township.
His has been a long and busy career, rich
with experience, and in which he has es-
tablished himself in the esteem and confi-
dence of all who know him. Since 1837
he has been a resident of the county, and
has taken an active part in its growth and
development.
This worthy pioneer was born in Brad-
ford county, Pennsylvania, March 13, 1821,
and is of the eighth generation from John
Alden, clerk of Captain Miles Standish.
The family is of English origin, and its first
representative in this country was brought
to our shores by the Mayflower. Timothy
Alden, our subject's grandfather, was a na-
tive of Massachusetts, and in 1801 removed
with his family to Bradford county, Penn-
sylvania, becoming one of its first settlers.
The father of our subject, Adonijah Alden,
was then about two years old, his birth hav-
ing occurred in Massachusetts, in 1799, and
in Bradford county he grew to manhood.
He married Vesta York, a native of Penn-
sylvania, and a daughter of Rev. Minor
York, one of its pioneers. She was living
in Wyoming at the time of the massacre
and was a child of twelve years. Her fa-
ther was away with the army, and her
mother, with her children, got into a canoe
and succeeded in slipping down the river
unseen by the Indians. Mr. Alden settled
at Durell, on the Susquehanna river, and
continued to engage in farming in Bradford
county for a number of years, but in 1837
came by team to Ogle county, Illinois, and
took up a claim in Marion township, two
miles below Byron. He did not long en-
joy his new home, however, for he died in
the prime of life, in 1839, at the age of
forty-eight years. His wife had passed
away a few months previous, and a son and
two daughters died the same year, all be-
tween March and August, of 1839. The
other seven children all reached years of
maturity, and remained together on the
farm for a few years.
In his native state Timothy W. Alden
had received fair school advantages. He
aided in the development of the new farm
in Ogle county, pre-empted the land and
devoted his time to its cultivation and im-
provement for five years. He then sold the
claim and engaged in teaming and thresh-
ing, having purchased a thresher, which he
operated in season for ten years. At the
end of that time he bought eighty acres of
raw land in Leaf River township, and dur-
ing the six years he resided thereon he
placed it under cultivation and made many
improvements. On selling the place in 1856
he bought another tract of eighty acres of
unimproved land, on which he has since
made his home. To the original purchase
he added one hundred and sixty acres, but
has since sold forty acres, so that he now
has two hundred acres, which he has placed
under excellent cultivation, but now leaves
the active management; of the farm to
40
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
younger hands. His first home here he has
enlarged and improved and there is spend-
ing his decHning days in ease and quiet.
In Byron township, Ogle county, in 1852,
Mr. Alden married Miss Orpha Coolbaugh,
also a native of Bradford county, Pennsyl-
vania, and a daughter of Moses Coolbaugh,
who was born in the same state. She came
to this state with her parents when a young
girl and died July 9, 1891, and was laid to
rest in Byron cemetery. Thirteen children
were born of this union and eleven are still
living, namely: Professor Martin M., prin-
cipal of the Kirkland, Illinois, schools; C.
A., editor and proprietor of a paper pub-
lished in Fulton, Illinois; Vista, wife of
Frank Lindley, a farmer of Winnebago
county, Illinois; Rev. David, minister of
the Congregational church at Prophetstown,
Illinois; Fred Grant, a resident of Winne-
bago county; James, a farmer of Leaf River
township; Nancy E., wife of Joseph Curtis,
of Winnebago county; John and Emmett,
both farmers of that county; and Lilly M.,
who is attending the nurses training school
in Chicago.
Mr. Alden cast his first presidential vote
for the Whig candidate in 1844, and con-
tinued to support that party until 1856,
when he joined the ranks of the Republican
party, voting for John C. Fremont, and has
since fought under its banner. He has
always taken an active and commendable
interest in politics, but has never been a
politician in the sense of office-seeking.
When the Great Western railroad was built
through the county, he took stock and
helped to establish the elevator at Egan
City, and at all times has been prominently
identified with those interests calculated to
promote the general welfare of the com-
munity. In 1841 he united with the Con-
gregational church at Byron, and assisted
in building the house of worship, getting
out the timber and hauling it to Byron,
He has since transferred his membership to
the church at Seward. The wonderful
changes which have taken place in this
region since his arrival here can scarcely be
realized; the country at that time was wild
and unimproved, but now are seen on every
hand churches, schoolhouses, fine farms,
thriving villages and cities, while the county
is crossed and re-crossed by railroads and
telegraphs.
GEORGE W. GARNHART, who is liv-
ing a retired life on his farm about two
miles from Polo, on section 14, Buffalo
township, is a well-known citizen of Ogle
county, of which he has been a resident
since 1849. He was born in Northumber-
land county, Pennsylvania, December 13,
1839, and is the son of John Garnhart, and
a brother of Charles W. Garnhart, of Ogle
county, whose family sketch appears else-
where in this work.
From his native county in Pennsylvania,
Mr. Garnhart accompanied his parents to
Ogle county, Illinois, the father locating in
Marion township. In the public schools of
Marion and White Rock townships. Ogle
county, he received his primary education.
Later he attended Franklin College, in In-
diana, where he spent one year and a half
in obtaining a higher education. Subse-
quently he attended Parson Bros. Commer-
cial College, at LaPorte, Indiana, for one
year. In his youth he learned the carpen-
ter's trade, which he followed some three
or four years in LaPorte, but the greater
part of his life has been spent in teaching
in the public schools and in farming. While
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
41
in Indiana, he spent some three j'ears as a
teacher in the schools of that state. Re-
turning to Ilhnois, he here engaged in teach-
ing in the public schools, and as a profes-
sional teacher continued to be employed for
some years. He then purchased an im-
proved farm in White Rock township, Ogle
county, and there engaged in farming for a
few years, then sold out and purchased the
farm where he now resides in Buffalo town-
ship. This farm was also improved, but
on coming into possession he made further
improvements to the place, and has it now
under a high state of cultivation. The
house was remodeled by him, good barns
and outbuildings were erected, shade and
ornamental trees set out, and the whole
place transformed.
Mr. Garnhart was married about 1S63,
and is the father of three children, two sons
and a daughter, Walter W. , Alwilda E. and
Dewitt C. (deceased). Walter W. is a well
educated young man, a graduate of Brown
University, while the latter is also well ed-
ucated, and is a teacher of music.
Mr. Garnhart has been an earnest ad-
vocate of the principles of the Republican
party since its organization. His first pres-
idential vote was cast for our first martyr
president, Abraham Lincoln, and he has
since voted for every presidential nominee
of the party, including William McKinley.
He has never asked or desired public office,
having no inclinations in that respect. His
interest in the cause of education has always
been great, and some eighteen or twenty
years of his life were passed as a teacher in
the public schools, and about the same
length of time as a member of the school
board, and clerk of the school district. For
a half century he has been a resident of the
county and he has always been interested in
its advancement. As a professional teach-
er, as a farmer, and as a citizen, he has
contributed his share to make the county
one of the best in the great prairie state.
He is well known as a man of sterling char-
acter, and has the confidence and esteem of
a large circle of friends.
JACOB STEFFA is one of the old and
honored citizens of Ogle county who
has aided so materially in the development
of this region from pioneer days. He is the
owner of a fine farm of one hundred and
twenty acres on section 8, Rockvale town-
ship, on which he has successfully engaged
in agricultural pursuits for many years.
Mr. Steffa is a native of Maryland, born
in Washington county, February 21, 18 18,
and a son of William and Elizabeth (Oto-
alt) Steffa, the former born in Washington
county, and the latter in Hagerstown,
Maryland. The father was a farmer by oc-
cupation. In their family were ten children,
of whom our subject is the eldest, the others
being John, a resident of Pomona, Califor-
nia; Joseph, of Mt. Morris, Illinois; David,
who is living with his son, William Steffa,
in Rockvale township. Ogle county; Solo-
mon; William; Elizabeth. Matilda and Mary,
deceased; and Hannah, who is now living in
Iowa.
During his boyhood and youth Jacob
Steffa attended the district schools during
the winter months, while during the summer
season he assisted his father in the labors
of the farm until eighteen years of age
when he left school and began working for
Christly Hershe, with whom he remained
for two years. The following two years
were spent on a farm near Sharpsburg,
Maryland, on the Potomac river, at the end
42
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of which time he came west by team, ar-
riving in Ogle county, October 6, 1844,
after being a month upon the road. His
brother had located here the spring previous
and was then working for John Phelps.
When our subject and his father arrived,
they rented the Phelps farm of three hun-
dred and twenty acres, which they operated
for three years and then the son leased the
Washington Phelps farm of one hundred
and sixty acres for two years. At the end
of that time he made his first purchase, con-
sisting of eighty acres, but subsequently sold
that place and bought his present farm of
one hundred and twenty acres in Rockvale
township, upon which he has made many
valuable and useful improvements which
add greatly to its value and attractive appear-
ance. As a citizen he has the respect and
confidence of all who know him, and his
friends are many throughout the communtiy
in which he makes his home.
On the 31st of January, 1831, occurred
the marriage of Mr. Steffa and Miss Mary
Houze, who was born in Maryland, Sep-
tember 28, 1822, a daughter of Edward and
Lydia (Funk) Houze, also natives of that
state. The children born of this union are
as follows: Daniel, born March 31, 1841,
was one of the boys in blue during the Civil
war, a member of the Thirty-fourth Illinois
\'olunteer Infantry, and is now living in
Colorado. He married first Elizabeth Ran-
dall, and for his second wife wedded Mrs.
Browning, by whom he has three children.
Sarah Margaret, born March 11, 1843, mar-
ried Jacob IJolembaugh, who was killed
during the Civil war, and she later married
a Mr. Morse, by whom she has two chil-
dren. She is also living in Colorado. Sam-
uel, born January 7, 1845, enlisted in the
Thirty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry
during the Rebellion and served until hos-
tilities ceased, taking part in many impor-
tant battles and the celebrated march to
the sea. He married Charlotte McDonald,
by whom he has two children, and they live
at Rockford, Illinois. Reuben Jonathan,
born March 25, 1847, married Mrs. Thema
Myers, by whom he has one child, and they
live in Redwing, Minnesota. Ann Celesta,
born September 28, 1850, married Thomas
Mallory and lives in Chicago. William
Arthur, born July 8, 1852, married Lorina
Waite, by whom he has two children, and
they live in Oregon, Ogle county. Mary
Alice, born August 31, 1854, married Jacob
Hemmer. She has two children: Harry
Wilbur, born July 12, 1882; and Wilfred,
born October 27, 1884.
In his political views Mr. Steffa is a Re-
publican, and he has ever taken an active
and commendable interest in political af-
fairs, serving as school director several
terms and as road commissioner for one
term of three years, to the entire satisfac-
tion of all concerned.
DANIEL H. TOBIAS, who resides on
section 2, Lincoln township, has been
a resident of Ogle county almost a third of
a century, coming here in March, 1866.
The farm which he owns and operates con-
tains two hundred and eighty acres of well
improved land and is one of the best in Lin-
coln township. He is a native of Dauphin
count}', Pennsylvania, about thirty-four
miles from Harrisburg, and was born April
30, 1843, and is a son of John Tobias,
a native of the same county and state, and
the grandson of Daniel Tobias.
John Tobias grew to manhood in his na-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
43
tive county and in his youth learned the
stone mason's trade, and followed that oc-
cupation, in connection with mining during
his entire life. He was twice married, his
first wife being Miss Nancy Rowe, also a na-
tive of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, and
daughter of Wendell Rowe, of the same
county. She became the mother of five
sons, four of whom grew to manhood, and
three now living: Daniel H., our subject;
Henry, residing in Schuylkill county, Penn-
sylvania; and John, a resident of Northum-
berland county, in the same state. A few
years after his marriage, John Tobias re-
moved with his family to Schuylkill county,
Pennsylvania, where he engaged at his trade
and also at mining. His first wife, the
mother of the children named, died in 1850,
but he survived her many years, dying in
1896 when about seventy-five years old.
In his native county our subject spent
his boyhood and youth, and in its common
schools obtained his education, attending
usually in the winter months and farming
in the summer. He attained his majority
during the trying period of the Civil war,
and on the 19th of September, 1864, at
Harrisburg, he enlisted in Company H,
Two Hundred and Tenth Pennsylvania \'ol-
unteer Infantry, and served until the close
of the war, his regiment forming a part of
the Fifth Corps, army of the Potomac. He
participated in the two battles at Hatches
Run, Gravelly Run, Five Forks, Appomat-
tox Court House, and was present at the
time of Lee's surrender, April 9, 1865. In
addition to the engagements mentioned he
was in several minor ones, and participat-
ed in the grand review at Washington at
the close of the war. The regiment went
out with nine hundred and sixty men and
returned with four hundred and ninety-
three. Of the remainder, some were killed
in battle, and some wounded or otherwise
disabled. Mr. Tobias received several
shots through his clothing, but was never
wounded.
On receiving his discharge, Mr. Tobias
returned to his old home and engaged in
teaming until the spring of 1866, when he
came to Ogle county in company with
Aaron Meyers, who is a substantial farmer
of Lincoln township. After coming here,
for two years he worked by the month for
various persons. He was married in Lin-
coln township. Ogle county, December 26,
1867, to Margaret Meyers, daughter of
Jacob M. Meyers, who was an Ogle county
pioneer, coming here, in 1837, from Boons-
borough, Maryland. He was, however, a
native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, born
in 1799, but reared in Dauphin county, go-
ing to Maryland a young man of nineteen.
He was a stonemason by trade, an occupa-
tion that he followed while residing in Mary-
land. He married Elizabeth Gloss, a native
of Washington county, Maryland, and daugh-
ter of Lewis Gloss, a German ancestry. On
coming to Ogle county, Jacob Meyers lo-
cated in that part of Mt. Morris township
which has since been organized under the
name of Lincoln, where he bought a claim
of eight hundred acres, entered the land
when it came into market, and became one
of the most substantial farmers of the
county. He died in Lincoln township Au-
gust 26, 1877, at the age of seventy-eight
years. His wife passed away April 6, of
the same year. Their remains were interred
in the West Grove cemetery. They were
the parents of eleven children, of whom one
son and six daughters grew to mature years,
though but three are now living, — Sarah,
wife of Daniel Eager, of Forreston; Ellen,
44
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
wife of John Mace, a farmer of Lincoln
township; and Margaret, wife of our sub-
ject. Jacob S. Meyers, the son, who grew
to manhood, enlisted in the One Hundred
and Forty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry,
was taken sick while in the service, brought
home and died October 4, 1864.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. To-
bias commenced life on the old Myers home-
stead, where Mrs. Myers was born and
reared. They lived on that farm until the
spring of 1897, when Mr. Tobias purchased
his present farm to which they at once re-
moved. They are the parents of three
daughters. Emma Luella is the wife of
Samuel W. Hamilton, a farmer of Lincoln
township. Ella Viola, who was well edu-
cated in the schools of Forreston and Ore-
gon, is now a successful teacher in the
schools of Ogle county for about four years.
Edna Agnes is a student in the home school.
Politically, Mr. Tobias is a stanch Repub-
lican, and has voted for ten presidential
candidates of that party. He has never
cared for public office, but for the reason
that he has always taken a deep interest in
the public schools, he has served on the
school board for eighteen years, a portion
of which time he has been president of the
board. He has also served as district clerk
and one term as road commissioner. He
and his wife are members of the Reformed
church at West Grove, and take a lively
interest in the work of the church. Both
are highly esteemed wherever known. Mrs.
Tobias has been a life-long resident of the
township, while Mr. Tobias has given some
thirty-three years of his life to the building
up and development of his adopted county.
Fraternal!}', he is a member of the G. A. R.
Post, No. 116, of Oregon, and of White
Oak Camp, No. 667, M. W. A., of Forreston.
ASAPH M. TRUMBULL.— The subject
of this review is one whose history
touches the pioneer epoch in the annals of
the state of Illinois and whose days have
been an integral part of that indissoluble
chain which links the early formative period
with that of later-day progress and prosper-
ity. Not alone is there particular interest
attaching to his career as one of the pio-
neers of Ogle county, but in reviewing his
genealogical record we find his lineage trac-
ing back to the colonial history of the na-
tion and to that period which marked the
inception of the grandest republic the world
has ever known.
Mr. Trumbull was born near Hartford,
Connecticut, September 13, 18 13, and is a
worthy representative of an old and hon-
ored New England family, which was founded
in this country by three brothers of English
birth. One of these, Governor Jonathan
Trumbull, of Connecticut, was a great friend
of General Washington, who always made
his home headquarters when in that region,
and it is believed that the term "Brother
Jonathan " originated from this friendship.
Four generations of the family, including
our subject, were born in the same house on
the old Trumbull homestead in Connecticut.
Among these was the grandfather, David
Trumbull, and the father, James Trumbull,
who spent their entire life there engaged in
agricultural pursuits. He served as a ser-
geant in the war of 1812, and died at the
age of forty-two years, honored and re-
spected by all who knew him. In early life
he married Jane Watson also a native of
the Nutmeg state, who survived him a num-
ber of years and died on the old homestead.
To them were born nine children, but only
two are now living: Mrs. Fanny Weller, a
widow, now ninety-three years of age, who
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
45
resides in Waterbury, Connecticut; and
Asaph M., our subject.
Until he attained his majority Asaph M.
Trumbull remained with his mother and
aided in the operation of the home farm.
His educational advantages were good for
those days, as he attended both the com-
mon schools and academies, and for two
winter terms he engaged in teaching. When
a young man he went to Milton, Union
county, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in
the manufacture of brooms for two years.
While there he was married in 183S to Miss
Sarah Gotshall, a native of Milton. The
following year he purchased a team and
wagon, which he loaded with his effects,
and in May started for Illinois, being four
weeks in making the journey. He joined
two brothers, David and Joseph, who had
settled in Ogle county early that spring, and
he secured a claim of one hundred and forty
acres near Byron. He spent the first win-
ter in a log cabin on the banks of a creek,
but in the spring that stream overflowed its
banks, and as they were threatened with
drowning they were forced to leave, moving
out of their little home in a boat. Mr.
Trumbull then erected a house and barn on
higher ground and proceeded to break his
land preparatory to planting crops. Two
years later he traded that place for a farm
in Marion township, of one hundred and
ninety acres, which were slightly improved.
He planted an orchard, erected a comforta-
ble residence and good outbuildings, and for
forty years devoted his energies to the culti-
vation of his land, making it one of the
best and most desirable farms of the town-
ship. In 1 88 1 he rented the place and
moved to Stillman Valley, where he built a
good home and has since lived retired from
active labor, though he still looks after his
farm and other interests. He has given his
support to a number of business enterprises
that have done much for the development
and prosperity of this part of the county.
Soon after coming to Illinois Mr. Trum-
bull's first wife died, and he subsequently
wedded Mary Patrick, who was a native of
Massachusetts, and when young came west
with her father, Samuel Patrick, an early
settler of Ogle county. She died on the
farm in Marion township, and of the three
children born to them one died at the age
of eleven years and one at the age of two.
The only one now living, George Trumbull,
a farmer of Marion township, is married and
has two children. On the 6th of August,
1 861, in Camden, Oneida county. New
York, Mr. Trumbull was united in marriage
with Miss Honor Preston, who was born,
reared and educated at that place, and is a
daughter of Rossiter and Orril (Curtis)
Preston, both natives of Connecticut. They
later lived for a number of years in Cam-
den, New York, finally removing to Rock-
ford, Illinois.
Politically Mr. Trumbull was an old-
line Whig and cast his first presidential
ballot for Martin Van Buren, but on the or-
ganization of the Republican party he joined
its ranks, voting for John C. Fremont in
1856, and has never failed to support each
presidential candidate of that party since
then. He has ever used his influence to-
ward securing good schools and for a num-
ber of years was a most efficient member of
the school board. He has also served his
fellow citizens in a most creditable and sat-
isfactory manner as supervisor, township
clerk and assessor for a few years each. In
early life he joined the Presbyterian church,
but after coming to this county he united
with the Congregational church at Byron.
46
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
On his removal to Stillman Valley he be-
came connected with the Congregational
church at that place, has taken an active
part in church and Sabbath school work,
and for thirty years has been a member of
the official board, being a deacon at the
present time. His life is exemplary in
many respects and he has ever supported
those interests which are calculated to up-
lift and benefit humanity, while his own
high moral worth is deserving of the high-
est commendation.
GEORGE W. SHAFER, who resides on
section lo, Buffalo township, has been
a resident of Ogle county since October,
1867. He was born in Delaware county.
New York, September 2, 1843, and is of
German ancestry, the family being early
settlers, however, of Duchess county, New
York, from which county the grandfather
of our subject removed to Delaware coun-
ty, in the same state, becoming one of the
pioneers of that county. Strange as it may
seem to those who think of the east as old
settled country, when Henry Shafer moved
to Delaware county they were compelled
to go to Kingston, a distance of sixty miles,
on horseback, to get their milling done.
Henry S. Shafer, the son of Henry
Shafer and the father of our subject, was
born in Delaware county, March 19, 18 14,
and on his father's farm grew to manhood
and there married Deborah Shafer, daugh-
ter of Adam Shafer, also a pioneer of that
county. They were the parents of three sons
and four daughters, as follows: Adam H.,
of Binghamton, New York; George W., of
this review; Juliana, wife of Daniel Water-
bury, of Polo; Ransom, a business man of
Chicago; Eliff, wife of Henry C. Wood, of
Binghamton, New York; Elizabeth, wife of
D. Kelley, of Walton, New York; and Celia,
who died in 1876. Both parents are now
deceased, the mother dying in May, 1896,
and the father in March, 1897.
George W. Shafer grew to manhood in
Delaware county, New York, and was edu-
cated in the common schools of his native
county. He remained at home, assisting
in the cultivation of the home farm until
after he attained his majority, but with that
desire to better himself in life, he came to
Ogle county in 1867, where he joined his
sister, Mrs. Waterbury, who had preceded
him. Soon after his arrival he purchased
the farm where he now resides, a place
which was fairly well improved. Taking
possession of the place he put in a crop in
the spring of 1S68 and attended to its cul-
tivation. He came here, however, alone,
and believing the scriptural statement "that
it was not good for man to be alone," he
returned to his old home, and on the 21st
of September, 1868, was united in marriage
with Miss Sarah Shafer, also a native of
Delaware county, New York, and daughter
of Townsend and Adeline (Van Gaasbeek)
Shafer, the former a native of Delaware
county and the latter of Ulster county. New
York, of Holland ancestry. Townsend
Shafer spent his entire life in his native
state, where his death occurred, March 18,
1873. His wife survived him many years,
and for about twenty years prior to her
death made her home with our subject, dy-
ing, however, in Middletown, Orange coun-
ty, New York, April 29, 1896, while on a
visit to that cit}-. Mrs. Shafer was one of
two daughters born to her parents, her sis-
ter, Josephine, now being the wife of J. A.
Frasier, of California. In the common
schools of her native county, and in Delphi
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
47
Academ}', Mrs. Shafer was educated, and
for a time prior to her marriage engaged in
teaching in the pubHc schools.
Immediately after his marriage Mr.
Shafer returned to Ogle county and took
care of his crop, subsequently joining his
wife in Delaware county, where they re-
mained until February, 1868, when they came
to their new home near Polo, where he re-
sumed farming, and where they have since
continued to reside. Soon after taking
possession of his farm, Mr. Shafer erected
a small frame house, and four years later
built an addition to, and there they lived
until 1S82, when he built a larger and more
pretentious dwelling. From time to time
he has made improvements on his place,
setting out shade and ornamental trees, till-
ing the land, and erecting the necessary out-
buildings. His farm is very conveniently
located, being within one mile of the cor-
porate limits of the city of Polo.
In 1864 Mr. Shafer attained his major-
ity, and in November following he cast his
first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln,
since which time he has continued to sup-
port the candidates of the Republican party.
He and his wife are members of the Bap-
tist church of Polo, and he is one of its
official board. In the work of the church
they are both greatly interested, and do
what they can to advance the Master's king-
dom. They believe in enjoying life and to
that end have made a number of visits back
to their old home in Delaware county. New
York, and in November, 1896, went to
California, where they remained until Feb-
ruary, 1897, during which time they visited
San Francisco, Sacramento, and other noted
places on the Pacific slope. Their trip was
a most enjoyable one. Both are well
known in Polo and vicinity and their friends
are many throughout the western part of
the county. As a farmer, he thoroughly
understands his business.
DAVID THOMSON.— Quite a number of
the leading and prominent citizens of
Ogle county are of alien birth, and have
transported to this land of fertility and
plenty the thrifty habits of their native
country. Among these there is none that
is better known or more widely respected
than the gentleman whose name introduces
this sketch. He now owns and operates a
valuable farm of about two hundred and
fifty acres on section 5, Leaf River town-
ship.
Mr. Thomson is a native of Scotland,
born in Renfrewshire, January 8, 1829, and
is a son of James and Eughemia (St. Clare)
Thomson, also natives of that country.
The father, who was born in Ayrshire, was
a baker by trade, and in 1810 embarked in
that business at Johnstown, Scotland, where
he carried on operations until his death in
1841. His wife survived him twent}' years,
departing this life in 1861. In the family
were twelve children, eight sons and four
daughters, of whom eleven reached years of
maturity, but only three are now living,
namely: Mrs. Jane Caldwell, who was born
in 1807, and now resides near Glasgow,
Scotland; Nesbit, who was born in 181 1,
and is also living in that country; and Da-
vid, our subject.
In early life David Thomson learned
the baker's trade with his father, and con-
tinued to work at the same until coming
to the new world in 1848. He first locat-
ed in Troy, New York, where he had two
sisters living, Mrs. Euphemia Turner and
Mrs. Mary Ann Craig, who later became
48
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
residents of Ogle county, Illinois. Each
had but one child. In Troy, Mr. Thom-
son worked at his trade for about three
years, and the following year was spent
in a bakery in Newark, New Jersey. He
went to California in 1852, taking passage
on a steamer at New York City. He
crossed the Isthmus and proceeded up the
Pacific to San Francisco, where he worked
in a bakery for two months. He then went
to the mines and spent about ten years in
search for the yellow metal. In 1862 he
returned to New York and shortly afterward
came to Ogle county, Illinois, where his
sisters had located in the meantime. The
same year he purchased seventy-five acres
of prairie land and ten acres of timber land,
and at once turned his attention to the im-
provement and cultivation of his place. He
bought more land from time to time and
now has about two hundred and fifty acres,
which he has placed under a high state of
cultivation, and improved with good and
substantial buildings. Although this was
his first experience in farming, he met with
success almost from the start, and is now
numbered among the most successful farm-
ers and stock raisers of Leaf River town-
ship.
On the 20th of February, 1863, in Ogle
county, Mr. Thomson was united in mar-
riage with Miss Mary Ballaugh, who was
born in Albany, New York, and reared in
that state. Her father, John Ballaugh, was
a molder and foundryman, and was engaged
in business in Williamsburg, New York, for
some years. There were thirteen children
born to Mr. and Mrs. Thomson and all are
living with the exception of two, one of
whom died in infancy, and the other, Mary,
at the age of ten years. William is a
farmer of Washington county, Illinois; Jane
is the wife of William McCartney, a farmer
of Winnebago county, Illinois; Euphemia
is the wife of Chris Kilker, a farmer of
Leaf River township. Ogle county; John
is a farmer of Jackson county, Minnesota;
Dr. Stewart is a physician of Washington
county, Illinois. The above are all mar-
ried, while the others are still single, name-
ly: David A., who is clerking in a grocery
store in Steward, Illinois; Mattie, who is
teaching in Winnebago county; Nesbit,who
assists in the farm work; and Edward,
Robert and George, all at home.
Mr. Thomson cast his first presidential
vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1S64, and has
since been an ardent supporter of the Re-
publican party. He has ever used his in-
fluence for the good of the public schools,
and for a number of years was a member of
the school board. He was also clerk of his
district for several years and township
trustee for three years. He and his wife
are leading members of the Middle Creek
Presbyterian church, and their sterling worth
and many excellencies of character have
endeared them to all with whom they have
come in contact.
JAMES C. WOODBURN has for a quar-
ter of a century been prominently iden-
tified with the business and political inter-
ests of Byron and is distinctively a man of
affairs, oue who wields a wide influence.
He is actively engaged in the practice of law
and is also interested in the real-estate and
insurance business. His intellectual energy,
professional integrity, prudent business
methods, and reliable sagacity have all com-
bined to make him one of the ablest busi-
ness men of the community.
A native of Ogle county, Mr. Woodburn
JAMES C. WOODBUKN.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
51
was born on the old homestead in Byron
township, October 13, 1846, and belongs to
a family of English extraction, whose repre-
sentatives were among the first settlers of
Connecticut. His grandfather, John Wood-
burn, was born in that state, and was among
the pioneers of Bradford county, Pennsyl-
vania, where the father, Allen Woodburn,
first opened his eyes to the light in 18 10,
and where he grew to manhood. The year
1836 witnessed his arrival in Ogle county,
Illinois, and in Byron township, near the
present village of Byron, he took a claim of
one hundred and sixty acres, on which he
erected a log house and raised three or four
small crops. Returning to his native coun-
ty, he was there married, in 1840, to Miss
Mary A. Whitney, who was born in Luzerne
county, Pennsylvania, and was a daughter
of William Whitney, Esq., a representative
of an old Pennsylvanian family. Mr. Wood-
burn brought his bride to the home he had
prepared for her in Ogle county and resumed
his farming operations here. He was one
of the most active, enterprising and success-
ful farmers of this region and soon had his
land under excellent cultivation. His little
pioneer home was replaced by a large, neat
and substantial residence, good outbuildings
were erected, and fruit, forest and orna-
mental trees set out. From time to time
he purchased more land until he owned one
thousand acres, all in one body, on which
were three sets of farm buildings besides
those on his own homestead, it being one
of the improved and most highly cultivated
places in the county. Mr. Woodburn was
quite prominent and influential and was
elected to a number of local offices of trust
and honor. He was also one of the fore-
most to aid by his influence or support any
object which he believed calculated to pro-
mote the upbuilding or advancement of
Ogle county. He died at his home Decem-
ber 22, 1887, at the ripe old age of seventy-
eight years, and his wife passed away in
1879. Both were laid to rest in the Byron
cemetery, where has been erected to their
memory a neat and substantial monument.
They were the parents of three children:
Fred C, the eldest, is now living retired in
Rockford, Illinois; James C. is next in or-
der of birth; and Carrie E. is the wife of
Charles H. Patrick, of Rockford.
James C. Woodburn completed his lit-
erary education in Wheaton College, and
later entered the law department of the
Michigan University at Ann Arbor, graduat-
ing at that noted institution with the class
of 1870. He then successfully engaged in
teaching in Ogle county for two years, and
at the end of that time opened an office in
Byron for the practice of law. Being an
able lawyer, and a man of sound judgment,
he manages his cases with masterly skill
and tact, and practices in all of the courts.
As a business man he has also met with
marked success and still carries on a large
real estate and insurance business. In 1882
he became interested in banking, in which
he also succeeded, but at the end of five
years he sold out.
On the loth of November, 1S80, in Ogle
county, was celebrated the marriage of Mr.
Woodburn and Miss Ada M. Patrick, a
daughter of George T. Patrick, one of the
first settlers of the county. She was born,
reared and educated here, and for some
years prior to her marriage successfully en-
gaged in teaching. Four children bless
this union: Mary A., Roy M., Adelbert and
Grace E.
Politically Mr. Woodburn is a life-long
Republican, having cast his first presidential
52
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ballot for U. S. Grant in 1868. He has
ever taken an active and prominent part in
local politics and campaign work, has been
a delegate to many county, congressional
and state conventions, and has rendered his
party efficient service. He was elected and
served as the only temperance mayor of
Byron, was a leading member of the town
board for several years, treasurer of Byron
township twenty years, and for twenty-four
years has been justice of the peace in the
township, a position he is still most credit-
ably and satisfactorily filling. He is also
notary public, and in whatever position he
has been called upon to fill he has proved
a most faithful trustworthy official. So-
cially he is a Master Mason, and has served
as secretary of Byron lodge for the past
fifteen years. He was largely instrumental
in organizing the Eastern Star at that place,
of which he and his wife are charter mem-
bers, and Mrs. Woodburn is now worthy
matron of the order. Both hold member-
ship in the Congregational church, and in
social circles occupy an enviable position.
HON. ALBERT F. BROWN. — More
than sixty years have passed since this
gentleman arrived in Ogle county, and he is
justly numbered among her honored pioneers
and leading citizens. As an agriculturist he
has been prominently identified with her
business interests and in early life took quite
an influential part in the political affairs of
this section. His is an honorable record of
a conscientious man, who by his upright life
has won the confidence of all with whom he
has come in contact.
Mr. Brown was born September 4, i8ig,
in Briuifield, Hampden county, Massachu-
setts, near Springfield, and belongs to an old
and distinguished family of that state. The
first to come to America was Jonathan
Brown, a native of England, who settled in
Massachusetts in 1736 and received a grant
of land from King George. His homestead
remained in the family for several genera-
tions. He not only aided the colonies in their
struggle for independence during the Revo-
lution, but also bore an active part in the
early Indian wars. At a meeting of the
citizens of the colony he was appointed to
visit each house to ascertain whether the
inmates were using imported tea and if so
to report the same that such families might
be ostracised, this being just prior to the
famous Boston tea party. His son, Bar-
tholomew Brown, our subject's grandfather,
was born in Brimfield, Massachusetts, and
spent his entire life there, his remains being
interred in the village cemetery. He was a
farmer by occupation and served with dis-
tinction as a lieutenant in the Continental
army during the Revolutionary war.
Colonel Dauphin Brown, father of our
subject, was also a native of Brimfield, born
November 9, 1792, and was reared on his
father's farm. He was married December
I, 1 8 14, to Miss Sila Patrick, who was
born in Brimfield, February 9, 1792, a
daughter of Samuel and Persis (Smith) Pat-
rick. The Patrick family is also of English
origin and was founded in Massachusetts
in 17 16. The Colonel and his wife lived
on the old Brown homestead until April,
1837, when, accompanied by their sons,
Albert F., Samuel Patrick and J. M. Clay-
ton, he started for Illinois, taking the route
I'ia Hartford, New York city, Philadelphia
and Pittsburg, thence down the Ohio and
up the Mississippi and Illinois rivers to Pe-
oria, where they procured teams and drove
to Dixon. There they rented land about a
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
53
mile and a half from the village for one
summer. Colonel Brown and Mr. Patrick
visited Ogle count}' and the former pur-
chased eighty acres at Black Walnut Grove,
on section 9, Marion township. In the fall
of that year, 1887, in company with Jared
and J. F. Sanford, he built a sawmill on
Mill creek, in what is now Byron township,
and in December returned to Massachusetts.
The following spring he sold his farm at
Brimfield, settled up all business claims,
and shipped his goods from Boston by way
of New Orleans, to Savanna, Carroll county,
Illinois, while his family came west by the
the same route that he had previously taken,
with the exception that they landed at Sa-
vanna instead of Peoria, and from there
came to Ogle county. Colonel Brown
bought a claim of eighty acres in the im-
mediate vicinity of Byron and built a frame
house in the village, where the family re-
sided for seven years while he opened up
and developed his farm. As soon as the
land came into market, he entered his claim
on section 9, Marion township, and also
purchased the southeast quarter of section
35, townships 25 and 11, on which he
erected a residence that was ever afterward
his home. There his death occurred No-
vember 15, 1 87 1. His first wife had passed
away in 1840, and in 1854 he wedded Miss
Lucia Homer, who was also born in Brim-
field, Massachusetts, in May, 1793, and died
in 1 88 1. He was commissioned colonel
in the Massachusetts state militia by Gov-
ernor Levi Lincoln, but entered the service
as a private. He was also one of the most
prominent men in the early settlement of
Ogle county, was one of the first commis-
sioners elected and was serving in that
office at the time of the erection of the
first court house. In 1849 he ably repre-
sented his district in the Sixteenth General
Assembly of Illinois. With his first wife
he joined the Congregational church at
Brimfield in early life, and after coming to
this state was an active and prominent
member of that denomination, assisting in
the organization of the churches at Byron
and Stillman Valley and serving as deacon
for many years.
To Colonel Dauphin and Sila (Patrick)
Brown were born eight children, who in
order of birth are as follows; Persis P.
married Dr. Arnold E. Hurd, a pioneer and
prominent citizen of Ogle county, and both
are now deceased, Mrs. Hurd departing this
life at Stillman Valley in August, 1861.
Lucy A. married Hon. Joshua White, a
leading citizen of Ogle county, now de-
ceased, who served for sixteen years as a
member of the county board and also served
in the Twenty-first General Assembly of
Illinois, and she died October 13, 1885.
Albert F. , our subject, is the next in the
family. Henry F. died at Byron, July 30,
1839, at the age of eighteen years. Sarah
S. is the wife of Frank A. Smith and resides
near Byron. Harriet L. married William
J. Mix and died November 24, 1849.
George F. died at Stillman Valley, Novem-
ber 24, 1850. Julia A. married Hon.
James G. White, a prominent man of Ogle
county, now deceased, and she is now living
in Stillman Valley.
Albert F. Brown was sixteen years of
age when he accompanied his father on his
first trip to Illinois and amid pioneer scenes
in Ogle county he grew to manhood, early
becoming familiar with the arduous task of
transforming the wild land into rich and
productive fields. His education was prin-
cipally obtained in the common schools,
supplemented by one year's attendance at
54
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Wesleyan Academy, in Massachusetts. For
a few years he operated a ferry at Byron,
but throughout life has given the greater
part of his attention to agricultural pursuits.
In 1845 he and his brother-in-law, Dr.
Hurd, came to Stillman Valley and entered
between eight and nine hundred acres of
land and each opened up a fine farm. Mr.
Brown owned five hundred acres, and of
this he placed three hundred acres under
the plow. For two years after his marriage
he continued to reside in Byron and then
removed to Stillman Valley, owning the
first frame house in that place. Later he
built a more commodious and substantial
residence, and is still successfully engaged
in farming upon one of the best improved
and most valuable farms in the county.
On the 8th of December, 1842, at By-
ron, Mr. Brown was united in marriage
with Miss Eunice Cordelia Colhren, who
was born in Cayuga county. New York,
May 8, 1823, a daughter of Nathaniel
Cothren, also a pioneer of Ogle county.
She was called to her final rest November
10, 1892. The children born of this union
were as follows: Henrietta C, at home;
Charles F., a farmer of Marion township;
George H., a prominent business man of
Stillman Valley, and a stanch Republican,
who is president of the village school board
and supervisor of Marion township; Esther
J., wife of Harvey Rood, of Chicago; Cora
C. , wife of William F. Hannum, of Still-
man Valley; A. Chester, a stockholder and
cashier of the Stillman Valley Bank; Sila
Persis, wife of Joseph G. Pratt, an attorney
of Hilo, Hawaiian Islands; and Edwin, who
died in infancy.
Origmally Mr. Brown was an old-line
Whig in politics, and cast his first ballot in
1840 for Tippecanoe and Tyler, too; but in
1859 he joined the newly organized Repub-
lican party, and has since fought under its
banner. He assisted in the formation of
the party in his congressional district, and
has since been an active and influential
worker in its ranks. He has been called
upon to fill many local offices of honor and
trust, such as assessor and supervisor, and
was chairman of the board a number of
terms. In 1878 he was elected to the
thirty-second general assembly of Illinois,
and so acceptably did he fill the office that
he was twice re-elected, proving a most
popular and capable official. He was a
member of several important committees,
and was chairman of the committees on
county and township organizations and on
roads, and state buildings. Since his re-
tirement from that office he has declined all
political honors. For thirty-eight years he
has been an active member of the Congre-
gational church, and has served as its trus-
tee for forty years. As a citizen he stands
ready to discharge every duty devolving
upon him; over his life record there falls no
shadow of wrong; his public service was
most exemplary, and his private life has
been marked by the utmost fidelity to duty.
JF. SNYDER, M. D., who resides at
Monroe Center, Illinois, where he is en-
gaged in the practice of his profession with
gratifying success, is a native of Schoharie
county. New York, and was born May 26,
i860. He is the son of Nelson and Henri-
etta (Hale) Snyder, both of whom were na-
tives of New York, the father being a farmer
by occupation and following that vocation
during his entire life. The paternal grand-
father, Daniel Snyder, married Mary Ecker-
son, both being New York people, and both
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
55
living and dying in that state. For many
years he engaged in hotel keeping in Mid-
dleburg, New York, at the same time en-
gaging in agricultural pursuits.
In the family of Nelson and Henrietta
Snyder were six children, four sons and two
daughters, all of whom are yet living.
Daniel is married and is now a prosperous
farmer residing in Stillman Valley. Charles
S. married Mary Bly, and is also a substan-
tial farmer living at Stillman Valley. Henry
H., a portrait artist, is married and makes
his home in Rockford, Illinois. J. F. is
the subject of this sketch. Julia married
J. Huff, and they live at Byron, where he
is employed at his trade, that of a carpen-
ter. Helen married A. J. Woodcock, M.
D., and they reside in Byron, where he is
engaged in active practice. In his native
state. Nelson Snyder owned and operated
a farm of one hundred and si.xty acres,
which he sold in 1868, and coming to Ogle
county, purchased a farm of one hundred
and sixty acres in Marion township, where
he yet resides. Many improvements have
been made upon the place since it came
into his possession, the farm being well
tilled, with good barns and other outbuild-
ings which show that it is owned by one
who thoroughly understands his business.
The good wife and mother passed to her re-
ward May 26, 1896, leaving not only the
family, but many friends to mourn her loss.
The subject of this sketch was but eight
years old when he accompanied his parents
to Ogle county. His education, which was
begun in the common schools of his native
state, was continued in the schools of Ogle
county. He was an apt scholar, and at the
early age of sixteen years passed an exami-
nation and commenced teaching in the pub-
lic schools of his adopted county. Teach-
6
ing in the winter months, and working upon
the farm in summer, he continued until he
was eighteen years old, when he entered
the medical department of Michigan Uni-
versity, at Ann Arbor, where he remained
one year, and then entered Rush Medical
College, Chicago, from which he graduated
in 1882, at the age of twenty-two years, be-
ing the youngest man in his class.
Immediately after receiving his diploma,
Dr. Snyder located at Kings, Ogle county,
and at once engaged in the practice of his
profession, but in September of the same
year moved to Monroe Center, and has here
continued in active practice to the present
time. That his choice of a location was a
good one is evidenced by his large practice
and the estimation in which he is held in
the community. In 1884 he was nominated
on the Republican ticket for the office of
county coroner, was duly elected, and
served the full term of four years. In 1890
he was elected township treasurer, a posi-
tion which he still continues to hold.
Reared a Republican, he has since contin-
ued to advocate the principles of the Re-
publican party, and is now with his party
in favor of the retention of all gained by the
late war with Spain.
Dr. Snyder was married September 4,
1S89, to Miss Hattie Swett, a daughter of
Riley and Mary (Hickox) Swett, who were
early settlers of Ogle county. By this union
there is one son, Clarendon Swett Snyder,
now a lad of seven years.
Fraternally Dr. Snyder is a member of
the Masonic order and of the Modern Wood-
men of America, in the latter body being
examining physician in his local camp. So-
cially he is a member of the Alumni As-
sociation of Rush Medical College and
professionally a member of the Fox
56
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
River Medical Society. He is a liberal
supporter of the various churches and the
public schools, and gives aid and en-
couragement to every enterprise of value
to his town and county. In the estimation
of his fellow citizens he is held in the high-
est esteem.
J CHESTER STIRES is a worthy rep-
resentative of the business interests of
Byron, where he is extensively engaged in
buying and shipping stock. Of excellent
business ability and broad resources, he has
attained a prominent place among the sub-
stantial citizens of this part of the county,
and is a recognized leader in public affairs.
He has won success by his well-directed,
energetic efforts, and the prosperity that
has come to him is certainly well deserved.
Mr. Stires was born February 6, 1S52,
in Hunterdon county. New Jersey, and be-
longs to one of the pioneer families of that
state, of which his parents, Thomas and
Jane (Conover) Stires, were also natives.
The father, whose birth occurred in Hunt-
erdon county, in 1808, engaged in farming
there until 1854 or 1855, when he removed
to Ohio, but in 1856 he became a resident
of Byron township. Ogle county, Illinois,
where he purchased an improved farm of
one hundred and sixty acres. To its culti-
vation he devoted his energies until called
from this life July i, 1864, and his wife,
who survived him some years, passed away
in February, 1878. In their family were
five sons and five daughters, all of whom
reached man and womanhood, with the ex-
ception of one son. H. C, the eldest, re-
sides in Byron; Ira owns and occupies the
old homestead farm; Mrs. N. J. Hewitt is
a resident of Byron; Mrs. Maggie Swack-
hamer lives in Hunterdon county, New Jer-
sey; Carrie N. died unmarried; Mrs. Han-
nah Noyes makes her home in Byron;
Garret and J. Chester are both residents of
that place; and Mrs. Alice Court lives in
Creston, Iowa.
Reared on the home farm, J. Chester
Stires early became familiar with all the
duties which fall to the lot of the agricult-
urist, aiding in the work of the farm dur-
ing the summer season and attending the
district school during the winter months.
He was married in Marion township. Ogle
county, December 29, 1875, to Miss Hattie
N. ^^'ilbu^, who was born in Byron town-
ship and was reared and educated in this
county. Her father, Charles Wilbur, lo-
cated here in 1845 and took up a tract of
government land in Byron township, which
he transformed into a good farm. After his
marriage Mr. Stires operated this place,
consisting of one hundred and forty acres,
until 1890, and also owned and operated
another farm of two hundred and thirty
acres, being actively and successfully en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits for fifteen
years. In 1890 he removed to the village
of Byron, where he bought residence prop-
erty, which he has greatly improved, and
now has a very pleasant and commodious
home. Here he engages in buying and
shipping stock and is one of the most suc-
cessful dealers in the county. In 1892 he
also bought an interest in the Byron bank,-
and is now one of the four stockholders of
that reliable institution.
Mr. and Mrs. Stires are the parents of
four children: Mabel, who died at the age
of thirteen years; Elva Jane, a well edu-
cated young lady who is now successfully
engaged in teaching school in Ogle county;
Anna E., who is also well educated and is
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
57
now at home, and Margaret Grace, who
completes the family.
Politically Mr. Stires has affiliated with
the Democracy since casting his first presiden-
tial ballot for Samuel J. Tilden in 1876, and
he has taken an active and prominent part in
local politics, serving as a delegate to numer-
ous county, congressional and state conven-
tions. In the spring of 1S98 he was elected
supervisor of Byron township, defeating the
Republican candidate who had served for
ten years in that office and had always
been elected by a large majority. This fact
plainly indicates the popularity of our sub-
ject, as the township has always been
strongly Republican, and his many friends
in Byron rejoiced in his triumph, manifest-
ing their enthusiasm by a big rally. He is
now serving on the poor farm committee.
In 1897 he was elected president of the
town board. Mr. Stires is acknowledged to
be one of the most enterprising and public
spirited citizens of Byron, and for eight
years advocated the building of a bridge
across the river at that place and was in-
strumental in at last securing it. He con-
tributed two hundred dollars toward its
construction, and was also identified with
the building of both elevators at this place.
HORATIO WALES.— Fortunate is he
who has back of him an ancestry hon-
orable and distinguished, and happy is he if
his lines of life are cast in harmony there-
with. Our subject is blessed in this respect,
for he springs from a prominent New Eng-
land family. He was born near Polo, Ogle
county, Illinois, November 27, 1S52, and is
a son of Horatio Wales, Sr, whose birth oc-
curred January 22, 1810, in the town of
Wales, Massachusetts, where after clerking
for a time he went into business. On coming
to Ogle county in 1836, the father located in
Buffalo Grove, and having brought with
him a stock of goods, he opened a store at
that place, which he conducted for a few
years. On selling out he bought a tract of
government land and engaged in farming
until 1876, when he retired from active
business cares and spent his last days in
Polo, where his death occurred May 5,
1890. At an early day in the history of
the county, he took quite an active and
prominent part in public affairs and served
as sheriff from 1838 until 1840. He at-,
tended the Congregational church, and
was highly respected by all who knew
him.
Royal Wales, the paternal grandfather
of our subject, was also a native of Wales,
Massachusetts, born in 1773, and died in
1857. For his second wife he married
Mrs. Ruby (Porter) Bliss, and Horatio
Wales, Sr. , was one of the children born
of this union. Royal Wales was a son
of Oliver and Elizabeth Wales and a
grandson of Ebenezer Wales, whose fa-
ther was Deacon Nathaniel Wales, a son of
Timothy Wales. Nathaniel Wales, the fa-
ther of Timothy, was born in Ide, York-
shire, England, in 1586, and on his emigra-
tion to America in 1662, located at Dor-
chester, Massachusetts. His father, John
Wales, spent his entire life in England.
The mother of our subject bore the
maiden name of Mary E. Williams, and
was born in Brimfield, Massachusetts, a
daughter of Ebenezer and Eliza (Whitwell)
Williams. The Williams family was found-
ed in America by Robert Williams, who
crossed the Atlantic in 1638, and his de-
scendants down to the grandfather of our
5^
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
subject are as follows: Samuel, probably
born in England in 1632, died in i6g8;
Samuel, born in 1655, died in 1735; Rev.
Ebenezer, who graduated from Cambridge
in 1709, was born in 1690 and died in 1753;
Rev. Chester, born in 1720, died in 1755;
Rev. Nehemiah, who graduated from Har-
vard College in 1769 and was a Congrega-
tional preacher at Brimfield, Massachusetts,
for over twenty-one years, was born in
1749 and died in 1800; and Ebenezer,
grandfather of our subject, was born in
1777, and died in 1856. Mrs. Wales died
December 14, 1892.
Horatio Wales, of this review, was edu-
cated in the district schools near his boy-
hood home and in the public schools of
Polo, continuing his studies in those insti-
tutions until eighteen years of age. On
attaining his majority he rented land from
his father and continued to engage in agri-
cultural pursuits until 1S82. Removing to
Polo, he embarked in business at that place
in 1885, as a dealer in farm machinery, and
from year to year as his business has grad-
ually increased he has enlarged his store
room until he now occupies a commodious
warehouse and office on the principal busi-
ness street. He deals in all kinds of agri-
cultural implements, buggies, wagons, wind
mills and steam heating apparatus, and has
built up a most excellent trade.
In Polo, January 12, 1893, Mr. Wales
was united in marriage with Miss Emma
Spear. Her father. Captain Joseph L.
Spear, was born in Martickville, Pennsyl-
vania, February i, 1831, and is a son of
Rev. John Spear, a minister of the Meth-
odist church, of the New Jersey conference,
and his wife, Matilda Wentz, daughter of
Joseph and Sarah (Smith) Wentz. On
coming to Illinois in 1859, Captain Spear
first located in Brookville, and later in For-
reston. Ogle county, where he taught
school until the outbreak of the Civil war.
In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company
E, Ninety-second Illinois Volunteer Infan-
try, was elected first lieutenant of his com-
pany and was soon afterward promoted to
the rank of captain. He participated in the
battles of Lookout Mountain and Chicka-
mauga, was with Sherman on the famous
march to the sea, and witnessed Johnston's
surrender a few da\s after Lee's capitula-
tion. On his return from the war he en-
tered in the drug business in Polo, which he
successfully carried on until 1896, when he
sold out to his son. Just before going to
the front Captain Spear was married, in
Polo, August 24, 1S62, to Miss Mary Car-
penter, a native of Delhi, New York, and a
daughter of David and Olive (Vegte) Car-
penter. Her maternal grandparents were
John and Catherine (Shaw) Vegte, and
great-grandparents were John and Cathar-
ine (Vanderbilt) Vegte. Captain Spear
died July 11, 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Wales
have an interesting family of three children,
namely: Horatio, Frank and Helen.
Politically Mr. \\'ales is an ardent sup-
porter of the Republican party, takes quite
an active interest in political affairs, and
has served as chairman of the township
Republican committee. Socially he is a
member of the Independent Order of Odd
P^ellows and the Knights of the Globe, while
religiously he attends the Presbyterian
church, his wife being a member. As a
business man he ranks among the foremost
in his section of the county and his inter-
ests have ever been so managed as to gain
him the confidence of the public and the suc-
cess that should always attend honorable
effort.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL KECOKD.
59
WILLIAM CAMLING has for many
years been one of the most highly
esteemed and valued citizens of Ogle coun-
ty, his home being on section 9, Kockvale
township. He is of foreign birth but his
duties of citizenship have been performed
with a loyalty equal to that of any native
son of America, and when the nation was
imperiled by rebellion, he went to the de-
fense of the Union and protected the cause
of his adopted country on many a southern
battle field.
Mr. Camling is a native of Holland, born
near Zealand, August 10, 1842, but was
only two )ears and a half old when brought
to America by his father, Cyrus Camling,
who was probably a farmer in the old world
and served for several years in the army of
the Netherlands. In the United States he
was employed as a day laborer and made
his home near Grand Rapids, Michigan,
where his death occurred about 1876. He
held membership in the Lutheran church in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and in political senti-
ment was a Republican. He had by his
first wife one child, a son, and by his sec-
ond had three children: Lane, who mar-
ried a Miss Van Horn and is engaged in
fruit farming in Michigan; Katie, who died
at the age of seven years; and William, our
subject. For his second wife he wedded
Miss Jane Van Heltz; by his third wife had
no children.
On first crossing the Atlantic the family
located in Buffalo, New York, where they
made their home until William Camling was
six years of age, and then removed to Mil-
waukee, Wisconsin, where he was reared
and educated in the public schools. At the
age of fourteen years he left home and be-
gan the battle of life for himself, his first
employment being in the hay field, where
he worked with a hand rake for three
months. He was only seventeen when he
joined the boys in blue, enlisting in January,
1862, at Cold Springs, Wisconsin, in Com-
pany F, Second Wisconsin Cavalry. The
regiment first went to St. Louis, Missouri,
where it remained for about three months
while being equipped, and then proceeded
to Springfield, that state, under command
of Colonel C. C. Washburn, while Com-
pany F was under the command of Captain
Forrest. The summer was spent in fight-
ing bushwhackers on the road from Spring-
field to Helena, Arkansas. Arriving in the
latter place in the fall of that year they
there spent the winter, and during 1863
were engaged in many skirmishes and also
participated in the siege of Vicksburg and
in the battle of Jackson, Mississippi. Re-
turning to Vicksburg they were on garrison
duty there during the winter of 1863-4, and
in the spring of the latter year went up the
Red river, finally landing at Austin, Texas,
where they were kept on the lookout for
hostile Mexicans until the fall of 1865, when
they were mustered out at that place and
sent to Madison, Wisconsin. In that city
Mr. Camling received his discharge papers
and arrived home on Christmas.
During the following winter he worked
as a day laborer, and then hired out to a
farmer for a couple of years. He continued
to make his home in Wisconsin until 1869,
when he came to Illinois and located at
Rochelle, where, as a teamster, he entered
the employ of the Chicago and Iowa Rail-
road, then in course of construction. For
seven years he followed teaming, three
years of which time fie was in the employ
of Joseph Strom in delivering coal, and for
the same length of time was with Miles
Braiden, who was in the coal, lumber and
6o
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ice business. In 1876 he purchased eighty
acres of his present farm in Rockvale town-
ship, to which he has added from time to
time as his financial resources have in-
creased, including tracts of forty, forty-
eight and eighty acres, until he now has a
valuable farm of two hundred and forty-
eight and a half acres, which he has placed
under excellent cultivation and improved
with good and substantial buildings, that
stand as monuments to his thrift and in-
dustry.
On the 23d of April, 1S64, Mr. Camling
was united in marriage with Miss Mary
Coldit/,, who was born May 6, 1846, a
daughter of William and Mina (Shmutzler)
Colditz, in whose family were five children,
the others being Minnie, who is now the
widow of Frederick Troeger and lives near
Elida; F. W., who married Clara Boeswet-
ter, but both are now deceased, his death
occurring in 1886; Augusta, wife of William
Schroeder, of West Bend, Wisconsin; and
Lizzie, wife of Charles Wilke, of West
Bend. The father of these children brought
his family to America in 1854 and located
in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, where he died
about three months after his arrival, at the
age of forty-six years. To Mr. and Mrs.
Camling have been born seven children,
namely: William, at home; Clara, who
died at the age of six years; Cyrus, at home;
Charles, who died at the age of sixteen;
James and Belle, both at home; and Har-
rison, who is still attending the district
schools. All of the children have been pro-
vided with fair common-school educations.
In his political affiliations Mr. Camling
is a Republican, and he has most accept-
ably served his fellow-citizens as road com-
missioner three years and school director
twelve years. Socially he is an honored
member of Oregon Post, No. 116, G. A. R.,
and religiously was at one time identified
with the Lutheran church, but since com-
ing to Ogle county has not united with any
church organization. Brave and fearless,
and of a rather venturesome disposition, he
was always the first to volunteer for any
perilous undertaking during the Civil war,
and has ever shown the same spirit when
occasion demands in days of peace, and is
therefore justly numbered among the valued
and useful citizens of the community.
JOHN BISTLINE.— Among the repre-
sentative and prosperous farmers of
Ogle county, the record of whose lives fills
an important place in this volume, it gives
us pleasure to commemorate the name of
this gentleman, who now owns and oper-
ates a well improved and valuable farm of
two hundred acres on section 14, Forreston
township. Like many of our best citizens,
he comes from the old Keystone state, his
birth occurring in Perry county, Pennsylva-
nia, September 6, 1831. His father, Joseph
Bistline, was a native of Schuylkill coun-
ty, Pennsylvania, and there married Miss
Mary Reipseimer. P^or a number of years
he followed farming in Perry county, and
there died in 1849.
In the county of his nativity John Bist-
line passed his boyhood and youth, and the
limited education he received in its public
schools has been greatly supplemented by
reading and study in later years, so that
he is almost wholly a self-educated man.
Before coming west he spent four years in
Center county, Pennsylvania, but in 1857
we fmd him ot route for Illinois. I'rom
Chicago he rode horseback to Stephenson
county, swimming his horses across the
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
6i
streams as no bridges had then been built
in this region. During the two years he
remained in that county he worked for thir-
teen dollars per month. Coming to Ogle
county in 1859, he rented land in Forreston
township for two years and in the meantime
did his own housekeeping. In 1861 he
made his first purchase of one hundred and
sixty acres of land in the same township
and to the work of improvement and culti-
vation at once turned his attention. He
led one of the steers used in breaking the
first furrow upon the land, and soon had
one hundred acres under cultivation. In
the spring of 1862 he built a small house
upon the place, the lumber for which he
hauled from Freeport. Later he bought
more land, and now has a fine farm of two
hundred acres under excellent cultivation
and well improved with good and substan-
tial buildings, including a commodious and
comfortable residence.
Returning to Perry county, Pennsylvania,
Mr. Bistline was married there, in 1S71, to
Miss Mary M. Ewing, who was born in
Dauphin county, that state, and when
a child of thirteen removed with her
family to Perry county. Later she spent
six years with an uncle in Baltimore, Mary-
land, but was mostly educated in Middle-
town, Dauphin county.
Mr. Bistline uses his right of franchise
in support of the men and measures of the
Republican party, but has never cared for
political preferment, though he was elected
and most acceptably served as township
trustee for two terms. His estimable wife
is a member of the Lutheran church of
Forreston. Although Mr. Bistline came to
this state as a young man with no capital,
he has by untiring labor, perseverance and
good management succeeded in accumulat-
ing a handsome property, and has also won
the confidence and high regard of all with
whom he has come in contact by his
straightforward way of doing business and
by his pleasant, genial manner.
MALCOLM C. ROE, M. D.— Among
the prominent practitioners and lead-
ing citizens of Ogle county, and a gentle-
man who has for over a quarter of a cen-
tury been actively identified with its prog-
ress and development, the subject of this
sketch deserves special mention. He is a
native of Ogle county, born at Light House
Point, October 31, 1842. His father, John
Roe, was born in Pennsylvania, near Phila-
delphia, in 1800. He grew to manhood in
his native state and there received a fairly
good education. At the age of twenty-one
years he removed to Kentucky, and at Ed-
dyville, Lyon county, engaged in teaching
a private school. While residing in that
state he was united in marriage with Miss
Elizabeth A. Lyon, a native of that state
and daughter of Colonel Matthew Lyon.
Colonel Matthew Lyon was born in Wick-
low county, Ireland, and in boyhood emi-
grated to America, and stopping in Halifax,
Nova Scotia, worked in a printing office
some years. He then removed to Vermont
where he published the Scourge of Aristoc-
racy, and in 1776 became a lieutenant in a
company of the "Green Mountain Boys."
He became a very prominent man in that
state, married a daughter of Governor
Thomas Chittenden, was fined $1,000, and
imprisoned four months in Vergennes, Ver-
mont, under the alien and sedition law.
After his death congress returned to his
heirs the fine of $1,000 with compound inter-
est. While in jail he was elected to con-
62
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
gress, was in congress eight years from Ver-
mont, twelve years from Kentucky, and was
territorial delegate from Arkansas at the
time of his death, was paymaster during
the Revolution, colonel of militia, member
of the legislature, judge, and founded the
town of Fairhaven, in 1783. He there
built a saw and gristmill, established a
forge, and engaged in other manufacturing
enterprises. (For a more extended account
of the Lyon family see Johnson's Universal
Encyclopedia.)
To John and Elizabeth A. Roe nine chil-
dren were born. Matthew Humphrey, born
in Kentucky, died in infancy. Uriah C,
born in Kentucky, now lives in Franklin
Grove, Illinois, where he is engaged in the
practice of medicine. Dr. Franklin M. Roe,
of Downers Grove, Illinois. Giles Boliver,
born in Sangamon county, Illinois, died in
Ghana, Illinois. Matthew Cartwright, born
in Sangamon county, is a farmer living near
Grand Junction, Iowa. John H., born in
Sangamon county, spent the years from
1853 to 1893 in Kentucky, but is now liv-
ing in Ghana. While residing in Kentucky
he was engaged in the practice of law, and
was also in the life insurance business, be-
ing general agent of the Equitable Life In-
surance Company of New York. Buelah
Minerva, born at Light House, Ogle coun-
ty, is now the wife of J. C. Mayberry, and
they reside in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Frances Maria is the wife of John Conlon,
a farmer and stock-raiser, residing in Milan
township, De Kalb county, Illinois, now
dead. Malcolm C. is the subject of this
sketch.
Leaving Kentucky, Dr. John Roe moved
to Sangamon county, Illinois, where he
engaged in the practice of medicine for a
few years, and then came to Ogle county
and located at Light House Point, where he
resumed practice. From Light House he
went to Chicago, but did not long remain
there, going from there to Rockford, Illi-
nois, and then to White Rock township,
Ogle county, and later to Malta, DeKalb
county, finally going to Nebraska, locating
at Beatrice, Gage county, where he died in
1871.
The subject of this sketch was but two
years old when his father moved to Chicago.
He accompanied his parents to the several
places in which they located, in the mean-
time gaining such knowledge as was possi-
ble in the common schools. It was his aim
and intention, however, to obtain a higher
education, thus fitting himself for a pro-
fessional life. To that end he entered Mt.
Morris Seminary, and later Western Union
College and Military Academy at Fulton,
Illinois. This was in 1861, and the war for
the union commencing, the school was
badly broken up, and he therefore remained
there but one year. Later he took up the
study of medicine, and entering Bennett
Medical College, Chicago, he pursued the
regular course and was graduated from that
institution. In 1871 he took up a post-
graduate course in the Physio-Medical Col-
lege at Cincinnati, and graduated from it in
1872. He commenced the practice of his
profession in 1869 in Ogle county, and in
1875 removed to Ghana, where he has
since continued to reside, building up a
practice of which he may well be proud.
Dr. Roe was united in marriage with
Miss Sarah P. Sturtevant, a native of Cleve-
land, Ohio, and daughter of Benjamin D.
and Annie (Martin) Sturtevant. In 1857
the family came to Ogle county, and located
in White Rock township, where the father
carried on farming in connection with con-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
63
tracting and building. He was born in
Barton, Vermont, while his wife was born
in Cheshire county, New Hampshire. They
had a family of six children, two of whom
died in infancy. The four yet living are
George N., who lives one-half mile west of
Ghana; Milton E. , a farmer of White Rock
township, living on the old homestead;
Sarah P., wife of our subject; and Emma
L. , wife of James M. Miller, of Rockford,
Illinois.
To Dr. and Mrs. Roe five children have
been born: Effie A. is deceased; Milton
H. is a farmer living on the north side ot
Ghana; Dr. John B. is engaged in the
practice of his profession at Ghana, Illinois;
Ada M. is the wife of Rev. S. D. Bartle, of
Oasis, Iowa; S. Maud is living at home;
Malcolm R. is living at home and attending
the village school.
In politics Dr. Roe is a Democrat. In
1 88 5 he was elected a member of the board
of supervisors and served two years. After
an intermission he was again elected in
1896. During the Cleveland administra-
tions he was a member of the pension
board. Fraternally he is a Mason, a mem-
ber of the blue lodge at Oregon and the
commander}' at Di.xon, Illinois. In educa-
tional matters he is especially interested,
his aim being to have the schools of his
place of residence on a par with the best of
those in larger places. In fact there is no
enterprise of a public nature but finds in
him an earnest advocate. He is popular
not onl}' as a physician, but as a citizen as
well.
JUDSON AGARD WAITE, a prominent
representative of the farming and stock
raising interests of Ogle county, owns and
operates a valuable farm on section 15,
Rockvale township, whose neat and thrifty
appearance well indicates his careful super-
vision. Substantial improvements are sur-
rounded by well-tilled fields, and all of the
accessories and conveniences of a model
farm are there found.
Mr. Waite was born upon that place,
January 6, 1862, a son of Adoniram Judson
and Amelia (Agard) Waite. The father was
a native of Washington county, New York,
born July 5, 1S21, and was a son of Clarke
G. and Abigail (Phillips) Waite, the former
born April 3,' 1787, the latter May 14, 1791.
The great-grandfather of our subject was
Peleg Waite. Adoniram J. Waite, the father,
was reared in the county of his nativity and
received a common-school education. Un-
til twenty-eight or thirty years of age he re-
mained there and was married December 8,
1842, to Miss Caroline Bull, by whom he
had three children, namely: Missouri Lorina,
who married William A. Steffa and lives in
Oregon; Alton Perry, who married Annie
Greenawalt and is now deceased; and Alzina,
who married John Allen and resides in
Oregon. The mother of these children de-
parted this life in July, i860. The father
continued to engage in agricultural pursuits
in Washington county. New York, until
about 1850, when he removed to Erie
count)', that state, making his home there
until April 8, 1853. He then joined his
two brothers, Clarke G. and Elverton I.
Waite, who had located in Ogle county,
Illinois, in 1837. Here he purchased one
hundred and ninety acres of wild land, to
the cultivation and improvement of which
he at once turned his attention.
On the 29th of June, 1861, Adoniram
J. Waite was again married, his second
union being with Mrs. Amelia (Agard) Lan-
64
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
don, who was born November 9, 1822.
Her parents, Joshua and Lucy (Sibley)
Agard, were natives of Wilmington, Con-
necticut, the former born April 16, 17S9,
the latter June 18, 1792. In the fam-
ily were five children, as follows: Maria,
Mary, Amelia, Austin and Hannah, also
a half sister. Malissa Ann, all now de-
ceased with the exception of Mrs. Waite,
who has been twice married, his first hus-
band being Horace Landon, Jr., a son of
Horace Landon, of Collins, Erie county,
New York. By that union she had two
children: Newton, who married Annie
Lyons, and is engaged in farming in Ten-
nessee; and Sarah Maria, wife of Charles
Rathbun, who is engaged in the coal busi-
ness in Streator, Illinois, and is secretary
and assistant manager of the Star Coal
Company. Judson A. Waite, of this review,
was the only child born of the second mar-
riage. Joshua Agard served in the Revolu-
tionary war, was in the battle of Monmouth,
New Jersey. The father died January 22,
1897, honored and respected by all who
knew him. He had had several light strokes
of paralysis, but on the morning of the day
of his death was feeling quite well at break-
fast, but twenty minutes after leaving the
table he had another stroke and was un-
conscious until he passed away at two
o'clock in the afternoon. He was one of
the prominent and influential citizens of his
community, was a supporter of the Repub-
lican party, and took quite an active part in
local politics. He served as supervisor and
school trustee, holding both offices for a
number of years. In early life he was a
member of the Baptist church, but after
coming to this state never united with any
congregation.
Mr. Waite, whose name introduces this
sketch, attended the district schools near
his home and supplemented his early edu-
cation by two years' attendance at the Mt.
Morris Academy, leaving here in 18S2.
Thus well fitted for life's responsible duties
he returned to the old homestead and has
since devoted his attention to general farm-
ing and stock raising with most gratify-
ing results. He is the owner of four hun-
dred and thirty acres of arable land in the
home place, besides one hundred and forty-
five acres elsewhere, all under the highest
cultivation and well improved. Upon the
farm are three large barns and other out-
buildings besides a neat and comfortable
residence. For a number of years he has
been interested in stock-raising, making a
specialty of shorthorn and Durham cattle
and Chester white hogs, and at one time
also raised Morgan horses. However, he
still has upon his place thirteen good horses.
Mr. Waite is an ardent supporter of the
Republican party and its principles and for
six years has most capably and satisfactorily
represented his township on the board of
supervisors, during which time he has
served on the committees on equalization,
bridges, public buildings, printing and edu-
cation. He has also been town clerk for
seven years and in all of the relations of life
has been found true and faithful to every
trust reposed in him.
PETER R. MEYERS, who resides on
section 11, Lincoln township, is a
native of Ogle county, and was born on the
farm where he now resides, December 23,
1843, and is the son of Jonathan and Eliza-
beth (Redman) Meyers, the former a native
of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, born
January 23, 1812, and the latter of Baden,
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
65
Germany, and who came to the new world
a young lady, locating first in Pennsylvania,
and later coming to Ogle county, where she
was united in marriage with Mr. Meyers.
In early life Jonathan Meyers learned the
trade of stone mason, following that occu-
pation in Hagarstown, Maryland, to which
place he removed. From Maryland he
came to Ogle county, being one of the pio-
neers of 1837. On coming to this county he
took up a claim in what is now Lincoln
township, a portion of which is now com-
prised in the farm of our subject. He was
accompanied to this county by his brother,
Jacob Meyers, who was well known to the
early settlers, and whose descendants are
yet residing in the county. When the land
came into market, Jonathan Meyers entered
and purchased four hundred and forty acres,
and later eighty acres additional. He died
on the farm which was his home for more
than a half century, his death taking place
July 16, 1893, at the age of eighty-one
years. His wife passed away in 1S77, and
their remains lie interred in the cemetery at
\\ est Grove.
Peter R. Meyers is the eldest of a family
of seven children, of whom six lived to
mature years and have families of their own.
He grew to manhood on the home farm,
and from the time old enough to render any
assistance, made himself useful in the culti-
vation of the farm. His education was
limited to the common-schools of the early
days of the county.
Mr. Meyers was married in Forreston,
Ogle county, January 17, 1867, to Miss
Sarah Jane McLane, a native of Ogle coun-
ty, and daughter of Richard McLane, a na-
tive of Maryland, but an early settler of
Ogle county. By this union four children
were born. Lewis F. is a farmer of Lin-
coln township. Edwin H. is a farmer of
Maryland township, on the old McLane
farm. Charles A. makes his home with his
brother Lewis, while Ettie May is a young
lady residing at home.
After his marriage, Mr. Meyers moved
to the McLane homestead, which he occu-
pied and cultivated the farm for twenty-
seven years, during which time he made
some permanent improvements to the place.
In 1S94 he succeeded to a part of the old
Meyers homestead and removed to the old
place. In addition to the two hundred and
thirty-seven acres of the Meyers homestead,
he owns one hundred and si.xty acres of the
old McLane homestead. Both tracts are
well improved, and the farm presents a very
neat and attractive appearance.
Politically Mr. Meyers is a stanch Re-
publican, and has supported that party
ticket since casting his first presidential vote
for Abraham Lincoln in 1S64. He has been
somewhat active in local politics, but not
as an office seeker. He has, however,
served as township trustee, school director,
and such minor offices. In the fifty-five
years that he has resided in the county —
his entire life — he has been brought in con-
tact with many of the best people, and
wherever known he is regarded as a man of
exemplary habits, a good citizen, one will-
ing to do all he can for his native county
and state.
EDWARD E. PRICE, who is now living
retired in the village of Byron, is a
self-made man, who at an early age started
out to make his own way in the world. He
now represents a valuable property, all of
which he has accumulated by his own per-
severance and industry. A native of Wales,
66
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he was born in Montgomeryshire, January
I, 1836, and there remained until fourteen
years of age. In i S49 he crossed the broad
Atlantic to join his brother, David Price,
who was then living in Utica, New York.
There he worked on a farm during the sum-
mer season for a year or two, also engaged
in teaming one summer, and spent one
winter working in a tanyard, remaining there
for about four years. In the meantime his
brother had come west to Illinois and set-
tled in Winnebago, where he has since made
his home, residing in Rockford at the pres-
ent time retired from active business.
In 1S55 Edward E. Price also removed
to Winnebago county, where he worked on
a farm by the month for some time. There
he married Miss Sarah Goodhue, a most es-
timable lady, who is said to have been the
first child born in Winftebago county. Her
father. Squire Goodhue, was numbered
among its first settlers and opened up a
farm at Kishwaukee. After his marriage
Mr. Price took charge of the Goodhue
homestead and he and his wife cared for
her parents until they were called to their
final rest, and then succeeded to the place,
which ^^r. Price operated for twenty-five or
thirty years. In 1890 he removed from
Kishwaukee to Byron, Ogle county, where
he bought residence property and has since
lived retired. In 189S he purchased lots
and erected a good, neat and substantial
residence which is now his home.
Mr. Price has a family of seven children,
two sons and five daughters, namely: Ed-
ward J., a resident of B^ron; Thomas C,
of David Junction; Mrs. Leora L. Helson,
of Byron; Mrs. Lillian Poole, of Rockford;
Mrs. Alberta Blakesley, of Wisconsin; and
Lizzie, of Beloit, Wisconsin, and Lenora
E. lives in Beloit.
Politically Mr. Price has been identified
with the Republican party since its organi-
zation, casting his first \ote for John C.
Fremont in 1856, and has supported
every candidate of the party for the presi-
dency since that time. He is enterprising
and progressive, and through his own un-
aided efforts has attained success in life and
won the respect and esteem of a large cir-
cle of friends and acquaintances.
TAMES PANKHURST, M. D., of Grand
»J Detour, one of the leading physicians of
Ogle county, was born in Westfield, Sussex
county, England, January iS, 1845, and is
the son of John and Mary (Welfare) Pank-
hurst, the former a native of Sussex county,
England, born in 181 i, and the latter of
Hastings, England, born in 1805. The pa-
ternal grandfather, John Pankhurst, Sr.,
who was a wheelwright by trade, was also
a nati\'e of England, where his entire life
was spent.
John Pankhurst, the father of our sub-
ject, was also a wheelwright by trade, which
occupation he followed until coming to
America, in 1S50. Convinced that in his
native land he could never rise higher than
a common wheelwright, with no opportunity
to provide for the future, he determined on
coming to the United States. With his
family he took passage on a sailing vessel,
and after a voyage of five weeks he landed
in New York. Our subject has but a faint
recollection of the voyage, but as a reminder
he still retains in his possession the box in
which the provisions of the family were
stored during the voyage.
After spending a few weeks in Alexan-
dria, Pennsylvania, the family came west to
Carroll coimty, Illinois. Leaving there his
JAMES PANKHURST, M. D.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
69
family, John Pankhurst trudged on foot to
Grand Detour, where he obtained a respon-
sible position with the Grand Detour Plow
Company, and here brought the family.
He did not, however, remain but one year,
when he went to Jackson county, Iowa,
where he also remained one year. Being
offered the foremanship in the wood depart-
ment of the plow company, he returned to
Grand Detour, and here spent the remain-
der of his days. He remained with the
company for ten years after its removal to
Dixon, but still retained his home in Grand
Detour. His death, the result of an acci-
dent, occurred July 14, 1S96. His good
wife passed away September 26, 1S94, at
the age of eighty-nine years. Both were
devoted members of the Church of England,
and were firm in the faith. They were the
parents of eight children, — Stephen, John,
William, Sarah, Edward, Selina, James and
Jane. Of these, John died in infancy, and
Sarah in early childhood. In politics, John
Parikhurst was a stanch Republican. He
was a highly respected citizen of the village,
esteemed for his many e.\ceilent qualities of
head and heart.
The subject of this sketch was but six
years of age when he came to Ogle county,
and in the district schools of Grand Detour
township he received his primary education.
When the Civil war broke out he was but
sixteen, and one year later, on the 2nd of
June, 1862, he enlisted in Company H,
Sixty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, un-
der Colonel Tucker, anil was mustered into
the service at Chicago. He was stationed
at Camp Douglas, Chicago, doing guard
duty, and was continued there the term of
his service, being discharged September 27,
1862.
Returning home after receiving his dis-
charge, our young soldier commenced work
in the plow factory, and until June, 1865,
worked in the summer and attended school
in the winter. In the meantime, as the op-
portunity was afforded him, he read medi-
cine under the instruction of Dr. C. E.
Loornis, of Grand Detour, and in the fall
of 1S65, entered the medical department of
the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor,
where he remained until the following spring.
He then entered the office of Dr. J. B. Sny-
der, then practicing in Grand Detour, but
now of Polo, Illinois. In 1867 he went to
Rush Medical College, Chicago, and finish-
ing the prescribed course, was graduated
from that institution in February, 1S68.
After receiving his diploma, the Doctor re-
turned to Grand Detour and formed a part-
nership with his former preceptor. Dr. Sny-
der, which continued one year. He then
purchased his partner's interest, since which
time he has been alone in practice
Dr. Pankhurst has been thrice married,
and by his first union there was one daugh-
ter, Bessie C. , who is now in Chicago, and
is a student in the Armour Institute. His
second union was with Miss Frances Foxley,
a native of England, and their marriage was
celebrated May 17, 1884. She departed
this life November 24, 1894. The Doctor
was again married, January 22, 1896, his
third union being with Miss May U. Shef-
field, who was born January 28, 1861, and
daughter of Amos A. and Elizabeth (Sco-
field) Sheffield, of whom mention is made
elsewhere in this work.
Politically Dr. Pankhurst is a Repub-
lican, and is at present a member of the
Republican central committee of Ogle coun-
ty. He has always taken a commendable
interest in politics, but never in a sense of
being an office seeker. Believing it the
JO
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
duty of every citizen to exercise the rights
of franchise, he endeavors to keep posted
in the political issues of the day that he may
intelligently do his duty. It is, however,
as a physician that he is best known, and
his professional duties require the greater
part of his time. He is a member of the
Ogle County Medical Society and the North-
ern Illinois Medical Association, in the meet-
ings of which he takes an active part. He
is medical examiner for the New York Life
Insurance Company, of New York, the New
York Mutual and the Union Central Life
Insurance Company, of Cincinnati, and
others. Religiously, he and his daughter
are members of the Episcopal church. The
Doctor is a good physician, a loyal citizen,
a kind neighbor, and steadfast friend of
those with whom he has so long been asso-
ciated, and he and his wife are held in high
esteem.
MICHAEL N. SWINGLEY is one of
Ogle county's honored pioneers and
most highly esteemed citizens, having made
his home here almost continuously since
September, 1845. '^s an agriculturist he
has taken an active and prominent part in
its growth and development, and given his
support to those enterprises which he be-
lieved calculated to advance the general
welfare. He now owns and operates a well
improved farm of seventy acres on section
15, Leaf River township.
Mr. Swingley was born in Washington
county, Maryland, March 19, 1S22, a son
of Hon. Michael Swingley, also a native of
that state and a grandson of Nicholas
Swingley, a native of Pennsylvania. His
great-grandfather was born in Switzerland
and was among the first settlers of Lancas-
ter county, Pennsylvania. At an early day
Nicholas Swingley removed to Washington
county, Maryland, where his son Michael
was reared. The latter, on attaining to
man's estate, wedded Miss Mary Newcomer,
also a native of Maryland. He owned and
operated the old Swingley homestead and
reared his family there, but in 1845 emi-
grated to Ogle county, Illinois, taking up
his residence in Mt. Morris township, where
he bought a claim and entered land amount-
ing to about eight hundred acres. Here he
opened up and improved a large farm, sup-
plied with good buildings. He was one of
the honest yeomanry and successful business
men of the county. He was a soldier of
the war of 181 2, and held a number of of-
ficial positions of honor and trust in Mary-
land, representing his district one or more
terms in the state legislature. He died in
Ogle county in 1852, and his wife, who sur-
vived him many years, passed away in Feb-
ruary, 1870. To them were born eight
children, five sons and three daughters, all
of whom are still living with the exception
of our son. Benjamin, the eldest, is now
living retired in Mt. Morris; Samuel is a
resident of Kansas City, Missouri; George
died in St. Louis; Michael N., of this re-
view, is the next in order of birth; Mrs.
Elizabeth Allen resides in Mt. Morris; Mrs.
Mary l->aker lives in Polo; Mrs. Martha
Highbarger makes her home in Montana;
and William lives in Oregon, Illinois.
Michael N. Swingley is indebted to the
common schools of his native state for his
educational privileges, and there he grew to
manhood. Coming with the family to Ogle
county in 1S45, he was put to work at driv-
ing an ox team used in breaking prairie and
soon became familiar with all the arduous
duties which fall to the lot of the pioneer.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
;t
In the fall of 1846 he returned to Maryland
where he spent the winter, and on again
coming to this state resumed work on the
home farm. About the ist of April, 1849,
he started overland for California, overtook
a train in Nebraska, and reached his desti-
nation in August of that year. He engaged
in prospecting and mining until the spring
of 1850, when he started for home by way
of the Nicaraugua route. He was obliged
to spend the whole winter on the Isthmus,
finally in the spring secured passage on a
vessel bound for Cuba, where he was again
delayed until a vessel arrived which would
take him to New Orleans. However, he
at length reached home in 1851 and resumed
farming in Mt. Morris township, where
he carried on operations until i860.
In August, 1854, in that township, Mr.
Swingley married Miss Susan Welty, who
was born in the same neighborhood as our
subject. Her father, John Welty, was also
a native of Washington county, Maryland,
and in 1846 came to Illinois. He improved
a farm in Mt. Morris township, on which
he reared his family. His wife, who bore
the maiden name of Mary Wolff, departed
this life in 1875. Mrs. Swingley was reared
and educated in Mt. Morris township. Our
subject and his wife have two children:
Mary is the wife of Leroy Her, of Leaf Riv-
er township, and has two children: Verna,
who is a student in the Leaf River schools;
and Ray, who is attending the home school.
Cora is the wife of James Wilson, of
Winnebago county, Illinois, and they have
four children: Lottie, Altha and Nellie, who
are attending the home school; and Harry,
at home.
In 1855 Mr. Swingley removed to Polo,
where he made his home until 1859, and
then again made an overland trip to Cali-
fornia. This time he located in Sacra-
mento City, where he engaged in the livery
business for about two years, returning to
Ogle county in February, 1861. For several
years thereafter he followed farming in Mt.
Morris township, and in 1869 removed to
Stephenson county, Illinois, where he op-
erated rented land for about three years.
On his return to Ogle county, in 1S73, he
purchased his present place in Leaf River
township, on which a fairly good house was
standing and which was slightly improved.
To its further development and cultivation
he has since devoted his energies with
marked success, and now has a well-im-
proved farm pleasantly situated three miles
northwest of Leaf River.
Mr. Swingley cast his first presidential
vote for James K. Polk in 1844, and has
never wavered in his allegiance to the De-
mocracy. In religious faith he is a Lutheran,
while his wife holds membership in the
Christian church, and they stand high in
the community where they have so long
made their home. Those who know them
best are numbered among their warmest
friends, and no citizens in Leaf River town-
ship are more honored or highly respected.
JACOB RICE, deceased, was numbered
among the pioneers of 1837, and, like all
others who came at that early day, he ex-
perienced the privations incidental to the
settlement of a new country. He was born
in Washington county, Maryland, and was
the son of Jacob and Mary (Roland) Rice,
both of whom were natives of the same
county and state, and of whom special men-
tion is made in the sketch of Isaac Rice, on
another page of this work.
In his native state our subject com-
72
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,
menced his education in tlie common
schools, and on coming to Ogle county he
attended a pioneer school taught by his older
brother, Joshua, who engaged in teaching
soon after their arrival. He was a well ed-
ucated young man and gave his younger
brothers excellent instruction. In 1843 he
left school and assisted his father on the
farm in Mt. Morris township, continuing with
him until he was twenty-seven years old,
when he rented one hundred acres of land
in Maryland township and commenced life
for himself.
On the 1 1 th of December, 185 i, he was
united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth
Zeigler, a native of Jefferson county, Vir-
ginia, born September 7, 1833, and daugh-
ter of Jacob and Margaret (Stanger) Zeigler,
the former born in Washington county,
Maryland, January 15, 1795, and the latter
in Alsace Loraine, at that time in the
kingdom of France, but which is now a part
of Germany, September 12, 1796. She
came to this country with her parents when
but eight years old. They came to .America
in 1830 and first located in Jefferson coun.-
ty, Virginia, but four years later moved to
Clark county, Ohio, where he engaged in
farming in connection with his trade as
cooper. In 1S41 he came to Ogle county
and settled in Leaf River township, where
he took up three hundred acres of govern-
ment land, paying the regular price of one
dollar and twenty-five cents per acre for the
greater part of it. A portion of the land
had been staked as a claim by another party
on which he had erected a small cabin.
For this he had to give a small bonus. He
was permitted to enjoy his new possessions
but a very short time, his death occurring
in 1843. Jacob Zeigler and wife were the
parents of eiglit children, as follows: Mary
Ann, born July 22, 181S; Lavina, January
I, 1821; Caroline, October 16, 1823; Mar-
garet A., March 4, 1826; Samuel C. , Jan-
uary 23, 1828; John D., March 27, 1830,
Elizabeth, September 7, 1833; Jane C,
June II, 1840. Mrs. Zeigler died October
29, 1874. In politics Jacob Zeigler was a
Whig, and, religiously, a Methodist. The
family were of some note in the old world, a
granduncle of Mrs. Rice being an officer
under the first Napoleon, serving with him
in many of his wars.
To Jacob and Elizabeth Rice three sons
were born — William A., August 4, 1854;
Frederick N., August 5, 1859; and Eldridge
E., December 3, 1863. Alb are residing at
home.
On the death of his father our subject
moved to the home place, which comprised
one hundred and sixty acres of choice land.
There he continued to farm during the re-
mainder of his life. In addition to general
farming he was engaged somewhat exten-
sively in stock raising, in which he was
quite successful. About 1884 he was strick-
en with creeping paralysis, and after linger-
ing along for ten years passed peacefully
away, February 2, 1894. In politics he
was for many years a Republican, but in
1S84 he voted for St. John, the Prohibition
candidate for president, and continued to
vote with the Prohibition jiarty until the
end of his life. He never aspired to any
official position, but served as school di-
rector for years. Religiously he was a
Methodist, holding membership with the
church in Mt. Morris. He was a firm be-
liever in Christ, and died in the full assur-
ance of faith.
Mrs. Rice still lives upon the old home
place, and like her husband is respected by
all who know her. She is also a member
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
7S
of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has
a Hvely interest in ail that concerns her fel-
lowmen. She well remembers hearing
her mother tell of crossing the ocean in a
sail vessel, being three months upon the
water. She has also a vivid recollection of
the journey made by the family to Illinois.
They started from their Ohio home with
some stock and barnyard fowls, and in com-
ing into the state were stuck fast in a snow
drift. Her mother brought the first turkeys
that were ever brought into northern Illi-
nois. When they came to the county
wild game was very plentiful. Wolves
were in great numbers, and often when
Mrs. Rice was sent after the cows she
could hear the wolves on all sides. Her
father dying so soon after their arrival,
her mother was compelled to attend to all
the farm duties, and often hired her grain
hauled to Chicago, where it was disposed of.
Those were days of trial and hardships
which those of the present generation can
have no conception, but they had to be en-
dured. Out of it all has grown the finest
country on the face of the globe, and to
such men and women as Jacob Rice and his
wife the credit is due.
H
ENRY COFFMAN. — Prominent among
the energetic, progressive and success-
ful business men of Ogle county are the
gentlemen composing the firm of Coffman
Brothers, e.xtensive breeders and dealers in
pure blooded shorthorn cattle, in which
business they have been engaged for the
past eight years. They are representatives
of one of the old and prominent families of
the 'County, being sons of Abraham Coft-
man, who was born in Washington county,
Maryland, May 5, iSiS. John Coffman,
the grandfather, was also a native of that
state, and in 1840 came to Ogle county,
where he pre-empted a large tract of land,
and, in company with several families, the
Coffman family drove across the country
with teams.
Abraham Coffman, our subject's father,
located on a tract of eighty acres in Mary-
land township, to which he added by subse-
quent purchase until he had a valuable
farm of two hundred and eighty acres.
This he broke and improved with good
buildings, making it one of the most desir-
able places in the locality. In this county
he married Miss Caroline Wagner, also a
native of Washington county, Maryland,
and a daughter of Henry Wagner, who set-
tled in Ogle county as early as 1838, but
died a few years later at the age of forty-
five. For several years Mr. Coffman con-
tinued to operate his farm in Maryland
township, becoming one of its most sub-
stantial and well-to-do citizens, but his last
days were spent in retirement in the village
of Forreston, where he bought residence
property. There he passed away July 11,
1895, at the age of seventy-seven years,
honored and respected by all who knew
him. His estimable wife is still living in
Forreston at the age of seventy-three. To
this worthy couple were born eight children,
all of whom reached years of maturity, but
only two are now living: Henry, of this
review, and Isaiah T., the junior member
of the firm of Coffman Brothers, who was
born on the old homestead and like his
brother was educated in the local schools.
Those deceased are as follows: Elizabeth,
who married William A. Harris, a business
man of Adeline, Ogle county, and died
there leaving one daughter; Mary A.;
Amanda; Ada Alice; Joseph N., who died
74
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
at about the age of nineteen years, and
Charles Eugene, who resided in Iowa with
his brother, Henry W., and died in IHinois
at the age of twenty-seven years.
Henry W. Coffman was born January
3,1849, on the old homestead on section 5,
Maryland township, where he now resides,
and is the second in order of birth in his
father's family. After reaching man's es-
tate he went to Grundy county, Iowa, where
he bought land, but in 1883 became a resi-
dent of Ackley, that state, where for sev-
en years he successfully engaged in the ag-
ricultural implement business. He built up
an excellent trade, but finally sold out to
an advantage and returned to Ogle county.
In partnership with his brother he took
charge of the home farm, and in connection
with general farming have engaged in the
breeding of shorthorn cattle since 1891,
having upon their place a fine herd of fifty
thoroughbreds, with Cruickshank, a regis-
tered bull, at the head. As upright, relia-
ble business men, the brothers have become
widely known, and in all their undertakings
have been unusually successful.
On the 27th of October, 18S7, in Har-
din county, Iowa, Henry W. Coffman was
united in marriage with Miss Carrie Walker,
a daughter of Jacob Walker. She was born
in Clinton county, Pennsylvania, but was
mostly reared and educated in Hardin coun-
ty, Iowa. Her father removed from the
latter state to Illinois in March, 1896, and
is now engaged in business in Freeport. He
is a carpenter by trade and formerly fol-
lowed contracting and building. To Mr.
and Mrs. Coffman have been born four
children, namely: Raymond A., Merritt J.
and Hazel Ruth, all living; and Wava Gleo,
deceased. The home of this family is one
of the most hospitable in Ogle county; the
stranger within its doors are made to feel at
ease; and their many friends and acquaint-
ances are always sure of a hearty welcome.
In politics Mr. Coffman is independent.
ELLAS G. BOWERS, an energetic and
progressive farmer residing on section
10, Brookville township, has spent almost
his entire life in Ogle county, and as one of
its public-spirited citizens uses his influence
in advancing its welfare, materially aiding
all beneficial schemes for promoting its
prosperity. Mr. Bovvers was born in North-
umberland county, Pennsylvania, March 15,
1844, but in June of that year was brought
to this county, where amid frontier scenes
he grew to manhood.
His father, Henry Bowers, was also a
native of Northumberland county, Penn-
sylvania, born in October, 180S, and was a
son of Jacob flowers, a farmer by occupa-
tion, who reared his family in that county,
but spent the last years of his life in Stark
county, Ohio. Henry Bowers wedded Miss
Mary Magdalene Garman, a native of
Northumberland county and a daughter of
Martin Garman. During his early life Mr.
Bowers was employed on public works,
principally canal and bridge building, but in
May, 1844, started by team, with several
other Pennsylvania families, for Ogle county,
Illinois, and on his arrival here bought a
claim of one hundred and sixty acres and
turned his attention to farming. He de-
veloped a fine farm from the unbroken
prairie, in 1850 erected thereon a large
brick residence and later a large barn, and
was acknowledged to be one of the most
skillful and successful agriculturists of the
locality. Having prospered in his new home
he was able to spend his last years in re-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
75
tirement from active labor and in 1S65 re-
moved from the farm to Forreston, where
he passed away February 4, 1882. The
mother of our subject had died in August,
1850, and he subsequently married again,
his second wife dying in April, 1872.
EliasG. Bowers, the only child born to his
parents, was reared on the home farm where
he now lives and acquired his education in
the district schools of the neighborhood.
On the 1st of April, 1864, he enlisted for
three months in Company D, One Hundred
and Forty-second Illinois Volunteer Infan-
try, which was assigned to the Army of the
Tennessee. He was on guard duty most of
the time, along railroads, and was honor-
ably discharged on the expiration of his term
of enlistment, but he later joined Company
I, Ninety-second Illinois Mounted Infantry,
which became a part of Kilpatrick's cav-
alry. The regiment proceeded to North
Carolina, where they remained until the war
was over. Mr. Bowers was mostly on de-
tailed duty with a wagon train, and when
hostilities ceased and his services were no
longer needed he was discharged at Chicago
in August, 1865, and returned home.
After the war Mr. Bowers ran a thresh-
ing machine and engaged in other labors
until the fall of 1867, when he went to
Pennsylvania, spending five years in North-
umberland and Dauphin counties. He was
first employed by a company engaged in
manufacturing lumber, but the last two
years was interested in the hotel business
with his brother-in-law, at Lykens, Dauphin
county. Disposing of his property in the
east, he returned to Ogle county in 1873
and took charge of the old home farm.
He has since remodeled the residence and
outbuildings and now has one of the best
improved places in the locality.
While in Northumberland county, Penn-
sylvania, Mr. Bowers was married, Decem-
ber 26, i86g, to Miss Sarah Engle, who was
born, reared and educated in that county,
and is a daughter of Abram Engle. Five
children were born of this union: Alice, wife
of Harvey C. Good, of Carroll county, Illi-
nois; Henry W., who is now a member of
the First South Dakota Volunteer Infantry,
and is one of the brave bojs now stationed
at Manila; and Agnes, William A. and John
J., all at home.
Mr. Bowers cast his first presidential
ballot for Samuel J. Tilden, in 1876, and
has always supported the Democratic party.
For the past twenty years he has taken quite
an active and prominent part in local politics,
and has most creditably served his fellow
citizens as constable, justice of the peace,
township assessor, treasurer, and as super-
visor for four years, during which time he
was a member of several important com-
mittees. He was also a member of the
school board for several years, and served
as clerk of the district eight years. Socially
he is a prominent member of Brookville
Lodge, I. O. O, F., which he has repre-
sented in the Grand Lodge eight years, and
in which he has passed through all the
chairs and is now past grand. He also
belongs to the Grand Army post at For-
reston, and is one of the most popular and
influential citizens of his community.
EDWARD C. BUTERBAUGH, who re-
sides upon his fine farm of two hundred
and forty acres on section 11, Mt. Morris
township, is a native of Ogle county, and was
born in this county July 8, 1863. He is
the son of Henry and Catherine (Hershey)
Buterbaugh, the former born July 22, 1819,
76
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and the
latter of Washington county, Maryland,
born June 25, 1821. Henry Buterbaugh
was the son of Stephen and Susan Buter-
baugh, who were natives of Pennsylvania
and Maryland, respectively.
Henry Buterbaugh received but a lim-
ited education in the common schools of his
native county and was reared to farm life.
After his marriage with Catherine Hershey,
November 18, 1844, he removed with his
bride to Ogle county, Illinois, coming west
with a team in 1847. On his arrival he
purchased a farm of two hundred and forty
acres of land in Mt. Morris township, to
which he later added two hundred and forty
acres more, giving him an estate of four
hundred and eighty acres. He was an act-
ive and prosperous farmer, a member of
the German Baptist church, and was a good
friend and neighbor. In politics he was a
Democrat, and for many years served as
school director of his district. He died
March 22, 1883, and his remains were laid
to rest in Silver Creek cemetery. His wife
is yet living and makes her home in the
village of Mt. Morris. Like her husband,
she is a member of the German Baptist
church, a true Christian woman, and one
deserving the love and esteem in which she
is held. They were the parents of eight
children. Emma married William Thomas,
but is now deceased. Alice married Wil-
loughby Felter and resides on the old home-
stead. John, Joseph, Mary, Ella and Mar-
tin are deceased. Mary married George
Thomas and became the mother of three
children.
Edward C. Buterbaugh, the subject of
this sketch, is the youngest member of the
family. He was reared on the home farm
and in the district school received his edu-
cation. At the age of seventeen he com-
menced life for himself, renting the home
farm and engaging in its cultivation. Two
years later he became sole proprietor of
the place. On the 14th of December, 1882,
he was united in marriage with Miss Mary
Bopp, who was born in Washington county,
Maryland, December 21, 1862, and daugh-
ter of John and Matilda (Secore) Bopp, the
former born in Dauphin county, Pennsyl-
vania, October 16, 1829, and the latter in
Adams county, Pennsylvania, September 14,
1828. They were the parents of si.x chil-
dren, as follows: John H., born September
2, 1856; Benjamin P., January 26, 1858^
William T. , August 13, 1859; Mary E.,
December 2, 1862; Emma J., December 2,
1866; and Ida M., September 26, 1871.
The three sons and the mother are now de-
ceased, the latter dying October 31, 1896.
After residing in Washington county,
Maryland, until 1864, John Bobb removed
with his family to Montgomery county,
Ohio, where they resided eleven years, Mr.
Bopp engaging in farming. In 1876 they
came to Ogle county, Illinois, to make a
permanent home.
To Mr. and Mrs. Buterbaugh four chil-
dren have been born: Edith, December
18, 1S83; Clinton, June 23, 1885; Pearl,
October 21, 1886, and Chester, December
II, 1S87. The latter died September 5,
1 888, after an illness of two weeks. The
remaining children are all attending the
public school, and it is the design of the par-
ents to give them good education.
After giving his entire time and atten-
tion to the cultivation of his farm until
1893, Mr. Buterbaugh rented the same, but
still remained upon the place, and has given
his attention to stock raising e.xclusively.
He makes a specialty of the red polled cat-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
n
tie and Poland-China hogs. He has also a
number of draught and road horses, but in
all probability give his attention to road-
sters. He thoroughly understands the
stock business, and in that line has met with
good success. Since coming into full pos-
session of the farm, he has made upon it
many valuable improvements, and keeps it
at all times under a high state of cultivation.
In politics he is a Democrat, and a stanch
advocate of the principles of the party, but
he is not a politician in the common accep-
tation of the term. As a farmer he has
thoroughly demonstrated his abilities. As
a citizen he enjoys the respect of all who
know him.
SAMUEL W. POWELL, residing on sec-
tion I, Buffalo township, a prosperous
farmer and stock raiser, has been a resident
of Ogle county since May 2, 1854. He was
born in Washington county, Maryland, De-
cember 3, 1834, and is a son of Upton Pow-
ell, a native of the same county and state,
who was born in 1801. The paternal grand-
father, Jonathan Powell, was a native of
Wales, a seafaring man in early life, but
who settled in Washington county, Mary-
land, at an early day.
Upton Powell grew to manhood in his
native county and received a limited educa-
tion in the common schools of that early
day. In his youth he learned the miller's
trade, an occupation he followed until he
went to farming, while yet residing in Mary-
land. He there married Miss Anna Smith,
a native of Maryland, of German ancestry,
and they became the parents of seven chil-
dren, all of whom grew to mature years.
Mary Ann died a single lady. Susan mar-
ried John N. Winders, and is now a widow,
residing in Polo, Illinois. Samuel W. is
third in order of birth. John A. is residing
in Polo. Jacob H. is also living in Polo.
Catherine is the wife of John M. Davis, a
substantial farmer of Buffalo township, of
whom mention is made elsewhere in this
work. William is a farmer of Pine Creek
township.
Fully convinced that better opportuni-
ties were open before him in the great Prai-
rie state, and having in Ogle county a nuni-
berof old friends and neighbors, Upton Pow-
ell determined here to find for himself and
family a new home. In the fall of 1853,
he came out and selected a location in Pine
Creek township, purchasing a partially im-
proved place of four hundred and fifty-one
acres, and in April, 1854, left his old home
with his family and arrived here May 2,
1854. With characteristic energy, he com-
menced to improve the place, in due time
erecting a good residence, barn, and various
outbuildings. From time to time he added
to his possessions until he became the owner
of over eight hundred acres of good farming
land. He was quite prosperous and became
a well-known citizen of the county. He
lived upon the old place for some years, and
then moved to a farm near Polo, where his
death occurred about 1883. His wife passed
away some years previously.
In his native county our subject spent
his boyhood and youth, assisting his father
upon the farm and in the mill, in the mean-
time attending the common school as the
opportunity was given him. He came with
the family to Ogle county and continued to
assist his father for some years, dividing his
time between the saw mill and the farm.
He was married January 20, i860, to Miss
Sarah Hays, a native of Washington coun-
ty, Maryland, and daughter of Henry Hays,
78
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
also a native of the same county and state,
and who Hkewise came to Ogle county in
May, 1854, locating in Pine Creek town-
ship. By this union three sons were born.
William H. is married and is engaged in
farming in Black Hawk county, Iowa. John
Upton and George W. yet reside at home,
assisting in the farm work, and with their
father are making a business of fattening
cattle and hogs for the markets. They are
also interested in a meat market at Mt.
Morris, and also furnish dressed meat for a
market in Oregon.
After his marriage Mr. Powell located
on the sawmill place, and carried on the
mill and engaged in farming for three years.
In 1864 he purchased the farm where he
now resides, consisting of but one hundred
and si.xty acres at that time. He later added
one hundred and si.xty acres more, and still
later fifteen acres, making the home farm
contain three hundred and thirty-frve acres.
He has also three hundred and sixteen
acres in Pine Creek township, divided into
four small farms, and has fifty acres in
Grand Detour township. The home farm
presents a very neat and attractive appear-
ance with its fine residence and barn, nu-
merous outbuildings, fruit and ornamental
trees. Everything about the place denotes
the energy and thrift of the owner. In
addition to the cultivation of grain, he has
given much attention to stock raising, mak-
ing a specialty of Poland-China hogs.
Politically Mr. Powell is a Democrat,
having voted the ticket since casting his
first presidential vote for James Buchanan
in 1 8 56. He has been honored by his
friends and neighbors with various local
offices, serving as highway commissioner
some eighteen or twenty years and as su-
pervisor one term, in 1894-5. After an in-
terval of two years he was again elected
in 1 898 and is now serving in that capac-
ity. During his first term he was on
several important committees, and is now
a member of the equalization and of the
finance committee. Interested in the pub-
lic schools, he has served as school director
for some twenty-five or thirty years.
An active and enterprising man, Mr.
Powell is highly regarded by all who know
him, and his friends are not confined to
those of his own party. Broad-minded and
liberal, he commands the respect of all.
In the forty-five years of his residence in
Ogle county he has been an active factor in
its progress and has done his full share
in its development. Success has crowned
his efforts, but no one envies him for that
he has, knowing that it has been gained by
honest efforts.
CHARLES AYRES, deceased, was a
prominent farmer of Woosung town-
ship, one well known in Lee and Ogle
counties. He was born in Huntingdon
county, Penns3lvania, September 13, 1824,
and was the son of Ludlum and Susanna
(Sharer) Ayres, who emigrated from Penn-
sylvania to Illinois in 1S45, locating in
Franklin Grove, Lee county, where they
remained until i860, when they moved to
the southern part of the state, where they
spent about one year, and then returned to
Lee county, where the remainder of their
lives were spent. They had a family of
eight children, two of whom died in child-
hood. Those growing to maturity were
Charles H., Matthew, John, William,
Thomas and Ludlum Smith.
The subject of this sketch spent his boy-
hood and 3'outh in his native state, and in
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
79
the schools of that state received his educa-
tion. This was, however, supplemented by
attendance in the schools of Dixon, after
the removal of the family to this state. He
remained with his parents until twenty-two
years old, when he began life for himself,
cultivating a farm and operating two thresh-
ing machines during the seasons. He was
united in marriage June i, 1S55, with Miss
Mary J. Crush, who was born March 7,
1834, and daughter of Isaac and Catherine
(Burns) Crush, the former a native of Lan-
caster county, Pennsylvania, and the latter
of Huntingdon county, in the same state.
Isaac Crush was the son of Isaac Crush,
Sr. , a native of Germany, and a farmer by
occupation, who died in Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania. Isaac Crush was by trade a
miller, and also followed the trade of cooper.
In 1846 he came with his family to Ogle
county, and located in Pine Creek township,
where he purchased a farm of one hundred
and sixty acres, which he operated until
within a few years before his death, when
he retired from active life, and died at tlie
residence of his son in Paul City, Nebraska.
Isaac and Catherine Crush were the
parents of ten children, eight of whom grew
to maturity — Philip, John, William, James,
Mary J., Elizabeth, Emma and Catherine.
Two died in infancy. Mrs. Catherine Crush
passed to her reward in 185 i, and later Mr.
Crush married Mrs. Catherine (Lutz) Eshel-
man, a widow, and by this marriage there
was one daughter, Vernie.
To Charles and Mary J. Ayres eight
children were born. Elsie M., born June
17, 1856, died June 2, 1892. Samuel R.,
born December 28, 1857, is now living in
Hardin county, Ipwa; he married Miss Delia
Miller, of Washington county, Maryland,
and they have a son, Charles L. Johnnie
E., born December 28, 1859, died January
IS, 1861. Alma S., born January I 5, 1861,
is now the wife of C. E. Parks, and they
have one child, Clarence C, born January
I, 1888; they reside on the old hornestead.
Lillie S., born December 31, 1863, married
John Lampen, and they live in Pine Creek
township. Henry P., born August 15, 1869,
died June 6, 1895. Charles, born August
5, 1866, died March 17, 1867. Lena May,
born June 28, 1872, died February 6, 1875.
Mr. Ayres purchased the farm on which
his widow now resides, on section 8, Woo-
sung township, from his brother William,
wiio entered the land from the government.
In 1855, soon after his marriage, he built a
small house, which is now used as an ice
house. The second house in which the
family lived was erected a few years after,
and is now used as a shop. In 1874 he
erected the house in which the famil}' now
live, and which is a commodious and com-
fortable structure. As his means would per-
mit, Mr. Ayers added to the improvements
of the place, erecting a large barn, and put-
ting up other outbuildings, setting out fruit
and ornamental trees, and otherwise adding
to the attractive appearance of the farm.
He was a practical farmer and endeavored
to keep up with the times in the way of im-
provements.
In politics, Mr. Ayres was a Republican,
and a stanch advocate of the principles of
the party. He served his neighborhood as
school director for a number of years, as he
always felt an interest in the public schools.
He was also road commissioner a number of
years. Religiously he was a member of the
United Brethren church, in which he took
great interest, being a firm believer in the
Christian religion. His wife is also a mem-
ber of that church. Mr. Ayres passed from
8o
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
this life November i, 1880, his death being
from asthma and consumption. He was a
good man, and his death was a sad loss not
only to his faithful wife, who was always a
comfort and stay to him, but to the com-
munity as well. His friends were numer-
ous in both Lee and Ogle counties.
THOMAS DIXON is one of the retired
farmers who are living at their ease in
the village of Byron, and who know right
well how to take care of the property they
accumulated in their younger years by un-
tiring industry and economy. For a period
of over forty years he was actively and suc-
cessfully engaged in agricultural pursuits in
Ogle county, but has now laid aside busi-
ness cares to spend his remaming years in
ease and retirement.
Mr. Dixon comes from across the sea,
being a native of England, born in Cum-
berland county, February 10, 1834. His
father, John Dixon, was a native of the
same county and a son of Thomas Dixon,
a farmer of that region. There the former
grew to manhood and married Miss Ann
Thompson, an English lady, who died in
her native land about 1841. He was again
married, but his second wife also died in
England. In 1855 he and his family emi-
grated to the United States, and on reach-
ing the shores of this country proceeded at
once to Ogle county, Illinois, arriving here
in the fall of that year. He purchased a
farm in Marion township and to its further
improvement and cultivation devoted his
energies until failing health caused his re-
tirement. Although he was not well for
some years, he lived to the ripe old age of
seventy-eight, dying July 19, 1873.
In his family were four children, two
sons and two daughters, but the latter are
both deceased. Sarah died unmarried, and
Anna married Joshua Chain, of Byron, and
died leaving three children. Our subject
is the older son. Paul, born in England,
in 1838, came with the family to the new
world in 1855, and was married here to
Miss Addie Millis, a native of Ogle county,
and a daughter of John Millis, who was a
pioneer of southern Illinois, and from this
state went to California during the '50s.
On his return he bought a farm in Marion
township. Ogle county, where he success-
fully engaged in agricultural pursuits for a
number of years. Later he rented his farm
and bought residence property in Byron,
where he spent the last years of his life.
After his marriage Paul Dixon engaged in
farming for a number of years in Marion
township, where he owned and occupied a
farm of over one hundred acres, which he
placed under a high state of cultivation.
After the death of his wife he removed to
Dixon, Illinois, where he now resides. He
has two daughters, Eva and Sarah, both
well educated young ladies. The latter at-
tended the public schools of Byron and also
the Rockford Commercial College, and is
now successfully engaged in teaching in
Ogle county.
Thomas Dixon, of this review, was a
young man of twenty years on the emigra-
tion of the family to America, and he was
of great assistance to his father in develop-
ing and carrying on the home farm. After
arriving at mature years he took charge of
the place and business, remaining with his
father until the latter's death, and caring
for him during his declining years. Subse-
quently he purchased the interests of the
other heirs and succeeded to the old home-
stead, on which he made many substantial
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
8i
and useful improvements. After operating
it for some years he sold and purchased a
farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Scott
township, near Stillman Valley. He lo-
cated thereon, and for a year was engaged
in building and improving the place, erect-
ing a good residence, barn, cribs and other
outbuildings, and converting it into one of
the best improved farms of the township.
This work completed he rented it, and in
1S97 removed to Byron, where he now
lives, enjoying the rest he has so well earned
and so truly deserves. The Republican
party has found in him an earnest advocate
of its principles since he cast his first vote
for General U. S. Grant in 186S, and he
has never missed a presidential election
since that time. Although not a member
of any religious denomination he attends
and gives liberally toward the support of
the Methodist Episcopal church. He and
his brother are well known in Byron and
Ogle county as men of exemplary habits
and sterling worth, and this brief sketch of
their lives will be read with interest by their
many friends.
WILLIAM STAHLHUT, an enterpris-
ing farmer residing on section 9, Mt.
Morris township, is a native of the town-
ship, born August 7, 1S55, but is of German
descent, his parents, August and Frederika
(Bruns) Stahlhut, being natives of Hanover,
Germany, the former born April 28, 1809,
and the latter January 4, 18 18. They were
reared and married in their native land, and
in 1849 came to the United States with a
party of immigrants, coming direct to Mt.
Morris township, some of the party having
relatives in this county. The father of
Mrs. Stahlhut, the maternal grandfather of
9
our subject, was an officer of high rank in
the German army, and commanded a por-
tion of the German troops at the battle of
Waterloo.
August Stahlhut was a stonemason by
trade. On his arrival in Mt. Morris, he
found himself a stranger in a strange land,
the language of the people being unfamiliar
to him. He came, however, with the in-
tention of becoming an American citizen,
and to that end assimilated himself to his
new surroundings. He at once found em-
ployment at his trade, working on the new
building of the Rock River Seminary, and
on various private dwellings in course of
erection. He continued to work at his trade
and saving his earnings until he had accu-
mulated sufficient to buy a farm, after which
he turned his attention to agricultural pur-
suits, and only occasionally working at his
trade. August and Frederika Stahlhut
were the parents of four children, the last
born dying in infancy. August, born in No-
vember, 1 84 1, in Germany, came with his
parents to this country when in his eighth
year. Here he grew to manhood, and dur-
ing the dark days of the rebellion, when the
president issued his call for more men, he
offered his services to his adopted country
and took his place within the ranks in Com-
pany K, Ninety-second Illinois Volunteer
Infantry. With his regiment he went to
the front, and after being wounded in a
skirmish near Jonesboro, Tennessee, he was
taken prisoner and later confined in the
dreaded Andersonville prison, where he re-
covered from his wound, but was starved to
death. Henry, born November 19, 1850,
married Laura Feidt, and they have two
children. He is a farmer in Mt. Morris
township. William, our subject, was ne.xt
in order of birth.
82
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
William Stahlhut, our subject, was
reared on the home farm in Mt. Morris
township, and until eighteen years old at-
tended the district school, receiving a fair
common-school education. He was early
learned the meaning of work and was required
to do his share of the farm work. Leav-
ing school at the age of eighteen years, in
partnership with his brother, he purchased
eighty acres of land and they connnenced
farming for themselves.
On the 23d of December, 1875, Mr.
Stahlhut was united in marriage with Miss
Lydia C. Thomas, born October 19, 1850,
in Mt. Morris township, and daughter of
Ezra and Elizabeth (Rice) Thomas, both of
whom were natives of Washington county,
Maryland, and who were among the early
settlers of Ogle county. They were the
parents of six children: William R., Jacob
O., Martha J., Mary E., Lydia C. and Ben-
jamin F. Mr. Thomas died at his home in
Mt. Morris, of blood poisoning, March 20,
1880. His wife survived him, dying March
22, 1888. In politics he was a Republican.
To Mr. and Mrs. Stahlhut seven chil-
dren have been born, the first dying in in-
fancy. Olive C, born March 14, 1878;
Charles A., born November 29, 1881, died
December 13, 1882; Benjamin A., born
April 26, 18S4; William H., May 22, 1886;
Edward Earl, December 23, 1888; and
Jesse T., born July 23, 1894. Those living
are all yet residing with their parents, and
all are being given good education.
After his marriage Mr. Stahlhut contin-
ued to farm with his brother, and in Febru-
ary, 18S7, he purchased forty acres more
and has now a fine farm of one hundred and
sixty acres, which is under a high state of
cultivation. He has confined himself to no
special fads, but has engaged in general
farming. He has been raising mostly road
horses, but has raised some Norman draft.
Of cattle he has raised Hereford, but is now
mostly engaged with Durhams.
In politics Mr. Stahlhut is a Republican.
He cast his first presidential vote for Ruth-
erford B. Hayes in 1776, and has since con-
tinued to vote the party ticket. He has
held several local offices, including school
director, school trustee and supervisor. In
the latter office he served two terms and
was a member of the board during the rail-
road bond trouble, which run for a number
of years. His wife is a member of the Lu-
theran church, as is also his daughter,
Olive. Active and enterprising, Mr. Stahl-
hut keeps abreast with the times, lending
aid and encouragement to all worthy enter-
prises. With his family, he is held in the
highest esteem, having many friends in all
parts of the county.
FREDERICK H. LEWIS. — Prominent
among the more intelligent, active and
enterprising citizens of Marion township is
the gentleman whose name introduces this
biography. His reputation for integrity and
industry is second to none in the county,
and being a man of rare intellectual attain-
ments, he is authority on many questions
with the people of the community. He
owns and occupies a fine farm of two hun-
dred acres on section 15, Marion township,
and is successfully engaged in its operation.
Mr. Lewis is a native son of Ogle coun-
t\', his birth occurring on the farm where he
now resides December 22, 1849. His
father. Homer D. Lewis, was born near
Ware, Massachusetts, in January, 1822, and
was a son of David Lewis, also a native of
Massachusetts, who with his family came to
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
8:
Illinois in 1S37. His sons drove across the
country with wagons and the family settled
in Marion township, Ogle county, where he
cleared and developed a farm, one mile west
of the home of our subject. Here Homer
D. Lewis grew to manhood and married
Miss Adaline Bacon, also a native of the old
Bay state and a daughter of Squire Bacon,
who came west and died in Illinois. Mr.
Lewis entered one hundred and sixty acres
where his son is now living and soon trans-
formed the wild land into highly cultivated
and productive fields. To his original farm
he later added two adjoining tracts of forty
acres each, making a fine farm of two hun-
dred and forty acres, which he improved
with good buildings. He was one of the
most active and successful farmers of the
township and at one time owned seven hun-
dred acres of valuable land, all of which
property was acquired through his own in-
dustry, enterprise and good management.
He was honored with a number of responsi-
ble official positions. From his farm he re-
moved to Stillman Valley, but subsequently
took up his residence in Rockford, where he
passed away November 29, 1S97, at the age
of seventy-five years. His wife survives
him and still resides in that city.
Frederick H. Lewis is the only son liv-
ing in a family of five children. Loura M.,
his oldest sister, is the wife of H. H. Hurd,
of Stillman Valley; Mary is the wife of Na-
than James, of the same place; Carrie A. is
the wife of William S. Ives, of Byron town-
ship, Ogle county; and Lucy is the wife of
John L. Keep and resides with her mother
in Rockford.
The subject of this review was reared in
much the usual manner of farmer boys, and
the knowledge he acquired in the district
schools has been supplemented by a course
in the Rockford High School and also in the
Commercial College of that place. During
his youth he assisted his father in the opera-
tion of the home farm and then purchased
eighty acres adjoining, on which he resided
for ten years. At the end of that time he
bought the old homestead, which he had
previously rented, and in its skillful man-
agement he is acknowledged to be one of
the most progressive and systematic farmers
of the community.
On the 27th of December, 1871, in
Marion township, Mr. Lewis was united in
marriage with Miss Lucy A. Johnson, a
daughter of Rev. G. S. Johnson, who served
as postmaster of Stillman Valley continu-
ously for about a quarter of a century. He
was a native of Massachusetts, an early set-
tler of Illinois, and was a direct descendant
of John Alden, who came to America on the
Mayflower, and for some time engaged in
merchandising in Rockford, but spent the
last years of his life in Stillman Valley.
Mrs. Lewis was born in Ohio, but was
reared in Ogle county, and being well edu-
cated she became a successful and popular
teacher. Our subject and his wife have a
family of si.x children, all at home, namely:
Charles, Harry, Julia, Fred and Frank,
twins, and George. The daughter is a
graduate of the Stillman Valley High School
and is quite proficient in music, and the
youngest ( son is now attending the high
school at that place.
Mr. Lewis is a member of the G. O. P.,
being an ardent Republican since casting
his first vote for General U. S. Grant in
1S72. He is a director of the Scott & Mar-
ion Township Mutual Fire Insurance Com-
pany, has been an active member of the
school board for twenty years, and has
served as its president and also clerk of the.
84
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,
district most of the time. He is now serv-
ing his second term as township trustee,
and he has most capably and faithfully dis-
charged the duties of every position he has
been called upon to fill, whether in public
or private life. He is one of the official
members of the Congregational church of
Stillman Valley, to which his family also
belong, and in the best social circles of the
community they occupy an enviable po-
sition.
FREDERICK ZICK, Pn. D., teacher
and lawyer, is a prominent citizen of
Polo, and one of the ablest lawyers practic-
ing at the bar of Ogle county, having the
mental grasp which enables him to discover
the best points in a case. A man of sound
judgment, he manages his cases with mas-
terly skill and tact, and is regarded as one
of the ablest jury advocates in this section
of the state. He is a logical reasoner, able
debater and forcible in argument, uniting a
rare gift of oratory with the most convinc-
ing logic that arouses the emotion and con-
vinces the judgment.
A native of Illinois, Mr. Zick was born
in Thompson township, Jo Daviess county,
October 20, 1858, and is a son of Frederick
and Mary (Deuchman) Zick, both natives of
the province of Waldec, Germany, the for-
mer born about I Si 6 and the latter about
1832. They were married in their native
land and came to America in 1852, landing
at New York after a long and tedious voy-
age. After a short time spent in the me-
tropolis they proceeded westward and lo-
cated in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, where
the father engaged in farming until 1877,
when he laid aside all busmess cares. He
then spent one year in Galena and his last
days in the country near that city, where he
passed away in 1879. His wife died in Jo
Daviess county in 1866. To them were
born two sons: John, who lives on a farm
in Jo Daviess county; and Frederick, of this
review. The paternal grandfather of our
subject, John Zick, spent his entire life in
Germany.
Frederick Zick, our subject, is indebted
to the district schools of Jo Daviess county
for his early educational privileges, and he
received his early training at farm work.
When he arrived at his majority he decided
to change his occupation, and took a pre-
paratory course for teaching at the German-
English College, then located at Galena,
Illinois. He taught school two terms
and graduated from the Northern Illinois
College, Fulton, Illinois, in 1884. He
read law one year with Judge McCoy,
at Fulton, and then read one year in
the law office of John J. Cole, Esq., at La
Crosse, Wisconsin. He was admitted to
the bar in the territory (now state) of North
Dakota in 1886, and there entered upon the
practice of his profession. He was state's
attorney two years for Cavalier county,
North Dakota, and in 1S91 located at Seat-
tle, Washington, where he remained for two
years and a half, during which time he
gained an enviable reputation as a criminal
lawyer. While at Seattle he tried many
criminal cases, and appeared for the de-
fense in two noted murder trials. He tried
the case of S. N. Saddler, who was charged
with murder in the first degree for stabbing
a Greek fisherman on West street in Seattle,
and secured his acquittal on the theory of
self-defense. He tried the case of Mattia
Leoni and Joseph Puccia, two Italians
charged with murdering George Richards,
on Mercer island,' in Lake Washington.
FRED ZICK.
GERTRUDE M. ZICK,
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
89
They buried the body in the lake and Leoni
then went to Canada, where he was arrested
and brought back for trial. Mr. Zick de-
fended them on the theory of self-defense,
and Leoni was convicted of manslaughter
and sentenced to eighteen months in the
penitentiary, and Puccia to three months in
the county jail as accessory after the fact.
In August, 1893, he came to Polo, Illinois,
where his wife's parents reside, and here
he has since been engaged in practice,
meeting with a well-deserved success.
In Polo, on the 29th day of April, 1890,
was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Zick
and Miss Gertrude M. Sanborn, a native of
Ogle county, a graduate of the Northern
Illinois College, of Fulton, a successful
teacher in our public schools, and a daugh-
ter of Ambrose and Elizabeth (Good) San-
born. In his political affiliations our sub-
ject is a Republican. He is city attorney
of Polo, has one of the largest law libraries
in the county, has a large office and probate
practice and is well versed in all and every-
thing necessary to make him a successful
practitioner. Socially, he joined the Knights
of Pythias while at Seattle and was elected
a representative to the Grand Lodge in
1893. He is a member of the Knights of
the Globe and also of the Mystic Workers
of the World, and is one of the supreme
directors of the Mystic Workers. Person-
ally Mr. Zick is a little over medium height,
well proportioned, with black hair, grey
eyes and strong features that indicate force
and determination.
HENRY LANDIS THOMAS.— Among
the leading and representative agricult-
urists of Ogle county, none stands higher
in the estimation of his fellow men than the
subject of this review, who owns and oper-
ates a fine farm of two hundred acres on
section 18, Rockvale township. He was
born in Maryland, October 24, 1S38, a son
of Joshua and Salina (Landis) Thomas, na-
tives of Washington county, that state, the
former born March 8, 181 1, the latter
March 7, 18 12. The paternal grandpa-
rents were Henry and Catherine Thomas,
in whose family were the following children:
Mrs. Susan Hoffan, deceased; Mrs. Ruan
Newcomer, a resident of Washington coun-
ty, Maryland; Joshua, father of our subject;
Elias and Elizabeth. Our subject is the
third in order of birth in a family of seven
children, the others being: Permelia M.,
widow of Robert Hitt, of Polo, Illinois;
Mary Catherine, wife of H. M. Funk, a
hardware merchant of Polo, Illinois; L. F.,
who married Olga Smith, and conducts a
paint, oil and sash store at Polo; Jacob
Oskie, deceased; John, who married Martha
Seyster and operated the old home farm;
Lewis Ferdinand; and John Edwin. The
mother of these children departed this life
September 22, 1854, at the age of forty-
two years, six months and fifteen days, and
the father was again married, his second
union being with Susan Felker, by whom he
had five children: Ettie. deceased; Robert
Lee, who married May McGuffin and lives
on the old home farm; Frank F. and Olin
M., who are also living with their mother on
the home place; and one who died in in-
fancy.
Joshua Thomas, our subject's father,
was educated in the common schools of
Maryland and throughout life followed agri-
cultural pursuits. He first came to Ogle
county in the fall of 1S39, and purchased
two hundred acres of government land for
himself and father, who came here in 1840,
90
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
it being bought at the land office in Dixon
at one dollar and a quarter per acre when it
came into market. After securing his land,
Joshua Thomas returned east, but the fol-
lowing year brought his family to their new
home, making the trip overland. All of his
land was unbroken with the exception of
about three or four acres, which had been
placed under cultivation, and the only
building upon the place was a log house,
but to its further improvement and cultiva-
tion he at once turned his attention and
soon converted the wild tract into a most
desirable farm. In 1850 he made a trip to
the gold fields of California by way of the
overland route, in company with Mr. Pitzer
and Captain Swingley, of Brodie's Grove.
He met with fair success on the Pacific
slope and returned to Illinois in 1852 by
way of the Isthmus of Panama and settled
down to farming again. In politics he was
a pronouneed Democrat, and being one of
the most prominent and infiuential men of
the community, he was often called to pub-
lic office, serving as school director fifteen
years, school trustee three years, and direct-
or of the Ogle County Agricultural Society
from 1853 until i860. He also served as
president of that organization for a time.
He departed this life March 18, 1884.
Henry L. Thomas, of this review, was
only two years old when brought by his
parents to Ogle county, and he was reared
about two miles south of his present home,
his early education being acquired in a little
log school-house a half mile from his boy-
hood home. He continued to assist his
father in the operation of the home farm
until his marriage, which was celebrated
December 20, 1866, Miss Mary Ellen
Felker becoming his wife. He then rented a
farm of one hundred and thirty acres in
Pine Creek township, on which he lived for
three years, and for the same length of
time rented his present farm, which then
belonged to George \V. Phelps. The fol-
lowing two years were spent on a farm of
two hundred acres in Mt. Morris township,
and at the end of that time he purchased
one hundred and sixty acres of his present
farm. Before moving to this place, how-
ever, he rented the A. F. Weaver farm, of
eighty acres, for one year, and then located
upon his own farm, to which he has added
a tract of forty acres, making a valuable
farm of two hundred acres, which he has
placed under excellent cultivation and im-
proved with good and substantial buildings.
He is interested in stock raising to some
extent.
Mrs. Thomas is a daughter of Abraham
and Catherine Felker, the former born in
Washington county, Maryland, July 6,
1802, the latter in Franklin county, Penn-
sylvania, April 24, 181 1. Her grandfather
was a tanner, but her father followed farm-
ing in the east, and on coming to Illinois in
1855, settled in the town of Mt. Morris,
where he spent three years and then moved
to a farm in Ogle county, which he had
previously purchased. Mrs. Thomas' edu-
cation was begun in the schools of Mary-
land, and after coming to this state attend-
ed the public schools and academy at Mt.
Morris. Nine children have been born to
our subject and his wife, namely: Lillie
May, born ]anuary 15, 1868, died January
6, 1876; Edgar Felker, born July 29, 1869,
is a dentist by profession and is now at
home. While serving as a member of the
committee on the Fourth of July celebra-
tion, he had his finger inujred liy a skyrocket
and had to have it amputated; b'lorence
Edna, born April 11, 1871, is the wife of
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Charles Zoller, manager of the Union Tea
Company at Omaha, Nebraska; Noble Fill-
more, born December 12, 1872, married
Susan Young, by whom he has a little son,
and they live in Mt. Morris township, where
he is engaged in farming; Ada Ellen, born
December 19, 1875, died in infancy; Charles
Henry, born April 3, 1S77; Freddie Hen-
derson, born December 15, 1879, and
Catherine, born March 26, 1882, are all at
home; Nellie Maude, born February 19,
1885, is attending the district school.
Mr. Thomas has always affiliated with
the Democratic party, and is to-day a strong
advocate of the free coinage of silver. He
has served as school director for nine years,
and is at present school trustee. His wife
and three daughters are members of the
Lutheran church and he gives to its sup-
port. He is widely and favorably known
throughout the community in which he has
so long made his home, and he has a host
of warm friends.
HON. CHARLES SCHNEIDER, mayor
of Oregon, and cashier of the First
National Bank, of that city, is a native of
the city, and was born October 19, 1843,
and is the son of John M. and Rebecca
(Etnyre) Schneider, the former a native of
Bavaria, and the latter of Washington
county, Maryland. John M. Schneider was
born June 8, 1808, and in his native country
grew to manhood. He came to the United
States in 1834, locating first in Baltimore,
Maryland, where he remained for a time,
removing from there to St. Louis, and later
to Galena, Illinois. In 1836 he settled in
Oregon, which at that time contained two
log houses. He was a tailor by trade, but
at Oregon opened first a grocery store and
engaged in the grocery business, later estab-
lishing a clothing store and continued in the
clothing business up to the time of his death,
which occurred September 30, 1893. He
was a successful business man and accumu-
lated a good estate. In politics he was a
Democrat, and religiously a Catholic. His
wife, who was born at Smithsburg, Wash-
ington county, Maryland, August 20, 1808,
was the eldest child of John and Catherine
Etnyre, and came with her parents to Ogle
county in 1839. In religious belief she was
a Lutheran. She died in the spring of 1895.
They were the parents of three children,
Charles, Mary and Ellen. Both daughters
died in young womanhood.
Charles Schneider was reared in Oregon,
and after obtaining his primary education in
the public schools, entered the University of
Notre Dame, at South Bend, Indiana, where
he completed his course. After leaving that
institution he returned to Oregon and clerked
for a time in a store, and in 1870 entered
the banking house of Bayard & Company,
as bookkeeper. One year later this bank
was converted into the First National Bank
of Oregon, Illinois, and in iS74Mr. Schnei-
der was elected cashier, which position he
has since held. He was a little later elected
one of the directors of the bank, and is still
serving as such. The bank was chartered in
1 87 1 with a capital of fifty thousand dollars.
The present officers are George A. Mix, pres-
ident; J. L. Rice, vice-president; and
Charles Schneider, cashier. In addition to
those named the directors are William H.
Guilford and John Matmiller.
Mr. Schneider was married September
14, 1 87 1, to Miss Fannie Weller, a native
of Martinsburg, Virginia, and daughter of
Daniel and Mary (Timmons) Weller. At
an early day her parents located in Pine
92
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Creek township, Ogle county, where she
grew to womanhood. Her father was born
in Baltimore, Maryland, December i, 1805,
and died in Ogle county, December 26,
1890. Her mother, who was a daughter of
John Timmons, was born in Martinsburg,
Virginia, and died November 11, 18S6.
With the exception of her brother Charles,
now living in Pine Creek township, Mrs.
Schneider is the only one of her family now
living. To Mr. and Mrs. Schneider eight
children have been born — Frank B. , Charles
j., William D., Leo, Mary, Bert A., Ellen
and George E., all of whom are living but
Mary, who died in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Schneider are members of
the Catholic church. In politics he is a
Republican. In 1885 he was elected alder-
man and was re-elected three times. In
1893 he was elected mayor of the city, re-
elected in 1895, ^^'^ again in 1897, and is
yet serving in that office. No other mayor
ever served such a length of time. He is a
public-spirited citizen, and believes in push-
ing things, desiring his city to take a posi-
tion which it is entitled by its natural ad-
vantages. He is keenly alive to the de-
mands of the age, and under his administra-
tion the city of his birth will not suffer in
comparison with others. He is treasurer of
the Rock River Electric railroad, a new
enterprise of which he is one of the pro-
moters.
JOSIAH A. HAYS, a well-to-do farmer
of Buffalo township, resides on a well
improved farm on section 1 1, lying near the
city of Polo. He has been a resident of
the county since the spring of 1854, com-
ing here from Washington county, Mary-
land, where he was born March 17, 1843.
He is a son of Henry Hays, a native of the
same county and state, who was born in
1808, and who grew to manhood in his na-
tive county and married Miss Sarah Eakle,
who was likewise a native of Washington
county. The good reports from Ogle coun-
ty, sent by friends who had settled here,
made him determine to follow their exam-
ple, and accordingly, in the spring of 1854,
accompanied by his family, he came to the
county and located in Pine Creek township,
where he purchased one hundred and sixty-
three acres of choice land and engaged in
farming, an occupation in which he was en-
gaged in his native state. On that farm he
resided a number of years, and then moved
to Polo, and there spent the last years of
his life, dying there in 1889, his death being
the result of an accident, having been run
over by a railroad train.
The boyhood of our subject was spent in
his native state, and in the common schools
he commenced to obtain an education. He
was but eleven years old when he accom-
panied his parents to Ogle county. He is
one of a family of eight children, all living
but one. On his arrival in Ogle county he
assisted his father in the cultivation of the
home farm, and usually in the winter
months attended the public schools. He
remained with his parents until after he
attained his majority, and was of great as-
sistance to them in developing the farm. In
March, 1S65, he enlisted under the last call
of the president for men to fill up the
depleted regiments. He became a member
of Company F, Eighteenth Illinois Volun-
teer Infantry, joining his regiment at Little
Rock, Arkansas. While the war was soon
afterwards ended, his regiment was retained
in the service, doing guard duty through
Arkansas, until in December, 1865, when it
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
93
\yas mustered out of service at Pine Bluff,
Arkansas, the men receiving their discharge
at Springfield, Illinois.
On receiving his discharge Mr. Hays re-
turned to his old home and again engaged
in agricultural pursuits. On the jSth of
December, 1866, he was united in marriage,
at Freeport, Illinois, with Miss Louisa Ann
Martha Fo.x, a native of Albany, New York,
and daughter of John Fo.x, an Englishman,
who later came to Illinois and settled in
Macoupin county, where Mrs. Hays was
reared, and where he died in 1S56. His
widow later married John Greenfield, and
now resides in Grundy Center, Iowa. She
is also English born, and is now about
eighty-four years old. Mrs. Hays is one of
a family of three children, and the sole sur-
vivor. One brother, John A. T., was a
soldier in the Southern army, while the
other, F. B., was a soldier in the Union
army, and died while in the service of his
country.
The spring after his marriage Mr. Hays
moved to Harden county, Iowa, where he
purchased eighty acres of land and opened
up a farm. He remained on that farm two
years, then sold out and rented for two
years, then moved to Grundy county, in the
state, and purchased one hundred and sixty
acres and commenced the development of a
new farm. After remaining there ten years
and putting the farm under a high state of
cultivation, he sold out, and in 1883 returned
to Ogle county and purchased the farm
where he now resides, on which he has made
some permanent and valuable improvements,
including the remodeling of the house.
Mr. and Mrs. Hays have two daughters.
Martha Ellen is now the wife of James
Woolsey, and they have three children —
Frank E., Eugene Hays and Murial May.
10
They reside on a farm in Buffalo township.
Fanny Belle is the wife of William Dew, of
Buffalo township, and they have four chil-
dren— Perry W., Elmer, Mary Lavina and
Josie Louise.
Politically Mr. Hays has been a Repub-
lican since attaining his majority. His first
presidential ballot was for^braham Lincoln
in 1863, a time when the votes of every true
unionist counted for something. He has
never cared for office, but while residing in
Iowa he served as justice of the peace,
township treasurer and secretary of the
school board. He is a member of the Method-
ist Episcopal church at Polo, of which body
his wife is also a member. In whatever
concerns the church they take an active in-
terest, having at heart a love for the cause.
Although absent from the county for some
years he never lost interest in his old home,
and is happy to be again numbered among
its representative citizens.
CORNELIUS BOWMAN is the posses-
sor of a handsome property which now
enables him to spend his declining years in
the pleasurable enjoyment of his accumula-
tions Until recently the record of his life
was that of an active, enterprising, method-
ical and sagacious business man and farmer,
who bent his energies to the honorable ac-
quirement of a comfortable competence for
himself and family, but he is now living re-
tired in the village of Harper.
Mr. Bowman was born near Berlin,
Somerset county, Pennsylvania, August 13,
1 83 1, and is a son of John Bowman, who
was born on the same farm in 1792. His
paternal grandfather was a native of Ger-
many and was one of the first settlers of
Somerset count}-, where he opened up the
94
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
farm on which both our subject and his
father were born. The latter married EHza-
beth Marteeny, who was born near Somer-
set, Somerset county, of English ancestry.
He spent his entire life upon the old home-
stead engaged in agricultural pursuits, and
there died in 1844 at the age of fifty-two
years. His wife long survived him, dying
in 1890 at the advanced age of eighty-four
year. To them were born thirteen children,
but only six reached }ears of maturity and
four are now living, namely: Uriah, who
owns and operates the old homestead; John
J., a farmer of Somerset county; Chauncy,
also a farmer of Somerset county, who
served through the war of the Rebellion
and was wounded at the battle of Gett}S-
burg, and Cornelius, of this review. Cyrus,
the oldest of the family, was a farmer by
occupation and spent his entire life in Som-
erset county. Levina married Aaron Gei-
ger and also died in that county.
Upon the old homestead Cornelius Bow-
man grew to manhood, and in the schools
of the neighborhood obtained a limited ed-
ucation, which has been greatly supple-
mented by reading and study at home.
During early life he successfully engaged in
teaching for several terms. On the 27th
of February, 1S52, he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Theresa Hauger, also a
native of Somerset county, Pennsylvania,
and a daughter of Jacob Hauger, who was
born there and belonged to an old family of
the county. Of the twelve children born
of this union three died in infancy and John
died from an accident at the age of nine
years. Those living are Harvey, who re-
sides on the home farm in Ogle county,
Illinois; Norman, who is married and en-
gaged in business in Webster City, Iowa;
Grant, at home; Rebecca, wife of Fred F.
Nicodemus, of Forreston, Illinois; Mrs.
Rosanna E. Costello, who is now keeping
house for her brother Harvey; Agnes M.,
wife of Henry Fisher, who lives near For-
reston; Mary, wife of Jacob Piper, a farmer
of Forreston, and Verna, at home.
During the first year of his married life
Mr. Bowman operated a rented farm m
Somerset county, Pennsylvania, and then
in connection with his brother he bought a
tract of land which they developed into a
good farm and cultivated for thirteen years.
In the meantime he served as school direct-
or and township assessor. Coming west
in 1S65 he first located in Lee county, Illi-
nois, where he rented the Colonel Dement
farm for one year, but at the end of that
time he became a resident of Ogle county,
where he has since made his home. He
rented a farm in Forreston township for one
year and then bought a tract of eighty acres,
to the cultivation of which he devoted his
time for several years. On selling that
place he bought the old David Raisinger
farm of two hundred acres in Forreston
township, and located thereon. When the
railroad was laid out across his land, he
divided some of his property into town lots
and started the village of Harper. He
built a store room and embarked in mer-
chandising at that place, leaving his sons to
operate the farm, and continued to actively
engage in business there for seventeen years.
In the meantime he served as assistant post-
master, and later as postmaster being con-
nected with that office for si.xteen or
seventeen years. Besides his village pro-
perty and the 'farm already mentioned he
owns a well improved and valuable farm
in Carroll county, Illinois, comprising
one hundred and sixty acres, and has
four hundred and eighty acres of improved
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
95
land in Cheyenne county, Nebraska. He
was one of the organizers of the Forreston
Fire Insurance Company, of which he has
been a stockholder, director and secretary
for seven years, and he has been actively
identified with all enterprises which he be-
lieved calculated to advance the interests of
the community in which he lives and pro-
mote general prosperity.
Originally Mr. Bowman was a Whig in
politics, casting his first vote for General
Winfield Scott, and since the formation of
the Republican party he has been one of its
stanch supporters. He has taken quite an
active and prominent part in local politics,
and has filled a number of township offices,
being commissioner of highways si.x years,
school director for a number of years, and
supervisor two terms, during which time he
served on some important committees. He
and his wife are among the original members
of the Reformed church of Forreston, con-
tribute liberally to its support and assisted
in the erection of the house of worship.
For the success he has achieved in life Mr.
Bowman deserves great credit, for he started
out in life with but little capital, and the
prosperity that has come to him is due to
his own industry, enterprise, perseverance
and good management. He is to-day one
of the substantial men of the county, as
well as one of its honored and highly es-
teemed citizens.
JOHN J. LEBO is a wide-awake and
energetic farmer of Forreston township
who owns and operates a well-improved and
valuable farm of one hundred and twenty
acres conveniently situated within a mile of
the village of Forreston. He is a native of
Pennsylvania, born near Harrisburg, in
Dauphin county, September i8, 1847, and
is a son of Phillip Lebo, a native of the
same county. The grandfather, John Lebo,
who was born of French parentage, was a
pioneer of Dauphin county, where he open-
ed up a farm and reared his family. On
reaching man's estate Philip Lebo married
Miss Barbara Meyers, also a native of
Dauphin county and a daughter of Jacob
Mej'ers, who was a represntative of one of
its honored pioneer families. Mr. Lebo owned
and operated a fine farm of one hundred
and fifty acres near Elizabethville, Penn-
sylvania, was one of the prominent and in-
ffuential citizens of his county, and was
called upon to serve in a number of local
of^ces of honor and trust. In the county
of his nativity he died in April, 1886, at
about the age of eighty-four, having sur-
vived his wife for some years.
In the family of this worthy couple were
twelve children, of whom ten reached years
of maturity, namely: Philip, a prominent
business man, who is now engaged in the
manufacture of lumber in the state of
Washington; John J., our subject; Eliza A.,
twin sister of John J., and the wife of C. S.
Hartman, of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania;
Mrs. Sarah M. Herner, a widow residing in
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Aaron S., who is
married and engaged in blacksmithing in
the state of \\'ashington; William, who
married but is now deceased; Mrs. Ann
Reams, a widow living in Harrisburg; Re-
becca J., wife of John Mayer, of Washing-
ton; Mary D., wife of John D. Hartman, of
Dauphin county, Pennsylvania; and Eman-
uel N., a contractor and builder of Harris-
burg.
John J. Lebo passed his boyhood and
youth in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania and
received a good common-school education,
96
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
which has been greatly supplemented by
reading and observation in later years. He
remained under the parental roof until reach-
ing man's estate and in Dauphin county was
married, June 2, 1870, to Miss Sarah Lark,
who was also born, reared and educated in
that county, and is a daughter of Daniel
and Susan Lark, natives of Pennsylvania.
Two children have been born of their union,
namely: Cora E. , now the wife of Rev. D.
N. Frantz, a minister of the Reformed
church now located at Stonington, Illinois;
and Harry E., who is attending school in
Dixon.
For several years after his marriage Mr.
Lebo operated rented land in his native
county, but in 1877 he came west, joining
old Pennsylvania friends in Ogle county,
Illinois. After renting for about four years
he bought eighty acres in Forreston town-
ship on which he now resides, and erected
thereon a good house and substantial out-
buildings, but in 1890 his residence was
destroyed bj? fire, together with a large part
of the household goods. Later in the sea-
son he built his present comfortable home
and barn, and now has one of the best
improved farms of the locality. To the
original purchase he added a forty-acre tract
adjoining and now has one hundred and
twenty acres, which he has placed under ex-
cellent cultivation. In connection with
general farming he is also interested in stock
raising and has upon his place a good grade
of horses, cattle and hogs.
Politically Mr. Lebo is a lifelong Re-
publican, having cast his first presidential
vote for U. S. Grant in the fall of 1868, and
as a delegate to the county conventions of
his party he has done much to advance its
interest in this section of the state. b'or
eighteen years he has been a member of the
school board and secretary of the district for
about the same length of time, but has never
sought nor desired office, preferring to give
his undivided attention to his business in-
terests. Socially he is a member of the
Knights of the Globe and the Mystic Order,
and religiously both he and his wife are
members of the English Lutheran church.
They are widely and favorably known and
their friends are many in Ogle county.
WILLIAM C. DIEFFENBAUGH.--
Among the successful and enterpris-
ing farmers of Ogle count}', who have ac-
cumulated a competency through their
own exertions and economy, and who thor-
oughly understand their chosen calling, is
the subject of this biographical notice, who
resides in section 14, Forreston township.
He was born in Montour count}', Pennsyl-
vania, February 6, 1840, a son of Conrad
Dieffenbaugh, a native of Columbia county,
Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood
and married Catherine Stannn, also a native
of the Keystone state. The father, who
was a farmer by occupation, spent his en-
tire life in Pennsylvania, dying there in
18S2. In the family were the following
children; Benjamin, a farmer of Pennsyl-
vania; William C. , our subject; David E., a
resident of Sandusky county, Ohio; Frank-
lin, a resident of Wood county, Ohio;
Charles, who lives in Kansas, twenty-five
miles west of\\'ichita; Mrs. Mary Ellen
Brown, a widow residing in Cheney, Kan-
sas; and Sarah Ann, who died at the age of
ten years.
During his boyhood and youth William
C. Dieffenbaugh received a good common-
school education and was reared on the
houu; farm, remaining with his father until
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
97
he attained his majority, and assisting him
in carrying on the place. He continued to
work for his father for one year and then
went to Columbia county, Pennsylvania,
where for two years he was engaged in rais-
ing broom corn during the summer and
manufacturing it into brooms during the
winter months at Bloomsburg. In the
spring of 1864, he came to Ogle county,
Illinois, but after working on a farm in For-
reston township for one summer, he went
to Carroll county, where he remained for
four years.
Returning to Ogle county, Mr. Dieffen-
baugh married Miss Anna Heitman, a
native of Maryland, who died here in 1S71,
and of the two children born of that union
one died in infancy and the other at the age
of thirteen months. He was again married
in Ogle county, September 25, i 873, his sec-
ond union being with Miss Margaret Timmer,
a native of the county, who was reared amidst
scenes incident to pioneer life. As a child
she remembers seeing deer approach the
house in search of food, and the wolves
often made the night hideous by their howls.
Her father, Frederick Timmer, was a native
of Germany, but was reared in Maryland,
where he married Miss Margaret Jane Fry,
who was born in that state, but whose
father was an Englishman, her mother a
German. Mr. and Mrs. Timmer were hon-
ored pioneers of Ogle county, and here
reared their family of ten children, all of
whom reached man and womanhood, and
with but one exception all are still living.
They are as follows: John F., a farmer of
Forreston township; Elias A., a farmer of
Mar3'land township; Margaret, wife of our
subject; 'Mary Ellen, deceased; Sophia,
wife of John Rebman, a farmer of Ogle
county; Helen E., wife of Chris Zumdahl,
of Ogle county; Henry, a resident of For-
reston; Frank, who owns and operates the
old home farm; Emma, a resident of For-
reston; and Charles, a farmer of this
county. Mr. and Mrs. Dieffenbaugh have a
family of seven children, namely: Anna,
who was educated in the schools of the
home district of Forreston, and is now the
wife of Harry Acker, a farmer of Brook-
ville, IIHnois; John and Jesse, who assist
their father in the operation of the home farm ;
Frances Luella, at home; Benjamin C, a
student of the Forreston high school;
Harvey F. , at home; Walter F., who died
at the age of fifteen months; and Emma
May, who is attending the home school.
For a number of years after his mar-
riage, Mr. Dieffenbaugh rented land and
engaged in farming and raising broom corn
during the summer, while through the win-
ter he continued to engage in the manufac-
ture of brooms. In 1884 he purchased his
present farm of one hundred and sixty acres
on section 14, Forreston township, and the
following year located thereon, since which
time he has devoted his energies to general
farming and stock raising with most grati-
fying results. He has remodeled the house
and made other improvements upon the
place which add to its value and attractive
appearance.
Politically Mr. Dieffenbaugh is identi-
fied with the Democratic party, but aside
from voting has never taken a very active
part in political affairs. He is a warm
friend of our public school s\stem, and is
now most capably and satisfactorily serving
his fourteenth year as president of the dis-
trict school board. Religiously both he and
his wife are earnest and faithful members
of the Zion Reformed church at Forreston.
His sterling integrity, inflexible honesty,
98
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and general high principles, have won him
the respect of every community in which he
has resided, and he is to-day one of the
most esteemed and valued citizens of his
portion of the county.
J
OHN REYNOLDS, one of the leading
and representative farmers and stock
raisers of Woosung township, and who re-
sides on his fine farm on section 9, was born
June 24, 1844, in county Roscommon, Ire-
land, and is the son of Thomas and Mary
(Graham) Reynolds, both natives of the
same county in Ireland.
In 1849 Thomas Reynolds came to the
United States, taking passage in a slow sail-
ing vessel, and landing in New York. He
remained in that city but a very short time,
going from there into Pennsylvania, where
he secured work on a railroad. He remained
in Pennsylvania about two years, and then
went to Dayton, Ohio. He had now ac-
cumulated sufficient funds to send for his
family, which he accordingly did, and in
due time they joined him at Dayton. After
remaining in that city until 1865, he con-
cluded to come to Illinois. Locating in
Woosung township. Ogle county, he pur-
chased a farm and engaged in agricultural
pursuits. Industrious as the day was long,
he made a success in life, becoming a thor-
ough and practical farmer. He continued
farming until within a few years of his death,
when he retired from active life and lived
retired, still, however, remaining on his
farm. His death occurred December 16,
i89r, at the age of ninety years. He was
a fine type of the Irish gentleman, and was
a hale and hearty old man, retaining his
mental faculties until the last. His good
wife died February 15, 1881. They were
the parents of five children, of whom our
subject is the oldest. Winifred, who is the
wife of John Donavan, is living in Dayton,
Ohio. Martin, who was in the Fourth Ohio
Cavalry and served through the entire Civil
war, is now making his home with our sub-
ject. Patrick, who married Bridget Dalton,
is living on the old home place in Woosung
township. Mary died in infancy. In poli-
tics Thomas Reynolds was a Democrat, and
religiously was a Roman Catholic.
The subject of this sketch spent his boy-
hood and youth in Dayton, Ohio, and in the
public schools of that city received his edu-
cation. At the age of fifteen, he quit school
and commenced working in a furniture fac-
tory. He remained in that employment
but a short time and then ran a stationary
engine in a foundry for several years. In
1S65, he came to Ogle county, joining his
father, who had come about one month pre-
viously. On his arrival he took the man-
agement of his father's farm, although he
had no previous experience in farming. His
success has been wonderful in this respect,
as it is not often that one takes up the life
of a farmer after having spent years in other
employment and makes of farming a suc-
cess.
Mr. Reynolds continued to manage his
father's farm until his marriage, November
28, 1882, to Miss Mary Doyle, who was
born August 29, 1857, in Livingston county,
New York, and daughter of Darby and
Mary (Dalton) Doyle, her father being a
farmer by occupation. Both parents were
natives of Tipperary county, Ireland. They
left their native land in 1852, and crossing
the Atlantic, made their way to Livingston
county. New York, where they were mar-
ried, and resided about five years. From
that county they moved to Lexington, Ken-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
99
tucky, where they remained four years,
coming from there to Ogle county and
locating on a farm on section 12, Woosung
township, where the family has since con-
tinued to reside. Mr. and Mrs. Doyle had
a family of six children: Mary, wife of our
subject; James, living in Le.xington, Ken-
tucky; Catherine, deceased; Lizzie, wife of
William Callahan, who is living on the farm
of Mr. Doyle; two daughters, who died in
infancy. Mrs. Dojle died September 23,
1897. ^^r. Doyle is yet living on the old
homestead. Religiously he is a Roman
Catholic, and politically a Democrat.
Four children have come to bless the
union of Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds. Mary
Winifred, born March 17, 1885, is now at-
tending school at St. Clara Academy, Sin-
sinawa, Wisconsin; Catherine Frances, born
February 15, 1888; James Martin, born
July 4, 1889, and Elizabeth Lauretta, born
February 21, 1893, are attending the dis-
trict school.
After his marriage, Mr. Reynolds moved
to his present farm, which he had previously
purchased and which comprises two hun-
dred acres of excellent land. The farm has
been placed under a high state of cultiva-
tion, and everything about the place denotes
the master mind of its owner. He raises
Durham short-horn cattle, Poland-China
hogs and Morgan horses. Each year he
markets about one hundred head of hogs.
Commencing life with bat little else than a
stout heart and willing hands, he has been
quite successful in life, and has no reason
to regret making Ogle county his permanent
home.
In politics Mr. Reynolds is a Democrat,
but in local affairs he votes for the man and
not party. For thirteen years he has served
as school director, and for five years was
road commissioner. He was also a member
of the board of supervisors for four years,
during' which time he was on several im-
portant committees, including the commit-
tee on education and the building com-
mittee. A public spirited man, he has the
confidence of his friends and neighbors in
a remarkable degree. Religiously he is
connected with the Catholic church, of
which his wife is also a devoted member.
JOHNSON LAWRENCE, a well-known
and prominent farmer residing on sec-
tion I, Eagle Point township, is a represent-
ative of one of the old and honored pioneer
families of Ogle county — one who has borne
its part in her development and prosperity
for over sixty years. He was born on the
old homestead where he still resides, June
17,1844, and is a son of John Lawrence,
whose birth occurred in Kent county, Eng-
land, in I So I. Leaving home in 18 17, he
crossed the broad Atlantic and after spend-
ing one year in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
went to Ontario, Canada, locating north of
Toronto, where he engaged in farming.
There he married Miss Lydia Johnson, a
native of that country, where they continued
to make their home until 1838, which year
witnessed their arrival in Ogle county, being
among its first settlers. In Eagle Point
township the father bought a claim of one
hundred and eighty-three acres, of which
only a few acres had been broken and a log
cabin erected thereon. To the further im-
provement and cultivation of the place he at
once turned his attention, and when the land
came into market he entered it from the
government. He was one of the represent-
ative and most active farmers in the coun-
ty and from the raw land soon developed a
lOO
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
fine farm. He met with a well-deserved
success in his operations and by an upright,
honorable life commanded the respect and
esteem of all who knew him. He was one
of the original members of the Methodist
Episcopal church of Buffalon Grove, gave
liberally of his means to its support, and al-
ways took an active and prominent part in
church work. He died on October 31,
1886, and his estimable wife passed away in
November, 1888, the remains of both being
interred in the Polo cemetery, where a sub-
stantial monument marks their last resting
place.
Johnson Lawrence, of this review, is the
youngest in a family of seven children, two
sons and five daughters, namely: Nancy,
who married Philetus Peck and settled in
Nebraska, where she died in 1867; Susana,
who married Albert Slater and resides in Jef-
ferson, Marion county, Oregon; Mary, wife
of J. C. Williams, of Denver, Colorado ;Jor-
dan who is now living retired in Polo;Cath-
erine, who married Moses Culver and died
in Nebraska; Maria, wife of Isaac Appleford,
of Di.xon, Illinois; and Johnson.
Our subject was reared in much the
usual manner of a farmer of his day, and
his early education, acquired in the com-
mon schools near his boyhood home, was
supplemented by a year's course in Mt.
Morris College, then known as the Rock
River Seminary. On the 4th of September,
1862, he enlisted as a private in Company
D, Ninety-second Illinois Volunteer Infan-
try, which was assigned to the Army of the
Cumberland, and with which he participated
in the battles of Franklin and Tryune, Ten-
nessee. In August, 1S63, he was trans-
ferred to the mounted infantry, and later
took part in the engagements at Hoover's
Gap, Shelbyville and a series of skirmishes.
With his regiment he was the first at Look-
out Mountain and Chattanooga, and be-
sides taking an active part in the battles
there, he also bore his part in the en-
gagements at Chickamauga and Ringgold,
Georgia, and in the Atlanta campaign, where
the regiment was almost constantly under
fire. During this time he was changed
from Wilder's brigade to Kilkpatrick's cav-
alry division, with which he remained until
the close of the war. He was with Sher-
man on his memorable march to the sea,
and later took part in the battles of Ben-
tonville, Waynesborough, Georgia, and
Aiken, South Carolina. The regiment was
then left in the south and was finally mus-
tered out at Concord, North Carolina, after
which he went to Chicago, where he was
discharged in July, 1865. On his return
home he resumed his farming operations
and continued to aid in the work on the old
homestead until 1875, when he took com-
plete charge of the same. He is a thor-
ough and systematic farmer and has met
with excellent success in his life-work. Be-
sides the home farm, comprising one hun-
dred and eighty-three acres, he also owns a
farm of one hundred and sixty acres, three
miles south of the former. For over twenty
years he has been engaged in feeding and
dealing in stock and annually' ships from
three to five car loads of cattle and one or
two car loads of hogs. He has also found
this business quite profitable, and is to-day
one of the most substantial and reliable
citizens of his community.
In Polo, April 8, 1S79, Mr. Lawrence
married Miss Julia E. Read, a native of
Ogle county and a daughter of George D.
Read, an early settler of Ogle county from
New York, who came here when a young
man, in 1836, and served as postmaster of
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lot
Buffalo for a number of years. Here he
wedded Mary Wamsley, also a native of
New York. His death occurred in 188:2,
and she passed away in 1884. Mr. and
Mrs. Lawrence have one daughter, Lillis,
now a student in the home school.
Politically Mr. Lawrence has been a
lifelong Republican, casting his first presi-
dential ballot for General U. S. Grant, in
1868, and supporting every Republican can-
didate for that office since then. He has
taken quite an active and influential part in
local politics, and has served five or si.\'
years as assessor of Eagle Point township,
and has been a delegate to a number of
county and congressional conventions of his
part}-. In 1S93 he was elected supervisor,
and so acceptably did he fill that office that
he has been continually reelected, being the
present incumbent. In 1S98 he was elect-
ed chairman of the county board and is now
filling that position with credit to himself
and to the entire satisfaction of his constitu-
ents. In whatever position he has been
called upon to serve he has discharged the
duties in a most efficient and creditable
manner. He is an honored member of the
Grand Army of the Republic, and his wife
is a member of the Independent Presb}'-
terian church of Polo. They stand high in
the communit}' where they have so long
made their home and those who know them
best are numbered among their warmest
friends.
JOHN S. ROSIER is a well-known con-
tractor and builder of Byron, of whose
skill many notable examples are to be seen
in Ogle county. Thoroughly reliable in all
things, the quality of his work is a convinc-
ing test of his own personal worth and the
11
same admirable trait is shown in his consci-
entious discharge of the duties of different
positions of trust and responsibility to which
he has been chosen.
Mr. Rosier was born in Perry county,
Pennsylvania, June 29, 1830. His ances-
tors originally made their home in Wurtem-
burg, Germany, but during the seventeenth
century they were driven out by the French
and sought a home on this side of the Atlan-
tic, becoming pioneers of Berks county,
Pennsylvania. The great-grandfather of our
subject, Jonathan Rosier, removed from
that count}' to what is now Perry county
and there reared his family, including George
Rosier, our subject's grandfather, who was
born in Berks county. The father, John
Rosier, spent his entire life in Perry county,
was a prosperous farmer and a highly re-
spected citizen of his community. He mar-
ried Maria Rice, a native of Juniata county,
Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Henry and
Margaret (Thomas) Rice. Her father was
one of a family of twenty-one children,
twelve sons and nine daughters, whose par-
ents, Zachariah Rice and wife, lived to ad-
vanced ages. The Rice family is also of
German descent and was founded near
Bradywine, Pennsyhania, during the seven-
teenth century.
In the county of his nativity John S.
Rosier spent his boyhood and youth, attend-
ing the common schools to a limited e.xtent,
but he is mostly self-educated since reach-
ing man's estate. There he also learned
the carpenter's and joiner's trade, which he
followed in Pittsburg in 1851. Coming to
Illinois in 1852, he worked at his trade in
Rockford for one year, and in the spring of
1853 came to Byron, where he has since
carried on operations as a contractor and
builder with marked success.
102
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In January, 1854, Mr. Kosier was united
in marriage with Miss Rebecca N. Bull, a
daughter of John Bull, one of the pioneers
of the county, and they began their domes-
tic life in the village of Byron, where he
purchased an unfinished residence the fol-
lowing year. That place continued to be his
home until 1890, when it, with its entire con-
tents, was destroyed by fire. Subsequently
he erected his present residence, which is
heated by a furnace and supplied with all
modern conveniences, being one of the best
in the village. He is now one of the oldest
contractors in the state, having carried on
operations in Ogle county for forty-five
years and on all sides are seen many evi-
dences of his skill and handiwork. He has
not only erected most of the buildings in
Byron, but has also built many houses and
barns throughout the surrounding country.
Mr. Kosier's first wife died in October,
1858, leaving two children: Frances M.,
now deceased, was a well-educated lady,
who was one of the successful and popular
teachers of Ogle county; and Charles B., a
carpenter and joiner, is married and resides
in Byron. Mr. Kosier was again married,
December 27, 1859, his second union being
with Miss Elizabeth Titus, of Rockford,who
was a native of New York, but when a child
went to Michigan and later came to Illinois.
Her father, Jarvis Titus, was an early set-
tler of Winnebago county, this state, where
Mrs. Kosier was principally reared and edu-
cated. By the second marriage there are
four children: Lucy Adella, wife of C. C.
Kennedy, of Hinckley, Illinois; Rebecca
E., wife of Captain H. C. Newcomer, of
the engineering corps of the United States
army, who is now located at Memphis,
Tennessee, and has charge of the levees on
the Mississippi and Arkansas rivers; Belle
L. , a well-eduCated young lady now en-
gaged in teaching; and Albert, who is a
first-class carpenter and is now with his
father.
In his political affiliations, Mr. Kosier
was first an old-line Whig, but in 1856
joined the Republican party, and has since
been one of its stanch supporters. He takes
an active part in local politics and cam-
paign work, and as alternate delegate to
the national convention of 1880, he assisted
in the nomination of James A. Garfield for
the presidency. For nearly forty years he
has served continuously as a delegate to the
county and congressional conventions of his
party and has done some very effective
work in promoting its interests. He. has
never sought office, but has served as village
trustee, commissioner of highways and
member of the school board, in a most
capable and satisfactory manner. In 1858
he became identified with the Masonic fra-
ternity and to-day is one of the most prom-
inent members of Byron Lodge, No. 274,
F. & A. M., of which he has been master
twenty-two years and uninterruptedly for
eighteen years, while for the same length
of time he has represented the lodge in the
Grand Lodge. He also belongs to Winne-
bago Chapter, No. 24, R. A. M., at Rock-
ford. For forty-five years he has been a
resident of Ogle county, has taken an active
interest in its growth and development, and
is to-day an honored member of the Old
Settler Association, serving as its president.
He has attended its meetings and taken
part in its proceedings for many years, and
in 1897 made a speech in reply to the ad-
dress of welcome. He is one of the best
known men in the county, and it is safe to
say that none are held in higher regard or
have more friends than John S. Kosier.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
103
ADAM BUTTELL, the founder of the
Buttell Piano Manufacturing Company,
Oregon, Illinois, was born in New York
city, April 21, 1855, and is the son of
Philip and Margaret (Lieb) Butteli, the
former a native of Alsace, France, but who
in early life removed to Bavaria, and later
to the United States, locating in New York
city. He was a cabinet and piano maker
by trade, and was an expert in that line.
His death occurred in New York city some
years ago. In politics he was a Republican,
and religiously a Catholic. His wife was
also a member of the Catholic church.
They were the parents of four children:
Adam, the subject of this sketch; George,
residing in New York city, where he is en-
gaged in the grocery trade; John, also of
New York, engaged in general merchandis-
ing; and Margaret, living in New York.
The subject of this sketch was reared in
New York city, where his education was
obtained. He began when of sufficient age
to learn the trade of piano making, work-
ing with his father, who, as already stated,
was an expert in that line, understanding
the manufacture of pianos in all its branches.
He there perfected his knowledge of the
trade, and later was employed in the best
establishments of the east. In April, 1889,
he left for the west, locating at Des Moines,
Iowa, where he started a factory for him-
self, under the name of Adam Buttell Piano
Company, which was later changed to
Adam Buttell & Sons. The excellence of
this- piano, and the purity of its tone, soon
commanded attention, and it was not long
before the Buttell piano was placed in the
best homes in Des Moines, and was the de-
light of the lovers of good music. He was
able to compete with the oldest piano
factories in the country in placing his instru-
ments. In 1895, he removed his factory to
Oregon, under the auspices of the National
Piano Company, of which company he took
the superintendency. This move was made
to get a good water power and to be near
the great centers of trade. This arrange-
ment lasted until June i, 1897, when
he resigned his position with the National
Piano Company, and re-established the
Adam Buttell & Sons Piano Company.
The latter company has been increasing its
trade, and has met with flattering success in
the sale of its pianos. As in Des Moines,
they are able to compete with the oldest
piano makers, and have a bright future be-
fore them. As with all new work, it takes
time for the people to learn of its merits,
but the Buttell piano has met with success
far beyond the company's fondest hopes,
which demonstrates beyond a doubt the ex-
cellence of this instrument, its rich, pure
tone, its durability, and also that people
appreciate a perfect piano. They have been
placed in Chicago, throughout the state of
Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska, Wis-
consin, Missouri, and other states.
The Buttell piano is an upright, embrac-
ing all the modern improvements, and is an
artistic and beautiful piece of workmanship.
From the special and superior construction
of its sounding board, the tone enhances
with age. The evenness of the scale holds
it longer in tune than other pianos. All
the material in these pianos is of the high-
est grade and selected with great care, al-
ways with the aim of producing the best
and most harmonious effects in tone. An-
other feature of this piano is that Mr. But-
tell is ever present, and supervises in the
minutest detail the putting together of every
part of his instruments. This feature, with
his long experience, is of the highest im-j
I04
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
portance. Mr. Buttell sells direct to the
people in this section of the country, and
his son John looks after its sale in Des
Moines, Iowa.
Mr. Buttell was married in New York
city, August 14, 1876, to Miss Anna Marie
Geis, daughter of Jacob Geis. She is a
native of Germany, born at Budeskeim on
the Rhine. Her parents, who are both de-
ceased, came to the United States in 1872,
locating in New York, where they both died.
By this union there were six children — John
Jacob, George Joseph, Frank Adam, Cath-
erine, Richard Arthur, and Harold Stanton.
Of these, Catherine died in childhood, while
the two oldest are in business with their
father. In politics Mr. Buttell is a Repub-
lican, and fraternally he is a member of
Oregon Lodge, No. 420, A. F. & A. M.,
and of Des Moines Lodge, No. 18, A. O.
U. W., of Des Moines, Iowa.
It is very fortunate for the city of Ore-
gon that the Buttell Piano Company has
been located there. In addition to its just-
ly acquired fame of being the most beauti-
ful located town on the far-famed Rock
river, it will have the distinction of being the
home of one of the best piano manufactor-
ies in this country.
CHARLES P. CHEESEM.-\N, a leading
and representative farmer of Eagle
Point township, residing on section 34, was
born near Toronto, Canada, July 17, 1837.
His father, Alfred Cheeseman, was a native
of England, born near London, in Kent
county. May 8, 18 12, and there grew to
manhood, learning the shoemaker's trade,
which he followed for some \ears. In
early manhood he married Miss Susan Law-
rence,also a native of England and a daugh-
ter of John Lawrence. In iS36they emi-
grated to Canada and took up their resi-
dence near Toronto, but three years later
came to Ogle count}', Illinois. At Buffalo
Grove, Mr. Cheeseman took up a claim,
erected thereon a log house and began to
break, fence and improve his little farm,
but in the spring of 1842 he sold the place
and removed to Chambers Grove, Carroll
county, where he purchased Michael .dyers'
claim to two hundred and forty acres. .A
few acres had been broken and a log house
built, in which the family lived while the fa-
ther opened up his farm. In 1S57 he
built a comfortable brick residence, a good
barn, set out a fine orchard and made a
fairly well improved farm of his place.
There he spent his remaining years, dying
December 26, 1894. His first wife, the
mother of our subject, passed away Febru-
ary 2, 1S54, and he subsequently married
Miss Frances P. l>uck, who died' seven
weeks previous to her husband's death.
Our subject is the oldest of the children
born of the tirst union; Robert D. is a
farmer residing near Shannon, Illinois; Eliz-
abeth A. is the wife of Christopher L.
Shirk, of Richland Cit}-, Richland county,
\\'isconsin; Mrs. Mary Saterly is a widow
residing near Shannon, Illinois; Rachel is
the wife of Charles Gross, of Sumnerville,
Tennessee; Nancy Jane is the wife of ^^'ill-
iam J. Griswold, of Milledgeville, Illinois;
Rhoda died in infancy; lantha, deceased,
was the wife of Jabez Todd, of Milledge-
ville; Emma married Dr. Robert McPherso,
of Carroll county, and died in California.
There were four children by the second
marriage, namely: George W., a resident
of Daggett, Illinuis; fosephine, of Chicago;
Samuel B. , (jf South Dakota; and Lafajette,
of Chicago.
C. p. CHEESEMAN.
THl-: BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
107
On the home farm in Carroll county
Charles P. Cheeseman passed his boyhood
and youth, attending the district schools a
few months during the winter, and aiding
in the farm work during the remainder of
the year. He remained with his father un-
til reaching man's estate and on leaving
home went to Nodaway county, Missouri,
where he worked for one year on a farm
four miles south of Maryville. The follow-
ing year was passed in Doniphan county,
Kansas, where he engaged in farming and
staging. In the spring of i860 he went to
Denver and from there to the Rocky mount-
ains, and engaged in freighting across the
plains for a year.
On the 14th of November, 1S61, Mr.
Cheeseman manifested his patriotism and
love of country by enlisting in Company H,
Second Kansas Cavalry, under Captain Gun-
ther and Colonel W. F. Cloud, the regiment
being assigned to the Seventh Army Corps.
He participated in numerous skirmishes, in-
cluding those at Lone Jack, Missouri; Cane
Hill, Arkansas; Prairie Grove and Coon
Creek, Missouri. He had some ribs broken
and sustained a rupture by being thrown
from his horse and for a short time was con-
fined in the hospital at Fort Scott. Later
he was on duty with a scouting detachment
made up of soldiers from the hospital and
thus spent four months in Kansas and Mis-
souri. After rejoining his regiment at
Springfield, Missouri, he participated in the
capture of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and on a
scouting expedition took Dardanelles. He
took part in the Shreveport campaign un-
der Steele, and from there went to Hot
Springs, participating in number of battles
and skirmishes, including the battle of Prai-
rie Deann, the taking of Fort Camden and
the engagement of Poison Springs, where
fourteen hundred Union men were engaged
in battle with seven thousand rebels, and
where the former lost their artillery and the
latter lost about twenty-two hundred men
in killed and wounded. After the battle of
Jenks Ferry, Mr. Cheeseman was transferred
to the ambulance corps and while taking
wounded to Pine Bluff, Arkansas, was cap-
tured, but was soon released. He then pro-
ceeded with his charges to Little Rock,
where he remained for six months, and later
rejoined the command at Fort Sirnth, re-
maining there until mustered out on the e.x-
piration of his term of service, March 7,
1S65, at Little Rock.
Mr. Cheeseman then returned to his
home in Elwood, Kansas, but a few weeks
later came to the old homestead at Cham-
bers Grove, Carroll county, Illinois, and for
two years assisted his father in carrying on
the farm. In that count}' he was married,
December 25, 1S67, to Miss Hannah M.
Hyzer, a native of Delaware county. New
York, and a daughter of Peter and Eliza-
beth (Hoyt) Hyzer, who settled in Carroll
count}-, Illinois, in 1855, and there spent
their remaining years. The father died in
1891, the mother a few }ears previous.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Cheese-
man are as follows: Tina, who married
David Buchanan, and died leaving one son,
Robert Grant, who is now living with our
subject; Harvey J., who carries on the home
farm; Lenny, who died in infancy; Susie,
wife of \'ernon Finkle, of Sanfordville, Illi-
nois; James, Albert and May, all at home.
After his marriage, Mr. Cheeseman lo-
cated on a farm in Lee county, Illinois,
where he operated rented land for three
years, and then removed to Story county,
Iowa, where he was engaged in agricultural
pursuits for two years. On returning to
io8
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
this state he purchased the farm of eighty
acres in Eagle Point township, Ogle coun-
ty, where he still resides, and to its im-
provement and cultivation he has since de-
voted his energies with marked success. He
is a natural mechanic, very handy with
tools, and has conducted a wagon and re-
pair shop since locating here. He cast his
first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln,
in 1864, and has since been a stanch sup-
porter of the Republican party and its prin-
ciples. Socially he is a charter member of
George Crider Post, No. 575, G. A. R., of
Milledgeville, and is one of the most highly
respected and honored citizens of the com-
munity in which he lives.
REUBEN S. MARSHALL.— If one de-
sires to gain a vivid realization of the
rapid advance in civilization which the last
few decades have brought about, he can lis-
ten to the stories of the men who are still
living among us, and by no means overbur-
dened with years, can tell of their boy-
hood. The log cabin home, the still ruder
school-house with its rough seats made of
slabs, its limited range of studies and its
brief terms, arranged on the subscription
plan, the routine of work at home, unre-
lieved by any of the modern devices by
which machinery is made to do in a short
time what formerly occupied the entire
year — these and many si miliar descriptions
will bring up in sharp contrast the advan-
tages of to-day. The subject of thissketch,
a highly respected citizen of Mt. Morris
township, residing on section 11, has many
interesting reminiscences of this sort.
Reuben S. Marshall was born in Clinton
county, New York, October 4, 1827, and is
the son of Caleb and Louisa (Sanburn) Mar-
shall, both of whom were natives of Stowe,
Vermont, the former born November 5,
1778, and the latter July 15, 1798. Her
father later served in the war of 18 12.
Soon after their marriage Caleb Marshall
and wife removed to Clinton county, New
York, where all their children were born.
They were numbered among the early set-
tlers of that county, which was their home
for many years. They were the parents of
si.\ children, as follows: Caleb S., born
January 21, 1819; Almira E., August 21,
1820; Lucien, May 14, 1822; Phila, July 21,
iS24;Mary K., September 23, iS25;and
Reuben S., our subject.
Caleb Marshall served in the same regi-
ment, under Colonel Baker, in which was
his father-in-law, Mr. Sanburn. By trade
he was a dyer and puller, and in his day the
cloth was all dyed and pulled by hand. He
also learned the trade of a cooper, which he
followed to some e.Ntent while yet residing
in the east, but never after coming west.
In November, 1834, the Marshall family
started for Illinois, but on arriving at Cleve-
land, Ohio, they heard alarming reports
about the Indians and concluded to stop for
a time until there should be no further
trouble from hostile Indians. They re-
mained in Ohio about two years. In Octo-
ber, 1836, Caleb Marshall left his family in
Cleveland and came to Ogle county, Illi-
nois, and made claim to a half section of
land in Mt. Morris township, the present
home farm of our subject. Lake naviga-
tion having suspended when he \Vas ready
to return to Cleveland, he walked the entire
distance back to that city.
On the 22d of February, 1837, the fam-
ily left Cleveland for their new home, com-
ing by team arrising at Oregon, on the 19th
of March, being about four weeks on the
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
109
road. After remaining in Oregon about
three weeks, they crossed the river, pro-
ceeding to their claim, where a small log
house, 12 X 14, was erected, into which the
family moved. An addition was subsequent-
ly built of about twelve feet, and that
cabin was the family home for some years.
For a time there was nothing but a dirt
floor, but finally a floor of punchsons was
laid. The roof was made of "shakes,"
held down by weight poles. It was a rude
structure, but it was the abode of hospitaity.
As soon as the frost was out of the ground
some five acres were broken and their first
crop planted, consisting of two acres of
wheat, one acre of oats, an acre and a half
of sod corn, and a half acre of potatoes.
On arriving in Ogle county, Caleb Mar-
shall found himself the possessor of sixteen
dollars and a half, and a two-horse team;
with that capital he had to provide for his
family until he could so improve his farm
as to make it productive. This was no
easy thing to do in a new country where
there was no markets nearer than Chicago,
save Galena, which in many respects was
not as good. Often has our subject gone
to the former place with a load of wheat
and without a cent to defray expenses. In
those trips he was usually commissioned to
buy something for neighbors. In Chicago
payment was made in paper currency, but
in Galena only gold and silver were used.
It was difficult to carry out a neighbor's
commission at the latter place when no one
in this vicinity had gold or silver to pay.
Taxes, however, had to be paid in gold or
silver and it was fortunate that such a town
as Galena was convenient. When one did
not have produce to sell at that point, they
would go to the lead mines at that place
and work long enough to get sufficient gold
or silver for taxes. The first trip our sub-
ject made to Chicago with wheat was when
he was fifteen years old, and it required
seven days in going and coming with a team
of horses.
Caleb Marshall was twice married. By
his first union there was one daughter that
grew to womanhood, married and went still
farther west. After a wedded life of about
two years, his first wife died, and he subse-
quently married Louisa Sanburn, as already
stated. His death occurred May 17, i860,
his wife having passed away August 12, 1S58.
In politics he was an old-line Whig until
the birth of the Republican party, when he
voted for its first presidential candidate,
John C. Fremont. Fraternally he was a
Mason of high standing in the east. Relig-
iously he was a Congregationalist, as was
also his wife. He was a man of strong char-
acter, a kind husband and father, and a
good neighbor.
Reuben S. Marshall was in his tenth year
when he accompanied his parents to Ogle
county. His educational advantages were
very limited and confined strictly to the
common school, attending a few daj's each
winter term until he was seventeen years
old. The longest that time he continuously
attended was for twenty-one days. He was
one of the first pupils to attend a school
taught by John A. Wagner, there being but
nine enrolled during the term. The school
house was the typical one of logs, with pun-
cheon floor and slab seats. On leaving
school he settled down to a life of hard
work, and in the sixty-two years that he has
resided in Ogle county, he has certainly
done his full share of the work necessar\- to
its development.
Mr. Marshall was married January 13,
1850, to Miss Matilda Steffa, a nati\'e of
no
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Washington county, Maryland, born July
29, 183 I, and daughter of William and Eliz-
abeth Steffa, both of whom were natives of
the same county and state, and who came
to Ogle county in 1S44. By this union
twelve children were born. William C. ,
born March 6, 1853, married Mary Rowe,
and they have two children. He is living
in the town of Mount Morris. Mary E.,
born May 25, 1854, died September 19, of
the same year. Emma May, born May 25,
1 85 5, married Dr. H. C. Clements, and
they reside in Chicago. They have one
child. IraW., born August 24, 1857, mar-
ried Delia Smith, and they have two chil-
dren. They are living in Mount Morris
township. Charles E., born January 30,
1S59, died September 2, 1859. AlbertusS.,
born July 27, 1S61, married Martha Price,
and they reside in Oregon, where he is in
the hotel business, as proprietor of the Sin-
issippi House. Francis E., born June 12,
1863, married Anna Smith, and they reside
in Mount Morris township. Ida E., born
February 3, 1866, is living at Oregon. John
C, born September 10, 1867, married Grace
Koontz, and with their two children they
are living in Mount Morris township. Grace
A., born April 24, 1S69, married John M.
Rinehart, and they have one child. They
are living in Iowa Falls, Iowa. Viola,
born December 11, 1S70, married David
Bock, and they have three children. They
make their home with our subject. Oliver
E., born March 21, 1873, is living in Iowa
Falls, Iowa, where he is engaged in the drug
business. Mrs. Marshall died Februar)- 24,
1875. She was a devoted wife and mother,
and her place in the home circle left a void
that could not be filled.
Mr. Marshall has in his possession some
rare old papers that he prizes very highl}'.
among them the Ulster County Gazette,
under date January 4, 1800, containing the
notice of the death of George Washington,
which occurred on the 14th of December,
1799, some twenty days previously. To
realize something of the progress made in
means of communication, one has but to
think of the death of the most noted man
in the country, and yet it required nearly
three weeks to carry the news a few hundred
miles. Now the death of a man in any part
of the civilized world is knosvn everywhere
within a few minutes after the occurrence.
Another one of the papers in Mr. Marshall's
possession is the New England Weekly
Journal, of Monday, April 3, 1728. He has
also the New York Morning Post, of Friday,
November 7, 1783. The last named con-
tains notices of several slave sales. Think
of slave sales in New York!
In politics Mr. Marshall is a Republican,
with which party he has acted since the
" Pathfinder," John C. Fremont, was nomi-
nated for the presidency in i860. He has
always manifested an interest in politics and
local affairs. He has held the office of
school director for thirty years and that of
road commissioner for thirty-three years.
He served two terms as a member of the
board of supervisors, and was one of the
building committee for the erection of the
present court house in Oregon. \\'hile a
member of the board he served as chairman
of the claim connnittee for two years, and
chairman of the salary committee one year.
Fraternally he was for many years con-
nected with the Odd Fellows, but is not
at present in fellowship, his age and the
distance from the lodge preventing. Re-
ligiously he is identified with the Lutherans,
holding membership with the church in Mt.
Morris.
THK BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1 1
In the sixty-two years in which Mr. Mar-
shall has lived in Ogle county what wonder-
ful changes have been made! Then a thinly
settled country, with neighbors few and far
between. Now, a perfect hive of industry,
the country thickly settled with a prosper-
ous people. When he came to the county
there were but three log cabins in Oregon
and but three in the vicinity, and not one
between Oregon and Freeport, and only
seven in the latter place. He was here
when the notorious Driscolls were executed
and when they committed their worst crimes.
In the early days it was not always easy to
even get enough to eat. He remembers that
on one occasion his father went to Ottawa for
provisions, soon after their arrival here, and
while he was gone the family ate up every-
thing but some dried beans. On those beans
and some gophers that the boys killed the
family lived for several days.
Notwithstanding the hardships endured,
it was not always dark and gloomy. There
was a bright side to pioneer life. People
were as hospitable as the day was long.
There was little conventiality. Boys and
girls used to go barefooted until they were
quite large. The country dance was a source
of amusement. The boys would go for their
girls on horseback, and taking them on behind
away they would go, and "dance till broad
daylight." Spelling-schools and husking-
bees were another source of amusement often
indulged in. All in all they had a good time,
and few pioneers would be willing to ex-
change their experience for those of a later
day. Mr. Marshall has no cause to regret
becoming a pioneer of Ogle county. He
has been blessed " in basket and store," and
has to-day more than a section of as fine
land as one would care to see, and "the
wolf has alwaj's been kept from the door."
12
TAMES H. DONALDSON, an active
vJ and enterprising farmer residing on sec-
tion I, Buffalo township, about three miles
from Polo, is a native of Ogle county, and
was born in Brookville township, November
30, 1854. His father, Walter Donaldson,
was a native of England, born on the line
between England and Scotland, but on the
English side, in 1819. William Donaldson,
the grandfather, was of Scottish birth, as
was also his wife.
In 1 82 1 William Donaldson came with
his family to the United States, landed in
Vermont and afterward settled in New
York. Later he moved to Canada, where
he lived some years, and in 1839 came to
Ogle county and settled in Eagle Point
township, being among the first settlers of
that township. Taking up a claim in Buf-
falo Grove, he opened up a farm, purchas-
ing the land when it came into the market.
Walter Donaldson came with his parents to
the county and took up a claim in Brook-
ville township and at once began its im-
provement. He later went to Canada, and
near Toronto married Miss Sarah Sylvester,
a native of Canada, but of Scotch and Irish
parentage. After his marriage he returned
with his bride to his farm in Ogle county
and here spent the remainder of his life, be-
coming one of the enterprising and success-
ful farmers, and a highly honored citizen.
He served his township as a member of the
board of supervisors, and in other official
positions. He died on his old farm Novem-
ber 28, 1 888, while his wife passed away
about six years previously. They were the
parents of three children, the others being
William, a farmer of Lincoln township, and
Ellen, wife of Arthur McMaster, of Fowler,
Colorado.
The subject of this sketch grew to man-
tl2
thp: biographical record.
hood on the old home farm and was edu-
cated in the schools of the neighborhood.
He remained with his father till his death
and carried on the old place for several
years after. He was married in Whiteside
county, Illinois, January 15, 1889, to Miss
Agnes McNeil, a native of Whiteside coun-
ty, where she was reared. In the schools
of Sterling, that county, she finished her
education, and for some years prior to her
marriage engaged in teaching in the public
schools. She is a daughter of Robert Mc-
Neil, a native of Scotland who came to the
United States when a young man, located
in Whiteside county, and there engaged in
agricultural pursuits. He married Jean
Lyle, also a native of Scotland, and daugh-
ter of James Lyle, a pioneer of Ogle coun-
ty. To Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson three
children have been born — Robert W., Har-
old J. and Mildred.
Mr. Donaldson continued to live on the
family homestead until 1893, when he re-
moved to Rock Falls, Whiteside county,
Illinois, where he rented a place for a few
months while looking for a new farm. In
the fall of 1893 he decided on his present
place and immediately made the purchase.
On the 1st of March, 1894, he moved to
the farm and has no cause to regret his
choice of location. He is now engaged in
general farming and stock raising and is
meeting with a fair degree of success.
The first presidential vote cast by Mr.
Donaldson was in 1876, when he voted for
Samuel J. Tilden, since which time he has
voted the Democratic ticket, his last presi-
dential vote being for John M. Palmer, in
1896. He was not with the majority of
his party on the financial question, and is
yet proud to be classed among the so-called
"gold Democrats" of his party. Relig-
iously he and his wife are identified with
the Presbyterian church at Polo. Frater-
nally he is a Mason and is a member of the
lodge at Polo. He has passed through all
the chairs, and was worshipful master of
the lodge in 1897 and in 1898, daring which
time he represented the lodge in the grand
lodge of the state. A lifelong resident of
the county, his interests are here, and he is
always willing to do all he can to make the
county occupy an exalted rank among the
counties of the state.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM T. DODDS, who
is now living retired in Byron, is one
of the veterans of 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 envia-
ble reputation through the sterling quali-
ties which go to the making of a good cit-
izen.
The Captain is a native of Ohio, born
in Nile township, Scioto county, August 7,
1 83 1, and is of Irish descent, his grand-
father, James Dodds, being a native of the
Emerald Isle. He was reared and educated
on the Isle of Man and on crossing the At-
lantic to America became a resident of
Pennsylvania. Major John B. Dodds, the
Captain's father, was born in the Keystone
state in 1797 or 1798, and there passed
his boyhood and youth, acquiring a good
practical education for that early day. He
was a second cousin of General Scott, and
a first cousin of Governor Samuel Black,
one of the most prominent men of Penn-
sylvania in his day. When a young man
Major Dodds went to Scioto county, Ohio,
where he engaged in school teaching for
several years with marked success. He
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
113
married Ann Tucker, a native of that state
and a daughter of John Tucker, and they
began housekeeping upon a farm in Scioto
county. He became one of the most prom-
inent and influential men of the county, was
honored with a number of official positions,
and served as sheriff for one or more terms.
During the Mexican war he was commis-
sioned major and detailed as recruiting offi-
cer. In 1855 he determined to try his
fortune farther west and moved to Ellis-
ville, Fulton county, Illinois, where he
spent his last years in retirement, dying
there in 1883. His first wife, the mother
of our subject, had died in Ohio, at the age
of fifty-one. Later he was again married
and had by the second union three chil-
dren. Harvey, the oldest child of the first
marriage, died at the age of eleven years.
David T. came to Illinois in 1853, and for
a number of years engaged in merchandis-
ing at Ellisville, but finally located on a
farm in Fulton county. From there he
went to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he
engaged in the real estate business and was
very successful. He died there about 1892.
Martha married Nelson Moore and died soon
afterward. Sarah J. married Samuel Ed-
ward, a farmer in Fulton county and is
now deceased. William T. , our subject, is
the next of the family. J. W. served as
first lieutenant of Company B, Forty-
seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry during
the Civil war, and is now treasurer of Ful-
ton county, making his home in Lewiston.
Captain Dodds grew to manhood in
Scioto county, Ohio, and received a com-
mon-school education, which has been
greatly supplemented by reading and study
in subsequent years. In 1853 he went
with his brother David to Fulton county,
Illinois, and spent nearly a year with his
uncle, James Schearer. Later he engaged
in farming with his brother-in-law, Samuel
Edwards, for a year or two, and in 1859
crossed the plains with ox teams to Pikes
Peak, being about eight weeks on the way.
Prospects not being good, he and one com-
rade went to Kansas and in Brown county
he took a quarter section of land. Return-
ing to Fulton county, Illinois, he built a
boat and run a ferry across Spoon river at
Ellisville, in i860, and did a profitable
business.
Feeling his country needed his services
Captain Dodds laid aside all personal inter-
ests in 1861, and joined the boys in blue as
a private of Company C, Seventeenth Illi-
nois Volunteer Infantry, but was soon pro-
moted to the rank of sergeant. With his
regiment he went to Missouri, and after his
first engagement at Fredericktown, Missouri,
was commissioned first lieutenant. Later he
participated in the battles of Belmont,
Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh and
Corinth. At the battle of Fort Donelson
he received a gunshot wound and at Shiloh
was again wounded. He commanded his
company at Shiloh and Corinth and was
called captain though never commissioned
such. When he entered the service he
weighed one hundred and sixty-five pounds,
but on resigning, in 1863, his weight had
been reduced to one hundred ten and a half.
On the 14th of September, 1863, in Ogle
county. Captain Dodds was united in mar-
riage with Miss Ellen W. Ercanbrack, a na-
tive of Little Falls, New York, and a daugh-
ter of William S. Ercanbrack, who located
herein 181 5. The children born of this union
are Albert R. ; Charles A., a traveling sales-
man, who is married and resides in Joliet,
Illinois; Jessie B., wife of Fred Nott, a
merchant of Byron, Oglg county; Grace
114
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Ellen, wife of W. E. Cort, a successful law-
yer of Lewiston, Montana; and W'illiam B.,
who was drowned in the Rock river at the
age of seventeen years.
After his marriage Captain Dodds locat-
ed at Byron, and for one year carried the
mail, one day to Oregon and the next to
Rockford, but at the end of that time sold
his route. In 1865 he removed to Peoria,
where he engaged in the grocery business
six or seven years, and from there went to
Canton, Fulton county, where he was in-
terested in the grain business tor two years.
On selling out in 1873, he returned to By-
ron and assisted his father-in-law on the
farm for a year. He then went on the road
as salesman for a Chicago house, and during
the thirteen years he traveled was with
three different firms, his route being in this
state the entire time. He had a large trade
and built up a good business for each house.
He was very successful in this line. On
leaving the road, he bought an established
hardware business at Byron, which he suc-
cessfully carried on for eleven jears, selling
out in September, 1892. He was one of
the most enterprising and progressive busi-
ness men of the county, and seemed to
prosper in all his undertakings so that he is
now quite well-to-do, while he lives retired
from active business.
In 1852 the Captain cast his first presi-
dential ballot for General Winfield Scott,
and in 1 856 supported John C. Fremont,
since which time he has been an uncompro-
mising Republican, but he has never cared
for official honors, preferring to give his un-
divided attention to his business interests.
He has always been a strong supporter of
temperance. He is a Knight Templar Ma-
son, belonging to the blue lodge No. i 5 of
Peoria, and the chapter and conimnndery of
Peoria, and is a thirty-third degree Mason,
and he is also a prominent member of the
Grand Army Post of Byron. A man of
strong individuality and indubitable probity,
one who has attained to a due measure of
success in the affairs of life, and whose in-
fluence has always been exerted for the
good of the community, this honored veter-
an assuredly demands representation in this
volume.
PETER S. MEYERS.— While ■ ■ the race
is not always to the swift nor the bat-
tle to the strong," the invariable law of
destiny accords to tireless energy, industry
and ability a successful career. The truth
of this assertion is abundantly verified in the
life of Mr. Meyers, a well-known and highly
respected citizen of Forreston township, re-
siding on section 28.
He was born near Harrisburg, Dauphin
county, Pennsylvania, January 7, 1831, and
is of French descent, his great-grandfather
having come from France and settled in Berks
county, Pennsylvania. The grandfather,
Jacob Mej'ers, was a native of that county,
and the father, Peter Meyers, was born at
the same place September 11, 1805. The
family was established in Dauphin county
when the latter was a lad of nine
years,, and as a pioneer of that region Jacob
Meyers materiall)- aided in its development
and upbuilding. There his son Peter grew
to manhood and married Hannah Thoff-
stall, also a native of Pennsylvania. He
continued to carry on the old home farm for
a number of years, but in 1852, with his
family, he came to Ogle county, Illinois.
With his three sons and one son-in-law, he
purchased eight hundred acres of land in
I'orreston township, adjoining the present
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 115
village of that name, and he, himself, locat- pany and gives a cheerful support to all en-
ed on the farm where our subject now re- terprises which he believes calculated to
sides, making his home there until called prove of public benefit.
from this life in 1891, at the age of eighty- Mrs. Meyers died in 1871, leaving three
si.K years, eleven months and twenty-two children, namely; Millmon Riley, who was
days. His wife preceded him a number of an engineer on the Illinois Central railroad
years, dying in 1870. Our subject is the for several years; Alfred Ale.xander, who
youngest of their four children, the others owns and operates a farm of one hundred
being as follows; Eliza, who married and sixty acres near Polo, Ogle county; and
Joseph Fisher and died in Ogle county; Louisa Jane, wife of Henry Tice, a business
Jacob P., who at one time was a harness- man of Polo. In Forreston township, Feb-
maker in Mt. Carroll, Illinois, and later at ruary 8, 1872, Mr. Meyers was again mar-
at Fort Dodge, Iowa, for some years, but is ried, his second union being with Miss Mc-
now living retired at Waterloo, that state; linda Hoffa, a daughter of Jacob Hoffa.
and John, who is engaged in the real estate She was born in Northumberland county,
business at Spokane Falls, Washington. Pennsylvania, but was reared in Ogle coun-
Peter S. Meyers grew to manhood in ty. Of the eight children born of this
Pottsville, Pennsylvania, where he learned union seven are now living, namely; Sarah
the cabinetmaker's trade, and also painting Ann, wife of Edward E. Haller, whose
and fancy graining, at which he worked for sketch appears elsewhere in this work;
a number of years. In 1852 he accompanied William H., a farmer of Forreston town-
the family on their removal to Ogle county, ship; Hannah H., wife of Frank Diehl, a
and in addition to helping his father on the farmer of the same township; MelindaA.,
home farm, he worked at cabinetmaking at home; Daniel P., a student in the For-
for neighboring farmers and in West Grove. reston school; Jacob C, at home; Edith
In October, 1857, at White Oak Grove, E., who died at the age of six years; and
Ogle county, he was united in marriage Lucien G. , who is attending the home
with Miss Sarah Adams, who was born in school.
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in Mr. Meyers manifested his patriotism
1830, and was reared there, coming to Illi- and loyalty to country during the Civil war
nois when a young lady, and they began by enlisting at Dixon, in February, 1864, in
their domestic life upon his farm in For- Company F, Fifteenth Illinois \'olunteer In-
reston township. In 1853 and 1854 he had fantry, and entered the service as corporal,
hauled stone and erected the only stone With the Army of the Cumberland, the reg-
house in the township. This neat and sub. iment participated in many skirmishes, and
stantial structure is still standing, making a later joined General Sherman's command at
pleasant home for the family. Mr. Meyers Morehead City, and with him marched to
now gives his entire time and attention to the sea. They took part in the grand re-
agricultural pursuits and is the owner of two view at Washington, District of Columbia,
fine farms of one hundred and sixty acres in then went to Louisville, Iventucky, Leaven-
Forreston township. He is a charter mem- worth, Kansas, and later to Smoky Hill,
ber of the Forreston Fire Insurance Com- and were finally discharged at Leavenworth
ii6
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in August, 1865. Mr. Meyers first united
in Oregon Post, but is now a member of the
Grand Army Post at Forreston. He cast
his first presidential vote for General Win-
field Scott, the Whig candidate, but since
the organization of the Republican party in
1856, he has fought under its banner. He
has been honored with various official posi-
tions, serving as highway commissioner over
fifteen years, township treasurer twelve
years, and school director twenty-two years,
being president of the board most of the
time. He was made a Mason in Pennsyl-
vania, and is now a member of Mt. Morris
Lodge, F. & A. M. At the age of fourteen
years he joined the Reformed church, and is
now a member of the church of that denom-
ination at Forreston, while his wife holds
membership in the English Lutheran
church. Upright and honorable in all the
relations of life, he has the esteem and con-
fidence of all who know him and this brief
sketch of his life will be read with interest
by his many friends in Ogle county.
GEORGE WINDLE, a thoroughly pro-
gressive farmer and stock raiser, resid-
ing on section 15, Mt. Morris township, was
born in Shenandoah county, Virginia, No-
vember 18, i84i,and is the son of William
and Mary (Kretsinger) Windle, the former
a native of the same county and state, born
in 1807, and the latter in 1806. His father
was the son of George Windle, a wagon
manufacturer, also a native of Shenandoah
county, Virginia. His father, the great-
grandfather of our subject, was a native of
Germany, who emigrated to this country,
hjcated in the Shenandoah valley, and there
spent the remainder of his life. George
Windle died at the age of eighty-nine years
in Shenandoah county. He was the father
of nine children — William, Samuel, Joseph,
Amos, Richard, Branson, George, Eliza-
beth and Margaret.
William Windle received his education
in the common schools of his native county,
and after leaving school took his regular
place upon his father's farm and assisted in
its cultivation. Later he became the pos-
sessor of a farm known as the " Cedar Creek
farm," which he continued to cultivate un-
til his removal to Ogle county in 1855. On
coming to this county he rented land for
about nine years, and in 1864 purchased
two hundred acres of Mrs. Hess, in Pine
Creek township, and there resided until his
death in 1879. To William and Mary Win-
dle ten children were born, all of whom are
yet living — John, Cornelius, Lydia, Maggie,
George, William, Joseph, L. W., Jackson
and Isaiah. The father died in July, 1879,
and the mother in 1875. They were both
members of the Lutheran church. In poli-
tics he was a Jacksonian Democrat.
In his native state the subject of this
sketch began his education in the common
schools, attending during the winter terms.
He accompanied the family to Ogle county,
arriving here at the age of fourteen years.
Here he also attended the district schools
during the winter and in the summer giving
his entire time to his father in the cultiva-
tion of the farm. After attaining his ma-
jority, he entered Rock River Seminary,
which he attended three terms, closing his
school life in that institution. At the age
of eighteen years he commenced to learn
the carpenter's trade under Isaiah Speaker,
and served an apprenticeship of two years.
He then worked at the trade as a journey-
man until 1866. In 1863, in company with
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
117
twelve others, he started from Mt. Morris
for Pike's Peak, Colorado, going overland
with a team, being thirty days in route
Arriving at Denver, he commenced work at
his trade and continued there about ten
months. He then concluded to return home,
and started back with a mule team. Arriv-
ing at the Missouri river, he took the stage
for State Center, Iowa, and from the latter
place he came as far as Polo by railroad,
and from there to his home in Mt. Morris
township in a buggy. During the winter of
1865-6 he taught school in Mt. Morris town-
ship, and in the fall of 1866 he purchased
eighty acres of Mrs. Annie Rine, and to that
farm he removed and there lived until 1872,
when he went into the mercantile business
at Mt. Morris, in which he continued two
years. He then traded his stock of goods
and his eighty-acre farm for his present
farm of two hundred and forty acres, on
which he has since continued to live.
On the 20th of September, 1865, Mr.
Windle was united in marriage with Miss
Mary E. Sprecher, born in Ogle county,
Illinois, June 6, 1843, and the daughter of
Philip and Catherine (Houk) Sprecher,
natives of Washington county, Maryland.
Her father was a farmer by occupation, and
came by teams to Ogle county, Illinois, in
1839, settling on section 25, Mt. Morris
township, where he purchased three hun-
dred and sixty acres of land, to which he
later added one hundred and sixty acres,
giving him a valuable farm of five hundred
and twenty acres. Philip and Catherine
Sprecher were the parents of eleven chil-
dren, five of whom died in early childhood,
the remainder reaching years of maturity —
Daniel, George, John, Adasale, Ann and
Mary E. Both parents are now deceased.
In politics he was a Democrat. Both were
reared in the Lutheran faith, but later
united with the Advent church.
To Mr. and Mrs. Windle six children
have been born: Charles Elmer died Au-
gust 24, 1 88 1, his death resulting from an
accident, being injured by a traction engine,
and only living thirty-six hours after the ac-
cident occurred. Mary Catherine married
J. H. Harnly, of Auburn, Illinois, and they
are now living in Eldora, Iowa, where both
are employed as teachers in the Industrial
school; Addie married Prof. Ira R. Hend-
rickson, by whom she had two children,
one, Ruth Mary, now living. He is engaged
in teaching in Lamar, Missiouri; Orpha
Irene is teaching in Mt. Morris township;
^^'illiam, teaching in Mt. Morris township;
Philip W. is living at home; Thurlow died
at the age of sixteen days. Mr. and Mrs.
Windle have adopted a little boy, taking,
when but five months old, Clifford Neff
Windle. They have also made a home for
a young miss from Chicago, Clara Fallask-
son, thirteen years old. These deeds speak
well for the kindly disposition of Mr. and
Mrs. Windle.
In politics Mr. Windle is a Democrat,
and as a member of the Democratic party
he has taken an active interest in its well
being, attending the various local conven-
tions and giving of his time to advance the
cause. He has served as a delegate to the
state convention of his party, and is now
serving as a member of the congressional
conmiittee. Interested in educational af-
fairs, he served for twelve years as a mem-
ber of the school board. Religiously he is
identified with the Methodist Episcopal
church, being one of the trustees. He takes
an active interest in the work of the church,
and does his full duty in maintaining its
services.
ni
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In his business relations Mr. Windle has
been quite successful, and in addition to
the home farm he owns one hundred and
seven acres southwest of Mt. Morris, and
also three hundred and twenty acres in
Buena Vista county, Iowa. His farm is
well stocked and is kept in excellent condi-
tion and under a high state of cultivation.
In 1 876 he set out a large number of shade and
ornamental trees which add to the attractive
appearance of the place. His dwelling
house has been remodeled, making it a fine
country residence. In stock he is making
a specialty of Durham short-horn cattle,
Chester white hogs and Norman horses.
In addition to his farm work, he is agent
for the Aultman & Taylor Company, and
the Rumely Company, manufacturers of
steam engines and threshers, and is also
dealing to some extent in real estate. He
is a very busy man, very industrious, and it
is no wonder that success has crowned his
efforts. While he is not numbered among
those who claim to be pioneers, he has yet
resided in Ogle county for about forty-four
years, and it is but just to say that in that
time he has done what he could to advance
the business and commercial interests of the
county, and is deserving of the high honor
and respect in which he is held.
JOHN L. SMITH, one of the honored
pioneers and highly esteemed citizens
of Ogle county, who now makes his home in
Leaf River, was born at Sharpsburg, Wash-
ington county, Maryland, April 2, 1832,
and is a son of Abram Smith, who spent
his entire life there. Our subject, with his
mother and maternal grandfather, came to
Ogle county, Illinois, in 1839, and here he
grew to manhood amid scenes common to
frontier life, early becoming familiar with
every department of farm work. When
quite young he began to earn his own liveli-
hood and the success that he has achieved
is due entirely to his own unaided efforts.
On the 3d of October, 1S54, Mr. Smith
was united in marriage with Miss Susan A.
Myers, a native of Washington county,
Maryland, and a daughter of Jacob Myers,
who came to this county in 1S37, entered
government land and developed a farm, on
which he died in 1876. Here Mrs. Smith
was reared as one of a large family of chil-
dren. Five children were born to our sub-
ject and his wife, namely: Mary E., who
died at the age of four years; Harriet C. ,
wife of John Palmer, a farmer of Ogle
county; Lydia H., wife of Jacob Palmer,
also a substantial farmer of Leaf River
township; and Elmer G. and Jacob M., who
assist their father in carrying on the home
farm.
After his marriage Mr. Smith operated
the Myers homestead for six years and then
made his first purchase of land, consisting
of one hundred and twenty-seven and a
half acres in Leaf River township, which he
soon transformed into a fine farm, placing
the land under a high state of cultivation
and erecting thereon good and substantial
buildings that stand as monuments to his
thrift and enterprise. As his financial
resources increased, he added to the original
purchase until he has three hundred and
twenty acres all in one bodj', and he has
also bought one hundred and twenty acres
of the Myers homestead. All the property
is well improved and quite valuable. Mr.
and Mrs. Smith commenced their married
life in limited circumstances, but prosperity
has crowned their combined efforts and
they are now numbered among the sub-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
119
stantial and well-to-do citizens of the com-
munity. Besides their farm property they
own a good home in Leaf River, where
they are now living retired, surrounded by
all of the comforts and many of the luxuries
of life. They and their family hold mem-
bership in the Christian church at that place
and are held in high regard by all who have
witnessed their successful struggle with ad-
versity. In his political views Mr. Smith
is a pronounced Republican, but has never
cared for official honors, preferring to give
his undivided attention to his business in-
terests. He takes considerable interest in
educational affairs, and for twelve years
most acceptably served as township trustee.
For almost sixty years he has watched with
interest the growth and development of this
region, and has been no unimportant factor
in its upbuilding and prosperity.
AMOS F. MOORE, who resides on sec-
tion 34, Woosung township, is not only
a prominent agriculturist, but is an up-to-
date business man and stock raiser, with a
reputation which is confined not alone to
the state of Illinois, but he is well and fav-
orably known in almost every part of the
country, especially where the people are in-
terested in fine thoroughbred horses. He
was born March 11, 1832, in Ackworth,
Sullivan county. New Hampshire, and is
the son of John and Mehitable (Foster)
Moore, the former born December 31, 1795,
in Petersborough, New Hampshire, and the
latter October 9, 1798, in Hillsborough,
New Hampshire.
John Moore was the son of Samuel and
Jennie (Thompson) Moore, also natives of
New Hampshire. Samuel Moore was the
son of Deacon Samuel Moore, who moved
13
from Londonderry, New Hampshire, to
Petersborough, in the same state, in 1751.
The ancestor of Deacon Samuel Moore was
John Moore, who was murdered February
I, 1692, in the massacre of Glencoe. His
wife escaped and that night a boy baby was
born, John Moore, who moved to London-
derry, New Hampshire, in 1718, and who is
the progenitor of the Moores in America.
This John Moore married Janet Cochrane,
and to them were born seven children, of
whom Deacon Samuel Moore was second
in order of birth. Deacon Samuel Moore
married Margaret Morrison, and they be-
came the parents of six children, of whom
Samuel, the grandfather of our subject, was
third in order of birth. Samuel Moore
served in the Revolutionary war, and was
mustered in at the time of the alarm at
Lexington, April 19, 1775. He also served
in the war of 18 12. He married Jennie
Thompson, July 34, 1784, and by this mar-
riage were eleven children, of whom John
Moore, the father of our subject, was the
sixth. Samuel Moore died February 5,
1844, at the age of eighty-seven years. He
was a farmer by occupation, a very stoutly
built and robust man, and our subject well
remembers him breaking a colt when well
past eighty years old.
John Moore grew to manhood in New
Hampshire, and was a mechanic and farm-
er. In the winter he engaged in the manu-
facture of spinning wheels and reels, and in
the summer engaged in farm work. He
was united in marriage with Mehitable
Foster, on the 13th of April, 1824. She
was a daughter of Aaron and Mehitable
(Nichols) Foster, who were the parents of
ten children, eight sons and two daughters.
One of their sons. Rev. Aaron Fos-
ter, was a minister and was the father
120
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of the Home Missionary Society, hav-
ing given pubHc utterance to the first words
spoken in favor of the enterprise. Another
son, Lieutenant Amos Foster, was stationed
at Fort Dearborn, Chicago, for a few years.
He purchased twenty-five lots on the sec-
tion where the depot of the Chicago &
Northwestern railway is now located, and
located there in the 'twenties. He was
killed in 1832, at Fort Howard, Green Bay,
Michigan, by an insubordinate soldier, whom
he had ordered under arrest. Another son.
Dr. John H. Foster, later removed to Chi-
cago, where he looked after his deceased
brother's property. He also became inter-
ested in Chicago real estate, purchasing
what is now known as Lincoln Park, for
which he paid thirty-five dollars per acre.
In after years his heirs sold portions of it
for twenty thousand dollars an acre for
park purposes. Our subject built the first
fence put up in that vicinity, while he was
living with the Doctor. The Doctor died in
1874, leaving an estate estimated at several
million dollars. Another one of the sons,
Sewell Foster, founded the town of Musca-
tine, Iowa. He was a prominent horticult-
uralist, and was the father of the Agricult-
ural College at Ames, Iowa. To John
Moore and wife six children were born, two
of whom died in infancy. Of those who
lived, Philenia is living in Malone, New
York; J. Leavitt is living in Polo, Illinois;
Amos F. is our subject; and Sarah E. is
living in Seattle, Washington. John Moore
died in Ackworth, New Hampshire, August
II, 1834. His wife survived him fifty-two
years, dying at the age of eighty-eight years.
Amos F. Moore received his primary
education in the schools of Malone, New
York, but his real education was received in
the school of experience, or "hard knocks,"
as he expresses it. He began to work for
himself at a very early age. When eleven
years old he was put out to work for neigh-
boring farmers, and when fifteen years old
he came west to Chicago, where his uncle.
Dr. John Foster, was then living. He as-
sisted his uncle for a time in collecting his
rents, and in various ways. In 1849 he
unloaded the first rail from the vessel to be
used in the construction of the Galena Union
railroad, his uncle being a director in the
company. In that same year, when out
horseback riding, he was favorably impressed
with the land, and his uncle purchased him
a farm, which comprises now the city of
Evanston, for which he paid fifteen hundred
dollars. Having an attack of the ague, Mr.
Moore returned east in the fall of 1849, and
the next year his uncle wrote him that a
lot of fanatics wanted to buy the farm for
twenty-five thousand dollars. He sold the
land, but now thinks that instead of being
fanatics, those desiring to purchase were
very far-seeing men.
In the latter part of 185 1, Mr. Moore
returned to Chicago, where he engaged in
the foundry business, having built the larg-
est foundry in the city. In 1853 he came
to Ogle county and purchased land, but
continued in business in Chicago until 1856,
when he took up his permanent residence
in the county. On the 6th of October,
1856, he was united in marriage with Miss
Marcia A. Cutts, who was born November
13, 183S, in York county, Maine, and
daughter of Captain Hiram and Eunice
(Brown) Cutts, the former a native of Ports-
mouth, New Hampshire, born in
and the latter a native of the same city,
born February 4, 1802. Captain Hiram
Cutts was the son of Thomas Donald Cutts,
who was probably a merchant in Ports-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
121
mouth. Hiram Cutts followed the sea for
many years, in the merchant service, trad-
ing all over the world. In his family were
nine children, — Joseph B., Alzira, Hiram,
Thomas, Emily, Harriet, Elizabeth, Mar-
cia and George. In politics he was an old-
line Whig. In September, 1846, with his
wife and family, he came to Ogle county,
and located on a farm in Buffalo township,
where the city of Polo is now located. For
the erection of his house, barns and fences,
he hauled all the lumber from Chicago. He
died on his farm April 5, 1850, at the age
of fifty-two years. His wife survived him,
and died November 28, 1884.
To Mr. and Mrs. Moore seven children
have been born: John died at the age of
four months; Albert C. is a graduate of the
State University, Champaign, and is now in
the employ of the Oregon Short Line rail-
road. He is the owner of several ranches
in that state. A. Foster is a practicing
physician and surgeon, of Dixon, Illinois.
George H. is now attending the University
of Wisconsin, at Madison. Fred L. is at
home. Stata M. is also at home, and is
her father's stenographer. Frank is attend-
ing the high school in Polo.
Mr. Moore erected his dwelling house
upon his farm in 1856, but did not com-
mence active farming operations until the
spring of 1857. To his original purchase
of one hundred and twenty- acres, he has
added from time to time until his home
farm now comprises six hundred acres of
fine land, which is kept under the highest
state of cultivation. Before moving to his
farm, in 1856, he planted a large apple
orchard, and has since been adding to it un-
til it is now one of the largest in the north-
ern part of the state. In i860 he made an
artificial pond on his farm, the water from
which he used for stock purposes until wind
mills came into general use, since which
time it has been used as a skating pond.
In 1865 Mr. Moore purchased three
Morgan horses of pure blood and has since
been engaged in breeding the same. He is
now the largest breeder of that stock in the
United States, and has continually upon his
place more than sixty head of thorough-
breds. During the World's Fair in Chi-
cago, there was formed a National Morgan
Horse Breeders' Association, and he be-
came one of its charter members. He is
now president of the state of Illinois Asso-
ciation of Breeders of Morgan Horses. In
everything calculated to advance the inter-
ests of the farming community he takes a
lively and commendable interest. In 1892
he became a member of the Farmers' In-
stitute, and in 1893 was appointed di-
rector in the same, a position which
he still holds. In 1897 he was elected
president of the Institute and is still fill-
ing that position. He is also a member of
the executive committee of the Pure Food
Association of the state of Illinois, and is a
member of the executive committee of the
Stock Breeders' Association of Illinois.
In politics Mr. Moore is an earnest and
stanch Republican, and has been identified
with the party since its organization. Be-
fore the division of the township he was su-
pervisor of Buffalo township one term. He
has also served as road commissioner for
fifteen years, and been president of the
board of school trustees of township 23,
range 8, for the same length of time. For
three years he was a member of the board
of commissioners from Woosung township.
He was the man that made the test case
and carried it to the supreme court, to as-
certain whether the Illinois CentrEtl railroad
122
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
could take land when and where it pleased.
In all that he did the rights of the people
were always in view, and it is a pleasure to
him to think that he has secured their
rights at times when they might have been
irrevocably lost. He is a man of the peo-
ple, and believes the people have rights
which corporations are bound to respect.
While not a politician in the common ac-
ceptation of the term, he has on more than
one occasion made his influence felt
with politicians. In the winter of 1898-9
1898-9 he assisted in securing an appropri-
ation of one hundred thousand dollars to-
ward the formation of a new agricultural
college to be located somewhere in the mil-
itary tract. His ideas on the subject were
such as to command the respect of the
members of the assembly, resulting in the
appropriation as stated. As president of
the Farmers' Institute he has given the
subject of agricultural instruction much
thought, and he can clearly express what
he thinks. As a citizen of Ogle county he
at all times has its best interest at heart,
and freely gives of his time and means to
advance its interests. To such men great
credit is due for the proud position which
the county occupies among the one hun-
dred and two counties of the state.
J
OSHUA THOMAS.— Among the pio-
neer settlers of Ogle county this gentle-
man is especially worthy of notice in a work
of this kind for he was prominently identi-
fied with the development and prosperity of
this section of the state for many years, and
being possessed of a rare amount of energy,
proved a valued member of the young and
rapidly growing community.
Mr. Thomas was born in Washington
county, Maryland, March 8, 181 1, a son of
Henry and Catherine (Schecter) Thomas.
In their family were eleven children, whose
names and dates of birth are as follows:
Susanna, February 19, 1809; Joshua, March
8, 181 1 ; Elias, January 27, 181 3; Ezra,
July 21, 1815; Ruanna, March 23, 1817;
Abraham, April 17, 1819; Lydia, March 12,
1821; Julian, June 4, 1823; Samuel, August
26, 1S25; Elizabeth, February 10, 1827;
and Wilhelmina, February 27, 1829.
In the county of his nativity, Joshua
Thomas grew to manhood, receiving a com-
mon-school education and obtaining an ex-
cellent knowledge of every department of
farm work. There he was first married,
February 7, 1833, to Miss Salina Landis,
who was born March 7, 181 2, and they be-
came the parents of the following children:
Permelia Margaret, born November 30, «
1833; Mary Catherine, October 24, 1S36;
Henry L. , October 24, 1S38; William How-
ard, June 19, 1842, died October 28, 1S43;
Jacob Oscar, born March 3, 1845, died Oc-
tober 21, 1845; Lewis Ferdinand, born
September 25, 1846; and John Edwin, born
January 23, 1849. The wife and mother
was called to her final rest September 22,
1854, at the age of forty-two years, six
months and fifteen days.
For his second wife, Mr. Thomas mar-
ried Susan Felker, who was born in Wash-
ington county, Maryland, August 11, 1832,
a daughter of Abraham and Susan (W'iii-
gert) Felker. Her father was born in
Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1802,
and was a son of John Felker, a native of
Germany, who came to America at the age
of twelve years and was bound out to pay his
passage. He was a tanner by trade, but
most of his life was devoted to farming,
his home being in Franklin county, Penn-
JOSHUA THOMAS.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
I2S
sylvania. He became a loyal and devoted
citizen of his adopted country and as a sol-
dier took an active part in the Revolution-
ary war and the war of 1812. In Lancas-
ter county, Pennsylvania, he married Cath-
erine Wilt, and to them were born five
children: Barbara, Catherine, Abraham,
Henry and Elizabeth. John Felker was a
self-made man in every sense of the word
and in business affairs was remarkably suc-
cessful, giving all his children one hundred
and sixty acres of land before his death.
At one time he traveled from Franklin
county, Pennsylvania, to Washington coun-
ty, Maryland, where he purchased between
twelve and fifteen hundred acres of land,
carrying the money in silver and gold in the
pockets of his saddle, and was unmolested.
In addition to his landed property, he also
owned many slaves. He died suddenly of
cholera morbus and his wife survived him
less than a year. During his youth Abra-
ham Felker, father of Mrs. Thomas, re-
moved with his family to Maryland, and in
the subscription schools of that state ob-
tained his education, and when not in school
aided his father on the farm. At the age
of twenty-one he married Susan Wingert,
by whom he had two children: Catherine,
widow of F. M. Tice, of Mt. Morris, Illi-
inois; and Susan, wife of our subject. The
mother of these children died August 16,
1832, when Mrs. Thomas was only five days
old. In 1S33, the father married Catherine
Wingert, a sister of his first wife, and a
daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Binkley)
Wingert, farming people, in whose family
were eleven children: John, Henry, Han-
nah, Susan, Elizabeth, Catherine, Jacob,
Joseph, David, Adam and Daniel. Mr.
Wingert died near Greencastle, Pennsyl-
vania, about 1S60, having visited Mrs.
Thomas a short time before his death. Mr.
Felker had eleven children by his second
marriage, namely: Sarah married Theo-
dore Hewitt, of Washington county, Mary-
land, and after his death wedded Henry
Sharer, a retired merchant, by whom she
had one child, Charles H. Her death oc-
curred in 1892. Hiram married Sabina
Sprong and lives in Kansas City, Missouri.
David married Delilah Taylor and lives in
Nebraska. John B., a prominent physician
of Amboy, Illinois, married Jennie Miller, of
Pennsylvania, and died in 1888. Samuel
died at the age of four years. Willoughby
married Alice Buterbaugh and lives in Leaf
River township. Ogle county. Mary Ellen
is the wife of Henry Thomas, a sketch of
whom appears elsewhere in this volume.
Noble F. married Alice Fox and is engaged
in the practice of medicine in Amboy, Illi-
nois. Jennie is the wife of J. O. Thomas,
of Mt. Morris township. Ogle county. Alice
Louisa is the wife of Almon King, and lives
in Redwood, Minnesota. Hannah Joseph-
ine died at the age of fourteen years. The
mother of these children died in 1880
The children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Thomas are as follows: Ettie, born August
17, 1863, died at the age of fourteen months,
being scalded to death by pulling over a cup
of coffee on her face and breast. 'Robert
Lee, born August 3, 1861;, married May Mc-
Guffin and has two children: Joshua Sam-
uel, born September 27, 1893, and Ralph
L. , born August 17, 1896. He and his
brother, Frank Felker, born May 12, 1867,
carry on the home farm for their mother.
Olin Madison, born October 27, 1872, was
paralyzed at the age of four years by being
given the wrong medicine, the druggist hav-
ing made a mistake in the prescription. At
the age of twelve he received another stroke
126
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and at sixteen could not speak for a time.
The 3'oungest child died in infancy.
In 1840, Mr. Thomas brought his family
to Ogle county, Illinois, where the fall pre-
vious he had purchased a tract of govern-
ment land, and here amid pioneer scenes he
began life anew, carrying on operations as
an agriculturist until his death, which oc-
curred March 18, 1S84. In 1S50 he went
to California and spent two years in the
gold fields of that state, meeting with fair
success. He was one of the leading and
prominent citizens of his community, was
an ardent supporter of the Democratic party,
and was held in high regard by all who had
the pleasure of his acquaintance. He was
a director of the Ogle County Agricultural
Society for seven years, and served as its
president for a time. He was also officially
connected with the schools of his district
and in all the relations of life was found
true and faithful to every trust reposed in
him.
On the 1st of May, 1898, a cyclone
struck the Thomas farm, tearing down the
barn, but did not injure any of the horses.
It also took the roof off the house and Mrs.
Thomas was unaware of what had occurred
until she looked out and saw the storm dis-
appearing. The farm consists of two hun-
dred and fifty acres of valuable land under
a high state of cultivation, and is most capa-
bly managed by the sons. Mrs. Thomas,
who is a most estimable lady, is a member
of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is a
sincere and earnest Christian, beloved by
all who know her.
GEORGE WASHINGTON CARR, one
of the foremost and enterprising agri-
culturists of Rockvale township, is a native
of Pennsylvania, being born in Fulton
county, February 10, 1849. He is the son
of George W. and Margaret (McLean) Carr,
natives of Center and Huntington counties,
respectively. The former was born in
September, 1819, and the latter in 1823.
Mr. Carr was a farmer in Center county,
where he resided until his twenty-third
year, when he removed to Fulton county,
where he was united in marriage to the
mother of our subject. In 1884 Mr. and
Mrs. Carr moved to Ogle county, but being
dissatisfied with the country, they went still
further west to Wichita county, Kansas,
where Mr. Carr purchased three hundred
acres. Ten children have blessed this mar-
riage. James married Elizabeth Row, who
died in 1876. He afterward married Katie
Angel, and they reside in Ogle county; El-
len is the wife of James Stevens. Their
home is in Mt. Morris township; George
W. is the third child; Erven married Sadie
Angel, a sister of Mrs. James Carr; Will-
iam died at the age of thirty, of brain fever,
the result of typhoid pneumonia. He was
unmarried; McClure resides in Wichita
county, Kansas; Mary died when si.\ years
of age, of diphtheria; Silvester, the eighth
child, died when eighteen months old; E.
D. is foreman of an electric car line in
Omaha, Nebraska, and the youngest child,
Amanda, is the wife of Furd Avey. Mr.
Carr died July 18, 1898, and his wife is re-
siding with Mrs. Avey.
Our subject bent all his energies toward
a good education, and helped his father un-
til his twentieth year, when having finished
his schooling, he farmed with his father for
two years, and then came west and settled
in Ogle county. He rented eighty acres in
Mt. Morris township for a term of three
years, and then rented the farm of the Rev-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
127
erend Robert Hitt, also for three years.
After the expiration of this lease, he re-
rented the land in Mt. Morris township for
a period of four years, which place he left
for his present property in Rockvale, giving
in part payment eighty acres in Mt. Morris
township.
Mr. Carr's first wife was Miss Ella
Moats, who was born in Ogle county, and
who was the daughter of Daniel and Mar-
garet Moats. By her he had three chil-
dren: Margaret, born February 17, 1S77,
died in infancy. Albert, born April 27,
1878, is living with his maternal grandfa-
ther. He received his earlier schooling at
the district school, and is now attending the
normal school at Valparaiso, Indiana,
where he is taking a commercial course, and
where he e.xpects to remain for the next
two years. In the summer he assists his
father about the home farm. Maudie, born
March 4, 18S2, died June 3, 1882, at the
age of three months. The mother of this
family died January 17, 1884, of consump-
tion, in her twenty-eighth year. She was a
highly respected member of the German
Baptist church.
February 8, 1S87, Mr. Carr married
Miss Martha Alexander, who was born in
Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, Septem-
ber 19, 1867. She was the daughter of
Randall Alexander, a farmer of Huntingdon
county, and his wife, Martha Kuntzman,
and was one of twelve children, namely:
George W., William, Colter, John, Mary,
Rosy, Katie, Rachel, Martha, Sadie, Mag-
gie and Rosa. To Mr. and Mrs. Carr have
been born two children, namely: Nora,
born April 9, 1886, and Herbert, born April
17, 1887. Both are attending the district
school. Our subject carries on, in addition
to general farming, the breeding of fancy
stock. He has at the present writing about
one hundred and fifty Berkshire pigs, sixty
head of Durham cattle, and fourteen head
of Norman draft horses, from which he fre-
quently sells at handsome prices to the
Chicago market.
Mr. Carr is a Republican in politics, and
stoutly upholds the party to which he be-
longs. He has served as school director for
several years with great credit to himself
and much benefit to the community. He
is a prominent and representative citizen of
Rockvale, and is held in high esteem by all
who know him.
JAMES H. JUDSON, M. D., who resides
upon a fine farm in section 14, Buffalo
township, has been a resident of Ogle coun-
ty a half century, coming here in May,
1848, in company with his parents. Bos-
well and Lois (Perkins) Judson. The fam-
ily trace their ancestry back to William Jud-
son, a native of England, who emigrated to
this country in 1634, settled in Massachu-
setts, and lived four years near Concord, and
then moved to Stratford, Connecticut.
Some of the family later returned to Mas-
sachusetts, and there Samuel Judson, the
grandfather of our subject, was born and
reared. His son, Roswell Judson, was born
in Massachusetts, October 6, 1795. He
grew to manhood in his native country and
then moved to Delaware county. New
York, where he married Lois Perkins, a na-
tive of that state. They lived for some
years on a farm in Delaware county, about
four miles from Delhi, but with that lauda-
ble desire to better himself, he determined
to make a home on the broad prairies of Illi-
nois. Accordingly, in 1S48, he came to
Ogle county and entered a tract of three
128
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
hundred and twenty acres of land in Buf-
falo township, where our subject now re-
sides. Erecting a good substantial dwelling,
he commenced to otherwise improve the
place, setting out an orchard, shade and
ornamental trees, and placing the land un-
der cultivation; in due time he had one of
the best farms in the county. On that
place he continued to reside until called
from this life. He died in 1883, his good
wife preceding him some nine years, having
died in 1874. Their remains were laid to
rest in the cemetery at Polo, where a neat
and substantial monument has been erected
to their memory. They were the parents
of three children, of whom our subject is
the youngest, the others being Emily M.,
wife of Benjamin Pierce, of Franklin coun-
ty, Iowa, and Ann C. , wife of John Malone,
of Dane county, Wisconsin.
James H. Judson was born near Delhi,
Delaware county, New York, August 20,
1839, and was but nine years of age when
he accompanied his parents to Ogle county,
which has since been his home. His edu-
cation was begun in the common schools of
his native state, and on his arrival here he
entered the public schools of Ogle county.
Later he entered Rock River Seminary, at
Mt. Morris, where his literary education
was completed. Commencing the study of
medicine, in 1863 he entered Rush Medical
College, and finished his medical education
in the session of 1864 and 1865. Imme-
diately after taking the degree he enlisted
as a private in Company D, One Hundred
and Forty-second Illinois Volunteer Infant-
ry, for one hundred days. He was almost
immediately transferred to hospital duty
and made assistant surgeon, and as such
served during his term of enlistment.
Mustered out of service in October,
1864, Dr. Judson returned to his home and
commenced the practice of his profession
in connection with farming. For a number
of years he gave personal attention to every
detail of farm work, but finally rented the
place and gave more of his attention to
his practice. He still, however, looks after
his farming interests, and professionally
visits Polo every afternoon. His farm has
increased in area until he now owns over
four hundred acres of as fine land as there
is in Buffalo township.
Dr. Judson was married in Ogle county,
June 5, 1866, to Miss Margaret R. Myerly,
a native of Maryland, born near Baltimore,
and daughter of John Myerly, also a native
of Maryland, who came to Ogle county in
1844 and engaged in farming. He later
moved to Powesheik county, Iowa, where
his last days were spent. To Dr. and Mrs.
Judson four children have been born. Frank
E. now resides in Hancock county, Iowa,
where he is engaged in farming in connec-
tion with the practice of veterinary surgery.
Emma L. is the wife of Charles Hildebrand,
a farmer of Buffalo township. George D.
is a veterinary surgeon, residing in Polo.
He was a soldier in the Spanish-American
war, being a member of Company D, Sixth
Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was de-
tailed as brigade veterinary surgeon, and as
such served until the close of the war, be-
ing with his regiment in Porto Rico. When
the war ended and he received his discharge
he resumed the practice of his profession at
Polo. Grace L., the remaining member of
the family, resides at home.
Politically Dr. Judson is a stanch Re-
publican. His first experience was in the
e.Nciting campaign of i860, resulting in the
election of Abraham Lincoln, and followed
by the Civil war. His ballot has ever since
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
129
been cast for the presidential nominees of
fiis party. While he is strong in the advo-
cacy of the principles of his party, he has
never been an office seeker, although he has
served in some local official positions. He
has been- a member of the board of super-
visors, held the office of road commissioner,
and for about twenty-five years was on the
school board, a part of which time he was
president of the district. He and his wife
are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church at Polo. Fraternally he is a mem-
ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows at Polo, and also a member of the
Grand Army of the Republic at Polo, being
surgeon of the post. As a citizen he is pro-
gressive, ever ready to assist every worth)'
object. Well known throughout the coun-
ty, he is held in the highest respect by all.
JACOB H. PRICE, who resides on sec-
tion 13, Buffalo township, is a well
known farmer and stock-raiser, and has the
reputation of being one of the best farmers
in the township, which is evident from the
neat appearance of his place. He is a na-
tive of Ogle county, and was born in Pine
Greek township, June 26, 1S54. His father,
John W. Price, was born in Berkeley county,
West Virginia, in 1824. The family are of
W'elch descent, and settled in Pennsylvania,
from which state John Price, the grand-
father of our subject, removed to Berkeley
county, West Virginia. After residing in
that county for some years, he removed
with his family to Ogle county, Illinois, and
took up a claim in Pine Creek township,
where he opened up a farm and spent the
last years of his life.
John W. Price came with his father to
Ogle county. He was then in his sixteenth
14
year, strong and active, and assisted in the
work of transforming the place from its na-
tive wilderness to a most productive farm.
His primary education was received in
the schools of his native state, but on
coming to this county he entered Rock River
Seminary at Mt. Morris, completing his
school life in that institution. He then en-
gaged in teaching and was therefore one of
the pioneer teachers in the county. He
married Nancy Rowland, a native of Jeffer-
son township. West Virginia, and a daugh-
ter of Henry Rowland, another one of the
early settlers of the county. Purchasing a
farm of two hundred acres in Pine Creek
township, he commencSd its cultivation and
there reared his family. On reaching his
three score years and ten he was called to
his reward, his death occurring June 7,
1S94. His wife survived him some two
years, passing away November 8, 1895.
They were both devout members of the
German Baptist church and active work-
ers in the same. Their family comprised
eight children. Clara E. is now the wife
of O. B. Ringer, of Pine Creek township.
Jacob H. is second in order of birth. L. C.
is now a resident of Marshall county, Iowa.
Hattie E. is the wife of John Heckman, a
minister of the Brethren church, residing in
Buffalo township. Oliver L. is engaged in
the mercantile business in Oregon, Illinois.
Gussie is the wile of William Lampin, a
farmer of Pine Creek township. Collin C.
is also a farmer of Pine Creek township, and
a minister of the Brethren church. Henry
died when one year old.
On his father's farm in Pine Creek town-
ship, Jacob H. Price grew to manhood, and
in the district school of the neighborhood
received his education. He remained under
the parental roof until after he attained his
I30
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
majority, assisting:; in the work of the home
farm. He then rented a farm and began
life for himself. A little later he purchased
one hundred acres of his present farm,
which was then partially improved, and at
once commenced its further improvement.
Subsequently he purchased sixty acres more,
giving him a fine farm of one hundred and
sixty acres. He has lately erected a large
and substantial residence with all the mod-
ern improvements, including furnace heat ,
bath rooms, hot and cold water throughout
the house. It is one of the best country
residences in the county. His barn, gran-
aries, and other outbuildings are also of the
best, thus showing him to be a very practi-
cal man in all things, one who believes that
a farmer should enjoy some of the blessings
of this life as well as others.
Mr. Price was married in Ogle county,
February 24, 1881, to Miss Lillie M. Spick-
ler, a native of Washington county, Mary-
land, who came to Ogle county in infancy
with her parents. Her father, C. B. Spick-
ler, was also born in Washington county,
Maryland, in 1830. He was twice mar-
ried, his first wife dying in Maryland, leav-
ing one daughter, Maggie, now the wife of
Daniel Stauffer, a farmer of Pine Creek
township. He later married Miss Ellen
Newcomer, a native of Maryland, and Mrs.
Price is second in their family of four chil-
dren. The others are Emma, residing with
her parents; Henry, a minister in the Ger-
man Baptist church; and Eddie, a student
at Polo. To Mr. and Mrs. Price one daugh-
ter has been born — Rhoda Ellen, born
October 8, 1898.
Mr. Price was reared in the faith of the
German Baptist church, and has adhered to
its teachings, believing them to be in con-
formity with the sacred scriptures. He
holds membership with the church in Pine
Creek township, and has for some years
been a deacon in the same. His wife is also
a member of the same church.
In addition to general farming, Mr. Price
has made a specialty for some years of rais-
ing stock for the markets, annually feeding
and shipping from one to six car loads of
cattle and about three car loads of hogs. In
this branch of his business he has been quite
successful.
CHARLES HIRAM BETEBENNER, of
Oregon, Illinois, a descendant of one
of the old families of Ogle county, was
born in Pine Creek township, March 9,
1851, and is the son of Samuel and Re-
becca (Strauss) Betebenner, and the grand-
son of John Betebenner, a native of Mar}'-
land of German ancestry. Samuel Bete-
benner was born December 15, 1805, in
Washington county, Maryland, where his
youth and early manhood were spent. He
was united in marriage September 15, 1831,
to Rebecca Strauss, of Hagerstown, Mary-
land. While reared to farm work, at the
age of twenty-two he apprenticed himself
to a plasterer, and in two years' time he had
become so proficient at the trade that he
was recognized as a journeyman. He had
learned to play the fife, and play it well,
and when General LaFayette visited this
country, in 1825, he had the high honor of
playing the fife at a reception given to the
noble French patriot when he passed
through Frederick City, Maryland. In
1 86 1, though too old to be admitted into
the army of the Union, yet he was young
enough to play the fife and its shrill notes
were heard at Polo, Illinois, when the
muster roll was open to help raise the P'if-
teenth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
131
In 1S42, havinf^ heard so much of the
beauty and richness of the Rock river coun-
try, Samuel Betebenner concluded to visit
it. He spent the summer in Ogle county,
and was so much pleased with the country
that he concluded to locate here and made
some preparations to that end, after which
he returned to Maryland. On the 15th of
May, 1844, with his wife and three children,
he started for his new home, making the jour-
ney overland with teams, being seven weeks
on the road. On the way they endured
many hardships, but were never discour-
aged. Arriving here Mr. Betebenner took
up a claim in Pine Creek township of three
hundred and twenty acres, which he im-
mediately began to improve. A part of
this tract he owned through life, selling the
remainder to his son John. In addition to
this tract, he later purchased forty acres in
Mt. Morris township. His trade was of
great assistance to him in the new country
and naturally aided him in supplying his
family wants and advancing his farm inter-
ests. Deer and other wild game were in
abundance when he began to build up a new
home and these luxuries were almost daily
served at his table. He was among the
workmen who plastered the first state house
at Springfield. What a record was his life,
connecting as it did two generations! His
youth was spent with the soldiers of the
Revolution and the compatriots of Wash-
ington, and his eyes greeted the great La-
Fayette, and the clear notes of his fife
resounded in his ears. He lived to see and
help build up a new civilization in the great
west and become one of its factors. He set
a noble example to the rising generations,
and may they emulate his virtues. He de-
parted this life December 12, 1895, in his
ninetieth year, and the funeral services took
place at the opera-house in Oregon the fol-
lowing Sunday.
Rebecca (Strauss) Betebenner was the
daughter of Hiram and Christy A. (Glos-
brenner) Strauss, and was born in Hagers-
town, Maryland, July 4, 1S08. Her father
was by profession a physician. Both of her
parents lived and died in Maryland. Sam-
uel and Rebecca Betebenner were the par-
ents of eight children. Thomas H. is a
farmer and land speculator residing in Car-
thage, Missouri. Robert V. resides in Cal
ifornia, where he is engaged in contracting
and building. Samuel C, a mason by
trade, resides in Polo, Illinois. Narcissa,
now the wife of Benjamin Hanna, is living
in Polo. Ella, wife of Abner Newcomer, is
living near Polo. John resides on the old
homestead. Eliza, who married Thomas
Emmert, now lives in Tarkio, Missouri.
The subject of this sketch completes the
family. Mrs. Rebecca Betebenner survives
her husband, and resides at Polo, Illinois,
patiently waiting the day when she, too, shall
be called up higher.
Charles H. Betebenner was reared on
the home farm, and in the home school re-
ceived his primar}" education. After spend-
ing some time in Rock River Seminary, he
entered Beloit College, where he spent two
seasons in study. Later he engaged in
merchandizing at Dysart, Iowa, for about
a year and a half, and then returned to
Oregon and clerked for Artz & Ray for four
years. He then engaged in the mail serv-
ice, running from Chicago to Dubuque,
Iowa. This took up about four years.
Later he was nominated on the Independ-
ent ticket for sheriff of Ogle county, and
was elected by twenty-six majority, running
against John Bailey, the regular Republican
nominee. This was one of the hottest cam-
132
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
paigns in the history of Ogle county. After
his term of four years he engaged in tile
manufacturing and contracting, as a mem-
ber of the firm of Sammis & Co.
Mr. Betebenner was married March 20,
1879, at Polo, Illinois, to Miss Inez Sam-
mis, daughter of C. W. & Emily A. (Helmj
Sammis. She was born LaSalle, Illinois,
but came with her parents to Ogle county
when she was a child. Her parents were
natives of New York, coming to Illinois in
1 84 1, locating at what was then known as
Buffalo Grove, LaSalle county. They had
six children — Fred H., Inez, Grace, J.
Uriah, E. Payson and Stata. Grace mar-
ried Seward Woodruff, and they are living
in Oregon. Stata is the wife of A. F.
Matthews, of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Bet-
ebenner are the parents of three children —
E. Payson, Ruth W. and Charles Sammis.
E. Payson died in 1883.
Mr. and Mrs. Betebenner attend the
Presbyterian church. In politics he is a
Democrat. PVaternally he is a member
of the Masons and the Independent Or-
der of Odd Fellows. In 1898 he was ap-
pointed superintendent of the Ogle county
almshouse and is now in charge of that in-
stitution.
JAMES DONALDSON, an honored pio-
neer and highly respected citizen of
Ogle county, has resided here since Ma}-,
1839, and for many years was prominently
and actively identified with its agricultural
interests. He bore his part in the early
development and prosperity of this region,
but is now living retired upon his farm on
section \2, Eagle Point townsliip, only
three miles northwest of Polo.
A native of New York, Mr, Donaldson
was born on the shores of Lake Champlain,
Washington county, January 4, i82r, and
is a son of William Donaldson, who was
born in Northumberland county, England,
May 5, 1795, of Scotch ancestry, and there
grew to manhood. There he was also
married to Miss Isabella McDonald, who
was born at Berwick on the Tweed, Eng-
land, of Scotch ancestry. Being reared on
a farm, the father early became familiar
with all the duties which fall to the lot of
the agriculturist, and engaged in farm work
in his native land until 1820, when he emi-
grated to America and first located in
Washington county, New York, where he
continued to engage in agricultural pursuits
for four years, during which time two of his
children were born. His next home was at
Little York, Ontario, Canada, and there he
engaged in his chosen occupation for fifteen
years. Coming to Ogle county, Illinois, in
1839, he bought a claim of three hundred
and twenty acres in what is now Eagle
Point township, forty acres of which had
been placed under cultix'ation and a log
house erected thereon. In that primitive
residence the family lived while the farm
was being developed and improved. Later
a good frame house was built, also a good barn
and outbuildings, and an orchard set out.
The father was one of the most enterprising
and successful early farmers, and having
prospered in his life work, he was at length
able to lay aside all business cares and
spend his last years in ease and retirement.
He sold the farm to his youngest son, and
upon a part of the place erected a residence
where he li\ed imtil called from this life in
March, 1870, at the age of seventy-five
3'ears. His wife survived him for some
time, passing away in November, 1884, and
both were buried in Fairmont cemetery,
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
where a substantial monument marks their
last resting place.
In the family of this worthy couple were
nine children, four sons and five daughters,
all of whom reached years of maturity.
Walter, the eldest, was born in England
and spent his last days in Brookville town-
ship. Ogle county; James, our subject, is
the next in order of birth; John is now liv-
ing retired in Morengo, Illinois; Margaret is
the wife of John S. Miller, an old settler
and substantial farmer of Eagle Point town-
ship. Ogle county; Isabella is the wife of
Patterson Pringle, of Morengo; ^^^illiam
was a resident of Ogle county, but is now
deceased; Elizabeth is the wife of Eber
Smith, of Buffalo township, thiscounty;Jane
is the wife of Alexander Havvver, of Ded-
ham, Carroll county, Iowa; and Flora W.
is the wife of John Bruce, of Dedham,
Iowa.
James Donaldson, of this review, was
about eighteen years of age when he accom-
panied the farnih- on their removal to Ogle
county, and he was of great assistance to
his father in opening up and developing
the farm from wild land. When his serv-
ices were not needed at home he would
work for others at farm labor. He and his
brother ^^'alter were experts in the use of
the ax and in the groves of this region were
employed in getting out the timbers for
many of the houses and barns of the early
settlers. Until twenty-five years of age he
continued to aid in the operation of the
home farm and then located upon a one-
hundred-acre tract in Eagle Point township
which his father gave him. To its improve-
ment and cultivation he devoted his atten-
tion with most gratifying results and made
his home thereon for a quarter of a century,
during which time he bought more land ad-
joining, making a valuable tract of four
hundred and eighteen acres. Later he
built on the farm where he now resides and
now has one of the best improved farms of
the township. There is a large and sub-
stantial residence ami good outbuildings.
Mr. Donaldson met with most excellent suc-
cess in his farming operations but for the
past ten years has lived retired, enjoying a
well earned rest.
On the 31st of May, 1S4S, was cele-
brated the marriage of Mr. Donaldson and
Miss Locada J. Seavey, who was born in
Sandwich, New Hampshire, January 8,
I S3 1. Her father, Joshua Seavey, was a
native of Rye Beach, the same state, and
there grew to manhood and married Miss
Betsy Webster, a cousin of the great states-
man, Daniel Webster. In 1840 Mr. Seavey
came to Illinois and settled near Dixon, in
Lee county, where Mrs. Donaldson was
reared. To our subject and his wife were
born nine children, namely: Elizabeth
Isabel, who died at the age of sixteen years;
Mary Josephine, who died at the age of
fourteen; Walter Atwood, who died at the
age of fifteen; John James, who died at the
age of six; Alice, who married M. P. Strall
and lived in Iowa, where she died in Sep-
tember, 1S91, leaving ten children; Emma
Frances, who married Zelus L. Shafer and
also lived in Iowa, where she died in Octo-
ber, 1891, leaving an infant daughter, Emma
Frances, who now lives with our subject and
is attending the home school; William, who
is married, and he and his brother carry on
the home farm; Gertie, wife of Nelson B.
Sweet, a farmer of Eagle Point township;
and Sherman B., who owns and operates a
farm in Buffalo township, this count}'.
There are now fourteen grandchildren and
two great-grandchildren. On the 31st of
134
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
May, 189S, Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson cele-
brated their golden wedding, at which time
all of their living children and grandchildren
in this vicinity were present, and a most
enjoyable time was passed.
Politically, Mr. Donaldson is a Jeffer-
sonian Democrat, having cast his first presi-
nential ballot for James K. Polk in 1844,
and for each succeeding candidate of his
party but two. In 1896 he supported
Palmer and Buckner on the gold Demo-
cratic ticket. He has never desired office,
preferring to give his attention to his own
interests. For si.xty years he has been a
resident of Ogle county and has watched
with interest almost its entire growth and
development. He has seen the wolves and
deer disappear, town and villages spring up,
the railroads and telegraphs introduced, and
the wild land transformed into fine farms
and good homes. He has borne his part in
the work, and has ever been recognized as
one of the valued and useful citizens of his
community, one honored and respected by
all who know him.
JAMES WESLEY CARR, a skillful and
thorough farmer residing on section 19,
Rockvale township, is a native of Pennsyl-
vania, born in Fulton county, September 4,
1845, and is a representative of an old fam-
ily of that state. His grandfather, George
Carr, was probably a native of Center coun-
ty, that state, as it was there he made his
home from early life, his time and attention
being devoted to agricultural pursuits. He
married Louise Sanders and to them were
born three children: Samuel, a laborer,
resided in Blair county, Pennsylvania, until
his death in 1846; George \\'. , our subject's
father; and William, a carpenter, who was
residing in Fulton county, Illinois, at the
time of his death.
George W. 'Carr was born in Center
county, Pennsylvania, and remained there
until he attained the age of twenty-two, at-
tending the common schools during the
winter months and aiding his father in the
work of the farm through the summer sea-
son. On leaving home he came to Fulton
county, Pennsylvania, where he continued
to engage in the occupation to which he had
been reared. He wedded Miss Margaret
McLean, who was born in Huntingdon
county, Pennsylvania, in 1823, a daughter
of Eli McLean, and to them were born
eleven children, of whom our subject is the
eldest. Ella, the ne.xt in order of birth, is
now the wife of James.H. Stevens, a farmer
of Mt. Morris township. Ogle county; George
W. is represented on another page of this
work; John Ervin married Sarah Angel and
lives in Rockvale township. Ogle county;
William died at the age of thirty-eight years;
McClure married Annie Beard and lives in
Wichita county, Kansas; Elliot Duffield
married, and is foreman for an elec-
tric line at Omaha, Nebraska; Mary Jane
died at the age of five years; Sylvester died
at the age of two years; and Amanda and
Ferdinand Avery, of Rockvale township,
Ogle county.
During his boyhood and youth James
W. Carr pursued his studies in the district
schools near the old home farm in Fulton
county, and aided in the labors of the fields.
After leaving school at the age of nineteen,
he devoted his entire time to the work of
the farm until attaining his majority. Dur-
ing the following two years he was employed
by Reuben Faust in Franklin county, Penn-
sylvania. He then came west and settled
in Mt. Morris township. Ogle county, lUi-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
135
nois, where he worked by the month for a
year, but in 1870 located upon a farm of
one hundred and fifty acres, which he rented
for three years. The following three years
were spent on Mr. Phelps' farm of two hun-
dred and seventy-nine acres, and for the
same length of time he lived on the David
Gloss farm of one hundred and sixty acres.
In 1876 he bought one hundred and eight
acres, lying partly in Mt. Morris and partly in
Rockvale townships. As his financial re-
sources have increased he has kept adding
to his property, purchasing eighty acres in
1878, and since then two tracts of forty
acres, one of which was timber land, and
in 1894 purchased one hundred and thirty
acres in Mt. Morris township, making three
hundred and ninety-eight acres in all. This
property he has placed under a high state
of cultivation and improved until it is now
one of the best farms in the community.
On the 15th of November, 186S, Mr.
Carr was united in marriage with Miss Liz-
zie Rowe, a daughter of Henry Rowe, of
Franklin county, Pennsylvania. She was
born in Maryland, in 1840, and died Octo-
ber 10, 1877. Four children were born of
that union: Alice, born July 10, 1869,
died September 4, 1S89, from dropsy
brought on by catching cold while attend-
ing college. Charlie, born October 6, 1871,
was married, in June, 1894, to Belle Good-
rich, a daughter of George and Fidelia
Goodrich, and they now have one child,
Charlie Guy, born in March, 1898. Char-
lotte, born November 4, 1S73, died with
measles in April, 1877. Harvey, born Sep-
tember 4, 1876, was educated in the district
schools and Mount Morris College, and now
assists his father on the farm.
Mr. Carr was again married, March 4,
1879, his second union being with Miss
Katie S. Angel, who was born in Maryland,
October 19, 1855, and is the second child
in the family of Uriah and Mahala (Koontz)
Angel, who brought their family to Illinois
in 1878. By the second marriage six chil-
dren have been born, namely: Orville B. ,
born December 23, 1879, died February 20,
1880; Elmer B., born July 20, 1881, died
January 29, 18S2; Mina Pearl, born Sep-
tember 12, 1883, is at present attending the
home school; Wilbur J., born September
12, 1885, died of diphtheria September 19,
1S94; Alva Harrison, born February 13,
1887, died August 25, 18S9; and Vernie
May, born May 2, 1890, is attending the
district school. The wife and mother is a
consistent member of the Lutheran church.
The Republican party always finds in
Mr. Carr a stanch supporter of its princi-
ples, but he has never cared for the honors
or emoluments of public office, preferring to
devote his entire time and attention to his
business interests. He has, however, served
as school director for three years. On com-
ing to Ogle county he had but one hundred
and ninety dollars, and the success that he
has achieved in life has been due to his own
industry and well-directed efforts.
SQUIRE ROLFE.— Prominent among
the successful and energetic farmers of
Marion township may be found the subject
of this biographical notice, whose home is
pleasantly located on section 15, and who
is considered one of the most industrious
and worthy citizens of Ogle county. Be-
sides his home farm of one hundred and
sixty acres, he owns another valuable place
of one hundred and thirty acres in the same
township, known as the old Blye homestead.
i.s6
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
This he purchased in 1895, has made some
substantial improvements upon it, and now
has two valuable and desirable farms.
Mr. Rolfe was born in Tompkins coun-
ty, New York, September 21, 1829, and is
a son of Chester I\olfe, a nati\'e of New Jer-
sey, and a grandson of Samuel Rolfe, also
a native of New Jersey and a pioneer settler
of Tompkins county, New York, where the
father grew to manhood. There he mar-
ried Matilda Kirkendall, a native of New
York, and in Tompkins county they made
their home throughout the remainder of
their lives. He died in Rockford, Illinois,
at the home of his son, Henry, while on a
visit to his son, but his remains were taken
back to New York and interred by the side
of his wife, who had passed away several
3ears previously. Their family consisted
of five sons and four daughters, all of whom
grew to man and womanhood, but only our
subject and three sisters are now living.
Henry came west and located in Ogle coun-
ty, but later removed to Rockford, where
he spent his last 3'ears. Levi, the oldest
son, was a pioneer of \\'aukesha county,
Wisconsin, where he opened up a farm and
continued to live until his death. Edgar
and Frank both died on the old homestead
in New York in early manhood.
Squire Rolfe obtained a good common-
school education and remained under the
parental roof until eighteen years of age,
when he went to Enfield Center, New York,
to learn the carriagemaker's trade, serving
a three-years' apprenticeship. For a year
or two he worked as a journejinan, but in
the fall of 1S54 he and his brother Henry
came to Illinois and settled in Ogle coun-
ty, where he continued to follow his trade
for four j'ears. The brothers purchased
eighty acres of land in Marion township, in
1855, which they at once commenced to im-
prove and cultivate, it being operated by
Henry for two or three years, when he went
to California. During the war Squire Rolfe
engaged in carriage making and also had
charge of the farm, and when his brother
returned they carried it on together for a
few years. They finally sold and bought a
farm of three hundred and twenty acres in
Scott township, to the further development
and cultivation of which they devoted their
time and attention for five years. They
erected thereon a good house and barn and
made many other useful and valuable im-
provements. Selling out at the end of that
time Squire Rolfe purchased his present
home farm in 1873, and has converted it
into one of the best and most attractive
places in Marion township. In connection
with general farming he is also interested in
breeding and dealing in a good grade of
horses, cattle and hogs.
On the I ith of March, 1874, in Marion
township, Mr. Rolfe was united in marriage
with Miss Mary A. Comstock, daughter of Hi-
ram and Jane (Lamphier) Comstock. She is
anative of Herkimer county, New York, born
November 22, 1847, and came west with
her step-father, Nathan Bly, in 1854, and
located in that township, where she was
principally reared and educated. Mr. Rolfe
cast his first presidential ballot for General
\\'infield Scott, four years later supported
John C. Fremont, and for many years was
identified with the Republican party, but in
1896 supported the Democratic nominee.
For forty-four years he has been identified
with the interests of this county, and in all
enterprises tending to benefit the people of
the community, morally, socially or finan-
cially, he has been an earnest and cheerful
worker, and now while traveling down the
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
137
sunset hill of life he has reason to be com-
forted that his 3'ears and labors have not
been in vain.
DAVID NEWCOMER, M. D. , for more
than a quarter of acentur}' has been a
resident of Mount Morris, where he has been
actively engaged in the practice of his pro-
fession. He is a native of Franklin county,
Pennsylvania, born near Greencastle, July
26, 1830, and is the son of Daniel and Bar-
bara (Stoner) Newcomer, both of whom
were natives of Maryland, the former born
in November, 1800, near Hagerstown, Wash-
ington county, and the latter in June, iSoi,
near Lightersburg, inthe samecounty. Dan-
iel Newcomer was the son of Peter New-
comer, also a native of Maryland and a farm-
er and miller by occupation. On both the
paternal and maternal sides the family trace
their ancestr}' to Switzerland.
At the age of twenty-four Daniel New-
comer inarried Barbara Stoner, and they
became the parents of seven children, as
follows: Elizabeth, born in 1822, married
John Brandt and they had seven children.
They removed to this county at an early
day, but both are now deceased. John,
born in 1S26, married Catherine Middour,
and they had five children, two of whom are
living. He died October 2, 1872, but his
widow is yet living and makes her home in
Chicago. Cyrus B., born in 1828, married
Elizabeth Haws, and to them were born
seven children. He died in 1896, but his
widow is yet living in Mount Morris town-
ship. David, next in order of birth, is the
subject of this sketch. Daniel W. , born in
1832, married Margaret Walter, and to
them were born five children. They now
15
reside in Polo, where he is living a retired
life. Martin S., born in 1838, married
Anna C. Funk, and si.x children were born
of this union. His wife dying, he later
married Miss Bergstrum. They now reside
in Decatur, Illinois. He is a minister of the
Church of God. Barbara, born in 1835,
married Abram Miller, and they became the
parents of eleven children. Mr. Miller is
deceased, and his widow now resides near
Freeport. Illinois,
Shortly after his marriage, Daniel New-
comer moved to Franklin county, Pennsyl-
vania, where he engaged in agricultural pur-
suits, reared his family, and there continued
to reside until 1S65, when he came to Ogle
county and located in Buffalo township,
where the remainder of his life was passed.
He died in 1875, his wife preceding him
some years, dying in 1873. In early life he
was an old two line Whig, with which party
he continued to act until it ceased to e.xist.
Having a dislike for slavery, he naturally be-
came a Republican on the organization of
that party. He lived to see slavery abol-
ished and the union of states restored. With
the Republican party he continued to affil-
iate until his death. Religiously, he was
identified with the River Brethren, as was
also his wife. He was a man of deep re-
ligious convictions and endeavored to walk
in the footsteps of the Master.
The subject of this sketch remained
at home until he attained his majority.
His primary education was obtained in the
common schools of the neighborhood, which
was supplemented by attending Shady Grove
Academy, in Perry county, Pennsylvania,
where he remained one year. He then en-
gaged in farming, continuing in that line for
three years. At the age of twenty-four he
entered the office of Dr. James Brotherton,
i38
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, and read
medicine under iiis instruction for a time,
and later entered Jefferson Medical College,
Philadelphia, taking the regular course, and
graduating therefrom in 1859. On receiv-
ing his diploma, he went to Upton, in his
native state, opened an office and com-
menced the practice of his profession. He
was building up a good practice at that
place when the war for the union com-
menced. Offering his services to his coun-
try, he was commissioned assistant surgeon
of the Twenty-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry, and immediately went
to the front. His service began in May,
1862, being mustered in at Camp Curtin,
near Harrisburg. From Camp Curtin he
was sent to St. Joseph hospital, a military
hospital in Philadelphia, where he remained
two months, and then joined the Army of
the Potomac under McClellan, taking part in
the campaign in the Chickahominy valley,
being in the seven^days' fight in the Wilder-
ness. While in this campaign he was taken
quite sick and resigned his commission. Re-
turning home he resumed his practice as
soon as his health would admit. He re-
mained at home about a year and a half
and again went into the service as acting
assistant surgeon, being stationed at Bever-
ly hospital, in New Jersey, where he re-
mained until about the close of the war,
when he again returned to Upton. From
that place he later removed to Martinsburg,
West Virginia, where he remained four and
a half years, in the meantime building up a
fair practice. In March, 1871, he came to
Mt. Morris, and for twenty-eight years has
attended to the ills of the people of that
city and vicinity, meeting with very grati-
fying success.
On the 1 8th of November, 1851, Dr.
Newcomer was united in marriage with Miss
Mary Shelley Funk, a native of Franklin
county, Pennsylvania, born April 30, 1S31,
and the daughter of Jacob and Catherine
(Shelley) Funk, both of whom were also
natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in
1803, and the latter in 1806. By occupa-
tion Jacob Funk was a farmer. He never
came west, but died in his native state
February 6, 1850. His wife survived him
many years, dying March 27, 1891. They
were the parents of twelve children — Henry,
Elizabeth, Rebecca, David, Mary, Christian,
Cyrus, Susan, Joseph, Annie C. , Martin S.
and Jacob. Catherine Funk was the daugh-
ter of Christian and Madeline (Hershey)
Shelley, both natives of Pennsylvania, and
both born in 1769.
To Dr. and Mrs. Newcomer si.x children
were born, two of whom died in infancy.
The living are; (i) Catherine, born May 30,
1855, married N. W. Sollenberger, and they
have three children — Harry C, Hugh Hale
and Earl. Mr. Sollenberger is engaged in
farming in North Dakota. (2) Barbara
Alice, born June 18, 1856, married Rev. J.
W. Thomas, a minister of the general synod
of the Lutheran church, recently located at
Lanark, but now residing at Mt. Morris.
(3) David W., born November 20, 1858,
married Nellie McFadden, and they have
six children — Henry, Edward, David, Frank,
Minnie and Earl. They reside in Kansas
City, Missouri, where he is engaged in the
undertaking and livery business. (4) H. C,
born April 30, 1861, married Rebecca
Rosier, and they have two children — Sidney
and Francis. They reside in Memphis,
Tennessee, where he has charge of an engin-
eering corps. He is a graduate of \\'est
Point, in the class of 1886, graduating at
the head of his class. He holds the com-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
139
mission of captain in the regular army, but
is now attached to the engineering corps.
Politically Dr. Newcomer is a Republic-
an, but his professional duties have always
been such as to prevent him from taking a
very active part in political affairs. While
preferring to give his time to his profession
he served as president of the village board
in a commendable manner. For years he
has been connected with the Ogle County
Medical Society, and for several years was
its president. Fraternally he is a member
of the Masonic Order, Knights of Pythias,
and John Smith Post, G. A. R., of Mt.
Morris. He is a member of the Lutheran
church, and for two years served as deacon.
He is very popular in the county of his
adoption, not only as a physician, but as
a citizen, and his friends are numerous in-
deed.
JAMES MYERS is one of the repre-
sentative pioneers and honored citizens
of Ogle county, where he first located in
the spring of 1S37. For many years he
was actively identified with the agricultural
interests of this section of the state, but
is now living retired in the village of Leaf
River, enjoying the rest which should al-
ways follow a long and busy career.
Mr. Myers is a native of Maryland,
born in Washington county, July 22, 1829,
and is a son of Jacob Muers, whose birth
occurred in the same state in 1800. On
reaching manhood the latter married Miss
Elizabeth Her, also a native of Maryland.
The father, who was a farmer by occupa-
tion, emigrated to Illinois in 1837, driving
to Wheeling, West Virginia, and thence
proceeding down the Ohio and up the Mis-
sissippi and Illinois rivers to Peru, this
state. From that place he drove across
the country to Ogle county and in Leaf
River township laid claim to four hundred
and twenty-four acres, which he later en-
tered from the government. At that time
the country was all wild and unimproved,
no roads constructed or bridges built. Mr.
Myers was compelled to go to Peru to mill,
and would haul part of his grain and pork
to Chicago, where he bought most of his
supplies, while at times he did his market-
ing at Mt. Carroll and Grand Detour. In
crossing sloughs his wagon would often
stick fast in the mud and he was obliged to
take the load off and carry it to firmer
ground. On hills or elevations he put up
stakes as land marks to guide him across
the open prairies. He had two plows with
wooden moll board, and his harrows had
wooden teeth, and with these rude imple-
ments he managed, however, to break and
cultivate his place. He located first in
Maryland township, where he built a log
house with a mud and stick chimney, but
after living there two or three years he
elected a more substantial residence of
hewed logs upon his claim in Leaf River
township. He also built a separate kitchen
and good outbuildings, which in later years
were replaced b}' modern frame structures.
Upon his farm he passed away in the
spring of 1876 at the age of seventy-six
years, and his wife died in 1892, at the age
of eighty-two.
Fifteen children were born to this worthy
couple, and with the exception of one all
reached man and womanhood, and five
sons and five daughters are now living.
William, who married and settled in Winne-
bago county, Illinois, is now deceased;
James is the second eldest son; Henry is a
farmer of Linn county, Iowa; Jacob i? a
140
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
farmer of Stephenson count}-, Illinois; and
John and David are both farmers in Ogle
county. The sisters are Amanda, wife of
Silas Snyder, both now deceased; Mary,
deceased wife of John Piper; Susan, wife of
John L. Smith; Adaline, wife of Joseph
Kendall, a farmer of Ogle county; Sarah,
wife of Joseph Folder, of Ogle county;
Catherine, wife of Jacob Shriver, of Ogle
county; and Martha, wife of George Grove,
of Ogle county.
James Myers was a lad of eight years
when he came with the family to Ogle
county, and here he grew to manhood,
assisting in opening up and developing the
home farm. After attaining his majority he
operated the place for four years, and then
bought eighty acres of land in Ridott town-
ship, Stephenson county, which he con-
verted into a fine farm, it being one of the
best improved places in the township. He
erected thereon a commodious frame resi-
dence, a good barn, granary and other out-
buildings, and placed the land under a high
state of cultivation. For twenty-four years
he was actively and successfully engaged in
farming upon that place, but now rents the
farm and lives retired in Leaf River, where
he bought a lot and built a comfortable
residence.
At Freeport, Illinois, September 30,
1857, Mr. Myers was united in marriage with
Miss Caroline Matilda Allen, who was born
in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, April 12,
1838. Her parents, Peter and Sarah Allen,
also natives of that county, came to Illinois
in 1854, and bought an improved farm in
Ogle county, where they spent their last
years.
On national issues, Mr. Myers is a sup-
porter of the Democratic party, but at local
elections he votes independently, supporting
the man whom he believes best qualified
to fill the ofSce. He and his wife are
earnest and faithful members of the Christian
church, assisted in its organization, and he
has served as deacon and trustee since it
was started, while Mrs. Myers gave the lot,
adjoining their own home, on which the
church was built. Their many sterling
traits of character have endeared them to
all, and it is sate to say that no couple in
the community have more or warmer friends
than Mr. and Mrs. Myers.
AMOS A. SHEFFIELD, deceased, was
a well-known farmer of Grand Detour
township, and the proprietor of the Sheffield
House, in the village of Grand Detour. He
was born September 5, 1S28, in North
Stonington, Connecticut, and was the son
of Amos and Nancy ( Baldwin) Sheffield, both
of whom were also natives of the Nutmeg
state. In his native state he remained until
he was seventeen years old, when he ac-
companied his parents to Otsego county.
New York, where they made a permanent
home. His father was a wheelwright by
trade, and followed that occupation almost
exclusively in Connecticut, but on his re-
moval to New York he engaged in fanning,
only occasionally working at his trade.
His last days were spent in Otsego county,
his death occurring many years ago.
In his native state our subject received
a limited education, but his native shrewd-
ness served him instead of the thorough
school training that he would have been
pleased to have had. He remained at home
and assisted his father until after attaining
his majority. His marriage was celebrated
October 9, 1852, when Miss Elizabeth Sco-
field became his wife. She was born in
AMOS A. SHEFFIELD.
MRS. A. A. SHEFFIELD.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
'45
Otsego county, New York, March 5, 1833, making it the commodious house as it now
and is the daughter of Hezekiah and Vashti exists. \Mien the repairs on the house
(Cole) Scofield, both of whom were natives were all completed, it was opened as a hotel,
of New York. Before leaving New York, which he named after himself, the Sheffield
one son, William Eugene, was born. In House. His attention ever after was divided
mfanc}' he accompanied his parents to Illi- between his hotel and farm, and on the
nois, and here grew to manhood, and March latter he raised a good grade of stock in
6, 1S79, married Miss Elizabeth M. J. Fox- which he took considerable pride.
\ey, born January 15, 1S55, and a daughter After coming to Illinois, four more chil-
of John and Jane (Reynolds) Foxley, her dren were born: May U., now the wife of
father being a farmer in Grand Detour town- Dr. James Parkhurst, of Grand Detour;
ship. By this union two sons were born — Charles A., of whom mention is made further
Arthur E., born April 9, 1S87, and Nelson along in this sketch; Mark S. and Amos H.,
F. , born January 30, i S90. In politics who are carrying on the home farm.
William E. Sheffield is a Republican, and Charles A. Sheffield was born October
has served as supervisor of his township one i^, 1S62, in the village of Grand Detour,
term, six terms as township clerk, three years and was educated in its public schools. His
as school director, twelve j'ears as notary life has mainly been spent on the home
public, and is at present justice of the peace. farm, but he has on occasions engaged in
He is a member of Grand Detour Camp, other lines of business. In 188S he took
No. 3683, M. W. A., Ulysses Grant Garri- charge of the butter making in the cream-
son. No. II, K. G. Forsome years he has ery of Buell Brothers, Rock Falls, Illinois,
been engaged in the general mercantile busi- In 1882 he took a position with an engin-
ness in Grand Detour, and has a very eering corps at Sioux City, Iowa, engaged
satisfactory trade. All four of the brothers in surveying a road through Iowa, and was
belong to the same camp of M. W. A. 36S3. with the corps for sometime. In politics
Upon coming to Illinois about 1S55, Mr. he is independent in local elections, but on
Sheffield first located in Lee county, near general issues he affiliates with the Democ-
Dixon, where he purchased a farm of one racy. In 1S94 he was elected constable of
hundred acres, which was their horn; for his township and served four years. In
two 3'ear3. Selling that farm, he moved 1S96 he was elected highway commissioner,
into D xon, where he remained two years. which position he \'et fills. On the 20th of
In November, 1S61, lie moved to Grand June, 1895, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he
Detour, and for tsvo or three years culti- was united in marriage with Miss Lottie
vated a rented farm, and then bought a farm Burhyte, daughter of John and Matilda
in the towmship, about two miles north of (Mclntyre) Burhyte, of Fond du Lac, Wis-
the village, of six hundred and seventeen consin.
acres. However, he made his home in the Amos A. Sheffield departed this life jan-
village where the faii:ily still reside. In uary 22, 189S. Three brothers and one
1S64, he purchased the present home of the sister yet survive him, as follows; George
family in the village, and soon after remod- H., a merchant of Holley, New York; Rev.
eled the house, adding to its dimensions, Charles A. , a minister of the Baptist church,
146
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of Topeka, Kansas; Dr. D. A., an old prac-
titioner, of Dixon, Illinois; and Mrs. Julia
Lyon, of Gilbertsville, New York.
Mr. Sheffield was reared in tfie Baptist
faith, in which in early life he was a mem-
ber. Fraternally he was a member of Grand
Detour lodge, A. F. & A. M. In politics
he was a Democrat of the old school, a
stanch advocate of the principles of the
party. He filled a number of local positions
of honor and trust, including commissioner
of highways, constable, school director,
and was also postmaster of Grand Detour
for two terms under Cleveland, and was re-
appointed by McKinley. After his death
Mrs. Sheffield received the appointment,
and is now discharging the duties of the
office. He was a man of sterling character
and worth, thoroughly honest, of good busi-
ness ability, and his death was mourned not
alone by his faithful wife and family, but
by a large circle of friends and acquaint-
ances.
STEPHEN B. SHUART, president of
the Byron Bank, of Byron, Illinois, has
a wide reputation as a most capable finan-
cier and occupies a position of no little
prominence in business circles in Ogle
county. His life demonstrates what can
be accomplished through energy, careful
management, keen foresight and the utili-
zation of powers with which nature has en-
dowed one, and the opportunities with
which the times surround him.
A native of Ohio, Mr. Shuart was born
in Ashtabula county. May 15, 1837, ^"d '^
a son of Stephen Shuart, who was born in
New Jersey, of German ancestry, the fam-
ily having been founded in that state at an
early day. The father was reared, how-
ever, in New York and there married Miss
Mary Beckwith, a native of Allegany coun-
ty. New York. About 1836 he removed to
Ashtabula county, Ohio, but spent his last
years in Gerard, Pennsylvania, where his
death occurred.
When a lad of thirteen years Stephen
B. Shuart left home to begin the battle of
life for himself as a farm hand. His early
school privileges were limited and he is
mainly self-educated, having devoted con-
siderable time to reading and study in later
years. Coming west in 1S57, he spent the
first winter in work upon a farm near Rock-
ford, Illinois, but the following spring wit-
nessed his arrival in Ogle county, where he
has since made his home. Here he also
worked on a farm during the summer season
and the first winter attended a country
school, but during the winter of i860 pur-
sued his studies in the high school at Mt.
Morris.
His patriotism and loyalty to country
were manifest May 24, 1861, by his enlist-
ment in Company H, Fifteenth Illinois Vol-
unteer Infantry, as a private. The regiment
was assigned to the Western Army, and was
first under General Fremont in Missouri.
Later they participated in the battles of
Shiloh, Corinth, Hatchie's Run, the second
battle of Corinth; was in a number of en-
gagements around Vicksburg, and helped to
take that stronghold. Then followed the
battles of Big Black and Jackson, after
which they returned to Vicksburg, and from
there went to Natchez, Mississippi. Mr.
Shuart veteranized and returned home on a
si.xty days' furlough, rejoining his regiment
at Nashville, Tennessee. He was then
with Sherman on the memorable march to
the sea. WHiile his company was acting as
rear guard at Ackworth, Georgia, about
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
147
two hundred and fifty of the regiment, in-
cluding our subject, were taken prisoners
by Hood and sent to Andersonville, where
they were incarcerated until the spring of
1865. They were then taken to Vicksburg,
where they were deserted by their guard
after hearing of the assassination of Presi-
dent Lincoln. Mr. Shuart soon returned
north, and at Springfield was honorably
discharged in May, 1S65, and reached
home on the 4th of July.
The following year he engaged in farm-
ing in Marion township. Ogle county, where
he first purchased forty acres of wild land,
which he soon converted into highly culti-
vated fields. He bought more land from
time to time until he had one hundred
and seventy-five acres, on which he erected
a good residence and made many other im-
provements which added to its value and
attractive appearance. Renting his farm
in 1887, he removed to Byron, where he
was first engaged in buying, selling and
shipping stock, and also conducted a
butcher shop for a few years and then sold.
In 1892, in partnership with other gentle-
men, he purchased the Byron Bank, was
elected president and is still filling th it posi-
tion. They do a general banking business
and their patronage extends throughout the
county. Besides his own comfortable home
in East Byron, Mr. Stewart has other resi-
dence property, and is to-day one of the
substantial and prosperous citizens of the
community.
In Ogle county, Mr. Shuart was married
in 1 866, to Miss Julia A. Whittaker, a na-
tive of the county and a daughter of John
Whiitaker, one of its first settlers. She
died in 1887, leaving one daughter, Emily,
now the wife of Albert Rosier, of Byron.
Mr. Shuart was again married, in Allegany
county. New York, in 1888, his second
union being with Miss Cynthia Londesberry,
who was born, reared and educated in that
state.
In political sentiment, Mr. Shuart is a
pronunced Republican, casting his first pres-
idential vote for Abraham Lincoln in i860,
and he has rendered his party effective ser-
vice as a delegate to state and county con-
ventions. Socially he is a member of
Byron Lodge, F. & A. M., with which he
has been officially connected for several
years, and both he and his wife are mem-
bers of the Eastern Star, in which she is
serving as treasurer and Mr. Shuart as
worthy patron. He is a courteous, affable
gentleman, and, above all, wherever he is
found, whether in public or private life, his
integrity is above question and his honor
above reproach. Byron owes much to him
and numbers him among her valued citizens.
HON. FRANCIS BACON, one of the
leading attorneys of Oregon, Illinois,
is well known, not only throughout the
county of Ogle, but throughout the state.
He is a native of the city, and was born
August 21, 1858, his parents being Cap-
tain Bowman \V. and Almira M. (Robert-
son) Bacon. His father was a native of
Huntington Mills, Luzerne county, Penn-
sylvania, born October 5, 1823, and came
with his parents to Illinois in 1839, locating
in Sterling, Whiteside county. His educa-
tion, begun in the public schools of his na-
tive state, and continued in the schools of
Sterling, was completed in Rock Ri\er
Seminary, quite a noted institution in the
early days, and which he entered in 1S46.
After completing his literary studies he went
148
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to Oregon, and entered the office of Henry
A. Mix and commenced the study of law.
A strong union man, B. W. Bacon of-
fered his services to his country in the hour
of its peril, and on the 15th of August,
1S62, entered the army, receiving a com-
mission as captain of Company C, Seventy-
fourth Illinois Volunteerlnfantry. His regi-
ment was assigned to the Army of the Cum-
berland under General Buell. With his
regiment and company. Captain Bacon took
part in the battle of Perryville, Kentucky,
and was in various skirmishes in pursuit of
Bragg. He was also in the battles of Stone
River, Liberty Gap, and was in the Tulla-
homa e.xpedition. Following this he was
in the fight at Chickamauga, Mission Ridge,
Buzzard Roost, Calhoun, Adairsville, Dal-
las, Lost Mountain, and the battle of Ken-
saw Mountain, in v.'hich he was severely
wounded in the right and left arms, causing
the amputation of the right arm July 12,
and of the left a week later. Too weak
to stand these operations ho died July 21,
at Nashville, Tennessee, with his devoted
wife at his side. He was a brave and gal-
lant officer, cool and self-possessed in the
hottest of battle, and always at his post of
duty. He was patient and cheerful through-
out his severe sufferings to the end. For gal-
lant and meritorious service a commission as
colonel was sent him from the war depart-
ment, but his death occurred before it was
received.
Captain Bacon was married February i,
1852, to Mrs. Almira M. Fuller, ncc Robert-
son, widow of William W. Fuller, in his day
one of the most prominent attorneys of
Oregon, and an uncle of Margaret Fuller.
She was born in Ripley, Chautauqua county.
New York, November 27, 1S24, and came
to Illinois in 1S40 in company with her pa-
rents. In 1 84 1 she entered Rock River
Seminary, from which she was later gradu-
ated. She then became preceptress in that
institution, a position she held until her
marriage with Mr. Fuller, which took place
March 3, 1S47. Mr. Fuller died August 17,
1S49. After the death of her husband,
Mrs. Fuller lived in widowhood about two
and a half years and then married Captain
Bacon, with whom she spent twelve happy
years. Partly to divert her mind and to be
the better fitted to superintend the educa-
tion of her only son, Francis, she entered
the Illinois Normal University in 1866, from
which she was graduated in 1S70. She died
in May, 1896, at Oregon, where she was
held in high esteem for her mental at-
tainments as well as for her estimable quali-
ties as a Christian woman.
Francis Bacon, the subject of this
sketch, grew to manhood in his native city,
and after attending the public schools en-
tered the Highland Military Academy, at
Worcester, Massachusetts, from which he
was graduated in June, 1S77. He then took a
regular law course in the Columbian Law
School, Washington, District of Columbia,
and was admitted to the district bar in
April, 1879, being the youngest person ad-
mitted at that time, not yet having reached
his twenty-first year. From the law school
he graduated the following June. In Janu-
ary, 1880, he entered upon the practice of
his profession at Oregon, and soon acquired
a prominent position and recognition as an
able attorney. In 1881 he was elected city
attorney of Oregon, and re-elected in 18S3,
but later resigned. In 1887 he was elected
mayor of Oregon, and re-elected in 18S9.
During his last term as mayor, the city was
run and maintained, and various improve-
ments made, without levying any city tax.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
149
This was probably the only case of the kind
in a city the size of Oregon.
Mr. Bacon was married at Dixon, Illi-
nois, June 23, 1881, to Kizzie H. Kennedy,
a daughter of William Kennedy, and niece
of Mr. Oliver Ernest. Two children have
been born to them — Francis Everett and
Marion Eugene.
In addition to carrying on a very lucra-
tive law practice, Mr. Bacon conducts a
large stock farm of nearly four hundred
acres near the city limits, giving it his per-
sonal superintendence. He makes a spec-
ialty of breeding Aberdeen-Angus cattle, in
which he has been quite successful. He is
also a large feeder, and ships annually sev-
eral car loads of cattle. For some years
he has taken considerable interest in mili-
tary affairs, and is now captain of Company
C, Sons of Veterans Regiment Illinois State
Militia. The services of his company were
offered to the general government during
the war with Spain, but were not accepted,
but the company was afterwards on duty
at Virden, Illinois, during the coal strike of
1898.
Mr. Bacon has an established reputa-
tion as a trial lawyer, and is engaged in
nearly all of the jury cases. Perhaps his grea-
test successes have been in criminal cases,
and but two or three criminals defended by
him have been committed to Joliet. While
serving as mayor all indebtedness against
the city was cancelled and many material
improvements were made, among which
was the extension of the city water works,
and beneficial changes at the pumping sta-
tion and in the fire department. The
streets were carefully attended to, stone
crossings being laid upon all the principal
thoroughfares, and the streets of the city
were lit by electricity. Mr. Bacon has al-
io
ways affiliated with the Republican party
and his services have been in demand in the
various campaigns in the discussion of the
principles of the party. Mr. Bacon is a
man of fine physique, with a corresponding
heart, and either as a private citizen, in a
professional capacity, or in his officialduties,
is one of the most approachable and genial
of gentlemen, and well deserves the high
honor bestowed upon him by his fellow
citizens.
JOHN H. DAVIS, a retired farmer, resid-
ing on section 14, Buffalo township, one
mile east of the city of Polo, has been a
resident of Ogle county since 1864. He
was born in Washington county, Maryland,
May 18, 1846. His father, William Davis,
was a native of the same county and state,
born about 1824. He there married Mar-
garet Rohrer, likewise of Washington coun-
ty, Maryland, and they became the parents
of five children, as follows: John H., the
subject of this sketch; William, a farmer of
Pine Creek township; Martha, wife of Hugh
L. Henry, of Johnson county, Kansas;
James, living in Buffalo township; and Mary
L. , wife of Columbus Sheeley, of Pine
Creek township. The father died in 1856,
a young man of thirty-two years, leaving a
widow and five children. With true moth-
erly devotion she determined to do the best
she could by the fatherless ones. In 1864
she came with the family to Ogle county
and made a permanent location in Pine
Creek township, and there she still resides,
making her home with her daughter.
The subject of this sketch was but ten
years old when his father died, and but
eighteen when he accompanied his mother
to Ogle county. The oldest born, much
ISO
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
depended upon him in the care and improve-
ment of the farm, and his opportunities for
obtaining an education were very hmited.
It maybe said that he is almost wholly self-
educated, the knowledf^e acquired being
principally obtained in the school of experi-
ence. Soon after his coming to the county
he bought an interest in a threshing ma-
chine, and for several seasons engaged in
threshing grain for farmers throughout the
county.
Mr. Davis was married in Pine Creek
township in February, 1870, to Miss Maria
C. Powell, also a native of Washington
county, Maryland, but who came to Ogle
county in childhood. In the public schools
of this county she received the greater part
of her education. She is a sister of Sam-
uel C. Powell, a sketch of whom appears on
another page of this work. By this union
six children were born, two of whom are
now living — Gertie B. , a young lady, at
home; and C. O., a student of Eureka Col-
lege, of the class of 1899. The deceased
are Carrie, who died at the age of five years;
Anna, who died when eighteen years old;
Ray, at eight months; and Minnie Lee, when
about five months old.
After his marriage Mr. Davis rented a
farm in Pine Creek township a few years,
and then bought a farm of one hundred
and sixty acres in the same township, on
which he resided for twenty-seven years.
In 1885 he purchased the farm where he
now resides and which he rented until the
spring of 1897. He then came to the place
and has since made it his home, although he
rents out the land and is practically living
retired. Since coming to this farm he has
built a good house and barn, and otherwise
improved the place. He still owns the
Pine Creek farm, and in addition has seventy-
eight acres in another locality, and sixty-two
acres in still another locality. Success has
crowned his efforts, having commenced life
almost empty-handed, but he has been in-
dustrious and persevering, and the result is
seen in the property which he has accum-
mulated and his well-tilled fields.
Politically Mr. Davis is a Republican,
and he has been identified with that party
since casting his first presidential vote for
General Grant in 1S6S. From that time
to the present he has supported every presi-
dential nominee of the party. While resid-
ing in Pine Creek township, he served as
road commissioner for several years, was a
member of the board of supervisors two
terms, and for years was a member of the
school board. Both he and his family are
members of the Pennsylvania Corners
Christian church in Pine Creek township,
and are earnest Christian people.
For thirty-five years Mr. Davis has been
a resident of Ogle county, coming here in
his early manhood. He has been an active
factor in the development of the county,
especially of Pine Creek township. Modest
in his bearing, he has calmly gone on his
way doing that which seemed to him best,
and enjoying the respect and esteem of those
with whom he was brought in contact.
While still in his prime he has accumulat-
ed a competency and believes in enjoj'ing
life while he can.
LEWIS MOKING is one of the progress-
ive and enterprising farmers of For-
reston township, where he owns a fine farm
of one hundred and sixty-three acres on
section i, which has been transformed into
one of the best and most desirable home-
steads of the locality. The land has been
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
151
brought to an excellent state of cultivation,
and is embellished by a good and substan-
tial set of farm buildings. A flourishing or-
chard serves to add to the comfortable ap-
pearance of the premises, and supplies the
household with the luxuries of the season.
Mr. Moring was born in Forreston town-
ship, November 27, 1S57, and is a son of
Frederick Moring, who was born in Ger-
many in 181 1, and there married Dorothea
Foshea, also of German birth. In 1S48
they emigrated to America and joined some
friends from their native land who had
previously located in Ogle county. In
Maryland township the father bought a
tract of eighty acres, built a little house
thereon, and continued the improvement
and cultivation of the land for several years.
He finally sold the place and came to For-
reston township, where he purchased about
six hundred acres in three different tracts.
He located on section 18, when he opened up
a farm of two hundred and forty acres,
which he improved with good buildings.
Upon that place he died January 19, 1889,
and his wife passed away December 23,
1890, the remains of both being interred in
the Prairie Dell cemetery. Lewis is the
youngest in their family of eight children,
three sons and five daughters, all of whom
are still living and are heads of families.
The others are Mrs. Dorothea Bower, of
Ogle county; Mrs. Mary Timmer; Mrs.
Louisa Dorman; Mrs. Lizzie Hodger; Fred-
erick; Mrs. Ella Garles; and Henry.
Lewis Moring was reared in much the
usual manner of farmer boys, attending
school in winter, and assisting in the work
of the farm during the summer months, and
he remained with his father until he reached
man's estate. He then rented a part of the
farm, which he operated for a number of
jears. He was married in Forreston town-
ship, March 8, 1883, to Miss Caroline Zun-
dahl, a native of Maryland township, Ogle
county, and a daughter of Christopher Zun-
dahl, one of the early settlers of the county.
Nine children bless this union, namely:
Lizzie, Alvin, Anna, Ida, Clara, Mabel, Es-
ther, Ruth and Laura.
In the spring of 1883, Mr. Moring locat-
ed upon his present farm, to the further de-
velopment and improvement of which he
has since devoted his energies with most
gratifying results, converting it into one of
the most desirable farms of the township.
He has been a life-long Republican, casting
his first vote for James A. Garfield, and he
is now serving his third term as school di-
rector. He and his wife are active and
prominent members of the Prairie Dell
Presbyterian church, with which he is offi-
cially connected, serving as deacon, and
both are workers in the Sunday school. So-
cially he is a member of Florence Lodge,
M. W. A. He is well known in his part of
the county as a man of exemplary habits,
of upright character and sterling worth, and
he and his estimable wife have the respect
of the entire community.
PROF. JOHN G. ROYER, president of
Mt. Morris College, has an excellent
reputation as an educator, and is well
known throughout the United States. He
was born in Hartleton, Union county, Penn-
sylvania, April 22, 1838, and is the son of
Jacob and Susan (Myers) Royer, both of
whom were natives of Pennsylvania, the
former born in October, 1797, and the lat-
ter in 1 801. The paternal grandfather,
John Royer, was born in Lancaster, Penn-
sylvania, He married Anna Grove, a na-
'52
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tive of the same state. He was a minister
of the German Baptist church, preaching
the gospel as the opportunity was afforded
him, and also attending to the duties of his
farm. Jacob Royer also engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits, following that vocation
during his entire life. He was an earnest
and devoted member of the German Baptist
church, of which body his wife was also a
member. They were the parents of seven
children. Isaac, born October 25, 1821,
married Anna Shellenberger, and they be-
came the parents of four children. Both
are now deceased. Abraham, born October
11,1824, married Sarah Kleckner, and three
children blessed their union. He was a sol-
dier in the One Hundred and Forty-eighth
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and lost
his life in the battle of Petersburg, in May,
1864. His widow is yet living in Wiscon-
sin. Jacob, born October 17, 1827, mar-
ried Elizabeth Strickler, and to them were
born seven children. Both are living in
Union county, Pennsylvania, where he is
engaged in farming. Elizabeth, born Oc-
tober 17,1829, married William Royer, and
they also reside in Union county. Pennsyl-
vania, where he is farming. Mary, born
February 19, 1832, died April 18, 1858.
John G., our subject, was ne.xt in order of
birth. Samuel, born June 3,1840, married
Mary Mumert, and they have one child.
They reside in Miami county, Ohio, where
he is engaged in farming. The mother of
these children died in August, 1868. In
early life Jacob Royer was a Whig, but
voted for Buchanan in 1856, on account of
the fact that he was a former schoolmate of
Buchanan. After that he voted the Repub-
lican ticket until his death, which occurred
in April, 187C.
The subject of this sketch was reared on
a farm, and received his primary education
in the common schools. He later attended
the academy at Mifflinsburg, Pennsylvania,
but completed his literary course at Union
Seminary, New Berlin, Pennsylvania. Be-
fore completing his education, however, he
taught several terms of school, commencing
at the age of si.xteen years. He was but
twenty years old when he left the seminary.
He then determined to make teaching his
life work, and in connection with the preach-
ing of the gospel, has since engaged in that
profession. Commencing in the graded
schools of his native state, he taught for
about five years, and then, at the age of
twenty-five, went to Darke count}-, Ohio,
and engaged in teaching in the graded
schools until 1871, the last si.x years of
which time he was principal of the schools
at Webster and Versailles. In 1871 he
went to Burnettsville, White county, Indi-
ana, and for four years was principal of the
high school at that place. He then ac-
cepted the superintendency of the high
school at Monticello, Indiana, and was
there eight years. From Monticello he
came to Mt. Morris and was assigned the
chair of English literature in Mt. Morris
College. One year later he was elected
president of the college, since which time it
has been under his control. Since taking
active charge the college has met with a
fair degree of success and gained in popu-
larity with the people.
On the 8th of December, i860. Prof.
Ivoyer was united in marriage with ^^iss
Lizzie Reiff, born November 30, 1S38, a
native of Union county, Pennsylvania, and
a daughter of Christian H. and Susan (Tit-
low) Reiff, both of whom were natives of
Pennsylvania. Both are now deceased,
the latter dying in 1870, and the former in
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
153
1896 He was a manufacturer of agricult-
ural machines, including threshers and hul-
lers, being the inventor of a clover sep-
arator. They were the parents of ten chil-
dren, of whom Mrs. Royer was sixth in or-
der of birth. Religiously they were members
of the German Baptist church. Politically
he was first a Whig and then a Ivepublican.
To Prof, and Mrs. Royer eight children
were born, (i) Galen, born Septembers,
1S62, married Anna Miller, of Mt. Morris,
and to them have been born five children —
Bessie, Daniel, Catherine, Ruth and Anna.
They reside in Mt. Morris, and he is secre-
tary of the General Mission Board of the
Brethren church. He is also connected
with the Brethren Publishing Company. (2)
Susan, born July 10, 1S65, married Prof.
E. S. Young, of Canton, Ohio, and they
have five children — Katie, Vinna, Marguer-
ite, Ida May and Paul. Prof. Young is
now president of Manchester College, North
Manchester, Indiana. (3) Mary, born June
16, 1S67, is at home. (4) Ida, born Octo-
ber 27, 1868, married J. M. Myers, and
they have one child. Galena. They reside
at Cando, North Dakota, where he is en-
gaged in the mercantile business. (5) Net-
tie, born March 31, 1870, tnarried J. A.
Brubaker, and they have four children —
Madge, Ralph, Bernice and Nellie. He is
secretary and general manager of the Chain
Stay Fence Company, of Sterling, Illinois.
(6) Lillie, born November 18, 1S72, is a
teacher in the high school at Cando, North
Dakota, and she owns one-half section of
land near that place. (7) Josephine, born
October 9, 1875, is also residing at Cando,
North Dakota, where she is the owner of a
quarter section of land. (8) Myrtle, born
July 18, 1880, is a student in Mt. Morris
College. All but Mary are graduates of Mt.
Morris College. Galen is also a graduate
of Juniata College, of Huntingdon, Penn-
sylvania.
Politically Prof. Royer is a Republican,
but gives little time to political affairs, his
college work commanding his entire time,
except that given to ministerial labors. He
is a logical and convincing speaker, a thor-
ough student of the word of God, and a
firm believer in the inspiration of the Bible.
For forty years he has given his time to
teaching the youth of the land, and his in-
struction has always been of a nature to
make better citizens, to fit them not only
for their proper station in this life, but pre-
pare them for the life to come. The world
is always the better for such men.
JAMES CAMPBELL, a retired farmer
who now makes his home in Byron,
Illinois, is oi sturdy Scotch ancestry, and
has inherited the traits of industry, thrift
and economy peculiar to that people, that
always bring to them success in their vari-
ous occupations. He was born in the city
of Forfar, near Dundee, Scotland, Novem-
ber 4, 1829, a son of John and Jane (Fair-
weather) Campbell, also natives of that
country. The father, whj was a tobacconist
by trade, emigrated to the New World in
1 83 1 and first settled in Philadelphia, but
later removed to Miami county, Ohio. He
sent for his family who joined him in Phila-
delphia. In Miami county, he first lived on
a farm but later removed to the cit}- of
Piqua. In his family were five children,
four sons and one daughter, all of whom
reached years of maturity. In order of
birth they were as follows: Robert and
\\'illiam, now deceased; James, our subject;
David Angus, who was a soldier of the
154
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Civil war and is now a resident of Pickaway,
Ohio; and Ann, deceased.
The subject of this review was reared
on a farm in his native land and had good
common- school advantages in early life.
Coming to America in 1S53, he joined his
parents in Ohio, and remained with them
a few years, assisting in the operation of
the home farm. He was married in Miami
county, August 23, i860, to Miss Margaret
A. Linn, a native of that county, and a
daughter of William Linn, who removed
from Pennsylvania to Ohio in an early day,
settling in Pickaway about 1822. Mrs.
Campbell was provided with excellent
school privileges, supplementing the edu-
cation acquired in the common schools by
a course in the Troy high school and the
O.xford Female College, and for six years
she successfully engaged in teaching. By
her marriage to our subject she has become
the mother of seven children, namely: John,
a resident of Storm Lake, Iowa; Jane A.,
wife of C. E. Johnson, who lives near
Bridgewater, South Dakota; Margaret M.,
wife of Charles Bowie, ofTacoma, Washing-
ton; Mary G. , a trained nurse of Chicago;
Belle, wife of William Kelly, of Chicago;
William L. , a druggist and business man of
Byron; and Elizabeth Ada, who is now a
student in a business college in Rockford,
Illinois.
After his marriage Mr. Campbell en-
gaged in farming in Ohio for five years, but
in 1865 came to Ogle county, Illinois, and
purchased an improved farm of eighty acres
in Byron township about five miles from
the village of Byron. As his financial re-
sources increased he added to the original
purchase until he had two hundred and
eighty acres of valuable land, on which he
made many excellent iinprovements, includ-
ing the erection of a pleasant residence and
good barns and outbuildings. He success-
fully engaged in the operation of his farm
until 1897, when he rented the place and
removed to Bjron, where he has since
lived retired from active labor in a comfort-
able home of his own.
Politically Mr. Campbell has been identi-
fied with the Republican party since casting
his first presidential vote for Abraham Lin-
coln in i860, and he has been honored with
a number of responsible positions in his
township, being treasurer for the long
period of twenty-six years, supervisor for
four consecutive years, during which time
he was a member of several important com-
mittees. He has also served as highway
commissioner and a member of the board
of education, besides being a delegate to a
number of county conventions of his party.
He and his wife are now connected with
the Congregational church of Byron, and
previously were for thirty-two years active
and prominent members of the Middle Creek
Presbyterian church. They are esteemed
residents of Byron and taken an active in-
terest in the welfare of the community, aid-
ing all beneficial schemes tending to im-
prove its moral, educational or social status.
JOHN BECK, a retired farmer living on
section 33, Woosung township, is a
well-known German farmer who has made
a success in life. He was born 'in Hessen,
Darmstadt, Germany, in 1822, and is the
son of John and Elizabeth Beck, both na-
tives of the same country. They were the
parents of one son, our subject, and one
daughter, Katherine, who is now deceased.
The wife and mother dying, he was again
married, and by the second union there
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
155
were five children, of whom two are yet
living — Leonard, on the old home farm in
Tazewell county, Illinois, and Elizabeth,
now the wife of Jacob Meyers, a retired
farmer of Pekin, Illinois.
John Beck, Sr., was a shoemaker by
trade, which occupation he followed in his
native land. In 1S32 he came to the
United States and first located in Franklin
county, Pennsylvania, where he remained
until 1845, working at his trade. Saving
some money, he came to Illinois and settled
in Tazewell county, where he secured one
hundred and si.xty acres of land and spent
the remainder of his life as a farmer. He
died in 1S81 at the age of eighty-five years.
The subject of this sketch was but ten
years of age when he accompanied his fa-
ther to the United States. In his native
land he commenced to acquire an education
in the parochial schools, but on coming to
this country the opportunity was not given
him to attend the public schools here but a
comparatively short time. As soon as he
was old and large enough he engaged in
farm work in Pennsylvania, at which he
continued until he was eighteen years old,
when he took up the tanner's trade, at
which he worked until he came to Illinois
in 185G. Four years previous to his com-
ing he had purchased eighty acres of land
through the agency of his father in Taze-
well count}'. On his arrival he settled on
his farm and at once commenced its im-
provement. He there remained until 1867,
when he sold the place and came to Ogle
county and purchased his present farm in
Woosung township, comprising two hun-
dred acres.
Mr. Beck was married in Pennsylvania
to Margaret Hanstein, and to them have
been born five children: John F. , who
married Margaret Coon, of Frederick
county, Maryland; William, who is in the
west; Alfred, a prosperous farmer of Buffa-
lo township, now residing in Polo; Clara,
who remains at home with her father, and
Amos, a farmer of Nemaha county, Kan-
sas.
Mr. Beck has followed general farming, the
raising of grain and stock, and is one of the
highly esteemed citizens of the county. All
that he has has been acquired by his own
industry and good management. Com-
mencing life a poor boy, working for small
wages, he has persevered, toiling early and
late, and success has come to him, and he
is now enabled to lay aside business cares
and take life easy during the remainder of
his days. His good wife died in 1S73.
ANDREW F. LONG, who resides on sec-
tion 15, Lincoln township, owns and
operates a fine farm of one hundred and
sixty acres, two miles from Haldane. He
has been a resident of the county since
1845, a period of fifty-four years, coming
here a lad of eleven years. He was born
near Hagerstown, Washington county, Mary-
land, June 20, 1834, and is the son of Rev.
Jacob Long, a native of Washington county,
Maryland, born in 1784, and who was the
son of Isaac Long, a native of Pennsylvania,
of German ancestry. Isaac Long removed
from Franklin county, Pennsylvania, to
Washington county, Maryland, at a very
early day. Jacob Long grew to manhood
in his native county and there married
Catherine Friedley, a native of Franklin
county, Pennsylvania, and daughter of
Andrew Friedley, born in Pennsylvania of
Swiss descent.
156
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Jacob Long was a minister in the Ger-
man Baptist church, but as a means of Hve-
lihood engaged in farming during his entire
life. In 1845, in company with about a
dozen families, he left his native state and
came to Ogle county, Illinois, being about
five weeks cii route. He settled on the
farm where our subject now lives, entermg
a tract of six hundred and forty acres, and
at once commencing its improvement. He
was very prosperous, being as industrious as
the day was long. As a minister of the
Brethren he established what is known as
the west branch of the Brethren church,
and during his life was very active in its
work. He was a good man and accom-
plished much good in the community in
which he lived. His death occurred Feb-
ruary 17, 18GS. His wife survived him
some years, dying May 3, 1879, when nearly
ninety years old. They were the parents
of twelve children, ten of whom grew to
mature years, and four yet surviving. Han-
nah is the wife of Daniel Singer, of Mary-
land Station, Ogle county. Samuel is a
retired farmer of Gove county, Kansas.
Rebecca is the widow of Jonathan Smith,
of Pawnee county, Nebraska. Andrew F.
is the subject of this review.
Andrew F. Long came with his parents
to Ogle county, and on the home farm grew
to manhood, in the meantime attending the
common schools and assisting in the work
of the farm. He remained with his parents
until the father's death, when he succeeded
to the home place. He was married in Lin-
coln township, February 26, 1857, to Miss
Ann Maria Wallace, a native of Washing-
ton county, Maryland, and daughter of
James Wallace, a native of the same coun-
ty and state, who moved west with his fam-
ily in 1845, settling in Lincoln township,
where he opened up a farm and reared
his family. By this union nine children
have been born. Isadora died at the age
of nine years and six months. Laura Alice
grew to womanhood, married Hiram Goode,
and after his decease she wedded Henry
Davidson. She died in July, 1896, leaving
four children, of whom one was by the first
marriage, and three by the last one. The
youngest born, Vinna P. Davidson, is now
an inmate of our subject's home. Grace A.
is the wife of B. F. Miller, of Wright coun-
ty, Iowa. Cora Edna is the wife of D. H.
Newcomer, a farmer of Mt. Morris town-
ship. Mary Esther is the wife of J. C.
Muller, a carpenter by trade, but who owns
a nice farm in Mt. Morris township. O. C.
A. is a farmer in Lincoln township. Ro-
sella L. P. is living at home. Arthur J., a
well educated young man, is a successful
teacher in his native county.
Mr. and Mrs. Long commenced their
domestic life on the farm where they yet
reside, and which has been their home for
forty-two years, and his home for fifty-four
years. They are well known, especially in
the western part of the county, and by all
who know them are held in the highest es-
teem. The only official position held by
him has been in connection with the public
schools, serving as a member of the school
board and clerk of the same. His first po-
litical views were those held by the Whig
party, the party with which his father was
identified. He attained his majority at the
time of the birth of the Republican party, to
which he has since gave adhesion. Both
he and his wife are earnest and devoted
members of the west branch of the German
Baptist church, and in the simple and Ap-
ostolic teachings have the utmost faith. As
a citizen he has always endeavored to be
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
157
true and loyal, doing his duty faithfully and
well. In the development of the count}' he
has done his part.
HENRY J. SCHRADER is one of Ogle
county's honored sons and most active
and progressive business men. Through-
out his career of continued and far-reaching
usefulness his duties have been performed
with the greatest care, and business inter-
ests have been so managed as to win him
the confidence of the public and the pros-
perity which should always attend honor-
able effort.
Mr. Schrader was born in Leaf River
township, January 11, 1S44, a son of Will-
iam Schrader, who was born in Ohio in
1812, and came to Ogle county about 1842.
He took up land in Leaf River township
and developed a fine farm of one hundred
and twenty acres, upon which he success-
fully engaged in agricultural pursuits until
life's labors were ended, passing away in
1875. Here he married Mrs. Mary Myers,
ncc Her, a native of Maryland, who came to
this state with her father, David Her, a pio-
neer of Ogle county of 1837. She first
married Peter Myers, by whom she had two
children, and by the second union there
were three children, of whom Henry J., our
subject, is the eldest; Samuel is a farmer of
Ogle county; and Sarah is the wife of Will-
iam Beebe, also of this county. The chil-
dren by the first marriage were Peter L.
Myers, of Ogle county, and Hettie, wife of
Wilson Hubble, both now deceased. The
mother died some years before her second
husband.
On the home farm Henry J. Schrader
passed his boyhood and youth in much the
usual manner of farmer bo\s, assisting in
17
the labors of the fields during the summer
season and attending the district schools
during the winter months. He remained
with his father and operated a part of the
farm until twenty-four years of age. On
the 13th of February, 1868, in Ogle county,
was celebrated his marriage with Miss Tena
Light, a daughter of John Light, whose
sketch appears elsewhere in this work.
Three children bless this union: Joseph,
who died February 15, 1875, at the age of
eighteen months; Mary, who was well edu-
cated in the schools of Leaf River and
Mt. Morris, November 2, 1898, married
Charles T. Schelling, of Leaf River; and
Lewis M. , a graduate of the Leaf River
schools, also attended the United Breth-
ren College at Huntington, Indiana, for one
year, and is now learning telegraphy at Still-
man Valley.
After his marriage Mr. Schrader located
on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres
near Egan, to the further improvement and
cultivation of which he devoted his ener-
gies with marked success. He built a good
residence, barn, granary, cribs and other
outbuildings, and later bought another farm
of one hundred and si.xty acres in the same
locality, making his home there for three
or four years. He then bought seventy-
seven acres on the northern line of the
county in Leaf River township, and to-day
owns three valuable farms aggregating four
hundred acres, which he has placed under
excellent cultivation. In March, 1889, he
rented his farms and moved to the village
of Leaf River, where he bought a lot and
built a pleasant residence that is now his
home. His time is now devoted to the
management of his estate, and he is still
one of the most active, energetic and en-
terprising men of the community.
158
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Schrader cast his first presidential
ballot for General U. S. Grant in 1868, and
continued to affiliate with the Republican
party for some years, but now gives his sup-
port to the men and measures of the Pro-
hibition party, and is an earnest advocate
of the cause of temperance. At the pres-
ent time he is acceptably serving as a mem-
ber of the town board, but has never been
an aspirant for political honors. The family
are members of the United Brethren church
and hold an enviable position in the social
circle of the community in which they make
their home.
JAMES I. MASON, residing on section
22, Buffalo township, is one of the sub-
stantial farmers of Ogle county. He is a
native of the county, and was born in Buf-
falo township, November 12, 1843. He
traces his ancestry back to Sampson Mason,
who was an officer in Cromwell's army, and
who emigrated to America in 1650, locating
in Massachusetts. James Mason, the grand-
father of our subject, was a native of Rhode
Island, and his son, Edward Mason, was a
native of the same state, born November 12,
1 8 10. The family emigrated to New York,
settling in Cayuga county, when Edward
was a lad of ten years. In that county
James Mason engaged in agricultural pur-
suits and there spent the remainder of his
life.
Edward Mason grew to manhood in
Cayuga county, and received a limited edu-
cation in its common schools. When he
arrived at man's estate he determined to
come west with a view of bettering his con-
dition in life. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he
was united in marriage with Miss Debra
Van Wormer, a native of Onondaga county,
New York, and daughter of Isaac Van
Wormer, and immediately after he came
with his bride to Ogle county and located
in Buffalo Grove, where he had previously
made a claim. This was in 1837, and he,
therefore, became one of the pioneers of
the county.
On making the county his permanent
home, Edward Mason immediately com-
menced to improve his claim, and as soon
as the land came into market he purchased
the same from the government. He be-
came a very prosperous farmer and opened
up three different farms, among which was
the one now occupied by our subject. On
this farm he later located and spent the last
years of his life. He died September 3,
1 886, while his wife preceded him, passing
away in October, 1881. Their remains
were laid to rest in the Fairmont cemetery,
where a neat monument has been erected
to their memory.
James I. Mason is the only child living
of Edward and Debra Mason. He grew to
manhood on the home farm, and in the
common schools received his primary edu-
cation. He later entered Mt. Carroll Sem-
inary, which he attended for a time, and
then went to Aurora, completing his school
life in Jennings Seminary, at that place.
Choosing farming as his life calling, he re-
mained with his father until the latter's
death, when he succeeded to the old home-
stead, and has since been successfully en-
gaged in general farming. In addition he
has for about twenty years engaged in feed-
ing and dealing in pure blood shorthorn
cattle, and also a good grade of horses. In
all that he has done he has met with a fair
degree of success. His fine farm of three
hundred and ten acres, lying two and a half
miles southeast of Polo, is always kept un-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
159
der a high state of cultivation and always
attractive to the eye. By birth and train-
ing a farmer, everything about the place
gives evidence of the fact.
On national issues Mr. Mason always
votes the Republican ticket, but on local
issues, he votes for the man he considers
the best qualified for the office. For him-
self he never cared for, nor would he accept
any office. Born in Ogle county before it
had taken any advanced steps in general
progress, his growth has been cotemporane-
ous, and he has been an eye witness of
nearly everj'thing that has changed for the
better, and he takes a just pride in the
achievements of the past while having a
lively hope for the future.
SOLOMON DAVIS, deceased, was one
of the large number of persons to come
to Ogle county from Washington county,
Maryland, and who became the most sub-
stantial citizens, making of the county of
their adoption one of the best in the great
state of Illinois. He was born in Boones-
borough, Washington county, Maryland,
December 28, 1825, and in his native county
grew to manhood and received a common-
school education. In his youth he learned
the trade of tailor, and followed that occu-
pation for some years. He was the son of
Edward and Mary (Smith) Davis, both of
whom were natives of Pennsylvania.
On the loth of August, 1848, our sub-
ject was united in marriage with Miss Re-
becca Fletcher, daughter of Louis and Dela
(Shafer) Fletcher, who were natives of
Maryland, of which state she was also a na-
tive. In the fall of 1855 he came with his
family to Ogle county, where he worked at
his trade until 1861, when he opened a
restaurant and grocery store in Mt. Morris,
in which line he was fairly successful. He
continued in that trade until his death,
October 3, 1897. In politics he was a
Democrat, and while a strong union man he
did not enter the service in the Civil war,
but had one brother, John Davis, killed at
the battle of Gettysburg. His father and
mother came to Ogle county in the same
year that he made settlement, in 1855.
The father served as postmaster of Mt.
Morris for a time, as did our subject.
To Solomon and Rebecca Davis twelve
children were born. Laura J., born July
22, 1849, married Thomas Avey, and they
made their home in Mt. Morris. She died
leaving two sons. Louis D. married Miss
Ella White, and was living at Marshall-
town, Iowa, when he met his death by ac-
cident. He left a wife and si,\ children.
Otho F. married Kittie McMullen, of Lin-
coln, Illinois, where they now reside, and
where he follows his trade of carpentering.
Anna F., born February 22, 1855, married
December 28, 1873, James H. Depue, and
they live in Chicago, where he is employed
as car inspector. Mary D. , born April 12,
1857, married Albert Lookabaugh, a black-
smith of Mt. Morris, where they now reside.
Charles V., born August 27, 1858, died of
paralysis at the age of twenty-nine years.
He was a printer by trade. Eva C. , born
October 30, i860, married Fred Petrie, and
they live in Clinton, Iowa, where he is em-
ployed on the police force. Ida E., born
October 31, 1862, died in childhood. Hat-
tie M., born May 9, 1864, married James
Miller, and they now reside in Clinton,
Iowa, where he has a position with a whole-
sale drug house. Benjamin S., born May
24, 1866, married Annie Sharp, and they
live in Washington, District of Columbia,
i6o
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
where he has a position in the war depart-
ment, a position that he has held since
1888. Seymour S., born May 29, 1868,
married Elizabeth O'Leary, and they reside
in Chicago, where he is engaged in the milk
business. Florence R., is living at home.
Mrs. Davis has been a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church since she was
ten years old, and has always taken an act-
ive interest in the work of the church, en-
deavoring to do her full duty in the Master's
service. She was born in Boonsborough,
Washington county, Maryland, April 9,
1830. Of her seven brothers, two were
killed in the war for the union, Robert be-
ing killed at the battle of Bull's Run, and
Charles at the battle of Liberty Gap. Her
parents also came to Mt. Morris in 1855,
her father following the calling of an auc-
tioneer. He served in the war of 18 12, and
the sword that he carried in that war is yet
in the possession of Mrs. Davis. When the
Masons of Mt. Morris have a gathering or a
funeral to attend they borrow that sword,
Mr. Fletcher having been a prominent
Mason. He was also a m.ember of the Odd
Fellows and the Sons of Temperance. In
the latter organization he was quite promi-
nent, being a stanch temperance advocate.
He was a member of the M. E. church for
many years in Maryland and served as Sun-
day school superintendent for about thirty
years, also served as magistrate in Mary-
land for a number of years. Politically he
was a Whig. He died in Mt. Morris in
1857.
WILLIAM L. PALMER. —The world
instinctively pays deference to the
man whose success has been worthily
achieved, and who has fought his way un-
aided from an humble to an e.xalted position
in the business and social world. Self-
reliance, conscientiousness, energy, hon-
esty— these are the traits of character which
insure the highest emoluments and greatest
success, and to these may be attributed the
success that has crowned the efforts of Mr.
Palmer. For many years he has been
prominently identified with the business
interests of Ogle county, carrying on opera-
tions as an agriculturist on section 17, Leaf
River township, and as a merchant, grain
dealer, etc., at Myrtle.
Like many of the most enterprising and
progressive citizens of the county, Mr. Palmer
is a native of Maryland, born in \\'ashington
county, October 22, 1832, and is a son of
John and Elizabeth (Wetty) Palmer, who
were born, reared and married in the same
county. In 1847 the family started for
Illinois by team, and finally arrived in Ogle
county on the 2d of June, of that year.
The father bought a farm in Mt. Morris
township, opened up a claim, and continued
its further improvement and cultivation
until called from this life in the fall of 1865.
His estimable wife died two years later.
In their family were ten children, five sons
and five daughters, of whom only four are
now living.
Being a lad of thirteen years when he
came to the county with his parents, William
L. Palmer was of great assistance to his
father in the development and improvement
of the farm. After reaching man's estate
he continued its operation for some years,
but in 1864 removed to Leaf River town-
ship, where he bought four hundred acres,
the only improvements on the same being
an old house and frame barn. He has
added to the original purchase until he now
has five hundred acres of valuable land in
W. L. PALMER.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
l6:
the home place, has erected thereon a com-
modious brick residence, a large and sub-
stantial barn with a basement, and other
buildings, making it one of the best improved
farms of the locality. Mr. Palmer has not
confined his attention alone to agricultural
pursuits, but has branched out into other
lines of business. As the Great Western
railroad runs through his land near his
home, he secured the establishment of a
station upon his place, and to it was given
the name of Myrtle. He has been a most
prominent and active factor in the growth
and development of the village, built an
elevator there, established a store and also
a creamery. The first and last of these are
carried on by a stock company, of which he
is president and the largest shareholder.
He erected the store building, donated a lot
for the church, and in every possible way
has advanced the interests of the village.
Besides the property already mentioned he
owns eighty acres of good timber land in
Byron township.
On September 20, i860, in Rockford,
Illinois, Mr. Palmer married Delana Kate
Hammond, who was also born and reared
in Washington county, Maryland, and they
have become the parents of eight children,
of whom si.x are now living, namely: Al-
fred, who runs the elevator at M}rtle and
is engaged in the grain and stock business
at that place; Anna E. , wife of David Rowe,
a farmer of Leaf River township; Louisa,
wife of W. H. Wagoner, of the same town-
ship; Ella, wife of Daniel Emory, of Byron
township; Kate, wife of Alva Stine, of Leaf
River township; Ouimby, who is married
and engaged in farming on the home place;
Elson and Bertha May, both at home.
Mr. Palmer has been a life-long sup-
porter of the Republican party, casting his
first presidential ballot for John C. Fremont
in 1856, and for every nominee of the party
since that time. Being a warm friend of
our public school system he has efficiently
served as a member of the school board for
a number of years, but has never cared for
the honors or emoluments of political office,
preferring to give his undivided attention to
his extensive business interests. As a pub-
lic spirited and enterprising citizen, how-
ever, he gives his support to all objects
tending to advance the welfare of the com-
munity along any line, and is recognized as
one of the most useful and valued residents
of the county.
CLARK K. MATTESON, a representa-
tive and prominent farmer of Ogle
county, owns and operates a fine farm of
one hundred and forty-four acres on sec-
tions 21 and 22, Rockvale township. He
was born in Green Island, Schenectady
county. New York, September 29, 1836,
and is descended from good old colonial
stock. His parents, Spink and Tabitha
(Waite) Matteson, were both natives of
Rensselaer county. New York, the former
born June 27, 1802, the latter April 18,
1797. The paternal grandparents, Moses
and Amy (Matteson) Matteson, were both
born in the town of Westerly, Rhode Isl-
and, but were not related prior to their
marriage. The grandfather was a sleigh-
maker by trade, but after his removal to
Rensselaer county, New York, was engaged
in farming. In his family were twelve
children, of whom nine reached years of
maturity, namely: Spink, Laura, Gorah,
William, Abel, Almeron, Horatio and Dan-
iel. Amy Matteson was a daughter of
David and Sarah Matteson, who removed
1 64
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
from Rhode Island to Rensselaer county,
New York, in 1789, and settled in the town
of Berlin. Their children were Lydia,
Gideon, Ishmiel, Deborah, Titus, Job,
Phebe, Sarah, Daniel and Amy.
Spink Matteson grew to manhood in
Berlin and Petersburg, Rensselaer county,
but never went to school only three days in
his life, the teacher having struck him with
a whip over the eye, producing a scar which
he carried to his grave. At the age of
twenty-two, he learned the blacksmith's
trade, which he followed for three years,
then followed market gardening for fifteen
years, and subsequently engaged in general
farming on rented land. He married Tabi-
tha Waite, who was born April 18, 1797, a
daughter of Peleg G. and Mary (Greene)
Waite, the former born October 23. 1761,
the latter March 24, 1766. Mrs. Waite
was a niece of General Greene, of Revolu-
tionary fame. She and her husband also
removed from Rhode Island to Rensselaer
county. New York, at an early day, going
by waj- of the marked trees along the regu-
lar Indian trail. In their family were ten
children, whose names and dates of birth
were as follows; Greene, September 26,
1784; Clark G., April 3, 1787; Marcey,
April 4, 1789; Thomas, May i, 1791;
Benjamin, April 27, 1793; Alice, July 6,
1795; Tabitha, April 18, 1797; Mary, April
30, 1799; Lois, December 8, 1801; and
Laura, November 4, 1804. All reached
years of maturity, and in their younger
days were dressed in clothes spun and
woven by the mother. The subject of this
sketch is the older of the two children born
to Spink and Tabitha (Waite) Matteson.
The other, Harlow L. Matteson, was born
in Petersburg, Rensselaer county, August
2, 1840, and is now living in Clark county,
Illinois. He wedded Mary Etta Odell, who
was born in the same place and died in
1879, leaving two children, Giles B. and
Oren. Subsequently he married Henrietta
Eager, of Forreston, Ogle county, Illinois,
by whom he has three children: Laura
Winnifred, Harrison Pager and Glenn Har-
low. He owns a good farm of one hundred
and sixty acres in Clark county.
Our subject spent the first twenty-two
years of his life in the county of his nativity,
attending school in winter until seventeen
and assisting in the farm work during the
summer. When fourteen his parents moved
to the town of Petersburg, where he was
sent to school. Under the old rate bill at
that time those who paid the school tax on
all ta.xable property were allowed to send
their children to school during the winter,
while those who refused were not. In the
summer there was generally enough public
money to carry on the schools without the
special ta.x. After leaving school he worked
at odd jobs of various kinds, but principally
farming. At the age of twenty-two he went
to Granville township, Washington county.
New York, where he worked by the month
for two years. There he was married and
subsequently engaged in farming on rented
land for eight years. Coming to Illinois in
March, 1868, he purchased his present farm
in Kockvale township. Ogle county, of E. J.
Waite, of South Oregon, and here has since
made his home while engaged in agricultural
pursuits.
On the 20th of November, 1859, Mr.
NLitteson was united in marriage with Miss
Sarah M. Northrup, who was born in Gran-
ville township, Washington county. New
York, October 13, 1842, a daughter of John
H. and Elvira (Eldred) Northrup, also na-
tives of that place, the former born in 1813,
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
165
the latter in 1828. The father, who was a
farmer by occupation, was a son of Clark
and Mary (Holmes) Northrup, natives of
Londonderry, New Hampshire, and New
York, respectively. Their children were
Reynolds, Carr, Sarah, Mary, Penelope,
Elizabeth, Annie, Emeline, John H. and
Ephraim. Mrs. Matteson is the second in
order of birth in a family of ten children,
the others being Josephine, James C, Pen-
elope H., Mary Elizabeth, Chloe E. , Addie
and Emma, twins, John Carr and William
R. The father of these children died in
June, 1894, at the age of eighty-one years,
and the mother passed away in May, i88g,
at the age of sixty-one.
Five children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Matteson. John C, born in Gran-
ville, Washington county. New York, April
9, 1862, was married February 20, 1886,
to Katherine Elizabeth Taylor, who was
born in Racine county, Wisconsin, Septem-
ber 16, 1864, a daughter of T. D. and Mary
(Kirkham) Taylor, natives of Massachusetts
and England, respectively. To John C.
Matteson and wife have been born five chil-
dren: Charles Edward, born November
27, 1S86, died at the age of three months;
Clark Valentine, born February 14, 188S,
and Mary Permelia, born J(me 3, 1890, are
attending the district schools; John Dwight,
born February 27, 1893, and Henry Albert,
born May 31, 1896, are both at home.
Charles Ferdinand, the second child of our
subject, was born September 17, 1864, and
died of measles March 21, 1877. The third
died in infanc}'. Emma E., born October
25, 1869, died July 8, 1870. The fifth died
in infancy.
In his political views Mr. Matteson is a
pronounced Republican, and he has been
honored with a number of important official
positions in his township, being clerk for
fourteen years, school treasurer nine years,
school director a short time, road commis-
sioner one term, pathmaster a number of
years, and justice of the peace for the past
seven years. His official duties are always
most faithfully and conscientiously per-
formed. Socially he belongs to Oregon
Lodge, No. 420, F. & A. M., Rock River
Chapter, No. 151, R. A. M., and Economy
Camp, No. 131, M. W. A., in which he has
passed through the various chairs. He has
also been vice-president of the Old Settlers
Association, and a member of the Repub-
lican county central connnittee. His esti-
mable wife holds membership in the Meth-
odist Episcopal church of Oregon.
Mr. Matteson can relate many interest-
ing incidents of early pioneer days and of
life in the east. He was in the midst of
the Anti-Rent Indian troubles of Rensselaer
county. New York. This land was owned
by the heirs of Rensselaer, and they re-
fused to sell any of the land to the settlers,
preferring to rent at high rates. The set-
tlers finally took the law into their own
hands, and, dressed as Indians, they would
haress and bother the collectors and agents,
sometimes tarring and feathering them until
they had secured their demands to be per-
mitted to purchase the land upon which
they lived. He also lived there when Mill-
erism was at its height, when the people of
that denomination tore down their churches,
expecting Christ to come October 22, 1843.
Mr. Matteson also has a very clear reciillec-
tion of the old training days of the state
militia. One company had a brass cannon,
captured when General Burgoyne surren-
dered. His great-grandfather, Warren Mat-
teson, was a gunner in the Revolution. Our
subject has one of the first geographies pub-
1 66
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lished in the United States, containing only
a map of New England. He still has in his
possession Noah Webster's Third Reader,
published in 1802; The Principles of the
Government of the United States, by Par-
don Davis, in 1823; an old campmeeting
songster, 1S36; a rhetoric reader, 1835;
a Bible which belonged to his grandfather
Waite, printed in Edinburg, Scotland, in
I79i;and Bunyan's Holy War, printed by
John Melcher, in 1794. Besides these
cherished possessions he has a pewter plat-
ter, which his paternal grandmother owned,
also a cup and saucer, soup tureen, neck-
erchiefs, and thread that she spun. He
also has the Masonic apron and sash which
belonged to his father over sixty years ago,
and many other interesting relics relative to
the early pioneer and Revolutionary days.
HARVEY M. SHOEMAKER.— The fine
farm belonging to this gentleman on
section 15, Eagle Point township, invariably
attracts the eye of the passing traveler as
being under the supervision of a thorough
and skillful agriculturist, and a man of good
business qualifications. He is one of the
most extensive stock dealers and shippers
in Ogle count}', and always carries forward
to successful completion whatever he under-
takes. He was born November 27, 1839,
on the farm where he still resides and has
borne his part in the development and up-
building of this region.
Pierson Shoemaker, the father of our
subject, was born in Butler county, Ohio,
January 16, 1 809, and was a son of Michael
and Elizabeth (Long) Shoemaker, the former
of German, the latter of English descent.
The great-grandfather of our subject on the
paternal side was an early settler of New
Jersey, where Michael Shoemaker was born,
but at an early day the latter removed to
Ohio and later to Indiana, becoming pio-
neers of both states. During his youth
Pierson Shoemaker learned the carpenter's
trade, which he followed in early life. In
1828 he removed to Union county, Indiana,
and later to Sullivan county, that state,
where he was married, November 20, 1833,
to Miss Elizabeth Parker, who was born on
the Blue Ridge mountains in Grayson
county, Virginia, February 18, 1S09. Her
father, Lemuel Parker, was one of the first
settlers of Sullivan county, Indiana, where
he removed from Tennessee on horseback.
Soon after his marriage, in 1833, Mr. Shoe-
maker came to Illinois, and after spending
the winter in the vicinity of Peoria, in the
spring of 1834, he took up his residence in
Ogle county. At that time the country be-
tween his home and Galena and Dixon was
almost an unbroken wilderness, and the In-
dians, who were still quite numerous here,
stole his team of horses, leaving him only
a yoke of oxen to break and improve his
land. He was the first settler in his part of
the country, and his nearest neighbor
was a Mr. Kellogg, of Buffalo Grove,
who located there in 1833. Mr. Shoe-
maker secured a claim of about three hun-
dred and twenty acres in Eagle Point town-
ship, built a log house, and at once turned
his attention to the improvement and cul-
tivation of his land. He entered a half-
section and when the land came into market
he purchased it from the government. La-
ter he built a commodious residence, haul-
ing the pine lumber, doors and windows
from Chicago, and all of his marketing in
early days was done either in that city or
Galena, it requiring fourteen days to make
the round trip to Chicago. Although he
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
16;
came to the county empty-handed, he suc-
ceeded in accumulating a handsome prop-
erty by his own labor, enterprise and good
management. He was a successful farmer,
a substantial and reliable citizen, and be-
sides his farm owned good business property
in Polo. From his farm, he removed to
that place and erected the Orient House,
which he successfully conducted for twenty-
five years. He was one of the original
members of the brick United Brethren
church, which was located on his land, hav-
ing deeded it to the church for their house
of worship and cemetery. He was a con-
sistent Christian and an active church work-
er. He died in Polo, July 3, 1890, at the
age of eighty-two years, his wife October
19, 1892, at the age of eighty-three, and
both were laid to rest in the brick Church
cemetery, Eagle Point township, where a
monumenthas been erected to their memory.
In their family were the following chil-
dren who reached years of maturity: El-
mer, deceased, was married and lived in
Eagle Point; Mary wedded Dr. M. C. Mc-
Pherson, who engaged in the practice of
medicine in Eagle Point, but both are
now deceased; Joseph died at the age of
twenty-one years; Harvey M. is the ne.xt of
the family; J. M. is a resident of Califor-
nia; Laura is the wife of Joel B. Busvvell,
of Elk Horn township; Sarah is a resident
of Polo; Lemuel died in Florida, January
30, 1899; and Elizabeth is the wife of E.
C. Williams, of Polo.
Amid pioneer scenes, Harvey M. Shoe-
maker passed his boyhood and youth on
the old home farm and is mostly self-edu-
cated as his early school privileges were
limited. He and his brothers helped to
operate the farm, and after his father's re-
moval to Polo, he took charge of the same,
18
which he later purchased. To its further
improvement and cultivation he has since
devoted his attention in connection with
stock feeding and dealing. He feeds from
one hundred to one hundred and eighty
head of steers for the market and about
two hundred head of hogs annually, and
ships his own stock. So successful has he
been in his life work, that he is now the
owner of seven hundred acres in one body
and improved with two sets of farm build-
ings.
In Stephenson county, Illinois, April 6,
1865, Mr. Shoemaker was united in mar-
riage with Miss Marian P. Rowand, who was
born, reared and educated in Ogle county.
Her father, Andrew Rowand, was a native
of Scotland, born near Paisley, and when
a young man came to America in 1832, lo-
cating first in Canada, where he partici-
pated in the Rebellion. There he married
Miss Elizabeth Losson, a Scotch lady, who
came to the new world on the same vessel
as her future husband. In the fall of 1838
they went to New York, and the following
spring came to Ogle county, Illinois, Mr.
Rowand buying land and developing a farm
in Eagle Point township. There he passed
away in the winter of 1887, and Mrs. Shoe-
maker's mother died in 1 8 54. To our subject
and his wife have been born three children:
Andrew P. , residing on the home farm with
his father, married Nellie Smith, who died
leaving one son, Harvey B. Elizabeth W.
and Marian P. are also at home.
Since casting his first presidential vote
for Abraham Lincoln, Mr. Shoemaker has
been a stanch supporter of the Republican
party, but has never cared for the honors
or emoluments of public office, though he
most efficiently served as highway commis-
sioner for about fifteen years. His wife and
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
daughters are members of the United Breth-
ren church, and the family is one of prom-
inence socially in their community. Mr.
Shoemaker is widely and favorably known
as an upright, reliable business man whose
word is considered as good as his bond.
JOHN E. KINDELL, a most progressive
and successful agriculturist, is the owner
of a beautiful farm on section ii, Byron
township. Ogle county. His methods of
farm management show deep scientific
knowledge combined with sound practical
judgment that the results show that "high
class " farming as an occupation can be
made profitable as well as pleasant.
Mr. Kindell was born on the 15th of
April, 1835, in Miami county, Ohio, and is
a son of Joseph Kindell, who was born on
Sherman creek, in Pennsylvania, and there
grew to manhood. The grandfather, Jos-
eph Hunter, was also a native of Pennsyl-
vania and was one of the first settlers of
Miami county, Ohio. The father, with two
brothers, John and William Kindell, cleared
farms in that county, and all became quite
well-to-do. Joseph Kindell's place com-
prised three hundred and sixty acres of rich
and arable land, and to its development and
cultivation he devoted his energies until
called to his final rest in 1851. In Miami
county, he married Miss Martha Hunter,
who was also a native of the Keystone state
and removed to Ohio with her father.
Eleven children blessed this union, seven
sons and four daughters, of whom si.x sons
and three daughters reached years of ma-
turity. James, the eldest, was a soldier of
the Civil war and after that struggle re-
moved to Iowa, later to Kansas and finally
settled in Arkansas. Rev. William was a
minister of the United Brethren church, la-
bored earnestly for its interests and died in
Mercer county, Ohio. David was also a
soldier of the Civil war and now resides in
Iowa. John E., of this review, is the ne.xt
of the family. Martha is the wife of Will-
iam Manchester, a veteran ot the Civil war
residing in Iowa. Joseph is living in Lima,
Ohio. Baxter is a farmer in Iowa. Alexan-
der is a farmer in Ohio. Samuel also makes
his home in Iowa. Mary E. died at the
age of ten years. Priscilla died in Mercer
county, Ohio.
On the home farm in Ohio, John E.
Kindell passed his boyhood and youth and
was given fair common-school advantages,
attending school during the winter months
and aiding in the farm work during the
summer season. He was married in Pick-
away, Miami county, Ohio, August 27,
1857, to Miss Jenet Stuart, who was born
near Edinburg, Scotland, a daughter of
James and Ellen (Simpson) Stewart, na-
tives of the same country. Mrs. Kindell's
paternal grandfather was quite wealthy and
belonged to the nobility. The father was
given good school privileges, being educated
in Edinburg for the ministry, but after his
marriage he located on a farm in his native
land and devoted his attention to agricult-
ural pursuits for a few years. In 1842 he
emigrated to America and settled at Paris,
Illinois, where he took up six hundred and
forty acres and built thereon a large frame
house and had it well furnished, but after
residing there for about three years, he
rented the place and located near Cincin-
nati, Ohio. Being in poor health he con-
templated returning to Scotland, but died
near Cincinnati. Mrs. Kindell, who was
principally reared and educated in Ohio, was
one of a family of six children, all born in
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
169
Scotland. Ellen Sprong, the eldest, is still
a resident of Ohio. Elizabeth married a
Mr. Zider, a noted educator, who died in
St. Louis, Missouri. Mary is the wife of
Thomas Flummer, of Braymer, Caldwell
county, Missouri. John enlisted in an Ohio
regiment during the Civil war and served
for six months. In the fall of 1861 he came
to Illinois with our subject and his wife and
after being here for about a year he re-en-
listed in Company C, Seventy-fourth Illi-
nois Infantry. He was wounded at Spring
Hill and Franklin, Tennessee, and died
from the effects of the same.
Mr. and Mrs. Kindell have become the
parents of eight children, namely: Walter,
a railroad man, is married and resides in
Farmland, Indiana; William L. married'
and located in Elgin, Illinois, where he
worked in the watch factory, but died at
home at the age of twenty-three years;
Augustus E., who is now in the Klondike, is
married and owns a place near Tacoma,
Washington; John Stewart is married and
engaged in farming in Byron township.
Ogle county; Ida Jenette is the wife of Rob-
ert Hench, railroad agent at Kent, Stephen-
son county, Illinois; Rosa Florence is at
home; Lillie is the wife of Frank Lowe,
telegraph operator at Byron, on the Great
Western railroad; and Mary Ellen, at home.
For two years after his marriage Mr.
Kindell operated the old home farm in Ohio,
but in the fall of 1S61 we find him a resi-
dent of Ogle county, Illinois, where he rented
land the first year. In the spring of 1862
he bought eighty acres, of which thirty-seven
acres had been placed under cultivation,
fenced and a little frame house erected there-
on. To the further development and im-
provement of his place he at once turned his
attention, and later added forty acres adjoin-
ing, making a good farm of one hundred and
twenty acres, on which he has erected a
large and well appointed house, also good
barns and outbuildings, has set out forest
and ornamental trees, and the neat and
thrifty appearance of the place testifies to
his careful supervision and his skill in his
chosen calling.
The Republican party has always found
in Mr. Kindell a stanch supporter of its prin-
ciples, but he is not a politician in the
sense of office seeking, his time and atten-
tion being wholly occupied by his business in-
terest. He has, however, most efficiently and
satisfactorily served as member of the school
board for several years. He and his family
hold membership in the Middle Creek Pres-
byterian church, and in the best social
circles of the community they occupy an
enviable position, while their many friends
are always sure of a hearty welcome at their
hospitable home.
J
OHN H. PHILLIPS, an active and en-
terprising farmer residing on section
16, Lincoln township, is a native-born citi-
zen of Ogle county, the date of his birth
being April 13, 1852. His father, Jacob
Phillips, was a native of Washington coun-
ty, Maryland, born in 1822, while his grand-
father, William Phillips, was a native of
Pennsylvania, but who later settled in Mary-
land. They both came to Ogle county in
1844 and together entered three hundred
and twenty acres of land on section 15,
Lincoln township, and at once commenced
the improvement of the tract, and in due
time had as fine a farm as one would wish
to see. The grandfather died some years
after locating here. Jacob Phillips was
married, November 25, 1847, to Miss Mary
I/O
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
E. Brantner, a native of Maryland, and
who grew to womanhood in her native
state. By this union there were six chil-
dren that grew to mature years. Lucinda
is now the wife of Jacob Waltermire, and
they reside in Marshall county, Iowa. John
H., of this review, is next in order of birth.
George W. resides in Gage county, Nebras-
ka, where hs is engaged in farming. Effie
Irene is the wife of Elias Henshaw, of Han-
cock county, Iowa. Lewis A. resides in
Brown county, Kansas. Samuel C. is liv-
ing in Nebraska. On the old home place
the father passed the last days of his life,
his death occurring July 27, 1887. The
mother yet resides on the old farm, en-
joying the love of her children and many
friends.
The subject of this sketch grew to man-
hood in his native township and was edu-
cated in the home schools. He remained
with his father and assisted in the cultiva-
tion of the farm until the father's death.
He later bought the interest of the other
heirs and succeeded to the home farm,
where he has since continued to live. He
was married in Freeport, Illinois, February
21, 1883, to Miss Elizabeth C. McCoy, a
native of Ogle county, Illinois, born, reared
and educated in Mt. Morris, and a daughter
of Walter Bond McCoy, a native of Wash-
ington county. Maryland, born in 18 16, and
who grew to manhood in his native county,
and there married Mary Ann Huyett, a native
of the same county and state. They moved
to Ogle county in 1840, and settled in Mt.
Morris township, where he engaged in farm-
ing, and where they reared their family.
Later they moved to Eagle Point, where
the father died March 30, 1879. His wife
passed away in 1878. They had a family
of eight children, seven of whom grew to
mature years. Sarah J. is the wife of Abra-
ham South, and they reside in Quitman,
Nodaway county, Missouri. David is now
residing with our subject. Mrs. Nancy
Taylor is now living in Hardin county, Iowa.
Archibald Franklin resides in Wright coun-
ty, Iowa. The next living one is Mrs.
Phillips, wife of our subject. Mary Ann
married Walter Hedrick, but is now de-
ceased. Edward died in California, and
Charles in infancy.
Immediately after marriage, Mr. and
Mrs. Phillips took up their residence on the
farm where they yet reside, and on which
he has made some substantial improve-
ments, including the remodeling of the res-
idence, and the erection of a large barn and
various outbuildings. Two children have
come to bless their union — Clarence O. and
Sylvia N., both of whom are in attendance
at the home school.
Politically Mr. Phillips is a stanch Re-
publican, having given adhesion to that
party since casting his first presidential
vote for Rutherford B. Hayes, in 1876. He
was elected and served six years as consta-
ble of Lincoln township. He has also
served as director of his school district, and
as a delegate to various conventions of his
party. Fraternally he is a member of the
camp of Modern Woodmen of America, at
Haldane. Life-long residents of the county,
Mr. and Mrs. Phillips take a lively interest
in all that concerns its well being. Their
friends are many and they are worthy of the
esteem in which they are held.
ELMER E. BAER.— Like many other
residents within the bounds of Ogle
county who started out in life with naught
but an abundance of determination and in-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
171
defatigable industry, and who have succeed-
ed through their own diligence, energy and
economy, we classify the gentleman whose
name stands at the head of this shetch.
He was born in Berlin township, Somerset
county, Pennsylvania, February 26, 1876,
and the following April his parents removed
to Carroll county, where our subject was
reared. He attended the public school at
Millidgeville, and at the age of thirteen pro-
ceeded to learn the printer's trade. When
he was fourteen years old he ended his
school days and devoted his entire time to
his trade in the Free Press of Millidgeville.
This required a period of four years, and at
the expiration of that time he came to Ro-
chelle where he worked from the fall of
1892 until the following spring. He then
removed to Waterloo, Iowa, and shortly aft-
erward returned to Illinois, and resided at
Marseilles until August, 1893. The follow-
ing year he spent in Millidgeville, Pennsyl-
vania, and in August, 1894, he entered the
office of the Register at Rochelle. At the
breaking out of the Spanish-American war,
the editor, G. W. Dicus, lieutenant of the
militia, was called to Porto Rico, and Mr.
Baer leased the business for the following
year. Although it has been under his su-
pervision but a few months, it already shows
the result of his good judgment and man-
agement.
Mr. Baer is the youngest of three chil-
dren, the eldest of whom died in infancy.
The second child, Susie M., is the wife of
A. L. Poffenberger, and resides at Kastota,
Minnesota. The parents of this family are
Jacob H. and Mary (Blough) Baer, both of
Somerset county, Pennsylvania, who came
west in 1876 and purchased a farm in Car-
roll county. Mr. Baer was actively en-
gaged in the management of this property
till 1885, when he retired from active busi-
ness life. Six months previous to his death,
which occurred in 1887, he was manager of
a hotel in Millidgeville, in which town his
wife still resides.
On the 3rd of October, 1898, our sub-
ject was united in marriage to Emma E.
Beck, a daughter of John Beck. In politics
our subject is a stalwart Republican, al-
ways giving his support to the principles of
his party. He has never cared for position
in public office, referring to give his undi-
vided attention to his business interests.
He is a keen-sighted and honorable man of
business, and possesses the confidence and
respect of the community.
CYRUS NICODEMUS, an enterprising
groceryman, has been an important
factor in the business affairs of Polo for a
number of years and his popularity is well
deserved, as in him are embraced the
characteristics of an unbending integrity,
unabated energy and industry that never
flags. He is a leading merchant of the
city, and as a public-sprited citizen is
thoroughly interested in whatever tends to
promote the moral, intellectual and materl
welfare of the community.
A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Nicode-
mus was born in Woodbury township, Bed-
ford county, October 2, 1846, a son of
Conrad Nicodemus and grandson of Jacob
Nicodemus. The latter was a native of
Maryland, and was a farmer and lumber-
man by occupation, owning and operating
a sawmill. He died about 1856, at the age
of sixty years, from the efforts of an injured
leg, which was crushed by a timber falling
upon it. His wife bore the maiden name of
Susan Allebaugh.
i;:
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Conrad Nicodemus was born in Bedford
county, Pennsylvania, and came west in
the fall of 1S67 after his children had em-
igrated to the Mississippi valley. He followed
farming in his native state and continued to
engage in the same occupation during the
nine years of his residence in Ogle county,
Illinois. From here he moved to Iowa,
where he lived until 1896, and it was there
that his wife died December 12, 1881. In
her maidenhood she was Sarah Hefley, a
native of Blair county, Pennsylvania, born in
1819, and a daughter of Samuel Hefley,
who was born in Maryland and died at the
age of forty-nine years. In the spring of
1896, Mr. Nicodemus went to live with a
daughter in Appleton, Minnesota, where he
departed this life November 25, 1898, at the
age of seventy-eight years. Politically he
was a Democrat, and religiously a faithful
and consistent member of the Methodist
Episcopal church. In his family were eight
children, of whom six are living, our subject
being the third in order of birth, and with
the exception of himself all reside either in
Iowa or Minnesota.
The boyhood and youth of our subject
were spent upon his father's farm in Wood-
bury township, Bedford county, Pennsylva-
nia, until seventeen years of age, and during
the winter months he pursued his studies in
the district schools of the neighborhood.
In February, 1865, he enlisted in the Ninety-
ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and
was mustered into the United States service
at Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. The regi-
ment was first sent to City Point, Virginia,
and later took part in the battle of Hatchie's
Run and the siege of Petersburg, and then
went in pursuit of Lee's fleeing army, re-
turning by way of Berksville to Richmond.
P"or three days during this time they were
without food. It required a twelve days'
march from Richmond to Washington, Dis-
trict of Columbia, and at Bailey's Cross
Roads they were reviewed by General Han-
cock. On reaching the capital they par-
ticipated in the grand review, and then
marched back to Arlington Heights, being
finally mustered out at Philadelphia June 28,
1865.
Mr. Nicodemus returned to the old home
in Woodbury township, and continued to
work for his father for a year. On coming
to Ogle county, Illinois, in September, 1866,
he stopped first at the Pine Creek settle-
ment, where he was employed by an uncle
for eighteen months. On the 7th of Novem-
ber, 1867, he was married in Pine Creek
township to Miss Sarah Stauffer, a daughter
of John E. and Rebecca (Haight) Stauffer.
Her father is a native of Pennsylvania, and
is now a retired farmer living in Polo. She
was born in Sandusky county, Ohio, but
when a child was taken by her parents to
Elkhart, Indiana, and in 1865 became a
resident of Illinois.
After his marriage Mr. Nicodemus began
working at the carpenter's trade. He also
rented a farm, which he operated for six
years, and then came to Polo, where he
clerked in a grocery store for ten years.
At the end of that time he embarked in the
same business for himself, in partnership
with Samuel Brenner, who later sold his
interest to W. W. Kline, the firm remaining
Nicodemus & Kline for seven years. They
then sold out to Garman & Handshaw, and
for the following seven months Mr. Nico-
demus did nothing while looking around for
a favorable opening. In company with Mr.
Newcomer, he bought the store of Mr.
Woolsey, which they conducted under the
firm style of Nicodemus & Newcomer for
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
four years, or until January, 1898, when our
subject sold his interest to his partner. The
following November he and Lester A. Brand
purchased a stock of groceries and opened a
store on E.xchange street, where he is now
greeting his old friends. He has met with
a well-deserved success in his business un-
dertakings, and besides his mercantile in-
terests he now owns a fine quarter-section
of land in Iowa. He and his wife attend
the Methodist Episcopal church of Polo, and
have the respect and esteem of all who know
them. Socially he affiliates with the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights
of the Globe and the Grand Army of the
Republic, and politically is identified with
the Democratic party.
HON. JAMES P. WILSON, ex-member
of the general assembly of the state
of Illinois, resides on section 10, Woosung
townslrip. He was born June 7, 1854, in
Blair county, Pennsylvania, and is the son
of Franklin and Susan (Dridenbaugh) Wil-
son, both of whom were also natives of the
Keystone state. By occupation the father
was a farmer, and in 1856, when our subject
was but two years old, he came with his
family to Illinois and located in Lee coun-
ty. He later purchased land in Palmyra
township, that county, which he improved,
and where the remainder of his life was
spent, dying there November 4, 1870. His
wife is yet living, and now makes her home
in Sterling, Illinois. In their family were
five children, four of whom lived to matur-
ity, and three yet living. Theodore met his
death December 9, 1898, by falling from
the tower of his windmill in Palmyra town-
ship, Lee county. Stewart is now living on
the old homestead in Lee county. Mary
F., widow of C. C. Fisk, is residing in
Sterling, Illinois, with her aged mother.
Rebecca died in childhood. James P., our
subject, was the youngest of the family.
On the old homestead, in Lee county,
Illinois, the subject of this sketch grew to
manhood, and received his primary educa-
tion in the public schools of his township.
He subsequently attended the high school in
Dixon, Illinois; and completed his school
life in Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois,
which he attended in 1872-3-4. Leaving
school, he taught school in Woosung town-
ship for a time, and then, in partnership
with his brother, Theodore, farmed in Lee
county one year.
Mr. Wilson was married, February 8,
1877, to Miss Mary E. Rogers, of Palmyra,
Lee county, Illinois, daughter of W. L. and
Hannah (Fellows) Rogers, pioneers of Lee
county. Her father, a native of Canada,
settled in Lee count}' in 1839, while the
Fellows family, who were of Puritan stock,
from New Hampshire, settled in the same
county in 1834. By this union were born
two children — Franklin B., who was a
graduate, with honors, of the Dixon High
school, and who was also a student of
Stienman Commercial College, of Dixon,
and Jay P.
In the fall of 1876, Mr. Wilson purchased
one hundred and sixty acres of land in
Woosung township, comprising a portion of
his present farm, and soon after his mar-
riage moved to the place, making it his
home to the present time. To his original
purchase he has added eighty acres, giving
him an excellent farm of two hundred and
forty acres. Since coming into his posses-
sion, he has made many valuable improve-
ments, keeping up with the times in every
particular. While he has been successful,
1/4
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he has yet met with severe loss. On the
3d of October, 1896, his fine large barn,
with its contents of hay, grain and machin-
ery, was totally consumed by fire, entailing
a loss of five thousand dollars. He has fol-
lowed general farming and stock raising,
and usually feeds from seventy-five to one
hundred head of cattle per year. He en-
deavors to consume on the place all the
grain and hay that he raises.
In politics Mr. Wilson is an ardent Dem-
ocrat, a stanch advocate of the principles of
the Democratic party. Since attaining his
majority he has taken quite an active part
in political affairs and has served almost
continuously in some local office. In 18S1
he was elected supervisor of the newly or-
ganized township of Woosung, and his elec-
tion was contested by citizens of the old
township of Buffalo, of which Woosung had
formed a part. The contest was warmly
pressed, but resulted in the recognition of
the newly organized township, and con-
firmed the validity of the election of Mr.
Wilson. In 1884 he was elected chairman
of the board of supervisors, a position which
he filled to the satisfaction of all concerned.
In 1886 he was elected a member of the
thirty-fifth general assembly of Illinois, re-
elected in 1890 and again in 1892. During
his term he took an active part in the con-
test between Palmer and Oglesby for the
United States senate, and which resulted in
the election of General Palmer. He intro-
duced a valuable bill, which, however, failed
of adoption, making railroad and warehouse
commissioners elective, instead of appoint-
ive. The measure was carried in the house,
but defeated in the senate. In 1891 he was
chairman of the appropriation committee
and of the revenue committee in 1893. He
also served on various special committees.
and was an influential member of the house.
In educational matters he has always taken
a commendable interest and for years served
on the school board. While living in a Re-
publican legislative district, he has always
held the respect of his political opponents
and usually polls a good Republican vote. In
his home neighborhood his popularity has
always been great.
J
AMES M. CLAYTON is one of the
many residents of Ogle county who
started out in life with naught but an abund-
ance of determination and indefatigable in-
dustry, and a strong and healthy constitu-
tion, and who have succeeded through their
own diligence, energy and economy. He
is now able in his declining years to lay
aside all business cares and live retired at
his pleasant home in Stillman Valley, where
he is surrounded by all the comforts and
many of the luxuries of life.
Mr. Clayton was born in Brimfield,
Massachusetts, November 18, 18 14, and
when a young man, through the influence and
solicitation of an older brother, made appli-
cation to and had his name changed by a leg-
islative enactment from Crouch to Clayton.
His paternal grandfather was of German
descent and a soldier in the American Rev-
olution, while the father, Ephraim Crouch,
who was born and reared in Vermont, took
up arms against Great Britain in the war of
1812. When a young man the latter went
to Massachusetts, where throughout the re-
mainder of his life he engaged in farming
and the butcher business. There he mar-
ried a Miss Stebbens.
As his parents were in very limited cir-
cumstances, Mr. Clayton's educational priv-
ileges were limited, being able to attend
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
175
school only a few months during the winter.
His training at farm work was not so
meager, however, and during his youth he
worked on the farm of Colonel Brown and
gave his wages to his father until he reached
manhood. On the 2nd of April, 1837, in
company with Colonel Brown, Hon. A. F.
Brown and Samuel Patrick, he started for
the Rock river valley, Illinois, going down
the Hudson river from Hartford to New
York city, by vessel to Philadelphia, by
canal to Pittsburg, down the Ohio and up
the Mississippi rivers to St. Louis, where
changed boats and then proceeded up the
Illinois river to Peoria, by team to the Rock
river and by stage to Dixon. Mr. Clayton
arrived in Ogle county May 2, and until the
following August worked by the day at By-
ron. He next worked by the year for Joseph
Sanford, and from that gentleman purchased
a partially improved claim of one hundred
and sixty acres, on which a log house had
been constructed. His brother-in-law, Sol-
omon Small, who arrived here in 1838, lo-
cated upon the place, while our subject con-
tinued to work for others for a few years.
In the fall of 1841, in Byron, Mr. Clay-
ton married Miss Harriet Norton, who was
born and reared in New York, and was one
of a family of ten children, five sons and
five daughters. Her father. Rev. Isaac
Norton, a Free Will Baptist minister, set-
tled in this county in June, 1837. The
young couple made their home in Byron
until the spring of 1S42, and when Mr.
Clayton sold his first place and took a claim
of one hundred and twenty acres adjoining
the village of Stillman \^alley, which he
subsequently entered and still owns. After
erecting a log house thereon, he mo\ed in
and began to break and improve his land.
In 1868 he built a neat, substantial and
commodious residence, and later erected
two barns and other outbuildings, set out
an orchard and a number of forest and or-
namental trees, and transformed the wild
tract into a beautiful and attractive farm.
His financial resources having increased he
purchased an adjoining farm of one hundred
and fourteen acres, making in all two hun-
dred and thirty-four acres of valuable and
well improved land, which he successfully
operated for forty years, but now leaves the
active management of the farm to younger
hands, while he spends his declining years
in that ease and retirement which should
always follow a long and useful career. He
has lived in Stillman Valley since 1882 and
there owns two good residences.
Mr. Clayton has been called upon to
mourn the loss of his estimable wife, who
passed away December 12, 1887. Of the
seven children born to them, three are now
deceased, two having died in childhood.
Adelaide, the eldest, is the wife of Wallace
Revell, a prominent business men of Still-
man Valley, whose sketch appears else-
where in this volume. Nellie is the widow
of Rev. James Robertson, a minister of the
United Brethren church, and she resides
in Forreston, Illinois. George is a farmer
residing in Stillman Valley. Edgar is also a
farmer of Ogle county. Hattie is the wife
of Eli Hoysington, a farmer and dairyman
of Ogle county. Carrie is the wife of William
Sovereign, formerly a business man of Still-
man Valley, where he now resides. Lena
died when a young lady; Delia Ann at the
age of two years; and William H. at the
age of three months.
Politically Mr. Clayton is a stanch Re-
publican, having supported that party ever
since its organization. He cast his first
presidential vote for Martin Van Buren
176
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in 1836, and in 1840 supported Tippecanoe
and Tyler, too. He has never sought or
cared for official preferment, but when a
young man once served as constable in By-
ron. He has ever used his influence to se-
cure good schools and teachers, and for
some years was a most efficient member
of the school board. For si.xty-one years
he has watched with interest the wonderful
changes that have taken place in this coun-
ty, has borne an important part in its up-
building and development, and his name
should be among the foremost on its roll of
honored pioneers. He is one of the
charter members of the Stillman Valley
Congregational church and his life has ever
been such as to commend him to the office
and respect of all with whom he has come
in contact either in business or social life.
SAMUEL IvNODLE, one of Forreston's
esteemed representative citizens, was
born in Washington county, Maryland, No-
vember 21, 1827, where he grew up and at-
tended school in the district school in the
neighborhood. In the spring of 1841 he
came west with his parents to Illinois and
settled in Mount Morris. The journey was
a long and tedious one, coming as they did
by wagon through Cumberland, Wheeling,
Virginia, Zanesville, Ohio, Crawfordsville,
Indiana, Attica, Indiana, and through Illi-
nois by way of Ottawa, until they reached
their destination. Mount Morris. Upon
their arrival they found but a few settlers,
among which were the Hitts, McCoys and
Meyers. Samuel Knodle's father, Jonathan
Knodle, was a native of Maryland and was
born in 1795. His mother, Barbara (King)
Knodle, was born in 1795 in Pennsylvania.
His father was a successful mechanic, and
in the early days, at Mount Morris, manu-
factured cradles and Hussey reapers, the
first built in this country. He also had
shipped to him, from the east, a printing
press and brought his nephew, Emanuel
Knodle, west to run it. He for a long time
printed the Rock River Register, which was
first published in 1841, and was the first
publication in Ogle county. Jonathan Kno-
dle for a period conducted a store in Mount
Morris, but retired from active business life,
and lived at ease until his death in 1854.
Mrs. I\nodle, the mother of our subject,
died in 1882 at an advanced age and her re-
mains lie in Mount Morris cemetery beside
those of her husband. The subject of this
review had five brothers and two sisters.
Peter, now deceased, a resident of Mount
Morris; Jacob, a wagonmaker and painter,
residing at Mount Morris; Jonathan, a car-
penter, deceased; Samuel, the subject of this
sketch; Joseph, a carpenter residing at
Oregon; Elizabeth, the widow of John Win-
ders; William, a carpenter, living at Ore-
gon; Mary Catherine died in infancy.
Such educational advantages as the
primitive settlement offered Samuel ICnodle
secured and after his school days earned his
living at farm work and teaming until 1S50,
when with a few companions he set out for
the gold mines of California. The party
consisted of Messrs Lott, Fink, Boner,
Davis, Fouck and Samuel Ivnodle, all living
in the neighborhood of Mount Morris.
They set out on their long journey March
19, 1850, and by tedious travel over land
arrived at their destination the following
October. On their way they stopped six-
teen days at Salt Lake City to rest up, and
camped at Nevada City, when they set
to work to dig for gold. Mr. Knodle spent,
eighteen 3'ears in mining and prospecting in
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1/7
California, Arizona, British Columbia and
Washington. His perilous life as a miner
and mine-owner was terminated by an ac-
cident sustained in defending his camp from
the hostile raids of the Apache Indians.
In the struggle, four of a party of six were
killed outright, the remaining two, of which
Mr. Knodle was one, were severely injured,
he losing the entire use of his right arm from
a weapon in the hands of an Indian. After
the accident he returned to Mount Morris,
arriving there in 1868. He remained at
Mount Morris one year, and in 1869 started
a business in Forreston, which he has con-
ducted ever since.
Mr. Knodle is a stanch Republican, and
cast his first presidential ballot in 1S52, for
Winfield Scott. It is said that a child is
unerring in its affections, and the truth of
the saying is evinced in his popularity with
the little folks, who greet him as "Uncle
Sam." Mr. Knodle has witnessed the
growth of Ogle count}', having been a resi-
dent since before the era of railroads, when
as a farm hand he was obliged to haul grain
to Chicago, and Peru, and groceries from
Savannah. He is a man of sterling quali-
ties, of wide experience in human affairs, a
persistent reader and deep thinker, and be-
cause of these qualifications, an entertaining
companion.
DANIEL SIMS, Sr., one of the honored
pioneers and highly esteemed citizens
of Ogle county, has for the long period of
sixty years successfully engaged in agricult-
ural pursuits on section 12, Byron township,
where he has a fine farm of one hundred
and sixty acres, which he has developed
from wild land. On coming to the county
in 1838, the greater part of this region was
still in its primitive condition, few settle-
ments having been made and the land was
raw and unimproved. He has borne an
active and prominent part in transforming
the unbroken wilderness into fine farms and
assisted in opening up the country to civili-
zation. His first crops he hauled to the
Chicago market with an ox-team and as
there were no good roads his team and
wagon often got stuck in the mud.
Mr. Sims was born in Luzerne county,
Pennsylvania, August 31, 1S17, and is a
son of John Sims, a native of the same
count}', who was a soldier of the war of
1 8 12 and was stationed on Long Island.
For his services in that struggle he received
a land warrant. In Luzerne county he
married Miss Catherine Hoover, a native of
New Jersey, and in 1838 they emigrated to
Ogle county, Illinois, where the father
bought a claim of about eighty acres and
opened up a farm in B}'ron township, mak-
ing a number of improvements on the same
and continuing its cultivation for some
years. Here his wife died, but his death
occurred in Iowa, where he made his home
during his last days. Daniel is the oldest
of their children, six sons and five daughters,
all of whom grew to manhood and woman-
hood, but only three sons and two daughters
are now living.
Daniel Sims was reared in Bradford
county, Pennsylvania, and had but limited
school privileges, so that he is mostly self-
educated. During his youth he began
working as a farm hand, and throughout life
has devoted his energies to agricultural pur-
suits. On coming to Ogle county in 1838
he entered eighty acres of government land
on section 12, Byron township, and later
purchased an adjoining tract of eighty acres,
which he has converted into a highly culti.-
178
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,
vated and well improved farm. His first
home, which was a little log cabin, has
long since been replaced by a comfortable
frame residence and good and substantial
outbuildings have also been erected.
Mr. Sims was married in Ogle county,
in 1S45, to Miss Christina Bunton,
a native of Dundee, Scotland, where
she continued to make her home un-
til eighteen years of age. Eleven children
were born of this union, but only the follow-
ing are now living: Mrs. Mary Ferguson, a
widow living in Iowa, Henry, a resident of
Nebraska; David and Albert, also of Ne-
braska; Jessie, wife of James Turner, of
Byron township, Ogle county, and Daniel
living in Iowa; Ella grew to womanhood
and married, but is now deceased; while the
others died in childhood.
Originally Mr. Sims was an old-line
Whig in politics, casting his first vote for
William Henry Harrison in 1840, but since
the organization of the Republican party
he has been one of its stalwart supporters.
Religiously he and his wife are consistent
members of the Middle Creek Presbyterian
church, and by all who know them they
are held in high regard.
GEORGE MURRAY.— Canada has fur-
nished to the United States many
bright, enterprising young men who have
left the Dominion to enter the business cir-
cles of this country with its more progress-
ive methods, livelier competition, and ad-
vancement more quickly secured. Among
this number is Mr. Murray, one of the most
enterprising and progressive farmers and
stock breeders of Ogle county, his home
being on section 17, Buffalo township.
Mr. Murray was born near TorontO) On-
tario, Canada, November 15, 1850, and is
a son of Thomas Murray, a native of Scot-
land, born in the city of Edinburg, Septem-
ber 26, 181S. When a young man the
father caine to the new world, locating in
Ontario, Canada, in 1836, and there he fol-
lowed the blacksmith's trade throughout the
remainder of his life, dying January 17,
1 866. He was married in Canada, in March,
1848, to Miss Louisa Graham, also a native
of Scotland, her birth occurring in Dum-
frieshire, June 28, 1826. She crossed the
Atlantic with a brother and also took up
her residence in Ontario. She survived her
husband for thirty years, spending her last
days with her son in Illinois, where she
passed away January 27, 1S96. She was
the mother of eight children, five sons and
three daughters, of whom four sons and two
daughters are still living, namely: Mary,
who acts as housekeeper for our subject;
George, of this review; Thomas, a farmer
of Holcomb, Ogle county; John, who is
married and engaged in farming in Lee
county, Illinois; Robert; and Mrs. Margaret
Copenhaver, who also resides with our sub-
ject and has two sons, George and Robert.
George Murray was reared in Ontario,
Canada, and received a good common-school
education, which well fitted him for life's
responsible duties. As a young man he
came to Illinois, in 1S72, and took up his
residence in Taylor township. Ogle county,
where for one year he worked by the month
as a farmhand. He then rented a farm, which
he operated for the same length of time.
Since then he has given the greater part of his
time and attention to the breeding of fine
stock, in partnership with his brother import-
ing and dealing in pure-blooded Percheron,
Clydesdale and French coach horses. The
firm of Murray Brothers became well-known
JOHN H. NYE.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
I8l
among breeders and dealers in different
states and they sold their horses quite ex-
tensively throughout the west, doing a large
and profitable business. The partnership
was dissolved in iS86, but our subject con-
tinued to engage in the business until 1893.
His first purchase of land consisted of
seventy-five acres in what is now \\'oosung
township, but after residing there for three
years, he sold the place and in 1881 located
upon his present farm, consisting at that
time of one hundred and eight-two acres.
Upon the place he has made extensive im-
provements, which add greatly to its value
and attractive appearance, making it one of
the most desirable farms of the locality. He
has enlarged its boundaries so that they now
contain two hundred acres of valuable land
under a high state of cultivation and im-
proved with a large neat residence, corn
cribs, granaries, barns, etc. He has also
given considerable attention to the raising
of Galloway cattle, and still feeds annually
from one to four car loads of cattle and a
car load of hogs for the market. He start-
ed out in life for himself with nothing but
his own indomitable energy and through his
own efforts has acquired a comfortable com-
petence, being to-day one of the substantial
men of the county.
Mr. Murray cast his first presidential
vote for Grover Cleveland and continued to
affiliate with the Democracy until 1896,
when he supported William McKinley, the
Republican candidate. For a number of
years he has served as a member of the
school board and has been president of the
district. He is also connected with the
library association and has served as one of
its trustees and directors. He and his sis-
ters hold membership in the Independent
Presbyterian church of Polo, and he is also
a member of the Knights of the Globe.
He is held in high regard by all who know
him, and he has a host of warm friends
throughout the county.
JOHN H. NYE, deceased, was for many
years a well known and highly esteemed
citizen of Ogle county. He was a native of
England, born near Dover, and was the
son of James and Harriet Nye, both of
whom were natives of the same country,
the father there spending his entire life.
He was a pipemaker by trade. After the
death of her husband, his widow came to
the United States, afterwards marrying a
Mr. Marsh, her husband being a farmer in
Lincoln township, Ogle county, where her
death occurred in 1S76, when about sev-
enty-eight years old.
John H. Nye received his education in
the common schools of his native land.
At the age of nineteen he came to the
United States, landing in New York, where
he spent the succeeding three years learning
the carpenter's trade, apprenticing himself
to a Mr. Beebe. He then came to Ogle
county and located in Mt. Morris. This
was in 1853. His first work here was for Mr.
Marston, who had the contract for the car-
pentry work on the seminary, then in course
of construction. After leaving Mr. Marston
he engaged in business for himself, locating
just southeast of the village. He continued
contracting and building until i860, when he
commenced farming in Mt. Morris township,
on a farm the property of his wife, com-
prising two hundred and twenty acres. He
later purchased a farm of one hundred and
sixty acres in Lincoln township, which he
rented, while still continuing to remain
upon the farm in Mt. Morris township. In
I 82
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1867 he left the farm with his family and
removing to Mt. Morris he lived a retired
life until 1882.
On the 2d of October, i860, Mr. Nye
was united in marriage with Miss Catherine
Coffman, born in Washington county, Mary-
land, July 24, 1820, and daughter of James
and Anna (Palmar) Coffman, natives of
Pennsylvania. By occupation he was a
farmer. In 1S40 he came to Ogle county
and located in Pine Creek township. With
his family he came through by team, in a
large wagon, usually called a "prairie
schooner." They passed through Virginia,
Ohio and Indiana, and were si.x weeks (//
route, although they stopped some two
weeks near Dayton, Ohio. The greater
portion of the land was yet owned by the
government, and believing there was a great
future for the country, Mr. Coffman pur-
chased six quarter-sections in Ogle county,
and nearly as much in Sangamon county,
paying the government price of one dollar
and twenty-five cents per acre. This land
he at once commenced to improve, and in
1842 built a small brick house for occu-
pancy, brick being more easily obtained
than lumber, as there was a brick-yard
within six miles, while lumber had to be
hauled from Chicago. The previous year,
however, he erected a gristmill on Pine
creek. On settling here their nearest neigh-
bor was three miles away and their market
was Chicago. On the present site of Mt.
Morris there was but one solitary building,
afterwards known as the old seminary build-
ing. This building remained until a few
years ago.
James and Anna Coffman were the par-
ents of eight children. Edward married
Catherine Price, and they became the par-
ents of ten children. They lived in Pine
Creek township, where he died in 1889.
By occupation he was a farmer. Catherine,
widow of our subject, was next in order of
birth. Barbara married Daniel Sprecher
and to them were born eleven children.
They are both deceased. Aaron died in
California in 1894. He was prospector.
Sarah married David F'earer, who is now
deceased. She is the mother of six chil-
dren and now resides in Kansas. Susan
married John Widney, and to them were
born three children. They are living in
Ohio, where he is farming. David mar-
ried Susan DePue, by whom he had two
children. He died many years ago. James
Coffman, the father, was not permitted to
live to see the great changes that have
since taken place in Ogle county, his death
occurring in April, 1847, while yet in the
prime of life. His wife survived him sev-
eral years. Both were highly esteemed,
and their death was a sad loss to the new
country in which they had cast their lot.
To our subject and wife two children
were born. Frank Coffman, born Novem-
ber 21, 1 86 1, was a young man of more
than ordinary ability, a graduate of Mt.
Morris College. He died in Dakota, June
3, 1886, greatly lamented by a large circle
of friends. Ulysses, born April 12, 1864,
married Ella Green, of Chicago, who died
in Califcjrnia in 1896. He received his lit-
erary education in Mt. Morris College, and
is a graduate of the Chicago Musical Col-
lege. He is a teacher of music of marked
ability. At present he is employed in the
postoffice at Mt. Morris. Our subject first
married Miss Maria Beebe, by whom he had
four children — Sarah, Harriet, Emma and
Anna.
In November, 1882, Mr. Nye moved
with his family to Beadle county, South
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
183
Dakota, and entered a homestead of one
hundred and sixty acres, and a tree claim
of one hundred and sixt}' acres. In 1S93
they left Dakota and returning to Illinois,
located in Mayvvood, a suburb of Chicago,
where they remained until January, 1896,
when they went to Los Angeles, California.
In that beautiful city, on the 28th of Feb-
ruary, 1 898, Mr. Nye passed to his reward.
He was a devout member of the Methodist
Episcopal church, and died in the hope of
the resurrection. Fraternally he was a
Mason, and politically a Republican.
A few weeks after the death of her
husband, Mrs. Nye left Los Angeles, and
after visiting relatives in Douglas county,
Kansas, in April, following, returned to her
old home in Mt. Morris, where she is sur-
rounded by many of her old friends, and
where she can make the most of this life.
Like her husband, she is a consistent mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal church, a
true Christian woman.
ORLO W. NORTON.— When after years
of long and earnest labor in some hon-
orable field of business, a man puts aside all
cares to spend his remaining years in the
enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil, it
is certainly a well deserved reward of his
industry.
"How blest is he who crowns in shades like
these
A youth of labor with an age of ease, "
wrote the poet, and the world everywhere
recognizes the justice of a season of rest fol-
lowing an active period of business. Mr.
Norton spent his last years living retired at
his pleasant home in Stillman Valley and
his history is one that shows the accomplish -
ment of well directed labor.
He was born in Genesee county. New
York, June 18, 1835, and was of a family
of English extraction which was founded in
Massachusetts as early as 1640. His grand-
father, Henry Norton, was born in Guilford,
Connecticut, in 1753, and was one of the
heroes of the Revolutionary war who par-
ticipated in the battle of Lexington, where
the colonial troops won their first victory.
Gould G. Norton, the father of our subject,
was born in Vermont, in 1800, and was the
youngest in a family of six children, five sons
and one daughter. In 1805 the family re-
moved to Essex county. New York, and in
1 816 settled in Genesee county, that state,
where Gould G. Norton grew to manhood
and married Mary H}de, a native of the
Empire state, whither her father, Jesse
Hyde, had removed from Vermont at an
early day. Her grandfather was Captain
Thomas Hyde, of Norwich, Connecticut,
who held a captain's commission in the Rev-
olutionary war.
The father of our subject successfully
engaged in merchandising and also in farm-
ing in Genesee county. New York, until 1830,
when he removed to Orleans county, that
same state, but seven years later returned
to the former county, locating in the part
which afterward became Wyoming county.
In 1846 he came west and settled in Hart-
land, Waukesha county, Wisconsin, where
he resided for two years while traveling for
a mercantile house. At the end of that
time he brought his family to Ogle county,
Illinois, and entered on hundred and sixty
acres of land in Scott township, where he
developed a good farm. On their arrival
here of most the land was still in its primi-
tive condition, deer and other wild game
was plentiful, and the few settlers were
widely scattered, their nearest neighbor on
1 84
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the east being nine miles distant. The
father erected a stone house which is still
standing and to the improvement and culti-
vation of his land at once turned his atten-
tion. Here he spent the remainder of his
life, dying June 22, 1886, at the ripe old age
of eighty-six years. His worthy wife passed
away in April, 1877. He was one of the
most prominent and influential citizens of
his community, was a friend of education
and a stanch supporter of our public schools.
He was a self-educated as well as a self-
made man, but by hard study and close
application he fitted himself for a teacher
and successfully followed that profession for
a number of terms. He was supervisor of
his township ten years, and township trustee
for a number of years.
Orlo W. Norton was the oldest in a fam-
ily of five children, three sons and two
daughters, all of whom reached years of
maturity. Emma C. married Hon. O. B.
Young, of Stillman Valley. Mary E. B., a
resident of Oakland, California, is a lady of
superior education and excellent business
ability. She taught for twenty-five years in
the Rockford, Illinois, Seminary, and the State
Normal of California, and is now secretary
of the Social Settlement in West Oakland.
Henry B. was educated at the Illinois State
Normal and was also a teacher by profes-
sion, being employed in the State Normal at
Emporia, Kansas, for five years. As his
health failed he spent two years among the
Indians and then went to California, where
he followed his chosen profession for a time.
He was an ordained minister of the Congre-
gational church, and often lectured on sci-
entific subjects. His death occurred June22,
1885. Gould Hyde Norton, now a resident
of Eustis, F"lorida, was also engaged at the
Illinois State Normal, and in 1861 enlisted
as lieutenant in the Thirty-third Illinois
Volunteer Infantry, which was largely com-
posed of teachers and pupils belonging to
that school and was commanded by the
president, Colonel Hovey. Mr. Norton
was wounded by a ball in the breast at the
battle of \'icksburg, and being unfit for
further duty he was discharged with the
rank of captain. Later he moved to Vicks-
burg and served as captain of police in that
city. He was the first man to build a
house at Arkansas City, Kansas, where he
traded with the Indians on Buffalo range
for three years. Later he was colonel of
the First Kansas Cavalry and participated in
the Indian wars on the frontier. In 1876
he removed to Florida and has since en-
gaged in the nursery and orange-growing busi-
ness. He is a prominent member of the
Grand Army of the Republic and at one
time was in command of the department of
Florida. He had a family of five children,
four sons and one daughter, of whom three
sons were in the Cuban war and one was
killed when fighting with Colonel Roosevelt's
rough riders.
Reared in New York, Orlo W. Norton
obtained a good practical education in the
common schools of his locality and the high
school of Varysburg and in early life suc-
cessfully engaged in teaching in that state.
In 1845 he accompanied his father on his
removal to Waukesha county, Wisconsin,
and three years later became a resident of
Ogle county, Illinois. He opened up a farm
in Scott township on the opposite side of
the road from his father's place, and there
successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits
for forty-five years, being recognized as one
of the most industrious and enterprising
farmers of the locality.
On the 25th of January, 1853, Mr. Nor-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
185
ton was united in marriage with Miss Mar-
garet Lanckton, who was born, reared and
educated in Genesee county, New York, and
engaged in teaching in that state and in
IlHnois prior to her marriage. Her father
was Aaron Lanckton, of Wheatville, New
York. She died in 1862, leaving three chil-
dren, namely: Ada C, now the wife of Mal-
colmb D.Norton, of Eustis, Florida; Mary L. ,
wife of Charles H. Tallmage, of Columbus,
Ohio; and Charles H., who died unmarried
in Dakota, in 1886, at the age of twenty-
four years. Mr. Norton was again married
at Laporte, Indiana, September 21, 1863,
his second union being with Mrs. Elmira L.
Carruth, widow of Amos Carruth, and
daughter of Frederick Palmer, who moved
to Michigan at an early day. She is also a
native of Genesee county, New York, and
was there reared. By the second mar-
riage there are three children: Harriet
M. is the wife of Elmer Johnston of Des
Moines, Iowa; Arthur A. completed the reg-
ular course and graduated from Harvard
University with the degree of A. B. in 1898,
and after taking the post-graduate course at
that famous institution of learning, had the
title B. S. conferred upon him, and Edna
R. is the wife of Harvey Watson, of Nor-
mal, Illinois.
In 1893 Mr. Norton rented his farm and
removed to Stillman Valley, where he pur-
chased a cottage. Politically he first affili-
ated with the Free Soil party, but was a
Republican from the organization of that
party. His first vote was for Martin Van
Buren, and in 1856 for John C. Fremont.
He took an active and prominent part in
public affairs, especially along the lines of
education, and for years was a member of
the school board. He also served as town-
ship clerk eight years, justice of the peace
20
the same length of time and supervisor two
years, his labors in behalf of his fellow citi-
zens giving the utmost satisfaction. He
with his wife held membership in the Con-
gregational church and stood high in social
circles of the community. Those who knew
him best numbered him among their warm-
est friends, and no citizen in Stillman Val-
ley was more honored hor highly respected.
Mr. Norton died October 31, 1898.
JACOB KAPPMAN.— It is said that biog-
raphy yields to no other subject in point
of interest and profit, and it is especially
interesting to note the progress that has
been made along various lines of business by
those of foreign birth who have sought homes
in America — the readiness with which they
adapt themselves to the different methods
and customs of America, recognize the ad-
vantages offered and utilize the opportunities
which the new world affords. Such a man
is Mr. Kappman, who is now one of the
wealthiest and most prosperous farmers of
Ogle count}-, his home being on section 20,
Leaf River township.
He was born in Hohenzollern, Prussia,
February 29, 1828, and was there reared to
manhood, but is self-educated in German as
well as in the English language. Before leav-
ing the faiherland he was married, in 1856,
to Miss Mary Schetter, who was also of
German birth. In his native land he con-
tinued to carry on farming until 1S58, when
he crossed the Atlantic and came direct to
Illinois, joining his brother, John Kappman,
who had located here a few years before,
but later removed to South Dakota. Our
subject arrived in Ogle county in October,
1858, and at first rented land, which he
operated for one year. He then purchased
1 86
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a tract of forty acres, on which he now
resides. The land had been broken, but no
building erected, and his first home here was
a small house which he erected. To the
further improvement and cultivation of the
land he devoted his entire time and atten-
tion, but for a few years it was a hard
struggle to support himself and family. As
his financial resources have increased, how-
ever, he has bought more land from time to
time, until he now owns seven hundred and
forty-seven acres. His home farm, com-
prising two hundred and forty acres, is
improved with a commodious and comforta-
ble residence, supplied with luxuries. Good
barns and outbuildings have also been
erected, and the place is now one of the
most desirable in the locality.
Mr. and Mrs. Kappman have a family
of seven children, four sons and three daugh-
ters, namely: Adolph, who is married and
engaged in farming in Leaf River township;
Christian, at home; Joseph, who is married
and also carries on operations as an agricult-
urist in Leaf River township, and William,
who assists his brother Christian in the op-
eration of the home farm; Mary, wife of
William Betz, of Winnebago county, Illi-
nois; Susan and Anna, both at home.
In his political views Mr. Kappman is a
strong Republican, and cast his first presi-
dential vote for Abraham Lincoln in i860.
He served as school director in his district
for several years, but has never cared for
official honors. In religious faith he and
his wife are devout Catholics, and helped to
build the church of that denomination at
Seward. He is now the possessor of a
handsome property which now enables him
to spend his declining years in the pleasur-
able enjoyment of his accumulations. He
came to this country in limited circum-
stances, and with no capital started out in
a strange land to overcome the difficulties
and obstacles in the path to prosperity.
His youth dreams have been more than
realized, and in their happy fulfillment he
sees the fitting reward of his earnest toil.
JAMES H. MAGNE, of Haldane, has
spent more than a half century of his
life in Ogle county. He was born in Roch-
ester, New York, March 30, 1835, and is a
son of Charles Magne, a native of Connecti-
cut. The family are of French extraction,
the first of the name settling in Connecticut
in a very early day, and there Charles
Magne, Sr. , the grandfather of our subject,
was born. He later removed to New York
and settled near the city of Rochester. Dur-
ing the second war with Great Britain he
served his country faithfully, and was
wounded at the battle of Oueenstown
Heights. His death occurred in 1835.
Charles Magne, the father of our sub-
ject, grew to manhood in New York, but
returned to Connecticut and there married
Mary A. L. Noble, a native of that state.
He was a ship carpenter by trade, and soon
after his marriage moved to New York city,
where he was employed at his trade. In
1847 he came west with his family and lo-
cated at Buffalo Grove, Ogle county, where
he remained two years engaged in carpentry
work and in farming. He then moved to
what is now Lincoln township, bought one
hundred and sixty acres of land near the
present village of Haldane and opened up a
farm. He later added eighty acres to his
tract, giving him a fine farm of two hundred
and forty acres, which he improved. He
there spent the last years of his life, dying
in February, 1857, at the age of forty-eight
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
187
years. His wife survived him and reared
the family, passing to her reward in 1S95,
at the age of eighty-two years. They had
a family of three sons and three daughters,
who grew to mature years, our subject be-
ing the eldest. The others were Charles
A., living retired in Haldane; Lucretia E.
Mantle, of Brookville township; Horace,
living retired in Polo; Abalena, who died a
single lady; and Adaline, now deceased, who
married Gavin R. Cross, of Ogle county.
James H. Magne came to Ogle county
with his parents when a lad of thirteen years
and here grew to manhood, assisting his
father in opening up and operating the home
farm. Before leaving his native state he
secured a fair education in the common
schools, but the greater part of his knowl-
edge has been obtained since attaining his
majority by reading and observation. After
his father's death he remained with his
mother and carried on the farm, and cared
for her in her declining years. He later
sold his interest in the farm to the other
heirs and then purchased a farm of eighty
acres between Maryland and Haldane, to
which he removed and further improved the
place. He remained on that farm until his
removal to the village of Haldane, in 1894.
While on the farm he was engaged to some
extent in buying and selling stock for a few
years. Purchasing residence property in
Haldane, he rebuilt and remodeled the
house and now has a very neat and com-
fortable home.
Mr. Magne returned east, and, in Clin-
ton county, Penns}'lvania, January 27, 18S1,
married Miss Emma J. Wilson, a native of
that county and state, where she was
reared and educated. She is the daughter
of Joseph B. Wilson, a stonemason by
trade and a native of Pennsylvania. He is
now deceased, but his widow is now living
with Mrs. Magne. By this union there was
one child, Linus E. , a student of the home
school.
Politically Mr. Magne is a Prohibition-
ist, but was originally a Democrat, casting
his first presidential vote for James Buch-
anan, in 1856. From the fact that he con-
siders the liquor traffic the worst foe to
society, he has given his adhesion to the
Prohibition party, the only party that is
fighting the gigantic evil. By casting his
vote with that party he believes that he is
at least registering his will, and that the
party is e.xercising an educational influence.
Mrs. Magne is a member of the Evangelical
church of Haldane. When he came to
Ogle county there was little to give promise
of the great future before this section of
the country. There was not a railroad in
the state, and very few towns of any im-
portance. Farm houses were few and far
between, and the whole country was almost
in its virgin state. He has lived to see a
change that the most optimistic person
could not have conceived, and while his
part may have been a humble one he has
done what he could in the change that has
been accomplished.
ISAAC SPENCER, who resides on section
10, Eagle Point township, is a well-
known farmer and stock raiser, one who is
numbered among the pioneers of northern
Illinois, having been a resident of this sec-
tion since 1839. He was born near Collins-
ville, Connecticut, January 31, 1832, and
is the son of Naaman and Diantha (Ben-
ham) Spencer, both of whom were natives
of the Nutmeg state. The paternal grand-
father, John Spencer, was also a native of
iS8
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the same state, but the family is of Enghsh
origin.
Naaman Spencer grew to manhood in
his native state, and his marriage with
Diantha Benhim was celebrated July i6,
i8i I. In early life he learned the cooper's
trade, and also the trade of a miller, follow-
ing one or the other occupations while yet
residing in the east. In 1833 he moved
with his family to Bradford county, Penn-
sylvania, cleared and opened up a little
farm, and there remained until 1839, when
became to Illinois, and settled on the north
side of Elkhorn grove, in Carroll county,
where he rented a small place, and there
resided for some five or si.x years. He then
purchased a claim of forty acres, where his
son now resides, on which was a log house,
and about thirty acres of the land having
been broken. He there began to farm, and
at the same time worked at the cooper's
trade, erecting a small shop, where he made
flour barrels, and carried on quite a busi-
ness. The product of his shop he would
haul principally to some river point and sell
the same. When the land came into mar-
ket he made his entries and secured his
title. On that farm he spent the last years
of his life, dying January 3, 1873, when
nearly eighty-five years old. His wife
passed away September 11, 1861. They
had a family of four sons and four daughters
that grew to mature years. William mar-
ried and settled in Stephenson county, but
is now deceased. Fanny married Elias
Woodin, but is now deceased. Alanson
settled at Elkhorn Grove, but is now de-
ceased. Allen is a resident of Eagle Point
township. Mrs. Lucinda Jenkins is a
widow, residing in Iowa. Naaman is a resi-
dent of Milledgeville, Illinois. Diantha
married Lewis Porter, but both are now d?'
ceased. Mrs. Clarinda Case, a widow, re-
siding in Eagle Point township. Isaac, the
subject of this review, is the last in order of
birth.
Isaac Spencer was but nine years of age
when he accompanied his parents to Illi-
nois, and but fourteen when his father set-
tled on the farm where he now resides. His
education was obtained in the pioneer
schools of Carroll and Ogle counties, but
his attendance in the school room was not
of long duration. He remained at home
and assisted his father in the shop and on
the farm until after he had attained his ma-
jority. He was married on the 26th of Sep-
tember, 1 86 1, to Romelia Maxwell who,
was born in the town of Delhi, Delaware
county. New York, February 25, 1832, and
daughter of Heman and Paulina (Ballard)
Maxwell, the former a native of Delhi, Del-
aware county. New York, and the latter of
Bridgeport, Connecticut. In 1S40, Henry
Maxwell moved with his family to Chautau-
qua county, New York, where they lived a
few years, and then moved to Pennsylvania.
In 1850 they came to Illinois, and located
in Eagle Point. He was a wagon-maker by
trade, and followed that occupation at
Eagle Point for some years. He lost his
wife in 1875, and later moved to Red Oak,
Montgomery county, Iowa, where his death
occurred in i S83.
After his marriage, Mr. Spencer took
charge of the home farm, and has since
made many valuable improvements to it in
the way of a new dwelling, barn, storehouse,
etc., and has now a well improved and val-
uable place. In addition to general farm-
ing, he has given attention to raising good
graded stock, and is accounted one of the
successful farmers of the township.
Politically Mr. Spencer is a stanch Re-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
189
publican, having been an advocate of the
principles of the party since its organization.
He has never wanted nor would accept any
office, willing at all times that others should
have the honors and emoluments attached
to office holding. W'hen he came to north-
ern Illinois, it was indeed a wilderness, and
in the sixty years he has resided here he has
witnessed changes hard to realize, changes
as wonderful as were ever wrought by Alad-
din's lamp. In the transformation he has
borne his part.
ALEXANDER ANDERSON, residing on
section 7, Woosung township, is the
owner of one hundred and ninety-seven and
a half acres of as fine land as there is in the
township. He is a native of Ogle county,
born on the home farm in Woosung town-
ship, June II, 1872, and is the son of Alex-
ander and Agnes (Spence) Anderson, both
of whom were natives of Scotland, and who
came to the United States in 1850, coming
direct to Ogle county and locating in Eagle
Point township, where he engaged in farm-
ing for about three jears. He then moved
into Woosung township, purchased eighty
acres of unimproved land, and at once com-
menced the establishment of a permanent
home, and there resided until death. He
was a very successful farmer, and from time
to time added to his estate until he had si.x
hundred and forty acres of fine land, the
greater part of which was under cultivation.
As a breeder of stock, he was likewise suc-
cessful, and always had on his place many
head of cattle and hogs. He was not a
member of any church, but was reared in
the Presbyterian faith. A man of retiring
disposition, he did not force either himself
or his views on others, and therefore never
asked or sought public office. In politics
he was a thorough Republican. His death
occurred August 27, 1S87, and his remains
were laid to rest in the East Jordan ceme-
tery. His wife is yet living, and is yet re-
siding upon the old home farm. They
were the parents of two children: Alex-
ander, our subject; and Ellen E., who is
still at home with her mother.
James Anderson, the paternal grandfa-
ther, also a native of Scotland, came to the
United States the same year as did the fa-
ther of our subject, and made his home with
him until his death in 1866. In his family
were five sons and one daughter.
The subject of this sketch grew to man-
hood on the old home farm, and in the pub-
lic schools of the neighborhood received his
education. This was supplemented, how-
ever, by a course in the business college at
Dixon, Illinois. He was thus well prepared
for the active duties of life. He was but
fifteen years old when his father died, leav-
ing the care of the large estate to him, since
which time he has cultivated and superin-
tended the -farm, meeting with fine success.
Like his father before him, he has shown
himself a thorough and reliable farmer,
practical in all things. He ships from one
hundred to two hundred hogs per year, be-
sides one or two car loads of cattle. He
has shown himself a man of superior char-
acter and business ability, strong in his in-
herited Scotch characteristics of integrity
and thrift.
In politics Mr. Anderson is a Republican,
and since the spring of 1898 he has filled
the office of township clerk. In religion he
is connected with the United Brethren
church, and is an active worker in both the
church and Sunday-school. He is president
of the Young People's Society Christian En-
I go
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
deavor, Rock River conference of United
Brethren in Christ, and is trustee of the
United Brethren Camp Grounds of Polo.
Fraternally he is a member of the Knights
of the Globe, and has passed all the chairs
in the local lodge. He is also a member of
Polo Lodge, I. O. O. P., of which he is
past grand; and of Polo Encampment, No.
117. While yet a young man, he is well-
known in various parts of the county and
has many friends. His home is one of the
best in the township, and his farm one of
the best improved.
MATTHEW P. BULL, an enterprising
agriculturist of Ogle county, is the
owner of a fine farm on sections 6 and i i,
Byron township, and his management of
the estate is marked by the scientific knowl-
edge and skill which characterize the mod-
ern farm. The Bull family is of English
descent and was among the pioneer settlers
of Chester county, Pennsylvania. At an
early day our subject's great-grandfather,
Richard Bull, removed to Perry county, the
same state, and opened up a farm on which
the grandfather, William Bull, and father,
John Bull, were both born, the latter in
1794. There he grew to manhood and
when the war of 181 2 broke out he joined
the army, being stationed most of the time
at Buffalo as private clerk to his colonel.
He was married in Perry county to Miss
Jane I^inn, also a native of the county, and
a daughter of William Linn. Upon the old
homestead they resided many years, but
finally sold and came west, arriving in Ogle
count}-, Illinois, May i, 185 1. Here Mr.
Bull purchased three hundred acres of land
and developed the farm on which his son
now resides. He erected good and substan-
tial buildings upon his place, and success-
fully engaged in its operation until called
from this life in September, 1S63, at the
age of si.\ty-nine years. His wife died in
Pennsylvania about 1846, before the emi-
gration of the family to Illinois. The fam-
ily of this worthy couple consisted of twelve
children, ten of whom, two sons and eight
daughters, reached years of maturity, but
only our subject and two sisters are now
living, — Mrs. Jane Milligan, of Mason City,
Iowa; and Elizabeth G., a resident of Ro-
chelle, Illinois. Our subject's only brother
was Robert Henry, who married and owned
and operated a nice farm in Ogle county,
on which he died in 1875.
Matthew P. Bull was also born on the
old homestead in Perry county, Pennsyl-
vania, April 9, 1833, and was provided with
a good common school-education, which
was supplemented by a year's attendance
at the Bloomtield Academy. He was eight-
een years of age when he accompanied the
family on their removal to Illinois, and was
of great assistance to his father in opening
up the new farm and preparing it for plant-
ing. On the death of the latter he suc-
ceeded to a part of the estate and he and
his brother subsequently bought an adjoining
farm. For some years they engaged in their
cultivation together, but finally the property
was divided and our subject still lives on
the old home farm. He has enlarged and
remodeled the residence, built a large barn
and good outbuildings and made many other
valuable improvements upon the place, and
is acknowledged to be one of the best and
most successful farmers of the community.
In connection with general farming he has
also been engaged in raising a good grade of
stock and is now interested in the milk busi-
ness.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
191
In Byron township, December 17, 1873,
was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Bull
and Miss Mary E. Linn, the only daughter
of John R. Linn, another of Ogle county's
early settlers, formerly from Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Bull was born and reared in the Key-
stone state, and by her marriage to our
subject has become the mother of si.x chil-
dren: John L., who died in 188S, at the
age of fourteen years; Margaret Isabelle, a
music teacher, at home; Roberta, who is
engaged in school teaching and also resides
at home; Mary R. and Nancy M., twins,
who are attending the Rockford high school ;
and Grace Grant, a student in the home
school.
Since the organization of the Republican
parry in 1S56, Mr. Bull has been one of its
stanch supporters, but he has never sought
nor desired political preferment. As a
friend of education and our public school
system, he has ever used his influence to
secure good schools and teachers and for
some years was a most active member of
the school board. He and his wife hold
membership in the Middle Creek Presbyte-
rian church and their lives have been such as
to commend them to the confidence and
esteeni of all who know them.
GEORGE POOLE is a retired farmer
residing in Polo. He was born near
Toronto, Canada, January 31, 1835, and is
the son of William and Nancy (Johnson)
Poole, the former a native of county Wex-
ford, Ireland, born in May, 1803, and the
latter near Toronto, Canada, May 12, 1814.
William Poole was the son of George Poole,
a hatter by trade, and likewise a native of
Ireland, who came to America in middle
life and established himself in business at
his trade in Cincinnati, Ohio. He remained
there a few years, then came to Ogle coun-
ty, Illinois, making his home with his son,
William, until his death in 1859, at the age
of eighty-six years. His wife died in the
old country. They were the parents of five
children, all of whom grew to maturity.
William Poole grew to manhood in his
native country, and after coming to America
learned the the carpenter's trade. At the
age of twenty-one years he started for Amer-
ica, taking passage in the sailing vessel
Maria, and was twice shipwrecked. He
finally landed in America, going direct to
Toronto, Canada, where he worked a year
or two for an uncle who advanced the
money for his passage across the ocean.
After being released from this obligation, he
commenced work at his trade, at which he
continued until the spring of 1839, when he
came to Ogle county, Illinois, and located
in what is now Brookville township. He
came here with his brothers-in-law, John
Lawrence and John Sanborn, and jointly
they secured about eight hundred acres of
land, for which they paid the government
price of of one dollar and twenty-five cents
per acre, besides paying the squatter's claim,
as nearly all the land in this vicinity had
been settled on by squatters, who located on
it for the purpose of holding until they could
sell out to some actual settler. On the di-
vision of the tract about three hundred acres
went to Mr. Poole. Not a rod had been
turned and he must make every improve-
ment necessary. He first erected a stone
house on his portion and then started to
break and cultivate. He there continued
farming until his death, which occurred
September iS, 1886, at the age of eighty-
three years. In 1834 he married Miss
Nancy Johnson, both of whom were natives
192
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of Pennsylvania. Abraham Johnson was by
occupation a farmer, and when but a lad he
entered the British service in the Revolu-
tionary war as a wagon boy. His wife's
father, Mr. Hommon, was killed by an
Indian, about one-half mile from Fort Fred-
erick. To William and Nancy Poole were
born six children, — George, Abraham, Jo-
seph, John, Catherine and one who died in
infancy. In politics William Poole was an
Abolitionist, and with the Free Soil party
acted until the organization of the Repub-
lican party, the principles of which were so
nearly identical with those he had been
advocating, that he gave adherence to the
new party, believing that with it the coun-
try would the sooner become in reality a
free country. He was not an office-seeker,
but served one term as justice of the peace
and was road commissioner for a time.
Religiously, he was an Episcopalian. His
wife is still living at the age of eighty-five
years and is making her home with our sub-
ject.
George Poole was but four years of age
when he accompanied his parents to Ogle
county, and here he has since continued to
reside, a period of sixty years. He was ed-
ucated in the school at Old Town, and was
one of the first pupils to attend the school
at that place. The first teacher was John
Frisbie. He continued to attend school,
principally in the winter months, until he
was twenty years old, in the meantime as-
sisting in the farm work. He then gave his
whole time to his father, and continued to
work for him until he was twenty-six years
old.
On the nth of October, iS6o, Mr.
Poole was united in marriage with Miss
Sabina Strock, born July 22, 1836, in Bed-
ford county, Pennsylvania, and daughter of
Jacob and Catherine (Longnecker) Strock,
the former a native of Franklin county,
Pennsylvania, born in 1806, and the latter
of Bedford county, in the same state, born
in 1 8 10. They came to Ogle county in 1854
and settled in Buffalo township, where Mr.
Strock engaged in farming, at which he con-
tinued for some years. Later he removed
to Polo, where he lived a retired life, and
where his death occurred in November,
1882. His wife died in 1895, at the age of
eighty-five years. They were the parents
of nine children — Sabina, Henry, John,
David, Nancy, Susanna, Abram, Elizabeth
and Jacob. All are yet living. To our sub-
ject and wife four children have been born,
one of whom died in infancy. The living
are Frank, Nellie and John.
On his marriage, Mr. Poole received from
his father a small farm and at once commenced
its cultivation. After living there for seven
years, he sold the same and purchased a
farm of three hundred acres on sections 13
and 14, Eagle Point township, where he re-
sided until his removal to Polo, in 1892.
In his farming operations he was quite suc-
cessful, and was regarded as one of the
leading farmers in the township. He car-
ried on general farming and stock raising,
including the raising of short horn Durham
cattle, Poland China hogs, and Norman
draft horses. His farm was always kept
under a high state of cultivation, and every-
thing about the place showed that it was
under the care of a practical man.
After years of hard toil, Mr. Poole con-
cluded that he would retire and live a less
active and laborious life. In 1895-6, he built
his present fine residence on Barber avenue.
Polo, which is the abode of hospitality. In
politics he is an ardent Republican, and has
served his fellow citizens in various local
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
193
offices. For eleven years he was supervi-
sor of Eagle Point township, and was a
member of the board when the railroad
trouble of the county was at its height. He
was a valuable member of the board, and his
services were appreciated by the people of
his township, as is attested by his continual
re-election. An energetic, enterprising man,
he was always willing to work for the best
interest of his township and county. He
was greatly esteemed throughout the county.
M'
ORTIMER S. BREWSTER. — The
natural advantages of this section at-
tracted at an early day a superior class of
settlers — thrifty, industrious, progressive
and law-abiding — whose influence gave per-
manent direction to the development of the
locality. Among the worthy pioneers of
Ogle county the Brewster family holds a
prominent place. The results of the labor
and self-denial of these early settlers are
manifest in the comfortable homes and fer-
tile, well-arranged farms which we to-
day see.
It was August, 1S37, that Mr. Brewster
arrived in this county, and he has since
taken an active and prominent part in its
development. His life has been devoted to
agricultural pursuits and he is still success-
fully carrying on the old homestead on sec-
tion I, Byron township. He was born in
Broome county. New York, August 8, 1820,
and is a son of James Brewster, a native of
Connecticut. The grandfather, David Brew-
ster, was born in one of the New England
states and when quite young entered the
Continental army daring the Revolutionary
war. At an early day he removed with his
family to the Empire state, where James
21
Brewster grew to manhood. In Albany
county. New York, the latter married Miss
Chloe Palmer, who was also a native of
Connecticut, but removed with her parents
to the former state when young. For some
years he followed farming there and then
removed to Bradford county, Pennsylvania,
where he was similarly employed for a few
years. In 1837 he came to Illinois by way
of the Erie canal and Great Lakes, and
proceeding thence by team finally arrived
in. Ogle county, where his friend and old
neighbor, Mr. York, had located a year or
so previously. Mr. Brewster rented land
the first summer and then took a claim of
about four hundred acres on section I, By-
ron township, entering three hundred and
twenty acres when the land came into mar-
ket. Subsequently he sold some of his land
but improved a farm of two hundred acres
and made it his home until called to his
final rest. He built a log house in which
the family lived while he opened up and de-
veloped the farm, but it has since been re-
placed by a more commodious frame resi-
dence. He died at the ripe old age of
eighty-four, having survived his wife some
years. In their family were ten children —
three sons and seven daughters — all of
whom reached years of maturity, but only
our subject and his sister Caroline are now
living.
Mortimer D. Brewster was a lad of sev-
enteen years when he accompanied the fam-
ily on their removal to this state and in the
task of converting the wild land into a rich
and productive farm he bore an active part.
His school privileges were limited and he is
mostly self-educated. He remained under
the parental roof and on his father's death
took charge of the farm, which has been his
home for sixty-one years. It is one of the
194
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
best improved and most highly cultivated
places of the locality.
In Roscoe, Illinois, in 1856, Mr. Brew-
ster was married, the lady of his choice be-
ing Miss Caroline Alden, a native of Brad-
ford county, Pennsylvania, who in 1S37
came with her father, Adonijah Alden, to
Ogle county, settling in Marion township,
near Byron. They have become the parents
of six children, all living: Henry M., cash-
ier of the Farmers & Merchants bank of
Byron; Willis J., who is helping to carry
on the home farm; Augusta and Edwin P.,
twins, the former the wife of Daniel Sims,
of Cherokee county, Iowa, and the latter
at home; Walter H., who is married and
engaged in teaching at Saint Ann, Illinois;
and Luciaus D. , at home.
In politics Mr. Brewster was originally
a Whig, casting his first presidential ballot
for the candidate of that party in 1844, and
since its dissolution he has been an ardent
Republican. He and his wife are faithful
members of the Middle Creek Presbyterian
church and are held in high regard by all
who know them for their sterling worth and
many excellencies of character.
ANDREW NEWCOMER, deceased,
came to Ogle county in 1846, and for
a period of nearly forty years occupied a
prominent position in the community, and
with an acquaintance as extensive as any
man in the county. He was born No-
vember 25, 1 8 10, in Washington county,
Maryland, and was a descendant of Wolf-
gang Newcomer, who came from Germany
to America more than a century ago. His
boyhood was spent in his father's mill, when
not in attendance in the common schools.
In his youth he learned the carpenter's
trade, which occupation he followed for
about fifteen years after attaining his ma-
jority, working in various places in the
states of Maryland and \^irginia. Many of
the public and private buildings in those
states show the mark of his handiwork. In
the fall of 1832 he located in the town of
Boonsborough, Maryland, and immedialely
afterward united with the Methodist Episco-
pal church. His conversion was thorough
and genuine, and he soon commenced tak-
ing an active interest in the work of the
church and in the affairs of the community,
becoming prominent in all lines of benevo-
lent work, which prominence was main-
tained while residing in the place. During
the winters of 1832-3-4, he taught school,
and during the summers worked at his
trade.
Mr. Newcomer was first married May i,
1S34, to Eliza Hamilton, a sister of Rev.
William Hamilton, D. D., of the Baltimore
conference of the Methodist Episcopal
church, and an aunt of Ex-Governor W.
T. Hamilton, of Maryland. She died April
2, 1875, at Mt. Morris, Illinois, On the
2 1st of March, 1S76, Mr. Newcomer mar-
ried Sarah E. Smith, in Winnebago county,
Illinois.
Mrs. Newcomer was born February 6,
1827, in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania, and
is the daughter of Samuel and Rebecca
(Reynolds) Rose, the former a native of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the latter
of New Jersey. By trade her father was a
hatter, but after his marriage he removed
to the country and engaged in farming, an
occupation that he followed until his death,
March 18, 1844. In October following, his
widow moved with her family to Winne-
bago county, Illinois, settling in Rockford.
Samuel and Rebecca Rose were the parents
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
195
of seven children — David, Benjamin, Ann,
Maria, Saraii E. , Samuel and Jacob, all of
whom are deceased, with the exception of
Maria and Mrs. Newcomer. In her native
state the latter received a good common-
school education. She was first married
September 29, 1846, to Lucius J. Smith, a
native of Ohio, then residing in Rockford,
and a son of John and Maria (Ferris) Smith,
also natives of Ohio. Immediately after
their marriage they moved to a farm in
Winnebago county, where Mr. Smith en-
gaged in farming for two years. They then
removed to Stephenson county, where he
bought a farm of one hundred and twenty
acres, and there they lived until his death,
October 4, 1S67. They became the parents
of six children, two of whom are deceased.
Frances A., born May 28, 1S47, married
Jefferson Stephens, of Winnebago county,
Illinois. They later moved to Fillmore
county, Nebraska, where he died in August,
1880. She is now living in Mt. Morris.
Arthur L. married Eliza Ackers, August 18,
1 878, and they now reside in San Francis-
co, California, where he is employed as a
traveling salesman. Edward died in in-
fancy. Volney E. died at the age of sixteen
years. Emily L. lives at Mt. Morris. Frank
C. married Emma Yearing, of Trenton,
Missouri, May 24, 1887, and they live in
Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he is the
division superintendent of the Rock Island
railroad. After her husband's decease Mrs.
Smith remained on the farm for seven years,
and then removed to Winnebago, Winnebago
county, Illinois, where she was living at the
time of her marriage with Mr. Newcomer.
Lucius J. Smith was a good, Christian man,
a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, one ever ready to lend a helping
hand to those in distress, and his house was
the abode of hospitality. He was a well-
read man, and kept himself posted on the
events of the times. He was honored and
beloved by all who knew him.
While yet residing in Boonesborough,
Maryland, for a short lime during the years
1843-4, ^^^- Newcomer was connected with
the publication of "The Odd Fellows."
The western fever was upon him, however,
and hearing good reports from his old
friends and neighbors who had settled in
Ogle county, Illinois, he determined to emi-
grate. Accordingly, in 1846, he came to
Mt. Morris, and soon afterwards opened a
furniture store and undertaker's establish-
ment, a business in which he continued
about twenty years. Selling his furniture
store in 1867, he embarked in the grocery
trade in which he continued until his death.
May 20, 1885.
The death of no man in Mount Morris
ever affected the community more deeply
than that of Andrew Newcomer, for he was
public official and private citizen. In poli-
tics he was a Republican, a firm believer in
the principles of the party. He served his
township as a member of the board of super-
visors, and from 1S52 until his death he was
almost continuously a justice of the peace.
Few men ever served in the latter office
with more signal ability, and few, if any, of
his decisions were ever overruled by the
higher court on appeal. He also served as
school director and school trustee at dif-
ferent times, and in other official capacities.
His business qualifications were more than
ordinary, and his honesty was not ques-
tioned. There are few men whose names
appear oftener on the records of the pro-
bate court than does that of Andrew New-
comer as executor, administrator or guardian.
When he thus served it was certain that
iQfi
THE BIOGRArniCAL RECORD.
every duty would be conscientiously per-
formed. His social qualifications were of a
high order. Genial in manner, kind in dis-
position, old and young delighted to be in
his society. He was an e.xcellent reader,
having few equals outside of the professional
ones, and it is said that during the civil war
he would get his daily paper, and going to
his store he would be followed by a crowd,
who would gather around him and listen
while he read the latest war news. He
never lost interest in his church, and at all
times served his local church in some official
capacity, either as class leader, steward,
trustee, or Sunday school superintendent.
No call of the church was by him unheeded.
He was a firm believer in the cause of his
Master, and was ever ready to render the
best service in his power. He died in the
full assurance of of a blessed resurrection.
TAMESD. ANDERSON, a representative
<J and prominent farmer and stock raiser
of Ogle county, makes his home on section
3, Eagle Point township, and owns and oper-
ates over four hundred acres of valuable and
well improved land. He has been a resi-
dent of the county since 1845 S-"*^ 's, there-
fore, numbered among its honored pioneers.
Mr. Anderson was born in the town of
Andes, Delaware county. New York, Octo-
ber 12, 1842. His father, John Anderson,
was a native of Scotland, born in 1807, and
was a son of Joseph and Jane (Clark) Ander-
son, also natives of that country, where
they spent their entire lives. The grand-
father was a millwright by trade and reared
a family of eleven children. I-ieared in his
native place, John Anderson received a com-
mon-school education and in early life
worked in his father's mill. In 1832 he
emigrated to the new world, landing in
Nova Scotia, whence he proceeded to Dela-
ware county. New York, where he worked
as a millwright and also engaged in farming.
He was a natural mechanic and built a mill
in that county. There he was married,
September 18, 1834, to Miss Margaret Sim,
who was also born and reared in Scotland.
Her father, Ale.xander Sim, a native of the
same country, was an early settler of Dela-
ware county. New York. In 1S45 Mr. An-
derson came to Ogle county, Illinois, and
made a permanent location upon the farm
where our subject now resides. He entered
a tract of eighty acres from the government
and built a small house, where he resided
for some years. He also erected a shop in '*
Eagle Point and engaged in wagon making
and repair work. Later he removed the
shop to his farm and continued to carry
on business there while opening up and im-
proving his farm. As he prospered in his
new home, he purchased more land from
time to time until he owned about three
hundred acres. He built a large, neat resi-
dence thereon and made many other im-
provements, which added greatly to its
value and attractive appearance. He was
in limited circumstances when he came to
the county and by his own labor, enterprise
and perseverance he succeeded in acquiring
a comfortable home and competence. He
continued to make his home upon his farm
throughout the remainder of his life, but
died in Rockford while on a visit, March
21, 1886. Two years previously he and
his wife celebrated their golden wedding, at
which time a large number of their friends
and neighbors were gathered together at
their home to wish them joy. Mrs. Ander-
son departed this life June i, 1892, and was
laid to rest by the side of her husband in
JAMES ANDERSON.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
20 1
Fairmont cemetery, where a monument has
been erected to their memory. They had a
host of warm friends in this community and
were held in high regard by all who knew
them. Politically, Mr. Anderson was a
stanch Republican, and was called upon to
fill a number of official positions of honor
and trust, including that of justice of the
peace, which he filled for a number of
years to the entire satisfaction of the public.
James D. Anderson, of this review, is
the fourth in order of birth in a family of
seven children, the others being as follows:
Joseph A., who is married and resides in
Wasco county, Oregon; George, who is
with his brother in that state; Jane A., wife
of G. J. Monroe, of Dysart, Iowa; John,
who is married and is engaged in contract-
ing and building in Chicago; Nettie A.,
widow of \V. W. Pierce and a resident of
Polo; and Margaret C, wife of George
Gibbs, of Ogle county.
James D. Anderson was only three years
old when brought by his parents to Ogle
county, where he grew to manhood on the
home farm and was educated in the common
schools. During early life he assisted his
father in the farm work and in 1868 took
charge of the place and business. After the
death of the latter he purchased the inter-
ests of the other heirs in the old homestead
which he still owns and operates. He has
added to it more land until he now has
about four hundred acres, which he has
placed under a high state of cultivation and
improved in an excellent manner. He has
built one of the largest and most conven-
iently arranged barns in the county. He
also has a very large cattle barn, good out-
buildings, windpumps, etc., so that it might
well be numbered among the model farms
of the county. For the past twenty years,
Mr. Anderson has made a business of feed-
ing stock and annually fits for market from
two to si.\ car loads of stock, usually having
from sixty to one hundred head of cattle upon
his place and from one hundred to one hun-
dred and fifty head of hogs. He is one of the
most successful farmers and stockmen of
the county and usually ships his own stock.
In Brookville township. Ogle county, Mr.
Anderson was married, April 2, 18S5, to
Miss Addie L. Gibbs, who was born, reared
and educated in this county, a daughter of
Leonard Gibbs, one of its early settlers.
They now have two children: Grace B. and
McKinley J.
In politics, iSIr. Anderson has been a
life-long Republican, and his fellow citizens
recognizing his worth and ability have often
called him to office. He is now serving his
eighteenth year as commissioner of high-
ways, has been treasurer the same length
of time, and has served as collector of his
township and as a delegate to the county
and congressional conventions of his party.
For twenty-five years he has been con-
nected with the Eagle Point Mutual Fire
Insurance Company and is now serving as
its president. He is past grand of Polo
Lodge, I. O. O. F., and socially is quite
popular. In all the relations of life he has
been found true to every trust reposed in
him, and he enjoys the confidence and es-
teem of all who know him.
JOHN GRAHAM is one of the leading
and influential citizens of Leaf River
township, his home being on section 11, and
he has taken an active part in promoting
the substantial improvement and material
development of the county. Although an
adopted son of America, his loyalty is above
202
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RPICORD.
question, for during the dark days of the
rebellion he offered his services to the gov-
ernment and for three long years followed
the old flag to victory on southern battle
fields.
A native of Ireland, Mr. Graham was
born near the city of Belfast, in County An-
trim, in 1832, and was there reared to man-
hood. Deciding to come to America in
1856 he took ship at Belfast for Liverpool,
England, where he boarded a sailing ves-
sell, which was five weeks in crossing the
broad Atlantic. They encountered some
severe storms, the mast was blown away,
and the vessel was almost a complete wreck
when it arrived in New York. In April of
that year, Mr. Graham found employment
in a brickyard at Newburg, Orange county,
New York, but the following fall proceeded
to Ohio, where he remained only a short
time, however. He spent the winter at
Freeport, Ilhnois, and the following year
found work in the harvest fields. He then
worked for a Mr. Carpenter in Ogle county
until after the outbreak of the Civil war.
Prompted by a spirit of patriotism, Mr.
Graham enlisted in 1S62, in Company B,
Seventy-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry,
which was assigned to the Army of the Cum-
berland. He participated in many import-
ant engagements and skirmishes, including
the battles of Perryville, Kentucky, and
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where they
fought for nine days, fighting the old year
out and the new year in. He was also in
the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mis-
sionary Ridge, from there marched to
near Knoxville. At Murfreesboro the regi-
ment lost heavily and Mr. Graham was
wounded in the left cheek, his eye being
badly injured. He did not give up, how-
ever, and later took part in the battles of
Resaca, Jonesboro and Kenesaw Mountain.
At the last named battle he was again
wounded, the bone in his right leg below the
knee being terribly shattered. This per-
manently disabled him, and he was sent to
the hospital at Louisville, Kentucky, whence
he was later transferred to the hospital at
Quincy, Illinois. When discharged in June,
1865, he was still obliged to use crutches
and he has never fully recovered from his
injuries.
Returning to the home of Mr. Carpenter
our subject remained there for two or three
years, and when sufficiently recovered he
resumed farm work. On the 8th of March,
1873, he was united in marriage with Miss
Catherine Shriber, a native of Schuylkill
county, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of
Christian Shriber, who removed from that
state to Ogle county and became one of the
successful farmers of this region. He died
in March, 1890, and his wife, who survives
him, is living in Lightsville, a hale old lady
of eighty- four years. To Mr. and Mrs.
Graham have been born four children: Rosa
J . , Lilly Dora, Ervin Seymour and Ernest M.
For a few years after his marriage, Mr.
Graham operated rented land and then re-
moved to the farm on which he now resides.
Although he began life in this country in
limited circumstances, he has steadily
worked his way upward until he is now the
possessor of a comfortable competence.
His success has been achieved through his
own well directed efforts and the assistance
of his estimable wife, who has proved a true
helpmeet to him. He now has a fine farm
of over two hundred acres of rich and arable
land. In his political affiliations he is an
ardent Democrat, but he has never cared
for the honors or emoluments of public office,
preferring to gi\e his undivided attention to
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
203
his business interests. He is a man of in-
trinsic worth, esteemed in all the relations of
life, and has a host of warm friends in Ogle
county.
NELSON B. KIDDER, the efficient
supervisor of Woosung township, is
one of the leading farmers of Ogle count)',
owning a fine farm of two hundred and sixty
acres in Woosung township, and some three
hundred and twenty acres in Jordan town-
ship, Whiteside county, Illinois. His home
farm is on section 7, Woosung township,
which is a highly improved place, with
everything in the best order. He is a na-
tive of New Hampshire, born in the town
of Bristol, Grafton county, January i 5, 1 834,
and is the son of Benjamin and Mary
(Doton) Kidder, both of whom were na-
tives of the Granite state. Benjamin Kid-
der was by occupation a farmer in his native
state, and after his removal to Illinois.
With his family, in 1856. he left his native
state and came to Whiteside county, Illi-
nois, where he purchased land and engaged
in farming for eighteen years, and then
moved to Woosung township, Ogle county,
where the remainder of his life was passed.
He died on the farm now owned by our
subject, August 6, 1883. He was a man of
retiring disposition, and one who gave his
undivided attention to his business, family
and religious interests. He made a success
in life, and was enabled to assist his chil-
dren. Religiously he was a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics
was a Democrat. He had a family of si.x
children, as follows; Adoniram, of O'Brien
county, Iowa; Levi, who died in 1865;
Sarah, the deceased wife of J. W. Taylor,
of Whiteside county, Illinois; Nelson B.,
the subject of this sketch; Electa, the de-
ceased wife of H. Taylor, of Powesheik
county, Iowa; and Marcellus, of Whiteside
county, Illinois.
The paternal grandfather, Benjamin Kid-
der, was a native of New Hampshire, while
his father, the great-grandfather of our sub-
ject, was born in England, and emigrated
to this country in 1770. He later served in
the Revolutionary war, and assisted the col-
onies in securing their independence.
In his native state Nelson B. Kidder
grew to manhood, and there received a com-
mon-school education. The knowledge ob-
tained in the school room was but little in
comparison to that since obtained by con-
tact with his fellow men, and in reading the
general and current literature of the day.
He had attained his majority when he came
with the family to Illinois, and on his ar-
rival purchased eighty acres of land in
Whiteside county, to which he later added
one hundred and twenty acres, giving him
a fine farm of two hundred acres, eighty
acres of which has since been sold, leaving
him a balance of one hundred and twenty
acres.
On the 30th of December, 1862, Mr.
Kidder was united in marriage with Miss
Amanda Mingle, a native of Bradford coun-
ty, Pennsylvania, and daughter of James
and Catherine Mingle, both of whom were
natives of the same state. She was but ten
years of age when she accompanied her
parents to Carroll county, Illinois, where
they made their permanent home. By this
union there were three children: Aldena
died at the age of four years and eight
months. Irvin is engaged in farming in
Woosung township. Fred J. is now a
student in the State Normal School, at Dix-
on, Illinois.
204
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In March, 1874, Mr. Kidder moved to
Ogle county, since which time he has been
one of its most enterprising citizens, and
has talccn quite an active part in public life,
having served nine consecutive years as
school director and six years as commis-
sioner of highways, and in the spring of
1897 was elected to his present position
as supervisor of his township, an office
which he is well qualified to fill, because
of his good business ability and earn-
est desire for the public good. He has
given his attention to general farming, never
running off on any fads, and in his life work
has met with a reasonable degree of suc-
cess. For the past twenty years he has
been quite an extensive feeder of cattle,
and annual!}' prepares a good many head
for the general market. A residence of
forty-three years in Whiteside and Ogle
counties has brought him in contact with
many of their best citizens, and wherever
he is known he is held in high esteem.
REV. ANDREW STAHLEY, a resident
of Ogle county since the spring of 1S65,
and one of its highly esteemed citizens, was
born October 3, 1821, in York county,
Pennsylvania, where he was reared and ed-
ucated in the common schools of the locali-
ty. He is of German descent, his grandfa-
ther, Andrew Stahley, for whom he was
named, being a native of Germany. On
coming to America he located in Chance-
ford township, York county, Pennsylvania.
He had a family of four children: Peter,
the father of our subject; Joseph, a black-
smith by trade, who came to Illinois and lo-
cated near (Juincy; Stephen, also a black-
smith by trade, who came west; and Sarah,
who remained and died in York county,
Pennsylvania. The grandfather died when
comparatively a young man. Peter Stahley
was born in York county in 1784, and by
occupation was a farmer, a calling which
he followed during his entire life. During
the war of 181 2 he was called out, but did
not enter the service for the reason the or-
der was countermanded before his company
could muster. He married Catherine Tome,
also a native of York county, Pennsylvania,
daughter of Henry Tome, a farmer of that
county. She was one of a family of six
children, the others being Fannie, who mar-
ried Fred Gable, a merchant of Dover,
Pennsylvania; Elizabeth, wife of Daniel
Gohn, a farmer of York county; Jacob,
George and Henry, who lived and died in
York county.
Andrew Stahley is the son of Peter and
Catherine (Tome) Stahley. After his school
days and until he attained his majority, he
remained with his parents, assisting his fa-
ther in the farm work. When he was twen-
ty-one he commenced life on his own ac-
count, doing farm work by the day, contin-
uing in that work until he was twenty-eight
years old. Being of a religious turn of mind
and desirious of serving the Master, he en-
tered the ministry of the Evangelical Asso-
ciation, having prepared himself by constant
reading and study for several years. From
1849 until 1869 he traveled about preach-
iing the word, first as a member of the Cen-
tral Pennsylvania conference, doing mission-
ary work. He then came to Illinois, and
as a member of the Illinois conference con-
tinued the work for four years. His first
station was at Warren, Pennsylvania, where
he remained one year. He was then at
Pittsburg two years, thence back to War-
ren, Pennsylvania, and then to the Ohio
circuit, in Stark county, that state, where
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
205
he remained one year. He was then again
at Pittsburg one year, when he was elected
presiding elder for the Pittsburg district.
Later he was sent to Canton, Ohio, where
he remained two years, then to Erie, Penn-
sylvania, two years. From Erie he came
direct to Forreston, Illinois, and was as-
signed to the West Grove circuit, preaching
at Forreston and Freeport, and other points
in this locality.
Mr. Stahley was first married in 1S42
to Miss Charlotte Vogt, a native of York
county, Pennsylvania, and daughter of Peter
and Paulina (Will) Vogt. She died in York
county after a wedded life of five years,
leaving one daughter, Delilah Ann, now the
wife of Isaac Vogelgesang, a retired mer-
chant and business man of Forreston. In
1852 Mr. Stahley married Miss Sarah Long,
daughter of Bishop Joseph Long and Kath-
erine (Hoy) Long. She was a native of
Columbiana county, Ohio, her father being
bishop of the Evangelical Association. She
died in Forrestson, leaving one daughter,
Josephine, now the wife of Samuel McLain,
of Forreston, a wholesale manufacturer of
specialties in medicine. Mr. Stahley mar-
ried his present wife June 22, 1875. She
was Miss Ceres Oakes, a native of Reading,
Pennsylvania, and daughter of George and
Susan (Cleversy) Oakes. Her father was
born October 13, 1782, in Hessen Cassel,
Germany, and left that country when eight-
een years old, crossing the ocean on an
English vessel, and while en route to Nova
Scotia received his first lesson in the English
language from the captain of the vessel.
He came to the United States and settled in
Lancester, Pennsylvania. He was married
in Nova Scotia to Miss Susan Cleversy, a
native of Nova Scotia, born in 1800. They
were married November 26, 1826, and be-
2•^
came the parents of si.x children: Serene,
born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, March 13,
182S, became the wife of Francis Knauss,
and they reside in Rock City, Illinois. Zero,
born in New Ephrata, Pennsylvania, mar-
ried Robert Mitchell, and they also reside
in Rock City, Illinois. Alpha, born at
Berne, Pennsylvania, June 5, 1832, was a
soldier in the Civil war. He now resides at
Ouincy, Illinois. Ceres is the wife of our
subject. Atlas, born in Johnstown, Penn-
sylvania, April 9, 1835, was also a soldier
in the Civil war. He is now residing in the
west. Omega, born in Johnstown, Penn-
sylvania, April 3, 1838, is a retired business
man, living in Oregon. Professionally,
George Oakes was a teacher, and taught in
both the English and German languages. He
was also a fine musician and gave some time
to teaching music. He came with his fam-
ily to Illinois in 1846, but died the follow-
ing year, his remains being interred in the
Dakota cemetery, in Stephenson county.
His wife survived him many years, dying in
1890, in her eighty-eighth year. Her re-
mains were interred beside those of her
husband.
On retiring from the ministry in 1869,
Mr. Stahley became interested in a planing
mill, but for many years he has given his
time to looking after his business interests
in connection with his farming land, owning
three hundred and seventy acres in Ogle
county and eighty acres in Carroll county.
He has never taken much interest in polit-
ical affairs as generally managed, and for
many years did not cast a vote. His first
presidential vote was cast for Abraham
Lincoln. He now votes as his conscience
dictates without regard to party politics.
While actively engaged in the ministry, he
was instrumental in the erection of several
2o6
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
churches, and his labors in that way were
appreciated by the good people of Warren,
Ohio, and those on the Harmony circuit
and in Columbiana county, Ohio. He has
not lost interest in good works, but is ever
ready to assist in promoting "peace on
earth, good will toward men."
EMANUEL M. HARNER.— Almost the
entire life of this gentleman has been
passed in Ogle county, Illinois, and his
name is inseparably connected with the
agricultural and industrial interests of this
region. His thoroughly American spirit
and great energy have enabled him to
mount from a lowly position to one of af-
fluence. One of his leading characteristics
in business affairs is his fine sense of order
and complete system and the habit of giv-
ing careful attention to details, without
which success in any undertaking is never
an assured fact. He owns and operates a
well-improved farm on section 2, Leaf
River township, and is also successfully en-
gaged in the manufacture of brick.
Mr. Harner was born in Schuylkill
county, Pennsylvania, February 28, 1840,
and is a son of Christian Harner, whose
birth occurred February 26, 181 1, in Ger-
many. About 1830 the father emigrated
to America in company with a cousin, also
a young man, and located in Northumber-
land county, Pennsylvania, where he worked
as a farm hand. There he was united in
marriage with Miss Elizabeth Delp, who
was born in that state of German parentage.
They continued to reside in Pennsylvania
until 1840, and then, in company with
eight families, drove across the country to
Illinois, arriving in Ogle county in May of
that year. Mr. Harner took up one hun-
dred and twenty acres on section 11, Leaf
River township, on which he erected a log
cabin, and he also pre-empted one hundred
and sixty acres on section 2. After residing
upon the former tract for about two 3'ears,
he built where our subject now resides on
section 2. This was a good log house, in
which he made his home until called from
this life in 1846, at the early age of thirty-
five years. His wife subsequently married
again, but continued a resident of Ogle
county, dying here March iS, 1869.
Our subject is the second in order of
birth in the family of five children, the
others being as follows: Edward B. joined
the boys in blue during the Civil war, en-
listing in 1 86 1, in Company H, Thirty-
fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was
killed April 15, 1865, in Chatham county.
North Carolina, at which time he was serv-
ing as first lieutenant and was on detached
duty, having charge of a foraging expedi-
tion for his command. Amelia is the wife
of John Willoughby, of Legrand, Iowa.
Mary Ann is the wife of David Huff, of
Leaf River township. Ogle county. Chris-
tian F. is married and lives in Kansas.
The first recollections of our subject
are of pioneer scenes, for he was an infant
when brought by his parents to Ogle coun-
ty. Wolves were numerous in this region
at that time and would often come to the
house in the day time and stick their noses
under the door. Deer and other wild game
were also plentiful, the country was all wild
and unimproved, and the few settlers were
widely scattered. In common with other
pioneers, the Harner family endured many
hardships and privations, but as time passed
the comforts of civilization were added to
their home, the wild land was transformed
into good homes and farms, thriving vil-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
207
lages sprung up, and the railroad and tele-
graph were introduced. Mr. Harner has
watched with interest the wonderful changes
that have taken place, and has been an im-
portant factor in the growth and develop-
ment of the county. As there were few
schools here during his boyhood, his educa-
tional privileges were limited and he is
mostly self-educated.
On the /th of September, 1S61, he en-
listed with his brothers, as a private in
Company H, Thirty-fourth Illinois Volun-
teer Infantry, which was assigned to the
Army of the Cumberland and they fought
together until the brother was killed,
participating in thirty-seven engagements.
Among the more important was the battle
of Shiloh, the siege of Corinth, the battles
of Missionary Ridge, Perry ville, Kentucky,
Stone River, Tennessee, Liberty Gap, Chick-
amauga, the engagements of the Atlanta
campaign, the memorable march with Sher-
man to the sea, and the battle of Benton-
ville. North Carolina. He also took part in
the grand review at Washington, District
of Columbia. At Chattanooga he had re-
enlisted December 22, i<S63, and at Louis-
ville, Kentucky, was mustered out July 12,
1865, after almost four years of faithful
service.
Returning to hishome Mr. Harner worked
at the carpenter's trade, which he had pre-
viously learned. He was married Decem-
ber 23, 1 866, to Miss Elizabeth Grove, a
native of Leaf River township, and a daugh-
ter of Samuel H. Grove, and then rented a
farm in that township, which he operated
for several years. He lost his wife Septem-
ber 23, 1868, and the only child born to
them, Ola Melissa, died at the age of ten
months. On the 7th of October, 1869, he
wedded Miss Bennettie J. Jackson, who was
born in Sharpsburg, Washington county,
Maryland. Her father, Josiah Jackson, was
a native of England, and on coming to
America settled in Maryland, where he was
married, in 1840, to Catherine Twig, a na-
tive of Sharpsburg. He died in Washing-
ton county at the age of thirty-three years,
and Mrs. Jackson subsequently removed to
Ogle county, Illinois, where Mrs. Harner
was reared and educated, being only five
years old on her arrival here. Our subject
and his wife have four children: Anna S.,
wife of Ira Ulfers, who has been operator
and agent at Maryland Station, Illinois, for
about twelve years; Mary C. A., wife of
David Kretsinger, a merchant and business
man of Egan; Josiah F. O. and Hattie Z. ,
both at home.
Mr. Harner purchased the interest of
the other heirs in the old homestead where
he has since resided, and has successfully
engaged in farming and stock raising. In
1895 he embarked in the manufacture of
brick, set up an engine and machinery for
that purpose, and the first season turned
out one hundred and sixty thousand, the
second, one hundred and twenty thousand,
and in 189S ninety-one thousand. He uses
a superior clay and makes a most e.\cellent
quality of brick, for which he finds a ready
sale in the local markets. He was for many
years identified with the Republican party,
but being a strong advocate of temperance
he now supports the men and measures of
the Prohibition party. He has served as
highway commissioner for three years and
as a member of the school board and as its
president for some years. Both he and his
wife hold membership in the United Breth-
ren church at Egan, of which he is one of
the trustees, and by all who know them they
are held in high regard.
2o8
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
FRANCIS A. SMITH has for over sixty-
one years been prominently identified
with the agricultural interests of Ogle coun-
ty, and is still engaged in farming on sec-
tion 4, Byron township. As one of its hon-
ored pioneers he has been an important fac-
tor in the development and prosperity of
the county. He is now numbered among
the elderly residents of the community and
is held in that reverence and respect tacitly
accorded those whose lives have been dis-
tinguished by integrity and usefulness.
Mr. Smith was born in Palmer, Massa-
chusetts, January 22,i8i7,and is of the sixth
generation born on the old homestead, which
is still in the possession of the family. His
ancestors were from Scotland and were
among the first to settle in the Massachu-
setts colony. His father, Robert Smith,
spent his entire life on the old home farm,
his energies being devoted to agricultural
pursuits. He married Hannah Hoar, also
a native of the old Bay state and a daughter
of Squire Hoar. He died in 1819 when
comparatively young, and his wife passed
away in 1855. After her husband's deathshe
carefully reared her family, consisting of six
sons and two daughters.
Our subject, who is the youngest of the
family, grew to manhood on the old home-
stead, and received a good practical educa-
tion, attending first the common schools
and later the Wilberham and Amherst Acad-
emies. For two terms he taught school in
his native state. In 1837, when a young
man of twenty years, he came to Illiinois.and
on foot proceeded from Chicago to Ogle
county, where friends from Massachusetts
had previously located. He spent the first
winter with the Patrick family, and in June,
> 838, purchased a claim of four hundred and
eighty acres, of which he broke four hun-
dred acres the first year. In 1838 he re-
turned to his old home in Massachusetts,
and in the spring of 1839 came back to his
present home in Illinois, traveling the entire
distance on horseback and alone, making
over one thousand miles in twenty-one days.
Between Michigan City, Indiana, and Chi-
cago, Illinois, he traveled sixty miles with-
out passing a house.
The following two years he planted
crops, but as there was no market for his
products, he then abandoned farming and
went to work by the month. In the spring
of 1 84 1 he started for New Orleans in com-
pany with Messrs. White and Reed, taking
the first stock marketed in the Crescent
City. They made the trip by flat boats and
did not arrive at their destination until
August, the stock being fed and fattened on
the boats. On his return to Illinois, Mr.
Smith engaged in teaming for Henry Potwin,
who owned and operated several stores, and
our subject remained in his employ for about
three years, hauling goods from the stores
to Chicago and also to the Galena mines.
On the 14th of March, 1844, Mr. Smith
was united in marriage with Miss Sarah
Brown, who was born, reared and educated
in Brimfield, Massachusetts, and is a daugh-
ter of Dauphin Brown, one of the honored
pioneers of Ogle county, and a sister of
A. F. Brown, whose sketch appears else-
where in this volume. Nine children were
born to our subject and his wife, of whom
six are still living, namely: Hattie, wife of
H. D. Merrill, who lives on a ranch near
Los Angeles, California; Albert and Alice,
twins, the former a resident of Fairbury,
Nebraska, and the latter the wife of Thomas
Ferguson, of Rockford, Illinois; Dr. A. H.,
who successfully engaged in the practice of
medicine for about twenty years and died in
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
209
Clinton, Iowa, in the spring of 1890; Nellie,
wife of Thomas Roberts, of Elida, Winne-
bago county, Illinois; William H., who died
in Nebraska; Harry R. , who is married, has
one child and assists his father in the opera-
tion of the home farm; Julia B., who died
in 1883; and Lena Belle, wife of Henry J.
Young, of Scott township. Ogle county.
In 1S45 Mr. Smith returned to his farm
in Ogle county and resumed farming. His
first home here has long since been replaced
by a commodious and comfortable residence,
large barns and other outbuildings have
been erected, and many other improvements
have been made which add to the value and
attractive appearance of the place. In con-
nection with general farming, Mr. Smith has
given considerable attention to stock raising,
keeping a high grade of cattle and hogs. He
has met with excellent success in his under-
takings, and is to-day one of the most pros-
perous and substantial farmers of Byron
township, as well as one of its most highly
esteemed and honored citizens. Although
eighty-one years of age he is still able to
follow the plow and to perform the other
duties of the farm, and believes he is able
to walk twenty-five miles in a day. In 1840
he cast his first ballot for William Henry
Harrison, and continued to support the
Whig party until the organization of the
Republican party, when he joined its ranks
and has since been one of its stanch sup-
porters. He has filled the office of commis-
sioner of highways, but has never cared for
political honors, but as a public-spirited and
enterprising citizen he gives his support to
all objects which he believes calculated to
prove of public benefit, or will in any way
advance the welfare of the people around
him. His estimable wife is a member of
the Congregational church.
HENRY SCHELLING. —There are
numerous fine farms in Ogle county
which will compare favorably with any
others in the state as regards production and
also as to the improvements which have
been made upon them. Many of these
places are owned by men who have started
out in the world with little more than an un-
limited amount of energy and perseverance,
and who have succeeded in an eminent de-
gree in securing a comfortable home and
competence. As a representative of this
class of agriculturists, great pleasure is taken
in presenting the name of the subject of this
notice, who is living on section 26, Leaf
River township.
Mr. Schelling was born in Washington
county, Maryland, December 16, 1S37, a
son of Joseph and Catherine (Schaffer)
Schelling, who were born, reared and mar-
ried in Germany. On coming to the new
world they settled in Washington county,
Maryland, where as a stonemason and
plasterer the father carried on operations
throughout his active business life. He
died there in 1859, and his wife passed away
some nine years previously. In their fam-
ily were ten children, four sons and six
daughters, all of whom reached years of
maturity, but one daughter is now deceased.
Henry Schelling grew to manhood in his
native county, and in early life was provided
with fair common-school advantages. In
the east he worked for his father as a
plasterer and mason, but in 1859 came to
Ogle county, Illinois, arri\'ing on the 2Sth
of February, and joining an elder brother,
Andrew Schelling, who had located here
about 1854. During the first two 3'ears
spent here he worked as a farm hand. On
the 1 2th of January, 1861, he was united in
marriage with Miss Susan Henan, also a na-
2IO
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tive of Maryland, and a daughter of Will-
iam Henan, a pioneer of Ogle county,
where she was mostly reared. They began
their domestic life upon rented land, which
Mr. Schelling operated forsixyears, and then
made his first purchase, consisting of a
tract of three hundred and twenty acres
of timber land. He at once began to
clear and fence the land, and it was not
long before he had transformed the
wild tract into a well cultivated farm. Later
he bought more land, and is now the owner
of two good farms adjoining his other and
aggregating four hundred and twenty-three
acres, pleasantly situated in Leaf River
township, only a half mile from the village
of that name. He has recently purchased
one additional tract of seventy acres.
While opening up his farm he made his
home for a number of years in a frame
house, which had previously been erected
thereon, but it has since been replaced by
a large, neat and substantial residence,
while two large barns, a granary, windpump,
water works, cribs, sheds, etc.. have also
been built, making it one of the best im-
proved farms of the township.
Mr. and Mrs. Schelling are the parents
of eleven children, namely; Frank and
Albert, who are both married and are en-
gaged in farming in Leaf River township;
Charles, who is married and assists in the
operation of the home farm; Dallas, who is
married and carries on farming near Water-
loo, Iowa; Arthur, who is married and en-
gaged in farming in Leaf River township;
Bert and John, both at home; Mary, wife
of Homer Stanley; Irena, wife of Samuel
Clevidense, a farmer near Polo, Ogle coun-
ty; Lilly, who is engaged in teaching school
and resides at home; and Jennie, also at
home.
Mr. Schelling cast his first vote for
Abraham Lincoln and continued to support
the Republican party for some time, but
believing the temperance question the most
important issue before the people, he now
gives his allegiance to the Prohibition party.
He has never sought or desired public of-
fice, though he has acceptably served as
highway commissioner and as a member of
the school board in his district. Both he
and his wife are faithful members of the
United Brethren church of Leaf River and
enjoy the esteem and friendship of a large
circle of friends and acquaintances. For
almost forty years he has been a resident of
the county, and during that time he has
witnessed much of its growth and develop-
ment and has given his support to every
enterprise for its advancement, being one of
its most public spirited and progressive
citizens.
AUGUST F. KORF, section i, Lincoln
township, is one of the most prosperous
farmers in Ogle county. In his home farm
he has three hundred and thirty acres, a
well improved and valuable farm, while he
is also the owner of three hundred and twen-
ty acres in another part of the township,
which is well improved. He is a native of
Germany, l)orn in Lippe Detmold, May 2,
1S43, but has been a resident of Ogle county
since July 19, 184S. His father, Louis
Korf, was also a native of Germany, born in
1797. He there grew to manhood and
married Mary Fosha, also a native of that
country. In his native land Louis Korf en-
gaged in herding, an occupation in which
there was l)ut a bare living. He desired
something better, and to that end, in com-
pany with a numl)er of immigrants, he left
for the United States, They set sail from
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
21 t
Bremen for New York in a slow sailing ves-
sel, and in due time landed in New York,
from which place they came direct to Ogle
county, where they joined some German
friends. They landed in the county on the
19th of July. The survivors of that com-
pany celebrated the event July 19, 1898,
their semi-centennial.
The second year after his arrival Louis
Korf purchased eighty acres of land in Mary-
land township on which he erected a log
cabin, with two rooms, one and a half stor-
ies in height, into which he removed with
his family and commenced life in earnest in
this new world. Like almost all others of
his race, he was industrious and thrifty, and
from time to time added to his possessions
until he became one of the well-to-do farm-
ers of the township. On that farm he died
in July, 1 87 1, at the age of seventy-five
years. His wife passed away September
28, 1869. They had a family of si.x chil-
dren who grew to mature years, as follows:
Minnie, wife of William Moudhanker, of
Baileyville, Illinois; Dorotha, who married
John Pothost, both of whom are deceased;
Elizabeth, wife of Frederick Todman, of
Forreston township; Frederick, a farmer of
Forreston township; Henry, of Jasper coun-
ty, Iowa; and August F., of this review.
The subject of this sketch was but five
years old when he came to Ogle county,
and here his entire life has since been
passed. His educational advantages were
very limited, confined principally to the
common schools. The knowledge since
acquired has been obtained by experience
with the world. The youngest son, he re-
mained with his parents during their declin-
ing years, helping to relieve them of much
of the cares incidental to old age. He was
married in Maryland township. Ogle county.
March 9, 1870, to Miss Doratha M. Zum-
dahl, also a native of Germany, born in
Sabberhauser, Germany, April 7, 1848, and
who came to Ogle county, in 1850, where
she grew to womanhood and received her
education. Four sons have come to bless
their union. August C, born February 23,
1 87 1, yet resides at home and is assisting in
carr3'ing on the home farm. Jesse A., born
January 14, 1874, is now a student in the
Northern Illinois Normal school, at Dixon,
Illinois. George F., born May 10, 1877, is
a student of Heidleburg University, Tiffin,
Ohio. William H. , born October 31,1 8S0,
is a student of the Forreston high school.
After his marriage, Mr. Korf took his
bride to his father's home, where they re-
sided until 1 88 1, when he bought his pres-
ent farm to which they removed and where
they have since continued to reside. The
farm has been greatly improved in the past
few years b}' the remodeling of the dwelling
house and the erection of needed outbuild-
ings. The place now shows the work of a
master mind, and the thrift of its owner.
Mr. Korf has in addition to his home farm
one of three hundred and twenty acres in
sections 11 and 12, Lincoln township.
Much of his property has been acquired
since his marriage, and is the result of his
own wise management, assisted by his es-
timable wife.
Politically Mr. Korf holds to the views
and principles of the Democratic party.
His first presidential vote was cast for
George B. McClellan, in 1864. In local
elections he does not confine himself to his
party ticket, but votes for the men he con-
siders the best qualified. The only official
position held by him is that of member of
the school board, a position that he held for
about twelve years.
2T2
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
During the Civil war the sympathies of
Mr. Korf was on the side of the union, and
in March, 1865, he offered his services to
his adopted country and joined Company
F, Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry,
joining his regiment at Morehead City,
North Carolina, remaining with it until after
the close of the war. After the close of
hostilities his regiment was ordered first to
Louisville, Kentucky, and later to Leaven-
worth, Kansas, where it was mustered out.
His discharge was received at Springfield,
Illinois.
Mr. Korf and family are members of the
Reformed Church of America, their local
church being at West Grove. In that or-
ganization Mr. Korf has been one of the
elders for some years. In the work of the
church he manifests the liveliest interest.
The family are held in the highest esteem
wherever known. For lifty-one years Mr.
Korf has been a resident of Ogle county,
and although he was quite small when he
came here, he has yet a vivid recollection
of the hardships endured during the first
few years after the arrival of the family.
He has, however, lived to see a vast change,
and the county of his adoption take front
rank among its sister counties of the fair
state of Illinois.
MILO A. JONES
true meaning; of
lS has demonstrated the
jf the word success as
the full accomplishment of an honorable
purpose. Energy, close application, perse-
verance and good management — these are
the elements which have entered into his
business career and crowned his efforts with
prosperity. To-day he is the leading iiard-
ware merchant of I->yron, Illinois.
Mr. Jones is a native of New York, born
in Jewett, Greene county, April 29, 1841,
and his father, Benjamin Jones, Jr., were
also natives of the Empire state, where the
family was founded by Welsh emigrants at
an early day in the history of this country.
The father grew to manhood in Greene
county, and there married Miss Catherine
Peck, who was also born in New York, and
died in Greene county, in 1892. There he
still resides, a hale and hearty old man of
ninety-three years, honored and respected
by all who know him. By occupation he
was a farmer and met with success in his
chosen calling. Milo A. is the oldest in his
family of seven children, five sons and two
daughters, the others being Edward, a resi-
dent of Greene county. New York; Charles,
who is engaged in mercantile business at
Alberquerque, New Mexico; Frank, who
went to Colorado after reaching manhood
and there died; Sumner, a business man of
Greene county; and Mary, wife of Herbert
Kipp, a merchant of Greene county.
Amid rural scenes on the home farm,
Milo A. Jones passed his boyhood and
youth. On the 29th of August, 1862, he
joined the boys in blue as a member of
Company F, One Hundred and Twentieth
New York Volunteer Infantry, which was
assigned to the army of the Potomac, and
with his regiment participated in a number
of important engagements, including the
battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville
and Gettysburg. At the last named he re-
ceived a gunshot wound in the left thigh
which permanently disabled him. For sev-
eral months he was confined to the hospital
at Baltimore, and when partially recovered
was ordered to Washington, District of
Columbia, where he was on duty in the pro-
vost marshal's office for about a year. He
was then put in the detective service, and
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
21
was in the provost marshal's office another
year, remaining there until hostilities ceased,
when he was mustered out in July, 1865.
Returning to his home in New York, Mr.
Jones remained there a short time, but in
February, 1866, we find him cii route for
Illinois. He located in Winnebago county,
where he rented land and engaged in farm-
ing for a few days. There he was married,
in March, 1869, to Miss Sarah E. Brown, a
native of that county, and a daughter of
Samuel Brown, one of its honored pioneers,
having made his home there since 1836.
He is now deceased, but the mother is still
living, a hale old lady of about ninety years,
and makes her home with Mrs. Jones in
Byron. She has three children. Captain
John E. Brown, the only son, valiantly
fought for the old flag and the cause it rep-
resented during the Rebellion, and com-
manded his company in that war. He re-
ceived an excellent education, being a grad-
uate of Lombard University, and for some
years successfully engaged in teaching, but
is now a railroad man with the Missouri Pa-
cific and resides in Ivansas. The other
daughter, Alice, is the wife of S. P. Wilson
and resides in South Haven, Michigan. Mr.
and Mrs. Jones have two children: Ellen,
now the wife of Henry Weld, a farmer of
Marion township, Ogle county; and Alice,
at home.
For a few years after his marriage, Mr.
Jones operated the old Brown homestead,
and later engaged in the grain and stock
business at New Milford for several years.
After coming to Byron in the fall of 1883,
he continued that business and was instru-
mental in forming the stock company which
erected the first elevator at this place. In
1 888 he purchased an interest in a hardware
store, and in partnership with William
23
Dodds carried it on for several years, but in
1897 he purchased the latter's interest and
is now alone in business. He carries a full
and complete line of shelf and heavy hard-
ware, stoves, tinware, buggies, wagons and
agricultural implements and enjoys a large
and lucrative trade, receiving a liberal pat-
ronage from the people of Byron and sur-
rounding country.
Politically Mr. Jones has been a life-
long Republican, casting his first vote for
Abraham Lincoln in 1864, but he has never
taken a very active part in politics aside
from voting. While a resident of Winne-
bago county he served as deputy sheriff
for two years, but has never sought office,
preferring to give his time and attention to
his extensive business interests. Frater-
nally he is an honored member of the Ma-
sonic lodge of Byron, and the Ancient
Order of the United Workmen and the
Grand Army post at Rockford. As a busi-
ness man and citizen he merits and receives
the respect and confidence of the entire
community, and since coming to Byron he
has made a host of warm friends.
HON. TIMOLEON O. JOHNSTON,
editor and proprietor of the Oregon
Reporter, is a native of Wisconsin, born in
Franklin, Iowa county, June 30, 1849, and
is the son of Wesley and Sarah L. (Phelps)
Johnston. The family are of Irish ancestry,
the paternal grandfather being a captain
during the war of the Revolution, coming
to this country at an early day. He was a
prosperous merchant of New York city,
where his death occurred. Wesley John-
ston was born in New York city, April 1 ,
18 1 7, and inherited from his father a shrewd
business capacity, which favored him in the
214
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
world of trade. He received a good educa-
tion, and, at the age of twenty, with a good
portion of money he left the great metrop-
olis and started out in the world to seek his
fortune. Aside from substantial financial
backing he had a good stock of courage,
determination and energy. St. Louis was
his first stopping place, and the pleasure he
experienced on this trip, which was mainly
by water, suggested to him a position on
one of the magnificent packets then on the
river, and he succeeded in getting a clerk-
ship on one of the boats plying between St.
Louis and New Orleans. This position was
of value to him in after life, as it brought
him in contact with the various phases of
human life and nature, and it also added to
his capital. His next position was as clerk
in a hotel in that once famous resort. Sul-
phur Springs, near St. Louis. He there
became acquainted with prominent men of
wealth, and later a company was formed
for the purchase of several thousand acres
of timber land near St. Louis, and Mr.
Johnston was put in charge of the cutting.
This was a gigantic task and brought young
Johnston in contact with another phase of
mankind, as he had in his employ hundreds
of laborers of all classes.
In 1841 Mr. Johnston came to Ogle
county, Illinois, where his brother James,
an extensive farmer, was then living, and
whose lands lay just east of the village of
Oregon. He there established an office and
employed himself in loaning money for a
few years. Later he formed a partnership
with J. C. T. Phelps, his brother-in-law,
and engaged in merchandising. They were
well fixed financially, and also had unlim-
ited credit, and established a number of
trading posts in Illinois and Wisconsin.
This partnership lasted for sixteen years.
They had stores in Peru and LaSalle, in
LaSalle county, and while living at Peru,
Mr. Johnston was elected county treasurer
of LaSalle county during one of the most
exciting periods of the county's existence.
From Peru they went to Polo, Illinois, and
established themselves in the banking busi-
ness. Soon the great state of Texas at-
tracted the attention of these gentlemen,
and ever ready to embrace opportunities
for business, they started in 1857 for that
southwestern empire, locating at Austin,
where they opened a general store, and
also had business at other points. They
were quite successful, but the air soon be-
came full of secession, and these business
men were looked upon with suspicion.
The Southern confederacy was formed, and
before the battle of Bull's Run their goods
were confiscated, and they returned to
Illinois, satisfied to get out with their
lives.
In 1865 Mr. Johnston retired from active
trade and established a real estate and loan
office at Oregon, which he continued up to
the time of his death, which occurred Sep-
tember 5, 1893, at the residence of his
daughter, Mrs. Wagoner, where he had
made his home since the death of his wife.
The funeral services were conducted by
Rev. Barton Cartwright. He had accu-
mulated a valuable estate, which, with his
honored name, he left to his heirs. He was
a man of fine social qualities, a good con-
versationalist, which, added to his vast ex-
perience and stirring events in his life, made
him a very interesting companion. He
was quite domestic in his taste, fond of his
family and friends, and they were of him,
and loved him. He had erected for himself
and family, at Oregon, a large and hand-
some residence, in which, surrounded by
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
215
his family, he spent his declining 3'ears. He
died, mourned and regretted by all.
In 1848 Mr. Johnston married Sarah
Louise Phelps, daughter of judge John and
Sarah (Carlin) Phelps, cousin of Governor
Carlin, this state, her father being the
founder of Oregon. He was a native of
Bedford county, Virginia, and came to Illi-
nois early in the thirties. In 1835 he lo-
cated in Ogle county, where he had staked
a claim in 1S33, his attention having been
called to this beautiful location by Colonel
William Hamilton, son of Alexander Hamil-
ton. A two-story log house was built in
1S34, in the erection of which his brother-
in-law, James C. T. Phelps, so long and
prominently connected with Ogle county,
assisted. This house was situated just be-
low where the old Catholic stone church
now stands. This house was used by the
first circuit court held in the county.
John Phelps was the first probate
judge to hold court in the county, which
was also held in this house. He was a
man of the people, and was elected and
served as a member of the legislature.
John Phelps was born in Bedford county,
Virginia, August 9, 1790, and died April 2,
1874. His wife died in 1879. They had
three children — James C. T., who died at
his home in Kansas City, Missouri, Decem-
ber 24, 1895; Sarah L. , and Napoleon B.,
the latter d\ing in New Orleans, December
10, 1857. The family were related to Gov-
ernor Carlin, of this state. Mrs. Johnston
was born in Lebanon, Tennessee, March 27,
1S17, and her mother, Sarah Regan Carlin,
was born in Nashville, Tennessee, April 29,
1797. She came to Ogle county with her
father in May, 1835, where she first met
Wesley Johnston, to whom she was married
June 8, 1848, by S.Wooley, a justice of the
peace, at her father's house, over the old
store. No. 118 North Third street, corner
Washington and Third streets. She de-
parted this life October 4, 1889. She was
a devout Christian woman, a devoted wife
and mother, and was much beloved by all
who knew her. She was a member of the
Episcopal church, of which body Mr. John-
ston was also a member. In politics he
was originally a Democrat, but later became
a Republican. They were the parents of
four children: Timoleon O., our subject;
Sarah Alice, who married S. G. Jones, but
is now deceased; Eva E. and James W.,
the latter being in business in Chicago.
The subject of this sketch was educated
at Sinsinawa Mound and at Rock River
Seminary, Mt. Morris. After learning the
printer's trade in the office of the Oregon
National Guard, he went to Vinton, Benton
county, Iowa, and was there connected with
the Vinton Semi-Weekly Eagle for about
three years. He then returned to Oregon
and purchased an interest in the Ogle
County Reporter, February 16, 1872. At
the end of si.x months he purchased the en-
tire interest in the plant and became sole
proprietor. From that time to the present
he has continued in charge of the paper, a
longer period of time than the publisher of
any local paper in the state.
Mr. Johnston was united in marriage
December 30, 1869, at Vinton, Iowa, to
Miss Mary E. Shockley, daughter of Philip
and Mary Shockley. Her parents are yet
living in Vinton, Iowa, and celebrated their
golden wedding in June, 1898. To Mr.
and Mrs. Johnston three children have been
born. May Aileen is now the wife of Will-
iam L. Katzenberger, of Baltimore, Mary-
land; John P. is in the office with his father.
He married Hattie E. Sutphen, of Rochelle,
2l6
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and daughter of Peter M. and Maggie (Kelly)
Sutphen. They have one child, Timoleon
O. The remaining member of the family is
Lillian Eidola, who was married to William
F. Rudolphy, of Chicago, April 27, 1898.
Mr. Johnston has taken an active and
leading part in the politics of Ogle county.
He was elected alderman in 1877-8, and
then in 1879-80. In 1883 he was elected
mayor and served one term. He was
elected secretary of the Republican Edi-
torial Association, of Illinois, in 18 — , and
was elected president of the Press Associa-
tion at the Bloomington convention, in
1888, and has been secretary of the Repub-
lican Editorial Association of Illinois. He
was secretary of the Old Settlers' Associa-
tion of Ogle county, and has been vice-
president of the same since the death of his
father and served as president of the same
in 1896. He has been delegate to various
conventions from time to time, and is now
on the State Editorial Republican commit-
tee. In May, 1897, he was appointed, by
Governor Tanner, as trustee of the South-
ern Illinois State Normal University at
Carbondale, Illinois.
Fraternally Mr. Johnston is a member
of the Masonic order, holding membership
with -Oregon Lodge, No. 420, R. A. M.,
Rock River Chapter, No. 151, and Dixon
Commandery. and the Modern Woodmen
of America. He is also a member of Oregon
Lodge, No. 94, I. O. O. F., and of the In-
dependent Order of Improved Red Men.
The Ogle County Reporter, which has
so long been conducted by Mr. Johnston, is
a Republican journal, and one of the lead-
iug papers of the county. It is a seven
column quarto, and is issued every Wednes-
day, being ably edited by its proprietor, who
makes of it a bright newsy sheet. A good
job office is connected with the paper, where
first -class work is done.
Mr. Johnston is the only representative
now in Ogle county of two prominent and
leading families who were early settlers in
the county, and who left their mark on its
civilization. He is a worthy representative
of these families and holds up their honored
name. He has an ample fortune mostly
derived from the estate of his father, and is
liberal in aiding all public enterprises that
center in the development of the county
and in charitable work. He has a host
of friends, not only in Ogle county, but
throujjhout the state.
REV. N. J. STROH, deceased, was a
man deserving of the highest honors,
one who gave the best years of his life for
the betterment of his iellowmen. He was
born in Liken's Valley, Pennsylvania, May
5, 179S, and after receiving a fairly good
education in the grammar schools of his na-
tive county he entered college under the di-
rection of Rev. Locknian, a minister of the
Lutheran church, who educated for the
ministry a number of young men, with the
design of having them enter the missionary
field. After completing his course Mr.
Stroh was ordained to the ministry by the
Lutheran Synod of Pennsylvania. This
was about 1823. After preaching for a
number of churches in the east, with a view
of restoring his health which had been im-
paired, he came west, traveling throughout
Illinois and other states.
Returning east, in 1826, Mr. Stroh was
united in marriage, near Newville, Pennsyl-
vania, with Miss Elizabeth Givler, born De-
cember 2, 1807, and by this union ten chil-
dren were born: Maria, November 23,
REV. N. J. STROH.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
219
1S28; Luther M., April r;, 1830; Muehlen-
berg, July 28, 1S32; Martha E., September
6, 1835; Rhenius, April 27, 1837; Christa-
vius A., September 16, 1840; Alfred E. ,
March 6, 1842; Augusta C. and Cecelia A.,
twins, February 16, 1844; and Josephine,
June 6, 1848.
After remaining and preaching in the
east for a number of years. Rev. Stroh, in
1845, came to Ogle county, Illinois, and lo-
cated at Oregon, where he resided one year,
in the meantime organizing the Lutheran
church at that place. He then moved to
Mt. Morris and purchased two large farms,
on one of which he made his home, and
there resided for many years engaged in ag-
ricultural pursuits, and preaching the gospel
in regions roundabout. He organized the
Lutheran church in Mt. Morris, and for a
number of years ministered to its spiritual
wants. After a long and useful life, he was
called to his reward January i, 1897, being
in his ninety-ninth year. His wife died
November 10, 1894. She was a good
woman, a worthy helpmeet to her husband
and a devout member of the Lutheran
church. In politics Mr. Stroh was a Dem-
ocrat, but he did not mingle much in polit-
ical affairs. He was much beloved by the
people, not alone of his own religious com-
munion, but by all others, and his death
was sincerely mourned. " Truly a prophet
in Israel has fallen."
Maria E. Stroh, the first of the children
born to Rev. and Mrs. Stroh, grew to
womanhood and July 4, 1846, was united in
marriage with Philip R. Bennett, a mer-
chant doing business in Oregon, who was
born in Massachusetts, October 10, 1824.
He departed this life March i, 1855. They
became the parents of four children: Fred-
erick W., born September 1 1, 1848; Walter
S, , August 4, 1S50; Arthur V., September
30, 1852; and Philip, January 31, 1855.
Mrs. Bennett, January 4, 18C0, was again
married, her second union being with Will-
iam Schiiltz, a native of New York state,
born May 23, 1823. By this union four
children were born: William, September
21, 1S60; John R., July 26, 1862; Mary L.,
April 12, 1S64; and Katie L., February 13,
1866.
For some years Mr. Schultz was en-
gaged in the real estate business in Mt.
Morris. Later he moved to Oregon and
continued in the same line of business
with gratifying success. He died in Oregon
February 28, 1S79. As a business man he
was enterprising, ever ready to assist in any
enterprise that would be of benefit to his
adopted city and county. In politics he
was a Republican, and religiously a Lu-
theran, being a member of the church at
Oregon.
After the death of her husband, Mrs.
Schultz moved with her son Walter to
Grand Island, Nebraska, where she resided
for some years. In October, 1896, she re-
turned to Mt. Morris to care for her aged
father, who died a few 'mouths later. She
still makes her home in the village where
she is so well known and where she is sur-
rounded by many old friends.
MICHAEL GARMAN, now living in re-
tirement in Forreston, is one of Ogle
county's pioneer citizens, and a gentleman
whose life has contributed largely to its de-
velopment along industrial and educational
lines. He dates his residence in the county
since May 28, 1842. He was born in Leb-
anon county, Pennsylvania, January 19,
1 82 1, and there lived until si.x years of age,
;20
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
removing with his parents to Northumber-
land county, in the same state, where he
was educated and grew to manhood. After
his school days, he became an apprentice
to the shoemaking trade, but because of its
close confinement he soon gave it up and
selected a healthier life at farm work on his
father's farm. In 1842, he came west with
his parents, and settled in what was then Mt.
Morris township, his father purchasing two
hundred acres, and beginning its cultivation.
On the 1 6th of April, 1844, Mr. Gar-
man was united in marriage with Miss Eliz-
abeth Fagar, a daughter of Coonrod and
Hosanna (Fisher) Fagar. She was a native
of Northumberland county, Pennsylvania,
born March 17, 1823, and came west
with her parents the same year in which
the Garman family settled here. By this
union were eleven children as follows:
Sarah Ann and John Henry, who died in
infancy; Joel Ezra, a farmer residing near
Adelaine; Louise Josephine, Lucinda Re-
becca, Emma Frances, and Helen Ada,
who died in infancy; Lucy Alice, wife of
Harvey Alters, a farmer of Lincoln town-
ship. Ogle county; Ida Honora, wife of Al-
fred Meyers, a farmer of Woosung town-
ship. Ogle county; Newton Alvin, a mer-
chant of Sioux City, Iowa; and Gerard
Michael, who enjoys a fine dental practice
in Chicago. Mrs. Garman, the mother of
these children, lived to see the living ones
married and settled comfortably, and then
passed away September 2, 1898.
Michael Garman lived in Lincoln town-
ship, until 1886, and by his frugality and
industry, acquired a competency in choice
and well-improved farm property. While
yet residing in Mt. Morris township, he
held the office of assessor two years, and
from 1844 to 1848, was town treasurer.
He was township trustee for twelve years
and school director of district No. i twen-
ty-four years. In Lincoln township he was
supervisor one year and assessor two years,
school trustee ten years, president of the
school board in Forreston nine }ears, and
president of the town board one year. He
holds the remarkable record of service in
educational affairs, continuously since 1844.
His first presidential ballot was cast for
James K. Polk, in 1S44, and he is yet a
stanch Democrat.
Mr. Garman's ancestors came from Ger-
many to America some years prior to the
Revolutionary war. His grandfather, Mich-
ael Garman, was a native of York county,
Pennsylvania, and was born in 1747. He
had a creditable military record, and served
seven years in the Revolutionary struggle,
and was taken prisoner by the enemy in the
battle of Brandywine. He had the rank of
sergeant, and, being a blacksmith by trade,
had the entire management of the black-
smith department during the war. The
hardships endured brought on an illness
which terminated in his untimely death,
January 8, 1800. He married Susanna
Sheets, who was born in Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania, August 16, 1768. They were
united in marriage in Dalton county, Pennsyl-
vania, in 1785, and became the parents of
six children : Catherine, wife of John W'ertz,
a farmer of Northumberland county, Penn-
sylvania; Martin, who followed the trade of
shoemaker in Northumberland county, Penn-
sylvania; Benjamin, who died in infancy;
Jacob, who in early life learned the trade of
tailoring, but who later became a farmer,
and who removed with his family to Illinois
in 1844; Michael, the father of our subject;
and George, a farmer of Northumberland
county, Pennsylvania.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
22t
Our subject's father was born September
29. 179S, in Northumberland county, Penn-
sylvania, where he attended school, and
afterwards learned the blacksmith's trade, at
which he worked until twenty-six, when he
was elected constable, in which office he
served until 1S33. On the 21st of June,
1826, he married Rebecca Mace, daughter
of John Mace, a farmer of Lebanon county,
Pennsylvania. To this marriage there was
born one child, Michael, the subject of this
sketch. The father died August 11, 1870,
his remains being buried in West Grove
cemetery, Lincoln township. His wife sur-
vived him, dying February 24, 1874, and
her remains were interred beside those of
her husband's.
Mr. Carman's maternal great-grand-
father, Jacob Mace, was born in Lebanon
county, Pennsylvania, and followed farming.
In 1750, he married a Miss Baker, and one
of the children of this marriage was John
Mace, the father of our subject's mother.
John Mace was born in Lebanon count}-,
Pennsylvania, and married Miss Margaret
Jacoby, daughter of Jacob Jacoby, and by
this union were four children — Mary, Re-
becca, Jacob and John.
Mrs. Michael Carman, the wife of our
subject, was one of a family of twelve chil-
dren, eight surviving as follows: Daniel,
residing in Forreston; Samuel, living in I^in-
coln township; Sarah Fagar Maze, living in
Forreston township; Isaac, of Brookville
township; Peter, of Forreston township;
David, of Willow Springs, Kansas; Henry,
of Osage county, Ivansas; and Hosanna,
wife of Daniel Hoelshue, living at Herndon,
Northumberland county, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Carman and family are devout
members of the Evangelical association.
He is among Forreston's and Ogle county's
most highly esteemed citizens, and the con-
fidence and regard in which he is held is
evidenced daily in his advice and counsel
being sought, and his assistance being ren-
dered in the settlement of estates. His life
has been an open book, and he has freely
given of his time to aid in the general im-
provement of his county, and has especially
been helpful in social, educational and relig-
ious affairs.
lOHN S. HASTINGS, one of Ogle
U county's most thrifty and energetic
farmers, whose home is on section 8, Ma-
rion township, was born in Clark county,
Ohio, September 19, 1846, and is a son of
Edmond Hastings, who was born in one of
the New England states, and when a young
man went to Ohio. In Clark county he
wedded Miss Mary Ann Sheaff, a native of
New York, and a daughter of John Sheaff,
a pioneer of that county, who removed from
Pennsylvania to New York, and from there
to Ohio. Coming west in 1850, Mr. Hast-
ings located on a tract of wild land in Ogle
county and at once commenced the im-
provement and cultivation of his place.
He was joined by his wife and family the
following year, and continued the operation
of his farm until his death, which occurred
in 1856. His widow subsequently married
John M. Hinckle, now deceased, and now
makes her home with a daughter in Ore-
gon, Illinois, a hale and hearty old lady of
seventy-four years. By the first union
there were four children: Mary, who mar-
ried, and died leaving a family; Emma C,
wife of a Mr. Frace, of Holcomb, Illinois:
John S., of this review; and Peter E., a
business man of Oregon.
Brought to Ogle county during childhood,
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
John S. Hastings was reared by his mother
upon the home farm in Marion township,
and obtained his education in the common
and higher schools of the county. Although
only sixteen years of age, he enlisted in
February, 1864, in Company F, Thirty-
fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and joined
the regiment at Oregon. He participated
in many important engagements, including
the battles of Rocky Faced Ridge, Buzzard
Roost, Resaca, Rome, Georgia, Peach Tree
Creek, the siege of Atlanta, the battle of
Goldsboro, and the march with Sherman to
the sea. Later he took part in the battle
and capture of Savannah, Bentonville, South
Carolina, and Averyboro, and at the close
of the war participated in the grand review
at Washington, District of Columbia. He
was always found at his post of duty, valiant-
ly fighting for the old flag and the cause it
represented, and when hostilities ceased was
honorably discharged in July, 1865. He
was never confined to the hospital and lost
no time from his regiment.
After his return home Mr. Hastings at-
tended school in Rockford for three months
and then began work on the home farm,
which he continued to operate after his
marriage until 1880, when he purchased the
place where he now resides. It comprises
one hundred and twenty acres of highly
cultivated and well improved land, on which
he has erected a large barn and other out-
buildings, making it one of the most desir-
able farms of the localit)'. He thoroughly
understands his chosen calling and has met
with a well-deserved success.
At Oregon, Ogle county, in December,
1876, was celebrated the marriage of Mr.
Hastings and Miss Rachel J. Page, who was
born, reared and educated here, her father,
Robert Page, having come to the county at
an early day from Ohio. Four children
bless this union: Charles E., at home; Mabel
L., who was well educated in the schools of
Byron and is now a successful teacher;
Herbert J. and Eva B. , both at home.
In his political affiliations Mr. Hastings
has always been an ardent Republican, cast-
ing his first presidential ballot for Gen. U. S.
Grant in 1868. For several years he was
an efficient member of the school board and
was president of the district. Fraternally
he is a Master Mason, belonging to the blue
lodge at Byron, and is also an honored
member of the Grand Army post. He is a
public-spirited, enterprising citizen of known
reliability, and has the confidence and es-
teem of all with whom he comes in contact
either in business or social life.
HENRY A. PARKS one of the enter-
prising farmers of Ogle county, resides
on section 22, Woosung township. He
was born January 15, 1847, in Palmyra,
Lee county, Illinois, and is the son of Hi-
ram P. Parks and Martha (Moon) Parks, early
settlers of Lee county. Hiram P. Parks
was born at Malone, New York, in 1806,
and resided there until twenty-two years of
age, when he came to Illinois and located
in what is now Palmyra township, Lee
county, which was his home until his death
in 1885. His first tract comprised one
hundred and twenty acres, to which he later
added fifty acres. In politics he was a
Republican in later life, and religiously
was a Baptist. In his family were eight
children, seven of whom are yet living.
Mary first married Rodney Mason, of Lee
county, and afterwards John Lawrence, of
the same county. Rebecca, one of the
first white children born in Lee county,
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
= 23
married Thomas Ayers, who is now de-
ceased, and a brother of William Ayers.
She now resides in Di.xon, Illinois. Wain-
wright married Lydia Sayres, who died
leaving two children who reside in Dixon.
Bruce is a farmer residing near Dorchester,
Nebraska. Henry A. is next in order of
birth. Frederick is in the flour and feed
business in Seward, Nebraska. Abner, when
last heard from, resided in St. Louis, Mis-
souri. Eunice married William Ayers, and
they now reside in Hardin county, Iowa.
The subject of this sketch grew to man-
hood on the home farm in Lee county, and
was educated in the public schools. When
seventeen j'ears of age he entered the store
of Willis G. House, of Dixon, Illinois, where
he remained five years as a clerk. About
1869, in company with his brother, Wain-
wright, and his cousin, Clinton Coe, he
bought three hundred and twenty acres of
land in Woosung township, Ogle county.
They were all single men, and kept
" bach " while improving their place. Aft-
er working the farm for several years and
putting it under good improvement, they
divided the land, one hundred and sixty
acres falling to our subject, which is com-
prised in his present farm.
On the 24th of July, 1872, Mr. Parks
was united in marriage with Miss Marcia I.
Hathaway, who was born in Grand Detour,
Illinois, and daughter of Stephen and So-
phronia (Wetherby) Hathaway, the latter
being the first white woman to locate in that
village. By this union were two daughters
who died in infancy. They have now one
daughter, Selma lone, who is a joj' and a
comfort to them.
Stephen E. Hathaway, the father of
Mrs. Parks, was born in Barnard, Windsor
county, Vermont, October 15, 181 5, and
24
there grew to manhood. In 1836 he came
west and located in Grand Detour, where
he engaged in work at his trade of wagon-
maker, a business which he has followed
throughout life. For the last ten years,
however, he has lived retired, making his
home with our subject. Sophronia Weth-
erby was a daughter of Charles and Sarah
(Hurd) Wetherby, and was born in Wor-
cester, Massachusetts, August 31, 18 16.
She was a maiden of sixteen or seventeen
when she came with the first colony to
Grand Detour. Among those in that col-
ony were Leonard Andrus, Willard and
Harry House and Mrs. Willard House.
They crossed the river by ferry, and in go-
ing over Mrs. House playfully declared her
intention of being the first white woman to
set foot in Grand Detour, but Harry House,
in jest, detained her, while Miss Wetherby,
taking advantage of the opportunity, stepped
ashore, and therefore was the first. To
Stephen Hathaway and wife two children
were born — Marcia I., now Mrs. Parks; and
Wells F. , now a resident of Dixon. Mrs.
Hathaway died October 12, 1867.
Commencing life without means, Mr.
Parks has been fairly successful, and what
he has he owes to no one save his faithful
wife, who has been to him a true helpmeet.
They have toiled together and the result is
shown by their home surroundings, their
place being in excellent repair, and every-
thing about it showing that it is controlled
by a master mind. In politics he is a Re-
publican, and religiously a Baptist, holding
membership with the church in Dixon. In
the work of the church he has taken great
interest, and contributes liberally of his
means to its support. He has taken inter-
est also in educational matters, and has
served as school director for some years,
224
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and has filled other offices in the township
with credit to himself and to his constitu-
ents.
ERASTUS W. SCHRYVER, who owns
and operates a valuable farm of one
hundred and sixty acres on section 34,
Eagle Point township, first came to Ogle
county in the spring of 1839, and throuhgout
the greater part of his life has been promi-
nently identified with its agricultural inter-
ests. He was born in Andes, Delaware
county. New York, September 16, 1829, a
son of Matthew and Ann (Webster)Schryver,
also natives of that county. The maternal
grandfather, Elijah Webster, was a near rel-
ative of the great statesman, Daniel Webster.
The father of our subject, who was born
in 1797, spent his early life in his native
state, working at farm labor, on the canal
or at anything he could find to do. Coming
west in 1839, he took up a claim of one
hundred and sixty acres of land in what
is now Eagle township, Ogle county, up-
on which he built a cabin, which was the
home of the family for a number of years,
while he fenced, broke and cultivated
his farm. He set out an orchard, later built
a good frame house and barn, and trans-
formed the wild land into highly cultivated
fields. He departed this life in 1872, his
wife December 13, 1880, and both were
buried in the United Brethren church ceme-
tery, where a monument now marks their
last resting place. Both were active mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal church,
were consistent Christian people, and had
the respect and esteem of all who knew them.
Erastus W. Schryver is the third in or-
der of birth in a family of six children, five
sons and one daughter, who reached years
of maturity. John Henry, the eldest, mar-
ried and settled in Ogle count)', where he
died in 1867; Jesse is a farmer of Eagle
Point township; Samuel B. also located
here after his marriage, but later removed
to Hardin county, Iowa, where his death oc-
curred in 1897; George is a farmer of
Minnesota; and Eliza Jane Ann is the wife
of Henry Landers, of Hardin county, Iowa.
The subject of this review was a lad of
ten years when he came with his parents to
Ogle county, and in the development and
improvement of the old home farm he bore
an important part, remaining with his father
until he attained his majority. His school
privileges were limited, so that he is mostly
self-educated. In 1850 he went to Cali-
fornia by way of Omaha, where a wagon
train was made up to cross the plains. The
party started with four yoke of oxen, but on
reaching their destination had but one yoke
remaining, having been six months and fif-
teen days upon the road. Mr. Schryver
arrived at the mines September 16, of that
year, and for nearly three years was en-
gaged in hunting the yellow metal with a
fair degree of success. In the spring of
1853 he started eastward, leaving San Fran-
cisco February i, and by way of the Isth-
mus of Panama and Aspinwall proceeding
to New York city, where they arrived on
the 2Sth of that month. From New York
he went to Chicago and from there home.
In Eagle Point township Mr. Schryver
bought eighty acres of land, only five acres
of which had been broke and a few fruit
trees set out. To the further improvement
and cultivation of his farm he at once turned
his attention, and in 1856 he erected there-
on a good residence. Selling the place in
1864, he went to Idaho by means of teams
and engaged in mining for a year and a half.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
225
returning to Ogle county by the same means
in the fall of 1866. He then purchased his
present place of one hundred and sixty
acres, and he now owns another farm of
eighty-seven and a half acres two miles
farther east. Upon his home place he has
built a commodious and pleasant residence,
a good barn, granary and cribs, and has set
out an orchard and ornamental trees, and
now has one of the neatest and best im-
proved places of Eagle Point township. In
connection with general farming he is inter-
ested in breeding and raising stock of good
grades, and is accounted one of the success-
ful farmers and stock-raisers of the county.
On the iGth of April, 1857, in Ogle
county, Mr. Schryver was united in mar-
riage with Miss Lucinda Landes, a native of
Niles, Michigan, and a daughter of Solomon
and Elizabeth (Detamore) Landes, natives
of Rockingham county, Virginia, where
they were reared and married. The father,
who was born in 1806, took his family to
Michigan at an early day, and after spend-
ing six years there, came to Ogle county,
Illinois, in October, 1835, being among the
first settlers here. He took up a claim, and
from the wild land developed a good farm,
upon which he died in 1893, honored and
respected by all who knew him. He was
twice married, Mrs. Schryver's mother hav-
ing died in 1S66, and both were laid to rest
in the United Brethren church cemetery.
Mr. and Mrs. Schryver have passed almost
their entire lives together, as they were
reared in the same neighborhood, attended
the same school, and in company with her
family she went to California with him in
1850, and returned together by way of the
Isthmus. After their marriage she accom-
panied him on going to Idaho, and their
married life has been a most happy one, as
they have shared with each other its joys
and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity.
They have two sons: Albert, residing on
the home place, is married and has three
children: George, Lucinda and Erastus;
and Fletcher, a farmer of Eagle Point town-
ship, is married and has one daughter,
Anna.
Politically Mr. Schryver has been a life-
long Democrat, casting his first presidential
ballot for Franklin Pierce in 1852, while in
California. At local elections, however, he
endeavors to support the best men for the
office, regardless of party affiliations, but he
has never sought nor desired political pre-
ferment for himself. His life is exemplary
in many respects and he has the esteem and
confidence of the entire community in which
he has so long made his home and where he
is so widely known.
SOLOMON BELL BOWERMAN, M. D. ,
a prominent and successful physician
and surgeon of Leaf River, Ogle county,
was born near Harrisburg, Dauphin county,
Pennsylvania, March 3, 1 830, a son of John
A. Bowerman and grandson of William
Bowerman, both natives of the Keystone
state. The kingdom of Holland, which has
given to the world one of its hardiest races
of people, sheltered the paternal ancestors
of our subject, but the family was founded
in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, at an
early day. On reaching manhood John A.
Bowerman, our subject's father, married
Miss Ann Maria Woland, a native of Dauphin
county and a daughter of John Woland, who
was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania.
They continued to make their home in that
state throughout life, the mother dying in
1854 and the father in 1894, at the ripe old
126
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
age of eighty-five years. By occupation he
was a farmer. They reared a family of
seven children, four sons and three daugh-
ters, all of whom are still living.
In the county of his nativity Dr. Bower-
man spent his boyhood and youth, received
good common-school advantages and also
attended the Perrysburg Seminary for a
time. Subsequently he engaged in teaching
school there for several years. He first
came to Ogle county, Illinois, in 1858, and
taught school for a time in Leaf River
township, but in the spring of 1859 returned
to his native state. He had previously
devoted his vacations and leisure time to
the study of medicine for some years, and on
his return to Pennsylvania took his first
course of lectures at the old Philadelphia
Medical College. After completing the
course he returned home and engaged in
practice in his old neighborhood until the
outbreak of the Civil war.
The Doctor was then serving as lieuten-
ant-colonel of the uniformed militia of
Pennsylvania, and in November, 1S62, en-
listed for one year in Company A, One
Hundred and Seventy-second Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry. On the organization
of the company he was elected first lieuten-
ant, and in January, 1863, was promoted to
the captaincy, in which capacity he served
until mustered out at the close of his term
in September, 1863. He was first on de-
tached duty and had charge of the artillery
at Yorktown, Virginia, but later the regi-
ment was transferred to the Eleventh Corps,
Army of the Potomac. During the winter
of 1863-4 Dr. Bowerman attended two
courses of medical lectures at Philadelphia,
and was later engaged in practice for a short
time, but in 1864 re-enlisted in his country's
service, and was commissioned captain of
Company A, Two Hundred and Tenth Penn-
sylvania Volunteer Infantry. With his
command he participated in the battles of
Hatcher's Run, Dapey's Mills, Gravelly
Run, the engagements in front of Peters-
burg, and the battle of Five Forks. They
continued the pursuit of the rebel army
until Lee surrendered to Grant at Appo-
mattox Court House. Our subject was
breveted major and commanded the regi-
ment in front of Petersburg and at Five
Forks, and later took part in the grand
review at Washington, District of Columbia,
in which city he was mustered out in August,
1S65.
Returning to Philadelphia, Dr. Bower-
man again attended lectures for three terms,
and was graduated from the Eclectic Med-
ical College of Philadelphia, in the class of
1 866. After two years practice at his old
home in Dauphin county he came to Illi-
nois, arriving in Ogle county, August 20,
1868. Locating in Lightsville, he resumed
practice and as time passed his patronage
rapidly increased until he had all that he
could attend to, and he still enjoys a large
and remunerative practice.
Dr. Bowerman was married in Ogle
county, in 1873, to Miss Margaret Motter,
a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of
Leonard Motter, who located here in 1859.
They liave become the parents of four chil-
dren, as follows: Hughlins E. , acquired
his literary education in the home school
and the Wells school of Oregon, and after
studying medicine with his father for some
time, he attended lectures at Bennett Med-
ical College, Chicago, where he was gradu-
ated in the class of 1897. He is now suc-
cessfully engaged in practice with his fa-
ther. Adda is the wife of Elmer Myers, of
Leaf River township. Anna and Minnie
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
127
are both at home with their parents. Mrs.
Bowerman is a member of the Evangelical
church, and the family is one of prominence
in the best social circles of the community.
Politically the Doctor is identified with
the Republican party, and he has taken an
active and prominent part in public affairs.
He served for two years as assessor of his
township, four years as justice of the peace
and as supervisor two terms. While a
member of the count}' board he was chair-
man of the committee on education, for nine
years was a member of the local school
board, and has been an important factor in
raising the standard of the schools in Ogle
county. Fraternally he is an honored mem-
ber of the State Eclectic Medical Society,
and he stands deservedly high among his
professional brethren. Wherever he goes
he wins friends and has the happy faculty
of being able to retain them. His popu-
larity has made him a great favorite in all
circles.
NOAH PRESTON, a representative and
leading farmer of Marion township,
residing on section },},, is a fair specimen of
the sturdy agriculturist who have so largely
assisted in the development of Ogle count)'.
Here he has met with success in his under-
takings and is now the owner of two val-
uable farms near the village of Byron.
Mr. Preston was born in Oneida county,
New York, November 29, 183S, and is a
grandson of Noah Preston, Sr. , an early
settler of that count}', who was born in
1763, in Connecticut, and was reared in
that state. He was a soldier of the war of
1812, and died April 9, 1835, while his
wife, Honor Preston, who was born May
28, 1766, died November 22, 1847. The
birth of the father, John S. Preston, oc-
curred in Oneida count}', in 1804, and there
he was married, May 14, 1834, to Miss
Amanda Tuttle, a daughter of Lyman Tut-
tle. She died in Oneida county, and he
was again married, December 27, 1837, his
second union being with Mrs. Elmira Rob-
bins, also a native of Oneida county, and a
daughter of Arnasa Barnes. Mr. Preston
was a well-educated man and for nine years
successfully followed the teacher's profes-
sion in the Empire state. Later he located
on a farm and devoted his attention to agri-
culture. In 1854 he came to Ogle county,
Illinois, arriving here May 10, and joining
his brother, who had located here in 1S52.
He purchased land and improved the farm
on which our subject is now living, making
his home there until called from this life
September 2, 1879, at the ripe old age of
seventy-five years. His wife survived him
for some time, dying May 13, 1888, at the
age of seventy-seven, and both were laid to
rest in Stillman cemetery. Noah is the eld-
est of the four children born of the second
marriage of both parents, the others being
John D. , a resident of Shelbina, Shelby coun-
ty, Missouri; Anianda, widow of Silas No-
ble, of Marion township. Ogle county; and
Sarah A., widow of Dr. Delos Hurlbut and
a resident of Iowa.
Noah Preston was a lad of fourteen
years when he came with his parents to
Ogle county, and on the home farm grew to
manhood. After arriving at mature years
he took charge of the farm and cared for
his parents during their declining years.
On their deaths he came into possession
of the place and now gives his entire
attention to its cultivation and improvement.
On the 4th of June, 1865, in Marion town-
ship, was celebrated his marriage with Miss
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Ruth A. Baker, a daughter of Warren
Baker, of Oneida county. New York. She
came to Ogle county with her brother,
Amasa Baker, who graduated at Mt. Morris
College and engaged in teaching here for
some years. Later he went to Kansas, there
married and spent the remainder of his life.
Mrs. Preston is also a native of Oneida
county, New York, and was educated at the
Holland Patent Academy, New York, where
she was a classmate of President Cleveland's
two sisters and one brother. She has often
heard the President's father preach. After
leaving school she successfully engaged in
teaching in her native state and also after
coming to Ogle county, in 1861. Mr. and
Mrs. Preston have a family of si.x children,
as follows: Olive, now the wife of Elsworth
McNeal, a farmer, mechanic and carpenter,
of Marion township; Lucy, wife of Henry
Alfred, a farmer of the same township; Nel-
lie, Edna, Rossiter and Myrtle, all at home.
The children have all been well educated
and are an honor to their worthy parents.
Since casting his first presidental vote
for Abraham Lincoln in 1S60, Mr. Preston
has been a stalwart supporter of the men
and measures of the Republican party, but
he has never cared for official honors. He
has ever used his influence to secure good
schools and for some years was an active
and capable member oi the school board.
In the Methodist Episcopal church he and
his wife hold membership, and in the esteem
and confidence of their fellow citizens they
hokl an enviable position.
DANIEL WORTHINGTON YOUNG,
one of the prominent and highly re-
spected residents of Rockvale township, is
the subject of this sketch. He was born
July 4, 1844, on his father's farm in Ore-
gon township. He received his education
first at the district school and later at
Mount Morris, where he attended the
Rock River Seminary. He is the son of
William and Nancy (Long) Young, who
left their home in Maryland for the " far
west " in 1843. They were farmers by oc-
cupation, and when coming to Illinois made
the journey by team, the only method of
traveling across the country in pioneer days,
and which required about three months'
time. They went direct to Ogle county,
where Mr. Young's death occurred in 1S89.
He rests in Salem meeting house ceme-
tery. Pine Creek township. Mrs. Young
was born in 1819, and was the daughter of
Uauiel and Elizabeth Long, and married
Mr. Young at the age of si.xteen. She was
one of twelve children, nine girls and three
boys, all of whom grew to maturity. Her
death occurred in 1870, at the age of fifty-
one.
Mr. and Mrs. Young were blessed with
ten children. Elizabeth, the eldest, is liv-
ing at Mount Morris, and is the widow of
Samuel Price. George married Mary Wag-
ner, and they occupy the homestead in Ore-
gon township. William and Joshua died
when very young. Daniel \\'orthington, of
this writing, was the fifth child. Henry
married Miss drover, of Manson, Iowa, and
is a physician of considerable note at that
place. Mary, the seventh child, died when
two years of age. B. Frank is a pharma-
cist in Manson, Iowa, where he married
Miss Nettie Grover, a sister of Mrs. Henry
Young. Amanda married Henry C. Muma,
and is living in Pine Creek townshiii. The
youngest child, Charles C, died at the age
of four years.
Mr. Young, the subject of this sketch.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
attended school and helped his father until
he was twenty-one years of age, when he
left school and farmed with his father until
his marriage, four years later; at the expira-
tion of this time he rented land in Oregon
township, where he and his family resided
for two }'ears, moving later to Mount Mor-
ris township, where they lived for ele\'en
years, and in 1S83 moved to Rockvale,
where Mr. Young purchased one hundred
and si.xty acres on section 19. This prop-
erty, under his management, has become a
well-regulated and valuable tract, yielding
its owner a handsome income.
When tweiitj'-five years of age Mr.
Young was united in marriage to Ann Eliza-
beth W'agner. To them five children have
been born. The eldest child, Edith, is at
home with her parents. She received her
education at the district school and at
Mount Morris Seminary. Susie also re-
ceived her education at the above named
school. She is the wife of N. F. Thomas, a
farmer of Mount Morris township, and is
the mother of one child, H. Worthington.
Charles \\'orthington is, at the present
writing, at home. He has just finished a
course of pharmacy at the Normal School,
Valparaiso, Indiana, preparatory to entering
business. Nannie, the fourth in order of
birth, married R. C. Gaffin, a farmer in
Leaf River township. The}' have one child,
a daughter, Dorathy M. The youngest
child, Alice, is living at home, attending the
district school.
Mrs. Young is the daughter of Joseph
and Susan (Schecter) Wagner, and is the
seventh in order of birth. Her parents
came to Oregon township in the pioneer
days, and purchased three hundred and
twenty acres, at a dollar and twenty-five
cents per acre. They made the journey
overland by team, stopping at Springfield,
Ohio, for the winter, and reaching Ogle
county, in 1837. Mr. Wagner was a clear-
sighted and successful man of busmess. He
supervised the work on his farm in Oregon,
and was a stock-dealer and shipper; he was
also a banker, having been connected with
the Exchange Bank, of Oregon. Mr. Wag-
ner died March 10, 1889, and his wife,
three months earlier.
Mrs. Young is a member of the German
Baptist church. Her great-grandparents
were people of considerable prominence,
as were their children after them. Captain
B. R. Wagner, who was for several terms
sheriff of Ogle county, died in 1897 from
the effects of a bullet received in the battle
of Shiloh. Three uncles served in the war.
Captains D. C. and Nehemiah were cap-
tured and held as prisoners of war at Ma-
con, Georgia.
Our subject is a Republican in politics,
but has never cared for a position in public
office, nor for social organizations. He is
strictly a home man, more interested in his
family and the education of his children
than in anything else, his children being
more than ordinarily bright and well edu-
cated.
GEORGE HETTIGER, the leading mer-
chant tailor of Oregon, Illinois, is a
native of Louisville, Kentucky. His father,
Joseph Hettiger, was born in Munich, Ba-
varia, and came to the United States at the
age of five years with his father, Jacob Het-
tiger, who died in Evansville, Indiana, al-
though he first settled in Louisville, Ken-
tucky, where Joseph grew to manhood and
spent the remainder of his life, his death
2^0
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
occurring April 4, 1879. He was by occu-
pation a contractor and builder. In politics
he was a Union Democrat, and during the
rebellion was a member of the home guards.
Religiously he was a Roman Catholic, of
which body his wife is also a member. He
married Susanna Lehnen, a native of Trier,
Germany, born near Frankfort on the Main.
She came to the United States with her
parents, who settled in Dubois county, In-
diana. She is still living in Louisville,
Kentucky. Joseph and Susanna Hettiger
were the parents of ten children, as follows:
George, our subject; Mary, wife of Edward
Kurtz, of Chicago; Ferdinand, living in St.
Louis, Mo. ; Johanna, in a convent in Mex-
ico; Martin, living in St. Louis; Susie, who
died in childhood; Susie (2), who died in
infancy; Frank, living in New Orleans,
and Edward, who lives in Louisville, Ken-
tucky.
The early life of our subject was spent
in his native city, where he attended the
parochial schools, and at the age of sixteen
years commenced to learn the tailor's trade.
After completing his trade, he hrst went to
St. Louis, where he worked as a journey-
man, and later worked in Cincinnati, Chi-
cago and other places, finally locating in
Bloomington, Illinois, in 1878, where he
lived nine years, and in 1887 came to Ore-
gon, Illinois, where he has since continued
to reside. On coming to Oregon he first
engaged as cutter for Mr. Snyder, and re-
mained in his employ for five years. He
then commenced in business for himself on
Washington street, between Fourth and
Fifth, where he yet remains.
Mr. Hettiger was married July 15, 1875,
at Coluiiibus, Ohio, to Kate Whiteaker, of
Fort Wayne, Indiana, daughter of D. L. and
Sarah (Zimmerman) Whiteaker. Her fa-
ther was a prominent lawyerof Fort Wayne,
Indiana, but is now deceased. Her mother
is yet living, making her home in Grand
Rapids, Minnesota. They had a large fami-
ly, but all are now deceased, but the wife of
our subject; Robert E., living in Minnesota;
and Rosa, wife of Samuel Stell, of Dixon,
Illinois. An uncle of Mrs. Hettiger, John
Whiteaker, was at one time governor of
Oregon, and is still living at Eugene City,
in that state.
Mr. and Mrs. Hettiger are the parents
of three children: George Eugene, Jessie
May and Robert E. The last named died
in infancy. Miss Jessie received a fine mu-
sical education, and in this direction is pos-
sessed of much talent. She is proficient on
the violin and piano, and these instruments
she has played frequently in public in the
different cities of the state. Her brother,
who is also a good pianist, often accom-
panies his sister. October 18, 1898, Jessie
M. Hettiger was united in marriage with
Herman Leborich, The National clothing
merchant of Oregon.
Religiously Mrs. Hettiger is a member of
the Christian church. In politics Mr. Het-
tiger is a Republican, and has taken an act-
ive part in public matters. He is a pro-
gressive and representative citizen of Ore-
gon, and was elected alderman of the third
ward in 1896 and re-elected in 1898. He is
a member of Oregon Lodge, No. 420, F. &
A. M., Economy Camp, M. W. A., and of
the Ivnights of Pythias. His son is also a
member of Oregon Lodge, F. & A. M.
Mr. Hettiger is a thorough merchant
tailor, and understands every branch of the
business. He is regarded as one of the
best cutters and fitters in the county, his
suits being neat and artistic, and alwaj's
giving satisfaction.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
!3i
WILLIAM H. MILLER, furniture deal-
er and undertaker, Mt. Morris, Illi-
nois, is a worthy representative of the mer-
cantile interests of the place. He is a na-
tive of Washington county, Maryland, born
July 23, 1S50, and is a son of Upton and
Maria Louisa (Davis) Miller, both of whom
were natives of the same county and state,
the former born March 2, 1828, and the
latter October i, 1831. They were married
April 22, 1S49, at Bakersville, Maryland,
where her father, Solomon Davis, was en-
gaged in the tailoring business. Her father
never came west, but spent his entire life
in his native state. Upton and Maria L.
Miller became the parents of six children.
William H., the subject of this sketch.
Cyrus, born February 23, 18^2, died young.
Eliza Jane, born July 8, 1855, married B.
F. Thomas, and si.\ children were born to
them. She died February 5, 1897. He is
engaged in business in Oregon, Illinois.
John D., born October 26, 1858, married
Carrie Stone, and they had six children,
three of whom are now deceased. He is
engaged in the harness business at Mt.
Morris. Mary Elizabeth died in infancy.
Thomas M., born September i, 1863, is
making his home with our subject.
In 1857 Upton Miller came with his
family to Ogle county, locating in Mt.
Morris, where he worked at his trade of
carpentering and cabinet making until the
close of the Civil war, when he commenced
the undertaking business, buying out An-
drew Newcomer. In 1872 he added the
furniture department, and in time did the
leading business in the place, carrying a
large and complete stock. In 1892 he re-
tired from active business, since which time
he has done a little in the cabinet-making
line, but has practically been living a retired
life. His wife died September 25, 1886,
her death being quite sudden, caused by
hemorrhage of the lungs. She was a kind
and loving wife and mother, a member of
the Lutheran church, in which faith she
died. He was again married, in iSSS,
chosing as a companion Mrs. Catherine
(Koontz) Newcomer. In politics he is a
Republican, and religiously is identified with
the Brethren.
The subject of this sketch came to Ogle
county with his parents in 1857, and in the
schools of Mt. Morris obtained his primary
education. This was supplemented by an
attendance at Rock River Seminary, now
Mt. Morris College, which ended his school
life. After leaving school, he learned the
undertaking business, and in 1887 went to
Sterling, Illinois, where Professor Sullivan
had organized a class in embalming. In
1896 he attended Champion College of Em-
balming, from which he received a diploma.
He has since passed a successful examina-
tion by the state authorities, and is ranked
as one of the best embalmers in the state.
For twenty years he worked for his father,
at the expiration of which time he pur-
chased the business, and is now sole pro-
prietor of the best furniture establishment
in Mt. Morris, and one of the best in the
entire county. He carries a fine line of the
best grades of furniture, and always en-
deavors to keep up with the times.
Mr. Miller was united in marriage De-
cember 25, 1878, with Miss Mary Ellen
Wallace, born in Mt. Morris township, Ogle
county, July 27, i860, and a daughter of
Lawrence and Elmira L. (Leek) Wallace, the
former a native of Maryland, born August
26, 1824, and the latter of Pennsylvania
born August 2, 1841. Her father came
to Ogle county a young man, and is num-
23:
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
bered among its early settlers. He is the
son of Otho and (Duggan) Wallace.
His father was a farmer and came west at
an early day. Louisa (Leek) Wallace is the
daughter of Jacob and Emily (Allen) Leek,
the former born January 25, 1797, and the
latter July 7, 181 1. The former died in
Pennsylvania, and later his widow came
to Ogle county, locating in Lincoln town-
ship, where she lived until within three
or four years of her death, when she
moved to the home of her daughter, Mrs.
Wallace, in Mt. Morris township. Law-
rence Wallace and wife are the parents
of seven children, of whom the wife of our
subject is the eldest. Susan, born July 10,
1863, married Henry Bearman, a farmer of
Mt. Morris township, and they have three
children. Emily, born December 16, 1865,
married Gray Watts, also a farmer of Mt.
Morris township, and they have three chil-
dren. Lewis, born December 10, 1867, is
engaged in well drilling. William H. born
October 2, 1873, died at the age of eight-
een months. John, born February 5, 1877,
is farming in Mt. Morris township. Ida,
born March 6, 1880, married Elmer Baker,
and they reside in Mt. Morris. Lawrence
Wallace is a carpenter by trade, and has
followed that occupation the greater part of
his life. He is now living on a small farm
in Mt. Morris township, practically retired.
To our subject and wife three children
have been born: Maude Louisa, born July
25, 1882; Edith May, February 27, 1884;
and Florence Eva, July 29, 1886. They
are giving their children good educational
advantages, thus preparing them for useful
lives. The entire family are members of the
Lutheran church, Mr. Miller being secretary
and treasurer of the church in Mt. Morris.
All are active workers in the church.
Fraternally, he is a member of Elysian
Lodge, No. 56, I. O. O. F. , of Mt. Morris, and
has passed all the chairs. He is at present
permanent secretary of the lodge, which
position he has held since passing through
the chairs, a period of nearly twenty-five
years. Politically he is a thorough Repub-
lican, and he has been quite active in local
politics. He has been town clerk for the
past twenty years, village treasurer since
1890, and school treasurer since 1892, and
is now serving in each of these offices.
These facts testify as to the standing of Mr.
Miller in the community which has been his
home from early childhood, a period of
forty-two years. Suffice it to say that no
man in the community is more highly
honored.
ALFRED HARRISON, a highly es-
teemed and worthy citizen of Byron,
Illinois, who is now living retired from act-
ive business cares, was born in Yorkshire,
England, July 12, 1832, and is a son of
George and Mary (Brown) Harrison, who
spent their entire lives in that coun-
try, where the father worked as a common
laborer or at farming. In the family were
three children, of whom one died in child-
hood, and Mrs. Emma Wise is now a resi-
dent of the city of York, England.
Our subject had but little opportunity
of attending school in early life, and is
therefore almost wholly self-educated. He
was reared on a farm, where he began work
when a mere boy. Saving his earnings, he
and his aunt, Elizabeth Steele, came to
America in 1855, taking passage on a sail-
ing vessel, the Albion, at Liverpool. They
were six weeks upon the Atlantic and en-
countered one fearful storm, which did
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
233
much damage to the rigging. The ship
carried five hundred passengers and a crew
of fifty men, and finally arrived at New York
in safety. Mr. Harrison and his aunt pro-
ceeded at once to Rockford, Illinois, where
they joined some English friends, and for
two seasons he worked by the month in
Winnebago county. In 1S61 he bought
forty acres of land in Byron township. Ogle
county, which was covered with timber, and
upon his place erected a small shanty, in
which he lived for some years, while he
cleared, fenced, broke and improved his
land. To the original purchase he later
added twenty acres adjoining, making a
good farm of sixty acres, on which he
erected a large and substantial residence,
good barns, sheds, etc., converting it into
one of the best improved and most desirable
farms of the locality. For thirty-six years
he successfully engaged in its cultivation,
but in 1895 sold the place and removed to
Byron, where he bought a lot and erected
a neat residence that is still his home.
Mr. Harrison was not only without
means on his arrival in this country, but
had borrowed money to pay his passage,
and the success that he has achieved here
is certainly well deserved. By his own la-
bor, enterprise and economy he has accum-
ulated a comfortable competence, and is
now able to spend his declining years in
ease and quiet. In political sentiment he is
a Democrat, but formerly was a Republic-
an, casting his first ballot for Abraham Lin-
coln, and later supporting Grant for the
presidency. He has never aspired to office,
preferring to give his undivided attention to
his business interest. He and Mr. and Mrs.
Wright were among the first settlers of this
section of the county, and our subject
worked for them for several years. In 1876
he and their son visited the Centennial ex-
position at Philadelphia, where they spent
three weeks in sightseeing. They also vis-
ited New York city, had a most pleasant
and profitable time, and returned home
feeling much better.
HENRY SCHRADER has been one of
Ogle county's worthy and honored
citizens since August, 1840, and was for many
years actively identified with its agricultural
interest, but is now living retired upon his
pleasant farm three miles east of Leaf River.
Like many of our best citizens he is a na-
tive of Maryland, born in Washington
county, September 8, 1817. The father,
Henry Schrader, Sr. , was born in the same
state, of German parentage, and in Wash-
ington county engaged in farming during
early life. Selling his place there in 1827,
the father removed to Mansfield, Richland
county, Ohio, where he resided for a few
years, and from there went to Wayne
county, Indiana, where he developed a farm
in the midst of the forest and spent his re-
maining years, dying in 1888, while his
wife died three or four years previously.
In his native state Henry Schrader, Sr.,
was united in marriage with Catherine
Longman, who was born near Hagerstown,
of German parentage, and until 1827 they
made their home on the Schrader farm in
that state. Our subject is one of a family
of nine children, seven sons and two daugh-
ters, but only two are now living, the other
being Mrs. Sophia Layman, of Dublin,
Wayne county, Indiana.
Durmg his boyhood and youth Henry
Schrader, Jr., assisted his father in opening
up and carrying on the home farm, and
at the age of twenty ye^rs began working
^34
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
for others as a farm hand. In 1 840 he came
to Illinois with his father and brother and
located in Ogle county, where he worked
for a cousin, Isaac Avery, for one year, and
the following year also engaged in farming
for others. The father and brother re-
turned to Indiana later.
On the loth of October, 1842, Mr.
Schrader led to the marriage altar Miss
Mahala Her, also a native of Washington
county, Maryland, and a daughter of David
and Mary (Hannon) Her, who were born
in the same county, and came to Illinois in
1837 with a colony of Maryland people.
Mr. Her settled at North Grove, in Leaf
River township. Ogle county, where he de-
veloped a farm and spent his last years,
dying at the advanced age of eighty-four.
His wife survived him and departed this life
at the age of eighty-five years. To Mr.
and Mrs. Schrader were born five children,
namely: Thomas, who married and died in
Ogle county, leaving one child; Frank, a
resident of Lightsville; Albert, a farmer of
this county; George, who is carrying on the
home farm; and Harriet, who married Mar-
tin Light, but is now deceased.
After his marriage Mr. Schrader rented
land for several years and then bought a
small place at North Grove, where he oper-
ated in connection with rented land for
some time. Selling that farm in 1866, he
purchased eighty acres which were under
cultivation and fenced. He erected thereon
a small house into which the family moved,
and has since made many valuable and use-
ful improvements, which make it one of the
most attractive places of the locality. Be-
sides his property he also owns a small farm
near Lightsville, on which his son Albert is
now living.
Politically Mr. Schrader is an old Jef-
fersonian Democrat, but cast his first vote
for William Henry Harrison in 1840, and has
since supported every presidential candidate
of the Democracy, He has served his fel-
low citizens as school director and path-
master, and in all the relations of life has
been found true to every trust reposed in
him. He and his estimable wife are faith-
ful members of the Christian church at Leaf
River, and as honored pioneer and highly
respected citizens deser\e prominent men-
tion in their county's history.
CHARLES FRUIT, an enterprising farm-
er, residing on section 2, Taylor town-
ship, came to the United States in 1869,
and has since been a resident of Ogle coun-
ty and a thorough American citizen, one
having at heart the interests of his adopted
country. He was born near Gottenborg,
Sweden, November 15, 1S49, ^"ci is the
son of Gus and Johanna (Anderson) Fruit,
both natives of the same country, and who
came to this country in the spring of 1875
and settled in Taylor township, where the
husband and father worked at his trade of
carpentering. They were the parents of si.K
children, three of whom are now deceased.
John died at the age of twelve years.
Charles is the subject of this sketch. Ed-
ward died at the age of seven years. Ma-
tilda married C. A. Jacobson, and they
reside in Falkeping, Sweden, where he is
employed in the machine shops of a rail-
road company. Carrie died when two years
old. Addie married John Larson, and they
live in Taylor township where he is engaged
in farming.
Charles Fruit grew to manhood in his
native country and there obtained a fair edu-
cation in the public schools. Desiring to
CHARLES FRUIT.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
-Z7
better his condition in life, and knowing of
the possibilities in the new world, he deter-
mined, if the opportunity was ever afforded
him that he would emigrate to that land
where even the very poorest might realize
his heart's desire. When but twenty years
old, he secured his parents' consent to try
his fortunes in this land. Leaving his na-
tive land on one of the ocean liners he
crossed the ocean and after a voyage of
eighteen days, during which time they en-
countered some pretty severe weather, they
landed at New York, and from there pro-
ceeded direct to Rockford, Illinois, where
he remained one year engaged in various
employments, and then came to Ogle county
and located in Taylor township, where he
purchased a small farm some five years la-
ter, having in the meantime assisted in the
construction of the Chicago & Iowa rail-
road.
Mr. Fruit was married August 20, 1884,
to Miss Annie Bronson, of Chicago, Illi-
nois, and by this union two children were
born, Ellen and Vanner, both of whom are
now attending the district school. This
wife died October 30, 1889, and Mr. Fruit,
December 31, 1891, married Miss Selma
Anderson, daughter of Carl and Johanna
Anderson, natives of Sweden. The three
children born of this union are George,
Henry and Irma, the first named now being
a student in the district school.
Since locating on his present farm Mr.
Fruit has given his attention to general
farming. He has improved the place by
tiling the land and the erection of wind
mills, the building of necessary outbuild-
ings, and the planting of orchard and shade
trees. He has served his township as town
clerk two years, town collector two years,
and is now a school director. In politics
he is a Republican. Religiously he is a
Methodist, holding membership in the
Methodist Episcopal church at Light House.
He comes of a patriotic family, his pater-
nal grandfather, J. Truit, serving in the
war which his country had with Denmark.
CHARLES BUSH. — Among the pro-
gressive, energetic and successful farm-
ers and stock dealers of Ogle county, who
thoroughU' understand the vocation which
they follow, and are consequently enabled
to carry on their calling with profit to them-
selves, is the subject of this sketch. He is
actively engaged in agricultural pursuits on
section 3, Eagle Point township, where he
owns a valuable and well improved farm.
Like many of our best citizens, Mr. Bush
is a native of the Empire state, born in
Ro.xbury, Delaware county, March 25, 1834.
His father, Nicholas Bush, was born in
the same county, May 31, 1803, and was a
son of John Bush, a native of Fairfax, Vir-
ginia, and a hero of the Revolutionary war,
having aided the colonies in their struggle
for independence. The great-grandfather
of our subject was of English extraction and
an early settler of the Old Dominion. At
the close of the Revolution John Bush
was discharged and mustered out in New
York city, and then took up his residence
as a pioneer in Delaware county. New York,
where, in the midst of the wilderness, he
cleared and developed a farm. There he
died at the ripe old age of eighty years.
On reaching man's estate, Nicholas
Bush was married in his native county to
Miss Lydia Wolcott, a native of Greene
county. New York, and a daughter of Gid-
eon Wolcott, an early settler of that coun-
ty. He was a native of England and a son
238
THl' BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of Francis Wolcott, who spent his entire
life in that country. For some years after
his marriage Mr. Bush continued to engage
in farming and lumbering in New York, but
in 1856 he started for Illinois, and on
reaching Ogle county he purchased eighty
acres of land in Eagle Point township, on
which our subject now resides. A small
house and barn had already been built and
thirty-five acres fenced and broken. To its
further improvement and cultivation he at
once turned his attention, later erected
larger and more subjectial buildings and
added to the original purchase ninet\' acres.
In connection with general farming he also
engaged in stock raising. During his resi-
dence in New York he affiliated with the
Odd Fellows society, but never joined the
order here. He died September 13, 1890,
at the advanced age of eighty-seven years,
and his wife departed this life July 2, 1S78,
at the age of seventy-eight years, both being
laid at rest in Eagle Point cemetery, where
a neat monument has been erected to their
memory. In their family were on!}- two
children, the daughter being Nancy, who
married and died in Ogle county in 1S58.
Charles Bush, the only son, grew to
manhood in Delaware county. New York,
and completed a good education at Potts-
ville Academy. In that county he was mar-
ried April 4, 1S55, to Miss Hepsebah Booth,
who was reared and educated there. Her
parents, Levi and Phcebe (Harley) Booth,
were natives of Connecticut and early set-
tlers of Delaware county, being one of the
first families to locate there. Mr. and Mrs.
Piush have one daughter, Clara, now the
wife of Joseph Sprecker, of Polo, by whom
she has two children, Hepsebah and
Charles Harry. She was born in Pittsford,
Hillsdale county, Michigan, but was reared
and educated in Ogle county, being a grad-
uate of the Polo high school. She engaged
in teaching for a time and her parents also
followed that profession, both in theirnative
county and after coming to Ogle county,
Illinois, Mrs. Bush being a prominent teacher
here for several years.
In March, 1856, Mr. Bush accompanied
his father on his removal to this county and
assisted in carrying on the home farm for
some time, after which he took complete
charge of the same. In 1859, however, he
went to Michigan and lived for some time
in Hillsdale, Adrian and Allegan, being a
conductor on the Michigan Southern &
Northern Indiana railroad for ten years.
He then returned to the farm in Ogle
count}', and has since successfully managed
the same. He has also engaged in feeding
and shipping stock, and in his undertakings
has met with well deserved success. He
has made many improvements upon his
place, including the erection of a commodi-
ous and comfortable residence, a large gran-
ary and other outbuildings, so that he now
has one of the most desirable farms in this
part of the county.
Although his father was a Jeffersonian
Democrat, Mr. Bush has been identified
with the Republican party since casting his
first vote for John C. Fremont in 1856, and
has since supported every presidential can-
didate of that party. As one of the leading
and influential citizens of his community, he
takes an active interest in local politics, has
been a delegate to many county, congres-
sional and state conventions, has served as
township clerk fourteen years and been a
member of the school board some years.
He has proven a most competent and trust-
worthy official, and commands the confi-
dence and respect of all with whom he
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
239
comes in contact either in private or public
life. He is quite prominent in Masonic cir-
cles, being a Knight Templar, a member of
the blue lodge and chapter in Polo and the
commandery at Dixon. His estimable wife
holds membership in the Methodist Episco-
pal church at Eagle Point, and likelier hus-
band has a host of friends in this com-
munity.
BENJAMIN DOUGHTY, who, after the
labors of a long and busy life, is spend-
ing his later years in ease and retirement in
the village of Byron, has made his home in
Ogle county since January 16, 185S, and
bore an active part in its early development
and upbuilding. A native of England, he
was born in Yorkshire, April 12, 1830, and
is a son of Thomas and Mary Doughty, who
spent their entire lives there. The father
engaged ia farming or worked at anything
which he could find to do, and died at the
advanced age of eighty-nine years. Ben-
jamin was the oldest of his five sons, all of
whom reached manhood, but two are now
deceased, while the other two, William and
Thomas, still reside in England.
Benjamin Doughty was reared on the
farm and during his youth received a very
limited education, but by reading and ob-
servation in subsequent years he has become
a well-informed man. He was married in
Yorkshire, November 23, 1S57, the lady of
his choice being Miss Elizabeth Wright, a
native of that county, who was reared in
the same village as her husband. A few
days after their marriage they started for
the new world, taking passage at Liverpool,
November 28, on a sailing vessel, which
finally reached New York, January 8, 1S58,
after a long and tedious voyage of six weeks,
during which they experienced much rough
weather and several severe storms, which
carried away some of the sails. On land-
ing they came at once to Illinois, and after
stopping a short time in Franklin Grove
came to Byron, where they joined Mr.
Doughty's uncle, John Doughty, who had
located here aliuut 1S42 or 1843.
Our subject went to work on a farm in
Winnebago county for Alfred Bridgeland,
also a native of England, and remained with
him about seven months. Returning to
Ogle county in 1859, he secured a position
with Mr. Spalding, with whom he and his
wife lived for one year. In 1859 he made
his first purchase of forty acres of land,
which he began to improve in 1861, at the
same time operated rented land. He fenced
his place, erected thereon good and sub-
stantial buildings, and continued the work
of development and cultivation for many
years. As time advanced and he prospered
in his undertakings he added more land to
the original purchase, first forty acres and
then twenty acres, making in all a fine and
valuable farm of one hundred acres, pleas-
antly located three miles and a half from
Byron. He successfully carried on farming
here until 1S90, when he sold out and pur-
chased property in Byron, where he has
since lived retired from active labor, in the
enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.
The success that he has achieved in life is
due entirely to his own unaided efforts, as
he was in rather limited circumstances on
coming to America, but by hard work,
close application and guided by a sound
judgment he has made for himself a com-
fortable home and competence.
Mr. Doughty has been called upon to
mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away
October 20, 1889, and was laid to rest in
240
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Middle Creek cemetery, Winnebago coun-
ty. In 1S90 he was joined by his cousin,
Miss Emily Doughty, who has since been
his housel<eeper. This estimable lady is
also a native of Yorkshire, England, and a
daughter of Charles Doughty. She came
alone to America, and in 1892 returned to
Yorkshire on a visit to family and friends.
During the five weeks she remained in the
old world she visited the cities of York and
Leeds, and also the beautiful seaport town
and pleasure resort of Scarborough. She
has heard Spurgeon preach, has been in
London, and has also seen Buckingham
palace and Windsor castle.
On becoming an American citizen, Mr.
Doughty cast his first presidential vote for
Abraham Lincoln in 1 8G4, and has since
supported the Republican party. He has
efficiently served as a member of the vil-
lage board of Byron, and his duties, both
public and private, have always been most
faithfully and conscientiously discharged.
Both he and his cousin were reared in the
Episcopal faith, and are held in high re-
spect by all who know them.
NICHOLAS N. SHAVER, deceased,
was a native of Delaware county,
New 'S'ork, born September 11, 1809, and
was the son of Jacob P. and Catherine
Shaver, both of whom were natives of the
same county and state, the former born
May 20, 1775, and the latter April 14,
1784. They were the parents of seven
children. Catherine Shaver died in her
native state, after vvhich her husband came
west, where his death occurred many 3'ears
ago.
In his native state Nicholas N. Shaver
grev/ to manhood, and in the common
school received a limited education. He
was reared to the life of a farmer, an occu-
pation that he followed during his entire
active life. He was twice married, his first
union being with Miss Hannah Nicholson,
who was probably a native of Delaware
county, New York. Their marriage was
celebrated May 13, 1840, and to them were
born five children, three sons and two
daughters; Arthur J., born February 21,
1 841; Robert S., March 12, 1843; Mariette,
April 24, 1845; Sophia, October 17, 1847;
and Edward, October 15, 1850. The
mother of these children died in 1852.
On the 19th of June, 1854, Mr. Shaver
was united in marriage with Miss Kate
Voorhees, who was born in Sullivan coun-
ty. New York, November 14, 1814, and the
daughter of John C. and Nancy (Brown)
Voorhees, natives of New York, but of
German descent. They were the parents
of nine children, who lived to be men and
women. By occupation he was a farmer,
one who attended strictly to his own affairs,
and enjoyed the respect and confidence of
his friends and neighbors. He never came
west, but passed the last days of his life
amid the familiar scenes of his native state.
His wife also passed to her reward in her
native state.
Soon after his second marriage Mr.
Shaver came with his wife and family to
Ogle county and located in Buffalo town-
ship, where he purchased a farm and en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits. He was a
good farmer, very industrious, and success
crowned his efforts. In his old age he laid
aside the cares of the farm and moved into
the city of Polo, to enjoy the fruits of a life
well spent. For years his face was a famil-
iar one on the streets of the city, and those
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
241
meeting him had a kindly greeting and a
pleasant word.
Politically Mr. Shaver was a Democrat,
and a firm believer in the principles of the
party as expounded by Jefferson and Jack-
son. He was never, however, an office
seeker, content always that others should
have whatever honors office holding con-
tained. He was a member of the Presby-
terian church, in the doctrines and teach-
ings of which he had unbounded faith. His
good wife, who survives him, is also a mem-
ber of that church. His death occurred
February 19, 18S6, and his remains were
laid to rest in the cemetery at the brick
church in Eagle Point township, there to
wait the resurrection day. "Blessed are
the dead who die in the Lord, for they shall
rest from their labors and their works shall
follow them."
JOHN B. WOODCOCK, a well-known
and prominent agriculturist, residing on
section t,^, Marion township, has for over
fifty-four years been connected with the
history of Ogle county and few, if any, have
done more for its upbuilding. He has been
a champion of every movement designed to
promote the general welfare, a supporter of
every enterprise for the public good, and
has materially aided in the advancement of
all social, industrial, educational and moral
interests.
Mr. Woodcock is a native of Canada,
born near Prescott, Ontario, on the St.
Lawrence river, October i, 1S23, and be-
longs to quite an honored and distinguished
family, which was founded in New England
soon after the arrival of the Mayflower.
His ancestors were originally from England
and for several generations resided in the
26
United States. His great-grandfather on
the paternal side took up arms against the
mother country in the Revolutionary war,
and for three years fought for the freedom
of the colonies. One of his sons was also
in the same struggle. The grandfather,
Jonathan Woodcock, was a native of Con-
necticut, but about 1790 removed to Can-
ada, making his way through the dense
forests with an ox team for about four hun-
dred miles, it being a most tedious and re-
markable trip. In the midst of the wilder-
ness he hewed out a farm and there made
his home until called from this life, at the
age of fifty-five years. His wife lived to
the advanced age of ninety-one years and
died in Marion township. Ogle county, Illi-
nois.
Freeman Woodcock, the father of our
subject, was born in the province of On-
tario, Canada, March 12, 1S02, and was
there reared amid pioneer scenes. He mar-
ried Miss Elizabeth Bass, also a native of
Canada, who was born in Ontario, October
14, iSoo, and was a daughter of John Bass,
whose early home was in Vermont. In
Canada, Freeman Woodcock carried on
business along various lines, being engaged
in farming and merchandising, and also the
manufacture of furniture, boots and shoes.
In the springof 1 844 we find him and his fam-
ily d// /•<>;//<■ for Illinois, joining our subject in
Ogle county. In Nashua township they
purchased about five hundred acres of par-
tially improved land, but after operating it
five years sold the place and in 1S50 bought
two hundred acres on sections 27,31 and 32,
Marion township, on which our subject now
resides. Here a flouring mill, propelled by
water power, had previously been built on
Stillman creek, and this the father con-
ducted until it was destroyed by ice in the
24:
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
spring of 1857. It was rebuilt, however,
the same season, but soon proved unprofit-
able and the building was moved away and
used for other purposes. With the mill
Mr. Woodcock purchased about three thou-
sand acres of land, and in connection with
milling engaged in agricultural pursuits.
He was one of the most prominent men of
his township and was often chosen to posi-
tions of honor and trust. He died on the
homestead in Marion township, October 11,
i860, and his wife passed away November
15, 1870. They were earnest and consist-
ent Christian people, holding a membership
in the Methodist Episcopal church.
Their family consisted of three sons and
two daughters. Lucy, the eldest, married
T. G. Anderson, a minister of the Method-
ist Episcopal church, and she died in La-
fayette township. Ogle county, leaving three
daughters and one son. John B., our sub-
ject, is the next in order of birth. Albert
was a man of superior attainments, who
graduated at Union College, New York.
He then studied law, was admitted to the
bar and engaged in practice until elected
treasurer of Ogle county for a term of two
years. Later he was elected county clerk
and for si.xteen years held the latter office.
In 1862 he enlisted in the Ninety-second
Illinois Volunteer Infantry, was elected cap-
tain of his company and was subsequently
promoted to major, being mustered out as
such at the close of the war. He then re-
sumed the duties of county clerk, was after-
wards elected county judge for a term of
two years, and was appointed internal reve-
nue collector of the district, holding that
position until the consolidation of the dis-
tricts in 1883. President Arthur appointed
him consul to Sicily, and he held that re-
sponsible post for four years, during which
time he resided at Catania, at the base of
Mt. Etna. On his return home he served
as land commissioner for two years for the
U. P. R. R. Co. He made two trips to
California and finally settled in Los Angeles,
where he died in 1894. He was three
times married and by the first wife had two
children. His last wife still survives him.
Alanson, the next of the family, is engaged
in farming near Fort Scott, Bourbon coun-
ty, Kansas. Sarah, the widow of Rev. A.
G. Smith, resides in Byron township. Ogle
county.
During his youth John B. Woodcock at-
tended the academy at Governeur, St. Law-
rence county. New York, and after coming
to Illinois, at the age of eighteen years, he
attended the Mt. Morris Academy. He
arrived here in September, 1844, and for
several years assisted his father in the work
of the farm and mill. As deputy in his
brother's office, he discharged the duties of
county clerk when the latter was at the
front during the Civil war, and continued to
fill that position for five years, during which
time he resided in Oregon. Later he used
to assist in the office for five or six months
out of the year. On his father's death he
succeeded to the old homestead, and has
since given the greater part of his time and
attention to its management, with results
which cannot fail to be satisfactory. He
added to his farm until he had three hun-
dred acres of valuable land, which he placed
under a high state of cultivation, but has
since given some of this property to his
children.
On the 15th of May, 1848, in Lafayette
township, Mr. Woodcock was united in mar-
riage with Miss Lucy Martin, who was born
in Ontario, Canada, September 15, 1829, a
daughter of Richard and Belinda Martin,
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
243
who settled in the southern part of the
county in 1S38. Of the six children born
to this union, four are now living, namely:
Ella E. , Walter S. , Antoinette and John D. ,
all at home. They have received fair edu-
cations, attending the local schools and
those at Byron and Oregon.
Mr. Woodcock cast his first vote for
Zachary Taylor in 1848, in 1856 supported
John C. Fremont, and has since been an
uncompromising Republican. He has filled
a number of local offices, but has never been
a politician in the sense of office seeking.
For many years he and his wife have been
faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal
church, to which his parents also belonged,
and socially he is connected with Oregon
lodge, A. & A. M. Those who know them
best are numbered among their warmest
friends, and no citizens of the community
are more honored or highly respected.
JACOB F. SWANK, one of the leading
citizens of Forreston and of Ogle coun-
ty, and who is engaged in the ice business
in connection with farming, was born in
Somerset county, Pennsylvania, February
13, 1853, and is the son of Michael and
Adeline (Baker) Swank, both of whom were
natives of Pennsylvania, the Swanks being
of German descent. In the spring of 1865
Michael Swank came with his family to
Illinois and located near Dixon, Lee county,
where he remained three years, giving his
attention to the cultivation of an eighty-
acre farm which he rented, and also to his
trade of a carpenter. In the spring of 1868
he removed to Forreston township, Ogle
county, where he purchased eighty acres of
land and at once set about its improve-
ment. The farm was located near the vil-
lage of Harper, and on it he continued to
reside until 1889, when he removed to
Pennsylvania and lived a retired life. He,
however, continued to work at his trade for
many years, assisting in the erection of
many of the buildings in P'orreston.
Our subject was twelve yeirs old when
he accompanied his parents to Illinois.
His education, begun in the public schools
of his native state, was completed in the
schools of Lee and Ogle counties. While
confined to the common schools he is yet a
well-informed man. On removing to Ogle
county he was fifteen years old and was re-
quired to do his full share of the farm work,
his father giving much of his time to work
at his trade. In 1873 he commenced life
for himself, renting his father's farm of
eighty acres, together with sixty acres from
other parties.
On the I 2th of March, 1874, Mr. Swank
was united in marriage with Miss Henrietta
Foy, daughter of Ludwig Foy, an early set-
tler of Brookville township, but who later
moved to Forreston township. She was a
native of Pennsylvania, but reared in Ogle
county. Mrs. Swank took a special interest
in organizing a camp of Royal Neighbors in
Forreston and was elected oracle of the
camp. By this union six children have
been born. Cora M. is the wife of Charles
W. Timmer, a farmer of Lincoln township;
Adeline A., Louis, William M., Arthur F.
and Clifford, all of whom are yet at home.
Of the brothers and sisters of Mr. Swank,
Melinda is the widow of Charles Brant,
and lives near Shannon, Carroll county;
Edward lives in Sedgwick, Kansas; Samuel
lives in Pennsylvania. His mother died in
Ogle county, but his father is yet living in
Pennsylvania.
244
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Of the brothers and sisters of Mrs. Swank,
Edward is deceased; Louis lives in Lena,
Illinois, where he is engaged in business;
Henry reside in Freeport, where he is en-
gaged in the grocery trade; Catherine is the
wife of Simon Geating, a farmer of Lincoln
township; Louisa, widow of George Law-
ber, living in Freeport; Maggie, wife of E.
H. Binkley, a real estate dealer of Chero-
kee, Iowa.
Mr. Swank is the owner of one hundred
and eleven acres of excellent farm land
which he cultivates, together with forty
acres additional which he rents. In politics
he is a Republican, and in political and
local affairs he has always taken an active
part. No enterprise for the public good but
meets with his hearty co-operation. He
was elected a director and secretary of the
Harper Creamery Association in 1890 and
served three years, or until it was sold to
the Elgin syndicate. He was one of the
directors of the Forreston Mutual Fire In-
surance Company; was elected president of
the Ogle County Farmers Institute m Feb-
ruary, 1897, and re-elected in February,
1898. He was appointed a delegate to the
Farmers National Congress by Governor
Tanner, which met in St. Paul, Minnesota,
in September, 1897, and was re-appointed
to the Farmers National Congress which
met at Ft. Worth, Texas, and served with
signal ability. He has contributed more or
less to the public press, and was the corres-
pondent of the Forreston Herald for six
years. Fraternally, he is a member of the
Modern Woodmen of America, and was
elected venerable consul of the camp, and,
religiously, he and his family attend the
United Evangelical church, of which he is
a trustee. He was also a member of the
building committee and was secretary of
the committee, and is the present secre-
tary of the board of trustees.
In educational affairs Mr. Swank has
always taken great interest, serving on the
school board and giving freely of his time
to advance the best interests of the schools.
For eight years he served as secretary of
the board of directors, and is now one of
the trustees. In 1886 he was elected com-
missioner of highways and served three
years. For ten years he has been a mem-
ber of the county board of supervisors, and
has been one of its most active and influen-
tial members. He was a member of the
board when the court house was built, and
cast the deciding vote for its erection. He
was a member of the bridge comniittee that
built the bridge at Oregon, and also ap-
pointed on the committee of the bridge
across Rock river at Grand Detour. In the
building of bridges in Maryland, Brookville
and Grand Detour and other points he gave
of his time as one of a committee charged
with their erection. In whatever position
he has been called on to fill he has given his
best efforts and always in the interests of
the people. Pie is a man in whom the peo-
ple can trust, knowing that they will not be
betrayed.
JH. MILLER, who is now living in Mt.
Morris, is a native of Mt. Morris town-
ship, Ogle county, and was born December
24, 1865. His father, Abraham Miller,
was born Jime 21, 1831, in Franklin county,
Pennsylvania, and was of German extraction.
He grew to manhood in his native county
and received a very limited connnon-school
education, the knowledge afterwards ac-
quired being received in the school of expe-
rience. He was early taught to work, how-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
H5
ever, and assisted his father in the work of
the farm, finally taking the management
thereof. He was married November 24, 1853,
to Miss Barbara Newcomer, daughter of
Daniel Newcomer, a native of Washington
county, Maryland, but who removed to
Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and there
spent the remainder of his life. By this
union there were born eleven children, as
follows: Elizabeth, born September 24,
1854; Mary A., May 3, 1S56; Barbara, De-
cember I, 1858; Emanuel, May 26, 1861;
David M., June 10, 1863; J. H., our subject;
Edna M., June 5, 1867; Martha, June 11,
1870; Abraham, March 29, 1874; EmmaS. ,
June 15, 1876; Silas E., March 21 1878.
Of these Elizabeth, Barbara and Edna are
deceased.
Believing that he could better his condi-
tion in life, Abraham Miller left his native
state with his family and came to Ogle
county, Illinois, in 1865, and on his arrival
purchased ninety-five acres of excellent
farming land and commenced its cultivation.
He later purchased one hundred and five
acres adjoining, giving him a valuable farm
of two hundred acres. He subsequently
deeded seven acres of the same to the rail-
road company, on the completion of the
road to Mt. Morris. On that farm he spent
the remainder of his life, dying July 2, 1898.
His widow is now residing with her daughter
Emma, near Freeport, Illinois. She is of
Swiss extraction. Politically Abraham Mil-
ler was a Republican, and religiously was
identified with the River Brethren. His
wife is also connected with that church.
The subject of this sketch grew to man-
hood in his native county, receiving his pri-
mary education in the common schools of
Mount Morris township. He then entered
Mount Morris College, which he attended for
a time, but did not take the regular course.
After leaving school he assisted his father
on the farm for a time, or until he attained
his majority, when he went to Nebraska antl
remained there about fi\e months. He then
returned home and again assisted his father
in the cultivation of the home farm re-
maining two years.
Again seized with the western fever, he
went to Kansas, where he remained for a few
months, going from there to Omaha, Ne-
braska, where he entered a business college
and remained about two months, being com-
pelled to leave on account of ill health.
From Omaha he went to Vinton, Iowa, and
there remained about five years, with the
exception of a short period when he returned
to Ogle county for his bride. While in \'in-
ton he was employed in a grain elevator,
and also in farming.
Mr. Miller was united in marriage with
Miss Myrtle Rine, December 24, 1890. She
was born April 21, 1866, in Ogle county,
and is the daughter of Benjamin and Melissa
(Fish) Rine, and is the oldest in a family of
four children born to her parents. To Mr.
and Mrs. Miller two children have been
born: Mable D. , born May 8, 1893, and
Harold Guj-, January 29, 1898.
In September, 1894, Mr. Miller returned
to Ogle county, taking charge of his father's
farm, the father being in poor health. He
remained on the farm until the fall of 1898,
when he moved to the village and purchased
the livery stable of H. L. Smith, which he
disposed of in 1899.
Politically Mr. Miller is a stanch Re-
publican, and has held various local offices,
including that of town clerk. He is a mem-
ber of the Modern Woodmen of America,
and is the present venerable counsel of the
camp at Mount Morris.
246
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
JOHN H. HELM.— Sound judgment
combined with fine ability in mechan-
ical lines has enabled the subject of this
biof^raphy, a prominent contractor and
builder of Byron, Illinois, to attain a sub-
stantial success in life. He was born in
Chemung county. New York, July 31, 1834,
and is a son of Phineas Helm, a native of
Orange county, that state. The father en-
listed in the army during the war of 18 12,
was ordered out, but did not engage in act-
ive service. He was married in Chemung
county to Miss Betsy Smith, also a native of
the Empire state. He was a cabinet-
make by trade and carried on business for a
number of years in Southport, New York,
where he remained with his family and
spent his last days. His wife survived him
only a few months, dying at the same place.
In their family were four sons and one
daughter, namely: Floj'd, who married but
is now deceased; Samuel, still a resident of
Southport; Phineas, deceased; Mrs. Mary
Ann Winkler, deceased; and John H., of
this sketch.
During his boyhood and youth John H.
Helm pursued his studies in the schools of
Southport, New York, and there learned
the carpenter's and joiner's trade. In 1S61
he came to Illinois and located in Kockford,
where he worked at his trade for one year,
and then came to I5yron, where he con-
tinued to follow his chosen occupation. In re-
sponse to the President's call for more men
during the dark days of the Rebellion, he
enlisted December 29, 1863, in Company
B, Ninety-second Illinois Mounted Infantry,
which was assigned to the Army of the
Cumberland. With his regiment he was
engaged in scouting, skirmishing and picket
duty until July, 1864, when he was taken
ill and sent to the hospital, first at Chatta-
nooga and later at Nashville, Jeffersonville
and the marine hospital at Chicago, being
confined at these places for several months.
He was finally discharged at Chicago, July
21, 1S65, and returned to Byron to recu-
perate. The following year he was able to
resume work at his trade, and has since en-
gaged in contracting and building most of
the time. A great many of the public build-
ings and private residences bear testimony
to his handiwork and architectural skill.
Just previous to coming to Illinois Mr.
Helm was married in Ohio, April i, 1861,
to Miss Sarah Babcock, who was born and
reared in Steuben county. New York, a
daughter of Elias Randall Babcock, of
that state. She departed this life Novem-
ber 15, 1889, and of the four children born
to them three are now deceased. Grace
died at the age of si.\ years, Albert at the
age of one year, and William H., a phar-
macist of Byron and Stillman Valley, died
at home December 31, 1S94, at the age of
twenty-three years. Mrs. Anna Schafer,
the only one now living, is her father's
housekeeper. She has one son, William
Helm Schafer, aged three years.
Mr. Helm's father was a Clay Whig,
and our subject cast his first presidential
ballot for Millard Fillmore in 1856, but has
since supported the men and measures of
the Republican party. In June, 18S9, he
received the appointment of postmaster of
Byron under President Harrison and most
capably and satisfactorily discharged the
duties of that office for four years, his
daughter acting as deputy. He was made
a Mason in Byron Lodge, F. & A. M., sev-
eral years ago, and for four terms has served
as master of the lodge, which he also repre-
sented in the grand lodge of the state for
the same length of time. He is also a
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
M?
prominent member of the Grand Army post
at Byron, of'which he is past commander,
and by his fellow citizens he is held in high
regard, receiving the respect and confidence
of all with whom he has business or social
relations.
GEORGE R. RHODES, who is engaged
in farming on section 6, Grand Detour
township, and who for some years was one
of the leading contractors and builders of
Springfield, Illinois, was born July 27,
1833, in Frederick county, Maryland, and
is the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Foaster)
Rhodes, both of whom were also natives of
Frederick county, Maryland, the former
born in 1794. The paternal grandfather,
Jacob Rhodes, was a blacksmith by trade,
and followed that occupation during his
entire life. He never came to this state,
but died in Maryland many years ago.
In his youth Peter Rhodes learned the
carpenter trade, an occupation he followed
during his active life. In 1S63, he came to
Illinois, and located in Rochester, Sanga-
mon connty, where his death occurred in
1S78. His wife died some years ago. They
were the parents of ten children — Amanda,
William H., John T., George R., Martha
E., Ann O., Alice E., Katherine, James W.
and Fannie. All are yet living save Ann O.
In politics Peter Rhodes was a Jackson
Democrat, a firm believer in the principles
of the party as proclaimed by Jefferson and
Jackson. He was a member of the Episco-
pal church.
The subject of this sketch was reared to
manhood in his native state, and in the
common schools received his education. At
the age of eighteen he left school and worked
with his father at the carpenter trade until
1S56, when he came to Illinois and located
at Springfield, where he continued to work
at his trade. The firm of Rhodes Brothers,
contractors and builders, was formed, and
for many years did a prosperous business,
erecting many of the best public and private
buildings in the city, among them the
splendid building of the Young Men's Chris-
tian Association. He continued in contract-
ing and building until 18S9, when he moved
to his present place of residence, and en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits. The farm
consists of one hundred and si.xt}' acres, and
is under excellent improvement.
Mr. Rhodes has been twice married, his
first union being with Miss Mary C. Lakin,
and their marriage was celebrated February
23, 1862. She died in 1869. His second
marriage was with Mrs. Ella Miller, iicc
Bovey, their union being formed September
2, 1874. Mrs. I^hodes was born May 8,
1852, in Ogle county, Illinois. She is the
daughter of Samuel and Barbara (Funck)
Bovey, both of whom are natives of Wash-
ington count}', Marylanil, and who came to
Ogle county in the spring of 1846, and lo-
cated in Grand Detour township, where his
death occurred in 1891. Miss Ella Bovey
married Samuel S. Miller in i860, and his
death took place December 25, 1869. At
the time of his death he was managing the
farm of his father-in-law.
To Mr. and ^frs. Rhodes six children
have been born. Clinton B., born June
26, 1875, is now in the government mail
service, running between Pontiac and Chi-
cago. Charles L. , born January 20, 1S79,
is attending Steinman Business College,
Dixon, Illinois. Robert S., born July 24,
1S82, died April 9, 1885. George T., born
June 15, 1885, is attending the district
school of Grand Detour township. Harry
24^
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
D., born January 14, 1889, is also in
school. Ethel May, was born February
7, 1897.
In politics Mr. Rhodes is a Democrat,
and for nine years served as a member of
the board of supervisors of Sangamon
county from Springfield. He made an effi-
cient member, being a practical man, one
who looked after the best interests of the
public, and who did not serve just to please
politicians. He also served for nine years
as fire marshal of Springfield, a difficult and
responsible position which he filled to the
satisfaction of the people. Mrs. Rhodes is
a member of the Christian church, with
which she has been connected for a number
of years, and in the teachings of which she
has the utmost faith. She is now living in
the home of her childhood where she has
many friends. Although comparatively a
newcomer, Mr. Rhodes is well known and
universally esteemed.
LOUIS J. OTTO, a thorough and skillful
farmer and business man of more than
ordinary ability, is a representative of the
agricultural and stock raising interests of
Ogle county, his home being on section 3,
Forreston township, where he has a good
farm of one hundred and sixty acres. A na-
tive of the county, Mr. Otto was born in
Maryland township. May 27, 1854, and is a
son of Christian Otto, who was born about
1803, in Lippe, Germany, where he was
reared and married to Miss Mary Pepper-
ling, a German lady. He followed farming
in his native land. About 1848 he crossed
the Atlantic and proceeded at once to Chi-
cago, where he secured a team, and then
drove across the country to Ogle county.
where some friends from Germany were liv-
ing in Maryland township. There he pur-
chased a tract of eighty acres, and later
bought a similar amount, making a good
farm of one hundred and si.xty acres, which
he commenced to improve and cultivate.
He died there in 1862, and his wife passed
away in February, 1861. In the family of
this worthy couple were four sons and two
daughters, all of whom married and became
heads of families. They are Dora, wife of
David Haselbrook, of Riley county, Kansas;
Henry, a farmer of Stephenson county,
who owns and operates a farm adjoining
that of our subject; Louis J., of this review;
Lizzie, wife of Henry Stuckenburg, who
lives on the line betweenOgle and Stephen-
son counties; August, who operates the old
homestead; and Fred, who owns and oper-
ates a valuable farm of six hundred and
forty acres in Riley county, Kansas.
Reared in Ogle county, Louis J. Otto
remained with his mother and assisted in
carrying on the old homestead. After the
father's death two hundred and eighty acres
were added to the place, making a valuable
property of four hundred and forty acres.
This they cleared from all indebtedness and
transformed into a well cultivated and high-
ly improved farm. Our subject acquired
his education in the schools of Maryland
township. There he was married, Decem-
her 29, 1879, the lady of his choice being
Miss AnnaFosha, who was born and reared
in Stephenson county. Her father, John
Fosha, was a native of Germany, was
brought to America when a child and reared
in Maryland whence he came to Illinois
when a young man. He married Minnie
Shineman and located on the Stephenson
county line, where he now resides. Our
subject and his wife have eight children,
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
249
namely: Nettie, William, Henry, Emma,
Minnie, Mary, Roy and Walter, all at home.
For four years after fiis marriage Mr.
Otto lived on a part of the old homestead,
of which he owned eighty acres, and on
selling that place in the spring of 1884 he
removed to his present farm, which he has
greatly improved by making an addition to
the house, building a large barn, and plac-
ing the land under excellent cultivation.
He is acknowledged to be one of the suc-
cessful and progressive farmers of Forreston
township, and in connection with general
farming is interested in dairying and stock-
raising, keeping a high grade of stock, both
cattle and hogs. On national issues he
supports the Democratic party, but at local
election votes for the man whom he be-
lieves best qualified to fill the office regard-
less of party affiliations. He has most ac-
ceptably served as school director for thir-
teen years, and as clerk of the district for
eight years. Socially he is a member of
Florence Camp, M. W. A. He was reared
in the Catholic church, but he and his wife
now attend the German Reformed church,
and in the social life of the community oc-
cupy an enviable position, having the re-
spect and esteem of all who know them.
BURTON D. KRIDLER, of the well
known firm of Strickler & Kridler, Polo,
Illinois, was born in Luzerne county, Penn-
sylvania, November 18, 1843, and is the son
of John and Lydia (Ransom) Kridler, both
of whom were also natives of Luzerne
county, the former born August 15, 1809,
and the latter December 15, 181 5. She is
a daughter of Colonel George Palmer Ran-
som, a native of Connecticut, born in 1761,
but who removed with his father, Samuel
27
Ransom, to Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania,
then a portion of Connecticut, but now
Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. On the
26th of August, 1776, Samuel Ransom was
commissioned captain of a company to be
organized, and later with his company was
ordered to join Washington's forces. W'ith
him. Captain Ransom took his son George,
a lad of less than sixteen years, who acted
as orderly sergeant. Their first battle was
at Millstone, January 20, 1777. They also
participated in the battles of Brandywine,
Germantown, Bound Brook and Mud Fort.
Captain Ransom was killed in the Wyom-
ing massacre, July 3, 1778. As it happened
his son George was not present at the time,
but arrived on the scene a few days later,
and helped bury his father and other victims
of the carnage. He was later taken prisoner
and taken to Montreal, where he was held
until the following June, when he made his
escape on a raft in the St. Lawrence river.
After many hardships he succeeded in reach-
ing a settlement in Vermont, and later re-
joined the army, remaining until the close
of the war, when he was honorably dis-
charged.
John Kridler was reared in his native
county, and received a very limited educa-
tion, attending school for a short time when
he was but seven years of age, and but one half
day when he was eleven years of age. When
nineteen, he commenced to learn the wagon-
maker's trade, serving an apprenticeship of
two years, for which he was to receive
twenty-two dollars and fifty cents per year.
Completing his trade, and having rested for
a time and visiting his old home, he hired
out to a carriage-maker at ten dollars per
month, working for him four months. He
then went into business for himself, and for
a time had a hard struggle to make both
250
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ends meet. He was persevering and indus-
trious, however, and from his earnings
paid off a mortgage on his father's place.
On the 8th of September, 1835, he was
united in marriage with Miss Lydia Ran-
som, at which time his entire cash cap-
ital consisted of eight dollars. Soon aft-
er his marriage he moved to Susque-
hanna, Penns^'lvania, where he opened up
a small farm. After spending eighteen
years of his married life trying to make
headway in his native state, he concluded
to try the prairies of Illinois. Accordingly,
in 1853, he moved to Carroll county and
purchased a farm of three hundred and
twenty acres, about twelve miles west of
Polo. From the beginning he was success-
ful, and in addition to his home farm, in
due time he became the owner of two other
farms in Carroll county, which yielded him
a generous return for his investment. After
residing on his farm for thirty-one years, he
moved to Polo, and there made his home
during the remainder of his life. He died
June 30, 1897. His wife is yet living in
Polo. They were the parents of nine chil-
dren. George H. was a member of the
Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and
was wounded at the battle of Shiloh. He
died while on his way home. Sabina is the
wife of Alexander Windle, and they are liv-
ing in Iowa Park, Te.xas; B. D. is the sub-
ject of this sketch; W. H. is living in Omaha,
Nebraska; S. R. is a physician of Red Oak,
Iowa; Emma L. married Orris Mosher, and
they reside in Walnut, Iowa; Marian H. is
the wife of Dr. D. F. Hallett, and they
reside in Red Oak, Iowa. Two died in
childhood.
The subject of this sketch was ten years
old when he accompanied his parents to
Carroll county, Illinois. In the public
schools of that county he received his prim-
ary education, which was supplemented by
an attendance at Mt. Carroll Seminary. At
seventeen, he quit school and commenced
clerking in the general store of Pierce &
Barber, Polo, at the munificent salary of
seventy-tive dollars per year. He remained
with that firm for three years, but with an
increase of salary, and then entered the
Commercial College, at Poughkeepsie, New
York, one of the best institutions of the
kind in the country. After remaining there
one year he removed to Polo and went into
the livery business where Griffin's stables
now stand. He remained in that business
for about two years and then traded his
livery stable for a grocery store. After be-
ing in the grocery business for about two
years, he met with serious reverses which
forced him to the wall, leaving him several
hundred dollars in debt. He is happy to
say, however, that in due time he paid out
one hundred cents on the dollar. After
meeting with his loss, he went on the road
for a time as traveling salesman for a whole-
sale notion house, and was also engaged in
the patent right business. In 1882 he
again went into the mercantile business,
purchasing an interest in the furniture store
of William Strickler, to which they added
dry goods, and later other departments.
On the 26th of December, 1S67, Mr.
Kridler was united in marriage with Miss
Eliza Baker, daughter of Daniel and Mary
C. (North) Baker, both of whom were na-
tives of Michigan, as was their daughter.
He is jet li\ing, and makes his home with
our subject. His wife died in March, 1888.
By this union there was one son born, F.
B., who is engaged in the grocery and no-
tion trade, in which line he has been for
the last eight years. He is a graduate of
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
251
the Polo high school, and is a good business
In politics, Mr. Kridler is a Republican,
but is not a partisan. He prefers to give
his time and attention to his business inter-
ests rather than to politics. He has been
in business with Mr. Strickler for about
seventeen years, their store now being more
than doable its original size, covering a
space of thirteen thousand five hundred
square feet. They handle almost everything
that is sold in the large department stores,
and their trade is constantly increasing.
They are up-to-date businessmen, and have
the confidence of the people.
MRS. MARY |. JOINER, whose farm is
in Eagle Point township, about three
and a half miles west of Polo, is a worthy
representative of one of the prominent and
influential pioneer families of Ogle county,
dating her residence here from November,
1S37. She was born in Delaware county.
New York, October 29, 1831, and is a
daughter of Robert Smith, a native of
Scotland, who was born in 1796, and grew
to manhood there. He was a weaver by
trade, but after his emigration to the United
States, in 1827, he located in Delaware
county. New York, and turned his attention
to agricultural pursuits. There he was
united in marriage with Miss Deborah
Broadwell, a native of the Empire state and
a daughter of Ezra Broadwell, who fonght
for American independence as a soldier of
the Revolutionary war and was a pioneer
settler of Delaware county. In 1837 Mr.
Smith brought his family to the west and
settled in Eagle Point township, Ogle coun-
ty, when the whole region round about was
almost an unbroken wilderness; wolves and
deer were often seen and the Indians had
not all left for their new home beyond the
Mississippi. A wonderful transformation
has since taken place in the county and in
these changes the Smith family bore an
active and prominent part. The father
entered one hundred and sixty acres of land
in Eagle Point township, of which ten acres
had been broken, as he purchased the claim
from another gentleman, and he bought the
land from the government when it came
into market. He first built a log house,
in which the family li\ed for a number of
years while he was opening up and develop-
ing his farm, but it was later replaced by a
good frame residence, and good barns and
other out-buildings were also erected. He
spent his last years in retirement in Polo,
and there passed away November 28, 1881,
at the ripe old age of eighty-five years. He
was one of the valued and honored citizens
of his community, having the respect and
confidence of all who knew him. He was
twice married, Mrs. Joiner's mother, who
died in 1843, being the first wife. To them
were born three children, the son being
Henry Smith, who. in August, 1862, en-
listed in the Ninety-second Illinois Infantry
for service in the Civil war and died in the
hospital at Nashville, Tennessee, February
13, 1863.
Mrs. Joiner was reared in Ogle county,
and on the ist of February, '-1855, gave her
hand in marriage to William Joiner, a native
of Vermont, who was born October 23,
1830, and came west with his parents, Alvin
and Anna Joiner, in June, 1837. He grew
to manhood on his father's farm in Pine
Creek township, Ogle county, and was edu-
cated in the common schools. He and his
bride began their domestic life upon the old
homestead in that township, which he
o r o
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
owned and occupied for a number of years.
It comprised about one hundred and forty
acres, to which he added by subsequent
purchase until he had a very valuable farm
under a high state of cultivation and well
improved. He was a successful farmer and
a very prominent and influential citizen of
the community in which he lived. On
leaving his farm in Pine Creek township he
removed to the old Smith homestead in
Eagle Point township, where his death
occurred May i8, 1864. He filled several
official positions of honor and trust, includ-
ing those of tax collector and assessor, and
was a leading and active member of the
Baptist church of Pine Creek. His remains
were interred in the Oak Ridge cemetery,
and a marble slab marks his resting place.
He left two children. Henry, the older, is
a farmer of Eagle Point township; he is
married and has six children — Beulah,
Pearl, Irma, Vera, Edna and Etta Marie.
Paulina is the wife of William Made, of the
same township, and they have four chil-
dren— Henry \V., Mary A., Nellie E. and
Robert S., all attending the home school.
The mother of these children died March
22, 1877. By a second marriage Mrs.
Joiner had one daughter. Bertha, who mar-
ried Wilson Bellows, of Buffalo township,
and is the mother of one child, Robert.
Mrs. Joiner is a most estimable lady, loved
and respected by all who know her for her
many excellencies of character, and this
brief sketch of her life will be read with
interest by her many friends throughout the
county.
McFARLEN J. WEST, who is now liv-
ing a retired life on his farm within
the corporate limits of the village of Leaf
River, is one of the most prosperous and
successful business men of Ogle county,
with whose interests he has been identified
since November, 1856. He was born in
Monroe county. New York, January 24,
1835, and is a son of Nathaniel R. West, a
native of Massachusetts, born in 1787.
The family is of English origin and was
founded in the old Bay state at an early
day in colonial history, and the paternal
grandfather of our subject was a soldier of
the Revolutionar}' war. Nathaniel R. West
was reared in his native state, and when a
young man removed to Monroe county.
New York, where he subsequently married
Miss Esther Barker, a native of Rensselaer
county, that state, and a daughter of Rich-
ard Barker, of Monroe county, of Scotch
ancestry. Mr. West spent the remainder
of his life as a farmer there, dying in 1S37
when our subject was only two years old.
The mother carefully reared her children to
habits of thrift and industry and finally
came west with her sons to Illinois, locating
at Leaf River, where she died in 1873, at
the age of sixty-eight years.
McFarlen J. West is the youngest of
the four children, two sons and two daugh-
ters, who reached years of maturity. .Amasa
B. came to Illinois in 1844 and entered a
tract of land in Ogle county, a part oi which
now lies within the limits of the village of
Leaf River. He located thereon in 1856,
inaking it his home for a number of years,
but finally sold and removed to Wisconsin
and spent his last days near Sparta, dying
there in 1884. Alma B. married John G.
Randall and settled in New York, but later
removed to Wisconsin, where her death
also occurred. Jane A. married Henry
Downer and is now deceased.
The subject of this review grew to man-
M. J. WEST.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RI-XORD.
255
hood in Monroe county, New York, and
was educated in the common schools and
in Lima Seminary. It was in 1854 that he
came west and purchased two hundred
acres of land adjoining his brother's place in
Ogle county. At the end of two months,
however, he returned to his eastern home
and did not locate permanently here until
1856, when he began the work of cultivation
and improvement. His brother had already
made some improvements upon his place,
including the erection of a residence, and
there they all lived together for several
years, while our subject developed his own
place. Here he was married May 7, 1863,
to Miss Margaret E. Waggoner, a native of
Pennsylvania and a daughter of Henry R.
Waggoner, who removed here from the
Reystone state in 1S48. She was educated
at Mt. Morris, and prior to her marriage
was a successful teacher. Her brother.
Prof. Joseph Waggoner, was the first prin-
cipal of the Mt. Morris school. Mr. and
Mrs. West began their domestic life upon
his farm and soon afterward commenced
to build their present residence, which is
a large, neat and substantial dwelling, sur-
rounded by good barns and outbuildings. To
his original purchase he added until he had
three hundred acres, through which the rail-
road passes, and he has since laid off and
platted a portion of the present town. He
has sold several acres of his farm and still
owns two hundred and twenty-five acres.
He has ever taken a deep and commendable
interest in the growth and development of
the village, has materially aided in its ad-
vancement and prosperity, and was one of
the organizers of the Leaf River Bank, of
which he is an original stockholder and di-
rector. He has given a hearty support to
all enterprises that tend to the improve-
ment of the place and to those interests
which are calculated to advance the moral,
intellectual or social welfare of the com-
munity.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. West
are as follows: Henry S. is married and is
the present cashier of the Leaf River Bank;
Elsie K. is a cultureif and refined young
lady, who graduated at Cornell Unis'ersity,
in Iowa, and was a teacher in that institu-
tion for two years, but resigned to accept
her present position as general secretary
of the Young Woman's Christian As-
sociation with head<]uarters at Detroit,
Michigan. She makes her home with her
parents. Wilbur M. is a business man
of Duluth, Minnesota. George A. died in
September, 1S97, at the age of twenty-three
years. They also ha\'e an adopted son,
Fred U. West, son of Mr. West's sister.
He is a well-educated young man and is
now ser\'ing as postal clerk or mail agent.
Mr. \\'est cast his first presidential ballot
for Millard Fillmore, later was identified
with the Republican part}' for some years,
but being a strong temperance man and be-
lieving that to be the great question before
the people, he jcjined the Prohibition party,
with which he now affiliates. .\lth(3Ugh he
has never sought office, he was elected a
member of the village board and served as
trustee for some years. He and his wife
were among the original members of the
Methodist Episcopal church of Leaf River,
and he is now the oldest member of the
class at that place. Earnest and sincere
Christian people, they are active and zealous
workers in the church, and for many years
Mr. West has served as one of its officers.
Wherever known they are held in high re-
gard and their frieucfs throuiihout Oirle
county are numerous.
356
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
JOHN LIGHT, who is now living retired
in Leaf River, has been identified with
this section of the state for more than sixty-
one years, and has contribnted to its mate-
rial progress and prosperity to an extent
equalled by but few of his contemporaries.
He early had the sagacity and prescience to
discern the eminence which the future had
in store for this great and growing country,
and acting in accordance with the dictates
of his faith and judgment he reaped, in the
fullness of time, the generous benefits which
are the just recompense of indomitable in-
dustry, spotless integrity and marvelous en-
terprise.
Mr. Light was born July 17, 1S12, in
Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, m that por-
tion which now forms a part of Lebanon
county. His ancestors were originally from
German}', but for many generations the
family made their home in Pennsylvania, it
being founded in Lancaster county by John
Peter Light in 1739, and for several years
its representatives were among the most
substantial men of that region. Martin
Light, father of our subject, was born there,
and married Miss Barbara Overalls, also a
native of Lancaster county and a daughter
of Christian Overalls. She had a paternal
uncle who was a soldier of the Revolution-
ary war. Martin Light followed farming in
his native county, but when it was divided
his farm lay in Lebanon county. There he
continued to live until called from this life.
John Light had limited advantages in
early life, and is almost wholly self-edu-
cated. Leaving home in 1836, he went to
Ohio, where he spent one winter, and in
1837 came to Ogle county, Illinois, locating
in Leaf River township, where he assisted
the family with whom he came west in
building a house and in breaking prairie.
He returned to Pennsylvania in the fall of
that year, but in the spring of 1838 he again
came to Ogle county and bought a claim,
comprising three-quarters of a section, for
which he paid three hundred dollars. This
he later entered from the government and
built thereon a log house. As it was cov-
ered with timber, he opened up a prairie
farm first and then began to clear and culti-
vate his timber land.
In 1845, Mr. Light was united in
marriage with Miss Catherine Scugar, who
was born in Pennsylvania, in 1824. Her
father, Michael Scugar died when she was
a child and her mother subsequently married
again. With the family she come to Illi-
nois in 1843. J^Ir. and Mrs. Light began
housekeeping in true pioneer style in a
little log cabin with wooden benches for
chairs, a homemade bedstead and other rude
furniture then so common in the homes
on the frontier. Two or three years later
this home was replaced by a good frame
residence, and subsequently a regular Penn-
sylvania barn with a basement was also
built. In connection with farming Mr.
Light engaged in merchandising for some
years, starting in business at Lightville with
a small stock of groceries, but as he pros-
pered in the undertaking he increased his
stock from time to time until he had a good
general store, which he conducted for ten
years. When he began business he hauled
his goods from Chicago, the trip occupying
from seven to twelve days. After operating
his first farm for twenty-one years, he rented
it and moved to Stephenson county, where
he bought three hundred and twenty acres,
and later a similar amount, it being divided
into four farms of a quarter section each.
In that county he made his home for twenty
years, but since 1885 has lived retired in the
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
25;
village of Leaf River. Besides the property
already mentioned he owned more land in
Ogle county, and at one time was the largest
land owner and tax-payer in Stephenson
county, and owns a substantial home in
Leaf River. On coming to the state he had
no means, and like the immortal Lincoln,
he made rails for several years, splitting
some thirty thousand of them. His success
is attributed to his own industry, economy
and sound judgment, as well as to his in-
tegrity and fair dealing.
To Mr. and Mrs. Light were born se\en
children, four sons and three daughters, to
each of whom he gave a farm of one hun-
dred and sixty acres. In order of birth they
are as follows. Tena, wife of Henry Schra-
der, of Leaf River; Martin, who is married
and engaged in farming in Ogle county;
John, Jr., a farmer of Stephenson county,
who died, leaving a wife and two children;
Catherine, wife of Dr. John Pcnningburg, a
physician of Herman; Henry, who is mar-
ried and is engaged in the practice of veter-
inary surgery in I^ockford; Mary, wife of
Riley Motter, a farmer of Stephenson count}-;
Joseph, a farmer of Stephenson county, who
was accidentally killed in October, 1898,
and left a wife and eight children. The
parents are consistent members of the
United Brethren church and have the
respect and esteem of all who know them
on account of their sterling worth and ex-
emplary lives.
CW. JOHNSON, residing in Grand De-
tour, is a native of West Virginia, born in
Jefferson county, May 27, 1845, and is the
son of Aaron H. and Marietta (Boone) John-
son, the former a native of Virginia, born
January 10, 1821, and the latter of Boons-
borough, Maryland, born July 17, 1822.
Aaron Johnson was the grandson of Thomas
Johnson, a Revolutionary soldier who fought
throughout the entire war. Marietta Boone
was a daughter of Daniel Boone, who was
one of the family owning the site of the
present city of Boonsborough, Mar}land,
and who was a grandnephew of the re-
nowned Daniel Boone, of Kentucky. In
early life Aaron Johnson followed his trade
of shoemaker, continuing in that occupation
as long as he remained in his native state.
In October, i S46, he came with his family
to Ogle count}-, coming through the entire
distance by wagon. On his arrival he took
up a tract of two hundred and fifty acres in
Pine Creek township, where he continued to
remain and farm until his death June 22,
1867. His wife is yet living and makes her
home with her children. They were the
parents of eight children, six of whom grew
to maturity: Charles W., the subject of
this sketch; J. C, living in Fulton county.
New York; H. N., living in Dixon, Illinois;
Mary V., who died at the age of thirty-one
years; Susan K. , wife of Frank H. Wilber,
living near Polo; and A. M., living east of
Polo on the home farm. In politics Aaron
Johnson was originally aii old line \\'hig,
but became a Republican on the organiza-
tion of that party. He was an earnest
member of the Christian church, of which
body his wife is also a member.
The subject of this sketch came to Ogle
county when but one year old, and in the
public schools of Pine Creek township he
received his primary education. This was
supplemented by an attendance at Rock
River Seminary, at Mt. Morris. After at-
tending one term, his patriotism got the
better of him and he enlisted April 24, 1S64,
in Company I, One Hundred and Fortieth
2 58
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He
went first to Camp Butler, near Springfield,
Illinois, and from there he went with his
regiment to Memphis, Tennessee, where
they were assigned to guard the Memphis &
Charleston railroad. In the discharge of
this duty they had a number of skirmishes
with guerrillas, but were in no regular battle.
At the close of his term of service he was mus-
tered out October 29, 1864, and has yet in
his possession the card of thanks issued and
signed by Abraham Lincoln.
On his return home, Mr. Johnson again
entered the seminary at Mt. Morris and re-
mained one term. After leaving school,
he worked for his father two years, then
taught school in winter and farmed in sum-
mer for the next seven years. On the 29th
of December, 1868, he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Saville M. Bovey, who was
born March 5, 1850, in Grand Detour town-
ship, and daughter of Samuel and Barbara
(Funk) Bovey, both of whom were natives
of Washington county, Maryland, the form-
er born November 5, 1814, and the latter
December 8, 18 16. Samuel Bovey was a
farmer, and in 1 84G came to Ogle county
and located in Grand Detour township,
where he resided until his death in January,
I 89 1. His wife died August 20, 1S8S. They
were the parents of ten children, five of
whom grew to maturity. Lydia married J.
H. l^rubaker, and they live in Anthonj',
Kansas. Saville M. is the wife of our sub-
ject. Ella B. is the wife of George R.
Rhodes, and they are livingonthe old home
farm in Grand Detour township. Katie is
the wife of H. N. Johnson, and they reside
in Dixon, Illinois. Baibara is the wife of
D. M. Fahrney, and they also live in Dixon.
To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson six children were
born. Clarence died in infancy. Bertiia
O. , born November 8, 1870, married Jer-
ome F. Cox, and they live on our subject's
farm in Grand Detour township. Nellie J.,
born January 21, 1873, married Amos L.
Palmer, and they reside in the village of
Grand Detour. Francis M., born January
22, 1S75, is living with his father. E.May,
born December 21, 1876, is li\ing with her
parents. Bessie L., born March 19, 1886,
is also living at home.
In the spring of 1869 Mr. Johnson com-
menced farming for himself, renting the farm
of his father-in-law in Grand Detour town-
ship, and in 1874 purchased one hundred
and sixty acres from the heirs of Peter New-
comer. To his original purchase, as his
means increased, he made additions, until
he has now four hundred and seventy-nine
acres of well improved and valuable land.
In addition to the raising of grain, he has
made a specialty of raising Poland China
hogs, having usually on his place from one
hundred to one hundred and fifty head. He
has also had on his farm a number of Mor-
gan and Norman horses, and Durham short-
horn cattle. Conservative in his work, he
has been quite successful in what he has
undertaken, and is numbered among the
prosperous farmers of the county.
In politics Mr. Johnson is a Republican.
He has been collector one year; highway
commissioner eight years; school trustee eight
years; school director two terms; justice of
the peace sixteen years; and is now serving
his seventh year as supervisor of his town-
ship. While on the board he has been
chairman of the judiciar)', educational, fees
and salaries, and poor farm committees,
and a member of the claim committee. He
has represented his party twice in state con-
ventions at Springfield, and in his party
work he has always endeavored to keep the
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
259
rights of the people in view. He is a mem-
ber of the Christian church, as is also his
wife and family, and in the work of the
church takes a deep interest. Fraternally
he is a member of the Grand Army of the
Republic, holding membership with Post
No. 1 16, at Oregon.
DANIEL CASE is a man whose genial
temperment, sound judgment and well-
proved integrity have brought to him the
esteem and friendship of a host of acquaint-
ances far and near. On coming to the coun-
ty in March, 1874, he located on section 8,
Marion township, and for some time his at-
tention was entirely occupied by agricult-
ural pursuits, but since 18S8 he has made
his home in Stillman Valley, and in connec-
tion with his farming interests he has since
dealt in all kinds of farm machinery.
Mr. Case is a native of New Jersey, born
in Hunterdon county, June 22, 1842, and is
a son of Hon. John H. Case, whose birth
occurred in the same county in 1S07. His
grandfather, Daniel Case, commanded a
company and served with distinction in the
war of 18 12. From wild land he developed
the farm in Hunterdon county on which our
subject and his father were both born. On
attaining to man's estate the latter married
Miss Elizabeth Bennett, a native of War-
ren county. New Jersey, and a daughter of
Isaac Bennett, who was an early settler of
Warren county, but spent his last days in
Hunterdon county. Throughout life John
H. Case followed farming on the old home-
stead and was one of the most prominent
and intfuential men of his county. He was
called upon to fill many local positions of
honor and trust and for two or more terms
represented his district in the state legisla-
ture with credit to himself and to the entire
satisfaction of his constituents. He died
in 1869, at the age of si.\ty-two years, and
his wife who sur\'ived him for some time,
passed away in 1893, at the age of eighty-
three. They were the parents of eight
children, four sons and four daughters,
namely: Sarah, wife of Jonas Robins, of
Hunterdon county, New Jersey; Phoebe, de-
ceased wife, of Joseph Hart; Isaac B., who
owns and operates the old homestead; Cath-
erine died at the age of twenty-eight years;
Daniel, of this sketch; Dr. Nathan, who was
engaged in the practice of medicine in Rig-
glesville. New Jersey, for several years,
but is now deceased; Howard, a commis-
sion merchant of New York city; Elizabeth,
wife of Anderson Conover, of Foreston,
Ohio.
In the county of his nativity, Daniel
Case grew to manhood and had the advan-
tages of a good education, completing his
studies at the Raraton high school. On
leaving the school room he assisted his fa-
ther in the labors of the home farm for
some years, and thus obtained a good prac-
tical knowledge of the occupation which he
has made his life work. In Hunterdon
county, September 23, 1S73, he led to the
marriage altar Miss Mary M. Smith, a na-
tive of the county, and a daughter of Rob-
ert Smith, one of the substantial farmers of
that locality. Three children have been
born of this union: Robert G., Elizabeth
and Emma, all of whom have been well
educated and are now at home.
In the spring following his marriage,
Mr. Case came to Ogle county, Illinois, and
in Marion township purchased one hundred
and sixty acres, to which he subsequently
added an adjoining one hundred and twenty
acres, making a line farm of two hundred
26o
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and eighty acres, which he placed under a
high state of cultivation and improved until
it is one of the most desirable places of the
community. In connection with general
farming he also engaged in breeding and
raising a good grade of stock — horses, cat-
tle and hogs. In 1888 he rented the farm
and removed to Stillman Valley, where, as
previously stated, he is now doing a suc-
cessful business as a dealer in farm machin-
ery, mowers, binders, etc.
Mr. Case has been called upon to mourn
the loss of his estimable wife, who passed
away May i, 1898, and was laid to rest in
Stillman Valley cemetery. She was a faith-
ful member of the Congregational church,
to which he and his family also belong.
Socially he affiliates with the Modern Wood-
men of America and the Knights of Pythias,
and has held office in both orders. Politic-
ally his support has always been given the
Democracy since casting his first vote for
General George B. McClellan in 1S64. In
Marion township he served on the school
board for a number of years, and since com-
ing to Stillman Valley has occupied a simi-
lar position. He has identified himself with
every enterprise for the public good and is
justly numbered among the valued and use-
ful citizens of the community.
WH. CUNNINGHAM, one of the lead-
ing merchants of Polo, and vice-
president of the Exchange Bank of the same
city, was born in Washington county, Mary-
land, May 20, 1 84 1, and is the son of Joseph
and Elizabeth (Sprickler) Cunningham, both
of whom were natives of Washington coun-
ty, Maryland, the former born in 1808, and
the latter in 1822. Joseph Cunningham
was the son of David Cunningham, also a
native of Maryland, and who followed the
occupation of a cooper during his entire life.
In his family were six sons and two daugh-
ters. In the common schools of his native
state Joseph Cunningham obtained his edu-
cation, and at the age of twenty-two years
went into the mercantile business, opening
up a general store at Cunningham's Cross
Roads, now Cearfoss, Maryland. He con-
tinued in that business for nearly forty
years, retiring from the same about fifteen
3-ears before his death, which occurred De-
cember 15, 1875. He was united in mar-
riage with Miss Elizabeth Sprickler, by
whom he had eleven children, four only
now living — W. H., Andrew, Miley and
Mary. With the exception of two, all died
young. Those two were John, who died at
the age of sixty \ears, and George, when
fifty-six years old. The mother is yet liv-
ing in Washington county, Maryland. In
politics Joseph Cunningham was an old-line
W^hig until the organization of the Repub-
lican party, when he gave adhesion to that
organization, the principles of which he ad-
vocated during the remainder of his life.
For some years he served as justice of the
peace, and also school director a number of
years.
The common schools of his native county
afforded the only opportunity for our sub-
ject to obtain an education, but he made
the best use of his opportunities until he was
sixteen years old, when he quit the school
room that he might begin in earnest the bat-
tle of life. One year later, in 1858, became
to Ogle county, and for two years worked
on a farm owned by Henry Newcomer. At
the expiration of that time he went to Polo
and commenced clerking in the grocery
store of H. N. Murray, the same store and
in the same line of business in which he
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
261
himself is now engaged. For five and a
half years he continued in Mr. Murray's em-
ploy, and then, in partnership with John
Bingaman, purchased the stock of the Mur-
ray estate and continued the business.
This partnership lasted for nineteen and a
half years, when Mr. Bingaman withdrew,
since which time he has continued alone.
On the 15th of June, 18G8, Mr. Cun-
ningham was united in marriage with Miss
Deliah Sanford, who was born in Buffalo
township, and daughter of Harrison and
Bridget (Deyo) Sanford, the former born in
Middletown, Delaware county. New York,
February 16, 1S12, and who died July i,
1866, and the latter born in the same coun-
ty and state, March 14, 1814, and who died
October 19, 1869. They were married in
1835. Harrison Sanford came west in 1835
in company of a party of New York people,
and took up some land in Buffalo township,
and followed farming for a number of years.
He then went to Oldtown and established a
hotel there, which he ran until 1854, when
he came to Polo and built a hotel where
the Exchange National Bank now stands,
and called it the Sanford House. He occu-
pied that house for some years. In 1S70
the building was torn down, and the present
building erected by the stockholders of the
Exchange National Bank, of which Mr. Cun-
ningham is \ice-president.
To Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham four chil-
dren ha\e been born: Cora is living at home
with her parents. F. S. is assisting his fa-
ther in the store. Fannie married Frank
Brown, and they have two children. They
reside in Sycamore, where he is engaged in
the grocery and drug business. Carrie died
May 7, 1 89 1, at the age of seventeen years.
In addition to his mercantile business,
Mr. Cunningham has been connected with
the Exchange National Bank since it was or-
ganized, April 15, 1871, being one of its
charter members. Since 1885 he has filled
the office of \ice-president of the same. He
is a good business man, conservatix'e in all
things, and has the entire confidence of the
business community. In politics he is a
Republican, but not a partisan. Fraternally
he is a Mason, holding membership with
blue lodge at Polo, and the commandery at
Dixon.
GEORGE SMITH, who is operating a
farm of three hundred and twenty acres
on section 32, Woosung township, is a good
representative of the young, enterprising
farmers of Ogle county. He was born in
Rockbury, Washington county, Maryland,
April 21, iSGi, and is the son of John V.
and Sarah (Smith) Smith, both of whom
were natives of Washington count}', Mary-
land. They were the parents of four chil-
dren: George, our subject; Fannie E., wife
of Fred Seelemur, a farmer of Jones county,
Iowa; Jennie G., wife of Frank H. Wilson,
of Buffalo township; Ida E., wife of James
Hawkins, of Coleta, Whiteside county, Illi-
nois; and Anna D., wife of Elmer R. Oster-
houdt, residing on the home place, and as-
sisting in carrying on the farm. The great-
grandfather, John Smith, was a native of
Maryland.
The paternal grandfather, Solomon
Smith, was a native of Frederick county,
Maryland, a farmer by occupation, who
spent his entire life in his native state. He
married Elizabeth Hutzel, a native of
Washington county, Maryland, and their
children were John V., the father of our
subject; Susan L.; Jacob L., a farmer of
Buffalo township; and Adam W., a real es-
263
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
state dealer of Lincoln, Nebraska. The
great-grandfather on the mother's side was
John Hutzel, also a native of Maryland.
Sarah E. Smith, the mother of our sub-
ject, is the daughter of John and Mary
Smith, both natives of Maryland. John
Smith came to Illinois at the same time as
did the father of our subject. He located
on the farm which was later purchased by
his son-in-law, and which is now the home
of our subject
John V. Smith was reared in his native
state, and he there married. In his native
state he worked for wages, and he there re-
mained until 1865, when he came to Ogle
county, Illinois, and the first year after his
arrival, rented and cultivated a farm in
Woosung township. He was then one year
on a rented farm in Pine Creek township,
after which he removed to the farm now
owned by his heirs. He made a humble
start in Ogle county, having not to exceed
one hundred dollars on his arrival here, but
he was industrious and attentive to business.
and left at his death a fine estate. In poli-
tics he was a Republican, but was never an
office seeker or a politician in the common
acceptation of the term. He believed it to
be the duty of every voter to cast his ballot
intelligently and as his best judgment dic-
tated. In religion he was a Lutheran. He
died at his home in Woosung township,
March 5, 1888, at the age of forty-nine
years and ten months. He was a good man
and had no fears of death. His widow is
yet living, and is making her home with her
husband's brother, Jacob L. Smith, of Buf-
falo township.
The subject of this sketch was but four
yea:rs old when he came with his parents to
Ogle county. He grew to manhood on the
home farm, and was educated in the com-
mon schools and in the high school at Polo.
On attaining his majority, he rented the
home farm for one year, and the next
worked the place in company with his
father. He was married December 21,
1887, to Miss Harriet E. \\'ilson, who was
born in Buffalo township, and a daughter of
Jesse and Ann E. (Hyatt) Wilson, the
former a native of Baltimore, Maryland,
and the latter of Washington county, same
state. Mr. Wilson came to Ogle county
soon after his marriage and located in
Buffalo township, where he still resides.
Mrs. Smith was one of their five children,
the others being Sarah E., wife of Daniel
Isham, of Buffalo township; Newton, who
died in childhood; Charles \V., a merchant
of Polo; and Franklin II., who lives with
his parents.
Since attaining his majority, George
Smith has been working the home farm.
The estate is yet intact, and since the
death of the father the children have made
some valuable improvements on it, having
erected a large barn and other outbuildings.
In politics he is an ardent Republican. Mr.
and Mrs. Smith have one son, John W.
The family are highly esteemed in the com-
munity in which they reside and their
friends are many.
SPENCER LAWSHE, who is retired from
active business, is now a leading and
highly respected citizen of Byron. Since
copiing to this state in 1856 he has been
principall}' engaged in agricultural pursuits,
and has by shrewd judgment, excellent
management, and fair business transactions,
acquired sufficient property to enable him
to give up active labor and enjoy the results
of his former toil.
SPENCER LAWSHE.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
:65
Mr. Lawshe is a native of New Jersey,
his birth occurring in Hunterdon county,
December 24, 1826. His grandfather, Jacob
Lawshe, who was of German descent, hved
to the remarkable age of ninety-nine years.
The father, Henry Lawshe, who was also a
native of New Jersey, grew to manhood in
Hunterdon county, and there married Sarah
Carter, who was born in the same county
and was a daughter of Henry Carter. Mr.
Lawshe was a weaver by trade but also en-
gaged in farming, and met with good suc-
cess in his undertaking, accumulating a com-
petence. He died in his native state in
1870, and his wife passed away a few years
previously. Si.x children, five sons and one
daughter, constituted their family, namely:
William, who married and settled in New
Jersey, but later removed to Austin, Illinois,
where his death occurred; George married
and spent his entire life in New Jersey;
Spencer is the ne.xt of the family; Hannah
is the wife of John Dilts, a farmer of New Jer-
sey; Lewis H. married and spent his entire life
in New Jersey; and Jacob R. is a business
man of Newark, that state.
Until eighteen years of age Spencer
Lawshe remained with his father, assisting
in the labors of the home farm and attend-
ing the local schools to a limited e.xtent, his
education being mostly self-acquired since
reaching manhood. He served a three
years' apprenticeship to the tanner's and
currier's trade, and then followed that occu-
pation for five years in his native state.
There he married Rachel Tomlinson, who
died after a short married life of a year
and a half. After her death he came
west to Rockford, Illinois, in 1856, and
for one year operated a rented farm in
Winnebago county. He then located near
Freeport and followed the same occu-
pation there for three years. In i860
he became a resident of Carroll count}',
where, after renting for one year, lie pur-
chased a farm of two hundred and forty-
five acres. While there he was again mar-
ried, March 20, 1864, his second union being
with Miss Ruby A. Rogers, who was also
born, reared and educated in Hunterdon
county. New Jersey. Her father, Major
Rogers, was a native of Connecticut, from
whence he removed to New Jersey when a
young man, and was married there to Eliz-
abeth Bodine, a native of that state, and
in 1856 they came to Carroll county, Illi-
nois, locating on a farm. In the east Mr.
Rogers worked at his trade of shoemaking
and also taught vocal music.
After carrying on his farm in Carroll
county for about five years, Mr. Lawshe
sold and moved to Rockford, where he pur-
chased residence property and engaged in
the express business for sixteen years. In
1S84 he became a resident of Ogle county,
and first bought one hundred and seventy-
two acres of good farming land in Rock-
vale township, two miles from Byron,
which was well improved, and to which he
later added an adjoining tract of one hun-
dred and twenty acres, making a valuable
place of two hundred and ninety-two acres.
His time and attention were devoted to its
further improvement and cultivation until
the spring of 1897, when he rented the
farm and removed to Byron, where he has
since lived retired.
Of the eight children born to Mr. and
Mrs. Lawshe, six are now living. Major R.
died in childhood; Emma is the wife of
Sherman Taylor, a farmer of Marion town-
ship; Alice died at the age of twelve years;
George H. is a farmer of Shelby county,
Iowa. Carrie is the wife of Amos Blanch-
2 66
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ard, a farmer of Ogle county; Charles S.
is a business man of Cfiicago; J. Franklin
is in California, and Fred H. is at home.
Politically Mr. Lawshe was first identi-
fied with the Whig party, casting his first
vote for Zachary Taylor, but joined the Re-
publican party on its organization and has
since fought under its banner. He has
never cared for the honors or emoluments
of public office, but has always faithfully dis-
charged his duties of citizenship and has
supported those interests which he believed
calculated to prove of public benefit.
HENRY R. MEYERS, a prosperous and
enterprising farmer residing on section
13, Lincoln township, owns and operates
two hundred acres of land. He is a native
of the township, born January 16, 184S.
His father, Jonathan Meyers, was born in
Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, in 1S12.
His grandfather, Jacob Meyers, was a native
of German)'. In his native state Jonathan
Meyers grew to manhood, and in his youth
learned the mason's trade. In early man-
hood he went to Hagerstown, Maryland,
and there worked at his trade a few years,
then came west and settled in Ogle county.
This was in 1837. Here he took up a claim
of several hundred acres of land in Lincoln
township, and later entered several tracts
and opened up three or four farms. He
became in due time a very prosperous and
vvelbto-do farmer. He was married in this
county to Elizabeth Redman, a native of
Germany, who came to the new world a
young lady, with an aunt, and after residing
in Pennsylvania a few years came west and
located in White Eagle, Maryland townsliip.
Ogle county, where she was residing at the
time she gave her hand in marriage to Jon-
athan Meyers. They became the parents
of four sons and three daughters and all but
one grew to mature years. Peter R. owns
and operates the old homestead. Lydia is
the wife of Lewis Boby, of Forreston.
Sarah is the wife of Benjamin McCutcheon,
of Forreston. Henry R. is ne.xt in order of
birth. Jonathan R. resides in Forreston.
Elizabeth is the wife of Joseph E. Garman,
of Maryland township. Aaron R. died at
the age of three years.
On one of his farms in Lincoln township
Jonathan Meyers located with his bride,
and there they reared their children. To
his agricultural interests Mr. Meyers gave
his undivided time and attention, caring
nothing for the honors or emoluments of
public office. He was a thoroughly prac-
tical farmer, and withal industrious, and it
is no wonder that success crowned his efforts.
His wife was called to her reward January
16, 1890, and he followed her July I 5, 1893.
They were members of the Lutheran church,
good Christian people, and worthy of the
respect in which they were held.
Henry R. Meyers spent his boyhood
and youth on the home farm and was edu-
cated in the West Grove school. He was
early given his regular duties to perform in
operating the home farm andjgrew up to be
a thoroughly practical farmer. He re-
mained at home with his parents until he
was twenty-nine years old, being a great
help to his parents. He was married in
Lincoln township, January 13, 1S78, to
Miss Rebecca Elizabeth Mase, also a native
of Lincoln township. Ogle county, and
daughter of John M. Mase, a nati\e of
Pennsylvania, who there grew to manhood
and came to Ogle county a young man, here
marrying Miss Ellen Meyers, a native of
Marjland, who came to Ogle county when
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
267
but two years old with her father, Jacob
Meyers, who was also a native of Maryland.
By this union four children were born, of
whom but one is now living, Oliver Grant,
a young man at home. Roy died at the
age of fourteen months, Luella at seven
months, and Sylvia at eight months.
Soon after his marriage, Mr. Meyers
erected a dwelling house on his present
farm, and in the fall of the same year moved
to the place where he has since resided.
After moving to the place he turned his at-
tention to its further improvement, erecting
a good substantial barn, granary, and vari-
ous outbuildings, set out an orchard, planted
shade and ornamental trees, remodeled the
house, until he to-day has one of the best-
improved farms in the township.
Politically Mr. Meyers is an earnest and
enthusiastic Republican, advocating the
principles of the party even before he at-
tained his majority. His first presidential
vote was cast for U. S. Grant in 1872, and
he has since supported the Republican can-
didate at every presidential election. He
was elected and served as commissioner of
highways for nine consecutive years, but has
never wanted public office. Fraternally he
is a member of the Odd F"e!lows lodge at
Forreston. As a citizen he is held in high
esteem, and a progressive man he lends aid
to all worthy enterprises.
WILLIAM ELLIS, who is now living
retired in the village of Byron, is one
of the oldest and most highly esteemed citi-
zens of Ogle county. Years of quiet use-
fulness and a life in which the old-fashioned
virtues of sincerity, 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, to which the lengthening years have
added dignity and sweetness, has a brighter
radiance, as if some ray from the life beyond
already rested upon it.
Mr. Ellis was born in Attleboro, Massa-
chusetts, June 22, 1808, and is a representa-
tive of a family of Welsh origin, who was
founded in Dedham, that state, by an old
gentleman and his seven sons at an early
day. The grandfather, Richard Ellis, was
a native of Massachusetts, as was also the
father, Hon. George Ellis, who, on reach-
ing manhood, married Miss Polly Fisher,
who was born near Dedham. They loca-
ted on a farm in Attleboro, where they
reared their family and spent the remainder
of their lives. The father was one of the
most prominent and infiuential men of the
community, and for one or more terms ably
represented his district in the state legis-
lature. In the family were nine children,
four sons and five daughters, who reached
years of maturity, but Daniel and Darwin
are now deceased; William is the subject of
this review; George Otis is a resident of
Middleboro, Connecticut; Adelia, Maria and
Emeline all married, but are now deceased;
Mrs. Catherine Plymton is a widow living
in Pawtucket, Rhode Island; Harriet is the
wife of Otis Putney, of Pawtucket, Rhode
Island; and Elizabeth died when young.
William Ellis grew to manhood on the
old home farm in Massachusetts, and had
fair school advantages. He learned the
jeweler's trade at Attleboro, serving a three
years' apprenticeship, and continued to fol-
low the business there for a few j'ears. At
Middleboro. Connecticut, in 1845, l''^ mar-
ried Miss Justina Abbott, a native of that
state and a daughter of David Abbott, who
belonged to an old and historic family. She
268
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
had six uncles who were ministers in the
Methodist Episcopal church and one who
followed the legal profession. To Mr. and
Mrs. Ellis were born seven children, four
of whom are now living, one son and three
daughters, namely: Adelaide J. married
David J. Simpson, of Byron, Illinois, who
is now engaged in gold mining in Utah, and
their daughter, Helen Barnum, is now the
wife of Charles Beggs, who is connected
with the Standard Oil Company at Pitts-
burg, Pennsyh'ania. Eleanor F. married
Robert Spottswood, who is engaged in the
grain and lumber business in Winnebago,
Illinois. Fred W. is interested in railroad-
ing at Fall City, Washington. Harriet is
the wife of Labra Spoor, a merchant of
Byron. Those deceased are Frances A.,
Frank H. and George B.
After his marriage Mr. Ellis and his
brother George Otis engaged in the manu-
facture of buckles and buttons at Middle-
boro, Connecticut, for a number of years,
but in 1852 he came to Illinois and first
located at Rockford, where he worked in
the factory of Ciark & Utter for about eight
years. He then purchased a farm six miles
from that city and successfully engaged in
agricultural pursuits until 1889, when he
sold the place and the following year moved
to Byron, where he purchased property and
has since lived retired, enjoying a well-
earned rest. His faithful wife passed away
in April, 1891, at the age of sixty-three
years.
In politics Mr. Ellis was originally a
Jackson Democrat, casting his first vote for
Old Hickory, but on the organization of
the Republican party in 1856 he joined its
ranks and has since been one of its stalwart
supporters. On the 20th of September,
1849, he was made a Mason in Harmony
lodge at Waterbury, Connecticut, and still
holds membership there, being its oldest
living member. In the summer of 1898 he
and his daughter, Mrs. Simpson, made a
trip east and spent three months in visiting
in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Isl-
and, Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio.
Although over ninety years of age he is still
hale and hearty and has the appearance of
a man not to exceed seventy, as he is erect
and active, while his hearing is good and
his eyesight only slightly impaired. Nature
deals kindly with the man who abuses not
her laws.
SAMUEL KNODLE, dealer in watches,
clocks, jewelry, silverware and dia-
monds, Mt. Morris, Illinois, has now the
distinction of having been engaged in the
mercantile business a longer period of time
than any other man in the village. He was
born in Fairplay, Washington county, Mary-
land, a hamlet eight miles south of Hagers-
town, the county seat, August 4, 1820.
He attended the public school at Fairplay
from the time he was nine years old until
he was sixteen, from which time he applied
himself studiously to the acquisition of an
academic education, in the meantime assist-
ing his father in his store of general mer-
chandise. Following this he had a clerk-
ship in the store of Major E. Baker, and
later a clerkship in the general commission
house of Meixsell & Struebaker, of Balti-
more. Leaving the latter position in the
fall of 1839, he returned to the place of his
nativity and again took a position in his
father's store, which he filled until the fall
of 1842.
On the 13th of January, 1S43, Mr. Kno-
dle was united in marriage with Miss Ellen
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
269
Dick, who was born at Winchester, Vir-
ginia, June 12, 1823. In May, following,
they removed to Boonsboroug, Maryland,
where he engaged as teacher in the { ublic
shcool, and continued to fill that position
until January, 1846, in the meantime having
been in partnership with his brother, Jo-
siah, in printing and publishing a weekly
newspaper called The Odd Fellow. The
paper was not a fraternal paper, as its name
would indicate, but purely a local paper.
Having a taste for newspaper work, in Jan-
uary, 1846, he removed to Williamsport,
Maryland, and purchased of Judge Daniel
Weisel, The Republican Banner, a Whig
newspaper founded by him January i, 1830.
Six volumes of this paper are yet in posses-
sion of Mr. Knodle, and they embrace the
history of several of the most exciting po-
litical campaigns recorded in the annals of
the country, notably that of the Andrew
Jackson and Henry Clay contest for the
presidency in 1832.
After purchasing the material of the
office of The Republican Banner, Mr. Kno-
dle then commenced the issue of The
Times, which he continued to edit and pub-
lish until the fall of 1848, when he sold the
office and removed back to Fairplay, and
engaged as a teacher of the public school
there, in which he continued until March,
1856. In April of the same year he came
to Mt. Morris, expecting to secure the pub-
lic school at this place, but circumstances
favoring his embarking in the jewelry trade
he relinquished his time-honored profession,
and on the 20th of May, 1856, he opened
a jewelry shop in rooms in the Eldorado
House, then conducted by the late Jona-
than Mumma. From that day to the pres-
ent time he has pursued that avocation.
During his residence in Mt. Morris, in
29 . .
connection with his regular business, he has
been identified with all the various news-
paper enterprises up to 1879. In 1858-9,
he conducted the Northwestern Republican
for an association of citizens who purchased
the office of Atwood & Metcalf, who had
established the paper in the fall of 1857.
In 1860-61, he managed the Independent
Watchman, whom a like association of
business men had bought of Col. M. S.
Barnes, who had purchased the office of the
former association. This ended his news-
paper business in Mt. Morris until July,
1876, when he again embarked in the busi-
ness, in the establishment of The Inde-
pendent, owned by a corporation company,
Mr. I\nodle owning nearly one-half of the
stock, consisting of a well-equipped job
printing plant, which was added to the
newspaper outfit, the job office having been
conducted by him since 1872. In May,
1877, the Independent Company sold the
the office to Henry Sharer, and his son,
John, then immediately commenced the
publication of the Ogle County Democrat,
with Mr. Knoole, as manager of the typo-
graphical department and proof reader.
Mr. Knodle had a family of nine chil-
dren. Emanuel Luther was born at Boons-
borough, Marland, April 17, 1844, and died
July 23, of the same year. Washington Irv-
ing, born June 13, 1845, died December 29,
1S45. Charles William, born at Williams-
port, Maryland, April 13, 1S47, died Janu-
ary 16, 1848. Mary Ann, born at Fairplay,
Maryland, July 3, 1849, died December 16,
1849. Edwin Wilme, born at Fairplay,
December 6, 1850, is now living near Mon-
roe, Wisconsin. Jane Elizabeth, born at
Mt. Morris, Illinois, June 8, 1857, married
John A. Walker, February 14, 1880, and
they are now residing in Mt. Morris. Lillie
2/0
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Belle, born in Mt. Morris, January 5, i860,
married George Eliot Coffman, January 16,
1879, and they now reside in Thayer, Kan-
sas. Thomas Oscar, born in Mt. Morris,
August 29, 1863, died August 25, 1865.
Ernest Elmer, born in Mt. Morris, October
5, 1868, married Miss Mary Carpenter,
April 10, 1893, and they now reside in
Rockford, Illinois.
Mr. Knodle's father, Samuel Knodle,
Sr., was born in Adams county, Pennsyl-
vania, April 23, 1784, and was married at
Hagerstown, Maryland, January 3, 1806,
to Miss Jane Cutshaw, who was also born
in Adams county, Pennsylvania. What
time they removed to Maryland is not known,
but some time prior to 18 10. at about which
time his father built the first house at the
place which was afterwards known as Fair-
play, where his parents continued to reside
until the day of their death, his father dy-
ing May 29, 1851, and his mother January
23, 1865.
Since coming to Mt. Morris, Mr. Knodle
has been quite active in local affairs. He
was clerk of the township of Mt. Morris
from 1858 to 1861, and in i860, 1861, and
1868, served as village clerk. In 1871 he
served as village trustee and president of
the board. In 1883 he was elected village
clerk, and has been annually re-elected,
making twenty years service in that office.
In 1S76 he was collector of the township of
Mt. Morris. Few men have the good will
of their fellow men in a higher degree.
CHARLES W. GARNHART, a wide-
awake and progressive farmer residing
on section 25, Marion township, four miles
and a half south of Stillman Valley, is a
man whose sound common sense and vigor-
ous, able management of his affairs have
been important factors in his success, and
with his undoubted integrity of character
have given him an honorable position among
his fellowmen. His birth occurred in North-
umberland county, Pennsylvania, August 27,
1834, and he is a representative of one of
the old honored families of that state.
There his great-grandfather, Peter Garn-
hart, and grandfather, Balsar Garnhart,
were also born, and the latter was a pioneer
of Northumberland county, his early home
having been in the southern part of the
state. John Garnhart, father of our sub-
ject, was born on the same farm in North-
umberland county where his son's birth oc-
curred, and there he grew to manhood and
followed farming for some years. He mar-
ried Louisa Moress, also a native of Penn-
sylvania, and a daughter of Squire Moress.
In 1849 they started across the country to
Illinois v/ith two teams and arrived in Ogle
county during the fall. That winter the
father purchased the farm on which our
subject now resides, but the only improve-
ment found thereon at that time was a rude
log cabin, while about thirty acres had been
broken by the plow. Acre after acre was
soon placed under cultivation, and in due
time a pleasant brick residence was erected,
and also a good barn with a basement, mak-
ing it one of the best improved farms of the
county. For many years Mr. Garnhart was
one of the most active and successful farm-
ers of the community, but spent his last
years in retirement in Rockford, passing
away at his home there July 26, 1870. His
first wife died on the home farm and he
subsequently married again.
By the first union there were seven chil-
dren, si.\ sons and one daughter, of whom
Charles W., our subject, is the eldest;
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
271
Harry married and located on the old home-
stead where his death occurred; George W.
is a farmer near Polo, Illinois; David P.
served as a soldier during the war of the
Rebellion and now resides on a farm in
Stephenson county, Illinois; Mary C. is
the wife of Wallace Walters, of Calhoun
county, Iowa; Aaron, who was also a sol-
dier in the Civil war, later became a busi-
ness man of Davenport, Iowa, and there
died; and John W. is a farmer of Pine Rock
township, Ogle county.
Charles W. Garnhartwas a lad of fifteen
years when the family came to Ogle county,
and being the eldest son he was early in-
ured to the arduous task of developing wild
land into productive and well cultivated
fields. He also assisted in making improve-
ments upon the place. He received good
common school advantages and at the age
of nineteen years began life for himself by
working by the month for Peter Smith for
two years. He then learned the carpen-
ter's and joiner's trade, which he followed
forabout the same length of time. He
rented land in White Rock township and
successfully engaged in farming on his own
account. In the spring of 1862 he bought
his first land, which was an improved land
of one hundred and twenty-eight acres in
Pine Rock township, and after operating it
for about six years he bought eighty-eight
acres adjoining, making a fine farm of two
hundred and seventeen acres, upon which
he made many substantial improvements.
He lived there until 1877, when he pur-
chased the old homestead and rented the
former place. He started out in life for
himself empty-handed, and for his work re-
ceived but small wages. This did not dis-
courage him, however, and he is to-day the
owner of two valuable farms, which have
been obtained through his own labor, econ-
omy and well-directed efforts.
In September, 1861, in Ogle county, Mr.
Garnhart led to the marriage altar Miss
Caroline Lilley, who was also born in North-
umberland county, Pennsylvania, and when
a child of thirteen years was brought to Illi-
nois with her parents, David and Catherine
Lilley, who settled in Marion township. Ogle
county, in the spring of 1847. Of the five
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Garnhart two
died in infancy. Those living are Lawrence
D., a carpenter and joiner, now residing in
Minnesota; William H., who assists in car-
rying on the home farm; and Clarence W.,
a carpenter and joiner residing at home.
Mr. Garnhart has been an ardent Re-
publican in political sentiment since casting
his first vote for John C. Fremont in 1856,
and he has taken quite an active and prom-
inent part in local politics. At the age of
twenty-two he was elected a member of the
school board, and served as such for twen-
ty-five or thirty years, most of the time be-
ing president of the board, also serving as
clerk part of the time. He has also filled
the office of commissioner of highways for
si.xteen years, and being the present incum-
bent he has two more years to serve. His
official duties have always been most
promptly and faithfully discharged, and he
is now most capably and satisfactorily fill-
ing the office of township trustee. In all
the relations of life he has been found true
to every trust reposed in him, and well
merits the high esteem in which he is held
by all who know him.
MAJOR EDWARD FELLOWS
D U TCH ER .—Among the remain-
ing early settlers of Ogle county is that
272
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
distinguished lawyer, soldier and pioneer
whose name heads this sketch. He was
born April 2, 182S, in Canaan township,
Litchfield county, Connecticut, on the Hou-
satonic river. His education was obtained
at the Lenox Academy, at Lenox, Mass-
achusetts, and in a school at Salsibury,
Connecticut. Later he took up the pro-
fession of law, and in 1836 entered the
law office of Woods & Morse, at Lock-
port, New York, and began his reading. He
read in this and other offices until 1842,
when he was admitted to the bar in Or-
leans county. New York, and soon after-
wards formed a partnership with Judge Roy-
al Chamberlain for practice in that county,
locating at Lynden. In 1846 he became
imbued with a desire to go west, and in that
year he is found located at Oregon, Ogle
county, Illinois, with hisofficeopen for busi-
ness.
Major Dutcher is the son of Captain Ru-
luff Dutcher, who was born at Dutcher's
Bridge, Litchfield county, Connecticut, a
farmer by occupation, a soldier of the war
of I Si 2, serving as captain of a com-
pany. His father, the grandfather of our
subject, was Captain Ruluff Dutcher, who
was born in 1738 and who served through
the war of the Revolution, entering the serv-
ice first as corporal in Captain James Hud-
son's company of Major Skinner's regiment
of light-horse militia. His name appears
on the rolls of the war department as having
"marched June 29th. Time when discharg-
ed, August 3d. Daj's in service, 38." Lat-
er the war records show him with the rank
of captain of a company of Major Sheldon's
regiment of light horse in 1776. This roll
contains special remarks relative to his serv-
ice. This Revolutionary captain was a son
of a Hollander whose name was also Ruluff,
and who was born on the ocean while his
parents were en route to America. He
died January 17, 1736.
The mother of our subject was Lucinda
Howe, daughter of Elisha Howe, of English
ancestry. She was a cousin of Admiral
Howe, of the English navy. She died at
Amboy, Illinois, August 27, 1874, in her
eighty-seventh year, and her remains were
interred at Oregon. The paternal grand-
mother, Jane Dutcher, in'c Ashley, was the
daughter of John Ashley, who was a general
in the Revolutionary war. The second
daughter of John Ashley, Mary, married
John Fellows, who was also a general in
the war for independence. John Fellows'
son, Edward, was a colonel in the same
war, and is the one from whom the subject
of this sketch is named. Revolutionary
records also show that William Bull, the
first husband of Jane Ashley, was a surgeon
in the Revolutionary war and died from
smallpox, and that later Jane married Major
Dutcher's grandfather.
Ruluff and Lucinda Dutcher were the
parents of nine children, as follows: Fred-
erick R., born December 21, 1804; Caroline
M., born July i, 1806; William A., born
January 7, 1809, and died in 1850; Emeline
J., born June i, 18 12; Elisha W^ells, born
in 181 5; Edward F. , our subject; Catherine
L. , born November 15, 1820; Samuel A.,
born January 7, 1823; and Elizabeth S.,
born May 10, 1825. Emeline, who mar-
ried Herman B. Bushnell, was matron of
the Soldiers' Home, Quincy, Illinois, for
three years. Her only son. Lieutenant
Pierre Bushnell, was killed during the Civil
war. Caroline M., who married Frederick
A. Sterling, died at her son's home in St.
Louis, January 3, 1898, at the age of ninety-
two years. Her only daughter married
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
V3
Joseph H. Choate, the distinguished lawyer
of New York city. Samuel A. is living at
Farley, Iowa.
Major Dutcher was reading law at Lock-
port, at the time of the burning of the
steamer Caroline, at Schlosser. To him
was given the important charge of going to
Buffalo for a capias for the arrest of the
British officer under whose orders the vessel
was burned. During the Canadian trouble
of 1837-8, Major Dutcher was arrested at
Hamilton, Ontario, and held a prisoner for
four days as a rebel, together with seven-
teen other Americans, whose sympathies
for the Canadians brought the action of the
higher powers against them.
It was not long after Mr. Dutcher opened
his office at Oregon before the people of
this section of the country became satisfied
that he was a lawyer of no mean ability.
In fact he soon took front rank among the
members of the profession, and before the
war for the Union commenced he was rec-
ognized as the leading criminal lawyer of
the northwestern part of the state. He
was of Revolutionary stock of patriotic an-
cestors, and when the war broke out and a
blow was aimed at the union his ancestors
had helped create, it was his second nature
to take a hand and help parry that blow.
Accordingly his name is found on the mus-
ter roll in August, 1S62. He was soon after
commissioned second lieutenant, with au-
thority from Governor Yates to recruit a
company, which he soon had ready, and it
was assigned to the Seventy-fourth Illinois
\'olunteer Infantr\'. On the organization
of the regiment he was elected major, and
with his regiment he reached the front Oc-
tober 1st, and was assigned to the Army of
the Cumberland. In all he recruited some
four hundred men for the army. With his
regiment he took part in the battle of Cham-
plain Hill, and the skirmishes in pursuit of
General Bragg. He was also in action at
the battles of Perryville, Lancaster, Knobb
Gap, Overall Creek, Stone River and in all
the skirmishes and marches in which his
regiment was engaged, until he received his
discharge in March, 1863, on account of
disability. For seventy days after the bat-
tle of Stone River, Major Dutcher was in
command of his regiment, and was in the
expedition to Franklin, Tennessee, under
General Jeff C. Davis, the object being to
intercept Forrest and Wheeler. On leaving
the army he returned to Oregon, and on re-
gaining his health resumed the practice of
his profession.
Major Dutcher was united in marriage,
in 1849, to Elizabeth C. Van Valkenburj.;,
a native of Kinderhook, New York. This
union was blessed with six children. Ed-
ward S. was a resident of St. L(_)uis, Mis-
souri. He is now deceased. William H.
lives at Oregon, and has served as United
States deputy marshal for the northern dis-
trict of Illinois. Ruluff E. married Maggie
Terwilliger, and they reside in Council
Grove, Kansas. George A. married Laura
McCary, and they reside in Oregon. Katie
S. and Mary A. died in childhood. Mrs.
Elizabeth C. Dutcher departed this life
May 13, 1876. In 1879 Major Dutcher
married Sarah (Marsh) Scripter, of Batavia,
New York, who died in June, 1S95.
Major Dutcher has always been an earn-
est Democrat, though generally in advance
of his party, politically. He has lived in a
county and district some fifty years which
has been largely Republican, yet he has
been true to his early training, but discuss-
ing freely what he conceived to be the errors
of his party. In 1S49, in a series of able
274
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
articles, he denounced in unmeasured terms
the "black laws" of 1845. These papers
brought upon him much censure from the
members of the Democratic and Whig par-
ties who supported those laws. In the days
of Knownothingism he took an advanced
position in the advocacy of the doctrine
which he claimed every foreigner coming to
the United States to reside should adopt —
he should be required to file his intention
to become a citizen, and that a court hav-
ing jurisdiction should be the scene of this
action within ninety days after his arrival.
In that way only should aliens be allowed
to enter government land, ami then only
upon the further condition that said alien
should become a naturalized citizen within
six years thereafter, and in case of failure
to secure such citizenship, such lands should
revert back to the general government.
Later legislation has shown the soundness
of these views and his far-seeing mind.
The major has alwa3-s taken an active
part in political matters, but living in a dis-
trict where his party was in the minority,
political preferment even if desired was out
of the question. He severely denounced
the verdict of the electoral commission,
and has alwajs held that Tilden was duly
elected. He was a delegate to the Demo-
cratic convention that nominated Horatio
Seymour for president, and has twice been
chosen presidential elector for Illinois.
Major Dutcher has been in active life
for nearly a half century in this and adjoin-
ing circuits, and has acquired a reputation
in criminal law practice e.xcelled by none.
Up to within a few years he was connected
with almost every important criminal trial
in this circuit, and in every case of homicide
with which he was connected he has saved
his client from the death penalty save one,
and this one exception was when he was ap-
pointed by the court to defend a prisoner in
the absence of his attorney, and had no
time to prepare for trial. With his thor-
ough knowledge of criminal jurisprudence,
his analytical mind quick to grasp all the
salient points of a cause, his intuitive esti-
mate of the character of evidence, his clear,
logical arguments and forceful reasoning,
win for him the respect and attention of the
court and the confidence of the jury.
Courtly and fair in the conduct of cases was
another attribute he possessed. This, to-
gether with his willingness to give his best
efforts to the poor client, as well as the one
who could produce a handsome retainer,
made him the ideal lawyer. His phenom-
enal memory was another aid in his profes-
sion, and in the longest trials he rarely took
notes.
During the war the Major generally had
two horses with him, and many a weary or
wounded soldier, unable to keep up, had his
sore feet relieved, or his limbs rested, or
saved from capture by the rebels, by riding
the major's horses, while he would jog along
afoot. He has always held to the immortal
principle embodied in the Declaration of
Independence, that "all men are created
equal." He is to-day an active member of
the Grand Army of the Republic, and has
aided hundreds of soldiers in securing their
pensions without charge.
In addition to his practice the Major has
been an extensive breeder of fine horses, an
animal of which he is very proud. He has
raised some very fast horses and has ma-
terially aided in improving the stock of this
noble animal in Ogle and adjoiningcounties.
After a residence of over a half century in
Oregon, and although he has passed his
four score years, he is yet hale and hearty,
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
= 75
with form erect, and his mental powers un-
impaired. He was reared in the Episcopal
faith, and his reUgious views incline in that
direction. Genial in manners, he has al-
ways had many warm friends.
SILAS WRIGHT LEWIS, a leading res-
ident of Rockvale township, and a
thorough and experienced farmer, was born
in Saratoga county, New York, November
1 8, 1S43, and is the son of the late Stephen
Lewis and his wife, Judith Maria (Boyce)
Lewis, natives of Herkimer county. New
York, the former born November 25, 18 18,
and the latter October 23, 1822. Mr. and
Mrs. Lewis were married June 30, 1839,
and are the parents of two children, Caro-
line, who married George Clancy, and died
in 1863, and Silas Wright.
When the subject of this sketch was a
child of five years, his father, believing
that the west afforded greater opportunities
for advancement and progress, moved his
family to Buffalo, and thence to Chicago by
way of the great lakes, which place he left
for Oregon, Illinois, moving later to Rock-
vale township, where he rented successive-
ly, for periods of two years each, the farms
of Hiram Read, William Irvine, John
James, Hiram Getchell and the Hill farm.
Later he purchased two hundred acres on
section 9, where he lived until his death,
which occurred October 25, 1879, and
where his wife still resides at the comforta-
ble age of seventy-seven.
Mr. Lewis' grandparents, John and
Elizabeth (Millis) Lewis, were natives of
Saratoga county. They were farmers by
occupation, and emigrated to Ogle county
in 1879, where they resided until their
death. His great-grandparents on both
sides, took part in the great struggle that
gave us our freedom, and which was the
first step toward the position which we now
occupy, one of the foremost nations of the
earth.
Our subject first attended school at the
home of Mrs. Ditwilder, and later, in an
old log house which was converted into a
school-room. When not attending school
Mr. Lewis assisted his father about the
farm, and at odd times picked up carpen-
tering and blacksmithing, at which he
became very proficient. He is still actively
engaged in the cultivation of his farm, a
valuable tract of two hundred acres.
December 15, 1871, our subject was
united in holy matrimony, to Mary Palmer,
who was born on the 9th of October, 1851,
and is a daughter of Harry and Ljdia
(Beeler) Palmer. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are
the parents of four children: Elma, the eld-
est, died of scarlet fever when but two
years of age; Zelda May, born in 1875, is
the wife of Lawson Stine. They have a
bright little son of three years, and are
living on the Frank Knode farm; Stephen,
a typical specimen of }'oung America, was
born October 25, 1878, and remains at
home to assist his father in the management
and superintendence of the home farm;
Lydia, the youngest child, was born in 18S1,
and is the wife of George E. Smith. They
reside at the home of our subject and are
the parents of a fine daughter born January
7, 1899, Mary P. Smith.
Politically, Mr. Lewis is a Republican,
and takes a keen interest in all affairs of
state. He is at present holding the office
of school director, in which capacity he has
served for three terms. He has also served
as pathmaster. It seems hard to realize, in
looking over Mr. Lewis' farm, that these
fjd
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lands now in such excellent state of cultiva-
tion, were so recently the home of the deer,
and other wild game, but America is
nothing if not progressive and to her people
belong the credit of this progression. It
is to the agriculturists, however, that we
owe our standing as the greatest grain-
producing country in the world.
JOHN SHELLY, a prominent and influ-
ential farmfer residing on section ii,
Forreston township. Ogle county, was born
in Blair county, Pennsylvania, August 15,
1850, and is a son of Abram and Elizabeth
(Snively) Shelly, who were also natives of
Pennsylvania and were married in Blair
count}', where the father carried on opera-
tions as a farmer until 1870. Coming to
Illinois in that year, he spent one year in
Ogle. county, and then located in Carroll
county, where he bought an improved place
and again turned his attention to farming.
There he spent his last years, dying Septem-
ber25, 1875, at the age of seventy-two years,
ten months and twentj-three days. His
wife, who survived him for a number of
years, passed away in 1896, at the age
of eighty-five years, three months and fif-
teen days. Besides our subject, the other
children of the family were as follows:
Jacob, a traveling salesman residing in
Shannon, Carroll county; Mrs. Susan Bre-
neman, of Lenark, Illinois; Mrs. Henry
Shirk, of Shannon; Mrs. Lizzie Hoffee, who
makes her home near Grundy Center, Iowa;
Mrs. Barbara Shirk, of Carroll county ; Mrs.
Sarah Stonrook, of Cedar county, Iowa;
Mrs. Louisa Bowers, of Kansas; and Mrs.
Albert Puterbaugh, of Plattsburg, Missouri.
John Shelly received a good common-
school educatiiHi in his native state and was
a young man when he came with the family
to Illinois. Here he assisted his father in
the operation of the home farm until the
latter's death. In Forreston township, Ogle
county, December 4, 1877, he led to the
marriage altar Miss Barbara Shirk, also
a native of Blair county, Pennsylvania.
Her father. Rev. Joseph Shirk, a minister
of the Dunkard church, was born in Lan-
caster county, that state, in 1827, and in
Pennsylvania grew to manhood. He mar-
ried Miss Rebecca Miller, a native of
Bedford county, Pennsylvania, born in 1834,
where he engaged in farming for a number
of years. On coming west in 1865 he first
located on a farm in Forreston township,
Ogle county, near Harper, but one year
later removed to another farm on section
II, the same township, where he engaged
in agricultural pursuits for some years.
Since 1895, however, he has lived retired
in Shannon, enjoying a well-earned rest.
Mrs. Shelly is the oldest in her family of
four children, two sons and two daughters,
the others being Robert, a farmer of Carroll
county; Jennie, at home with her parents;
and Porter, who now operates the old home
farm. Our subject and his wife have three
children: Ida M., who is now attending the
Shannon high school; Harry N. and Oscar.
They lost their oldest child, Alvin, who
died at they age of two and a half years.
For three years after his marriage Mr.
Shelly engaged in agricultural pursuits on
the Blair farm in Carroll county, and then
bought the place on which he now resides
on section 11, Forreston township, Ogle
county. It was then but slightly improved,
and the house' was in a rather dilapidated
condition, but during the eighteen years of
his residence here he has made many
changes, has set out forest and ornamental
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
trees, has built a commodious and pleasant
residence, erected good outbuildings and
now has one of the neatest and best im-
proved places of the township, comprising
eighty acres. In connection with general
farming he is engaged in the dairy business,
and for this purpose keeps on hand from ten
to fourteen cows. Formerly he was inter-
ested in breeding and raising stock, and
kept a good grade of cattle and hogs. He
commenced life for himself in limited cir-
cumstances, and by his own labor and enter-
prise and the assistance of his estimable
wife, he has become one of the prosperous
and well-to-do farmers of the community in
which he lives. He has always been a sup-
porter of the Republican party, but has
never aspired to office, though he has capably
served as school director for ten years, and
as clerk of the district. Religiously, both
he and his wife are worthy members of the
German Baptist church, and are held in high
esteem by all who know them.
JOHN FRANKLIN SPALDING, of By-
ron, Illinois, is undoubtedly one of the
best business men of Ogle county. Indus-
try, enterprise and energy have been the
crowning points of his success, and his con-
nection with various business enterprises
and industries have been of decided ad-
vantage to this section of the state, pro-
moting its material welfare in no uncertain
manner.
Mr. Spalding is a native of Illinois, his
birth occurring in Winnebago county, Janu-
ary 30, 1843. The Spalding family is of
English extraction, and was founded in the
United States in 161 9 by two brothers, one
of whom settled in Connecticut, the other in
Maryland. From the former, who bore the
30
name of Edward, our subject is descended.
His great-grandfather, John Spalding, was a
native of Connecticut, and served with dis-
tinction as a colonel in the Revolutionary
war. The grandfather, Harry Spalding,
died at the early age of thirty-six years.
S. S. Spalding, the father of our subject,
was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania,
in 1S16, and in 1S35, when a young man of
nineteen years, he came to Illinois. An
older brother, John Franklin Spalding, had
located here several years previous arud died
in Chicago in 1832, while two other broth-
ers, Asa and James, also came here in 1835,
and Harry arrived several years later. S. S.
Spalding and his two brothers spent the
winter of 1835-6 in Peru, Illinois, and in
the summer of 1836 came to Ogle county
and located in Byron township. Our sub-
ject's father took a claim two miles west of
the village of Byron and opened up a farm
of five hundred acres, becoming one of the
prominent and substantial farmers of the
county. He was married here to Miss
Lydia Ann Weldon, a native of Strasburg,
Pennsylvania, and a daughter of John Wel-
don. She came to this state with Asa
Spalding and died in November, 1S60,
while her husband passed away in January,
1869. To this worthy couple were born
six children, of whom two daughters died
in childhood. Those living are John Frank-
lin, of this review; D. W., a resident of
Chamberlain, South Dakota; Mrs. Alice
Danforth, of California; and Mrs. Susan
Stout, of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Upon the home farm in Byron towiship,
Mr. Spalding of this sketch grew to man-
hood, and the early education he acquired
in the district schools of the neighborhood
was supplemented by a year's attendance
at an academy in Monroe, Connecticut. On
278
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his return to Ogle county, he spent one
year on the farm with his father, but in July,
1862, he joined the boys in blue as private
in Company B, Ninety-second Illinois Vol-
unteer Infantry, which was assigned to the
Army of the Cumberland. Later he was
promoted to the rank of sergeant and parti-
cipated in the battles of Chickamauga,
Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, the
Atlanta campaign, the March to the Sea,
and the engagements at Goldsboro and
Raleigh. At Jonesboro he was disabled b}'
a gunshot through the right shoulder and
also through the left arm, and at Raleigh
had a horse killed under him, while at
Chickamauga his gun was shot to pieces.
For three long years he followed the old
flag to victory on southern battle fields,
being mustered out at Concord, North
Carolina, in June, 1865.
On his return home, Mr. Spaulding
commenced working by the month on a
farm, and the following year operated
rented land. On the 20th of December,
1866, was celebrated his marriage with
Miss Emily L. Reed, who was born and
reared in Byron, her father, Lucius Reed,
being a native of Vermont and a pioneer of
Ogle county. They now have four children:
Carl S., who is married and engaged in
business in Byron; Lucius Reed, an electri-
cian, who now has charge of the electric
light plant at Kirkland, Illinois; Roy V.
who has prepared himself for the legal pro-
fession, graduating from the law department
of the State University in June, 1898; and
Ralph D , who is attending the home
schools, and in five years has been neither
absent nor tardy.
In 1868 Mr. Spalding purchased a farm
of one hundred and twenty acres, which
had been placed under the plow and fenced.
He erected thereon good buildings and en-
gaged in its cultivation until 1875, when he
sold the place and bought residence prop-
erty in Byron, where he has since made his
home. In 1873 he began to take contracts
for building bridges and has followed that
business continuously since with marked
success, never having had an accident hap-
pen through any fault of his own to a bridge
he constructed. He build them of wood,
iron and stone, but mostly of iron and
stone, and has constructed more bridges in
Ogle county than any three men together.
He spent three weeks in the lobbies of the
legislature trying to get the act passed
authorizing the building of the Byron
bridge, and later had the contract for part
of the work on that structure. In 1876 he
erected four store buildings on Main street,
Byron, which were lost by fire two years
later, and in 1878 he built the Commercial
Hotel, which he conducted for five years in
connection with his other business. He
also built a livery stable and carried it on for
ten years. He has a ranch in South Da-
kota and is extensively interested in stock
growing. He is one of the most active,
progressive and successful business men of
the community and the prosperity that has
crowned his efforts is certainly well de-
served.
Since casting his first vote for General
U. S. Grant in 1S6S, Mr. Spalding has
been an ardent Republican, and has ever
taken an active and prominent part in
political affairs. He has most capably and
satisfactorily filled the offices of school di-
rector, commissioner of highways, village
trustee, etc., and in 1888 was elected super-
visor. So acceptably did he serve in that
position that he has been constantly re-
elected up to the present time, and was
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
279
chairman of the board for two years. He
has also been chairman of almost every
committee and as superintendent had charge
of all the business connected with the build-
ing of the court house. He has taken an
active interest in all public improvements
and is recognized as one of the most pro-
gressive and public-spirited citizens of the
county. He has served as a delegate to the
county and state conventions of his party,
and during the fortieth general assembly
was one of the three sergeants at arms and
also through a called session. Socially he
is a prominent member of the Grand Army
post at Byron, in which he has served as
commander, and he was also one of the
trustees and a member of the building com-
mittee during the erection of the Methodist
Episcopal church at that place, of which
his wife is a member.
Mr. Spalding holds a commission given
by Governor Fifer, in 1892, as a member
of the National Nicaragua Canal convention,
which held its first meeting at Saint Louis
in June, 1892, and met the following year
in November, in New Orleans. There were
twenty-two commissioners appointed for
the state of Illinois.
BENJAMIN WOLF, a farmer residing
on section 36, Woosuug township,
was born November 13, 1839, in Hunting-
don county, Pennsylvania, and is the son of
Jacob and Elizabeth (Layman) Wolf, both
of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, the
former being born about 1S04. He was a
shoemaker by trade, an occupation which
he followed throughout life. He remained
in Pennsylvania until iS 50 when he came
to Ogle county and located in Pine Creek
township, but still continued to work at
his trade. His death occurred in 1875.
In his family were nine sons, two of
whom died in childhood. The living are
Samuel, a farmer of Powesheik county,
Iowa; Henry, a shoemaker of Polo, Illinois;
George, a farmer of Powesheik county,
Iowa; Jacob, a carpenter, residing in Polo;
Benjamin, our subject; Joseph, a fruit
grower of Los Angeles county, California;
and John, a harness maker, residing in Iowa.
In his native county our subject com-
menced his education in the public schools.
He was eleven years old when the family
came to Ogle county, and in the public
schools of this county he finished his educa-
tion. As soon as physicially able he en-
gaged in farm work for wages, and contin-
ued in such employment until in July, 1861,
when he enlisted in the Thirty-fourth Illi-
nois Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Van
Tassel. His regiment was assigned to the
second division of the fourth army corps,
under Sherman and saw considerable hard
service. With his regiment, Mr. Wolf par-
ticipated in the battles of Shiloh, Mission
Ridge, Liberty Gap, Rome, Georgia. Prior
to the engagement of Stone River, while
his regiment was on the extreme right of the
army, it was compelled to retreat, and about
fifty men of the regiment, including Mr.
\\^olf, were captured by Confederate cavalry,
but after being held about one hour, were
re-captured by Union cavalry. He thus
probably escaped a long confinement at
Andersonville, the notorious rebel prison.
In the siege before Atlanta, while hold-
ing his haversack and drawing his rations,
Mr. Wolf was struck by a rebel bullet, and
two of his ribs were broken. He was sent
to the hospital, where the next four months
were spent. He was one week in the field
hospital, and the remainder of the time in
!So
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the hospitals at Chattanooga and Nashville.
During the latter part of his disability he
was removed to the hospital at Mound City,
Illinois, where he was taken with the small-
pox. After his recovery he was transferred
to the veteran reserve corps, where he spent
the remainder of his term of service at Rock
Island, guarding prisoners. He was dis-
charged and mustered out of service July 2,
1865, after giving four years of his time to
the government.
After receiving his discharge, Mr. Wolf
returned to his home in Ogle county, and
renting a piece of land in Pine Creek town-
ship, he engaged in farming on his own ac-
count. He was married March 8, 1866, to
Miss Susan Sterner, who was born in Free-
port, Illinois, and daughter of John and
Fietta (Sheets) Sterner. She was an or-
phan girl, her mother having died when she
was only one year old. By this union there
were three daughters born: Marietta, now
the wife of Frank Ackert, of Di.xon, but
who is in the postal service between Chi-
cago and Council Bluffs, Iowa; Grace E.,
wife of Charles Hempleman, a farmer of
Pine Creek township; and Gertrude S. , still
at home.
After his marriage, Mr. Wolf rented the
farm now owned by William Clark, in Pine
Creek township, on which he remained
three years. He then purchased his pres-
ent farm of eighty acres, which has since
been his home, and where he has been en-
gaged in general farming and stock raising.
When purchased the place was unimproved,
and with characteristic energy he went to
work to put it in order. All the buildings
on the place were erected by him, and after
a lapse of some years, it presented an en-
tirely different appearance. It is now one
of the best improved in the township. For
the past five years he has rented the culti-
vated portion of his farm, but retaining the
pasture land, and has given his entire time
to stock raising. He yet remains on the
farm.
Mr. Wolf has taken an active interest
in educational matters, and has served six
years as director in his school district. He
is a stanch Republican and cast his first
presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln.
Fraternally he is a member of Post No. 84,
G. A. R., of Polo. Mrs. Wolf is a member
of the Pine Creek German Baptist church.
A RON CASS, deceased, was for years
one of the most enterprising citizens of
Rochelle, a man to whom the entire com-
munity delighted in doing honor. He was
born in Tompkins county. New York, July
2, 1833, and was the son of Moses and
Elizabeth (Mott) Cass, natives of Connect-
icut, but early settlers of Tompkins county,
New York. For a number of years Moses
Cass was engaged in the mercantile business
in Watkins, New York, in which line he
met with signal success. He never came
west, but died in 1856 in Watkins, New
York.
In early childhood, Aron Cass accom-
panied his parents to Watkins and there
spent his boyhood and youth, completing
his studies at Starkey Seminary, North
Hector, New York. As a result of his
training in that seminary he learned to prize
the advantages of education above almost
everything else. On leaving that institu-
tion he engaged in the manufacture of lum-
ber in connection with his father and broth-
ers, but his lungs being weak, he was ad-
vised by a physician to seek a change of
ARON CASS.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
^S3
climate, and accordingly, in 1855, he fol-
lowed an older brother to Ogle county, Illi-
nois, locating at Rochelle, where he estab-
lished himself in the mercantile business, a
pursuit for which he had inherited a taste.
He continued in that line until the outbreak
of the Civil war, at which time he closed
out his interests.
On the nth of May, 1869, Mr. Cass
was united in marriage with Miss Susan M.
Smith, who was born in Marion township,
Ogle county, June 23, 1847, and daughter
of Peter and Sarah (Foster) Smith. (See
sketch of Peter Smith.)
Six children came to bless the union of
Aron and Susan M. Cass: Edward, of whom
further mention is made in this sketch; Mar-
garet Austin, wife of W. P. Landon, for-
merly pastor of the Presbyterian church
and now a lawyer of Rochelle; Annie Ame-
lia, who is taking a four-years course in
Smith College, Northampton, Massachu-
setts; Ruth Frances, living at home and at-
tending school; Charlotte May, who died
at the age of one year; and Willie B., who
died at the age of ten years.
From 1876 until 1881, Mr. Cass served
as a director of the Rochelle National I3ank,
sharing in its management with his father-
in-law, Peter Smith. He then re-estab-
lished himself in business in the dry goods
trade, and conducted a successful business
for several years. From time to time he
was a silent partner in several firms in
Rochelle, assisting them with his means
and wise counsels. On retiring from active
business, he invested his means principally
in farming lands. He was a good business
man and was uniformly successful in all his
undertakings. From 1891 to 1893, he
served as mayor of Rochelle, and made a
good executive officer. He did not seek
the office, and in fact was averse to holding
office, and in his case it was an exemplifi-
cation of the office seeking the man and not
the man the office.
Mr. Cass prided himself on his vigorous
health and excellent constitution, but in the
fall of 1S93 he contracted muscular rheu-
matism, which caused him some alarm. In
the latter part of February, 1894, he con-
sulted Dr. N. S. Davis, one of the best
physicians and diagnosticians in the coun-
try, who pronounced him apparently a
sound man, slightly run down with> stomach
trouble, which ought to yield to treatment.
From that time, however, he remained in-
doors, and for four days previous to his
death, which occurred March i, 1S94, was
confined to his bed. The morning of the
day on which he died found him so much
better that he was able to walk unassisted
to an adjoining room. Late in the after-
noon, however, his condition suddenly
changed and it was but a few hours before
he was at rest, his spirit having gone to join
his Maker.
Politically Mr. Cass was a Democrat,
with prohibition tendencies, although most
liberal in his views. He was an independ-
ent thinker, while his clear perceptions and
sound judgment were generally recognized
and appreciated in all his business connec-
tions. He possessed a popular reading
knowledge of law and took great interest in
points of legal controversy. In striking
contrast to a mind tempered with a keen
sense of humor, was a capacity for thought
which attempted to weigh all things con-
siderately. His home life was a model one,
and his pre-eminent characteristic in the
family circle was lose. He loved his fam-
ily with all the intense devotion of his na-
ture, and they in turn loved him. He could
2 84
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
not do too much for them, and they recip-
rocated all his service. He was a member
of the Presbyterian church.
While his family was to him so much
and so dear, his goodness of heart extended
to his fellowmen, and with unassuming
modesty he performed many acts of mercy,
which only his Maker and the recording
angel have knowledge. His favorite motto
was "With charity for all," and that char-
ity he endeavored to e.xtend to all. His
death, therefore, was not alone mourned by
his famil}' and relatives, but by man}' who
were recipients of his favors, and, in fact,
by all who knew him. Recognizing the im-
possibility that all should be famous, he felt
assured that in the eyes of an all-wise Judge
he who performed even the humble duties
of every-day life would not lose his reward.
That he performed .well all such duties a
host of friends who are left behind will
attest.
Edward Cass, the eldest son of Aron
and Susan M. Cass, was born in Rochelle,
Illinois, August 6, 1870, and died on the
twenty-eighth anniversary of his birth, Au-
gust 6, 1S9S. He grew to manhood in his
native city, and after graduating from the
high school he took a four years' course,
including the preparatory year, in the uni-
versit}- at Lake Forest, Illinois, and then
spent one year in Amherst College, Massa-
chusetts, from which he was graduated in
1893. A three years' course in the Har-
vard Law School followed, and after gradu-
ating from that institution he was admitted
to practice in the courts of Illinois. On the
first of January, 1897, he began the prac-
tice of his profession in Chicago, first with
Green, Honore & Robbins, and later with
Samuel Lynde. He was a very bright
young man, and had just completed ar-
rangements for entering a still more im-
portant field of labor, when death cut short
his rapid advancement. Quiet, modest and
unassuming, he was possessed of unusual
power of intellect, and his death deprived
the state of Illinois of one of its bright-
est young men, and one who doubtless
would have advanced to the front in his
profession, to which he gave his best tal-
ent and thought. In his professional work
he was very thorough. He had resolved
to reach the top round, and spared no
amount of time, expense or labor in obtain-
ing the best possible mental equipment. In
the midst of his preparation, while at the
law school, his father died. This threw
upon him a multitude of business details and
responsibilities. Most young men would have
stopped their studies, but he assumed the
extra load and pressed steadily on, being a
student and business man at the same time.
Likewise he was husband and father to his
mother and sisters. No outside induce-
ment, however attractive, nor laborious
details within his professional work, swerved
him from his purpose. This patient perse-
verance, combined with his natural endow-
ments and good sense, would have brought
him to the very front in the legal profession.
Few, even of his intimate acquaintances,
knew what complete devotion to a lofty pur-
pose possessed this quiet, modest, polite
young man. His family life was beautiful,
and his thoughtfulness for each member of
the family was most strikingly manifested
on his death bed. He desired to take his
father's place in the family and this he did
to a remarkable degree. The beautiful com-
panionship between the son and father as
they walked and talked together will be re-
membered by many. His father's wishes
were always a law to him, and the words
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
2S5
and desires of the father were often spoken
of by him to his friends.
When about nineteen years old, Ed-
ward united with the Presbyterian church,
and from that time to the day of his death
he was a steadfast, earnest Christian man,
a firm believer in the Word of God. He
not only read but studied his bible. He
also read and studied church history and re-
ligious literature, spending his last Sunday
at home in reading aloud a life of Christ.
A friend has said of him, " Many were his
virtues — few his faults." Certainly a noble
tribute, and one well deserved.
LEVI M. BELLOWS, one of the sub-
statial farmers of Eagle Point town-
ship, and who resides on section 23, has
been a resident of Ogle county for a little
more than half a century. He was born in
Delaware county, New York, December
25, 1842, and is the son of Hoton and Sar-
ah (Banker) Bellows, both of whom were
natives of the same county and state. Ho-
ton Bellows was born in 1809, and was the
son of Jotham Bellows, who removed from
one of the New England states to Dela-
ware county. New York, at a very early
day. The family is of English ancestry,
and were pioneers in New England. Sarah
Banker was a daughter of Squire Banker, a
member of the Society of Friends. She
died in Ogle county about 1850.
Hoton Bellows, who was a farmer by
occupation, came to Ogle county in 1848,
joining here his father's family, who had
come out a few years previously. He came
to Chicago by way of the great lakes, and
by teams from that city to Ogle county, lo-
cating on section 23, in what is now Eagle
Point township. He purchased a tract of
land and opened up a farm. For forty
years he was a leading citizen of the town-
ship, a good farmer, a kind neighbor, and
one ever ready to oblige a friend. His
death occurred in 1S88, while that of his
wife occurred December 24, 1844, in the
forty-first year of her age. To Hoton Bel-
lows and wife four sons and three daughters
were born. Mary is now a widow and re-
sides in Eagle Point township. Relief re-
sides in Marion county, Kansas. Mrs.
Sarah E. Hodge is now living in Lawrence,
Kansas. Benjamin R. settled in Eagle
Point township, where his death occurred.
Levi M. is the subject of this sketch. Ori-
son settled in Carroll county, and later died
there. Talman C. resides in Buena Vista
county, Iowa. For his second wife Hoton
Bellows married Miss Cornelia Decker.
To them five children were born, four of
whom are still living: Charles, Emery, Adel-
bert and Jotham.
Levi M. Bellows was six years old when
he came with his parents to Ogle county.
He here grew to manhood, and in the pub-
lic schools received but a limited education.
He remained with his father until he reached
mature years, when he rented land and en-
gaged in farming on his o^vn account. He
was married in Carroll county, Illinois, Feb-
ruary 20, 1867, to Miss Anis M. Wolcott, a
native of Green county. New York, and
daughter of Francis C. and Mary Ann (Rob-
inson) Wolcott, who removed from New
York to Ogle county and later to Carroll
county, Illinois. By this union nine chil-
dren were born, of whom five are yet liv-
ing. Francis C. died in early childhood.
Rose married Harry Stokes, and died in
August, 1S97, leaving two children, Merna
Belle and Levi S., who now live with their
grandparents. Walter B., a young man, is
286
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
now assisting in operating the home farm.
Harry R. died February 24, 1899. Hattie,
a twin sister of Harry, died in infancy.
Wilson H. is yet at home. Mary A. also
lives at home. Edith Belle died in child-
hood. Fanny is a student in the home
school.
Immediately after marriage, Mr. and
Mrs. Bellows commenced their domestic
life on his father's farm. In the winter fol-
lowing he purchased eighty acres, which he
farmed in connection with his father's place.
He has since added to his original purchase,
and is now the owner of about three hun-
dred acres. He has endeavored to keep up
with the times in the way of improvement,
putting out fruit and ornamental trees, til-
ing the place, and building a neat and sub-
stantial residence, two good barns and other
outbuildings. In addition to the raising of
grain, he has engaged to some extent in
feeding and fattening cattle for the markets,
usually shipping one or two car loads per
year and about fifty to one hundred head of
hogs. He has been fairly successful in life,
and has no reason to complain.
The first presidential ballot cast by Mr.
Bellows was in 1864, when he voted for
Abraham Lincoln, since which time he has
given his earnest support to the men and
measures of the Republican party. He has
taken quite an interest in local politics, and
frequently represents the Republicans of his
township in the various conventions of the
party. He has served for some years as
justice of the peace, and being a friend of
education and the public schools, has served
as a member of the school board. He is a
member of the United Brethren church in
Eagle Point township (the old brick church),
of which he is one of the trustees. He is
an active worker in the Sunday-school, and
served several years as superintendent.
Mrs. Bellows is also a member of the same
church, and is interested in its work. Both
are well-known, especially in the western
part of Ogle and the eastern part of Carroll
counties. All who know them hold them in
the highest respect.
REV. HOLMES DYSINGER, D.D..
pastor of the Lutheran church, at
Polo, is a well known and popular divine in
the Lutheran church, with a national repu-
tation as a minister and a teacher. He
was born in Mifflintown, Juniata county,
Pennsylvania, March 26, 1853, and is sec-
ond in a family of seven children born to
Joseph and Mary Amelia (Patterson) Dys-
inger, both of whom are natives of the
same county and state, and where they yet
reside. Joseph Dysinger, by trade, is a
carpenter and builder, an occupation which
he followed for some years, later following
farming, a vocation in which he has been
engaged for about thirty-five years. In
politics he is a Democrat, and has served
his fellow citizens in various official posi-
tions, including assessor, collector and
school director. Religiously he is a Lu-
theran, as also his wife. She is a daughter
of William and Catherine (Echo) Patter-
son, the former a native of England, a
blacksmith by trade, who died at the age of
si.xty-eight years, and the latter a native of
Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. The pa-
ternal grandfather, John Dysinger, when a
young man moved from Dauphin county,
Pennsylvania, to Juniata county, in the
same state, and there followed the occupa-
tion of a farmer. He died at the residence
of his son, Joseph, with whom he made
his home for a time before his death. He
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
287
married Sarah Kauffmann, whose father
was an Ornish preacher in Pennsylvania,
and who died at an advanced age. At one
time John Dj'singer was quite wealthy, but
lost his fortune. He had three uncles in
in the Revolutionary v/ar.
In the public schools of his native coun-
ty our subject received his primary educa-
tion, and at the age of seventeen com-
menced teaching. For three years he
taught in the country schools and was then
employed in the schools of Mifflintown,
where he taught two years. He then en-
tered Pennsjlvania College, at Gettysburg,
and after pursuing the regular course, grad-
uated from that institution in 1878. After
he received his diploma he taught Latin and
Greek in the preparatory department of his
Alma Mater for four years, in the mean-
time finishing the course and graduating
from the Lutheran Theological Seminary,
located at Gettysburg. In 1882 he was in-
vited to accept a chair in the college at Mt.
Pleasant, North Carolina, and was a teacher
in Latin and Greek. Later he was with the
college at Newberry, South Carolina, where
he continued five years. He was then
called to the presidency of Carthage Col-
lege, Carthage, Illinois, and filled that posi-
tion for seven years, during which time he
greatly strengthened the institution. His
resignation was accepted with reluctance,
as he had the entire confidence not alone
of his own church, under whose auspices
the college was conducted, but by the entire
community as well. Leaving the college,
he accepted the call of the Lutheran church
at Polo, to become its pastor. While
teaching had been his regular profession,
for years he had been a regular ordained
minister of the church, preaching at such
times as his other duties would admit. He
31
is a fluent and eloquent speaker, and is one
of the most popular pastors that has ever
served in Polo. The church to which he
ministers, was organized in 1870, and the
house of worship erected in 1872. The
parsonage was built in 1898.
Mr. Dysinger was married at Blairsville,
Pennsylvania, September 22, 1886, to Miss
Ada Frances Ray, a native of that city, and
daughter of Samuel and Margaret (John-
son) Ray, the former a native of county
Armaugh, Ireland. By this union four chil-
dren have been born — Mary Ray, Cornelia,
Margaret Eloise and Helen Frances.
In politics, Mr. Dysinger is thoroughly
independent, believeing in giving his sup-
port to the best men regardless of their
political belief, especially in local affairs.
Fraternally he is a Mason, holding member-
ship with the blue lodge at Polo. In every
enterprise for the best good of his adopted
city and county, he cheerfully lends his aid
and influence, and in charitable and moral
reform, he is always in the lead.
MAJOR CHARLES NEWCOMER, for
many years engaged in the banking
business at Mt. Morris, is personally as
well known as any man in Ogle county. He
was born in Washington county, Maryland,
August 22, 1825, and is of Swiss origin, his
paternal ancestor, \\'olfgang Newcomer,
emigrating from Switzerland in 1749, and
locating in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He
married an American-born woman, removed
with her to Lancaster county, Pennsylva-
nia, and they became the parents of three
sons, Henry, Christian and Peter, who loca-
ted in Washington county, Maryland. Henry
was the grandfather of the Major, who be-
longs to the fourth generation. His father.
288
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Samuel Newcomer, was a native of that
county and state, while his mother, Sarah
Fridly, was a native of the state of New
York. They emigrated to Illinois in the
summer of 1845, the father securing the
title to three hundred acres of land adjoin-
ing the village of Mt. Morris. Here the
father died four years later, the mother sur-
viving him until January, 1882. They
were members of the Evangelical Lutheran
church and took an active part in organizing
the church and society of that denomina-
tion in Mt. Morris.
Major Newcomer came to Ogle county
with his parents. He was then but twenty
years of age. The Mexican war, which fol-
lowed a little later, brought with it the ac-
quisition of California with its newly dis-
covered gold fields. Great excitement fol-
lowed the discovery of gold and a vast emi-
gration set in towards the gold fields. In
company with his relatives, Samuel W.
Chaney, George and Michael Swingley, on
the 1st of April, 1849, our subject started
to California with an ox team. St. Joseph,
Missouri, being the principal outfitting point
for the overland emigrants, they went to
that point, secured their outfit for what was
then known and called ' ' the plains, ' ' crossed
the Missouri river early in May, and started
out into an unsettled country, uninhabited
except by Indians and three government
lorts garrisoned by United States soldiers —
Forts Kearney, Laramie and Hall. The
Mormons, however, had a settlement south
of the emigrant trail at Salt Lake. The
Indians were not as a rule hostile, unless
imposed upon.
The party to which the major belonged
traveled and camped alone the greater part
of the way, frecpiently coming in site of
Indian camps and villages, and were never
molested or disturbed by them. They saw
vast herds of buffalo on the plams, in some in-
stances numbering thousands in a herd. An-
telope were plenty, but they did not see any
deer until they got into the Sierra Nevada
mountains, where they saw plenty of the
blatck ailed deer, mountain sheep, and occa-
sionally a grizzly bear. Traveling with oxen
was slow and tedious. Meeting a camp of
Mormon traders at the crossing of Green
river, in Wyoming, they exchanged their
outfit and surplus supplies for saddle horses
and pack mules, and traveling faster, they
arrived at the mining region on Bear river,
August I, 1849. Their provisions being
nearly exhausted, as well as their cash,
they found it necessary to commence work
without delay. One dollar per pound was
the minimum price of supplies. Luxuries,
such as potatoes, onions, etc., were dearer.
Picks and shovels were worth one ounce of
gold ($16.00) each.
Mining on Bear river was not sufficiently
remunerative to satisfy the party, so they
prospected on the Uba, the north fork of the
American river, but with indifferent success.
F'inally they succeeded in finding satisfac-
tory " diggin's " near where the city of Ne-
vada is now located, and built the first
cabin in the embryo city. Being moderate-
ly successful, and well pleased with the out-
look and surroundings. Major Newcomer
was making plans for a probably permanent
abode on the Pacific coast, when the intel-
ligence of the death of his father reached
him, entirely changing the course of his after
life. Returning to his home in the summer
of 1850, and purchasing the interest of the
heirs of his father's estate, he became the
proprietor of the homestead and occupied
the same until the spring of 1876, when he
disposed of it.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
2S9
On the first of August, 1877, in company
with Dr. Isaac Rice, now deceased, he es-
tablished the Bank of Mount Morris, becom-
ing sole proprietor in 18S0, and continuing
the same until January i, 1899, when he
sold out to Joseph L. and John H. Rice,
the former being the son of his former
partner.
Major Newcomer was united in marriage
with Miss Rosalie D. Blanchard, July 13,
1853. She was a native of Jefferson coun-
ty. New York, and preceptress of Rock
River Seminary at the time of her marriage.
She died at the homestead, November 11,
1872, leaving three sons — Frank P., at
present a resident of Texas; Charles E.
and Lyle C, residents of New Mexico. On
the 2d of June, 1889, Major Newcomer
married Miss Maria Hitt, daughter of Rev.
Thomas Hitt, who was one of the pioneers
of Ogle county. She was born on the Hitt
homestead, adjoining the village of Mt. Mor-
ris, was a student in Rock River Seminary,
and afterwards continued the study and
completed a course of music, both vocal
and instrumental, at a conservatory in
Washington City. For several years she
was music teacher in Rock River Seminary,
as scores of old students from its classic
halls can testify.
In public life the Major has been an
active and prominent factor. In 1853 he
was appointed and served under Elias
Baker, as deputy sheriff of the county, and
in 1855 was elected sheriff without opposi-
tion. In November, 1861, he was elected
to represent Ogle county in the constitu-
tional convention, and upon the adjourn-
ment of the convention was appointed by
President Lincoln paymaster in the United
States army, with the rank of major, and
was assigned to duty in the military division
of the Department of the Cumberland,
with headquarters at Louisville, Kentucky.
Colonel William Allen, chief paymaster of
that department, placed him in charge of
the field payments of the Army of the Cum-
berland, including the entire forces of Gen-
erals Sherman and Thomas. His subordi-
nates numbered forty paymasters and clerks.
He retained that position until the close of
the war, when he was mustered out of the
service and returned home to assume the
duties of civil life. Since returning home
for more than twenty-one years he was
actively engaged in the management of his
bank. On the ist of October, 1885, he
was selected by the court to adjust the em-
barrassed condition of the suspended l>ank
of Forreston, which he succeeded in doing
to the satisfaction of the assignor and credit-
ors. In whatever position he has been
called upon to fill, every duty has been con-
scientiously performed. He has always
had the confidence of the community in
which he has lived, and all have a good
word to say of him.
FRED J. DEUTH, one of Forreston's
enterprising merchants, owns and man-
ages a well-stocked hardware establishment.
He was born in Ost Friesland, Germany,
October 6, 1852, and in his native land was
reared and educated. After his school days
were over he assisted his father in the culti-
vation of the farm, until 1870, when the fam-
ily came to America and located in Forres-
ton township. Ogle county, where the father
rented a farm. He continued farming in For-
reston township during the remainder of his
life, dying in May, 1897. His remains were
interre in White Oak cemetery, Forreston.
His wife, who was a Miss Tina K. Schurman,
290
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was a daughter of Kreine and Margaret (De
Vreis) Schurman. Mr. and Mrs. Deuth
were the parents of the following named
children: George J., living on a farm in
Stephenson county; Iv. J., living in Minne-
sota; Fred J., our subject; Jacob J., a
farmer of Forreston township; and August,
a farmer of Lincoln township.
Fred J. Deuth, in 1877, married Miss
Anna H. Abels, a daughter of Herman
Abels, a farmer of Lincoln township. Her
parents, Herman and Margaret Abels, came
to America in 1855, and settled near Ger-
man Valley. To Mr. and Mrs. Deuth nine
children have been born, — Tina F., Her-
man, Johnnie F., Annie Carrie, Frederick
George, Martha M., Bertha M., Esther
Lillian and Emma Augusta. Of these Anna
is deceased.
On a farm in Forreston township Mr.
Deuth remained until the fall of 1883, when
he came to the city of Forreston and en-
gaged in the hardware business, in company
with a Mr. Marr, purchasing the establish-
ment of Middlekauff Bros. , and the firm be-
came Marr & Deuth. This partnership
lasted three years, terminating on account
of the death of Mr. Marr. The firm then
became Deuth, Hemphill & Co., which
lasted for nine years. It was then Deuth
& Abels for one year, then Death & Reb-
man, three years, and since December 13,
1897, Mr. Deuth has been sole proprietor.
He carries a full line of stoves, builders'
hardware, agricultural implements, etc. The
store is the oldest in Forreston and was es-
tablished in 1866.
In politics Mr. Deuth is a Republican,
and cast his first presidential vote for R. B.
Hayes, in 1876. He has been quite active
in political and local affairs, and for four-
teen years served as road commissioner, and
also as a member of the board of education
for nine years. The family are members of
the Presbyterian church. He is a very pop-
ular, affable, friendly, bright business man,
and is recognized as a leader of the com-
munity. A self-made man in the true sense
of the term, he has worked his way steadily
upwards until he is now the possessor of a
comfortable competence. No man in For-
reston has more friends or is held in higher
respect than the subject of this sketch.
JOHN AND JAMES NICHOLS are num-
bered among the most enterprising,
energetic and industrious agriculturists of
Eagle Point township, where they own and
successfully operate a fine farm of two hun-
dred and eighty acres on section 14. They
were born upon that place, December 31,
1 86 1.
Their father, John Nichols, was born in
the town of Andes, Delaware county, New
York, in 1818, and was a son of William
Nichols, a native of Martha's Vineyard,
Massachusetts, and a representative of an
old English family, his ancestors being
among the Pilgrim Fathers who settled in
that state early in the seventeenth century.
William Nichols was a sailor and followed
the sea for a number of years. He was
married at Martha's Vineyard and later re-
moved to Delaware county, New York,
where he was one of the pioneers. There
John Nichols, Sr. , was reared and educated,
receiving fair school advantages. In 1836,
when a young man of eighteen years, he
came with his father's family to Illinois and
located in what is now Eagle Point town-
ship. Ogle county. Here they took up a
claim, built a residence and turned their at-
tention to the development and cultivation
r/
JAMES NICHOLS.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
-91
of a farm in the midst of the wilderness, the
grandfather spending the last years of his
life here. John Nichols, Sr. , remained with
his parents until after he attained his ma-
jority. He entered a tract of eighty acres
where the family now resides and soon con-
verted the wild land into a good and well
cultivated farm, improved with substantial
buildings. Being a successful farmer, he
bought more land, becoming the owner of
a tine place of one hundred and twenty
acres. He was an efficient member of the
county board of supervisors for a number of
years, and held other positions of honor and
trust, the duties of which he most capably
and satisfactorily performed. He died upon
his farm May 28, 1880, honored and re-
spected by all who knew him. In Ogle
county he had married Miss Christiana
Byers, who was born and reared in Dela-
ware county. New York, a daughter of
James and Jane (Scott) Byers, both natives
of Scotland. Mrs. Nichols survived her
husband for a number of years, passing
away April 27, 1897, and both were laid to
rest in the United Brethren cemetery at the
brick church in Eagle Point township. They
were formerly members of that church,
were among the original members and
helped to build the church, but later in life
united with the Presbyterian church at Polo,
Mrs. Nichols having been reared in that
faith. To this worthy couple were born si.\
children, namely: Elizabeth, wife of George
Adee, who is now living retired in Sycamore,
Illinois; Russell B., a farmer of Eagle Point
township: Nettie, wife of Barnabus Wright,
of Polo; Olive, who was formerly a teacher
but is now keeping house for her brothers;
and John and James, of this review.
As soon as old enough to be of any as-
sistance, John and James Nichols began to
aid their father in the operation of the home
farm, and since the father's death have pur-
chased the interests of the other heirs in the
place, which they are now so successfully
carrying on. By subsequent purchase they
have added to it and now have a fine farm
of two hundred and eighty acres under a
high state of cultivation and well improved.
They are thorough and systematic farmers
and as stock feeders have also met with ex-
cellent success, fattening for market about
three car loads of cattle and one hundred
and twenty hogs annuall\'. They ship their
own stock and iind the business quite
profitable.
Since casting their first presidential bal-
lot for James G. Blaine, in [884, the Nich-
ols brothers have been ardent supporters of
the Republican party and have never missed
a presidential or state election. James takes
quite an active interest in local politics, has
been a delegate to numerous county and
congressional conventions of his part}-, was
assessor of his township lor five consecutive
years, and for several j-ears has also been
president of the township board of trustees
of the public schools. He is a member of
Buffalo Grove Garrison, No. 3, K. of G., of
Polo, and both he and John are members of
the Eagle Point Mutual Fire Insurance
Company. They are well-known and high-
ly respected, and have been prominently
identified with the upbuilding and prosper-
ity of the community where they have spent
their entire lives, as upright and honorable
business men who command the confidence
of all with whom they come in contact. .
CAPTAIN JOSEPH M. MYERS is un-
questionably one of the strongest and
most influential business men whose liveshave
294
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
become an essential part of the history of For-
reston and Ogle county. Born on the 2nd
of December, 1S37, in Mount Morris town-
ship, and reared in Ogle county, his inter-
est in its growth and advancement have al-
ways been uppermost in his thoughts, and
every effort tending toward its improvement,
strained to the utmost. He is one of the
eight children of Benjamin and Mary (Roth-
ruck) Myers, the former a native of Penn-
sylvania, and the latter of Washington
county, Maryland, he and his twin brother,
now deceased, coming first in order of birth.
Mary is the wife of John H. Mullen, a resi-
dent of Columbus Junction, Iowa. John is
a resident of Mount Morris township. Ruth
Ann, the third child, is deceased. Samuel
is a resident of Leaf River. Sarah J. is the
widow of Norton S. Goodrich and lives in
Winnebago, Illinois. The youngest child,
David, died in infancy.
Captain Myers' parents were among the
first settlers of Ogle county, having come
to Illinois in 1S37. His father was a stone-
cutter and worked at his trade after reach-
ing Ogle county. When Captain Myers was
a child of four years, his parents moved
near Adeline, Maryland township, where they
lived until his mother's death, in 1851.
After this sad event the Captain was obliged
to earn his own living, which he did at farm
work, attending school during the winter
seasons. In August, 1861, he enlisted in
Company H, Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry.
He took an active part in several notable
engagements, among which were Shiloh,
Corinth, Stone River, Liberty Gap and
Missionary Ridge. He also took part in
various battles of the Atlanta campaign, in
Sherman's march to the sea and the cam-
paign in the Carolinas. At Kenesaw Moun-
tain he received a slight wound. Captain
Myers received an honorable discharge,
in Chicago, having been mustered out of
service at Louisville, Kentucky, July 18,
1865.
After the close of the war. Captain
Myers went to Forreston and engaged in the
livery business until May, 1874. He then
clerked in a general store until April, 1876,
and from that time until 1S77 he was pro-
prietor of the Commercial hotel. Selling
out the hotel business, he accepted a posi-
tion with the Illinois Central Railroad Com-
pany as baggageman at Forreston, which
position he held until his appointment as
postmaster, discharging his duties in the
latter capacity very creditably until the ex-
piration of his term, April I, 1893. Cap-
tain Myers then established an insurance
agency, to which he now gives his time and
attention, and which has become representa-
tive in the volume of business written for.
On the 1st of November, 1898, he was again
appointed postmaster of Forreston, an in-
dication of his popularit}' and the esteem in
which he is held by the community.
In the year 1871, Captain Myers was
united in marriage to Barbara A. Geeting,
a native of Germantown, Ohio. She is a
daughter of George and Nancy (Wagner)
Geeting, who settled in Ogle county in
1854. To this union two children were
born: George, a telegraph operator at
Harper, and F^lorence, residing at home.
Our subject is a Knight of the Globe and a
member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
He has been constable for four years, tax
collector for two years, assessor three years,
member of the board of education three
years, town council three years and is now
holding the office of village treasurer and
notary public; was president of the old set-
tlers association for the year 1S95. He has
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
295
frequently been a delegate to county, con-
gressional and senatorial conventions, and
has been township and county committee-
man in public affairs. Captain Myers is a
stanch Republican, voting at every presi-
dental election since casting his first ballot
for Abraham Lincoln, at Mt. Morris. He
is a man of sterling integrity, always courte-
ous and affable, has the confidence of the
community, and the regard of the citizens
of Forreston.
EDMOND D. HUGGANS is one of the
active and enterprising farmers of Ogle
county. He resides on a well improved
farm of three hundred and twenty acres. on
section 20, about two miles southwest of
Polo, and has been a resident of the county
since the fall of 1854. His father, David
G. Huggans, was a native of Green county.
New York, and was the son of William
Huggans, of Irish parents, who married a
Scotch lady. William Huggans was an
early settler of Green county, New York,
and near the Catskill mountains, in the
heavy wilderness, cleared a farm and pro-
vided himself and family a home. The
last years of his life were passed in that
place.
David G. Huggans spent his boyhood
and youth in his native county, receiving in
its primitive schools a limited education.
He there married Miss Polly Griffin, a daugh-
ter of Daniel Griffin, who was likewise an
early settler of Green county. She was
born in Delaware county, in the same state.
After marriage David G. Huggans located
in Delaware county, where he engaged in
farming for some years, and also in -the
manufacture of lumber. In 1S54 he came
to Illinois, first locating in Lee county, and
later moving to Whiteside county. In
1 86 1 he came to Ogle county and pur-
chased land in what is now Woosung town-
ship. He subsequently moved to Labette
county, Kansas, where he lived four years,
and then returned to Ogle county, where
his death occurred in iSgi. His wife died
while they were residing in Lee county,
soon after removing west. They had a
family of eight children, of whom six sons
yet survive. Daniel Uriah grew to man-
hood, married and settled in Ogle county,
but died in 1894. Kimber resides in La-
bette county, Kansas. James G. is a farmer
of Jones county, Iowa. John P. is residing
in the same county. Richard W. is a farmer
of Buffalo township. Edmond D. is the
subject of this sketch. William S. is also
a farmer of Buffalo township.
Edmond D. Huggans came to Ogle
county when thirteen years old. After the
death of their mother the brothers bought a
farm of two hundred and forty acres in part-
nership, adjoining the farm of their father.
They lived and worked in partnership for
several years, later purchasing more land.
With his brother William he bought out
the other brothers, and the two continued
together for some years, owning two farms
comprising five hundred and sixty acres.
They also engaged in buying and shipping
stock together for about fifteen years, meet-
ing with fair success. They then dissolved
partnership, Edmond D. taking the farm
where he now resides. Since the dissolu-
tion of co-partnership he has confined his
operations to general farming and stock
raising, and is considered one of the best
farmers in the section where he resides.
Mr. Huggans was married in Ogle coun-
ty, December 29, 1892, to Miss Jennie Max-
well, a native of Whiteside county, Illinois,
296
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and daughter of William Maxwell, a native
of Scotland, but an early settler of that
county, where he yet resides and is living a
retired life. By this union one son has
been born, Allen Maxwell.
Mr. Huggans was reared a Democrat
and cast his first vote for General Hancock
in 1S80. Always a strong advocate of tem-
perance, and firmly believing that from the
old parties no permanent laws can ever be
obtained, or any earnest efforts put forth
for the suppression of intemperance, he has
for the past eight years voted with the Pro-
hibition party. Fraternally, he is a Mason,
a member of the blue lodge and chapter at
Polo and the commandery at Dixon. As a
citizen he is loyal to the best interests of his
adopted county and state, and has given the
best years of his life to the permanent im-
provement of the count}'. He has been an
industrious man and the results are shown
in the fine farm that he owns and the per-
sonal property that he possesses. All who
know him hold him in hitrh esteem.
GEORGE W. JONES is the owner of
three valuable and well-improved
farms, and in his home place, which is
pleasantly located two and a quarter miles
south of Stillman Valley, he has four hun-
dred acres of rich and arable land. He is
numbered among the self-made men of the
county, his accumulations being the result
of his own industry, perseverance and good
management, and the exercise of a natur-
ally good judgment, both in regard to agri-
cultural pursuits and business matters. He
came to Ogle county in June, 1850, and
since that time this has been the field of
his operations, and the center of his inter-
ests and hopes.
Mr. Jones was born in Harlem township,
Delaware county, Ohio, October 13, 1824,
and is a son of Samuel Jones, whose birth
occurred in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania,
1801. The grandfather, Samuel Jones, Sr. ,
was a native of Wales and a pioneer of
Luzerne county, where he cleared and im-
proved a farm, following farming there
until 18 19, when he removed to Delaware
county, Ohio, and in Harlem township
again developed a farm from wild land.
Samuel Jones, Jr., was a young man of
eighteen years when the family removed to
the Buckeye state, and was of great assist-
ance to his father in opening up the farm.
Here he married Miss Maria Cockrell, a
native of Virginia and a daughter of Edward
and Elizabeth (Dawson) Cockrell, pioneers
of Delaware county. For several years
after his marriage Mr. Jones carried on
operations as a farmer in Ohio, but in 1849
came to Ogle county and took up three
hundred and twenty acres of land with
Mexican war land warrants. In Pine Rock
township he built a residence and developed
a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, giv-
ing to his children the other one hundred
and sixty-acre tract. He died' upon that
farm July 3, 1889, at the advanced age of
eighty-eight years, honored and respected
by all who knew him. His first wife de-
parted this life in 1845, and his second wife
only survived him three months and eight
days.
George W. Jones, our subject, is the
oldest child of the first union, which was
blessed by eleven children, four sons and
seven daughters, all of whom reached years
of maturity with the exception of one
daughter. By the last marriage there were
two sons and three daughters. Oliver
Perry, next younger than our subject, was
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
297
a soldier of the Mexican war and died in
Pueblo; John Butler is living retired in
Minnesota; Lorinda married William Howe
and died in Delaware county, Ohio; Eliza-
beth is the present wife of Mr. Howe, who
still resides in that county; Maria Jane mar-
ried George Lilley and is now deceased;
Katie Ann died in Delaware county during
childhood; Elmira is the wile of Lawrence
Wren, of Ghana, Ogle county, Illinois;
Emma is the wife of Nehemiah Woodruff,
of Shamburg, Page county, Iowa; Lucy Ann
married William Gifford, who died in the
service of his country during the Rebellion,
and she later married Samuel G. Morrison,
but is now deceased, and Samuel B. is a
resident of Delmar Junction, Iowa. The
children of the second marriage were Will-
iam H., who died after reaching manhood;
Alice, wife of O. W. Campbell, of Ashton,
Lee county, Iowa; Mary, who died in child-
hood; Irene M., widow of John Giles and a
resident of Texas, and Philip P., a resident
of East Chain Lakes, Martin county, Min-
nesota.
In the county of his nativity, George W.
Jones was reared and educated, and was
there married November 23, 1848, the lady
of his choice being Miss Jane Woodruff,
whose brother married Mr. Jones' sister.
She was born in Pennsylvania, but when a
child of three years was taken to Ohio,
where she was reared. Four children have
been born to our subject and his wife. Ann
Mary is now the wife of George Smith, a
substantial farmer of Marion township. Ogle
county; Elizabeth is the wife of D. A.
Harlaman, of the same township; Emma T.
is the wife of Walter Stagle, a farmer of
Marion township; Oliver Perry married and
died at the age of forty-four years, leaving
a large family.
32
In 1850 Mr. Jones came to Ogle county,
making the journey in a home-made cov-
ered wagon with a blue box, and arriving
at his destination in June, after twenty-two
days spent upon the road, and they brought
with them their few household effects and
wearing apparel, all home-made. They
camped out at night. Mr. Jones left Ohio
with thirty-six dollars and arrived here with
thirty-one, which, with his team and equip-
ments, constituted his entire worldly pos-
sessions. He bought a cow and a stove,
and began life here in earnest, working by
the day for others for the first year. He
then operated rented land for several years,
his first purchase consisting of a tract of
eighty acres of raw land in Pine Rock town-
ship, which he broke and cultivated, and to
which he later added another eighty adjoin-
ing, making it his home until 1882, when
he sold the place for ten thousand eight
hundred and eighty dollars. He then
bought eighty acres in the same school dis-
trict, but sold it two years later and pur-
chased one hundred and sixty acres in
Greene county, Iowa, which he disposed of
six years later at a good profit. He also
bought one hundred and sixty acres in three
pieces in Pine Rock township, this count}',
which he sold at the end of that year, and
at the same time owned considerable land
around Ghana. He is st'.ll the owner of
three fine farms, aggregating five hundred
and fifty-eight acres. This includes the
home farm previously mentioned, filty-two
acres north of Stillman Valley, sixty-six
acres in Pine Rock township, and forty
acres at Black Walnut Grove, and is valued
at over forty thousand dollars.
Mr. Jones supported Zachary Taylor,
Winfield Scott and John C. Fremont for
the presidency, and each succeeding candi-
298
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
date of the Republican party, and he has
ever taken an active and commendable in-
terest in public affairs. He has held a
number of official positions of honor and
trust, the duties of which he most capably
and satisfactorily discharged. These in-
clude the offices of justice of the peace,
township collector and trustee, and was
also a member of the school board. He
and his estimable wife are earnest and con-
sistent members of the Methodist Episcopal
church, and are held in high regard by all
who have the pleasure of their acquaint-
ance. Mr. George W. Jones has just
passed his seventy-fourth year; his sight is
good, and his business qualifications are
remarkably good for his age. He has just
deeded each of his four children land in
Ogle county, valued at two thousand five
hundred dollars.
LEWIS PETRIE, a well-known farmer
of Lincoln township, resides on a well
improved farm of one hundred and fifty
acres on section 15, and which is one mile
north of Haldane. He is a native of the
county, born in Maryland township. May 7,
1849. His father, Jonas Petrie, was a
native of Washington county, Maryland,
born April i, 1809, while his grandfather,
Philip Petrie, probably of the same county,
was of German parentage. The latter was
a commissioned officer in the Revolutionary
army, and the sword that he carried in the
service is now in possession of our subject.
His death occurred in 1854, in Maryland
township. Ogle county.
Jonas Petrie was reared in his native
county and there married Miss Emily
Weaver, also born in Washington county,
Maryland, and they became the parents of
eight children, all of whom grew to mature
years, and but one now deceased. Frances
married Daniel Stoffer, and they now reside
in Adeline, Ogle county; David resides in
Black Hawk county, Iowa; Jonas is living
in Union county, Iowa; Jacob came west,
but married and remained on the old home
farm in Maryland township. Ogle county,
Illinois. He is the deceased one. Upton
resides in Iowa Falls, Iowa; Freeland re-
sides in Clinton, Iowa; Mary C. is the wife
of Samuel Bovey, of Black Hawk county,
Iowa; Lewis, of this review, completes the
family.
In early manhood Jonas Petrie was en-
gaged in freighting over the mountains of
his native state. The favorable reports
from old friends and neighbors who had
come to Ogle county induced him to come
also. He arrived in this county with his
family in May, 1840, and first located in
Mt. Morris township. He only remained
there a year or two, however, and then
entered two hundred and forty acres of land
in Maryland township, to which he removed.
His farm was within two miles of the pres-
ent village of Adeline. He there reared
his family, and later moved to Forreston,
where he lived a retired life, dying there
July 23, 1880. His wife survived him but
a few months, passing away in November
of the same year. They were laid to rest
in the cemetery at Adeline. They were
highly esteenied people. By his friends
and neighbors he was elected to various
local offices of honor and trust. He was
a member and active worker in the United
Brethren church, as was also his wife.
On the old home farm in Maryland town-
ship, Lewis Petrie grew to manhood, and in
the district schools received his education.
He remained at home, assisting his father
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
299
in the management of the farm until the
latter's removal to Forreston. He was mar-
ried in Stephenson county, Illinois, August
24, 1869, to Miss Margaret Ellen Heitman,
who was born near Hagerstown, Washing-
ton county, Maryland, and daughter of
Joseph Napoleon Heitman, a native of Ger-
many, who removed to the United States
when a young man, locating in Maryland,
where he followed his trade of stone mason.
He was married in Martinsburg, Virginia, to
Miss Anna Fry, a native of what is now
West Virginia, After his marriage he came
to Stephenson county, Illinois, arriving in
that county in 1S52. To Mr. and Mrs.
Petrie five children have been born. Anna
May died at the age of six years. Charles
A. will graduate in the Northwestern Dental
College in the class of 1899; he has taught
seven terms of school in his home district.
Carrie A. is the wife of Oliver Long, a
farmer of Lincoln township. Daisy A. and
Howard A. are yet at home, and are stu-
dents in the home school.
After his marriage, Mr. Petrie located
on the old home farm, which he operated a
number of years, and in the meantime pur-
chased the farm where he now resides and
to which he removed with his family in 1 8S2.
Since his removal to his present farm he has
made many improvements on the place, in-
cluding the erection of a large and neat resi-
dence, large barn and various outbuildings,
and the planting of orchard and shade trees.
He now has one of the best farms in the
township.
Politically, Mr. Petrie is a Democrat, the
principles of which party he has advocated
during his whole life. His first presidential
vote was cast for General Hancock. For
about twenty years he has served as school
director, and for a large part of the time as
president of the board. No other office has
he cared for, and he only would serve as
school director from the fact that he took
great interest in the public schools. A life-
long resident of the county, he has always
had its best interests at heart, and has done
what he could to subserve those interests.
WILLIAM STOCKING, .senior member
of the firm of William Stocking &
Company, bankers of Rochelle, is well-
known throughout Ogle and adjoining coun-
ties as a man of strict honor and integrity,
possessing fine business qualifications, one
having the best interests of his adopted city
and county at heart, and who has doubtless
done as much as any other one man to ad-
vance those interests. He was born in Ash-
field, Franklin county, Massachusetts, Jan-
uary 3, 1827, and is the son of Herod and
Lydia (Ames) Stocking, both of whom were
natives of the same county and state, the
former born in April, 1795. By occupation
the father was a farmer and followed that
vocation during his entire life. In 1S32 he
moved with his family to Cuyahoga county,
Ohio, and seven years later to Ogle coun-
ty, Illinois, settling in Monroe township,
where he took up a claim of one hundred
and twenty acres of government land and
at once began the development of a fine
farm. On that farm he spent the greater
portion of his life, dying in 1888, at the age
of ninety-three years. A few years prior
to his death he retired from active life, pass-
ing away at the residence of his son. Al-
ways an active man, he retained the full
possession of his faculties till the last, and
outlived his second wife. During the sec-
ond war with Great Britain he served his
country as one of its brave defenders. Po-
300
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
litically he was a stanch Democrat. Herod
Stocking was the son of Abraham and Aba-
gail (Smith) Stocking, both of whom were
probably born in Massachusetts, the former
living to the age of ninety years, and the
latter until eighty-five years old. Of the
ten children born to Herod and Lydia Stock-
ing, two only are now living, Lewis, of
Lynnville township, and our subject.
William Stocking was five years old
when he accompanied his parents to Cuya-
hoga county, Ohio, and but twelve years
old when he arrived with them in Ogle
county, and here his entire life has since
been spent, a period of three score years.
He well remembers the trip from Ohio to
Illinois, coming through as they did with
teams. The country was new and it was
quite interesting to the boy. His educa-
tion, which was begun in the common
schools of Ohio, was completed in the prim-
itive schools of Ogle county, attending as
he did generally during the winter months.
But in those primitive schools he laid the
foundation of a practical business life which
has been successful, and which has brought
him honors and the esteem of his fellow men.
Continuing witli his father, and assisting
in the cultivation of the home farm, until
he was twenty-one years old, he then took
up one hundred and sixty acres of land from
the government and the first year broke
twenty acres, thus beginning life for himself.
His first crop of wheat he hauled to Mil-
ford with an o.\ team and sold for forty-five
cents per bushel. Success seemed to crown
his efforts from the start, and he is now the
owner of one thousand acres in one body,
lying in White Rock and Lynnville town-
ships. For some years he was extensively
engaged in buying and selling stock, and in
that line of business was likewise successful.
In 1872 he became interested in the Ro-
chelle National Bank, and was connected
with that institution until iSSi, when he
sold his stock and severed his connection
with the bank. He then bought a control-
ling interest in the First National Bank of
Rochelle, which was later changed into a
private bank and business continued under
the firm name of William Stocking & Co.
The bank is recognized as one of the sound
financial institutions of the county, and has
a large line of deposits.
In Monroe township, Ogle county, June
27, 1S47, Mr. Stocking was united in mar-
riage with Miss Lydia Crill, a native of
Oneida county. New York, and daughter
of Henry Crill, one of the pioneer settlers
of Monroe township. Four children were
born of this union. Horace married Alma
Weeks, and is now living on the home farm.
They have four children. Dexter died at
the age of three years. Aurora married
George Terry, a manufacturer of Chicago,
in which city they reside. George E. is
connected with the bank in Rochelle. He
married Helene S. Stanton, by whom he has
three children.
In politics Mr. Stocking is a Republican
and for years has been active in the councils
of the party. He has been likewise active
in county and municipal affairs, and while
residing in White Rock township served as
supervisor three terms, and also five terms
in the same office in Flagg township, since
removing to Rochelle. On the board he
was one of the most active and influential
members. As a member of the city council
of Rochelle, he was chairman of the com-
mittee on water works and was chiefly in-
strumental in securing so fine a plant, and
took part in putting in the same. Since
1881 he has served as mayor of the city, a
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
^oi
term of office which has probably no parallel
in the state in the same office. He has been
of great assistance in getting the city of Ro-
chelle free from bonded mdebtedness. That
his services have been appreciated, a refer-
ence to the length of time which he has
served is all that need be said.
SOLISTINE GUIO, is a well known citi-
zen of Ogle county, residing about four
miles north of Polo, on section 32, Lincoln
township, where he owns and operates a
well-improved farm of one hundred and si.xty
acres, and also owns eighty acres additional
in the same township. He was born in
Summit county, Ohio, near Akron, October
14, 1S35. His father, Peter Guio, was a
native of Canada, of French extraction, but
who emigrated to Ohio when a young man,
locating on a farm in Summit coimty. He
there married Miss Josephine Moushang, a
French lady, who was reared in Summit
county, Ohio. They became the parents of
four sons and five daughters, all of whom
grew to mature years. Of the family, two
sons and two daughters are now living.
The living are Solistine, of this sketch;
Peter, who resides near Salt Lake City,
Utah, where he owns a ranch, and also
keeps a public house and stage station;
Levina, widow of J. B. Lamb, of Chicago;
and Mrs. George Culver, of Kalamazoo,
Michigan. The mother of these children
died in Ohio in 1845, and about four years
later the father removed with the family to
Branch county, Michigan, and settled near
Gilead, where he engaged in farming and
reared the family. He died there about
1854.
The subject of this sketch spent his boy-
hood and youth in Ohio and Michigan, being
about fourteen years old when he accom-
panied his father to the latter state. He
had good common school advantages in his
native state, and also attended the common
schools of Michigan for a short time.
When about seventeen years old he com-
menced life for himself, working on a farm.
He continued at that work in Michigan un-
til the spring of i860, when he went to
Kansas with the idea of making that his
home. However, he tiid not long remain
there, but in the fall of the same year came
to Ogle county and commenced working by
the month. After being thus employed
about one year, he rented a farm and began
farming for himself. He later bought a
threshing machine, and during the seasons
for thirty-five years was engaged in operat-
ing the same, in all probability being the
oldest operator of a threshing machine in
Ogle county.
Mr. Guio was married in Ogle county
February 27, 1S6S, to Miss Mary Pyfer,
born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania,
and daughter of George Pyfer, also a native
of the same county and state, who there
married Mary Sweigaurd, likewise a native
of Pennsylvania. He moved with his fam-
ily to Ogle county, Illinois, in 1857, and
here Mrs. Guio grew to womanhood and
was mostly educated. To Mr. and Mrs.
Guio nine children have been born. Ro-
sella, living with her parents. Louisa is
the wife of Eugene Reed, a farmer of Buf-
falo township. Sarah is the wife of James
Mayburn, of Ogle county, and they have
one child, Nellie, a bright little girl of three
summers. George, who is assisting in car-
rying on the home farm. Henry, Oliver,
Amos, Lillie and Fanny, complete the
family.
After their marriage, j\lr. and Mrs. Guio
^02
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
commenced their domestic life on a farm
near where they now reside. His first pur-
chase of land was a tract of eighty acres,
and later purchasing one hundred and sixty
acres adjoining, he has now a fine farm of
two hundred and forty acres, all of which is
under cultivation. Coining to this county
a poor man, by his own industry, assisted by
his estimable wife, he has accumulated a
fine property and is now one of the sub-
stantial citizens of the county.
Politically Mr. Guio gives his support to
the Republican party on national issues,
but in local elections he votes independent-
ly, casting his ballot for the men he con-
siders best qualified to fill the offices for
which they aspire. For nineteen years he
has served as a member of the school board,
a part of which time he was president of the
board. He has also served as road com-
missioner. His wife and daughter, Rosella,
are members of the Methodist Episcopal
church. The entire family are highly es-
teemed wherever known.
ABRAHAM FELKER WEAVER, a well-
known farmer and highly esteemed
citizen of Rockville township, Ogle county,
was born in Washington county, Maryland,
December 2, 1838. His father, Samuel
Weaver, was born in Huntingdon county,
Pennsylvania, June 27, 1799, and was mar-
ried November 14, 1824, to Elizabeth Fel-
ker, whose birth occurred in Washington
county, Maryland, June 14, 1805. He
died August 14, 1839, and she passed away
June 4, 1875. I'l their family were seven
children, namely: John, born June 24,
1825, died July 14, 1825; Catherine Wilt,
born June 23, 1826, married Daniel Binkley,
of Washington county, Maryland; George,
born November 15, 1S29, died October i,
1884; Elizabeth, born July 20, 1832, died
February 27, 1837; Mary A., born Novem-
ber 24, 1834, died June 18, 183S; Louisa,
born September 5, 1836, died October 25,
1894; and Abraham F. completes the
family.
Our subject was only eight months old
at the time of his father's death, and was
reared by his mother in his native county,
where he acquired his primary education.
In July, 1S57, at the age of nineteen years,
he came alone to Ogle county, where his
brother had located two years before, and
the first summer he worked for various
persons in the county. For one year he
was in the employ of Charles Samis, and
for si.\ months was with Daniel Zellars. He
then purchased a half interest in a thresh-
ing maching, and in the fall of i860, when
the threshing season was over, he hired out
to Benjamin Swingley for three months.
The following year he was again engaged in
threshing, and at the end of the season en-
tered the Mt. Morris Seminary, where he
pursued his studies for three months. He
and his cousin, David Felker, then bought a
new machine, and in the spring of 1863
Mr. Weaver rented a small farm which he
operated until harvest time, when he re-
sumed threshing while making his home
with his uncle Abraham Felker. With his
thresher he traveled extensively through
the southern part of the state. At the end
of this season he returned to Maryland,
where he spent four or five months. In
1862 he made his first purchase of land,
consisting of eighty acres, in Forreston town-
ship, which he sold about 1867. He then
purchased alarm in 1870, with like improve-
ments, and in 1876 moved on the same.
On the 28th of April, 1864, Mr. Weav-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
303
er enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and
Fortieth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under
Captain James W. Cartwright and Colonel
Lorenzo H. Whitney, and was mustered in
at Dixon. After the regiment was equipped
at Springfield, they proceeded to Cairo and
on to Memphis, Tennessee, and to Lafay-
ette. Mr. Weaver's company, together
with Companies I and F, were detailed to
guard a bridge five miles from Lafayette,
which the rebels burned at every opportu-
nity. Our subject was wounded September
5, 1864, in a skirmish with Forrest's men
and is now a pensioner of the government.
They returned to Memphis, Tennessee,
where they remained for two or three weeks.
While there the time for which they enlisted
expired, bat they were held for nearly three
months; a part of which time he was on the
sick list. They were mustered out of serv-
ice at Camp Fry, at or near Chicago, Illinois.
Mr. Weaver married Miss Jennie W.
Briggs, who was born March 30, 1851, a
daughter of Joseph and Louisa E. (Case)
Briggs. Her father was born June 16,
1806, and died July 11, 1856, and her
mother was born August 31, 18 10, and died
May 10, 1891. To Mr. and Mrs. "Weaver
were born four children: Grace E., born
January 7, 1877; Mabel L., September 5,
1879; Charles H., July 3, 1882; and Lil-
lian E., May 17, 1887. All are living with
the exception of the youngest, who died
February 13, 1888. Our subject has also
been called upon to mourn the loss of his
estimable wife, who passed away October
30, 1892.
Politically Mr. Weaver is a silver Demo-
crat, and he has most capably and satis-
factorily served as school director for fifteen
years and as road commissioner for three
years.
ADDISON COFFMAN, one of the repre-
sentative and prominent agriculturists
of Ogle county, operates a fine farm of
two hundred and eighty-four acres on sec-
tion 12, Maryland township, and also has
another well improved and valuable farm of
two hundred and sixty acres in the same
township, which he rents. He is one of
Ogle county's honored sons, his birth occur-
ring on the farm where he now resides, Au-
gust 24, 1843.
His father, Samuel W. Coffman, was a
native of Washington county, Maryland,
born in 181 i, and was a son of John Coff-
man, who was born on the Atlantic ocean,
while his parents were removing from their
old home in Germany to the United States.
They were among the pioneers of Washing-
ton county, Maryland. There Samuel W.
Coffman grew to manhood and married
Catherine Doney, a native of the same
county and a daughter of Timothy Downey,
also an early settler of the county. Mr.
Coffman engaged in farming there until
1 840, when he came to Ogle county, Illinois,
in company with two other families. He
entered a tract of two hundred and eighty-
four acres in Maryland township, on which
his son now resides, erected thereon a log
house and began to improve and cultivate
his land. He also entered other tracts, but
later sold these. In subsequent years his
first home here was replaced by a
more commodious and modern residence,
and the wild land on which he located was
converted into a fine farm. His last years
were spent in retirement in the village of
Bailey ville, Illinois, where he died in 1887.
His first wife had died in 1876 and he later
married again.
By the first union there were ten chil-
dren, six sons and four daughters, of whom
304
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
two sons and four daughters reached man
and womanhood, namely: John D., who is
living retired in Chicago; Mrs. Naomi Dunn,
of Freeport, Illinois; Catherine, deceased
wife of Valentine Wallace; Susan, wife of
S. W. Griffith, of Marshalltown, Iowa; and
Matilda, a resident of Freeport.
The subject of this review was reared on
the home farm and had very limited school
advantages. He remained with his father
until reaching manhood and then took
charge of the homestead, which he later
purchased of the other heirs. His whole
life has been devoted to agricultural pur-
suits and he has met with marked success,
his landed possessions now aggregating five
hundred and forty-four acres of fertile and
valuable land, which he has placed under a
high state of cultivation and well improved.
Upon the home farm he has erected a large
barn with a basement.
In Maryland township, June 29, 1879,
was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Coffman
and Miss Sarah Wagner, a native of Ogle
county and a daughter of Jonathan Wagner,
who settled here as early as 1840.
By this union three children were born:
Samuel and Jonathan Emory, who assists
their father in the operation of the farm,
and Eusebia, who died at the age of four
years. The wife and mother departed this
life in 18S5, and Mr. Coffman was again
married in Maryland township, December
5, 1887, his second union being with Mrs.
Ennna Stover, a native of the township and
sister of his first wife. In November, 187 1,
she gave her hand in marriage to John
Stover, and they went to New York city
on their wedding trip. Returning they
stopped in Chicago and left that city on the
night of the great fire. Mr. Stover located
in Sangamon county, Illinois, where he en-
gaged in farming until his death, which oc-
curred in July, 1875. He left two daugh-
ters, Marian and May, who are both well
educated and the former is now a stenog-
rapher in Freeport. There is one son by
the second marriage: Frank F.
Since casting his first presidential vote
for Abraham Lincoln, in 1864, Mr. Coff-
man has been a stalwart supporter of the
Republican party, but he has never cared
for office, though he has served for three
years as commissioner of highways. He
is one of the leading and popular citizens of
his community and wherever known he is
held in high regard.
WILLIAM M. CLARK, a practical and
successful farmer, residing on section
30, Pine Creek township, is a native of
Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, born No-
vember 14, 1832, and is the son of Isaac
and Nancy (Campbell) Clark, both natives
of County Antrim, Ireland. Isaac Clark
came to the United States in 1832 and lo-
cated in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania,
where he remained until 1850 and then re-
moved to Jefferson county, in the same
state, where he spent the remainder of his
life. He was a good and faithful citizen of
his adopted country and state and filled a
number of local offices, serving as collector,
constable and school director. He died
when about seventy-one years of age. His
wife survived him and died in 1895, when
eighty-two years of age. They were the
parents of eleven children, ten of whom
grew to maturity. William M. is the sub-
ject of this sketch. Thomas remained in
Pennsylvania until 1887, and then came to
Ogle county, where he remained two years,
going from here to the state of Washington,
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
305
which is his present home. Elizabeth is
the wife of George A. Currier, of Pennsyl-
vania. Mary is the wife of Samuel Mont-
gomery. They left Jefferson county, Penn-
sylvania, came to Ogle county, where they
remained ten years, then went to Wright
county, Iowa, where they now reside. Sar-
ah married David Currier, of Clarion coun-
ty, Pennsylvania. Nancy married Peter
Butler, now of Jefferson county, Pennsyl-
vania. Samuel, when less than eighteen
years of age, enlisted in the One Hundred
and Third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry,
was captured at Plymouth, North Carolina,
spent some time in Andersonville prison,
from which he was taken to Charleston,
South Carolina, and from there to Florence,
South Carolina, where his death occurred
about two weeks before peace was declared.
James remained in Jefferson county, Penn-
sylvania, until about 1874, when he went
to California, and from there to Oregon.
Later he went to British Columbia, where
he accumulated a fortune, after which he
returned to his old home in Jefferson county
until iSSo, when he went to the state of
Washington, and is now living on Puget
Sound. Issac died at the age of twenty-
seven years. John died when six years old.
Elizabeth married George A. Currier and
resides in Pennsylvania.
The subject of this sketch spent his boy-
hood and jouth in Jefferson county, Penn-
sylvania. When thirteen years old he was
apprenticed to learn the shoemaker's trade,
but after serving si.\ months, left his master
and returned home. He was then hired out
by his father for five dollars per month to
work on a farm. When sixteen he was ap-
prenticed to a blacksmith to learn his trade.
When his employer broke up some months
after, he abandoned the idea of learning the
33
trade, and for some three years was em-
ployed in and about the iron works. From
that time until 1854 he was engaged in lum-
bering, at which he cleared about five hun-
dred dollars, two hundred of which he gave
to his father. With the remainder he went
to California and located in Plumas county,
and for two years was engaged in mining for
others. He then went to Sierra county,
where he engaged in mining on his own ac-
count. He was there at the time the vig-
ilance committee was organized to rid the
the county of rascally officials. He re-
mained in California until November, i860,
engaged in mining with fair success. He
returned home by way of the Isthmus of
Panama. In February, i86i, he came to
Ogle county on business, and liking the
country, he purchased one hundred and
sixty acres of land in Pine Creek township,
which he rented out until after his marriage.
On the 1 2th of July, 1866, Mr. Clark
was united in marriage with Miss Amanda
Yates, daughter of Charles and Catherine
(Ninick) Yates, the former a native of Eng-
land, and the latter of German parentage.
Mrs. Clark was born in Frederick county,
Maryland, and when seven years old came
with her mother to Ogle county, her father
having died when she was but three years of
age. She was born March 12, 1839, and
was one of a family of nine children. Of
these John resided in Ogle county until his
death, about 1893. Lucinda married Em-
ery Foxwell, a well-known banker of Balti-
more, but is now deceased. George died in
Ogle county June 7, 1878. Elizabeth mar-
ried Benjamin Cummings, for years a resi-
dent of Ogle county, but who died in Kan-
sas. She now resides in Vinton, Iowa.
Mary E. died in childhood. Isaac died at
the age of seventeen. Rebecca married
3o6
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Joseph Mumma, of Ogle county. Edward,
when sixteen years old, went to the state
of Washington, where he now resides, en-
gaged in farming.
After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Clark
lived for a year and a half upon the first
farm that he purchased. In 1868, they re-
moved to their present place of residence,
which then consisted of one hundred acres.
He has since added to his possessions until
he has now a section of good land, which
he has leased for a number of years. Much
of his time has been j^iven to stock raisinj,',
it being his aim to use up all the grain and
hay raised on his farms. He usually feeds
from two to five car loads of cattle and hogs
per year. He has always been a stanch
Democrat, and never hesitates to advocate
the principles of his party. Fraternally he
is a Master Mason, and a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having
joined the latter order in 1856. He is a
member of both subordinate lodge and the
encampment. As a farmer, he has proved
a success, keeping up with the times in the
various improvements made, and entering
heartily into his work. In regard to the
future he is an agnostic in belief.
CHARLES FISHER.— Wherever there
is pioneer work to be done men of
energy and ability are required, and success
or failure depends upon the degree of those
qualities that is possessed. In wresting the
land of Ogle county from its native wilder-
ness; in fitting it for the habitation of men;
in developing the natural resources of the
community, few if any have done more than
Mr. Fisher and it is mete and proper that
for the arduous and important labor he
performed he should receive due reward.
Here he has made his home since the 8th
of June, 1839, and for many years he was
actively identified with the agricultural in-
terests of Byron township, but is now living
retired in the village of Byron in the pleas-
urable enjoyment of his accumulations.
Mr. Fisher was born in the town of
Westboro, Worcester county, Massachu-
setts, July 2 1, 181S. The early home of his
ancestors was in England, but the family
was one of the first established in the old
Bay state. His grandfather, Samuel Fisher,
and his father, Nahum Fisher, were both
born on the old homestead in Worcester
county, the latter March 15, 17S8. On at-
taining man's estate he became prominently
identified with public affairs, and for several
terms most ably and satisfactorily repre-
sented his district in the state legislature.
He also served as justice of the peace for
many years, and his decisions were rendered
without fear or favor. Daring the war of
18 12 he was one of the gallant defenders of
his country, and afterward received a pen-
sion in recognition of his services. He re-
ceived a good education, was engaged in
surveying for a time, and was an excellent
business man of known reliability. He
married Miss Betsy Harrington, also a na-
tive of Westboro, Worcester county, born
May 15, 1787, and after her death, which
occurred October 2, 1S51, he was again
married. His death occurred in his native
place March 27, 1865.
By the first marriage there were ten
children, six sons and four daughters, all of
whom grew to man and womanhood, but
only three sons are now living: Charles, of
this review; Samuel D., a resident of West-
boro, Massachusetts; and Joseph, who lived
retired at Montpelier, Vermont, for many
years, where he was a neighbor and ac
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
307
quintance of Admiral Dewey. He died
December 22, 1898.
Reared in Westboro, Charles Fisher ob-
tained an excellent education, being a
student in the Leicester and Westminster
Seminaries and also the Baptist Academy
at Worcester. At the age of eighteen he
commenced teaching and for two winters
successfully followed that profession in his
native state. In May, 1839, he started for
Illinois in company with a brother and a
sister, Mrs. Parsons and her children, driv-
ing two teams. The trip was a long and
tedious one and they did not arrive at their
destination until June 8. Though not a
professor of religion at that time, Mr. Fisher
observed every Sabbath during the journey.
In Ogle county he joined his brother-in-law,
Luke Parsons, who had located here three
years previovsly. Our subject purchased
a claim of two hundred and forty acres in
Byron township, of which fifteen acres had
been cleared, but later sold that place and
purchased Mr. Parsons' farm after the death
of his brother-in-law. He then devoted his
energies to its further improvement and
cultivation, and as prosperity crowned his
efforts he was subsequently able to purchase
an adjoining tract of sixty acres, making in
all a fine and valuable farm of two hundred
and ten acres near the present village of
Byron, in Bjron township. Being the
owner of the horses with which he had
driven from his eastern home, he was able
to be of use to the community in which he
located by engaging in teaming between
this county and Chicago, hauling lumber,
and other supplies for the settlers. In
this way he not ofily aided those around
him but also added not a little to his in-
come.
On the loth of November, 1850, in By-
ron township, occurred the marriage of Mr.
Fisher and Miss Harriet N. Salisbury, who
was born in Townsend, Windham count)',
Vermont, August 2, 1827, a daughter of
Barnard and Arethusa (Duncan) Salisbury,
also natives of the Green Mountain state.
The father was born in Brattleboro, March
30, 1786, and was descended from a family
of German origin, which at an early day
was founded in England, and from there its
representatives came to America, settling
in New England. Mr. Salisbury was a
pioneer of Townsend, Vermont, where he
ever afterward made his home, successfully
engaged in agricultural pursuits. On re-
turning from a visit to our subject and his
wife he was taken ill with cholera at Pulas-
ki, New York, and died July 4, 1854. His
wife passed away December 27, 1832. In
the family of this worthy couple were ten
children, of whom nine reached years of
maturity, but only Mrs. Fisher, Mrs.
Arethusa Mervvin, of New Haven, Connecti-
cut, and Henry Salisbury, of Schenectady,
New York, are now living. Coming west
in 1849 to visit a sister, she accepted a po-
sition as teacher in Ogle county, and while
thus engaged she became acquainted with
her future husband. Theirs was the first
marriage celebrated in the Byron church.
The children born of this union are Harriet
E., wife of J. B. Tinker, a business man of
Mason City, Iowa; Mary J., wife of George
Rood, of Byron, Ogle county; Alice A., wife
of Charles B. Rosier, a carpenter of Byron,
Illinois; Charles M., a business man of Ma-
son City, Iowa; Arthur C, a lawyer by pro-
fession, who is now serving as lieutenant-
colonel of the Third Illinois Volunteer In-
fantry at Porto Rica; Elsa L., at home; and
Nahum H., a business man of Janesville,
Wisconsin.
30S
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RPXORD.
Mr. and Mrs. Fisher began their do-
mestic life on his farm in the new residence
which had just been completed, but has
since been enlarged and remodeled. Good
barns and other outbuildings were also
erected, and under the skillful management
of our subject the farm was made to yield
bountiful harvests in return for the care and
labor bestowed upon it. For thirty-seven
years he successfully engaged in its opera-
tion, but in 1887 rented it and removed
to the village of Byron, where he erected
a neat residence and has since lived re-
tired.
In political sentiment Mr. Fisher was
originally a Whig, and cast his first vote for
William Henry Harrison in 1840, but in
1856 he joined the newly organized Repub-
lican party, and of later years has been a
supporter of the men and measures of the
Prohibition party, as he is a strong temper-
ance man. He served as commissioner of
highways for about fourteen years, and for
several years was a most active and promi-
nent member of the school board, doing
much to advance the grade of schools in
this section. He provided his own children
with good educational advantages, all being
graduates of the graded schools of Byron,
while some of the sons attended Wheaton
and Mt. Morris Colleges, and the younger
members were students in the Rockford
Business College. All became successful
and popular teachers with the exception of
the oldest, who never followed the profes-
sion. For over half a century the parents
have been worthy members of the Congre-
gational Church at Byron, and their lives
have ever been in harmony with its teach-
ings. Mr. Fisher has served as deacon since
1 88 I , and as a public-spirited and progressive
citizen he gives his support to all enter-
prises which he believes calculated to ad-
vance the moral, educational or material
welfare of his town and county.
DAVID H. LAMONT, dealer in hard-
ware, stoves and tinware, Holcomb,
is one of the leading merchants of the
place, an enterprising citizen, and one who
enjoys the respect and confidence of the en-
tire community in which he lives. He is a
native of Jo Daviess county, Illinois, born
September 27, 1863, and is the son of Hans
and Alice (Lamont) Lamont. Although of
the same name, the parents were not re-
lated. They were both natives of Ireland,
and became the parents of nine children,
three of whom are now deceased. The liv-
ing are Mary, Sarah, John, Stewart, Alice
and David. The deceased are William,
Thomas and Albert. In 1848, a year that
Irishmen have cause to well remember, he
came to the United States and for ten years
was in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio
railroad, in the meantime accumulating a
little money with which to begin life in
earnest. In 1858 he came west and located
in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, where he con-
tinues to reside. He was a good man and
made friends wherever he lived.
In his native county our subject grew to
manhood and was educated in the public
schools. At the age of seventeen he com-
menced to learn the tinner's trade with his
brother John, and has since continued to
follow the trade with a reasonable degree of
success and satisfaction. In iSgohe started
a tin and hardware store in Stillman Valley,
which he continued to run for three years,
but believing there was a better opening in
Holcomb, he removed to the latter place,
where he now carries a line line of hard-
DAVID H. LAMONT.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
1 1
ware, stoves and tinware, and has built up
an excellent trade.
On the 19th of February, 1896, Mr.
Lamont was united in marriage with Miss
Dora A. Gates, a native of Ogle county,
and a daughter of Jacob Gates, who is now
deceased, but who was an early settler of
that county, and a man greatly esteemed
wherever known.
In politics Mr. Lamont is an unquali-
fied member of the Republican party, a
party with which he has been identified
since attaining his majority. Soon after
his removal to Holcomb he was appointed
postmaster of the place, an office which he
has since continued to hold to the satis-
faction of the patrons of the office. He is
at present a member of the school board at
Holcomb, giving of his time freely to ad-
vance the interests of its public schools.
Fraternally he is a member of the Knights
of the Globe. Religiously he is a Baptist,
and in the work of the church he takes an
active interest, and is at present superin-
tendent of the Sunday school. He makes
a good superintendent, and the school has
flourished under his charge. As a business
man he attends strictly to business, and is
ever ready to encourage any enterprise that
he believes will best conduce the interests
of his adopted city and county. He enjoys
the respect and confidence of the entire
community in which he lives.
BENJAMIN D. SEIBERT, deceased,
though not numbered among the
pioneers of Ogle county, was yet an early
settler, and a man who attained promi-
nence in the industrial affairs of the county,
and was numbered among its most enter-
prising and prosperous citizens. Like many
of the best citizens of the county he was a
native of Washington county, Maryland,
born in Hagerstown, April 9, 1816. He
was the son of John Seibert, also a native
of the same county and state, and who was
by occupation a farmer. The father never
came west, l)ut spent his entire life in his
native state.
In his native county our subject grew to
manhood and there received a common
school education. The knowledgje obtained
in the school room was supplemented by
that gained in the school of experience, by
contact with his fellowmen. He was always
observing, and with an eye to the main
chance, he was quite successful in whatever
he undertook. In 1858 he came to Ogle
county and located in Mt. Mcjrris township,
about four miles north of the village, where
he purchased three hundred acres of good
land and engaged in agricultural pursuits.
From time to time he added to his posses-
sions until at the time of his death he
was the owner of over one thousand acres
of excellent farming land.
Mr. Seibert was united in marriage with
Miss Hannah Thompson, a native of Can-
ada, and daughter of Henry and Sarah B.
(Straw) Thompson, the former born in
Connecticut in 1791, and the latter in New
Hampshire in 1800. Her father died in
Canada in 1847, while her mother survived
him many years, dying at the residence of
Mrs. Seiber, December 29, 1878. They
were both members of the Methodist Epis-
copal church. To Mr. and Mrs. Seibert
three sons were born, all of whom are yet
living. John V., born March 17, 1870,
married Florence Wolfe, and they have
one child, also named Florence. They re-
side in Mt. Morris. Benjamin D., born
March 20, 1872, resides in Mt. Morris.
312
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Alfred T. , born September i, 1874, is at-
tending the law department of the Illinois
University, in Chicago.
While Mr. Seibert was the owner of
several fine farms in Ogle county, he gave
his time principally to the real estate and
loan business. He had considerable Chi-
cago property and much farming land
throughout northern Illinois. A brother,
Dr. John Seibert, was a well-known physi-
cian in Chicago before the great fire in that
citv. He also practiced medicine in Mil-
waukee for about ten years. He was a ripe
scholar, a graduate of the University of
Pennsylvania. During his life he amassed
considerable property in his adopted city
of Chicago. He died in that city October
9, 1896.
After a long and useful life, Mr. Seibert
passed to his reward, April 9, 18S9. His
wife died April 7, 1S95. Both were devout
Christian people, he a member of the Ger-
man Baptist church, and she of the Method-
ist Episcopal. For many years she was
president of the Women's Christian Tem-
perance Union of Mt. Morris, and in both
temperance and church work was quite
active. In politics he was a Democrat.
Both enjoyed the love and esteem of a large
circle of friends, and their death was sin-
cerely mourned.
GI'lORGE BRAND is now retired from
the labors of a long and active life
and is spending his declining days in the
midst or ease and plenty at his comfortable
home in Polo. For many years he was en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits, and his posi-
tion financially is the result of his own un-
aided industry, coupled with the sound com-
mon sense and excellent business capacity
with which nature endowed him.
Mr. Brand was born near Utica, New
York, October 12, 1828, and is a represent-
ative of a good old Scotch family, his par-
ents being Jaraes and Jenette (Ferris) Brand,
natives of Dumfrieshire, Scotland. The fa-
ther was born in the village of Ecclessechan,
January 16, 1799, and was a cousin of
Thomas Carlyle, a native of the same vil-
lage. The grandfather, William Brand, was
a man of strong religious convictions and
was one of the organizers and buildings of
the first church in Ecclessechan. He spent
his entire life in Scotland, and when a young
man followed the weaver's trade. He was
a son of Robert Brand, of whom little is
known at the present time.
At the age of fourteen years, James
Brand, our subject's father, was apprenticed
to the carpenter's trade, at which he worked
until he attained his majority, and then
went to Newfoundland, sojourning there for
eighteen months. On his return to Scotland,
he was married in 1822 to Jenette Farries,
who was born in Ecclessechan, March
10, 1799, a daughter of George and Lucy
Farries, who in later years crossed the Atlan-
tic to Prince Edwards Island, where they
spent their last days. They came to Utica,
New York, in 18S0. Mr. and Mrs. Brand
became the parents of ten children, namely:
William and Lucy, both born in Ecclesse-
chan; George, born in Utica, New York;
James, born in Toronto, Canada; Jenette,
John (deceased) and Robert, all born in
Canada; and Henry, Mary and Anna, born
after the family came to Ogle county, Illi-
nois. After their marriage the parents con-
tinued to reside in their native village until
1828, when they sailed from Greenock,
Scotland, bound for America, but were
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
313
becalmed two weeks on the coast of
Ireland, finally landing in New York city
after six weeks spent upon the water. The
family first located at Utica, New York,
where they made their home until 1830, and
then removed to Toronto, Canada, spending
one year at that place. The father then
purchased a farm twenty miles north of the
city, and in the midst of the almost unbroken
forest they lived for some years. It was
during this time that the McKenzie rebellion
occurred, with which he was a sympathizer.
While living there he worked at his trade,
as a shipbuilder, on the lakes. Selling his
land in Canada in 1840, he came to Ogle
county, Illinois, and located on a farm
northwest of Polo, in Brookville township,
where he was actively engaged in farming
until 1852. He died in April, 1873, and his
wife March 13, 1871, honored and respected
by all who knew them for their sterling
worth and many excellencies of character.
George Brand had little opportunity of
attending school up to the time the family
left Canada, but he made the best of his
advantages after coming to Illinois, and is a
well-informed man. He remained with his
father until twenty-three years of age, and
then purchased eighty acres of land, for
which he went partly in debt. During the
busy season he operated a corn sheller and
threshing machine and continued in that
vocation for thirty-four consecutive years.
It is needless to say that he soon lifted the
debt on his first purchase, and from time to
time he bought more land until he owned
two fine farms, one of one hundred and
twenty acres and the other of one hundred
acres. These he sold in 1875 and 1876,
and purchased two farms a short distance
north of Polo, aggregating two hundred and
twenty-nine acres. He successfully engaged
in general farming and stock raising until
1888, when he retired from active life and
removed to Polo, where he is now enjojing
a well-earned rest.
At Freeport, Illinois, March 21, 1854,
Mr. I3rand was united in marriage with Miss
Leonora Sanburn. Her paternal grand-
father, Jonathan Sanburn, was probably a
native of New Hampshire, and descended
from John or William Sanburn, who, with
their grandfather. Rev. Stephen Bachelder,
came to this country in 1630, from Holland,
whither they had Hed from England because
of religious persecution. They were sons
of John Sanburn, of England. John P.
Sanburn, Mrs. Brand's father, was born in
New Hampshire, in 1797, and in early life
removed to Montreal and later to Toronto,
Canada, whence he subsequently moved to
Ogle county, Illinois, in 1839, and bought
a farm of two hundred and fifty acres near
Buffalo Grove. Here he died in 1872. In
York township, York county, Canada, he
married Miss Susan Johnson, who was born
there in 1801, and died in 1866. Her
father, Abraham Johnson, was born near
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, about 1772, and
died about 1867-8. Throughout life he
followed the occupation of a farmer. Dur-
ing the war of 1812 he moved to Canada, as
he was a British sympathizer, his parents
having been Tories during the Revolution-
ary war. He first located in Nova Scotia,
but later made his home near Toronto. He
married a Miss Fisher and to them were
born thirteen children, of whom six are now
living, and of these Mrs. Brand is the third
in order of birth.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Brand are as follows: Lester A., who is
engaged in the grocer}' business with Cyrus
Nicodemus, in Polo, married Mary Wolf, ol
314
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Brookville, Ogle county, and they have two
children, Alpha and Iva; Mary died at the
age of nine months; George Mortimer, a bag-
gage clerk at the Union depot, St. Paul,
Minnesota, married Annie Rates, and they
have two children, Milton and Leonora;
John James, who is employed in a shoe
factory in Rockford, Illinois, first married
Ella Hanna, by whom he has one son,
George, and for his second wife married
Emma Hawes; Hiram Douglas, a success-
ful dentist of Tacoma, Washington, married
Ellen Lemon and they have two children,
Ellen and Iva; Robert Miles, a promising
young attorney of Chicago, married Luella
Gibson; Kate A. is the wife of Sherman
Donaldson, a farmer living near Polo, and
they have one son, George; and Ambrose
Ale.xander, who married Ellen Rumell, is a
dentist of Chadwick, Carroll county, Illi-
nois.
In his political views, Mr. Brand is an
independent Democrat, and for fifteen years
he most acceptably served as school director
in his district. He is a prominent member
of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the
blue lodge and chapter in Polo and the com-
mandery in Dixon. He is a pleasant,
genial gentleman, of high social qualities
and has an extensive circle of friends and
acquaintances in Ogle county, who esteem
him highly for his genuine worth.
AUSTIN WRIGHT SPOOR, deceased,
was for many years a well known citi-
zen of Ogle county, having many friends,
and enjoying the respect and esteem of all
with whom he was brought in contact. He
was born in Clarence Hollow, Erie county.
New York, August i<j, 1837, a" J was the
son of Orsemus and Sophia (Cole) Spoor,
both of whom were natives of New York,
the former born September 12, 1802. He
was the son of William and Christine Spoor,
the former born January 20, 1769, and the
latter July 30, 1774.
Orsemus Spoor was reared in his native
state, and there married Sophia Cole. In
1840, he came west with his wife and fami-
ly, locating first in Buffalo Grove, Illinois,
but in the spring of 1841 removing to By-
ron, Ogle county, where in partnership
with William Wilkinson, he erected the
first grist mill built in the northern part of
the county. He died, however, in the fall
following, leaving a widow with a family of
si.x children to care for. In addition to his
Ogle county interests he had some property
in Chicago, but not knowing its location
his widow and children lost track of it and
never acquired rights in it. After surviving
her husband eleven years, his widow was
called to her reward, dying in 1852.
The subject of this sketch was but three
years old when he accompanied his parents
to Ogle county, and but four years old when
his father died. He remained with his
mother until twelve years old when he went
to East Troy, Wisconsin, to make his home
with an uncle, Sylvanus Spoor. After re-
maining about three years in the family of
his uncle, he felt an earnest desire to return
home, fearing that something was wrong.
On his way back he stopped over night at
the house of an acquaintance, where he
learned from acquaintances retnrning from
his mother's funeral that she was dead.
Deciding on remaining in Byron, Mr.
Spoor made his home with his brother, who
was engaged in the hotel business, and for
a time assisted him in the work, and later
was his brother's partner for about two
years. He then engaged in carrying the
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
315
mail between Byron and Rockford for one
year. The following year he drove the
stage between Rockford and Dixon, and
was then engaged in farm work for two
years. Following this he carried mail be-
tween Byron and Stillman Valley, and be-
tween Kishwaukee and Rockford for four
years.
The war for the union being in prog-
ress, Mr. Spoor determined to assist in main-
taining the union, and accordingly in July,
1862, he enlisted in Company B, Ninety-
second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was
mustered into the service September 4, fol-
lowing. For the first twelve months he
was on detached duty, driving an ambulance
wagon, after which he was assigned to duty
at the headquarters of General Kilpatrick
as veterinary surgeon. The war closing,
he was mustered out of service June 22,
1865, at Concord, North Carolina.
Returning to his home, in 1866, Mr.
Spoor secured a position as traveling sales-
man for a Chicago house, and for several
years was upon the road. On the 23d of
September, 1869, at Polo, Illinois, he was
united in marriage to Miss Anna Brand, a
native of Polo, and daughter of James and
Janet (Farries) Grand, both of whom were
natives of Scotland. James Brand was
born in the village of Ecclessechan, Dum-
friesshire, Scotland, January 16, 1799, and
was a second cousin to the renowned Thom-
as Carlyle, who was born in the same vil-
lage. At the age of fourteen he was ap-
prenticed to learn the carpenter's trade.
After serving his time he came to America,
where he remained about eighteen months,
working as a journeyman, then returned to
Scotland, and in 1822 was united in mar-
riage with Janet Farries. After his mar-
riage he remained in Scotland until 1827,
34
when he again came to the United States,
sailing from Greenock and landing in New
York, after a voyage of six weeks. For two
weeks he was becalmed in mid-ocean. With
his family, he first made his home in New
Hartford, near Utica, New York, where he
was engaged in building power looms in
cotton factories. In 1830 he removed to
Toronto, Canada, where he lived one year
and then bought a farm twenty miles north
of that place, and was there during the Ca-
nadian rebellion, in which he took no active
part, though his sympathies were with those
in rebellion. Selling his farm, in 1840, he
came to Ogle county and settled on a farm
northwest of Polo, in Brookville township.
After some twelve years of active farm life
in Illinois, Mr. Brand lived in ease and re-
tirement until called to the upper and better
world, his death occurring April 5, 1S73.
In politics he was a Democrat and for years
served as school treasurer and director. He
was a member of the Old School Presby-
terian church, and was very strict in his
family. James Brand was a son of Will-
iam Brand, one of the founders of the
first church in the village of Ecclessechan, a
weaver by trade, and who died in his na-
tive town. He was the son of Robert
Brand. Janet Farries was a daughter of
George and Lucy Farries, her father being
a farmer by occupation, and who emigrated
to Prince Edward island, where his death
occurred.
To James Brand and wife ten children
were born. William and Lucy, the latter
being the wife of W. A. Hatfield, were born
in Scotland. George was born in New York.
James, Jr., Janet (widow of Benjamin
Walkie,) John and Robert born in Canada.
Mary, now Mrs. John Elward, and Anna,
now Mrs. Spoor, were born in Illinois.
3i6
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
To our subject and wife two sons were
born, Harry and Albert, both of whom assist
the mother in conducting the hotel. The
latter was married October 12, 1898, to
Miss Mary Agnes Perrine, daughter of John
Perrine, of Oregon. The sons, it may truly
be said, were born to hotel life, having given
their time to little else since their age would
permit active work in any line. They are
accommodating young men, and their mother
thoroughly understands the wants of the
traveling public, and each try to make life
pleasant to those who make the Spoor House
their temporary abode. A more homelike
house cannot be found, while the table is
well supplied with all the delicacies of the
season.
After his marriage Mr. Spoor opened a
grocery and confectionery store in Polo,
which he conducted for two years, when he
sold out, and the following year was with
the Elward Harvester Company. He was
ne.xt engaged in the produce business with
Charles F. Barber, continuing in that line
until 1879, when he moved to Oregon,
leased the American House for five years
and conducted the same with signal ability.
He then leased the Sinissippi House four
years, but in the spring of 1888 purchased
the American House, niade many substan-
tial improvements in the same, refurnished
it and renamed it the Spoor House. He
conducted the house in first-class style un-
til his death May 28, 1894. In politics Mr.
Spoor was a Democrat, and for a time
served as an alderman from his ward, but
would not accept any other office, prefer-
ring to give his time and attention to his
business interests. In 1878 he united with
the Episcopal church and continued a faith-
ful member during the remainder of his life.
Fraternally he was a member of the Ma-
sonic order, blue lodge and chapter.
Knights of the Globe and Grand Army of
the Republic. A worthy citizen, a kind
and loving husband and father, his death
was sincerely mourned by all who knew
him in this life. Like her husband, Mrs.
Spoor is also a member of the Episcopal
church. She is greatly esteemed by all
and her friends are many, not only among
those among whom she has spent her en-
tire life, but by all who have accepted her
hospitality.
DANIEL H. STAUFFER, one of the
progressive farmers of Ogle county,
owns and operates a fine farm on section 19,
Pine Creek township. He was born in
Stark county, Ohio, February 4, 1853, and
is the son of John E. and Rebecca (Haight)
Stauffer, the former being a native of Penn-
sylvania, but who is now a resident of Polo,
Illinois. In 1S54, John E. Stauffer left
Ohio with his family and moved to Elkhart
county, Indiana, where they made their
home for thirteen years. Soon after the
close of the Civil war, they came to Ogle
county, locating on the place which is now
the home of our subject. On that farm the
father toiled until 1880, when he rented the
place and moved to Polo where he has since
lived a retired life. To John E. and Re-
becca Stauffer twelve children were born,
ten of whom are now living. John W. is
now residing in Glendale, Arizona, where
he is engaged in the fruit business. Sarah
E. is the wife of Cyrus Nicodemus, a mar-
chant of Polo. George W. is a farmer of
Pine Creek township. Christina is the wife
of Solomon Solenberger, a retired farmer
of Polo. Mary E. is the wife oi Abraham
Miller, of Buffalo township. Ananias is a
THE BIOGRAPHICAL KECOKD.
3^7
farmer of Buffalo township. William is a
farmer of Pine Creek township. Rebecca
is the wife of Frank McDowell, of Polo.
Anna is making her home with her parents
in Polo.
The subject of this sketch was thirteen
years old when he came to Ogle county.
His education, commenced in the public
schools of Elkhart county, Indiana, was
completed in the public schools of Ogle
county. He assisted his father on the farm
until he attained his majority, when he
rented a portion of the home place and
worked it on shares. The following year
he purchased eighty acres in Pine Creek
township, but had to assume the greater
part of the purchase price. This eighty
was about three miles from his present
home, and on the Dixon road. It is now
owned by John Ambrose. Removing to his
new purchase, he there lived for fourteen
years, having in the meantime added eight-
een acres to the tract. In 1890 he sold the
place and bought the old homestead where
he has since made his home. In 1S92 he
erected his present commodious and com-
fortable residence, and, since becoming the
owner, he has erected all the other build-
ings now on the place. He has followed
general farming, and is regarded as one of
the best farmers in the county.
On the 15th of October, 1876, Mr.
Stauffer was united in marriage with Miss
Maggie C. Spickler, daughter of C. B. and
Sarah (Plumb) Spickler, her father being a
retired merchant in Polo. By this union
there have been seven children, two of
whom are deceased — Florence, Charlie B.,
Ollie C, Ellen R., Henry M., Bertha P.
and Emma R. The parents met with a
sad bereavement in the loss of their two
eldest sons. On New Years day, 1896, the
boys were skating on Rock river, and both
fell into an air hole and were drowned.
Politically Mr. Stauffer is a Republican,
having been an advocate of the principles
of the party since casting his first vote.
Iveligiously he is a member of the German
Baptist church, and for ten years served as
deacon in the same. He has always taken
an active interest in the work of the church,
being a firm believer in tlie Christian re-
ligion and in the teachings of his church.
His wife is also a member and active worker
in that body. Both are highly esteemed by
all who know them. Mr. Stauffer has been
quite successful in life, and his success has
been attained by his own efforts, assisted by
his faithful helpmeet. He is the owner of
one of the finest homes and best farms in
this rich and productive county.
T EONARD ANDRUS, deceased, the
1— < founder of the village of Grand Detour,
and one of the first settlers of Ogle county,
was a man of energy, and one who clearly
saw the possibilities of the beautiful Rock
river countr}'. He was born in Cornwall,
Vermont, in 1805, and was a son of Cone
Andrus, a native of Connecticut. He
traced his ancestry back for many gener-
ations on both his father's and mother's
side, both families being early residents of
the New England states. His father's fam-
ily went from Connecticut to Vermont, and
later to Malone, New York, in which place
he grew to manhood. After due prepara-
tion he entered Middleberry College, where
he spent two years. He did not complete
the full course, but on the death of his fa-
ther he left college and returned home.
Cone Andrus was a farmer by occupation,
and while of retiring disposition, was a
3i8
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
man of good business ability. One of his
brothers was the father of the celebrated
Bishop Andrews. In his family were four
children who grew to maturity: Leonard,
the subject of this sketch; William, who
died in Malone, New York; Lucius, who
spent his life in Brooklyn, New York; Albert,
who lived and died in Malone, New York;
and George, who lived in Malone until late
in life, and then moved to New Jersey,
where his death occurred. Cone Andrus
died in Malone, New York.
After attaining his majority Leonard An-
drus went to Rochester, New York, where
he engaged in the mercantile business until
1S33, meeting with fair success. Not sat-
isfied, however, and believing the west a
better place for a young man, in the fall of
1S33, he came west as far as Constantine,
Michigan, where he remained until the
spring of 1S34, when he made his way to
the Ohio river, and started down that
stream to St. Louis, with the idea of
making that city his future home. Before
locating, however, he concluded to go on a
prospecting tour through northern Illinois,
having heard something of the beauty of
that country, and believing that the time
would soon come when it would be settled
by a thrifty and enterprising people.
Arriving at Dixon he took a canoe and
went up the river until he came to the great
bend, the beauty of which and the possi-
bility of founding here a great manufactur-
ing point, for which there seemed sufficient
water power, he made his claim. At that
time there were but few settlements in all
this region, and they were far between.
The settlement at Kellogg's grove and at
Dixon were those nearest to this point.
Returning east he settled up his business,
and in the spring of 1S35 returned, stop-
ping, however, at Constantine, Michigan,
where he had relatives living. From that
point Willis and Willard A. House, twin
brothers, accompanied him. Mrs. Sarah I.
House, the wife of Willard A. House, came
a little later, arriving here July 4, 1835.
She was the first white woman in Grand
Detour. She later gave birth to a daugh-
ter, Gertrude, who was the first white child
born in Grand Detour.
Soon after his arrival Mr. Andrus became
associated with Flint & Walker, proprietors
of the old stage line, which connection was
continued but a short time. In 1836, in
company with Russell Green, Amos Bos-
worth, William G. Dana, Marcus and Den-
nis Warren, he formed the Hydraulic Com-
pany, for the improvement of the water
power and the erection of mills, and in
1837 the company commenced to build the
dam, race and sawmill and make other im-
provements. Among the number to come
to Grand Detour was John Deere, who
afterwards became the noted plow manu-
facturer, and who made a world-wide repu-
tation and a colossal fortune. Mr. Deere
was a blacksmith, and opened a shop, and
in addition to the job work that came to
him, he engaged in the manufacture of
shovels and pitchforks. With Mr. Andrus,
two years later, he formed a partnership,
and under the firm name of Andrus &
Deere they commenced the manufacture of
plows. The fame of the Grand Detour
plows was soon established throughout the
west, and the firm did a good business. Mr.
Deere later withdrew and moved to Moline,
where he continued the business and estab-
lished his fame.
The Hydraulic Company built the first
grist mill in northern Illinois. It was to
have commenced running on the 4th of July,
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
319
1830, and was to form part of the celebra-
tion of that day, but it failed to start, and
it was one year later before it was in suc-
cessful operation. Its success was immedi-
ate, and it had more patronage than it could
well accommodate, with its three run of
stone.
When Mr. Deere removed to Moline,
Mr. Andrus continued the business alone
until it became too large for him to manage
without help, when he took in Amos Bos-
worth, his brother-in-law, as a partner,
which partnership continued until Mr. Bos-
worth's death, in 1S62. After running the
business alone again for a time Mr. Andrus
formed a partnership with Theron Cummins,
which partnership lasted until the death of
Mr. Andrus.
On the 3d of June, 183S, Mr. Andrus
was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Ann
Bosworth, a native of Royalton, Vermont,
and daughter of Amos and Susan (Wheelock)
Bosworth, both of whom were also natives
of Royalton, Vermont, and who were among
the early settlers of Grand Detour. By
this union three children were born — Caro-
line C, who died at the age of eight years;
William C, and Leonard, of the Dixon
National Bank, Dixon, Illinois.
In early life Mr. Andrus was a Henry
Clay Whig, a great admirer of that grand
old statesman. On the dissolution of the
Whig party, he became a stanch Republic-
an, and was an earnest advocate of Re-
publican principles until his death. He was
always in public life, and filled almost every
local official position. He also served as a
member of the legislature, making a good,
working member of that body. His ac-
quaintance with the public men of his day
was quite extensive, and his influence was
always felt. He was a man of the people,
and had at heart the interests of the people.
The founder of the village of Grand Detour,
he was connected with almost every enter-
prise that was introduced into the village.
He was a pioneer among pioneers, and ex-
perienced all the hardships conmion to
those who engage in the development of a
new country, but he lived to see his adopted
county and state take front rank, and most
of the great inventions that have made our
whole country famous. In the development
of the country and the various industrial
enterprises, he certainly bore well his part,
and his name will not soon be forgotten.
His death, which occurred February 18,
1867, was entirely unexpected, having con-
tracted pneumonia and living thereafter but
a few days. His death was a sad loss to
the business and local interests of his
adopted count}', of which he was such a
worthy citizen.
GEORGE B. HIESTAND, the leading
liveryman of Oregon, Illinois, was
born in Leaf River township. Ogle county,
October 28, 1S54, and is the son of Benja-
min and Lydia (Rice) Hiestand. The fa-
ther was a native of Ohio, and by occupa-
tion was a farmer. He came to Illinois in
the thirties, and located in Leaf River town-
ship, where he took up a section of land
from the government, which he improved
and cultivated up to the time of his death,
which occurred February 6, 1S55. Leaf
River at that time was one of the best
towns in the county. In politics Benjamin
Hiestand was a Whig, taking great interest
in the political discussions of the day. A
strong temperance man he advocated the
cause of temperance publicly and privately.
For some years he served as school trustee,
320
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
and held other offices of honor and trust.
He was a leading and influential man in his
township, and was held in high respect
wherever known. His wife, Lydia, was a
daughter of Jacob Rice. She was also a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church,
a devoted wife and mother. She died June
13, 1884, at the old homestead, which was
so long her home. They were the parents
of seven children. Susan, now the widow
of David Kendall, resides in Leaf River.
Urillais the wife of Thomas L. Potter,
and they reside in Mt. Morris. Mary, who
married Charles Gaffin, died March 21,
1898. Jacob and John H. both died young.
Thomas resides in Mt. Morris township.
George B. completes the family.
George B. Hiestand was reared on the
old farm, and in the schools of his native
township received a common school educa-
tion. This was supplemented by a term at
Mt. Morris Seminary. He was but four
months old when his father died. As soon
as old enough, in connection with his broth-
ers, he carried on the old farm. Later, in
partnership with his brother Thomas he
purchased the interests of the other heirs,
and together they carried on the farm until
1888, when George purchased his brother's
interest and then leased it for three years.
In 1S93 he sold the place to William Ha-
german, and then removed to the village of
Leaf River, and in 1895 came to Oregon
and opened up a livery stable on Fourth
street, which he has since conducted. He
has a finely equipped stable with stock, and
is withal a very accommodating man.
Mr. Hiestand was married September 4,
1878, to Miss Adell Bly, daughter of Rath-
burn and Emily (Richardson) Bly. She is
a native of Ogle county. Hej father was
in the Civil war and lost his life in battle.
By this marriage are two children, Clarence
L. and Lydia E. , both of whom are yet
at home. Mr. and Mrs. Hiestand are mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal church.
In politics he is a Republican. While re-
siding in Leaf River he served as a member
of the board of alderman. Fraternally he
is a member of the Knights of the Globe
and of the Modern Woodmen of America.
WALLACE REVELL is one of the
honored veterans of the Civil war
whose devotion to his country was tested
not only by service on the field of battle
but in the still more deadly dangers of a
southern prison. This gallant soldier is
now most capably and satisfactorily serv-
ing as postmaster of Stillman Valley, and
is also successfully engaged in the grocery
business at that place.
Mr. Revell was born near Niagara,
Ontario, Canada, July 19, 1842. His
father, William Revell was born in England,
in 1S17, and in 1S34 crossed the broad At-
lantic with his father, William, Sr. , and
family, settling near Hamilton, Ontario,
where he grew to manhood. He was
married in Canada to Miss Mary A. Bart-
lett, a native of that country. He was a
tailor by trade and continued to follow that
occupation in the Dominion until 184S, and
when he removed to Conneaut, Ashtabula
count)', Ohio, but did not remain there long
coming to Ogle county, Illinois, in April,
1850. Here he purchased one hundred and
twenty acres of raw land in Scott township,
erected thereon a house, and then turned
his attention to the ardous task of develop-
ing a good farm from wild land. During those
early dajs the familye.xperienced many of the
hardships and privations incident to pioneer
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
321
life. The father was one of the most in-
dustrious and enterprising men of the
county and was fairly successful in his under-
takings. He continued to work at his trade
until 1S58, after which he devoted his en-
tire time to agricultural pursuits. He died
in 1885, and his wife, who still survives him,
now makes her home with her daughter,
Mrs. Graham. Wallace is the oldest of
their six children, four sons and two
daughters, all of whom reached years of
maturity, but two sons are now deceased.
Wallace Revell was a lad of eight years
when brought by his parents to Ogle county,
and upon the home farm he grew to man-
hood, acquiring a good knowledge of work
and a fair common-school education.
Prompted by a spirit of patriotism he en-
listed August II, 1862, in Company K,
Ninety-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry,
as a private, and with his regiment was as-
signed to the army of the Cumberland. He
participated in the battles of Franklin, Ten-
nessee, and Chickamauga, and spent the
fall and winter of 1S63 as courier at Gen-
eral Thomas' headquarters. In March,
1864, he joined his regiment in northern
Alabama, near Chattanooga, they having
been mounted in July, 1863, and afterward
served as mounted infantry. In April, 1864,
they went into camp at Ringgold, Georgia,
and while doing picket duty on Taylor's
Ridge, on the morning of April 23, 1864,
Mr. Revell, with twenty of his regiment,
was taken prisoner, after being twice wound-
ed in the skirmish by gunshots through the
left fore arm and right hip. He was first
taken to Atlanta, where he was held for
about four weeks, and the following four
months were spent as a prisoner in Ander-
sonville, where with others he experienced
all the horrors and privations of southern
prison life. About one thousand of the
men were then taken to Charleston, South
Carolina, where they were confined in a
prison camp for four weeks. From Octo-
ber, 1864, until February 24, 1S65, Mr.
Revell remained a prisoner, and was then
exchanged at Richmond, Virginia. He suf-
fered most while at Charleston, as the pris-
oners were confined on a low piece of
ground. The prisoners were furnished with
spades and by digging holes about four feet
deep got the bracksh water contained there-
in and were forced to drink. It made near-
ly all ill and many died. On being released
our subject was still sick andwas sent to
the hospital at Wilmington, Delaware. He
had not fully recovered when discharged.
For two years after the war, Mr. Revell
remained at home, and then rented land,
purchased a team, and began life for him-
self. He was married December 11, 1868,
the lady of his choice being Miss Adelaide
L. Clayton, a daughter of James M. Clay-
ton, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this
work. To them were born four children,
namely: Charles W., who is with his fa-
ther in the store and is also serving as dep-
uty postmaster; Nellie M., wife of J. D.
Scoon, of West Superior, Wisconsin; Matie,
who died at the age of five years; and Ches-
ter A., who is attending the home school.
After his marriage, Mr. Revell located
in Monroe township where he subsequently
bought a small farm, which he operated
for eight years and then sold in 1876. Dur-
ing the following fifteen years he lived upon
rented land and continued to engage in ag-
ricultural pursuits, but in 1890 removed to
Stillman Valley and established himself in
the grocery business, which he has since
successfully conducted. He carries a large
and well selected stock and bears an excel-
322
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
lent reputation for fair and lionorable deal-
ing. In the fall of 1897 he was appointed
postmaster, and is now acceptably filling
that office. He has been a pronounced
Republican in politics since casting his first
vote for General U. S. Grant in 1868, and
in religious faith he and his wife are Bap-
tists. Socially he is a prominent member
of the Odd Fellows society, has filled all
the chairs in his lodge, is past grand, and
and has represented the local order in the
grand lodge. He also belongs to the
Knights of Pythias, and is past commander
of W. C. Baker Post, No. 551, G. A. R.,
of Stillman Valley.
HENRY GRAEHLING, who resides on
section 22, Eagle Point township, is a
worthy representative of that hardy race
that have done so much to build up this
new country, and who, however lowly their
condition in life on their arrival here, by in-
dustry and economy manage to accumulate
a competency, leaving to their children
sufficient means to give them a good start
in life. He was born in Alsace, Loraine,
Germany, June 28, 1828, and in his native
land grew to manhood, and in his youth
learned the blacksmith trade, although
reared on a farm. Like many other youths
in the old country, he dreamed of better
opportunities afforded in America than in
the crowded cities of the old world. He
determined to here try his fortunes, and
the resolve was put into execution. Bid-
ding farewell to the friends of his youth he
set sail for the promised land, and landing
at New York, he proceeded to Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, where he arrived July 11,
1S50, joining there some German friends.
Securing work in a vise factory, he there
worked three years, saving in that time
some four hundred dollars, which he lost
through a broker or banker. He was so
discouraged that he did not have the heart
to longer remain in that city. From there
he went to Westmoreland county, Pennsyl-
vania, and for two years was engaged in
farming.
Mr. Graehling was married in Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, August 8, 1853, to Miss
Walburga Beck, who was born in Wurtem-
burg, Germany, February 25, 1835, and
who came with her brother and sister to the
United States in 1851, the family locating
in Pittsburg. By this union ten children
were born, two of whom are deceased.
Mary is now the wife of Fred Diehl, of
Carroll county, Illinois. Alexander is en-
gaged in farming in Whiteside county, Illi-
nois, where he owns a good farm. James
is a farmer of Carroll county, Illinois, where
he is the owner of a good farm. George
W. also is the owner of a good farm in
Carroll county, where he is engaged in
farming. Henry is a farmer of Ogle county.
Elizabeth is the wife of Andrew Peters, of
Carroll county. Gustaf Adolph and Fred
Wilhelm yet reside at home. John and
Albert were the deceased. They have in
all fourteen grandchildren.
After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs.
Graehling took up their residence in Alle-
gheny City, Pennsylvania, Mr. Graehling
working at his trade. In September, 1856,
he came west to Chicago, and there con-
tinued seven months, working at his trade,
his time being principally given to horse-
shoeing. His wife joined him in the spring
of 1857, and in April of that year they went
to Sugar Grove, Lee county, where he again
worked at his trade a few months and then
moved to Eagle Point, Ogle county, con-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
3^3
tinuing there at his trade. He there made
his first purchase of real estate, becoming
the owner of a small plat of ground, and a
little house and shop. He remained there
until September, i860, when he moved to
the place where he now resides. He first
purchased five acres of ground, a piece of
brush and stumps, moved here his shop,
and commenced to clear the land. Later
he purchased five acres more, and still later
two and a half acres. He improved his
little tract, but in 1S65 sold his personal
property and moved to Polo and gave his
time exclusively to his trade for one year.
In the spring of 1866, he returned to his
place in Eagle Point and worked at his trade
in connection with farming. From time to
time as his means would permit, he pur-
chased some land until he had a good sized
farm. In 1879 he bought an adjoining farm
of one hundred and si.xty acres, and still
later forty acres more. His ne.xt purchase
was a farm of one hundred and fifty-four
acres in Carroll county. At one time he
owned five hundred acres of e.xcellent land,
but has sold off to his sons a portion, but
still owns three hundred acres. His farm
is well improved, and he has erected on it
a large and neat house, big barn and other
outbuildings.
Politically Mr. Graehling is a stanch
Republican, his first presidential vote being
cast for Abraham Lincoln in i860. The
party ticket he has continued to support
from that time to the present. Religiously,
he is a member of the Lutheran church at
Polo, his wife being a member of the same
body. For forty-two years they have been
residents of Ogle county, and both are well
known and highly respected. Beginning
life in limited circumstances, they have en-
dured together many toils and privations.
35
For some years fortune did not seem to
favor them, but they toiled on and have
now the satisfaction of knowing that they
have laid by enough to sustain and keep
them in old age, and that their children are
also well provided for. They know further
that what they have gained has been by
honest industry.
SAMUEL DOMER, deceased, was for
more than fifty years an honored citi-
zen of Ogle county, one respected by all
who knew him. He was born September 3,
1 818, near Sharpsburg, Washington county,
Maryland, and there grew to manhood, re-
ceiving his education in the common
schools. In 1839 he left his native state
and went to Ohio, where he remained one
year, when for some reason he returned to
his old home and there remained until
1845, when he came to Ogle county, which
remained his home until called to the upper
and better world. He was a brickmaker by
trade, and on locating in Mt. Morris town-
ship, in 1845, he made the brick and built
his own home. He soon gave up his trade
for the more profitable and healthy occupa-
tion of farming.
Mr. Domer was twice married, his first
union being with Miss Elizabeth Steffa.
After a wedded life of but two years, Mrs.
Domer passed away. They had one child,
which died in infancy. On the loth of
March, 1852, Mr. Domer wedded Miss
Rachel Varner, a native of Fayette county,
Ohio, born January 9, 1829, and daughter
of William Herman and Cynthia Ann (Knox)
Varner, who were also natives of the same
county, the former born January 19, 180S,
and the latter April 4, 18 10. When
Mrs. Domer was but a year and a half old
324
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
her parents moved to Fort Wa3'ne, Indi-
ana. In 1837, when she was but eight
years old, they moved to Lee county, lUi-
nois, and in 1850 came to Ogle county,
where she has since resided. On the 22d
of June, 1S92, her motherdied at the age of
eighty-two years. Her father died about
1837, in Indiana. They were the parents
of three daughters, Mrs. Domer being the
eldest; Sarah, now Mrs. William Turner, of
Lee county, Illinois; Mary L. , wife of
John Etnyre, of Paine's Point, Illinois.
To Samuel and Rachel Domer were born
eight children: Martha Frances, born Feb-
ruary 15, 1854, married Charles Reber.
She died February 16, 1876. Lydia Ann,
born November 27, 1855, died September
9, 1S62. Andrew J., born July 29, 1857,
married Ida Lewis, and to them four chil-
dren have been born: Maude, Earl, Min-
nie and Laura. They reside in Kansas,
where he is engaged in farming. William
H., born April 20, 1S59, married Kate
Alter, and four children have blessed their
union — Jesse, Ethel, Percy and Bessie.
They are living in Mt. Morris. Samuel O.,
born May 21, 1863, married Emma Shuber,
and they have two children, Floyd and
Edna. They are living in Polo, Illinois.
Franklin V., born September 30, 1S68,
married Effie Brooks, and they have one
child, Mary Eva. They are living in
Oregon township. Frederick W. , born
April 29, 1870, married Anna Fridley, and
they have one child, Ray V. They are
living on the old homestead in Mt. Morris
township. Sarah A., born July 10, 1873,
married William W. Koontz, and they re-
side on the home place in Mt. Morris town-
ship.
Mr. Domer 'Commenced farming on a
farm of one hundred and si.xty acres, on
which he lived for twenty-two years. He
then purchased another farm, to which he
added from time to time until he had a farm
of four hundred acres, all of which he had
under improvement. This he disposed of
and purchased two hundred and ten acres
in Mt. Morris township, upon which he
lived about twenty years. In 1895 he
rented the farm and moved to Mt. Morris,
to spend his remaining years in retirement.
He was, however, not long for this world,
as the summons came for him to depart July
4, 1898. He died of dropsy and heart
disease, and his remains were interred in the
cemetery at Silver Creek, Ogle county.
In politics he was originally an old-line
Whig, but on the dissolution of that party
he became a Dem.ocrat, with which party
he acted during the remainder of his life.
Interested in the public schools, for many
years he served as school director. He
never cared to push himself forward in any
manner, but was quiet and unassuming in
manner, content to fulfill his daily duties of
farm and home lite, leaving to others the
more exacting responsibilities of public life.
He left a large circle of relatives and friends
to mourn his loss. His widow, who is
highly esteemed for her many excellent
qualities of head and heart, is yet living in
Mt. Morris, where her friends are many.
M
ARTIN A. FREI, a leading and suc-
cessful merchant of Forreston, came
to the county in 1866 and has here spent
one-third of a century. He was born in the
village of Nuettermoor, Cantor Leer, Ger-
many, October 10, 1852, and is the son of
Aldirk and Anna (Brandt) Frei, both natives
of Germany. In his native village he re-
ceived his education and, there remained
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECOKU
325
until he was thirteen years old, when the
family emigrated to the United States and
settled in Forreston township, Ogle county,
where the father engaged in farming. From
1866 until 1S79 our subject remained on
the farm and assisted in the farm work, be-
coming a thorough and scientific farmer.
He has yet living one brother and five sis-
ters. Hilka is the wife of John Geisman,
living near Shannon. Renskea is the wife
of T. Buisker, a farmer of Lincoln town-
ship. Gerhardina is the wife of B. Temple,
a farmer residing near Shannon. John re-
sides two miles west of Baileyville, in
Stephenson county. Lena is the wife of
Henry VanDeest, a farmer of Forreston
township. Margaret is the wife of L. Pam-
mer, residing at Ashton, Iowa. An older
brother, Frederick, preceded the family to
the United States. During the Civil war he
offered his services to his adopted country,
and dying while yet in the service was bur-
ied at Monterey, Tennessee. The father of
this family died August 18, 1870, and the
mother, August 26, 1877.
On the 27th of November, 1S77, Mr.
Frei was united in marriage with Miss Annie
DeGrote, daughter of F. and Tina DeGrote.
She was born in Woquard, Emden, Ger-
many, and came to America in 1866 in
company with her parents, who settled in
Ridott. By this union four children have
been born — Ollie J., Tina, Fred and Henry
F. Of these, Ollie and Fred are assisting
their father in the store. The family are
well known and highly esteemed.
In 1879 Mr. Frei left the farm and went
to Freeport. where he engaged in the mer-
cantile business, remaining there until 1885,
when he came to Forreston and started a
general dry goods and grocery business, in
which he has since continued with gratify-
ing success. He cast his first presidential
vote for Rutherford B. Ha\cs, and has
since been a stanch and uncompromising
Republican. He has been town trustee for
more than si,\ years, and has been on the
school board for three terms, and is the
present secretary of that body. He is the
secretary of the Retail Merchants Associ-
ation, and has held different offices of the
community. A member of the German Re-
formed church, he has been superintendent
of its Sunday-school for the past si.\ years,
and has been a worker of the Sunday-school
since 1885. He is a self-made and success-
ful business man, affable and courteous in
address, and interests himself in all im-
provements, and is a factor in the develop-
ment of his adopted city and county along
all lines. He is popular and influential,
and his friends are many throughout Ste-
phenson and Ogle counties.
ALFRED R. BINKLEY, now living a
retired life in Mt. Morris, is a veteran
of the Civil war. He was born in Wash-
inton county, Maryland, January 13, 1847,
and is the son of Daniel and Catherine
(Weaver) Binkley, the former born in
Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1S18,
and the latter in Washington county, Mary-
land, in 1826. By occupation the father
was a farmer, and was a strong, robust man
up to the time of his death, in i S60. He
was taken sick with some stomach trouble
on Friday and died the following Tuesday.
The mother is yet living in Morganville,
Washington county, Maryland. They were
the parents of si.\ children, our subject be-
ing their first born. Calvin married Sevilla
Butterbaugh, and they reside in Maryland
township, Ogle county, where he is en-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
gaged in farming, owning one hundred and
eighty acres of land. William died in early
childhood. Ida married Abram Hawes,
and they reside in Morganville, Maryland,
where he follows his trade of carpentering.
Charles died of typhoid fever at the age of
twenty-seven years. Daniel married Eva
Downey, and they live in Morganville,
Maryland, where he follows farming.
The subject of this sketch remained in
his native state until he was sixteen years
old, when he came to Ogle county, and
here attended school until 1864, when he
enlisted in the One Hundred and Fortieth
regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Com-
pany I, with which he served until the close
of the war. He was on picket duty the
greater part of the time and was in several
skirmishes. On receiving his discharge at
Camp Fry, Chicago, he returned to Ogle
county, where he remained a few months.
He then went east, and for five years was
clerk in a general store at Green Castle,
Franklin county, Pennsylvania, after which
he again came to Mt. Morris, Ogle county,
and clerked for a time. Later he purchased
a restaurant, which he gradually turned into
a general store, in which line of business he
continued until -in July, 1895, when he
was compelled to retire on account of ill
health.
Mr. Binkley was married February 12,
1878, to Miss Laura B. Sprecher, of Mt.
Morris, and daughter of Philip and Letha
(Castle) Sprecher. They now reside in a
comfortable home in Mt. Morris. Mrs.
Binkley is a consistent member of the
Brethren church, in the work of which she
is deeply interested. She is one of a fam-
ily of eight children, three of whom are
now living. Fraternally Mr. Binkley is a
member of the Grand Army of the Repub-
lic, in which he keeps alive the memory of
the days, when yet a youth he went out in
defense of his country's honor, and for the
restoration of the Union. He has lived to
see not only the Union restored, but its
boundaries extended, good feeling existing
among those who wore the blue and the
grey, and a more fraternal feeling than ever
existed before.
PETER SMITH, banker, capitalist and
retired farmer, was a natural financier
who aided much in the development of
Ogle county. He was the son of Edward
and Anna (Tebow) Smith, and was born in
Franklin, Bergen county, New Jersey, De-
cember 21, 1808. His American ancestry
runs back to one of the members of a little
Swedish colony, who settled in Bergen
county. New Jersey, in 1624. When twelve
years old he moved with his parents to New
York city, where he attended school and ac-
quired a good common-school education.
His first business venture was in buying and
selling fruit, and when but sixteen years
old he engaged in the poultry business, and
afterwards carried on the manufacture of
mustard and cayenne pepper, in which busi-
ness he continued until he was twenty-one
years old. For the succeeding ten years
he was in the wood business, and also in
buying and selling horses, purchasing his
stock in the state of Ohio and selling in New
York. He met with success in each line of
business, but he believed that he could do
still better in the West. Coming to Ogle
county, he settled in White Rock township
and a few years later he entered six hun-
dred acres of land in Marion and Pine Rock
townships (although there were then no
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
329
townships), and erected a log cabin, i6x 24
feet, and one and a half stories in height.
For miles around neighbors turned out and
assisted him in its erection, the time requir-
ing but one da}-. \\'ith his wife and two
children he there laid the foundation for his
large fortune. While developing his own
farm he kept a breaking team of five yoke
of cattle to assist other early settlers in the
neighborhood. By energy and good judg-
ment it was not long before he owned over
one thousand acres of land. His ability
lay in wisely directing the work of others.
He was collector and constable in Marion
township and school director about fifteen
years. He continued farming and stock
raising until December, 1875, when he
moved to Rochelle. For several years he
was president of the First National Bank of
Rochelle. In 1883 he sold out his interest
in this bank, making his investments in well
improved farms and loans. Mr. Smith was
a life-long Democrat, but had no taste for
holding office. He died November 24,
1886, at the age of seventy-eight years,
leaving a fortune of a quarter of a million
dollars.
May 12, 1 83 I, Mr. Smith married Sarah
Foster in New York city. She was born in
County Armagh, North of Ireland, July 12,
1809, and was of Scotch-Irish descent.
Eleven children were born to them, five of
whom died in infancy; a daughter, Emma,
died at the age of twenty-four. The fol-
lowing survive: Abbie A., who married
Minor Parker, deceased, resides at Steward;
Margaret, who married Austin Noe, deceased,
resides at Rochelle; Caroline, the wife of
Patrick O'Mara, resides in White Rock
township; Susan M. married Aron Cass,
deceased, mention of whom is made in an-
other article; George F. married Mary
Jones, and now lives on the old homestead
in Marion township.
Mrs. Smith by her sound sense, indus-
try and economy was a great aid to her
husband. She was always a Presbyterian.
She died July 9, 1897, at the age of eighty-
eight.
FRANKLIN F. PEEK, who resides on
section 34, W^Dosung township, is a
well-known citizen of Ogle county, which
has been his home since 1838. He was
born in Bethel, Windsor county, Vermont,
March 2, 1832, and is the son of John and
Lucretia (Lamb) Peek, both of whom were
natives of \'ermont. His father was a
farmer by occupation, and politically was a
strong Whig and an active worker in the
party. He came with his family to Ogle
county in 1838, coming by water from Buf-
falo to Detroit, and from there to Ogle
county by teams, being five weeks on the
road, arriving in July. He stopped about
three months at Grand Detour, where his
brother-in-law, John Deere, afterward the
famous plow man, was then located. John
Deere first married Demis Lamb, a sister of
the mother of our subject, and came west
and established himself at Grand Detour
where he was working at his trade of black-
smith. He had not then begun the manu-
facture of plows, which later brought him
both reputation and colossal fortune. While
residing at Moline his first wife died and he
later married her sister, Lucina Lamb.
In the fall of 1838 John Peek bought
the claim to two hundred acres, which he
afterward entered, now the home of our
subject. That place he put under improve-
ment and made it his permanent home.
He became quite successful financially, and
330
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was well known throughout the county.
He was quite active in political affairs, but
never an office-seeker. At the time of his
settlement on his claim there was little else
but wolves and rattlesnakes in the vicinity.
There was but one house between his place
and Dixon, and no settlement north until
Oldtown, or Buffalo was reached. At that
time and for years after Chicago was the
chief market, and to that place they hauled
their grain and other produce. With a
four-ox team they could haul sixty or sixty-
five bushels of wheat, and with a two-horse
team about thirty-five or forty bushels, and
ten days were required to make the trip
with oxen. Our subject speaks of one trip
of ten days on which he accompanied his
father, of not having but one warm meal
during the whole time. They usually car-
ried their provisions with them for they
could not afford to pay out what little was
obtained for their produce for meals. The
money was too badly needed for other pur-
poses. He tells of holding a lantern while
the grain was being unloaded at Chicago,
and the scoop shovel used for the purpose
was left in the wagon and brought home
with them, being the first of the kind in the
neighborhood. But think of unloading
grain in the city of Chicago by the light of
a lantern !
John and Lucretia Peek were the par-
ents of nine children, all save one born in
Vermont, and all lived to maturity, eight of
the number yet living. Samuel C. has been
a resident of Calaveras county, California,
since 1S59; William P., who resides in
Amadore county, California, has been a
prominent citizen there since 1852. He has
filled a number of important offices in his
adopted county, serving as supervisor
several years, and as a member of the state
legislature two terms; George N. is a re-
tired farmer residing in Polo; Jeannette
married Fenwick Anderson, of Bureau coun-
ty, Illinois, who has been a prominent busi-
ness man and politican, and extensive land
owner. She died January 9, 1899; Frank-
lin F., our subject, was next in order of
birth; Mellona, who is single, makes her
home with her brothers and sisters; John
D. died when about thirty-five years old;
Henry P. is a resident of Oregon, Illinois;
Horace W. is a farmer of South Dakota.
The subject of this sketch was but six
years of age when he came with his parents
in Ogle county. The first school he attend-
ed here was at Sugar Grove, four miles
from his home. While attending that school
he boarded with a family in the neighbor-
hood and did chores for his board. One
year's time would probably cover the entire
period of his school life, his attendance be-
ing in the winter months for a very short
time. When he attained his majority he
began life for himself, working at various
occupations. Much of the prairie in the
vicinity of his home he assisted in breaking
and otherwise improving. In 1861 he went
to Calaveras county, California, where he
remained until October, 1864, when he re-
turned home on account of his father's
death and took charge of the home farm.
He has since carried it on, his mother mak-
ing her home with him until her death in
February, 1873. Soon after her death he
purchased the interest of the other heirs,
becoming sole owner.
Mr. Peck was married April 2, 1874, at
the home of his uncle, John Deere, in Mol-
ine, to Mrs. Mattie Wood, widow of Beeler
Wood, of Moline, and daughter of Asa and
Luchera (Warren) Eaton, her mother being
of the family of General Warren, of Revo-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
331
lutionary fame. The eldest brother of her
mother, Daniel Warren, was a colonel in
the war of 18 12. Mrs. Peck's first marriage
was celebrated in Moline, where she lived
until her husband's death one year later.
She was born in Windsor county, Vermont,
where she grew to womanhood. She re-
ceived a good education at South Wood-
stock, Vermont, at the Green Mountain
Liberal Institute, and when but eighteen
engaged in teaching in her native state.
Two years later she came west to Cham-
paign county, Illinois, where she had a
cousin living, who was the only acquaintance
in that locality. She taught the first tern]
of school at Philo, in that county, and then
took a position in the public schools of Ur-
bana, where she remained two years. From
there she went to Decatur, where she also
remained two years, and then went to
Moline, where she was teaching at the time
of her marriage to Mr. Wood. She was
induced to go to Moline from the fact that
Mrs. Deere was an old Vermont friend.
She is one of a family of eleven children,
five of whom are yet living. Besides her-
self, the living are George W., of Geneseo,
Illinois; Mary, wife of Joseph Savage, of
Polo, Illinois; Frederick W. , who remains
on the old homestead in Vermont; and Dr.
David D. , a practicing physician, of 3147
Indiana avenue, Chicago.
Since taking possession of the old home-
stead, Mr. Peek has followed general farm-
ing and stock raising, feeding usually the
grain he grows on the place. He has been
a Republican since the organization of the
party, but has never been an office-seeker.
Since 1891, e.xcept two years, he has been
serving as supervisor of his township, filling
the position to the general satisfaction of
those interested. He has ever been active
in educational matters, serving many years
on the school board. It is, however, as
one of the representative farmers of the
township that he is best known. On the
old homestead he has made many improve-
ments, adding to the beauty and value of
the place. The old Galena and Dixon
stage road used to cross the farm, and a
magnificent row of hard maple trees now
on the place was set out by our subject's
father along the road. He has made a suc-
cess in life and has gained the esteem and
respect of his many acquaintances, not only
for his integrity and upright character, but
for his ability and good judgment as well.
Mrs. Peek is a cultivated and highly re-
fined lady, of scholarly attainments. Their
home and genial hospitality is shared and
appreciated by their many friends and
guests. In the summer of 1875 they visit-
ed their old home in Vermont, and al-
though he had left it when but si.x years
old, Mr. Peek was yet able to recognize
some of the old landmarks.
WILLIAM H. STEFFA, the subject of
this sketch, was born December 21,
1S57, in Rockvale township, Ogle county.
He is the son of David and Martha (Hill)
Steffa, who were born in Maryland, the
former March 19, 1823, and the latter in
1S31. By occupation Mr. Steffa was a
farmer, and came to Ogle county in 1S41
with his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Steffa had
ten children, namely: Jacob E., li\ing in
Kansas; 15arbara A., also living in Kansas;
Ella, living in Nebraska; W^illiam H., of
whom we are writing; Andrew David, a res-
ident of Iowa; J. F. and O. B., of Rock-
vale; J. M., of Kansas; Effie, of Rockvale;
and Lottie, who died when twenty years of
332
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
age. Mr. Steffa is living with his son, the
subject of this sketch. His wife died Octo-
ber 26, 1891.
Our subject attended school and helped
his father until eighteen years of age, when
he started out for himself, going first to the
farm of Joseph Wagoner, where he remained
for one year and then worked by the month
for eighteen years, after which time he rent-
ed tlie farm of Joshua Thomas for a period
of two years. At the expiration of that
time Mr. Steffa moved to Hamilton county,
Nebraska, where he made his home for one
year, moving later to Scott county, Kansas,
where he resided for eighteen months, and
where he purchased a valuable tract of one
hundred and si.xty acres, still in his pos-
session. He afterward returned to Ogle
county, where he still resides, and where he
is still occupied in the management of the
highly cultured farm on section 17.
On the 14th of September, 1890, Mr.
Steffa married Mrs. Mary Haney, who was
born October 29, 1S4G, and is the daughter
of E. T. and Margaret (Howard) Mallory.
Mr. Mallory is a native of Yorkshire, Eng-
land, and was born February 18, 1818.
His first wife was from Scotland, where she
was born February 13, 1812. When nine
years of age, Mrs. Mallory moved with her
parents to London, Canada, where she met
her first husband, John McGuffin, a Cana-
dian, by whom she had six children. She
afterward married Edward T. Mallory, and
they are the parents of five children.
Mary, the wife of the subject of this sketch;
Ellen, who was born July 23, 1849, is the
widow of Olwyn Trask, and resides in Aus-
tin; Frances A., born April 5, 185 i, is the
wife of Frank Robinson, a carpenter, also
living in Austin; Edward T. was born Au-
gust 14, 1853. He was president of the
Minnesota Stoneware Company, at Red
Wing, Minnesota, where his widow still re-
sides.
The youngest child, Thomas Howard,
was born February 13, 1854. He married
Ann Steffa, and they reside in Chicago,
where Mr. Mallory is a traveling salesman
for a large brickware concern. Edward
Mallory lent his support to the Republican
party. He was actively interested in all
public affairs, and was school-director and
constable at the time of his demise, which
occurred November 28, 1856. Mr. Mallory
returned to England to visit the home of
his childhood, and later with reference to
some legacies which were left to him. Mrs.
Mallory's death occurred February 13,1 862.
Her father was one of the patriots who
fought in the Canadian rebellion.
Mrs. Steffa, the wife of our subject, was
twice married. Her first husband was Pat-
rick Haney, whom she married March 19,
1863, Eleven children graced this mar-
riage, as follows: George E. , born April 6,
1864, married Mary Ebersole, and together
with their seven children, they reside in
Manson, Iowa. William S., born June 17,
1865, married Minnie Lewis. They have
two children, and live near Bailyville, Kan-
sas. Olive E. was born March 3, 1867.
She married C. A. Rosecrans, and they have
one child. Their home is in Chicago, where
Mr. Rosecrans is engaged in the wholesale
hardware basiness. Henry B. was born
September 29, 1868, and married Mabel
Morton. They have one child and live in
Mount Morris township. Lucy Ann was
born April 16, 1870, and died two days
after her birth. John H. was born April
24, 1 87 1, and makes his home in Chicago,
where he is in the employ of his brother-in-
law. Mary Edith, born July i, 1873, mar-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
333
ried Henry Lohafer. They have one child
and lives near Mount Morris. Maggie Irene
was born February 9, 1876, and is living at
home. Homer C. was born March 26,
187S, and is attending college at Mount
Morris. Bessie Pearl, born January 26,
1880, died of appendicitis December 3,
1897. Walter P. was born January 13,
1883, and is living at home, attending the
district school. Mr. Haney was a Demo-
crat and gave his support to that party un-
til his death, which occurred July 19, 1882.
Mrs. Steffa is the possessor of three hun-
dred acres in the estate on which they re-
side. In politics our subject is a Repub-
lican, and ardently supports the party to
which he belongs. He is a clear-sighted
man of business, and has a very high stand-
ing in the community in which he resides.
REV. JAMES H. MORE, M. D.— Only
those lives are worthy of record that
have been potential factors in the public
progress in promoting the general welfare
or advancing the educational or moral inter-
ests of the community. Dr. More has
rounded the psalmist's span of three score
years and ten, has always been found true
to his church, to his country and to his
friends, and the world is certainly far better
for his having lived.
The earliest ancestor of the family of
which our subject has any knowledge is
John More, who was of the Grant clan of
the Highlands of northern Scotland, and
who was married at Forrest to Isabel Dun-
can, December 22, 1735. Their son John,
who was born February 24, 1745, was mar-
ried in 1770, to Betty Taylor, of Elgin,
Scotland, and they lived happily together
for the long period of fifty-three years.
36
Their two children were both born in Scot-
land, but in the autumn of 1772 the family
emigated to America. They spent the win-
ter in New York city, and in the spring of
1773 ascended the Hudson river to Cats-
kill, crossed the mountains and proceeded
through the wilderness to what is now Del-
aware county, New York. Coming to
a favorable spot where the large trees of
the forest indicated a fruitful soil, they
stopped, and in that wild region made for
themselves a home. Two children were born
in Scotland, and six children in America.
From these worthy pioneers are descended
many who have won distinction in the pul-
pit, on the rostrum, at the bar, and in com-
mercial, financial, medical and educational
circles as well as in the humbler walks
of life.
James More, grandfather of the Doctor,
was the sixth in order of birth in the family
of eight children born to John and Betty
More. He was born in Roxbury, Delaware
county. New York, January 10, 1782, and
died May 19, 1866. He married Roxana,
daughter of John and Patience (Post) Ben-
jamin. Of the six children born of this
union, John Benjamin More, the second in
order of birth , was born November 21,1 804,
and died in Polo, Illinois, February 24, 1886.
In 1829, he married Miss Louisa Jane Kel-
ley, who was born in Middletown, Delaware
county. New York, November 6, 1S09, a
daughter of Phineas and Rosalind Kelley.
She makes her home with our subject and
is still in the possession of her mental and
physical faculties. Her father, a blacksmith
by trade, was born in Dutchess county,
New York, December 6, 1777, and died at
age of sixty-seven years. He was a son of
David Kelley, a soldier of the Revolutionary
war, who married a Miss Ellis. Mrs. More's
334
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
maternal grandfather was Jonathan Kehey,
whose mother was Priscilla King, and he
married Grace Godfrey, a daughter of John
Godfrey.
Dr. More, the subject of this sketch,
was born in Halcottsville, Delaware county,
New York, August 31, 1826, a son of John
S. and Louisa J. (Kelley) More, and his
boyhood was passed in the town of Roxbury,
that county, his education being obtanied
in the common schools and the academies
at Prattsville and Fergusonville, where he
prepared for college. He successfully en-
gaged in teaching school for several terms
in Ro.xbury, and later entered the medical
department of the University of Buffalo,
New York, where he was graduated June 27,
1853. Coming west, he located at Buffalo
Grove, Ogle county, Illinois, in May, 1854,
and the following August began the practice
of his chosen profession with Dr. W. W.
Burns. In 1856 he embarked in the drug
and book business in Polo, but four years
later entered the ministry of the Methodist
church as a member of the Rock River Con-
ference, being first stationed at Harvard and
later at Richmond, McHenry county. At
the latter place he joined the Union army
as chaplain of the Ninety-fifth Illinois Vol-
unteer Infantry, which participated in many
important engagements in Missouri, Tenn-
essee, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and
Louisiana. The regiment was at first in the
Seventeenth Army Corps, but later formed
a part of the Sixteenth Army Corps, under
General A. J. Smith, and was mustered out
in August, 18G5.
After the war. Dr. More continued his
labors in Roek R iver Conference, was sta-
tioned at Mt. Morris two years and Kanka-
kee one year, and in 1 868 was appointed
presiding elder of the Dixon district, where
he remained for four years. During the
following three years he had charge of the
church at Sterling, was at Sycamore two
years, presiding elder of the Freeport dis-
trict four years, and for a year and a half
was pastor of the Western Avenue church,
Chicago. While there his health failed and
he was forced to resign, in 1883. Going to
Biddle county. South Dakota, he opened
up a farm and engaged in agricultural pur-
suits. He found no church facilities for the
people of that locality, the young folks were
desecrating the Sabbath, and he organized
churches and held services around at differ-
ent settler's cabins. When it became
known that he was also a physician, he was
forced into the practice of medicine again.
He took a great interest in the political
affairs of the territory, was a delegate to the
constitutional convention, and chairman of
the committee on public schools and school
lands, embodied in the organic law of the
state the best provisions for the safety of
school funds of any state in the Union.
From thiswise legislation the state now has
two million dollars drawing seven per cent
interest; in each township two sections have
been set apart for school purposes, and such
safe guards thrown around the school funds
as will prevent loss by dishonest officials.
The credit of this is almost wholly due to
the efforts of Dr. More, and it almost seems
that he was sent by Providence to the terri-
tory for that purpose.
On leaving Dakota, December 23, 1886,
Dr. More returned to Margaretville, Dela-
ware county. New York, where he engaged
in various commercial enterprises until
1890, when he returned to Ogle county.
He has since served as pastor of the Meth-
odist church at Forreston for three years,
but is now living retired in Polo, where he
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
I 1 r
has renewed old friendships. He has ever
taken a prominent part in local politics,
especially in all that is conducive to the
welfare of the city, and being elected alder-
man in 1S91, he immediately made his in-
fluence felt, as he had done in other towns
where his lot had been cast. He was the
chief factor in securing the local prohibition
at Sycamore while residing there, and the
city council of Polo soon realized that im-
provements must be made in the streets and
sidewalks. The Doctor was instrumental
in establishing the street grade and park
system which has made Polo one of the
neatest little cities of its size in the state.
He was appointed engineer and superin-
tendent of public works, and for a nominal
salary has given many days of valuable time
to surveying and grading the streets, etc.,
since 1895.
On the 2 1st of January, 1857, in Polo,
Dr. More was united in marriage with Miss
Harriet E. Frisbee, also a native of Ro.x-
bury, Delaware county. New York, and a
daughter of Rev. George and Maria (Smith)
Frisbee. Her father, who was also a
Methodist Episcopal minister, was born in
Rensselaerville, New York, March 23, 1796,
and died at Mt. Morris, Illinois, November
4, 1855. He came west in 1846 by way of
canal and lakes, having a son who had
located at Buffalo Grove four years previ-
ously. After spending one year in Mt.
Morris, Rev. Frisbee took up his residence
in Buffalo township, Ogle county. His
first wife had died in 1853, and he subse-
quently married again and returned to Mt.
Morris, where his last days were passed.
The genealogical record of the Frisbee family
is as follows: Edward Frisbee, of Brad-
ford, Massachusetts, had twins, Ebenezer
and Silence, who were born at that place
September 5, 1673. Ebenezer was married
at Bradford, April 21, 1703, to Hannah
Page, and their first born was Ebenezer,
who was born there April 14, 1704, and was
married at the same place, December 24,
1731, to Silence Brackett. Triplets were
born to them, April 2.S, 1736, and one of
these, Benjamin, married Margaret Holley,
by whom he had nine children. Benjamin
Frisbee, the grandfather of Mrs. More,
was the fifth in order of birth in this fam-
ily. He was born in Sharon, Connecticut,
August 17, 1768, and died in Roxbury,
New York, February 18, 1841. He was
married about 1790, to Ruth Dolph, who
was born in Wethersfield, Connecticut,
April 18, 1 77 1, and died in Roxbury, New
York, May 8, 1835. Rev. George Frisbee,
Mrs. More's father, was the second child in
their family. The first to come to the new
world was Bathazar and Alice De Wolf,
who settled in the Connecticut Valley.
They became the parents of several chil-
dren, among whom was Edward, who was
born in 1642. To Edward De Wolf and
his wife Rebecca was born Charles, 1673
(died 1 731), who married Prudence White.
Of their nine children, Joseph, the young-
est, was born in 17 17 and was killed during
the French and Indian war, before Louis-
burgh, in 1757. In 1737 he had married
Tabitha Johnson, and the youngest of their
three children was Abda, who also entered
the Colonial army in the French and In-
dian war, as did several of his cousins. It
was at this time that the name was changed
by these young men, who considered it too
Frenchy, although it had been born by En-
glish-speaking people for several genera-
tions. They adopted the name of D'olph
or Dolph. After his return from the war,
Abda Dolph went to New Hayen, Connecti-
336
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
cut, where he was married March i6, 1766,
to Mary Coleman, who was born March 4,
1745, a daughter of Nathaniel and Ruth
Coleman. Their daughter, Ruth Dolph, was
born April 18, 1771, and was married Feb-
ruary 8, 1 79 1, to Benjamin Frisbee. One
of the eight children born of this union was
Rev. George Frisbee, Mrs. Mere's father.
To Dr. More and wife were born five
children, namely: Mary L. , who married
George C. Marsh, secretary of the Gates
Iron Works and a resident of Ravenswood,
Chicago; George Frisbee, an expert elec-
trician, now located at Denver, Colorado;
Annie, who is clerk in the Sunday school
missionary society of the Congregational
church in Chicago; Faith, who is engaged
in kindergarten work in the same city; and
Pauline, who is studying in a kindergarten
college in Chicago, and is also assisting in
the Riverside public schools in kindergarten
work.
In political sentiment Dr. More is a
stanch Prohibitionist and has always made
his influence for good felt in every commu-
nity in which he has made his home. He
is a Knight Templar Mason and belongs to
the blue lodge and chapter at Polo and the
commandery at Di.xon. His circle of friends
is only limited by his circle of acquaintances,
and it is safe to say that no man in Ogle
county is held in higher respect or esteem
than Dr. More.
REV. JOHN J. McCANN is the effi-
cient pastor of the St. Mary's Catholic
church, Oregon, Illinois. He was born in
Providence, Rhode Island, October 25,
1862, and is the son of George T. and Cath-
erine (Wynne) McCann. His father was a
native of Manchester, England, and came to
the United States with his parents, the fam-
ily locating in Providence, Rhode Island,
where the parents later died. Felix Mc-
Cann, the paternal grandfather, married
Mary Coleman, whose father, Thomas Cole-
man, was a colonel in the English army, and
who was thrown from his horse and killed.
Felix and Mary McCann were the parents
of four children — John, James, Susannah
and George T. , the latter being the father
of our subject. By trade George T. McCann
was a weaver, and a good one. He first
came west on a prospecting tour, and for a
time resided in Chicago, from which place
he went to Aurora. In Aurora he first
found employment in the woolen mills of
Mr. Stolp, a factory that did a large and
profitable business during the Civil war and
for some years after. He had to abandon
that business, however, on account of his
health. This was, however, shortly before
the war. He took his family east again,
and resided in Providence, Rhode Island.
During the latter part of the Civil war he
enlisted, and was mustered into the service
as a member of the First Rhode Island
Light Artillery, and served until the close
of the struggle. His brother James was
all through the Rebellion, serving in a com-
pany of heavy artillery from Rhode Island.
He came west again in July, 1866, and lo-
cated in Aurora, Illinois, where he yet re-
sides, being foreman in one of the depart-
ments of the Aurora Silver Plate Factory.
Mrs. Catherine McCann was a native of
Ireland, her parents dying in that country
when she was a small child. She was the
youngest of the family. To George T. and
Catherine McCann nine children were born,
five of whom are yet living — John J., our
subject; Agnes, living with our subject; An-
REV. JOHN J. McCANN.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
339
drew and George C, now residing in
Chicago.
Father McCann was but four years old
when the family moved the second time to
Aurora, Illinois. After attending the pub-
lic school and being one year in the high
school in that city, he entered St. Viateur's
College, Bourbonnais, Illinois, in Septem-
ber, 1877, where he remained five years in
the study of the classics and philosophy.
Leaving college, he studied theology and
kindred sciences in St. Mary's Seminary,
Baltimore, Maryland, finishing the regular
course of clerical studies January 6, 188S,
at which time he received ordination at the
hands of Cardinal Gibbons. His first min-
istry was as assistant pastor of St. James
church, Chicago, where he remained four
years, and was then at St. Phillips church,
Chicago, for six months. Leaving Chicago,
for a year and a half he was at St. Mary's
church, Joliet, and for one year at St.
Michael's church. Galena. He was then
appointed pastor of the mission of Oregon,
Polo and Forreston, by Archbishop Feehan.
This was in November, 1S94. Since then
he has annexed to his charge the Catholic
missions at Byron and Ashton. He organ-
ized the first Catholic congregation and
built the first Catholic church at Byron, in
1895. The mission at Oregon was organ-
ized in 1850, by Rev. John Quigley, C. M.,
of LaSalle, who with other priests celebrat-
ed mass in private houses, and in the court
house until 1862, when they erected a small
stone church in which services were held
until the present fine church building was
erected in 1891 by the Rev. D. B. Toomey.
It is a large brick structure, with a seating
capacity of five hundred, and will cost when
completed twenty thousand dollars. The
Oregon mission has about seventy families,
that at Polo about sixty-five families, about
forty families in Ashton, and about sixty
families in Byron. They have services in
each of these places once every two weeks.
All the congregations are in a flourishing
condition, and that at Polo have in contem-
plation the erection of a church building.
Father McCann is a zealous pastor and a
hard worker in the interests of his people
and Christianity. He is a man of marked
ability and popular with all classes, with
many friends and well-wishers throughout
Ogle and adjoining counties.
JOHN R. NETTZ is numbered ainong
the thriving farmers of Grand Detour
township, where he owns and operates a
farm of one hundred and twenty acres of
fine land. He is a native of Ogle county,
and was born in Pine Creek township,
October 26, 1853. His parents, Henry and
Margaret (Smice) Nettz, are natives of
Washington county, Maryland, his father
being born in 1S16. By trade he was a
carpenter, an occupation he followed until
coming to Ogle county in 1S51. On his
arrival here, he located in Pine Creek
township, where he purchased land and en-
gaged in farming in ct)nnection with his
trade. When his sons became old enough
he relinquished into their hands the manage-
ment of the farm, and is now living a re-
tired life. In politics he is a stanch Re-
publican, and religiously is a member of the
Christian church, being one of the original
members of the church in Pine Creek town-
ship. In his family were six children, five
of whom are yet living. Thomas F. died
in his twenty-first year. Otho J. is a farmer
of Cass county, Iowa. Edward A. is living
on the old home farm in Pine Creek town-
340
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ship. John R. is next in order of birth.
Daniel B. and Samuel B. are twins. They
reside in Monroe, Wisconsin.
The subject of this sketch grew to man-
hood on the home farm in Pine Creek town-
ship, and was educated in the common
school. He was reared to farm life, and
until he attained his majority gave his time
faithfully to his father. On arriving at
man's estate, he worked on farms for wages
for several years. On the 5th of August,
1880, he was united in marriage with Miss
Marthe Wragg, daughter of Peter and
Nancy (Thompson) Wragg, of whom further
memtion is made in the sketch of John B.
Wragg, on another page of this work. By
this union two children have been born, a
son and daughter, George M., and Cora M.
both of whom are at home.
After his marriage Mr. Nettz cultivated
a rented farm in Woosung township for two
years, after which he rented what is known
as the Hershey farm in Pine Creek town-
ship, where he remained ten years. In
1S93 he purchased his present farm, which
is located on sections 5 and 14, Grand
Detour township. During the same year
he erected a line barn and remodeled the
dwelling house, sine which time he has made
other permanent and valuable improve-
ments.
For the past si.\ years Mr. Nettz has
served as school director of his district, and
in September, 1897, was elected road com-
missioner, which office he is at present fill-
ing. In politics he is a Republican, his
first presidential vote having been cast for
Rutherford B. Hayes, in 1876. He is a
worthy member of the Pine Creek Christian
church, of which body his wife is also a
member. His success in life is largely due
to his own industry, integrity and business
ability. Both he and his wife are held in
high esteem, and they have many rfiends
in Ogle county, especially in Pine Creek,
Woosung and Grand Detour townships,
where their entire lives have been spent.
WILLIAM WATTS, deceased, who
resided on section 23, Pine Creek
township, belonged to that sturdy class of
pioneers who left comfortable homes in the
south and east and braved the hardships of
frontier life and succeeded in transforming a
wild country into one of the most produc-
tive countries in the known world. He was
a native of Washington county, Maryland,
born January 29, 18 18, and is the son of
Thomas and Sarah (Knudson) Watts, the
forn^.er an Englishman by birth, and the
latter born in Washington county, Maryland.
In his youth Thomas Watts learned the
carpenter's trade, but later engaged in
farming, an occupation in which he con-
tinued throughout the remainder of his life.
He never came west, and he and his wife
both lived in Maryland. They were the
parents of the following named children —
John, Nancy, Rachel, Sarah, Joseph, Eliza-
beth, Thomas, William, Frisby and Abra-
ham.
In his native county \\'illiam Watts re-
ceived his primary education in the district
schools, attending the same as the opportu-
nity was afforded him until he was seventeen
years old, when he commenced to learn the
carpenter's trade. After serving an ap-
prenticeship of three years he worked as a
journeyman in his native state until 1840,
when, in company with George Swingley,
Walter 1]. McCoy and John B. Ghana, he
left Hagerstown on horseback and started
west, traveling through Pennsylvania, Ohio
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
341
and Indiana, taking about a month in mak-
ing the trip to Ogle county. They went
first through the southern part of IlHnois,
passing through Springfield, the state capi-
tal, which was then but a small village, ar-
riving in due time at Mount Morris.
On his arrival here, Mr. Watts com-
menced to work at his trade, assisting in
the erection of the first dwelling house in
the place. After completing the frame of
the dwelling house, he went to work on the
old seminary building, which was then in
course of construction, and continued on
that work until it was completed in the
spring of 1S42. He then purchased the
claim of Major Hitt to a half section of land
for which he paid five dollars per acre. The
major who is the uncle of the present con-
gressman is yet living in Ottawa, Illinois, at
the age of ninety years. Although purchas-
ing the land, Mr. Watts did not at once
commence farming, but continued to work
at his trade until 1850. At that time the
land was still in its primitive condition, al-
though about fifty acres had been broken.
On the 29th of October, 1849, Mr.
Watts was united in marriage with Miss
AnnaAnkeny, a native of Washington coun-
ty, Maryland, born January 22, 1S32, and
the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth An-
keny, also natives of the same county and
state, who came to Ogle county in 1837,
locating in Mount Morris township. By this
union there were born eleven children, one
of whom died in early childhood. Thomas
married Martha Avey and they have two
children. They reside in Buffalo township
where he is engaged in farming. Albert
married Miss Vickey Weller. He is a farmer
of Mount Morris township. William mar-
ried Ella McNett, and they have one child.
He is a farmer of Mount Morris township.
Ella married Albert Fahrney, and they have
three children. He is a farmer of Buffalo
township. James is living with his father
and running the home place. John died at
the age of twenty-one. Mary and Martha,
twins, are living at home. Frisby married
Ella Felker. He is a farmer of Pine Creek
township. Oliver married Ada Mumma,
and he is engaged in the grocery business
at Mount Morris.
Immediately after his marriage, Mr.
Watts, with his young bride, started for
their old home in Maryland, making their
bridal tour with a horse and buggy. After
spending the winter visiting relatives and
friends, they returned to Ogle county in the
spring of 1850 and settled upon the farm
that Mr. Watts had purchased several years
previous, and at once began the battle of
life. For forty-nine years they traveled
life's journey together, and she was to him
a helpmeet indeed, seconding him in all his
efforts for success in this world. She was
withal a loving mother and her memory is
held in grateful remembrance. The sum-
mons came to her suddenly in February,
1898, her death being attributed to heart
failure. Mr. Watts survived his wife about
one year, when he, too, was called to rest.
When Mr. Watts came to Ogle county
there were but a few log houses in the town
of Oregon, and the whole country was
almost in its natural state. Wild game
was yet in abundance, and continued plen-
tiful for several years. He was blessed in
many ways, and by his own industry and
wise management the original three hun-
dred and twenty acres were added to until
he became the owner of about fifteen hun-
dred acres of as fine and productive land as
there is in Ogle county. In addition to the
cultivation of his farm, in times past he
34;
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
gave considerable attentiorrto raising thor-
oughbred horses.
Although more than four score years
have passed since Mr. Watts was born into
this world, he was hale and hearty, with
strength of mind and body well preserved
until the last. The years that have come
and gone since he was born have been
eventful ones. His birth was cotemporane-
ous with that of the great state of Illinois,
which at that time had but few more inhab-
itants than has Ogle county at the present
time. A long and bloody civil war was
fought, four millions of slaves were made
free, and in the lapse of time the bonds
that held the union together have been
strengthened, and there is no longer the
sectional feeling that divided the country,
but we are truly one people. In what is
now the northern part of Illinois, there was
not a white man living at the time of his
birth. Railroads, steamboats, telegraphs,
telephones and the many useful labor-sav-
ing agricultural inventions were unknown.
It has certainly been a grand age in which
to live, and in the progress and develop-
ment of the country Mr. Watts bore his
part. Reared a Democrat, he always voted
that party ticket, but never aspired to office-
holding, believing he could do more good
by attending strictly to his personal affairs.
SE. BROWN, who has been actively
engaged in business in Eorreston for
many years, is one of the honored sons of
that place, and his life is a verification of
the fact that the inevitable law of destiny
accords to a tireless energy, industry and
ability a successful career. Prominent in
business circles of Forreston stands Mr.
Brown, who conducts a restaurant, bakery
and confectionary at that place. He was
born August ii, 1844, in Schuylkill county,
Pennsylvania, and at the early age of two
years was left motherless. Upon reaching
his fourteenth year he was apprenticed to
the shoemaking trade, at which he worked
until 1S64, when, on the 1 3th of September,
he enlisted in Company H, Two Hundred
and Tenth Regiment, Pennsylvania State
Volunteers. Shortly after entering the
service he was taken ill and sent to the regi-
mental hospital, but owing to the lingering
condition of his disease he was transferred
to the McDougal general hospital, from
whence he was discharged, and also mus-
tered out of service, receiving his discharge
papers May 31, 1865. In 1865 he returned
to Dauphin county, and worked in the
coal mines from the spring of that year
until fall, when he again took up his trade
of shoemaking, which he pursued through-
out the winter of 1865-66.
On the sixth of April, 1S66, Mr. Brown
came to Illiuois to join his brother who had
preceded him, and settled at Lanark, Car-
roll county. Upon joining him, he worked
as a farm laborer until 1867, when he was
employed by Jonas Beck, for whom he
worked the following eight months. On
the 24th of November, 1867, he was united
in marriage to Miss Nancy Beyers, a daugh-
ter of J. G. Beyers, a pioneer settler of Ogle
county, and at that time a prosperous farm-
er of Brookville township. Two children
have blessed this marriage, namely: Agnes,
living at home; and John William, express
agent at Forreston for the American Ex-
press Company. In the fall of 1868 Mr.
Brown rented a farm of eighty acres in
Brookville township, which he subsequently
increased to one hundred and twenty acres,
and which he worked until 1S94. On the
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
343
eighth ol January he removed to Forreston
and went into business in the location which
he now owns and occupies. Mr. Brown is
one of a family of six children. George, the
eldest, is deceased. J. P. is a prosperous
farmer in Otter Creek, Carroll county, Illi-
nois. David is a farmer in Dauphin county,
Pennsylvania. Sarah is the wife of E. O.
Ready, of Kewanee Illinois. Susanna is
deceased. The sixth child is the subject of
this sketch.
Mr. Brown votes the Republican ticket,
and cast his first ballot for Ulysses S. Grant.
He is a self-made man, and his valuable
farm lands in Iowa, and the business prop-
erty in Forreston are the results of his en-
ergy and good managment, ably assisted by
his wife, who seconds his efforts by her con-
stant zeal and activity. He is among the
most progressive and public-spirited citizens
of Forreston, and gives his support and co-
operation to measures tending toward its
growth and development.
HOWARD A. MORRIS.— America owes
much of her progress and advance-
ment to a position foremost among nations
of the world to her newspapers, and no line
has the incidental broadening out of the
sphere of usefulness more than this line of
journalism. Ogle county has enlisted in its
newspaper fields some of its strongest intel-
lects— men of broad mental grasp, cosmo-
politan ideas and notable business sagacity.
Prominent among these is Howard A. Mor-
ris, of Rochelle, the successful editor and
proprietor of the Herald. He comes of a
good old Connecticut family who have lived
for generations in the town of Danbury,
and whose ancestry dates back to the land-
ing of the Mayflower. His great-grand-
37
father was Bethel Morris. His grand-
parents were Samuel Morris, who died
in Danbury in 1864, and Phoebe (Starr)
Morris, who died in 1871 at the residence of
her son in Chicago. His maternal grand-
parents were Oliver and Polly (Benedict)
Vail. The former went to Connecticut
when a boy, and by his frugality and in-
dustry he acquired a small farm, and at the
time of his death, which occurred while on
a visit to his brother in Syracuse, New
York, he was the the owner of large and
valuable tracts of land near Adrian, Mich-
igan.
The father of our subject was Granville
White Morris, who was born in Danbury,
Connecticut, on the 17th of November,
1822. He attended the district school from
the age of four years until reachinghistwelfth
year, and from that time until his sixteenth
year he was employed in his father's woolen
mills during the summer, attending an
academy in the winter seasons. The four
years following he worked in the mills of
Dick & Sanford at Sandy Hook, and in 1 842
purchased from his father the woolen mills
aforementioned. These he ran until 184S,
when he accepted the office of sheriff and
served until 1862, under Philo T. Barnum,
a brother of the famous showman of that
name, and at the same time kept the coun-
ty house and jail.
In 1862 he opened the Turner House in
Danbury, which he ran for a year, and in
1S63 came west to Rockford, returning the
following year for his family, which he took
to LaCrosse, Wisconsin, and in 1865 to
Rockford, where they remained for ten
years. At the expiration of that time they
moved to Chicago where Mr. Morris was
employed as general agent by an insurance
company, traveling over a territory com-
344
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
prising Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota,
Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana and Missouri.
In 1876 Mr. Morris visited Washington, Dis-
trict of Columbia, and the following spring
went south intending to locate in Georgia,
but was taken ill and returned home, locat-
ing in Creston, Illinois, and a few months
later removed to Malta, Illinois, where he
established the Malta Mail and the Creston
Times. In 1881 he sold the former and
combined the latter with the Rochelle Her-
ald, of which he was editor until his death,
which occurred in March, 1893.
Our subject, Howard A. Morris, was
born on the 8th of December, 1851, in Dan-
bury, Connecticut, and came west with his
parents in 1864. He received his schooling
in the common schools of Rockford, attend-
ing later the Rockford Business College,
where he remained eighteen months. In
1876 he was employed as a traveling sales-
man by an insurance firm in Wheeling, West
Virginia, and the two years following, for a
Detroit firm. The fourth year he was in
the employ of the Chicago Baking Com-
pany, and spent most of his time between
Chicago and Omaha, Nebraska. In 1880
he joined his parents in Malta, remaining
until the following year when, in connection
with his father, established the Rochelle
Herald, of which his father was editor until
his death in 1883. Since that time he has
been editor and sole proprietor. On the
9th of September, 1880, Mr. Morris was
united in marriage to Miss Julia Pease, a
daughter of Dan Pease, who was born in
Middlefield, Massachusetts, and his wife
Rachel (Burzell) Pease, a native ofBuffalo,
New York, and a daughter of Owen and
Mary Burzell. Four children have graced
this marriage, namely: Mary Josephine,
Jennie M., Howard A., Jr., and Helen M.,
Howard A. having died at the age of five
year. Mr. Morris is a member of the Ma-
sonic Lodge and Chapter of Rochelle, and
Sycamore Commandary, K. T. Politically
he is a Republican, always giving his sup-
port and ballot to that party. He is an
honorable and straightforward man of busi-
ness, and by this and his courteous and
affable manner, commands the respect and
esteem of his fellow citizens.
SAMUEL P. MUMMA, the well-known
stock dealer of Mt. Morris, is a native
of Ogle county, born in Pine Creek town-
ship, October i, 1844, and is the son of
Daniel S. and Naomi (Malone) Munima,
both of whom were natives of Washington
county, Maryland, the former born June 17,
18 18, and the latter September 29, 1820.
Daniel S. Mumma was reared in his
native state and received his education in
the common schools. At the age of eight-
een he came west, making the journey on
horseback, in company with his brother.
They were so favorably impressed with the
country that they returned east, disposed of
their property, and in 1837 came to Ogle
county for permanent settlement, thus be-
coming pioneers of the county. On his
arrival he made claim to one hundred and
thirty acres of land in Pine Creek township,
on which he resided for about eight years,
when he disposed of the same and pur-
chased a tract of one hundred and si.xty
acres, on which he lived for some sixteen
years. He then rented the place to his son
and purchased eighty acres in Pine Creek
township, on which he lived about fourteen
years, when he moved to Mt. Morris and
lived retired until his death. Daniel S.
Mumma was the son of John and Mary
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
345
(Shafer) Mumma, both of whom were also
natives of Washington county, Maryland,
and who there spent their entire lives, living
to a good old age. They were the parents
of six children.
After residing here about three years, Mr.
Mumma returned to Maryland and wedded
Naomi Malone, daughter of James and
Susanna (Albert) Malone, also natives of
Washington county, Maryland, and who
were the parents of nine children — Elias,
Maria, James, Mary, Naomi, Susan, Jane,
Ruan, Lizzie. In his native state, James
Malone passed to his reward, and later his
widow came to Ogle county, where her last
days were spent.
To Daniel S. and Naomi Mumma ten
children were born. James L. , born April
15, 1 841, married Sophia Etnyre, and they
reside in the village of Mt. Morris; six chil-
dren have been born to them, of whom
three are now living. Mary A. , born August
7, 1842, married William Griswold, by whom
she had five children, two of whom are
deceased; both Mr. and Mrs. Griswold are
deceased, the latter dying January 19, 1890,
and the former October 23, of the same
year. Samuel P. is the subject of this
sketch. Margaret, born August 26, 1S46,
married A. N. Ankney, and they have one
child; he is living retired in Mt. Morris.
Amanda died in infancy. Benjamin F.,
born August 1 1 , 1 849, married Laura Shafer,
and they have one child; he died July 5,
1888, the result of an accident; she later
married Frank Stonebraker, and they now
reside in Hagerstown, Maryland. Henry
C. , born September 9, 1851, married
Amanda Young, and they have two chil-
dren; they reside on the home place in Pine
Creek township, where he is engaged in
farming. Estella F. , born February 26,
1853, married Joseph Middlekoff, and they
have three children; he is a farmer, and
they reside in Pine Creek township. Ella,
born February 28, 1855, is living with her
mother in Mt. Morris. Elizabeth S., born
August 15, i860, married Harvey Griswold,
and they have two children; he is a farmer
in Rockvale township.
Daniel S. Mumma died at his home in
Mt. Morris, September 10, 1888. His
death was calm and peaceful, drooping away
like a summer flower in autumn. His widow
yet survives, and is living a peaceful and
contented life, and waiting for the summons
to "come up higher."
After passing through the grammar school
of Pine Creek township, Samuel P. Mumma
entered Rock River Seminary, finishing his
school life in that institution. After leav-
ing the Seminary, he returned to his father's
farm and there remained seven years, assist-
ing in farm labor. He then went to Mt.
Morris and opened the first meat market in
the place, and continued in that line of bus-
iness for nine years, in the meantime en-
gaged to some extent in dealing in stock.
Closing out his meat market, he went into
the grain and stock business, in which he
continued for four years. Desirous of giv-
ing his attention exclusively to the stock
business, he disposed of his grain interests,
since which time his whole time and atten-
tion has been given to the purchase and
sale of stock.
On the 22d of February, 1870, Mr.
Mumma was united in marriage with Miss
Louisa Swingley, a native of Washington
county, Maryland, born February 11, 1844,
and a daughter of Benjamin and Catherine
(Hershey) Swingley, both of whom were
also natives of the same county and state.
They were the parents of eight children —
346
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Ellen, John, Oliver, Louise, Ann, Laura,
Alice and Grace. The latter is now de-
ceased. Benjamin Swingley came to Ogle
county in 1845 and located in Mt. Morris
township, where he engaged in farming, at
which he continued until 1891, when he
moved to the village of Mt. Morris, where
he is now living at the age of eighty-two
years. His wife died June 21, 1893, at the
age of seventy-six years.
To Mr. and Mrs. Mumma five children
have been born: Willis, born December
22, 1870, married Annie Rice, and they are
living in Mt. Morris. Ada, born October
9, 1873, married Oliver Watts, who is en-
gaged in the mercantile business in Mt.
Morris. Edgar, born September 24, 1876,
is assisting his father in the business, doing
much of the buying. Grace, born April 8,
1880, is living at home. Olie, born No-
vember 23, 1884, died September 17, 1886.
In politics Mr. Mumma is a Democrat,
a party with which he has been identified
since casting his first presidential vote for
Horatio Seymour, in 186S. He has served
his township and village as school director
for a number of years, constable for a few
years, member of the village board, and
clerk of the same. Fraternally he is a
member of the Knights of the Globe, and
religiously is a Lutheran, as is also his wife,
holding membership in the church at Mt.
Morris.
It is as a business man and stock dealer
that Mr. Mumma is best known, handling
about eighty car loads per year, and doing
a business amounting to fully one hundred
thousand dollars per year. He is a good
judge of stock and is always willing to live
and let live. The farmers of the commu-
nity know that they can trust him, and for
that reason he handles such a large amount
of stock per year. His reputation as a fair
dealer is beyond question. As a citizen, he
is fully abreast of the times, and is always
willing to practice what he preaches, doing
his share in the development of his village
and county.
GARDNER S. PRESTON.— Prominent
amongthe early settlersof Ogle county,
who have witnessed the marvelous develop-
ment of this section of the state during the
past half century, and who have, by honest
toil and industry, succeeded in acquiring a
competence, are now able to spend the sun-
set of life in quiet and retirement, is the
gentleman whose name heads this sketch,
and who is a resident of the pleasant village
of Stillman Valley.
Mr. Preston was born in Oneida county,
New York, |une 11, 1828, and is descended
from a familyof English origin, which was
founded in New England at an early day in
the history of this country. His paternal
grandfather, Noah Preston, was one of the
heroes of the Revolutionary war and was
wounded while fighting for liberty. He
was an early settler of Connecticut, and in
1806 became one of the pioneers of Oneida
county, New York, where he reared his
family.
Lyman Preston, father of our subject,
was born in Connecticut, in 1800, and grew
to manhood in Oneida county. New York,
where he was united in marriage with Miss
Hannah Gillett, a native of Herkimer coun-
ty, that state. Her father. Rev. Truman
Gillett, was a minister of the Free Will
Baptist church and a missionary to Canada
among the Moravians. Lyman Preston en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits in Oneida
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
347
county until 1S50, when he brought his
family to Ogle county, Illinois, and here
spent the remainder of his life, dying about
1S53. His estimable wife long survived
him, passing away in the spring of 1898,
at the advanced age of ninety years In
their family were the following children:
Mrs. Fanny Lawson, now a resident of Mil-
waukee, Wisconsin; Gardner S., of this re-
view; Lyman, a business man of Provi-
dence, Rhode Island; Mrs. Helen Lewis, of
Stillman Valley; and Juliette, who married
Colonel York and at an early day removed
to Kansas, where her death occurred.
Gardner S. Preston is wholly self-edu-
cated, as his school advantages in early life
were limited. He was reared upon the
home farm in Oneida county. New York,
remaining with his father until he_ attained
his majority, and in the fall of 1849 he
came to Ogle county, Illinois, where his
father had traded for property some time
previous. He located on a tract of one
hundred and sixty acres of wild land in Ma-
rion township, fenced it and commenced
the work of cultivation and improvement.
He built a stone or gravel house in which
he lived for over twenty years while open-
ing up his farm, but it was finally replaced
by a more commodious and modern frame
residence. He also built good barns and
outbuildings, set out fruit and ornamental
trees, and continued to improve his place
until he had one of the finest farms in the
township. He added to the original pur-
chase until he now has three hundred and
twenty acres of valuable land, which has
been acquired 'through his own industry and
good management as he came to this region
almost empty-handed.
Mr. Preston has been twice married, and
by the first wife had four children who are
still living, namely: Curtis, who is mar-
ried and engaged in farming in Monroe
ownship. Ogle county;Carrie,wife of George
Bird, of Marion township; Frank, who
went to the Pacific coast, and since 1893
has been engaged in the vegetable busi-
ness in California; and J. W., who is now
a farmer of Cass county, Iowa. On the
2Sth of June, 1872, Mr. Preston was
married in Ogle county to Miss Lillie Trax-
lar, a native of the county, and a daughter
of Peter Traxlar, who came to this section
from Canada during the 'forties. There are
two children by this marriage: Lyman, like
his brothers, is married and lives on the old
home farm; and Maude is her father's house-
keeper. This is her last year at the Rock-
ford F"emale College, where she has been
giving special attention to music. Mrs.
Preston, who was a most estimable lady,
passed away in February, 1895, and was
laid to rest in the Stillman Valley cemetery.
She was a sincere and consistent Christian,
an active member of the Congregational
church, and much esteemed and beloved for
her many Christian virtues.
Mr. Preston has also been a faithful
member of the Congregational church of
Stillman \'alley for nearly forty years. He
is a stanch Republican in politics, but has
never cared for the honors or emoluments
of public office, though he has most credita-
bly served as highway commissioner for
twenty years, was treasurer of the board,
and for several years was an efficient mem-
ber of the board of education. His sup-
port is never withheld from any object
which he believes will prove of public ben-
efit, and he is justly numbered among the
valued and useful citizens of the community.
After the death of his wife in 1895, he re-
moved to Stillman Valley, where he is sur-
548
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
rounded by a large circle of friends and ac-
quaintances who appreciate his sterling
worth.
GEORGE W. HAMMER, residing on
section 36, Lincoln township, is num-
bered among the active and enterprising
farmers of Ogle county. His home farm
comprises one hundred and ninety acres,
and is a well improved place, while his farm
of seventy-four acres in Buffalo township is
also well improved. He is a native of Ogle
county, born on the farm where he now re-
sides, September 7, 1845, and is the son of
John and Eliza (Witmer) Hammer, both of
whom were natives of Washington county,
Maryland, the former born in 1806, and the
latter in 18 13. They were married in their
native county, and in 1838 moved to Illi-
nois, locating in Springfield, and there re-
sided until 1S42. John Hammer was a
harness maker by trade, and was working
at his trade while residing in Springfield.
Leaving that city, he came to Ogle county
and settled in Mount Morris where he con-
tinued to work at his trade for about three
years. During that time he entered eighty
acres of land, which was a portion of the
farm now occupied by our subject. In Feb-
ruary, 1845, he removed to the tract that
he had purchased, erected a small frame
house, and there resided while otherwise
improving the place. He later purchased
more land and had a fine farm of two hundred
and forty acres. On his farm he commenced
the manufacture of brick, which he contin-
ued three seasons, during which time he
made the brick that went into his own brick
residence that he had built. On that farm
he continued to reside until his death in
January, 1879, at the age of seventy-three
years. His wife survives him and now re-
sides in Mount Morris at the age of eighty-
five years. They were the parents of six
children, all of whom are living and have
families of their own. Benjamin resides in
Polo. John W. is living in Dixon, Illinois.
D. Harry is a prominent citizen of Chicago.
Eliza is the wife of Rev. Malachi Newcomer,
a substantial farmer of Ogle county. George
W. IS the subject of this review. Ida is the
wife of Edward Baker, a farmer of Pine
Creek township.
The subject of this sketch was reared on
the farm where he now resides, which he
helped to improve. His education was ob-
tained in the district school, but the oppor-
tunities that were given him were well
improved, and he is to-day a well-informed
man. He continued to remain at home
until his father's death, when he bought the
interest of the other heirs and succeeded to
the home place. Since coming into pos-
session he has made a number of valuable
improvements upon the place, including
the erection of a large basement barn,
together with cribs, sheds and various out-
buildings. Everything about the place
shows the effect of a master mind, one that
fully understands what he desires and puts
into execution his plans. He is regarded
as one of the best farmers and stockraisers
in the county.
Mr. Hammer was married in Pine Creek
township, b\'bruary 3, 1S70, to Miss Mary
C. Miller, a native of Ogle county, and a
daughter of David F. Miller, a pioneer of
Ogle county, from Washington county,
Maryland, and one of the first settlers of
Pine Creek township. By this union eight
children have been born, of whom D. O.,
the eldest, is assisting in carrying on the
home farm. Clarence is now a student in
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
349
Mt. Morris College. Edith is the wife of
Albert Coffman, a farmer of Buffalo town-
ship. Daisy is the wife of Prof. Ora Fos-
ter, a professional teacher, residing near
Anderson, Indiana. Eva is yet residing at
home. Minnie is a teacher in the public
schools of Ogle county. George M. and
Ray are attending the home school. Ruth
died at the age of two months.
Mr. Hammer cast his first presidential
ballot for U. S. Grant in 1868, and from
that time to the present has been a consist-
ent Republican. He has never held or de-
sired public office, having no taste for such,
and willing that those aspiring for official
honors may have all they wish. His busi-
ness interests have commanded his time and
attention. He is well known as a man of
strict integrity and honor, one deserving of
the confidence of the community which has
alvvavs been his home.
WILLIAM ALFRED HAMMOND, a
well-known and successful farmer
and veterinary surgeon residing on section
30, Leaf River township, a mile and a half
northeast of the village of Leaf River, is one
of the active, enterprising and substantial
citizens of Ogle county, with whose interests
he has been identified since 1855. He was
born in Washington county, Maryland,
March 1 1, 1836, a son of William Hammond,
whose birth occurred in the same county, in
1807. The family were pioneers of that
region and the grandfather, Peter Ham-
mond, was of German ancestry. On reach-
ing manhood the father married Miss Louisa
Santman, also a native of Washington
county, where they continued to make their
home for some years, his time and attention
being devoted to farming. In 1855 he re-
moved with his family to Ogle county, Illi-
nois, and the following year located on the
farm where our subject now lives. A small
house had previously been built and thirty-
five acres placed under cultivation, and to
the further improvement and operation of
the place he gave his attention for seven
years. In 1861, however, he returned to
Washington county, Maryland, where he
lived retired until called from this life about
1866. His wife survived him a number of
years and died at the ripe old age of eighty-
two.
In the family of this worthy couple were
eleven children, of whom eight are still liv-
ing, namely: Mrs. Mary Ann Eakle, of
Bakerville, Maryland; Rev. Josiah L. , a
Lutheran minister, now located in Iowa;
William A., of this review; Mrs. W. L.
Palmer, whose sketch appears elsewhere in
this work; Isaiah, a farmer of Washington
county, Maryland; C. E., a baker of Ster-
ling, Illinois; Mrs. Susan Miller, of Wash-
ington county, Maryland, and Franklin P.,
a dentist of Texarkana, Te.xas.
The education of our subject has been
acquired through reading, study and ob-
servation since reaching years of matur-
ity, as he had no school privileges during
his youth. He was nineteen years of age
when he accompanied the family on their
removal to Ogle county, and was of
great assistance to his father in opening
up and carrying on the home farm. In
1 86 1 he purchased the place and has made
the farm what it is to-day — one of the best
in Leaf River township. It comprises two
hundred acres of valuable land, which is
well improved. Mr. Hammond has rebuilt
and remodeled the house, and the other
buildings are in harmony therewith. For
twenty-eight years he has successfully en-
3?o
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
gaged in the practice of veterinary surgery,
and has built up a good practice. In 1873
he removed to Rockford, where for three
years he gave liis entire time to the prac-
tice of his profession, but at the end of that
time he returned to his farm and has since
engaged in farming in connection with his
practice.
At Freeport, Illinois, March 14, 1861,
Mr. Hammond was united in marriage with
Miss Sarah Williard, a native of Dauphin
county, Pennsylvania, who came with her
father, Jacob Williard, to Ogle county in
1854, when a child of eleven years, and set-
tled in Leaf River township. Five children
were born of this union, as follows: Alcindia,
wife of Dr. Ira O. Paul, who is engaged in
the practice of medicine in Winnebago, Illi-
nois; William J., who is married and en-
gaged in farming in Mount, Morris township.
Ogle county; Sarah V., wife of James B.
Shierk, a farmer living near Egan, this
county; Franklin, a painter, residing at
home; and Gertrude, wife of F. J. Marks,
a telegraph operator holding a position at
Rosalia, Washington.
Politically Mr. Hammond is a stanch
Democrat, but has never cared for political
preferment. His honorable, upright life
commends him to the confidence and es-
teem of all with whom he comes in contact,
and he has a large circle of friends and ac-
quaintances who fully appreciate his sterling
worth.
HON. ISAAC RICE, deceased, for three
score years was a resident of Ogle
county, and it is but just to say that few
men living here were better known or more
highly respected among those with whom
they associated. He was a native of Wash-
ington county, Maryland, the birthplace of
some of the best men and women that have
made their home in Ogle county. He was
born October 28, 1826, and was the son of
Jacob and Mary (Roland) Rice, both of
whom were natives of Washington county,
Maryland. The Rice family were originally
from Germany, the great grandparents of
our subject being natives of that country.
Jacob Rice was by occupation a farmer,
following that calling during his entire life.
In 1837, in company with his brother-in-
law, John Wagner, he came to Ogle coun-
ty. Leaving their old home in Maryland,
on horseback they passed through the
states of Ohio and Indiana, but did not
find any place to suit their fancy until they
arrived in Ogle county, July 4, 1837.
While making their tour of observation
they left their families in Ohio. As soon
as they determined on a location they sent
for their families, and in the meantime a
double log house was erected, into which
Mr. Rice moved with his family on their
arrival. It is said that during the following
winter about twenty persons found shelter
and a home in that log cabin.
To Jacob and Mary Rice eleven children
were born. Barbara married Samuel May-
silles, of Washington county, Maryland.
They never came west. She is now de-
ceased. David married Catherine Avey.
They came west, and he died in Ogle coun-
ty some years ago. Joshua is deceased.
John came to Ogle county and located in
Leaf River township. He married Eliza
Kendall, but is now deceased. Susan,
widow of Elias Thomas, is now living in
Mt. Morris township. Lydia married Ben-
jamin Hiestand, of Leaf River township,
but is now deceased. Elizabeth married
Ezra Thomas, of Mt. Morris township, and
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
351
is now deceased. Jacob and Mary were
twins. The former is deceased. The lat-
ter is the widow of Daniel Etnyre, of Ore-
gon, Illinois. Isaac was next in order of
birth. William died at the age of twenty-
one years.
On the 1st of December, 1840, Mary
Roland Rice departed this life, leaving the
husband and eleven children to mourn her
loss. Later Jacob Rice married Miss
Catherine Funk, a native of Maryland.
"Aunt Kittie, " as she is familiarly called
by all who know her, is yet living at the age
of one hundred and two years, and is yet in
excellent health and spirits, her lovely char-
acter making of her a friend to everyone.
Born during the first administration of John
Adams, Washington was yet alive, and she
has therefore lived while yet there was one
ex-president, and under the administration
of twenty-three presidents, surviving all save
three. She is a member of the Mennonite
church, clinging to the faith of her fathers,
and trusting in the redeeming grace of her
Savior.
On coming to Ogle county, Jacob Rice
purchased some twelve hundred acres of
land, all of which, with the assistance of his
sons, he soon had under improvement. He
was a man of marked character, an mde-
fatigable worker, a kind husband, an indul-
gent father, a good neighbor, and left the
world better for his having lived. He was
a member of the River Brethren, as was
also his first wife, the mother of his chil-
dren. He died on his farm in Mt. Morris
township, April 25, 1870.
Isaac Rice was eleven years old when he
accompanied his parents to Ogle county.
While yet residing in his native state, he
attended the common schools a few terms,
and the year following the arrival of the
38
family in Ogle county his father erected a
log school house on his place, and in the
first school taught therein he was a pupil.
On the opening of Rock River Seminary he
became a pupil in that institution. At the
age of eighteen years he taught his first term
of school in the school house erected by his
father. For that school he received eight-
een dollars per month. Desiring to enter
the medical profession, he went into the
office of Dr. Francis A. McNeil, of Mt.
Morris, reading under his instructions until
ready to enter a medical college. In the
winter of 1852-3 he entered Rush Medical
College from which he was graduated with
the class of 1855.
On receiving his diploma. Dr. Rice re-
turned to Mt. Morris, and with his late
preceptor began practice. He continued in
the profession but a few months, however,
when he rented some land and commenced
farming. In i860, he made his first pur-
chase of land, and until 1876 he engaged
exclusively in farming and stock raising.
He then moved to the village of Mt. Mor-
ris and one year later, with Major Charles
Newcomer, he established the Bank of Mt.
Morris. He never, however, abandoned his
interest in agriculture, but continued to give
more or less attention to his farms until his
death. He became an extensive land
owner and his farms were always kept in
good condition.
On the 14th of January, 1857, Dr. Rice
was united in marriage with Miss Sarah
Hiestand, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth
(Newcomer) Hiestand. She is a native of
Washington county, Maryland, born Janu-
ary 27, 1836, and is third in a family of six
children, and was but one year old when
her parents came to this county. Three
children were born of this union. Roland,
35:
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
born February lo, 1858, died at the age of
seven months. Anna, born March 22, i860,
died when she was eighteen years old. Jo-
seph L. , born December 23, 1S66, is men-
tioned elsewhere in this work.
In politics Dr. Rice was a thorough and
consistent Republican, voting the party
ticket and advocating its principles from the
very birth of the party. He was a great
admirer of our first martyred president,
Abraham Lincoln, and supported his candi-
dacy with enthusiasm. His admiration for
Lincoln increased after listening to the de-
bate between Lincoln and Douglas at Free-
port, Illinois. He took quite an active part
in local politics and for two terms repre-
sented his county in the lower house of the
general assembly of the state, and for four
years was a member of the state senate.
In both branches he took an active and lead-
ing part and was regarded as one of the
strong members. He was always a strong
temperance man, and while a member of
senate endeavored to have passed some
temperance legislation. He introduced the
first resolution for the submission of the
question to a vote of the people in regard to
the manufacturing of distilled spirits, and
also introduced what was known as the
"Hind's bill," which empowered women to
have a voice in licensing the sale of into.xi-
cating liquors. While both measures were
defeated, they showed conclusively where
the Doctor stood on the temperance ques-
tion.
Religiously the Doctor was a Methodist,
being for many years a member of the
Methodist church at Mt. Morris. In all the
work of the church he took an active and
abiding interest. The Sunday school work
of the church called forth his best energies,
and for some years he was the efficient su-
perintendent of the school of his home
church. His talent as a Sunday school
worker was recognized by his election as
president of the County Sunday School As-
sociation.
Dr. Rice was a thorough business man,
and his abilities in that direction is unques-
tioned. Commencing life with very little
assistance from his father, he began adding
to his possessions until he was numbered
among the most prosperous men in the
county. His gains were all legitimately
made, and not by oppressing any one. He
was always lenient with creditors when they
were disposed to do right, and there are
many men in Ogle county who have reason
to be grateful to him for timely assistance
rendered and good advice given. He was
one of the original stockholders in the First
National Iiank of Oregon, and for many
years owned the controlling interest, and for
twenty years was president of the same. He
retained connection with the Bank of Mount
Morris but about four years, when he sold
out to his partner and gave his attention to
the bank in Oregon and his extensive pri-
vate interests. In 1893 he established the
Citizens Bank of Mount Morris, to which he
gave only supervisory care, his son, Joseph
L. , attending principally to the business.
Always careful and methodical, it is no
wonder that success crowned his efforts.
Whether on the farm, in the bank, in the
church, or in whatever engaged, the same
attention was given to the minutest details
of the business in hand. During later
years he lived practically retired, traveling
much of the time, making numerous trips
abroad. In 1889, he went as far east as
Constantinople and in 1890, and again in
1892, visited England and the continent.
He later lectured considerably in northern
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
-> r ■»
Illinois on his travels and various other
subjects.
Dr. Rice was a thoroughly conscientious
man, one who endeavored to do right by
his fellow man, living up to the standard of
the golden rule. His death, which occurred
May 3, 1897, was not only a sad loss to his
family, but to the community in which he
had so long resided. He had been ill but a
few days and his death was unexpected.
The funeral sermon was preached by Rev.
A. S. Mason and his remains laid to rest to
wait the resurrection day.
JOSEPH L. RICE, president of the Cit-
izens Bank of Mt. Moris, Illinois, is a
good representative of the younger business
element of Ogle county. He is a native of
the county, born in the township of Mary-
land, December 23, 1866, and is the son
of Isaac and Sarah (Hiestand) Rice, pio-
neers of Ogle county, of whom mention
is made elsewhere in this volume. His
early life was spent upon the farm, and in
the district schools of his native township
he began his education. When ten years
of age he removed with his parents to the
village of Mt. Morris, and for a time at-
tended the public school of that place.
Later he entered Rock River Seminary,
and after pursuing a partial course, entered
the Nortwestern University, Evanston, Illi-
nois, with the intention of taking the com-
plete classical course. At the age of twen-
ty-one, however, he was compelled to
abandon his studies on account of weak
eyes. For the succeeding four years he was
endeavoring to establish his impaired sight.
Believing that further rest and travel would
be beneficial, he went abroad in 1891,
spending several months, during which
time he visited the various cities and places
of interest in England, Ireland, Scotland,
Wales, Holland, Belgium, Germany and
France. While in England he visited the
noted Oxford University, which to him was
one of the most interesting sights witnessed.
He returned home by way of Liverpool and
New York, stopping for a -few days in the
latter citv. With this trip he was well
pleased, the only regret now being that it
was not more extended.
On the 19th of January, 1893, the Cit-
izens Bank was established by Mr. Rice's
father with our subject virtually in charge,
his father giving but little attention to the
details of the bus'ness. On the death of
the father he took sole charge, latter be-
coming associated with his cousin, J. H.
Rice, who has assumed the position of
cashier, with our subject as president. The
bank is in good condition and in January,
1899, purchased the business and good will
of the Bank of Mt. Morris. With the ab-
sorption of the business of the latter bank,
it gives the Citizens Bank an increased line
of deposits and a clientage equal to any
bank in the county. With large capital,
good business methods, and the confidence
of the people, the bank starts on a new
career. Like his father, he is trusted by
the people, all having a good word to say
of "Joe" Rice, as he is familiarly called.
In addition to his interest in the Citizens
Bank, he is the largest stockholder in the
First National Bank of Oregon, and is vice-
president of the same.
On the 23d of December, 1S95, Mr.
Rice was united in marriage with Miss Em-
ily Newcomer, a native of Ogle county,
ty, born May 31, 1871, and daughter of Al-
bert and Margaret (Hitt) Newcomer, both
of whom are natives of Illinois.
3 54
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
In politics Mr. Rice is a thorough Repub-
hcan and a stanch advocate of its princi-
ples. His business interests, however, have
been such as to preclude a very active par-
ticipation in the work of the party.
HIRAM WOODIN is one of the most en-
terprising and successful agriculturists
of Ogle county as well as one of its most
capable financiers, and is a prominent citi-
zen of Eagle Point township. His career
proves that the only true success in life is
that which is accomplished by personal
efforts and consecutive industry. It proves
that the road to success is open to all young
men who have the courage to tread its path-
way, and the life record of such a man
should serve as an inspiration to the young
of this and future generations and teach by
incontrovertible facts that success is am-
bition's answer.
Mr. Woodin was born July 3, 1837, on
the same farm in Hartford county, Connecti-
cut, where his father, Elias Woodin, was
also born. The latter married Miss Fanny
Spencer, a native of the same county and
a daughter of Naaman Spencer. They con-
tinued to make their home on the old
Woodin homestead in Connecticut for a
number of years, the father of our subject
being engaged in its operation until 1843,
when he brought his family to Ogle county,
Illinois, but after spending the winter in
Eagle Point, he removed, in 1844, to Car-
roll county, where he purchased a farm
with a few acres broken and a log house
erected thereon. The country was still very
new, deer and wolves were numerous, and
he assisted in killing a bear and capturing a
cub upon his own place. He transformed
his wild land into a well improved farm, the
primitive frontier buildings giving place to
a good residence and substantial outbuild-
ings. He died there in the spring of 1864,
but his wife long survived him, passing
away in April, 1897. Both were buried in
Union cemetery, Carroll county, where a
monument marks their last resting place.
Hiram is the fourth in order of birth in
their family of twelve children si.x sons
and six daughters, all of whom reached
years of maturity, and five sons and five
daughters are still living and are heads
of families.
Hiram Woodin was a lad of nine years
when he accompanied the family on their
removal to Illinois. He attended the com-
mon schools to a limited extent, but is
mostly self-educated. In the 50s he used
to haul grain to Freeport, and selling the
grain was paid in the paper money of those
days. After holding a few weeks until he
desired to spend it he would find it de-
preciated, often being worth no more than
fifty cents on a dollar. Such was the cir-
culating medium of those days. He re-
mained with his father until his marriage,
which was celebrated in Carroll county,
March 28, 1864, Miss Sarah Ann Jenkins,
becoming his wife. Her parents, Henry
and Lucinda (Spencer) Jenkins, were na-
tives of New York and Connecticut, respect-
ively and were pioneers of Carroll county,
Illinois, where Mrs. Woodin was reared and
educated. Our subject and his wife have
two children; Walter, who married Ardella
Hurless and occupies the old home farm;
and Fanny, wife of Frederick E. Becker, a
farmer and stock feeder, of Eagle Point
township. There is also one grandchild,
Archie Woodin.
For one year after his marriage, Mr.
Woodin continued to reside in Carroll coun-
HIRAM WOODIN.
MKS. HIRAM WOODIN.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
359
ty, but in 1865 he became a resident of
Eagle Point township, Ogle county, where
he first purchased ninety acres. As time has
passed and his financial resources have in-
creased, he has added to his landed posses-
sions from time to time until he now has
three adjoining farms, aggregating nine hun-
dred acres of valuable and productive land.
He is to-day the largest land holder in the
township and the success he has achieved
is due entirely to his own industry, perse-
verance and sound judgment. Before his
marriage he became interested in stock
raising and had built up a large and profita-
ble business in that line. He now feeds and
ships on an average of eight or ten car loads
of cattle annually and three or four car
loads of hogs. His first shipment of stock
was in 1865 and he arrived with the same
in Chicago on the day President Lmcoln was
shot. As there were no stock yards at that
time, he had to pile up ties to the car door
and drive the hogs down such a platform to
the street. This was accomplished with
great difficulty and he then found hard work
in disposing of his stock, as business was
practically suspended on the announcement
of the assassination. Mr. Woodin's son
has been a partner in the stock business for
the past twelve years and now has charge
of most of the shipping.
At each presidential election since i cSCo
Mr. W'oodin has supported the men and
measures of the Republican party, but has
never sought nor desired political honors.
Ever a friend to our public schools, he most
efficiently served as school director of his
district for some years and has given his
aid to every enterprise which he believed
would prove of public benefit. In business
affairs he is energetic, prompt and notably
reliable, and through his own well directed
efforts has worked his way upward to a po-
sition of affluence, so that he is now one of
the most substantial citizens of his com-
munity.
HON, OGDEN B. YOUNGS, who was a
leading and prominent citizen of Still-
man Valley, resided in Ogle county for over
sixty years, arriving here in October, 1S38.
The difference lietween the past and the
present can scarcely be realized, even by
those who were active participants in the
development of the county. The present
generation can have no conception of what
was required by the early settlers in trans-
forming the wilderness into a well settled
and highly cultivated county.
Mr. Youngs, who for over half a century
bore a most active and prominent part in
the work of development, was born in Cuy-
ahoga county, Ohio, June 14, 1S22, and
was a son of Thomas A. Youngs, whose
birth occurred in New Jersey, in 1790.
The grandfather, Benjamin Youngs, was
also a native of New [ersey, and was a rep-
resentative of a family of English origin
which was early established in that state.
In I S07 or 1S08, he removed to Canada,
where his children were reared. During the
war of 18 1 2, the father, Thomas A. Youngs,
decided he did not care to fight against his
native land, and as to the British authori-
ties in Canada were enlisting men for their
army, he with other young men made their
way to Detroit, where they were taken
prisoners, being suspected as spies by the
American army, but were soon released.
They made their way round the lakes to
Buffalo, New York, arriving in time for the
battle of Lundy's Lane. When General
Scott was wounded and brought to Buffalo,
360
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Mr. Youngs assisted in carrying him to the
hospital. Being a carpenter and joiner by
trade, the father of our subject worked at
those occupations in Buffalo for some time
and later settled near Cleveland, Ohio,
where he was similarly employed. In part-
nership with a Mr. Scoville, he erected the
first sawmill in that region and engaged in
the manufacture of lumber. Later he lo-
cated on a farm three miles from Cleveland
but still carried on operations as a contrac-
tor and builder for many years. In 183S,
however, he brought his family to Illinois,
driving across the country with two teams,
drawing a wagon and carriage. They
crossed the Chicago river on a ferry, as no
bridges had then been built, and the city at
that time contained a population of three
thousand. Their destination was Ogle
county where other Ohio families had set-
tled, and on their arrival here the father
bought claims to several hundred acres in
Scott and Marion townships, entering the
land some years later. Their first home
was a log cabin to which he built an addi-
tion, also of logs, but it was afterward re-
placed by a good substantial frame residence,
while barns and other outbuildings were
also erected and a good farm developed
from the wild land. In 1S18, near Cleve-
land, Ohio, Thomas A. Youngs married
Miss Lydia O'Brien, a native of Vermont,
who, when a young girl, removed with her
father, Benjamin O'Brien, to Ohio. The lat-
ter was a native of Ireland but when a child
came to America, and served as sergeant in
the war for independence. He often spoke
with justifiable pride of seeing General
Washington. Thomas A. Youngs served
as captain in the Ohio State Militia, and
after coming to Ogle county was justice of
the peace for several years, and filled other
positions of honor and trust in a most cred-
itable and acceptable manner. He de-
parted this life in May, 1871, at the ripe
old age of eighty-one years.
Ogden B. Young was the second in
order of birth in a family of eight children,
four sons and four daughters, who reached
years of maturity. George, the eldest,
married and settled on a farm adjoining
the old homestead, where he reared his
family and died December, 1897. Mary
and Ruth are still living on the old home-
stead. Sarah Jane is the widow of Rev.
Cleveland and resides in California, as does
also her sister, Lydia M. Thomas A. is a
retired farmer of Rockford, Illinois. Cap-
tain John F. enlisted in 1861 in the Fifth
Kansas Cavalry and served through the war.
Later he settled on a cattle ranch in Cali-
fornia but is now living in Arizona.
Mr. Youngs, whose name introduces
this sketch, was sixteen years old when the
family came to Ogle county. He had re-
ceived good school privileges in Ohio, and
also attended school here after the country
became more thickly settled and the school
more proficient. Being thus supplied with
a fair education he engaged in teaching, and
while visiting his father's family in Canada
during the winter of 1844-45 taught school.
After his return to Ogle county he had
charge of the home school for one winter.
He took a claim of one hundred and si.xty
acres in Scott and Marion townships, en-
tered the land and developed a good farm.
He erected a frame house upon his place in
1853, hauling the siding and finishing lum-
ber for the same from Chicago. Here he
made his home for some years while en-
gaged in the arduous task of converting
the wild land into rich and highly cultivated
fields, but it was subsequently replaced by
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
361
a more commodious and modern residence.
Good barns and other outbuildings were
also erected, making it one of the well im-
proved farms of the locality. In the spring
of 1893, he laid aside business cares and
has since made his home in Stillman Valley,
enjoying a well earned rest.
In Ogle county, July 19, 1853, Mr.
Youngs was united in marriage with Miss
Emma C. Norton, a native of New York,
who was educated in that state and success-
fully engaged in teaching there and later in
Illinois, having charge of the school in Mr.
Youngs' district for a time. She is a daugh-
ter of Gould G. Norton and a sister of O.
\V. Norton, whose sketch appears elsewhere
in this work. The children born to Mr. and
Mrs. Youngs are as follows: Thomas G.,
who is now in Alaska, leaving his wife and
two children in Spring Valley, Illinois;
Henry J., who owns and operates a farm in
Scott township, Ogle county; Mary, wife of
Arthur Norton, who lives on a cattle ranch
in Idaho; Bertha B. , wife of Harry R.
Smith, a farmer of Ogle county; Alice M.,
who died at the age of nineteen years; and
two who died in infancy.
Originally Mr. Youngs was a Jackson
Democrat in politics, casting his first vote
for Franklin Pierce in 1852, since which
time he has never missed a presidential elec-
tion. He supported John C. Fremont in
1856, and was ever afterward an ardent Re-
publican. He most capably filled the office
of justice of the peace for a few terms, and
in 1868 was elected to the state legislature,
where he served with distinction on several
important committees, including those on
counties and agriculture. At intervals he
served as supervisor of his township for sev-
eral years, and has also been assessor, trus-
tee and a member of the school board. His
public and private life were alike above re-
proach, and he had the respect and esteem
of all who knew him, while as an honored
pioneer he certainly deserves prominent
mention in this volume. After a residence
here of more than three score years he was
called to his reward. His estimable wife is
one of the original members of the Stillman
Valley Congregational church, and like her
husband she has many friends throughout
this section of the state.
HON. JAMES A. COUNTRYMAN, one
of the regresentatives of the tenth sen-
atorial district in the house of representa-
tives of the state of Illinois, is one of the
best known and highly honored of the citi-
zens of Ogle county, of which he has been
a resident for forty-four years. He was
born in Herkimer county. New York, May
24, 1840, and was partly educated in the
district schools of his native state. He
came with his parents to Ogle cour.ty in
1885, the family locating in the township of
Lynnville. After coming to the county he
became a student in Rock River Seminary,
at Mt. Morris, and attended that institution
of learning for several terms.
Daniel Countryman, the father of our
subject, was born in Starkville, Herkimer
county. New York, March 31, 1S15, and
obtained his education in the primitive
schools of the early day. He was married
in his native county to Miss Sally Phillips,
also a native of New York, and who was
born in 1S18. Six children were born
to them, four of whom are yet living —
James A., Calvin, Carrie E. and Jennie V.
Of these, the first named is the subject of
this sketch. Calvin is now in business in
the city of Rockford. Carrie E. married
462
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Benjamin F. Allen, and they had a son and
daughter, Ada and Daniel. Jennie V. was
united in marriage with Wesley M. Lon-
genecker, of Rochelle, and one daughter
was born to them, Grace E.
Daniel Countryman was a stock farmer
by occupation, and in his life was quite
successful. His whole life was spent in the
discharge of duty. He was a member of
the Lutheran church, but for many years
he advocated with voice and pen church
union of all evangelical denominations, and
from his advocacy of this a very strong and
flourishing union missicn church, located at
Lindenwood, is doing much good in that
community. His generous spirit led him
into constant deeds of charity, and it was
fortunate for others that his ability and fru-
gality gave him ample means to assist
others. He lived in the enjoyment of the
love and almost adoration of his family, the
esteem of his friends, and with the respect
of all that he ever met. He died as he had
lived, with a benediction on his lips for all,
and he left a large circle of sorrowing friends
to mourn his loss. He died March 14,
1883, and his widow August 10,1893. She
was also well belo\ ed by all who knew her,
a true Christian woman, a loving mother,
and steadfast friend and neighbor. The
famil\-, which is of German origin settled
early in Herkimer county, New York, and
there the grandfather of our subject, John
I. Countryman, was born.
James A. Countryman was fifteen years
old when he came to Ogle county. He re-
mained at home assisting his father in farm
work until after he had attained his major-
ity. Farming has been his life work, and
that he has made a success of it is attested
by his well tilled fields and the excellent
stock upon his premises. He was married,
February 26, 1873, to Miss Carrie Klink-
hart, an adopted daughter of Moses Coun-
tryman and wife. This union has been
blessed with three sons and one daughter:
Floyd M., born July 12, 1874; F. Belle,
August 12, 1877; Ralph A., February 11,
1882; and Jay A., April 28, 1886.
Mr. Countryman owns the greater part
of the original family homestead, on sec-
tions 20 and 21, consisting of eight hundred
and eighty acres, which is under a fine
state of cultivation. He is a general stock
farmer, his specialties being thoroughbred
shorthorn cattle, of which he annually fat-
tens and prepares for the market a very
large number of head, for which he secures
the highest market price. He is also a
breeder of the world-wide and justly cele-
brated Poland China hogs. His reputation
in this line is very extensive, having made
four shipments of the same to Germany.
He has been for many years a breeder and
exhibitor of pure bred stock, and has taken
many first and sweepstake prizes at the
American Fat Stock Show and leading fairs
of the country. It is but natural that he
should take great interest in this branch of
his business.
Since first exercising the right of fran-
chise Mr. Countryman has taken an active
interest in political affairs, and has exer-
cised a good influence in the party councils
of his party, which, it is needless to say, is
that of the Republican party. He has
been repeatedly elected and filled responsi-
ble positions in his township, and the duties
of every office held he has discharged in a
faithful manner. He was first elected su-
pervisor of the township of Lynnville in
1875 and re-elected in 1S76, and again in
1883-4-5-6, then again in 1890, since
which time he has served continuously in
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
36;
the office to the entire satisfaction of his
constituents, a period of fifteen years. For
two years he was chairman of the board.
In the fall of i8gS he was elected one of
the representatives of the tenth senatorial
district to the Forty-first general assembly
of the state of Illinois, and took his seat in
that distinguished body January 4, 1899.
He is now chairman of the committee on
state institutions, and is a member of the
following named committees: Agriculture,
appropriations, county and township organ-
izations, farm drainage, horticulture, roads
and bridges, and state and municipal in-
debtedness. In the legislation of the house
he has taken an active part, and has made
an influential member, one whose presence
is felt. The life of such a man is well
worthy of record, and is certainly an in-
centive to the young to do well his part,
that in time they, too, may receive due
honor.
AUGUST KANEY.— Among the enter-
prising citizens of Forreston township,
there is none more energetic or thorough-
going than the gentleman whose name heads
this sketch. His home is on section 18,
where he owns a valuable and well improved
farm of one hundred and eighty acres, four
miles from the village of Forreston, and is
successfully engaged in both general farm-
ing and stock raising.
Mr. Kaney was born in Maryland town-
ship, July 12, 1856, and is a son of Henry
Kaney, who was born in Lude, Prussia,
March 9, 1817. The father of Henry died
when his son was; of tender age. In the
common schools of his country he obtained
, his education, attending the same until he
was fourteen years old. He then learned
39
the blacksmith trade, and had but completed
his term of service when he was forced to
serve in the Prussian army for three years.
Receiving an honorable discharge from the
army, he again took up his trade, at which
he continued to work in his native country
for some years, when he decided on coming
to the United States. In May, 1845, after
a SIX weeks' voyage, he landed at Baltimore,
Maryland, from which place, some time
during the year, he made his way to Shep-
ardstown, Virginia, where he again worked
at his trade, often carrying the iron that he
used from Harper's Ferry on his back.
While yet residing in Shepardstown, he
was united in marriage, August 29, 1845,
with Miss Elizabeth F"osh, who was born in
Saben Hansen, Germany, May 17, 18 17.
The following year they started west in a
one-horse wagon, driving to Dayton, Ohio.
Thence they proceeded down the Ohio
river on a flat boat to Cairo, and by steamer
up the Mississippi and Illinois rivers to
Peru, and from there drove across the
country to Ogle county, joining some Ger-
man friends in Maryland township. Leav-
ing his family there Mr. Kaney worked in a
plow shop at Grand Detour, and a year or
two later bought a tract of eighty acres in
Maryland township, on which he built a
shop of his own and engaged in blacksmith-
ing in connection with the development and
cultivation of his farm, but finally gave his
entire time to agriculture. In 1861 he
bought the farm on which our subject now
resides — a place of one hundred and si.xty
acres, then but slightly improved. He con-
verted the tract into a nice farm, and sub-
sequently .bought one hundred and sixty
acres across the road, and still later a tract
of similar size in the same township. He
came to this state empty-handed, and it
364
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
has been through his own industry, enter-
prise, perseverance and economy that he is
now one of the most substantial, as well as
one of the honored and highly respected
citizens of Forreston township. He and
his wife celebrated their golden wedding
August 29, 1S95, at which time their
children, grandchildren, and great-grand-
children gathered at their home to rejoice
with them. Since then he has been called
upon to mourn the loss of his estimable
wife, who passed away October 10, 1897.
To them were born four sons and two
daughters, all of whom married and became
heads of families: Henry is now deceased;
John is a merchant and business man of
Forreston; Lewis is a farmer of Forreston
township; August is the subject of this
sketch; Elizabeth is the wife of August
Kilker, a farmer of Maryland township; and
Anna M. is the wife of William M. Richter,
a merchant of Forreston.
August Kaney was educated in the dis-
trict schools near his boyhood home, and as
soon as he was large enough to be of any
assistance he commenced to aid in the farm
work, first driving a team used in breaking
prairie. His early life was passed under
the parental roof, and after arriving at
man's estate continued to assist in the
operation of the home farm. In Mt.
Morris township, he was married March G,
1879, to Miss Elizabeth Zunidahl, who was
born and reared on a farm in Lincoln town-
ship. Ogle county, a daughter of Christian
Zumdahl. They began their domestic life
on the old homestead, and since taking
charge of the same Mr. Kaney has built a
large neat barn, good granary, and out-
buildings, and now has one of the best im-
proved places of the localit}'. He is en-
gaged in breeding and raising a good grade
of Durham and short horn cattle and Poland
China hogs, and in this branch of his busi-
ness has also met with success.
Mr. and Mrs. Kaney have four children:
August J., Irvin E., Elizabeth D. and Ar-
thur E. all attending the home school, and
have lost three: Edward, who died at the
age of four years; and Ezra and Sylvia, who
both died at the age of two. The parents
are active and prominent members of the
Evangelical church at North Grove, both
have been teachers in the Sabbath school,
while Mr. Kaney has served as its superin-
tendent three years and is one of the
officers of the church. Formerly he was
identified with the Democratic party and
voted for Grover Cleveland, but is now a Re-
publican. He is a stockholder and direct-
or of the Forreston Mutual Fire Insurance
Company and gives his support to all en-
terprises which he believes calculated to
advance the moral, intellectual or material
welfare of his township and county.
AMERICUS L. MENDENHALL, M. D.,
who is engaged in the practice of his
profession at Kings, Ogle county, Illinois,
was born in Winchester, Ohio, May 21,
1846, and is a son of Dr. Elijah and Mary
Angeline (Graves) Mendenhall, the former
who was a son of John Mendenhall, being a
native of Preble county, Ohio, born January
29, I 8 16. He was reared and educated in
Ohio, and was a graduate of the Ohio
Medical College, of Cincinnati. He began
practice at Somerville, Ohio, and there re-
mained five years, moving from that place
to Winchester, in the same state, and later
to Cincinnati, where he remained in active
practice until 1872, when he moved to In-
dianapolis, Indiana, which was his home
THE rnOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
5^-5
until his death, November 3, 1897. His
wife died two days later, and the two were
buried in one coffin, their remains being
interred in Oal^wood cemetery, Indian-
apolis He was recognized as one of the
ablest physicians in that city, and one of the
best diagnosticians in the profession. A
Republican in politics, he gave but little
time to political matters, his professional
duties requiring his entire time. In his
family were four sons: Alonzo, born August
6, 1843, is a practicing physician of Cicero,
Indiana. Rev. James W., born November
8, 1844, was a clergyman in the Methodist
Episcopal church, and for the four years
preceding his death, which occurred June
18, 1892, was editor of the Methodist Re-
view, a position to which he was appointed
by the general conference. He had just
begun his second term of four years when
removed by death. Americus L. , our sub-
ject, was next in order of birth. Dr. Win-
field S. , born February 10, 1848, died Janu-
ary 25, 1S99. He was for many years a
practicing physician of Springfield, Illinois.
He was a graduate of Miami Medical Col-
lege, Cincinnati, Ohio.
The subject of this sketch spent his boy-
hood and youth in Cincinnati, Ohio. From
i860 to 1864 he was a student in the \\'es-
leyan University, Delaware, Ohio. On the
1 2th of February, of the latter year, he left
school and enlisted in Company F, One
Hundred and Eighty-third regiment, Ohio
Volunteer Infantry, under command of
Colonel Hoge, his company being com-
manded by Captain Thornton. The regi-
ment was attached to the third brigade,
second division, twenty-fifth army corps, of
the Army of the Cumberland. With his
regiment he took part in the engagements
at Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee, and
Wilmington, North Carolina, and also in
several minor engagements. He enlisted
for one year, but served until the close of
the war, being mustered out of the service
at Camp Denison, Ohio, May 29. 1S65.
On returning home our subject entered
the Richmond Commercial College, at
Richmond, Indiana, from which he was
graduated in 1 866. He then took a posi-
tion as bookeeper with the wholesale house
of John Shilito, of Cincinnati, one of the
largest establishments of its kind in the
west. He remained with that house one
year, but was not able to endure the con-
finement, and so resigned his position and
entered the Miami Medical College, of Cin-
cinnati, from which he graduated March 2,
1869, in the same class with his brother
Winfield. Receiving his diploma, he com-
menced the practice of his profession at
Granville, Indiana, in the fall of 1S69, and
there remained three years. In 1872 he
came to Illinois, locating at Kappa, Wood-
ford county, where he built up an excellent
practice, and there remained until 1890,
when, on account of failing health of his
wife, he removed to Smithfield, Nebraska.
He remained in that place until the fall of
1 893 when he removed to Kings, which has
since been his home, and where he has also
built up a good general practice.
Dr. Mendenhall was married at Muncie,
Indiana, November 30, 1870, to Miss Louiss
Smith, a native of that city, and daughter
of William M. and Phoebe Smith, both of
whom were natives of Ohio. She died
October 12, 1891. leaving four sons: Wil-
bur, of DesMoines, Iowa; Roscoe, a student
of the law school of DesMoines, Iowa;
Adelbert, a medical student of the Des-
Moines Medical College; and Walter, a
student of the high school of DesMoines.
366
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
The Doctor was again married, June 27,
1895, to Miss Alice Green, of San Diego,
California, and daughter of Miner P. Green.
She was born in Reedsburg, Wisconsin,
but her father was a native of New York.
Dr. Mendenhall is a member of the Illi-
nois State Medical Society, and is also a
member and one of the founders of the
North Central Illinois Medical Association,
of which he was for some years president.
During his residence at Kappa, he was a
member of the Woodford County Medical
Association. A student of his profession,
he has been an occasional contributor to
various medical journals. Fraternally he
is a Mason, and has attained the Chapter
degree. He is also a member of the Modern
Woodmen of America, of which he has
served as physician. In politics he is a Re-
publican, but he does not give much of his
time to political affairs, the practice of his
profession being more to his taste. In the
comparatively short time that he has been
a resident of Ogle county he has made many
friends, and has the confidence not only of
the community where he resides, but of the
medical profession of the county.
HENRY SHARER, now living a retired
life in Mt. Morris, is one among the
living pioneers of Ogle county, who has
witnessed its growth and development from
a wilderness to one of the best counties in
the great state of Illinois. He has not only
been a witness of the same, but was act-
ively engaged in the great work of transfor-
mation, giving many of the best years of his
life to the work. His first visit to the state
was when he was a youth of seventeen
years. At that time he traversed a goodly
portion of the state, but did not locate.
Like many others of the best citizens of
Ogle county, Mr. Sharer is a native of
Washington county, Maryland, born March
29, 1 8 1 7. He is the son of John and Anna
(Newcomer) Sharer, the former a native of
Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and the
latter of Washington county, Maryland.
They were the parents of three children.
Jacob, born in 1807, married and had two
children. He came to Ogle county at an
early day and died at the age of fifty-six
years. Eliza, born in 1809, married Na-
thaniel Swingley, and to them were born
eight children. They were also among the
pioneers of Ogle county. Both are now de-
ceased, Eliza dying when about sixty-eight
years old. The third child was the subject
of this sketch. The mother died in her
native county when fifty-six years old. In
1855, after the death of his wife, the father
came to Ogle county where his last days
were spent, dying at the residence of our
subject at the age of seventy-seven years.
While residing in Maryland he engaged in
milling and farming, but after coming to
Ogle county he lived a retired life. John
Sharer was the son of Jacob Sharer, a native
of Germany, who emigrated to America
when in his prime, locating in Lancaster
county. Eliza (Newcomer) Sharer's ances-
tors were from Switzerland, the first of the
name emigrating here at an early day.
In his native state Henry Sharer grew to
manhood. After receiving his primary edu-
cation in the common schools of his day, at
the age of fifteen he entered St. Mary's Col-
lege, which was located just north of Fred-
erick City, Maryland, where he remained
three years. The college at that time was
under the management of Bishop Purcell,
the noted Catholic divine, one of the best
posted and most popular men in the Catho-
HENRY SHARER.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
369
lie church. Leaving St. Mary's College, he
went to Jefferson College, located near Can-
onsburg, Pennsylvania, an institution under
control of the Presbyterian church and pre-
sided over by President Brown.
After remaining in Jefferson College one
year Mr. Sharer returned home at the age
of nineteen years, and was variously em-
ployed until his removal to Ogle county in
1839. On the 8th of September, that year,
he left his old home to seek his fortune in
the new and growing west. In company
with Jacob Rice and his sister, Mrs. Eliza
Swingley, who had been in the west but had
returned, they started for Illinois in a doub-
le-seated carryall. They passed through
the states of Virginia, Ohio and Indiana, ar-
riving in Ogle county in October, being
about four weeks on the road. At the time
of their arrival the country was very sparse-
ly settled and very little of the virgin soil
had been upturned by the plow. The
previous year our subject's father came to
the county on a visit and had entered a half
section of land which was occupied by our
subject, and which he purchased in his own
name, when the land came into market at
the regular price of one dollar and twenty-
five cents per acre.
On taking possession of the land entered
by his father, Mr. Sharer at once com-
menced its improvement. About twenty
acres had been broken, a portion of which
was enclosed by a sod fence. Erecting a
log cabin about fifteen feet square, he lived
in that while making improvements on the
place. That cabin was replaced a few years
later by a house of hewed logs.
In 1842, in company with EliasSnively,
Mr. Sharer purchased an isolated grove in
the eastern part of the county, in what is
now Creston township, to which he re-
moved. A log cabin had been erected on
the place which for some years was used as
a tavern. At the time he moved to his new
location, his nearest neighbor was seven and
a half miles away, but his cabin being on
the main thoroughfare, and no house on the
route nearer than twelve miles, it became
almost a necessity that it should be thrown
open for the accommodation of the travel-
ing public and seekers of a new home. The
house was on the stage line between Galena
and Chicago. In its construction not a nail
had been used; the roof, which was made of
clapboards, being held in place by means of
long poles weighted at each end. While
living in this grove, which was called Bro-
dies' grove, in honor of a former owner, he
had several peculiar experiences. Brodie
was a brother-in-law of the notorious Dris-
coll, and was probably not one whit better,
having the reputation of being a notorious
horse thief, and having to Bee the country
to escape a like fate that befell the Dris-
colls. It was at Mr. Sharer's tavern that
the Driscolls, father and son, ate their last
dinner, being captured, taken to Oregon,
and shot the next morning at Washington
Grove.
For some years the nearest market was
Chicago, and to that village, as it then, was
Mr. Sharer hauled his grain, and for his
first frame house hauled the lumber from
that place. At the time he settled in Ogle
county there were but ten or twelve houses
in Oregon, and Grand Detour and Oregon
were the only two villages in tiie county.
The change that has since been made is
truly wonderful.
On the eth of November, 1S45, Mr.
Sharer was united in marriage w-ith Miss
Cornelia Motter, a native of Washington
county, Maryland, born September 21, 1823.
370
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
She was the daughter of Jacob Motter, also
a native of the same county and state. By
this union five children were born: Morton
N., born August i6, 1S46, died October 10,
1846. John Jacob, born November 28,
1847, is married and has three children.
He is living in Mexico. Anna E., born
September 10, 1849, married John Swing-
ley, and to them three children were born.
They are living in Mt. Morris township,
where he is engaged in farming. Luella M.,
born August 11, 1851, married Went worth
Wheeler, and they reside in Kansas City,
Missouri, where he is engaged in the mer-
cantile business. They have one child,
Anna M. Cornelia M., born September 19,
1S53, died in infancy. Three days after
the birth of the last named Mrs. Sharer
gave up her life, her death being mourned
by a large circle of friends and relatives.
On the 26th of January, 1858, Mr.
Sharer married Mrs. Sarah A. (Felker)
Hewitt, widow of Theodore Hewitt. She
was born in Washington county, Maryland,
August II, 1832, and is the daughter of
Abraham and Catherine (Wingert) Felker,
both being of German descent. They carpe
to Ogle county in 1855. By this last union
one child was born, Charles H., a graduate
of Northwestern University, who married
Miss Susannah McCosh, a native of Penn-
sylvania. They have fourchildren, — Charles
Wentworth, David Max, Sarah Elizabeth
and Ruth. He is engaged in the grocery
business in Mt. Morris.
In politics Mr. Sharer is a Democrat,
the principles of which party he has advo-
cated his entire life. While living in a Re-
publican community, he has yet been hon-
ored by his fellow-citizens with a number of
local office. He was a member of the
town board eight years, was school director
for five or six years and was postmaster of
Mt. Morris for four years under Cleveland.
Fraternally, he is a Mason, holding mem-
bership with Mt. Morris Lodge, No. 96, A.
F. & A. M. His wife, who was a member
of the Methodist Episcopal church, died
June 6, 1892. Well known and highly es-
teemed, everybody has a good word for
Henry Sharer, the pioneer.
E]T)ER ISAAC TRUMP, a well known
minister of the German Baptist church,
known as the Brethren in Christ, now in
charge of the Chicago district of that body,
has been a resident of Ogle county a period
of thirty-six years. He was born near Can-
ton, Stark county, Ohio, May i, 1830. His
father, George J. Trump, was a native of
Ohio, born in 1S07, and was the son of
John Trump, a native of Pennsylvania, but
of English parentage. In a very early day
John Trump moved to Ohio, and located in
Stark county, being among its very earliest
settlers. He located in the dense forest,
erected his cabin and commenced clearing
off the timber in order to cultivate the soil.
At that time Indians were still very numer-
ous in the vicinity.
On the old homestead of his father,
George J. Trump grew to manhood, receiv-
ing a limited education in the pioneer schools.
In Stark county, Ohio, he married Miss
Rachel Weaver, a native of Ohio, and daugh-
ter of Valentine W'eaver, who moved from
Hagerstown, Maryland, to Ohio in an early
day. By this union there were three sons
and three daughters: Isaac, the subject of
this sketch; William, a farmer of Stark
county, Ohio; Mrs. Sarah Gibbs, a widow,
residing in Ohio; Lydia, wife of Daniel
Smith, of Stark county, Ohio; and Levina,
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
371
wife of John Barnett, of the same county
and state.
George J. Trump was a farmer and man-
ufacturer of lumber, liaving on his farm a
saw mill, from which he supplied much of
the lumber that was used in the city of
Canton in the early days. From that same
mill he furnished considerable lumber to the
Pennsylvania Central railroad when it was
being constructed. He was an active, en-
terprising and successful business man, and
was well known throughout northern Ohio.
His entire life was spent in his native coun-
ty, where his death occurred February 5,
1 88 1. His wife survived him some years,
passing away in January, 1896.
The subject of this sketch spent his boy-
hood and youth in his native county and in
the home of his parents, with whom he re-
mained until after he attained his majority.
His educational advantages were quite mea-
ger, but he received a good business train-
ing in his father's lumber ofBce and in the
mill. Referring to his early life and expe-
rience, Elder Trump thus writes.
"In 1S38, father purchased the Rohrer
farm, two miles east of Canton, and on the
place was a sawmill on the stream calleti
Hnnishiling, with power to nm the mill du-
ring the year. At that place I spent many
happy days, the cares of life being but few.
I worked on the farm during the summer,
and during the winter was obliged to ride
the horses over the grain in the old log barn
or stable. This or the tlail, was the only
way we had to thresh our grain. When
this was done and there was nothing else to
do I had the blessed privilege of going
through the dense forest to a little log shan-
ty, called a school house, with a few win-
dows, slabs for benches, wooden pins in the
logs with boards laid on them for promoted
scholars to scribble on, and teachers that
would rank in the third or fourth degree.
The first morning of their appearance was a
scare to the children, as they came with a
handful of gads. This was called the gad
system. Then the result, if the mind did
not work, as they called it, they would mark
the back. Thus it would continue for two
or three months.
"In 1845,1 was obliged to leave the
farm and help in the mill, and there spent
many a long day, and often until two o'clock
at night, when father would take charge
until six o'clock in the morning, when it
was my turn again. It was as natural for
me when in a dangerous place to call on the
Lord to help as to eat when I was hungry.
This was about the experience of all on this
line. At said time a brother, named George,
four years old, was drowned near the mill,
on a beautiful Sunday evening. Oh, how
sad! We did not miss him until the evening
meal, when every seat at the table was oc-
cupied but the "high-backed chair. " Today,
when I see an empty chair, I think of that
solemn event. In 1844, my parents sent
me to the German Reformed church to cat-
echise, as they called it. After going once
a week for five or six weeks, I was sprinkled,
or baptized as they called it. By thus do-
ing I was received into the church, but am
sorry to say had no salvation until I re-
pented and was truly and hopefully con-
verted to God. I was then baptized by
immersion. This is salvation, and when
thus saved we know it."
Elder Trump was married in Stark
county, Ohio, March 27, 1S54, to Miss
Elizabeth Bowers, a native of Blair county,
Pennsylvania, by which union there were
four children: Jeremiah W., a farmer of
Buffalo township; Henry, a minister of the
37^
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
German Baptist, or Brethren, church, re-
siding in Buffalo township; Isaac B., who
resides near Jackson, Tennessee, and Irvine,
who carries on tlic old home farm in Pine
Creek township.
After his marriage, Mr. Trump purchased
a forty-acre tract of land in the timber, on
which was a log cabin and a steam saw-
mill. He at once commenced clearing the
land, and the same season erected a good
residence, at the same time operating the
sawmill. For the next eight years he did
the work of two men at the mill, while still
carrying on his larm. He then sold the
land, but retained the mill, purchasing an-
other farm in the vicinity, which he culti-
vated some two or three years, in connection
with his milling business. He then sold the
mill, but retained the farm six years longer,
engaging exclusively in agricultural pursuits.
In 1S63 Mr. Trump sold his farm in Ohio
and came to Illinois, arriving in Dixon April
7 of that year. He did not remain there,
however, but purchased a farm in Pine
Creek township. Ogle county, known as the
Brubaker farm, where he actively engaged
in farming for twenty years. He then
moved to Polo, where he purchased ten
acres of land and built the residence where
he now resides. While yet residing on the
farm, his wife dietl March 13, 1876, and
was laid to rest in the cemetery at Polo.
She was a noble woman, well beloved by
all who knew her, a member of the German
Baptist, known as Brethren in Christ,
church, and died in the assurance of faith.
The Elder, in speaking of this wife, said:
"In the fall of 1855 she was truly and
hopefully converted to God, which was an
event in the history of my life that I shall
never forget. It was the loudest call that
ever came to me. I do not think anything
less could have moved me to think how
poor and needy I was, with all my church-
isms. Her Christian life was a constant
sermon to me. What a blessing it would
be if every home had Christian parents. It
would truly be heaven on earth begun."
Some three years after the death of his
first wife, in Albany, Whiteside county,
Illinois, December 22, 1879, Mr. Trump
was united in marriage with Mrs. Mary
Winger, a widow, and daughter of Abraham
Zook, an early settler of Whiteside county,
where, a child of eleven years, Mrs. Trump
was taken, and where she grew to woman-
hood, receiving her education in the public
schools. She there married John G. Win-
ger, a native of Pennsylvania and a carpen-
ter by trade. After their marriage they
located at Shannon, Illinois, where his
death occurred October 16, 1870. By her
marriage with Mr. Trump she is the mother
of one son, Clayton E., who is yet residing
at home.
Elder Trump was converted when about
thirty years old, uniting with the German
Baptist church, having faith in the apostolic
teachings of that body. He soon after be-
came an active worker in the church, and
was ordained a deacon, serving in that
office seven or eight years. He was then
elected to the ministry, second degree, and
served in that capacity about ten years,
being then promoted to the eldership, or
bishopric, which is'the third degree. While
still actively engaged on his farm, he trav-
eled much in the interest of the church,
devoting about one-half his time to minis-
terial labors. Since removing to Polo he
has devoted the whole of his time to the
work of the church, proclaiming the un-
searchable riches of Christ, and teaching
the simplicity of His gospel. He is one of
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
373
the best known among the Brethren, hav-
ing visited churches in Illinois, Indiana,
Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Penn-
sylvania, Michigan and Canada. His friends
are many wherever known, and his highest
aim is to do his Master's will faithfully and
well.
GEORGE H. SHARLAND. — Honored
and respected by all, there is no man
in Ogle county who occupies a more envia-
ble position in bus ness circles than Mr.
Sharland, the well-known dealer in granite
and marble monuments at Rochelle, not
alone on account of the brilliant success he
has achieved, but also on account of the
honorable, straightforward business policy
he has ever followed. He possesses untiring
energy, is quick of perception, forms his
plans readily and is determined in their exe-
cution; and his close application to business
and excellent management have brought to
him the high degree of prosperity which is
to-day his.
Mr. Sharland was born June 14, 1854,
in Torquay, Devonshire, England, a son of
George and Sarah (Shapley) Sharland. He
is the oldest of their three children, the
others being Ellen, wife of Emil Hemmer,
of Chicago; and Charles, who is engaged in
the nickle-plating business in Denver, Colo-
rado. The father died in 1866 and the
mother subsequently married R. E. Edg-
combe, who died in Denver, where she now
makes her home. Our subject's paternal
grandfather, John Sharland, was also en-
gaged in the marble and granite business
in Torquay, England, for fity-four years,
and was then succeeded by our subject's
father, who continued operations there until
his death in 1866. The business was car-
40
ried on by the family for the following two
years, and after the mother's second mar-
riage, her husband had charge of the same
for one year. In 1870 the family emigrated
to America and located in Brantford, On-
tario, Canada.
During his boyhood George H. Sharland
commenced learning marble cutting with
his father and in 1871 went to Chicago,
where he completed his apprenticeship. As
business was dull along his line during the
panic of 1873, he left the city and went to
Sycamore, Illinois, where he worked at
his trade with N. Latten for two years,
at the end of which time he came
to Rochelle. On the loth of March,
1875, in company with his stepfather, he
established his present business. The part-
nership only existed a little over a year
and since then Mr. Sharland had been
alone in business. From a humble begin-
ning the business has increased until it is
now the largest of the kind in northern Illi-
nois outside of Chicago, and he has probably
erected more fine and costly monuments than
any one in the business outside of the large
cities of the state. He understands thor-
oughly every detail of the business, is a
practical mechanic himself, and much of
his success is due to his careful methods of
filling orders. His trade is not merely local,
but he has received orders from distant
points as far west as Nebraska and Los An-
geles, California, and his present business
amounts to about thirteen thousand dollars
annually. The monuments manufactured
by him compare favorably in superior work-
manship and artistic skill with those pro-
duced by any establishment of the kind in
the west. All the work in his shop is done
under his personal supervision, and his
productions prove him to be not only a
374
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
skilled mechanic but an artist and sculptor
of undoubted talent. Having business re-
lations with the largest and leading quar-
ries of United States and Europe, he has
facilities for securing the best materials at
a minimum price and these advantages he
shares with his patrons.
On the 24th of November, 1877, Mr.
Sharland was united in marriage with Mrs.
Mary (Burton) Stringfellow, widow of Clark
Stringfellow. The was born in Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, and by her former marriage
had three children, one of whom, Dollie,
died in childhood. She others made their
home with our subject until their marriage.
They are Nettie, now the wifa of Horace E.
Carr, who is engaged in the job printing
business in Cleveland, Ohio; and James P.,
superintendent of the Union Central Tele-
phone Company, of Fremont, Ohio. Two
children were born to our subject and his
wife, but both died in infancy. Politically
Mr. Sharland has always been a supporter
of the Democratic party, but aside from
voting takes no active part in political af-
fairs, preferring to give his entire time and
attention to his business interests.
CHARLES B. NOBLE, now living a re-
tired life on his pleasant farm, on sec-
tion 8, Buffalo township, and which is with-
in one and one half miles of the corporate
limits of Polo, and known as the Winters
farm, is an almost life-long resident of the
county. He was born in Winnebago coun-
ty, Illinois, December 5, 1838, and is the
son of Daniel Noble, a native of Williams-
town, Massachusetts, born in 1S15. The
family are of English origin, and was among
the pioneers of that state. Daniel Noble
was a graduate of Willianistown College.
In 1835 he came to Illinois and located in
Jo Daviess county, and was therefore num-
bered among its pioneers. He was mar-
ried in Ogle county, November 2, 1837, to
Miss Sarah B. Waterbury, a native of New
York, and daughter of John and Phoebe
Waterbury, also natives of the Empire
state, but who were pioneers of Ogle coun-
ty, locating at Eagle Springs in 1836. Soon
after their marriage, Daniel Noble and his
wife moved to Winnebago county, where
his death occurred in March, 1S39. After
his death, Mrs. Noble returned to the home
of her father, where she remained until her
marriage, February 30, 1845, with George
D. Dement. By this second marriage she
became the mother of four sons and three
daughters. John E. and Daniel W. are
deceased. Wallace E. resides in the state
of Washington. Mrs. Phoebe Buno and
Mrs. Louisa Dallam reside in Denver, Col-
orado. Helen E. makes her home with our
subject, with whom she has spent the great-
er part of her life. Frank L. resides in
Alaska. Mr. Dement died in 1863, and
Mrs. Dement then made her home with her
eldest son, Mr. Noble, until she, too, was
called to rest, July 15, 1893.
Charles B. Noble was the only child of
his parents. After the death of his father
he was taken and reared by his grandfather
Waterbury, with whom he remained until
he was si.xteen years old. His education
was received in the school at Eagle Springs,
and well does he remember one morning
when about ten years old, ingoing to school
across the prairie, and when within one-half
mile from his home, in a hazel thicket, a
prairie wolf confronted him and wanted the
first claim to the nice, crisp doughnuts in
his dinner bag. The small boy had no no-
tion of going dinnerless and stood his ground
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
?75
until Mr. Wolf sneaked off into the brush
again. Keeping a sharp look behind, the
boy lost no time in reaching the school
house. In those days prairie wolves fre-
quently invaded the farms of the settlers.
When sixteen years of age, Mr. Noble,
in earnest, commenced life for himself,
purchasing at that time three yoke of o.xen
on time, and giving his personal note in
payment. He commenced breaking prairie
in Whiteside county, under contract, mak-
ing his home with his mother. The first
season he broke one hundred acres of land
and made three hundred dollars. From
the proceeds he paid for his team and
plows, and then followed breaking for two
more seasons. In that time he turned over
about three hundred acres of the virgin soil,
at times using as many as seven yoke of
o.xen to the plow. Often his plow would
stick so tight in the red roots and "devil's
shoe strings" that he had to take two yoke
of oxen and hitch them to the back of the
plow to haul it out. With the prairie grass
knee-deep and wet with dew until about
eleven o'clock each day, did not make the
work a pleasant one.
Renting a farm in what is now Eagle
Point township, he commenced farming,
and in i860 had a crop of about sixty acres.
In the spring of 1861 he put in a crop and
harvested the small grain. The war for the
union was now in progress and men were in
demand. In response to the call of the
president, on the 5th of September, 1S61,
he enlisted in Company B, Seventh Illinois
Volunteer Cavalry, at the same time fur-
nishing to the government two horses, one
of which he used himself and the other by a
comrade. With his regiment he joined the
Army of the Tennessee, and was soon after-
wards detailed Us one of the body guard for
General Rosencrans. Just before the battle
oi luka, while on detailed duty, he was in-
jured somewhat, and fever setting in he was
taken to the field hospital, and a short time
afterwards was moved north to the hospital
at St. Louis, Missouri. As soon as strong
enough, he was detailed as warden, and also
for a time was acting steward.
In 1863 he was transferred to the Vet-
eran Reserve Corps and sent to Columbus,
Ohio, and from there to Camp Douglas,
Chicago, to guard prisoners. He remained
at the latter place until February, 1864,
when he was ordered to Washington City,
and there put with the troops in defense of
the city, participating in the battle on the
outskirts of the city, near Forts Stevens
and DeRussey. Our army succeeded in
driving the enemy back, thus saving the
capital. While with that corps, he served
a part of the time as drummer. After three
years of faithful service, he was mustered
out September 5, 1864.
Returning home after receiving his dis-
charge, he purchased one hundred and
twenty acres of the old Waterbury home-
stead and again engaged in farming. He
purchased the place on time, and after a
number of years paid off the obligation, but
it was after a long and hard struggle. He
later added many improvements to the
place and there continued to reside until
1876, when he sold and purchased his pres-
ent farm, a place of two hundred and eighty
acres. A part of the purchase price of this
farm he secured time on, but has been so
fortunate as to pay off the entire claim, and
in addition has made some substantial im-
provements.
Mr. Noble was married in Ogle county,
November 8, 1865, to Miss Phebe Roberts,
who was born in Whiteside county, Illi-
n(i
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
nois, February 15, 1842, but was reared in
Ogle county. She is a daughter of Orrin
and Julia A. (Osterhoudt) Roberts. By
this union there are ten children — Jesse D.,
Addie J., Ella S., Harriet W., Esther H.,
Lena M., Ruth A., Ohve K., Stella B.,
and John Calvin. The latter died when
but four years old. The first named is liv-
ing in a neat, substantial dwelling built by
his father near the family residence, and is
now carrying on the home farm.
Politically Mr. Noble is a Republican.
His grandfather Waterbury was an Aboli-
tionist, and kept a station on the under-
ground railroad, and his views on the " pe-
culiar institution " he instilled into the mind
of his grandson, and the lessons thus early
learned were never forgotten. While averse
to office holding, he yet served some years
on the school board. With one exception,
Mr. Noble and family are members of the
Polo Presbyterian church, and endeavor to
walk in the footsteps of the Master.
Mr. Noble is a natural mechanic, and
for a time was employed as a traveling
salesman, and in repairing and setting up
threshing machines, being with the J. I.
Case Company. For about eighteen years
he run both horse and steam rigs, and made
a success of it. He also operates one of
the largest sorghum plants in northern Illi-
nois, and by extensive experimenting and
closely observing the results, he is now
manufacturing a very fine quality of syrup.
In the past few years he has manufactured
over thirty-five thousand gallons of superior
syrup. Notwithstanding that he has en-
gaged in these outside lines, Mr. Noble has
never neglected his farming. He believes
in the thorough cultivation of the soil, and
that the farmer should give general atten-
tion to stock raising, using as far as possible
on the farm all grain that he raises. On
account of failing health, however, for the
past twelve years he has practically lived a
retired life.
JOHN A. McCREA, who is now living a
retired life, was for years one of the
most enterprising of the business men of
Ogle county, of which he has been a resi-
dent since 1865. He is a native of Orange
county. New York, born under the shadows
of the Catskill mountains, September 5,
1827, and is the son of William and Abigail
McCrea, the father being a native of Ire-
land but of Scotch parentage. Soon after
his marriage William McCrea with his
young wife came to the United States and
located in Orange county. New York,
where he engaged in farming. He later
moved to Monroe county, in the same state,
where he remained a number of years, or
until he joined his children in Ogle county.
The last years of his life were spent in
Creston, where his death occurred April 4,
1888.
William and Abigail McCrea were the
parents of ten children, all of whom grew
to mature years, and of which number
three sons and four daughters are yet living.
Abraham settled in Malta, Illinois, where
he engaged in business, but is now deceased.
Samuel H. located at Morrison, Whiteside
county, Illinois, where he engaged in the
grain and lumber business. He later re-
moved to Chicago and became one of the
leading citizens of that city. He served
four years as treasurer of Cook county, and
was president of the board of trade for
some years. He also held other positions
of honor and trust in that city, where his
death occurred in 1895. John A., the sub-
n
JOHN A. McCREA.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
379
ject of this review, is next in order of birth.
Leander located in Carroll county, Iowa,
where he resided some years, then moved
to Carroll county, Missouri, where he is
now living. Alfred B. resides in Creston,
and a sketch of him appears on another
page of this work. Mrs. Catherine Covey
is a widow residing in Sterling, Illinois.
Mrs. Jane Parsons is a widow residing in
Carroll, Iowa, with a son. Mrs. Maria Kit-
tle is a widow, residing in New Lisbon,
Wisconsin. Caroline is making her home
with our subject.
John A. McCreagrewto manhood in Mon-
Monroe county. New York, and received a
good education in the schools of Roches-
ter, New York. Attracted by the dis-
covery of gold in California, in 1849, he
set out for the new Eldorado. He went
by way of the Isthmus of Panama, taking
the steamer Empire City at New York, for
Chagres, and after crossing the isthmus
took the steamer Oregon for San Francisco,
arriving in that city in November, 1849.
During the first winter he engaged in run-
ning a boat across the bay, but in the
spring of 1850 went to the mines in search
of the yellow metal. He continued mining
for two and a half years with very good
success, and then returned home by the
Nicaragua route through Central America.
In due tinie he arrived at his old home in
Rochester, New York, where he remained
until 1854, when he came west to Branch
county, Michigan, and located near Cold-
water, where he engaged in farming for ten
years. Selling his farm, he went to Morri-
son, Whiteside county, Illinois, to learn the
grain and lumber business. In 1865 he
moved to Creston, Ogle county, and formed
a partnership with his brother Alfred B.,
and here engaged in the grain, lumber and
coal business. They commenced in a
small way, but later built an elevator and
for many years continued together, doing a
thriving business, amounting from two hun-
dred thousand to five hundred thousand
dollars per year. The partnership contin-
ued until 1892, when our subject withdrew,
and has since practically been living a re-
tired life. He has invested some in real es-
tate and has two good farms near the vil-
lage of Creston aggregating four hundred
and fifty acres. While yet in partnership
the brothers formed a stock company and
started a tile factory. They built up a
large trade, selling their products for miles
around.
Mr. McCrea was married in Linnville,
Illinois, in 1870, to Miss Clara E. Bird, a
native of Ohio, and daughter of William
Bird, now deceased. She is a well educated
lady, and previous to her marriage engaged
in teaching. By this union two daughters
were born, Ella B. and Florence E. , both
living at home.
In 1892 Mr. McCrca went to California
to look after some mining interests in which
he and his brother were interested. He
returned again in 1893 and spent the greater
part of that year in the mines. He has now
in his possession some fine specimens of
gold, which he took himself from the mines.
He has made several trips to the Pacific
slope, and has spent two winters in Cali-
fornia since retiring from business. In 1896
he visited Havana, Cuba, where he spent a
short time, and during the same trip visited
Galveston and New Orleans, crossed the
Rio Grande at El Paso into Mexico, and on
to southern California. He takes consider-
able pleasure in traveling, and manages to
pick up a great deal of information.
Mrs. McCrea is a worthy member of the
3So
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Methodist church, and while Mr. McCrea is
not a member, he attends the church with
his wife and contributes of his means to its
support. Fraternally he is a Mason, hold-
ing membership with the blue lodge at Cres-
ton, the chapter and commandery at Syca-
more, and Medinah Temple, Scottish rite,
of Chicago. He is well known in Ogle and
adjoining counties, having been a resident
of this county for thirty-four years, a little
more than a third of a century. His friends
are many, and they may be found from the
Atlantic to the Pacific ocean. With the
sturdy self-reliance of the Scotch race he
has made a success in life.
IRA METTLER, now living a retired life
in the village of Creston, has been a
resident of the state of Illinois since 1840.
He was born in Northumberland county,
Pennsylvania, October 27, 1S17, and is the
son of Relph Mettler, a native of New Jer-
sey, born October 11, 1792, and a grandson
of Henry Mettler, also a native of New Jer-
sey, and who was one of a family of fif-
teen children. On the father's side the
family are of German descent, but on the
mother's side of English descent.
Relph Mettler, who was a blacksniith
by trade, grew to manhood in New Jersey,
but when a young man moved to North-
uuiberland county, Pennsylvania, where he
married Mary Ann Housewert, a native of
Pennsylvania, and daughter of Solomon
Housewert, of German descent. They be-
came the parents of nine children who
grew to mature years, seven of whom are
yet living. Mrs. Elizabeth Barnum, a
widow, resides in Creston. Ira, of this re-
view, is next in order of birth. Sarah is
deceased. Mrs. Rhoda Dudley resides in
Cayuga county. New York. Mrs. Fidelia
Miller is a widow residing in St. Louis, Mis-
souri. Mrs. Harriet M. Powell is a widow
residing in College Springs, Iowa. Mary
Ann grew to womanhood, but is now de-
ceased. William J. resides in Creston, Illi-
nois, and James Iliff lives in Great Falls,
Montana.
Relph Mettler carried on his trade a few
years in Northumberland county, Pennsyl-
vania, and in 1822 moved to Seneca county.
New York, and started a blacksmith shop,
in which he worked a few years, and then
purchased one hundred acres of wild land
in Tompkins county. New York, and there
moved his family. He began at once to
clear the place of its heavy timber, prepara-
tory to its cultivation, and in due time had
a good farm. But the west was now hold-
ing out its attractions, and he decided on
coming to Illinois. In 1840 he traded his
farm in New York for land near Rockford,
Illinois, and then came west and set-
tled on the place which he began to im-
prove. In the fall of 1841 he returned
easton business, and came back by way
of the great lakes. While on the lakes
he was exposed to bad weather, which
caused his sickness and death, November
17, 1841. His wife survived him many
years, dying May 27, 1876.
The subject of this sketch accompanied
his parents to Illinois and assisted in open-
ing up tlie home farm. After his father's
death he remained with his mother some
three or four years, and later purchased a
thresher and engaged in threshing grain for
a number of years during the season. He
also engaged in hauling freight to and from
Chicago, and in breaking prairie for a few
years. His first purchase of land consisted
of two hundred and sixty-five acres in Win-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
?8i
nebago county, which he improved, and in
1855 purchased the old home farm, which
he operated for three years. He then
traded that farm for land and town property
at Creston and moved to the place, where
he engaged in the real estate business in con-
nection with farming. He assisted greatly
in building up the town, and also improved
several farms, being one of the most suc-
cessful farmers and real estate men in the
county.
In 1850 Mr. Mettler went to his native
state for his grandfather Housewert. While
eone, in New York, he met Miss Delia
Young. It is the old story. He returned
east, and on the 5th of June, 1853, they
were united in marriage. By this union
there were three children, only one of
whom is now living, Edna M., wife of
Professor A. D. Stowell, now of Hannibal,
Missouri. Stella grew to womanhood, and
died August 27, 1876, at the age of twenty-
two years. Lewis Burke died November
25, i860, at the age of four years. The
mother of these children departed this life
February 16, 1864. She was a devoted
member of the Congregationalist church,
while her daughter, Mrs. Stowell, is a mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal church.
On the 26th of April, 1870, in DeKalb
county, Mr. Mettler was united in marriage
with Miss Mary Riddle, born east of Kno.x-
ville, Tennessee, and daughter of John and
Susan (Anderson) Riddle. Her father first
moved with his family from Tennessee to
Indiana, and in 1S36 moved to DeKalb
county, Illinois, where he entered a tract
of several hundred acres of land and en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits. He was a
man of great business ability, and was often
called on by his neighbors to transact for
them some business. He served as justice
of the peace, assessor and supervisor, as
well as in other official positions, and prac-
ticed law in the justices' courts. He died
at the age of si.xty-nine years. His wife
survived him a few years.
In early life, Mr. Mettler was an aboli-
tionist and cast his first presidential vote
for James G. Birney. On the organization
of the Republican party, he became a Re-
publican, and continued to vote that party
ticket for many years. A strong temperance
man, and in favor of the entire prohibition
of the liquor traffic, he has for some years
been voting the Prohibition ticket. While
not desiring official position, he has been
honored by his fellow citizens with several
offices of honor and trust. He has been
assessor of his township, road commissioner,
member of the town board, justice of the
peace and police magistrate, having been
elected by a good majority. He has also
served as delegate to the county and state
conventions of his party. Mr. Mettler and
his wife are strong believers in the Chris-
tian religion, taking the Bible as their guide
and rule of practice.
A resident of northern Illinois almost
three score years Mr. Mettler is well known,
especially in Winnebago, DeKalb and Ogle
counties, and he and his most estimable
wife are held in high esteem.
THOMAS P. FRANTZ, who is engaged
in the meat market business at Hol-
comb, Illinois, is a veteran of the Civil war.
He is a native of Allegany county, Mary-
land, born September 7, 1841, and is a son
of George and Rebecca (Friendj Frantz,
both of whom were also natives of the same
state, and of their si.\ children, lour are yet
living — William B. , Thomas P., Joseph, and
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
George D. ; John W. and Julia A. are de-
ceased. The paternal grandfather, Joseph
F"rantz, was a native of Pennsylvania, and
was a man of considerable prominence,
serving in various local offices, including
justice of the peace and county commis-
sioner, in the latter office continuing four
years. In 1S35 he was elected a member
of the legislature and served with signal
ability. He was a Jacksonian Democrat, a
great admirer of " Old Hickory," and advo-
cated the principles of the party until his
death, which occurred about 1850. George
Frantz, the father, was also a man of more
than ordinary ability, and also served as
justice of the peace for some years. By
occupation he was a farmer and stock deal-
er, and was a well-known man in Allegany
county, Maryland.
Thomas P. Frantz, our subject, was
reared and educated in his native county
and state and was educuted in Cumberland,
Maryland. Before he attained his majority
the war for the union was in progress, and
his sympathies being on the side of the
union, he enlisted September 2, 1861, in
Company I, Second Maryland Volunteer
Infantry, at Cumberland, Maryland, to
serve three years or during the war. For a
little more than three years he was in active
service, and was many times under fire of
the enemy. At one time at Suspension
Bridge, with three others, he volunteered
to lay plank across the bridge. The bullets
rained like hail from the enemy's guns, but
they accomplished the work which they set
out to do without receiving a scratch. The
experience, however, was not very pleasant
and he would not care to repeat it unless
absolutely necessary. On the 31st of Oc-
tober, 1864, at Cumberland, Maryland, with
his regiment he was mustered out of service.
Returning to his home, after receiving
his discharge, Mr. Frantz again commenced
work at his trade of stone mason, and there
remained for two years, at which time he
determined on emigrating to Illinois. In
1867 he located near Mt. Morris, and fol-
lowed his trade in connection with farming,
and there remained some years. In 1875
he came to Holcomb and engaged in his
present business and has here since contin-
ued to reside, building up a most satisfac-
tory trade.
On the 2d of January, 1870, Mr. Frantz
was united in marriage with Miss Emma C.
Hastings, a native of Springfield, Ohio, and
a daughter of Edmond Hastings, who for
many years had been a resident of Ogle
county. By this union there was born one
son, John A., who, grown to manhood, is
now in partnership with his father, and is a
young man of good business ability.
In politics Mr. Frantz is an uncompro-
mising Republican, and while never aspiring
to official position, has yet served as town-
ship collector and other minor positions.
In whatever he has been asked to do he has
tried to do well. He is a good citizen and
is held in high esteem.
GEORGE M. REED, who is engaged
in the mercantile business at Daysville,
is a well known citizen of the county, hav-
ing been identified with its interests for
some sixty years. He was born February
7, 1836, in Gilsom, New Hampshire, and is
a son of Lyman and Mehitable (Clark) Reed,
the former a native of Vermont, born De-
cember 25, 1807, and the latter of New
Hampshire, born April 24, 18 14. Lyman
Reed was a carpenter by trade, and followed
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
3^3
that occupation during almost his entire life.
In 1839 he located at Daysville, where he
spent the remainder of his life, becoming a
prominent and influential citizen of the
place and of Ogle county. In early life he
was politically a Democrat, but on account
of the attitude of his party on the slavery
question, he became a Republican on the
organization of the party, and continued to
advocate its principles until called from
this life. For many years he served as
postmaster of Daysville, was constable for a
time, and also filled the office of school di-
rector. His death occurred January 8, 1866.
His wife survived him many years, dying
April 28, 1886. They were the parents of
si.x children. George M. is the subject of
this sketch. Mary died in infancy. Virgil
E. is a farmer of Nassau township, of whom
mention is made elsewhere in this work.
Lucy i.'\., Bemis, Edwin E. and John L., all
reside in Oregon, Illinois.
The subject of this sketch was but three
years old when he came with his parents to
Ogle county, and since that time he has
been a resident of Daysville. In that vil-
lage he grew to manhood, and in its schools
received a common-school education. In
his youth he learned the carpenter trade
with his father, and followed that occupation
for some years. He continued to reside at
home and assisted his father until he was
twenty-two years old, when he commenced
life for himself. On the ist of November,
1858, he was united in marriage with Miss
Elizabeth A. Thompson, a native of England,
born November I, 1834. She died Septem-
ber 20, 1873, leaving three children. Frank
E. is a prominent attorney in Oregon, and is
present county judge of Ogle county, having
been elected to that position in the fall of
1898. He married Cora Pankhurst, daugh-
41
ter of the bookkeeper of the First National
Bank at Oregon. Alice E., now deceased,
married Clarence Gardner, a well known
attorney of Rochelle, Illinois. One child
was born of their union, Freddie. Georgia
died at the age of two years.
The second marriage of Mr. Reed was
celebrated November 26, 1874, when he
wedded Miss Elmira A. McCloud, who was
born in Ohio, December 11, 1847, the
daughter of Stephen and Ruth (Simpson)
McCloud, both of whom were natives of
Pennsylvania, but who emigrated to Ohio,
and from that state to Daysville, Illinois, in
1849.
In 1868 Mr. Reed opened a general
store in Daysville, in which line of business
he has continued to the present time with a
fair degree of success. His acquaintance
throughout the county is very extensive, and
wherever known he is held in the highest
esteem. In 1859 he was elected constable
in his township and served eight years. He
has also served as township collector a num-
ber of years, as school director for twenty
years, and as town clerk for twenty-seven
years, and is yet filling the latter office.
For twenty-three years he has served as
postmaster, and is yet occupying that posi-
tion. For a time he was a member of the
Odd Fellows, but does not now affiliate
with the order. Religiously, he is a Meth-
odist, holding membership with the church
at Daysville. In politics he is a thorough
Republican, and has voted the party ticket
since attaining his majority. As a business
man he is enterprising and reliable at all
times. He carries a general stock of such
goods as are in demand in his section. An
almost lifelong resident of the county, he
has not only witnessed its growth and
development, but has contributed his part
384
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
in making the county occupj' its present
exalted rank among the counties of the
state.
MAJOR J. G. GAMMON, a veteran of
the Civil war, and for nineteen years
connected with the Illinois National Guards,
is now living a retired life in the village of
Creston. He is a native of England, born
in the city of Bristol, July 6, 1840. His fa-
ther, Robert Gammon, was also a native of
England, and was professionally a sailor,
following the sea for many years. His wife
died when the Major was but a small lad,
and he went to live with an uncle, Henry
Gammon, who had no children, and was
living in Devonshire, England. In 1854,
he accompanied his uncle and aunt to the
United States, the family first locating near
Buffalo, New York, where they remained
two years. In 1856, they came to Illinois
and made a permanent location and home
in De Kalb county, where the uncle pur-
chased raw land and opened up a farm.
The subject of this sketch remained with
his uncle and assisted in the improvement
of the farm until January 4, 1862. His
adopted country was then in the midst of a
Civil war and was calling for men. He had
lived long enough in the country to become
attached to its institutions, and to all in-
tents and purposes he was a thorough Amer-
ican. On the date mentioned he enlisted
in Company L, Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry,
and at once went with his regiment to the
front. On his arrival at the scene of ac-
tivities, he was put on detached duty, form-
ing one of the body guard of General Hal-
leck, and later he was in like service under
General Grant. At Corinth, he rejoined his
regiment, and with it participated in the
battle at that place. He was also in the
engagements at Bear Creek, Tuscumbia,
and later was in Arkansas, hunting and skir-
mishing with bushwhackers and guerrillas.
At the close of his term of service, in Jan-
uary, 1865, he was honorably discharged at
Helena, Arkansas.
On receiving his discharge, Mr. Gammon
returned home, but he was not content to
remain as his adopted country was still en-
gaged in the struggle, and accordingly, on
the 6th of March, 186 15, he re-enlisted for
one year, and joined Company G, Fourth
Regiment, General Hancock's Veteran Vol-
unteer Corps, and went to Washington,
where he was engaged in doing guard duty
until the final close of the war. He later
was sent to Camp Chase, where he was en-
gaged in garrison duty. At the expiration
of his second term of service he was dis-
charged at Todd's barracks, Columbus,
Ohio.
Mr. Gammon again returned to De Kalb
count)-, and located in Malta, but soon after
made a trip to England, and visited his na-
tive city. He was married May 31, 18C6,
to Miss Jane Bennett, who was born in
Devonshire, England, and a daughter of
Henry Bennett, also of Devonshire. Soon
after his marriage he returned with his bride
to his home in De Kalb county and took
charge of the farm of his uncle, and soon
after purchased the place, and took care of
his uncle and aunt in their declining years.
He continued to operate the farm, which
consisted of one hundred and sixty acres
of fine land, until 1875, when he removed
to the village of Creston, which has since
been his home.
In 1876 Mr. Gammon joined the Illinois
National Guards, and was commissioned
first lieutenant of his company, and was
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
3S5
soon promoted to the captaincy. While
serving with that rank he took the company
to Braidwood to preserve peace and protect
property at that place. In 18S0 he was
commissioned major of the first battalion,
third regiment. While in the service he
was called out a number of times. During
the great strike at Chicago in 1894, he
spent twenty-one days with his battalion in
that city. He made a good and efficient
officer, and the men all had confidence in
him.
Mr. and Mrs. Gammon have three chil-
dren. Frank A. is married and is carrying
on the home farm in De Kalb county.
Henry Bennett is a graduate of the medical
department of Michigan University, at Ann
Arbor. During the Spanish-American war
he was hospital steward of the Thirty-fourth
Michigan Infantry, and was with his regi-
ment at Santiago. After his return from
the service he was taken sick, and on his
recovery was placed in the hospital service
at Ann Arbor. Jessie E. is now the wife
of B. L. Kittle, of Chicago, and they have
two children, Paul and Mildred. In the
family of Frank A. Gammon are three chil-
dren, Neal, Maud A. and Clifford Dewey.
The first presidential vote cast by Ma-
jor Gammon was for Abraham Lincoln in
1864. He has been a stanch Republican
from that time to the present, and has
voted for every presidential nominee of the
party. Fraternally he is a Mason, holding
membership with the blue lodge at Creston,
the chapter at Rochelle and the command-
ery at Sycamore. He is also a member of
the Grand Army of the Republic, Post No.
12, at Sycamore. Mrs. Gammon is a de-
voted member of the Congregationalist
church, in the work of which she takes a
lively interest. Both are highly esteemed
in Creston and wherever known, the Major
having many friends, not only in De Kalb
and Ogle counties, but throughout the
state, wherever his duties have called him.
DELOS W. BAXTER.— Not by gift or
purchase or by influence can one rise
at the bar, but solely by merit must he gain
his reputation, his ability winning him
greatness, and enabling him to pass on the
highway of life many who had accomplished
part of the journey ere he started out.
Among the members of the legal fraternity
in Ogle county, who have won for them-
selves prominent places in the ranks of their
professional brethren, is the gentleman
whose name introduces this sketch, and who
is successfully engaged in practicing in his
native city. He was born on the 29th of
July, 1857, in Rochelle, where he was a
pupil of the common and high schools until
his eighteenth }'ear, when he entered the
law department of the Iowa State Univer-
sity, graduating in i88r, having previously
read in the office of M. D. Hathaway. He
commenced practicing for himself on the
1st of July, 1882, and with the exception
of a short tmie with Mr. Hathaway and
later with Mr. Gardner, he has conducted
his practice alone.
At Huron, South Dakota, our subject
was united in marriage to Georgia Ambrose,
formerly of White Rock township. Ogle
county, a daughter of George and Ann
(Hessj Ambrose. Politically, Mr. Ba.xter
is a Republican, who staunchly upholds the
principles of his party. He has been state
senator since 1896. He is vice-president of
the Rochelle National Bank. Fraternally
he is a member of the Masonic lodge and
chapter, of Rochelle, and Rockford com-
386
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
mandery, K. T., also the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and is a striking ex-
amble of the self-made American, who
commands the respect of all who meet him.
The father of this gentleman, Deloss
A. Baxter, was born near Ogdensburg, New
York, on the 23d of December, 1826. He
attended the common schools and the Can-
ton Academy, of Canton, New York, until
the age of seventeen, when he learned the
harness-maker's trade, serving an appren-
ticeship of three years. During the winter
of 1847 and '48 he clerked in a hardware
store in Ogdensburg, and in the spring of
1848 came west to Cleveland, Ohio, work-
ing there and in the surrounding towns for
three years, and in 1851 removing to Paw-
paw, Illinois, where he opened a harness
shop. In the spring of 1856 he came to
Rochelle, where he entered the same line of
business, and in 1S98 he retired, selling out
to his son, Burt B. Baxter. Mr. Baxter
was married to Mary Wirick, a daughter of
Jacob and Mary (McCoy) Wirick, natives
of Ohio, on the 8th of November, 1854.
To this union seven children have been born,
here given in order of birth: Delos W.,
the subject of this sketch; Allison B., a res-
ident of Chicago; Guy A., living in Texas;
Bert B., his father's business successor;
Blanche P., the wife of Clarence E. Gard-
ner; Paul G., an official at the state peni-
tentiary, at Joliet;and Mary Maud, a teach-
er in Rochelle. Deloss A. Baxter departed
this life at Rochelle on December 1 1, 1898.
The grandparents of our subject were
Alexander Baxter, Jr., and Philinda (Bax-
ter) Baxter. Deloss A. Baxter was now a
member of the Masonic Lodge, F. & A. M. ,
and chapter, R. A. M. He was made a
Mason in Ohio, and assisted in organizing
the lodge in Rochelle, and was the last of
the original charter members of the Masonic
lodge in Rochelle. In politics he was a Re-
publican, though casting his first presidental
ballot for Franklin Pierce, and his popular-
ity in the community in which he resided is
illustrated by the fact that he was twice
elected mayor of Rochelle, three times al-
derman arid in 1872 was elected township
collector.
CHARLES KLEIN.— No foreign ele-
ment has become a more important
part in our American citizenship than that
furnished by Sweden. The emigrants from
that land have brought with them to the
new world the stability, enterprise and
perseverance characteristic of their people
and have fused these qualities with the pro-
gressiveness and indomitable spirit of the
west. Mr. Klein is a representative of this
class. He came to America in limited
circumstances, hoping to benefit his finan-
cial condition, and his dreams of the future
have been more than realized. He is to-
day a successful dealer in grain, coal and
lumber at Kings, and occupies a very pro-
minent place in business circles in Ogle
county.
Mr. Klein was born April 22, 1849, in
the central part of the province of Jenkop-
ing, Sweden, near the town of the same
name, and is a son of C. P. and Johanna
(Moberg) Klein. The father was a farmer
and had a thorough technical as well as
practical knowledge of that occupation,
having been regularly educated in an agri-
cultural college, as was required in that
country, to fit him for the position he held,
that of superintendent of a large agricultural
property. Our subject is the seven in
order of birth in a family of nine children.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
3^7
of whom the following came to America:
Elizabeth, crossed the Atlantic with our
subject and stopped first in Chicago, where
they had acquaintance living. Later she
was married in Rochelle to Charles
Skepstedt, but is now living in Chicago. A
year after their arrival Sophia came to the
United States, and she is now the wife of
Nels Nelson, a farmer of Flagg township.
Ogle county. Five years later Franz,
Augusta and Hedda also came to America.
Franz is now a resident of Rockford, Illi-
nois. Augusta makes her home with our
subject. Hedda married Richard Harding,
a farmer of Marion township. Ogle county,
and later they removed to Lincoln county.
South Dakota, where he owns and operates
a farm.
During his boyhood and youth Charles
Klein attended the common schools of his
native land and assisted his father in his
duties. At the age of twenty-one he and
his sister Elizabeth sailed for the new
world, and leaving her in Chicago he pro-
ceeded to Chariton, Iowa, where he had
friends living, and where he was employed
for one year. At the end of that time he
came to Rochelle, Ogle county, Illinois, his
sister having already married and located
here. In 1871 he commenced working on
the farm of A. F. Crawford, near Rochelle,
and in the fall of that year went to Chi-
cago, where he easily found employment,
there being a demand for laborers after the
great fire which destroyed much of that
city. The following spring he returned to
Ogle county and obtained work on the farm
of W. H. King, with whom he remained
for five years. During this time he attended
the public schools during the winter terms
and thus acquired a good knowledge of the
common English branches. This was fol-
lowed by a commercial and scientific course
at Mt. Morris College. In 1878 he em-
barked in the coal and lumber business at
Kings, and two years later became inter-
ested in the grain trade in partnership with
W. H. King. Since 1882, however, he has
been alone and does a large and profitable
business in all branches. Kings has become
quite a grain center and he usually ships
from two hundred and fifty to three hun-
dred car loads in course of a season.
On the 2 1st of June, 1879, Mr. Klein
was married in Chicago to Miss Helen Ole-
son, who was also born in Sweden, August
27, 1 85 1, but during her infancy was
brought to this country by her parents,
Daniel and Ingri Christina, who located in
Lake county, Indiana, where the father
owned a farm and made his home until his
death. Mrs. Klein is one of a family of
eight children, the others being Peter, who
still owns and occupies a farm in Lake
county, Indiana; Mari, who married F.
Johnson and lives in Chicago; Lena, wife
of John Carleson, a photographer of Ro-
chelle; Christine, wife of J. N. Crona, who
is in the United States mail service in Chi-
cago; Hannah, wife of a Mr. Fents, of Chi-
cago; Paul, a resident of St. Louis, and
Anton, who was formerly a photographer
of Rochelle, and from t'->ere removed to St.
Louis, where his death occurred. Five
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Klein, namely; Helen Pauline, who was
born January 19, 18S4; Carl Reuben, who
was born July 24, 1886, and died October
16, 1892; Crystal Victoria, who was born
December 16, 1888; Esther May, who was
born March 30, 1893, and died June 22,
1893, and Reba Ruth, who was born Octo-
ber 30, 1S94. The year previous to his
marriage, Mr. Klein erected the comfort-
388
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
able residence in Kings which the family
now occupy. Politically he is a stanch sup-
porter of the Republican party and its prin-
ciples, and takes quite an active and prom-
inent part in public affairs. For four con-
secutive years he served as town clerk, and
has been a member of the school board in
his district for eight years. During almost
his entire residence here he has been a
member of the Presbyterian church of
Kings, has always taken an active part in
its work, serving as elder for ten years and
superintendent of the Sunday-school for
eight years.
THOMAS GUEST, one of the most hon-
ored and highly esteemed citizens of
Ogle county, passed away at his home in
Rochelle, August 5, 1886, after a life of in-
dustry and rich in those rare possessions
which only a high character can give. In
all the relations of life he was found true
and faithful to every trust reposed in him,
and when called to his rest and reward of
the higher world his best monument was
found in the love and respect of the commu-
nity in which he lived for so many years.
Mr. Guest was born in the province of
Ontario, Canada, December 28, 1820, a
son of Thomas and Ann (Todd) Guest,
who were natives of Ireland, where their
marriage was celebrated and where some of
their children were born. At an early day
they emigrated to the new world and took
up their residence in Canada, where the fa-
ther continued to make his home until called
from this life March 5, i860. By occupa-
tion he was a farmer. Immediately after
his arrival in Canada, he united with the
Methodist Episcopal church and was always
an active worker in the church, serving as
class leader and in other official positions.
In his family were eight children, four sons
and four daughters, all of whom were reared
and married in Canada, and remained there
with the exception of our subject, and Rich-
ard is the only one now living. In order of
birth they are as follows: James; Mary, the
wife of Alexander Gibson, who was of Scotch
origin; John; Eliza, wife of James Brown-
lee, who is also deceased; Thomas, our sub-
ject; Ann, wife of John Armitage, deceased;
Richard and Amelia.
On the home farm in his native pro-
vince, Thomas Guest was reared to man-
hood and his education was obtained in the
common schools of the neighborhood. Dur-
ing his active business life he engaged in
agricultural pursuits and early acquired
land of his own, having at the time of his
removal to Illinois two hundred acres of
good land, well improved with excellent
buildings. He was married in Canada May
16, 1856, to Miss Ann Pettepiece, who was
born in the province of Ontario December
23, 1832, and is a daughter of Thomas and
Catherine (Stokes) Pettepiece, natives of
Ireland and early settlers of Canada. She
is one of a family of nine children, six sons
and three daughters, and herself and brother
George are now the only survivors. All
remained in Canada but Mrs. Guest and her
brother Joseph, who also came to Illinois
and died here in 1897.
Immediately after their marriage Mr.
and Mrs. Guest disposed of their property
in Canada, and leaving a fine home came to
Ogle county, Illinois. In Flagg township
he purchased a quarter section of land on
section 30, on which he made his home for
thirteen years. In the meantime he bought
one hundred and sixty acres in Lee county,
Illinois, and five hundred and twenty acres
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
3Sy
on sections 5 and 6, Dement township,
near Rochelle, and on leaving his first pur-
chase he removed to the latter place, where
he resided until he retired from active life
in 18S2, spending his last days in ease and
quiet in Rochelle.
To Mr. and Mrs. Guest were born the
following children: Aaron W. , born De-
cember 9, 1S69, is engaged in business in
Rochelle; Francis J., born July 3, 1861, is
a farmer of Ogle county; George W., born
September 22, 1863, is a retired merchant
of Rochelle; Anna M., born September 28,
1865, lives with her mother; Naomi, born
November 25, 1868, died December 30,
1868, and Elsie May, born July 15, 1872,
is the wife of Peter ^^■agner, a jeweler of
Denver, Colorado. The children were all
given the benefit of good school privileges
and are graduates of the high school of
Rochelle, while Frank and Aaron also
attended Wheaton College.
Mr. Guest always took an active and
commendable interest in public affairs, es-
pecially educational matters, and for many
years was a most efficient member of the
school board. He was a life-long member
of the Methodist Episcopal church and an
earnest, consistent Christian gentleman.
He was one of nature's noblemen and the
world is certainly better for his having
lived. As a citizen he was honorable,
prompt and true to every engagement; as a
man he held the honor and esteem of all
classes; and as a husband and father was a
model worthy of all imitation; unassuming
in manner, sincere in his friendships, stead-
fast and unswerving in his loyalty to the
right. His funeral services were conducted
in the Presbyterian church of Rochelle, by
Rev. M. M. Bates, the Methodist Episco-
pal minister, and his remains were interred
in Lawn Ridge cemetery. We quote from
an obituary written at the time by one who
knew him well; "The highest encomium
possible to be given any one can be truth-
fully said of Thomas Guest — 'He was an
honest man.
GEORGE W. PERKINS, the present
popular mayor of Polo, is entitled to
distinction as one of the most progressive
and enterprising men of Ogle county, and
has for many years been prominently iden-
tified with the interests of Polo. Upon the
commercial activity of a community de-
pends its prosperity and the men who are
now recognized as leading citizens are
those who are at the head of extensive busi-
ness enterprises. He is a member of the
well-known lumber firm of Perkins & Petti-
bone, and is a man of broad capabilities
who carries foward to successful completion
whatever he undertakes.
Mr. Perkins is a native of Ogle county,
born in Buffalo Grove, November 11, 1850,
and is a son of Rufus Perkins, whose birth
occurred in New York, July 13, 1827, and
whose parents were Timothy and Sarah
(Vacty) Perkins. About 1838 or 1840 the
father came west and took up his residence
in Buffalo Grove, where he purchased a
farm and operated the same until 1852.
Having an attack of the "gold fever, " he
started for California across the plains.
The Indians were very troublesome and the
cattle stampeded several times, but fortu-
nately none of the party were killed. Dur-
ing this trip Mr. Perkins made what he con-
sidered one of the most famous trades of
his life. Vegetables were the articles of
food most needed on the long journey, and
he succeeded in trading an injured ox, which
390
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
would have had to have been abandon-
ed, for one onion. In the Golden state he
engaged in mining with fair success and be-
came possessed of much valuable property
on the Pacific coast. After his return to
Ogle county, in April, 1863, he frequently
made trips to the west to look after his
possessions there, crossing the plains four-
teen or fifteen times. Mr. Perkins became
interested in the lumber trade after his re-
turn to Ogle county, and was engaged in
that business until his retirement from
active life in 1875. Upright and hon-
orable in all his dealings, he has the
confidence and respect of all who know
him. In politics he was a Republican.
He married Miss Maria A. Saltzman,
who was born in Wisconsin, February 26,
1830, and died October 8, 1891, while he
passed away December 9, 1888. Our sub-
ject is the older of the two children born to
them. Mary G., who was born during the
sojourn of her parents in California, was
married in Polo, November 2, 1876, to
Charles D. Reed, a native of Buffalo town-
ship, Ogle county, and a son of Luman
and Mary (Hull) Reed. They have two
children, Rufus Maynard and Julia H. The
maternal grandparents of our subject were
Peter and Polly (Lynn) Saltzman. The
grandfather, who was a soldier of the war
of 1 81 2, was born March 28, 1797, and
died July 12, 1851, at Pittsburg, Pennsyl-
vania, while his wife was born March 4,
1804, and died in Tennessee, July 19, 1879.
George W. Perkins was taken by his
parents to California in 1852, but in 1857
he returned east with friends, by way of
Cape Horn, and made his home with an
uncle in Indiana until his parents returned
to Ogle county, where he joined them. He
attended school in Indiana and in Polo until
he attained the age of twenty years, and
began life for himself in the spring of 1870
by working in the lumber yard of Hunt &
Perkins, his father being the junior mem-
ber of the firm. Two years later his father
purchased the interest of his partner and
admitted our subject to the firm, the name
being changed to Rufus Perkins & Son. In
1873 the latter took full charge and carried
on operations under the style of G. W.
Perkins, with branch yards at Woosung
and Maryland. In 1882 the business was
merged into the Minnesota Lumber Com-
pany, which at one time owned fourteen
yards in different towns, and Mr. Perkins
served as its secretary as long as the com-
pany was in existence. On the death of
Mr. H. D. Barber, a leading member of
the firm, in 1896, the affairs of the com-
pany were dissolved and our subject asso-
ciated himself with Chauncey Pettibone,
under the firm name of Perkins & Petti-
bone. They do an extensive and profita-
ble business, which is largely foreign, ship-
ping pine lumber principally to Liverpool,
PZngland, and Glasgow, Scotland.
On the loth of November, 1875, in Polo,
was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Perkins
and Miss Mary L. Buck, who was born in
Americus, Indiana, and is one of a family of
six children, whose parents were Daniel and
Lucy A. (Humphrey) Buck. The mother
was born in Wayne county, Pennsylvania,
July 10, 1833, and in early life removed to
Americus, where she gave her hand in mar-
riage to Daniel Buck, who was a native of
Butler county, Ohio, who was born October
10, 1829, and died December 15, 1874. In
1856 he removed his family from Indiana to
Polo, Illinois, where he was engaged in the
dry goods trade. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins
have two children: Bryant L., who is a
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
391
graduate of the Polo schools and also the
Northwestern University at Evaston, Illi-
nois, completing the scientific course in the
latter institution in 1898; and Clara, who is
a pupil in the Polo schools.
Mr. Perkins is a stalwart Republican
and while not a politician he takes great in-
terest in public affairs, and has most effi-
ciently served as mayor of Polo for four
years. Never were the reins of government
in more capable hands, as greater improve-
ments have been made during his adminis-
tration than ever before. A street grade
has been established, a park system adopted,
the city lighted by electricity, and the wa-
ter works extended. Prior to his election
to the office of mayor, Mr. Perkins was a
member of the city council for si.x years, du-
ring which time the beginning of the water
works was established and he was a mem-
ber of the committee that had the matter in
charge. The first water main was laid on
Mason street for fire purposes and has since
been extended until now there are six miles
of mains in the city. Mr. Perkins was city
treasurer two years, and school treasurer of
Polo school district for fourteen years, suc-
ceeding the first treasurer, J. C. Luckey,
who served in that office for twenty years.
Mr. Perkins is at present a member of the
board of education and under the direction
of the present board there is being erected
one of the finest and up to date school
houses in the northern portion of Illinois.
As a citizen he ever stands ready to dis-
charge every duty devolving upon him and
justly merits the esteem in which he is held
LEWIS STOCKING, for many years a
leading and influential farmer in Lynn-
ville township, was born in Ashfield, Massa-
42
chusetts, February 25, 1820. His father,
Herod Stocking, was born in the same
county and state. May 13, 1791, and there
followed the honorable occupation of a
farmer. He was twice married, his first
union being with Miss Lydia Ames, their
marriage being solemnized January 12,
1814. She was also a native of Ashfield,
Massachusetts, and was born April 14,
1796. By this union there were ten chil-
dren— John A., Joseph, third; Lewis, Will-
iam Chandler, William, second; Jonathan
S., Henry, Horace, and Horace, second.
The mother of these children died March 2,
1847, and June 29, 1848, Mr. Stocking wed-
ded Miss Lavina Forbush.
Herod Stocking moved with his family
to Cuyahoga county, Ohio, in 1832, and
from there to Ogle county, Illinois, in 1839.
He selected a location for his future home
in what was then Monroe precinct, but now
Monroe township, which continued to be
his home until his death, February 21,
1884. His wife died February 2, 1865.
They were both good people, highly re-
spected, and had many friends in the coun-
try of their adoption.
The subject of this sketch spent his
boyhood in his native state, and his youth
in Ohio. He came with his parents to
Ogle county, but soon afterward returned
to Ohio, and in his twentieth year began
life in earnest for himself. Previous to this,
however, he had worked for stipulated
monthly wages, his earnings going to his fa-
ther. He received but a limited education
in the schools of Massachusetts and Ohio,
but in the school of experience he has ob-
tained much valuable knowledge.
On the loth of December, 1843, Mr.
Stocking was united in marriage with Miss
Mary Burroughs, of Lorane, Ohio. She
392
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
was born in Alden, Erie county, New York,
November 13, 1823. Two years after
their marriage they came to Illinois, mak-
ing their journey with ox teams, experien-
cing many hardships on the way. The
townships had not been organized on their
arrival here, and they settled in Monroe
precinct, in that part, however, which is
not included in the township of Lynnville.
The first purchase made by Mr. Stocking
was eighty acres located on section 6, for
which he paid one dollar and twenty-five
cents per acres No time was lost in the im-
proving of the place, and as time passed he
added to his possessions until he is now the
owner of four hundred and fifty acres, one
eighty of which is on section 7. His im-
provements are in keeping with the times
and he is rated as a No. i farmer.
To Mr. and Mrs. Stocking four children
have been born, three sons and one daugh-
ter. The oldest, Layton C, died in in-
fancy. Eda A. married George Yo, former-
ly of England, and they have four children,
Bessy M., Elva, Alfred and Alice. Milton
D. married Sarah Holmes, of Lynnville
township, and to them two children were
born, Myrtle H. and Iva R. Duane C.
married Polly Smith, also of Lynnville
township, but a native of England. They
have two sons and two daughters, Lewis C,
Hazel E., Elsie G. and Spencer D.
Charles Burroughs, the father of Mrs.
Stocking, was born in New York state, July
22, 1790. He was educated in the com-
mon schools and in his youth learned the
hatter's trade, which he later followed in
connection with farming. He married Lu-
cinda Cunningham, also a native of New
York, born in 1796. They were the parents
of eleven children, as follows: Charles C,
Lucinda M., Corydon P., Gleason S., Mary
L. , Annie L., Lorain G., John W., Vien-
na, Philena C. and Philinda A. (twins).
Mr. Burroughs died in 1S41, and his widow
in 1865. Charles Burroughs, the grand-
father of Mrs. Stocking, came to this coun-
try prior to the Revolutionary war, the
records going to show that he was a sol-
dier on the side of those fighting for their
independence and was a prisoner on one
of the sugar ships. Herod Stocking was
also a true patriot, and served as a sol-
dier in the war of 1812. The grand-
father of our subject was Abram Stocking,
and his great-grandfather, named Abram,
was a shipbuilder in Chatham, on the Con-
necticut river.
In their religious views Mr. and Mrs.
Stocking are Adventists, and in his political
affiliations he is a thorough Prohibitionist.
He is truly aself-niade man, and all that he
has he has accumulated by his own industry,
assisted by his good wife, for he realizes the
truth of the statement of Solomon, that
" A good wife is from the Lord. She shall
do him good and not evil all the days of his
life, and her children shall arise and call
her blessed. " No couple in Lynnville town-
ship are held in higher esteem.
ALFRED B. iMcCREA, who has been
actively engaged in the grain, lumber
and coal business in the village of Creston,
since the fall of 1865, came to the state in
1857. He was born in Orange county, New
York, April 27, 1S38, and is the son of
William and Abigail (Harkness) McCrea,
both of whom were born in Ireland, though
the former was of Scotch parentage. Soon
after their marraige they set sail for the
United States, and were three months on
the ocean. One son, Abraham, was born
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
393
on the ocean, while cii route. He grew to
manhood, settled in Malta, DcKalb county,
where he engaged in the grain, lumber and
coal business, and there died some years ago.
On his arrival in the United States,
William McCrea located in Orange county.
New York, but later moved to Monroe
county and settled in the town of Brighton,
near Rochester, where he engaged in farm-
ing. Still later he removed to Wayne
count}'. New York, where he remained for
several years. From Wayne county he
joined his children in Illinois, where his
death occurred, April 4, 18SS. His wife
passed away some years before, while the
family were still living in New York.
In his native state our subject remained
until the age of seventeen, and received a
good education in the Macedon Academy.
In the fall of 1856 he came west to Hills-
dale county, Michigan, where he engaged in
teaching until in March, 1857, when he
went to Whiteside county, Illinois, and
joined his brother Samuel H., who was in
the grain business at Morrison. The latter
later moved to Chicago, where he became
quite a prominent figure in business and pol-
itics. For some years he served as president
of the board of trade of that city, and also
served a term of four years as county treas-
urer of Cook county.
Mr. McCrea assisted his brother in the
summer seasons and taught school for three
winters. In the spring of 1859 he made a
trip to Pike's Peak, driving two yoke of cat-
tle and one yoke of cows. He went into
the mountains and was there about three
months, but had no success in finding the
yellow metal. He returned to the state
with the oxen, but minus the cows. Dur-
ing the winter of 1S59-60, he taught school,
and in the spring of i860 again went into
his brother's office. In the winter of 1860-
61, he was engaged in teaching in Lasalle
county.
On the 17th of September, 1861, Mr.
McCrea enlisted in Company C, Eighth
Illinois Cavalry, commanded by Colonel
Farnsworth, who was afterwards made a
major-general. Mr. McCrea enlisted as a
private, but was soon promoted quarter-
master-sergeant. With his regiment he
participated in all the engagements of the
Army of the Potomac, including the seven
days' fight in the wilderness, and was in
the advance of the army through Maryland,
participating later in the engagements at
South Mountain and Antietam. After the
latter engagement the Eighth Cavalry was
in the advance at Fredericksburg, partici-
pating in that battle under Burnsides.
They were next at Chancellorsville, and
later at Gettysburg. In the winter of
1863-64, with his regiment he veteranized
and received a furlough of thirty days. On
rejoining the army with his regiment he
went as far as the wilderness, and later was
called back to assist in the defense of
Washington. Still later the regiment was
in the fight at Frederick, Maryland, under
General Lew Wallace, and the last regular
engagement in which our subject partici-
pated was at Fairfax Court House. During
his entire tune of service Mr. McCrea lost
but little time off duty, being but ten days
in the hospital on account of illness. At
the close of the war the regiment was
ordered west to operate against the Indians,
but on reaching St. Louis it was ordered to
Chicago, where it was mustered out of
service.
After receiving his discharge Mr. McCrea
spent about three months in Palatine, Cook
county, and then located in Creston, where
394
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
he engaged in the grain, lumber and coal
business. Later he formed a partnership
with his brother, John A., which continued
twenty-seven years, since which time he has
conducted the business alone. His business
has been quite an extensive one, the amount
of grain handled each year being very large,
Creston being considered one of the best
grain markets on the Northwestern road.
Mr. McCrea was married in Philadelphia
November 19, 1S68, to Miss Matilda L.
Hunter, a native of that city, where she
was reared. Three daughters came to bless
their union — Jennie, Ida H. and Edith B.
All have been given good educational facili-
ties, Ida H. now taking a course in the
State Normal at Normal, Illinois. Mrs.
McCrea passed to her reward June 10, 1893,
and was laid to rest in the Creston ceme-
tery. She was a devoted member of the
Congregational church.
Politically Mr. McCrea is a life-long Re-
publican, his first presidential ballot being
cast in i860 for Abraham Lincoln. He
has taken quite an interest in local politics,
but has never sought office. He has, how-
ever, served in several official positions, be-
ing a member of the village board for several
years, and one term president of the board.
He was elected and served two terms as a
member of the board of supervisors, making
a valuable member of that body and serv-
ing on several important committees. He
has been a member of the county central
committee of his party, and is now chair-
man of the congressional committee, a posi-
tion which he has held for about sixteen
years. He is a member of the Congrega-
tionalist church of Creston, and has been
an active worker in the Sunday-school, both
as a teacher and superintendent. Frater-
nally he is a Master Mason. A good busi-
ness man, he is thoroughly enterprising and
progressive, and enjoys in a remarkable de-
gree the confidence of those among whom
so many years of his life has been spent.
WILLIAM J. METTLER, of Creston,
Illinois, is one of the active and en-
terprising farmers of Ogle county, owning
and operating two farms, the home place,
which adjoins the corporate limits of the
village of Creston, comprising two hundred
and forty acres of fine land, which is kept
under a high state of cultivation. A resi-
dent of the state since 1S40, and of Ogle
county since 1868, he was born in Tomp-
kins county. New York, January 9, 1834,
and came with his parents, Relph and Mary
Ann (Housewert) Mettler, to Winnebago
county, the family locating about six miles
southeast of Rockford. His father died the
following year, and the mother reared the
family. Mr. Mettler remained with his
mother until he was eighteen years old, in
the meantime receiving his primary educa-
tion in the common schools. He later at-
tended Rock River Seminary, at Mt. Morris,
two terms, which completed his school life.
In 1858 Mr. Mettler drove across the
country to Texas, from which he returned
the following year. He passed over the
greater part of northeast Texas, and also
through Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and
Louisiana, visiting at the time the city of
New Orleans. On returning home he en-
gaged in farming the old home place, re-
maining there until 1864, when he went to
Lee county and purchased a farm of eighty
acres, and remained there until 1S6S, when
he came to Ogle county and purchased resi-
dence property in Creston. With his
brother he invented a tiling machine which
WM. J. METTLER.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
397
he manufactured and operated for four
years. In 1869 he purchased his farm of
one hundred and si.xty acres in Linnville
township. In 1884 he moved to his pres-
ent place of residence, the farm originally
comprising but one hundred and twenty
acres of the estate of Willis S. Roberts, to
which he later added a like number of acres,
giving him a fine farm of two hundred and
forty acres. He has remodeled the dwell-
ing on the place, and has built one of the
best barns in the township, what is well
termed a model barn. It has a capacity
for one hundred and fifty tons of hay, two
hundred and fifty tons of silo, and some
three thousand bushels of grain, with base-
ment room for fifty-four head of cattle.
The plan of the barn originated with Mr.
Mettler, and he has been complimented
over and over again on its convenience and
perfect adaptability for the purposes in-
tended. His farm is rented the greater
part of the time, but he has given his per-
sonal attention to its cultivation to some ex-
tent, and has raised much grain. He has
been a successful farmer and financier, hav-
ing commenced life with but little means,
and by his industry and thrift has acquireil
valuable property and is regarded as among
the best farmers in the county.
On the 25th of February, 1S65, Mr.
Mettler was united in marriage with Miss
Selina H. Roberts, a native of Putnam
county. New York, and a daughter of Willis
S. and Phcebe S. (Stevens) Roberts, the
former a native of New York and the latter
of Danbury, Connecticut. Her father came
to Ogle county in 1865 and purchased a
farm adjoining the village of Creston, where
he spent the remainder of his life, dying in
1883. His wife survived him some years,
dying in 1896. Both were laid to rest in
the cemetery at Creston. To Mr. and Mrs.
Mettler two children were born: Minnie,
wife of Orson N. Phelps, station agent at
DeKalb, Illinois, and Edgar Willis, who is
now assisting on the home farm, but who
received a good education in the schools of
Creston and a Chicago business college.
After leaving the business college, he held a
responsible position with a bank at Engle-
wood, Chicago, for one year, which he left
to assist his father in the management of the
home place.
Mr. Mettler cast his first presidential
vote for lohn C. Fremont, and for years
voted the regular party ticket, but of late
he has been voting independent, voting for
the man rather than the party. Fraternally
he is a Master Mason, holding membership
with the lodge at Creston. He is a man of
superior business ability, ot upright char-
acter and moral worth, and wherever known
is held in high esteem. He is one of the
few left who came to this section in pioneer
times, and who has a vivid recollection of
early events.
WILLIAM WALLACE GOULD, M.
D., is one of the successful physi-
cians of Ogle county an<l a prominent resi-
dent of Rochelle. He has much natural
ability, but is withal a close student and
believes thoroughly in the maxim "there is
no excellence without labor." His devo-
tion to the duties of his profession there-
fore, combined with a comprehensive un-
derstanding of the principles of the science
of medicine, has made him a most success-
ful and able practitioner, whose prominence
is well deserved.
The Doctor was born in the town of
Hamburg, Erie county, New York, July 16,
398
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RPICORD.
1826, a son of Emmons S. and Maria
(Greene) Gould, in whose family were three
children, namely: Emmons S., deceased;
and Wellington R., who is now living in
Canada, at the age of eighty-three years.
The father, who was a native of Connecticut,
and a sergeant in the war of 1812, died a
few months before our subject was born, at
about the age of fifty-five years, and the
mother died at his birth. Dr. Gould was
then reared by an aunt at Buffalo, New
York, until about eighteen years of age, and
his literary eilucation was acquired in the
public schools of that city. When his aunt
married and moved to a farm, he accom-
panied her, and the following eight years
were passed amid rural scenes, working for
wages upon the farm after he attained his
majority. He commenced the study of
medicine with Dr. Gobel, at Worthington,
Ohio, and later graduated at the Berkshire
Medical College, Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
He engaged in the practice of his chosen
profession at Ingersoll, Canada, for three
years, but in June, i860, came to Rochelle,
then known as Lane, where he was not
long in building up a good practice, which
he still enjoys.
In Ingersoll, Canada, Dr. Gould was
married, February 22, 1854, to Miss Mary
E. Chase, a native of Windsor, Vermont,
whose parents died when she was an infant.
She was adopted and reared by her father's
uncle, Salmon P. Chase, who was one of
the distinguished members of President
Lincoln's cabinet. Of the five children
born to the Doctor and his wife, Mary E.
and Frank C. are both deceased. Jo-
sephine E. is the wife of H. D. Judson, of
Aurora, Illinois, superintendent of the Chi-
cago division of the Chicago, Burlington &
Quincy railroad, and they have had four
children: Bessie; Howard M.; Fred H.,
deceased; and William Wallace. Mary
Gertrude is the wife of Dr. \\'. R. P^ranklin,
of Rockford, Illinois, and they have two
sons, Ralph G. and William R. Anna
Chase, who completes the family, has for
four years taught in a kindergarten in Chi-
cago. All the daughters are graduates of
the Rochelle high school.
Fraternally, Dr. Gould is a member of
the American Institute of Homeopathy of
the United States; the American Association
of Orificial Surgery ;the Illinois Homeopathic
Medical Society; and the Northwestern
Homeopathic Medical Society, while polit-
ically he is identified with the Republican
party. Wherever he goes the Doctor wins
friends and has the happy faculty of being
able to retain them. His popularity has
made him a great favorite in all circles.
JACOB I. KREBBS, M. D.— One of the
most exacting of all the higher lines of
occupation to which a man may lend his en-
ergies is that of the physician. A most
scrupulous preliminary training is demanded,
a nicety of judgment but little understood
by the laity. Our subject, who is a prom-
inent and successful physician of Polo, Illi-
nois, is well fitted for the profession which
he has chosen as a life work, and his skill
and ability have won for him a lucrative
practice.
Dr. Krebbs was born in Selin's Grove,
Pennsylvania, July 16, 1857, and on the pa-
ternal side is of German descent, his grand-
father, Jacob Krebbs, having been born in
Germany and when a young man emigrated
to America, settling in the Keystone state.
He became quite wealthy and married a
Miss Kiefer, of Pennsylvania. Their son,
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RliCORD.
399
Alexander Krepbs, the Doctor's father, was
born in Sehn's Grove, in 1825, and died in
1S94. He was a member of a Pennsyl-
vania regiment during the Civil war and
after peace was restored made his home at
Elkhart, Indiana, until called from this life.
For twenty-eight years he was in the serv-
ice of the Lake Shore railroad, returning
to them after the war. Politically he was
identified with the Republican party, soci-
ally affiliated with the Grand Army of the
Republic and the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, and religiously was a mem-
ber of the Lutheran church. The Doctor's
mother, who bore the maiden name of Eliz-
abeth Thursbey, was also a native of Selin's
Grove, Pennsylvania, and died in 1S62, at
the age of ninety-eight years. Her father,
Thomas Thursbey, was a soldier of the war
of 1 81 2, a farmer by occupation, and lived
to the extreme old age of ninety-nine years.
To the parents of our subject were born
two children, the younger being David New-
ton, now a resident of Chicago.
Dr. Krebbs was only six years old when
his mother died, at which time his father
was at the front, valiantly fighting for the
old flag and the cause it represented. His
early life was mostly passed in Elkhart, Indi-
ana, where he worked on farms during the
summer months and attended school through
the wmter season until seventeen years of
age. Coming to Eagle Point, Ogle county,
Illinois, he studied medicine with Dr. Mc-
Pherson one summer, and then entered the
medical department of the Iowa State Uni-
versity at Iowa City, Iowa, but did not
graduate from that institution until March,
1886. Immediately after his graduation he
opened an office in Hampton, Iowa, where
he engaged in practice until 1S90, in which
year he took a post graduate course at the
Chicago Policlinic under Drs. Senn and
Fenzer. He remained in Chicago until
1896 and for five years held the chair of
surgery in the Physio Medical College, be-
ing lecturer and clinic surgeon. He has
met with unusual success in his chosen pro-
fession and is especially successful in the
line of surgery. On leaving Chicago he
came to Polo, and it was not long before
he succeeded in building up a large and lu-
crative practice which he still enjoys.
In Polo, Dr. Krebbs married Miss Effie
Ornsbee, a native of that place and a daugh-
ter of C. N. and Fannie (Porter) Ornsbee.
To the Doctor and his wife has been born a
son, Claude Naem. In his political affili-
ations our subject is a Republican, and
while a resident of Chicago served as a
member of the board of health. He is a
Royal Arch Mason and a member of the
English Lutheran church. Fraternally he
belongs to the Chicago Medical Society and
the State Medical Society of Iowa, and in
the ranks of his professional brethren he oc-
cupies an enviable position.
EL. ROSECRANCE, who resides on
section 5, Monroe township, and one of
the substantial farmers of Ogle county, has
been a resident of the county since 1855.
He was born in New York state, April 29,
1829, and is the son of John W. and Mary
(Edson) Rosecrance, also natives of the same
state. By occupation his father was a
farmer, which vocation he followed during
his entire life, having a farm of one hundred
and twenty acres. He died in 1S50 in his
native state, his wife surviving him many
years, dying at South Bend, Indiana, in
1886.
400
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
The subject of this sketch grew to man-
hood in his native state and was reared to
farm Hfe. His education was mostly ob-
tained in the school of experience, that ob-
tained in the school room being very mea-
gre indeed. The opportunities afforded in
the prairie state for the enterprising man
had come to his ears, and he determined to
here try his fortune. Accordingly in 1855
he came to the state and located in Still-
man Valley where he resided three years.
The first year he worked by the month, but
the second and third years he rented and
cultivated farms, the first comprising one
hundred and twenty acres, and the second
eighty acres. He then moved to Monroe
township and purchased a farm of eighty
acres, and later, in 1884, forty acres addi-
tional, giving him a fine farm of one hun-
dred and twenty acres, all of which is under
cultivation.
On the 18th of February, 1852, Mr.
Rosecrance was united in marriage at Elbe,
Genesee county. New York, with Miss Ad-
die L. Norton, daughter of Lochlin and
Laura (Clark) Norton. By this union two
children were born. Frank E. grew to
manhood and married Stella Chase, daugh-
ter of Henry and Catherine (Hanford)
Chase, who were early settlers of Winne-
bago county. Frank E. is recognized as
one of the substantial farmers of the town-
ship and is operating a farm of two hundred
acres. Hattie M. married Arthur Chase,
son of Henry and Cathernie Chase, and
they now reside in Cherry Valley township,
Winnebago county, where he operates a
farm of two hundred acres. After forty-five
years of married life, Mrs. Rosecrance was
called to her reward, her death occurring
April 16, 1898. She was a loving wife and
mother, a kind and obliging neighbor, and
her death was deeply regretted by all who
knew her.
Since removing to his present farm, Mr.
Rosecrance has made many substantial im-
provements upon the place, erecting new
barns, putting up a good windmill, setting
out orchards and ornamental trees, and re-
modeled the house. In addition to gen-
eral farming, Mr. Rosecrance has engaged
in stock raising to some extent, giving spe-
cial attention to raising Poland China hogs,
and Hereford cattle. He generally ships his
own stock to Chicago.
In politics Mr. Rosecrance is a Repub-
lican. He has served as highway commis-
sioner nine years and school director ten
years. He is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church at New Milford. A resi-
dence of more than half a century in Ogle
county has brought him in contact with the
best people, and wherever known he is held
in high esteem.
COLONEL DAVID CHAPIN MAY.—
The deserved reward of a well-spent
life is an honored retirement from business,
in which to enjoy the fruits of former toil.
To-day after a useful and beneficial career
Colonel May is quietly living at his pleasant
home in Rochelle, surrounded by the com-
fort that earnest labor has brought him.
He is a prominent citizen of Ogle county,
and for many years he was actively identi-
fied with its business and agricultural in-
terests.
The Colonel was born in Burlington,
Otsego county. New York, March 8, 1815,
a son of Harmon May, whose birth occurred
in Windham county, Connecticut, in 1780.
The paternal grandfather, Joseph May, was
also a native of Connecticut, but the family
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
40 1
was originally from Massachusetts. Harmon
May followed the occupation of farming
throughout life, and at an early day re-
moved to Otsego county, New York, where
he died in 1857, honored and respected by
all who knew him. In politics he was a
Whig and in religious faith a Presbyterian.
He married Miss Sarah Monroe, who was
born in Burlington, New York, in 1790,
and died in 1834. Her parents were Will-
iam and Deborah (Pope) Monroe, quite
prominent and highly respected people of
Burlington. Mr. Monroe also engaged in
farming as a life work, served as a justice
of the peace for many years, and as a coun-
try lawyer wrote many deeds and settled
many estates for his neighbors and friends.
He was from Massachusetts and was one of
the pioneers of Otsego county. New York,
having located there when the country was
almost an unbroken wilderness, and the
family learned the true meaning of the term
hard times in their pioneer home. Of the
seven children born to Harmon and Sarah
(Monroe) May, only two are now living:
David C. , of this review; and Josiah, who
is also living in Rochelle.
Colonel May was reared in his native
township and acquired his education in a
district school, where ninety pupils were
often accommodated in a small room. This
he attended only for two months during the
winter season, walking two miles and a half
to and from school. On attaining his ma-
jority he started out in life for himself and
for several years engaged in farming. After
his marriage he bought a small farm, but
sold it a year later and purchased a small
hotel in the town of Edmonston, New York,
which he conducted for five years On dis-
posing of that property he bought another
farm near the village, owning and operating
43
the same for two years. At the end of that
time he sold, and in March, 1855, we find
him a resident of Rockford, Illinois, where
he carried on a hotel for five years. It was
at that place he received his title of
" colonel," in the following manner; The
editor of a Rockford paper was passing the
hotel one Sunday forenoon and stopped for
a friendly chat with the landlord. He ac-
cepted our subject's invitation to dinner.
It was such a one as was not usually served
in those early days in a western inn, and in
the notice of it, in the following issue of
his paper, the editor spoke of the excellent
dinner to which he had been invited by
"Colonel May." The title seemed to suit
the jovial host and has clung to him up to
the present time. On leaving Rockford he
came to Rochelle, where he also engaged
in the hotel business for five years on the
site of the present hotel De Los. At the
end of that time he disposed of the hotel
and engaged in business as an agricultural
implement dealer for the same length of
time. For the following twenty years he
lived on a small farm near the town, and
engaged in raising pure blood Devonshire
cattle, and also dealt in all kinds of cattle,
but, in 1885, he sold the farm and returned
to Rochelle, where he has since lived re-
tired.
In Burlington, New York, November
II, 1 84 1, Colonel May was united in mar-
riage with Miss Rebecca Clark Staunton,
and now for over fifty-seven years they
have traveled life's journey together, shar-
ing its joys and sorrows, its adversity and
prosperity. Mrs. May was born in South
Kingston, Rhode Island, November 12,
1820, and is a daughter of John Staunton,
Jr., who was serving as sheriff of his county
at the time of his death, August 9, 1822.
402
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
He married Eliza Riter Boss, a daughter of
William Boss, and a native of New York
state, who died at the age of forty-one
years. The Colonel and his wife had one
son, Henry R. May, who was born in Ed-
monston. New York, June 22, 1845, ^■''d
was educated in the schools of Rockford
and Racine College. After holding a posi-
tion in a store for a time, he accepted a
place with the Chicago, Burlington &
Quincy railroad, and was stationed at St.
Paul, Minnesota, as assistant auditor, but
at the time of his death was serving as
auditor and cashier of the City street rail-
way, of St. Paul. He died December 6,
1889, mourned by all who knew him. He
made many friends, as he was of a singularly
amiable and friendly disposition, and was
always even tempered and cordial in man-
ner. He married Miss Ida Monroe, in
Rochelle, a daughter of Woodward and
Mary Ann (Wayman) Monroe, and to them
were born two sons: Harry M., who
graduated with honors in June, 1898, from
the Illinois University at Champaign, as an
electrical engineer, ranking first in a class
of si.\ty, and is now holding a responsible
position with the Union Electric Company,
of Chicago; and William, who is attending
the Rochelle high school.
ROBERT N. JOHNSON, whose farm
lies in sections 2 and 3, Taylor town-
ship, is one of the energetic and enterpris-
ing farmers of Ogle county. He was born
June 22, 1843, in Delaware, Ohio, and is
the son of William and Margaret (Noe)
Johnson, the former a native of Virginia
and the latter of New Jersey. The paternal
grandfather, Jesse Johnson, was also a
native of Virginia, but removed to Ohio,
with his family, about 1800, where he later
died. William Johnson was a farmer and
speculator, an enterprising and influential
man in the state of his adoption. In his
family of children, our subject was si.xth in
order of birth. Of the others John lives in
Oklahoma; Caroline, the widow of Samuel
Maceer, resides in Cunningham, Kansas;
Mary Ann, who married a Mr. Henry, lives
near Delaware, Ohio; Abbacinde married
Thomas Doty, but is now deceased; Mor-
gan is a business man in Chicago; Ahaz, re-
sides in Alma, Colorado; Adam lives in
Carthage, Illinois; Phebe married Liberty
Walkup, and they live in Rockford; Clara
died at the age of si.xteen years; Clinton re-
sides near Ashton, Illinois; while the re-
maining one died in infancy.
The sul)ject of this sketch remained at
home until eighteen years old, assisting in
the farm work, and in attendance upon the
common schools. The war for the union
being in progress, he enlisted in the second
battalion, eighteenth United States Infantry
and served three years. During 1862 he
was in the siege of Corinth, the battles of
Perryville and Stone River, besides various
lesser engagements. In 1863 he was in the
battles of Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga and
Mission Ridge. In May, Juneandjuly, 1864,
he was with General Sherman in his various
campaigns, and at Atlanta, Georgia, Sep-
tember 20, 1864, he was mustered out of
service, having given full three years to his
country. His record was a commendable
one during the entire time.
After receiving his discharge, Mr. John-
son returned to his father's farm and contin-
ued to assist in its cultivation until the fall
of 1S67. On the 21st of September, of
that year, he was united in marriage with
Miss Sarah Stevens, daughter of Joseph and
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
403
Margaret (Sharp) Stevens, who were anionj:;
the early settlers of Ogle county, her fa-
ther being a native of Kentucky. By this
union there have been six children, the first
and second dying in infancy. William grew
to manhood and married Minnie Chalmers,
and they make their home in Rockford, Illi-
nois, where he is employed as billing clerk
in the freight department of the Chicago &
Northwestern railway. Fred S. resides
at home and assists in carrying on the home
farm. The mother of these children died
February 24, 18S2, and September 28,
1886, Mr. Johnson married Miss Addie Bly,
daughter of Isaac and Rebecca lUy, who
were also numbered among the early settlers
of Ogle county. B}- this union there is one
child, Mildred.
Mr. Johnson has three hundred and nine-
teen acres of well improved land and is en-
gaged in general farming. Nearly all the
improvements upon the place have been
made by himself. He has but lately com-
pleted a new and elegant dwelling, two
stories and attic, and his barns are large
and commodious, capable of sheltering
many head of stock. One wind-mill is in
constant use pumping water for the stock.
Since 1880, Mr. Johnson has been engaged
quite extensively in stock raising, which has
been a valuable part of his business. All
the accessories of the place are such as to
prove conclusively that he thoroughly un-
derstands his life work.
Mr. Johnson has never been an aspirant
for political or official honors, and he has
therefore held but few public offices. For
one term he served as road commissioner,
and for some years was on the school board.
Fraternally he is a member of the Grand
Army of the Republic, uniting with that or-
ganization for the reason that he desired to
mingle now and then with those with whom
he suffered in field and in camp during the
days of the Civil war. Politically he is a
Republican, believing that party best embod-
ies the principles for which he fought. Mrs.
Johnson is a devoted member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church. Whether as a sol-
dier, fighting in the defense of his country,
or as a private citizen engaged in tilling the
soil, every duty laid upon him he dis-
charges faithfully and conscientiously.
CL A R F, N C F F . G A R D N E R . — Fore-
most among the [irominent citizens of
Rochelle, stands the gentleman whose name
heads this sketch. He is one of Illinois'
native sons, having been born in Franklin
township, De Kalb county, on the 19th of
Februar}', 1865, and is a son of Edward
and Mary Gardner. The former was born
in Lancastershire, England, and came to
America with his mother at the age of
twelve years, sailing from Liverpool on the
"John and Lucy," which, owing to severe
storms off the coast of Nova Scotia, was
five weeks and two days in reaching New
York harbor. Upon landing they came di-
rect to Franklin township, where Edward
grew to manhood and followed farming,
having acquired three hundred and sixty
acres of valuable land in that locality. In
1 868 he retired Irom farming and took up
auctioneering, having been called upon to
serve in that capacity upon various occa-
sions before leaving the farm. Later he
removed to Belvidere, where he now resides.
The paternal grandparents of our subject
were Edward Gardner, Sr., a native of
Lancastershire, England, who died three
months previous to his son's birth, and El-
len Hargrave, who, a number of years after
404
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
her husband's death, married Thomas Moon,
who brought the family to America, reach-
ing Franklin township in 185 1.
Clarence E. Gardner, the subject of this
review, attended the common and high
schools of Rochelle, graduating from the
latter in 1882. He attended the Evergreen
Business College, of Bloomington, and after
graduating, went into the drug business,
which he gave up after six years to read law
in the office of Hathaway & Baxter, being
admitted to the bar in 1891. His father
was a successful auctioneer, and his son
early acquired the art. Since 1886 he has
been actively engaged in this line of busi-
ness and in the fall and spring sales he is
much in demand, owing to his successful
method of selling. In addition to his law
practice, Mr. Gardner has, since 1894, been
interested in the real estate business, in
which he is as successful as in auctioneer-
ing. He is the owner of a fine farm ad-
journing the town of Rochelle, and is inter-
ested in the breeding of pure blood Jersey
and short horn cattle. He is also a lover
of the horse and possesses some very fine
roadsters.
On the 25th of May, 18S6, he was mar-
ried to Alice E. Reed, sister of the present
county judge, Frank S. Reed, and one son,
Fred Eugene, was born to them October
7, 1887. Mrs. Gardner died January 19,
1SS9, with consumption, shortly after her
return from Colorado.
On November 26, 1891, Mr. Gardner
married Blanche P. Baxter, of Rochelle, a
daughter of Delos A. and Mary (Wirrick)
Baxter, whose history is given in the sketch
of Delos W. Baxter, of this edition. Mr.
Gardner is a Republican in politics and is
now serving his fourth term as city attor-
ney. He was first elected before being ad-
mitted to the Bar, and was on the anxious
seat lest he fail of admission. He passed
the examinations with honors and in due
season was qualified. He is a member
of the Masonic lodge and chapter of Ro-
chelle and Sycamore commandery, K. T. ,
and also of the K. O. T. G., of Malta. He
is a brilliant and eminent lawyer and an
energetic and much honored citizen of Ro-
chelle.
DR. JEROME B. SNYDER is engaged
in the practice of medicine and sur-
gery in Polo, Illinois, 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 med-
ical fraternity in Ogle county. He was
born in Pittstown, Rensselaer county. New
York, February 28, 1844, a son of John G.
and Elizabeth (Rollins) Snyder. The fa-
ther, who was a farmer by occupation,
spent liis entire life in Rensselaer county,
where he died at the age of seventy-seven
years. In politics he was a stanch Demo-
crat. The mother died at the age of sixty-
live years. To them were born eleven chil-
dren, all of whom reached years of matur-
ity and married, but two sons and one
daughter are now deceased.
In the county of his nativity, the Doc-
tor remained until fifteen years of age and
then came to Illinois, making his home with
a brother in Earl, La Salle county. He
continued to attend school during the win-
ter months until seventeen, and later worked
in the office of his brother, who was a promi-
nent attorney and banker of that place, but
was clerking in a store at the outbreak of
the Civil war. Responding to his country's
call for aid, he enlisted at Earl, in 1861,
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
405
in Company I, Fourth Illinois Cavalry under
Colonel Dickny, was mustered in at Otta-
wa, and was first sent to Cairo, Illinois,
where the regiment made their headquarters
for two or three months, during which they
engaged some in scouting in Kentucky. Dr.
Snyder participated in the battles of F"ort
Henry, Fort Donelson and Shiloh, was
wounded in the last engagemen, and sent to
the hospital, where he was discharged three
months later on account of physical disa-
bilities. Returning to Illinois, he read
medicine with Dr. Hinkley, at Leland, for
one year, and later attended the Chicago
Medical College, continuing his reading
during the summer months under the di-
rection of Dr. D. M. Vosburg. In the
spring of 1864 he was admitted to practice,
and first located at Grand Detour, where
he remained for five years. During the fol-
lowing five years he was engaged in prac-
tice at Woosung, and in 1874 came to Polo
where he was not long in building up a large
and lucrative practice, which he still enjoys.
He has given special attention to surgery
and has met with most excellent success in
his chosen calling.
At Earl, Illinois, Dr. Snyder was married
in 1867, to Miss Maria M. Brown, a native of
that place and a daughter of Allen and Sarah
(Burt) Brown. The father, who came to
this state from Massachusetts, died at the
age of seventy-seven years, but the mother
is still living at the age of eighty-five years
and continues to make her home in Earl.
To the Doctor and his wife have been born
five children, namely: Maria, who died in in-
fancy; Frank, a resident of Gait, Iowa, who
married Minnie Miller, and has one son, Re.x;
Gerald, also a resident of Gait, Iowa, who
married Philo Sweet and has one son, Gerald ;
Leone, who is a graduate of the Polo schools
and is now a student in Stemmans Musical
College, Dixon; and Ina, a pupil in the Polo
schools
Since attaining his majority Dr. Snyder
has been identified with the Democratic
party, was a member of the city council of
Polo for two years, president of the board of
education seven years, and assistant super-
visor while living in Woosung. He was
United States examining surgeon four years
under President Cleveland's adminitsration,
and is a member of the Ogle County Medical
Association. The place he has won in the
medical profession is accorded him in recog-
nition of his skill and ability, and the place
which he occupies in the social world is a
tribute to that genuine worth and true noble-
ness of character which are universally re-
cognized and honored.
WILLIAM RICE, one of the earliest
settlers of Ogle county, was born on
the 15th of September, 1822, in Nunda
township, Livingston county. New York,
and is of Welsh extraction. He has lived in
the west since 1837, and watched with inter-
est the remarkable development of the coun-
try since the days of the stage coaches and
log houses. When a child of six years, his
parents moved from Livingston to Chatau-
qua county, where they lived until 1832 and
then removed to Geauga county, Ohio. Dur-
ing the fall of 1836 the family lived in Cass
county, Michigan, but believing that there
were broader fields for advancement farther
west, they came to Illinois and took up a
claim in White Rock Grove, Ogle county.
Mr. Rice has eight brothers and sisters
whose names are here given in order of birth :
Erastus N. ; Alanson, living in Iowa; Aman-
4o6
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
da, deceased; Esther, livinp; in Ogle county;
Edwin, residing at Kings, Ogle county;
Mary Ann, living in White Rock township;
George, residing at Oklahoma; and Mariana
and Emily deceased. In 184S Mr. Rice
entered government land in company with
a friend, and together they secured a quart-
er section in Pine Rock township, which
fifty years ago was a vast expanse of wav-
ing prairie grass, but lies to-day in great
fields of green and yellow grain.
In 1854 Mr. Rice was united in mar-
riage to Mary E. Boyce, a native of Hart-
ford, Washington county, New York, and a
daughter of Benjamin Boyce, Sr. , one of
the honored pioneers of Ogle county. Eight
children have graced this marriage. Emma,
the eldest, is a teacher of music, and is
attending the Chicago College of Music.
Frank is living at home and has assumed
the management of the farm. Benjamin
and Carrie are deceased. Mattie resides at
home and is engaged in teaching school.
Stella and Freddie are also deceased, and
Ethel is attending school at Maywood, near
Chicago.
Mr. Rice has an ine.\haustil)Ie fund of
stories and anecdotes of pioneer daj's; the
hauling of grain to Chicago before the era
of railroads; the Driscoll troubles, etc. He
has a pleasing personality and a kind and
courteous manner. His home is bright,
cheerful and attractive, and at once im-
presses strangers with its hospitality, good
taste, refinement and flomestic lu.xury. His
children are bright and intellectual and his
ideas of educational advantages are reflected
in their attained qualifications. No other
man in Ogle county stands higher in popular
esteem. In business transactions he is the
soul of honor, and his name is synonymous
with sterling integrity and uprightness,
GILBERT B. TREAT, D. D. S.—
Among those who devote their time
and attention to the practice of dental sur-
gery and have gained a leading place in the
ranks of the profession is Dr. Treat, who
has spent almost his entire life in Polo,
Illinois, his birth occurring there December
25, 1859. His father, Lewis J. Treat, was
born in Glenwood, Erie county. New York,
March 31, 1834, a son of Isbon and Apphia
(Thompson) Treat, both of whom attained
the age of about eighty years. The grand-
father owned and operated a small farm in
Erie county. New York. By trade the
Doctor's father was a carpenter. Before
coming west he married Miss Fannie
Barden, who was born near Collins Center,
Erie county New York, October 3, 1831, a
daughter of Gilbert and Salina (Washburn)
Barden, farming people of Erie county.
Her paternal grandfather was Jacob Barden,
and her maternal grandparents were Rufus
and Mary (Finney) Washburn. Soon after
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Treat emigrated
to Illinois, locating in Polo September 10,
1855, and here the mother made her home
almost continuously since. The father was
selling threshing machines throughout Iowa
at the outbreak of the Civil war, and while
in Floyd county, that state, he enlisted in
Company G, Twenty-seventh Iowa Volun-
teer Infantry. \Miile conveying prisoners,
— some of the Ouantrell guerrillas — to places
of safety, he was stabbed and killed by one
of them, Shelby Cole, to whom he had
loaned his blanket to keep him warm. This
was one of the most dastardly murders
committed during the war. Besides his
widow, he left two sons: Gilbert B., of
this review; and Lewis Edward, a painter
by trade, who was killed June 23, 1898, by
falling from a building in Polo, on which he
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
407
was at work. He married Rhoda Strahh,
to whom a son, Lewis Edward, Jr., was
born after the father's death.
The childhood and youth of Dr. Treat
were passed in Polo and Albert Lea, Min-
nesota, and his education was obtained in
the district schools, which he attended until
fifteen years of age. He commenced the
study of dentistry under Dr. W. W. Krape,
now of Freeport, Illinois, who was the
founder of the Knights of the Globe. He
remained a much longer time, however, in
the office of Dr. Maid well, and in 1879 be-
gan practice in Polo, where he has carried
on operations continuously since, with the
exception of the time spent at Sharon, Wis-
consin, in 1S84 and 18S5. His skill and
ability in his chosen profession are widely
recognized and he enjoys a good practice.
On the 9th of June, 1892, at Mt. Mor-
ris, Ogle county, Dr. Treat was united in
marriage with Miss Clara M. Good, who
was born near that village, a daughter of
Jacob and Elizabeth (Plum) Good, and
granddaughter of John Good, all natives of
Pennsylvania. The father died in 1SG5,
and the mother passed away at her birth-
place in the Keystone state, in 1S73. The
children born to our subject and his wife are
Earl Murillo and Milbrey Elizabeth.
Dr. Treat is a pronounced Republican in
political sentiment, and for several years he
most creditably and satisfactorily served as
fire marshal in Polo. Socially he is a mem-
ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows. He is a man of strong artistic turn
of mind and is an excellent amateur artist,
though but few of his most intimate friends
are aware of the fact, as he makes use of
this talent solely for his own pleasure. He
is also an e.xpert taxidermist, having
mounted man}- hundred specimens of birds
and animals from this region, and with a
friend made a collection that was disposed
of to a nuiseum in St. Louis for fifteen hun-
dred dollars. Of a social, genial nature,
he has become widely and favorably known,
and has a host of friends throughout Ogle
county.
AD. CLARK, an enterprising farmer re-
siding at Flagg Center, and whose
farm lies in sections 16 and 17, Flagg town-
ship, was born on the farm where he now
resides, January 17, 1855, and is the son of
A. D. and Melinda (Diggers) Clark, both of
whom were natives of Steuben county.
New York, the former born October 14,
1822, and the latter August 10, 1827. He
was the son of Silas D. and Rhoda (Web-
ster) Clark, the latter being a close relative
of Daniel Webster. In his youth Silas D.
Clark learned the shoemaker's trade, but
soon abandoned it for the life of a farmer.
He came west in an early day, but becom-
ing homesick he returned to New York,
where his death occurred when past seventy
j'ears old. His wife survived him and died
when past eighty years of age.
A. D. Clark, the father of our subject,
spent his boyhood and youth in his native
county, and at the age of twenty was united
in marriage, April 26, 1843, with Miss Me-
linda Diggers, daughter of Clark B. and
Huldah Biggers. Her father, who was a
farmer in Steuben county. New Yark, came
west in the early forties and located in
Flagg township, Ogle county, and lived
there for a number of years. He then
moved to Winnebago county, Illinois,
where his death occurred in 187S, his wife
preceding him a number of }ears. To A.
D. and Melinda Clark seven children were
4o8
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
born: Alonzo B., a farmer living in Cow-
ley county, Kansas; Silas D., a farmer liv-
ing in Lafayette township, Ogle county; Os-
car P., who died November 18, 1849, at
the age of ten months; Rhoda A., now the
wife of G. Reed, of Lafayette township;
Amerett B., who married E. R. Cooley, of
Pine Rock township; Anson D., our subject,
and Frank, a farmer of Flagg township.
With his wife and one child, A. D.
Clark came to Ogle county in 1845, arriving
here on the i8th of September, and taking
up a claim of one hundred and sixty acres
of wild land, a part of the farm where our
subject now resides. For the land he paid
the government price of one dollar and
twenty-five cents per acre. He broke the
land and built a small log cabin, which for
some years was not only used as the home
of the family, but as a tavern and postof-
fice, Mr. Clark serving as postmaster for a
number of years. He was a good farmer
and succeeded in improving and making a
valuable place of over five hundred acres, a
part of which he sold to his son. At the
time of his death he yet retained two hun-
dred and fifty-seven acres. While giving
his attention especially to his farm, during
the civil war he dealt largely in horses, buy-
ing and selling to the general government.
In politics, A. D. Clark, Sr., was a
Democrat. He was township trustee for
several terms, and was the first assessor
and the second township clerk of Flagg
township. He also held two commissions
from the governors of the state as justice of
the peace. For twenty-eight years he was
superintendent of the Sunday school at
Flagg Center. He was a true Christian
man, one having at heart the interests of
his fellow men. During the later years of
his life he traveled quite extensively, visit-
ing Europe and Asia in 1868. He enjoyed
his travels and it was a pleasure to listen to
his narration of places visited and events
connected therewith. He died on the old
homestead, November 21, 1893, while his
good wife passed away June 3, 1891.
The subject of this sketch grew to man-
hood on the old home farm, and was edu-
cated in the school at Flagg Center, which
he attended during the winter months, his
summers being spent in labor on the farm.
He continued in school until he was twenty
years old, when he rented forty acres of his
father's farm, and forty acres of another
man, which he proceeded to cultivate. He
continued to farm rented land until 1886,
when he moved to Webster county, Ne-
braska, where he purchased a farm of one
hundred and si.\ty acres, and there remained
until the fall of 1890, when he returned to
Ogle county, where he has since continued
to reside. He now owns an interest in the
home place, and is engaged in general
farming.
Mr. Clark was married March 18, 1884,
to Miss Lucy E. Mayberry, born June 25,
1867, and daughter of Samuel and Rachel
(Thornberg) Mayberry. By this union three
children have been born — PaulineM., Walter
D. and Howard A. The latter died in infancy,
and Pauline and Walter are now attending
the district school which their father at-
tended many years before.
In politics Mr. Clark is a Democrat.
While in Nebraska he served as road com-
missioner, and since his return has served
four years as a member of the school board.
Fraternally he is a member of Kyte Camp,
M. W. A. Mrs. Clark is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church. Both are
well known in Ogle county, where their
friends are many.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
409
PETER COOPER, who resides on sec-
tion 12, about two miles north of
Rochelle, is one of the early settlers of Flagg
township, one who has endured all the trials
incident to pioneer life, and one who, com-
mencing life without means, without friends,
or help of any kind, has by his own industry,
thrift and enterprise, gained a competency,
and well provided for his family in future
years. He was born in Marsh county, New
Jersey, August 22, 1823, and is the son of
Garrett and Sarah (Smith) Cooper, both of
whom were natives of the same state, the
former born in 1791, and the latter in 1800.
The paternal grandfather, John Cooper,
was also a native of Marsh county. New Jer-
sey, as was also his wife, Catherine. They
were the parents of eleven children, of
whom Garrett was third in order of birth.
John Cooper was a shoemaker by trade, an
occupation which he followed in early life.
He later engaged in farming, in which line
he continued the remainder of his life, his
death taking place in his native state during
the second decade of the present century.
His wife survived him a number of years.
Garrett Cooper grew to manhood in
Marsh county. New Jersey, and was reared
to farm life, and when arriving at man's es-
tate chose farming as his life work. He
was united in marriage with Sarah Smith,
daughter of Peter and Sarah Smith, both of
whom were natives of New Jersey, the for-
mer born November 10, 1775. He followed
farming as a means of livelihood, and con-
tinued to reside in his native state, where
his death occurred January 23, 1854. His
wife died November 21, 1857. They were
the parents of nine children, of whom Sarah,
wife of Garrett Cooper, was third in order of
birth.
Garrett Cooper and wife came to Ogle
44
county in November, 1858, and here the
wife passed to her reward in October, 18C1.
He then returned east, where he remained
about eighteen years. His children by this
time had all made for themselves homes,
and he was left homeless. Our subject then
went east and persuaded his father to once
more come to Ogle county and spend the
remainder of his life with him. He did so,
and the son and his family made it as pleas-
ant as possible for the old man. He did
not, however, long survive, and passed away
in June, 1890. He was a good man, one
who endeavored to live right with his fellow-
men. In politics, he was a Jackson Demo-
crat.
The subject of this sketch spent his boy-
hood and youth in his native county and
state, and assisted his father in the farm
work, while attending the common schools
as the opportunity was afforded him. When
eighteen years of age he left school and
commenced life for himself. For the ne.xt
five years he worked on farms, and then
learned the moulder's trade in Marion,
Ohio, at which he worked for about two
years. Borrowing twenty-five dollars of
his uncle, George Smith, in the fall of 1849
he left Ohio and came to Ogle county, hav-
ing previously purchased a soldier's land
warrant for one hundred and sixty acres of
land, for which he gave one hundred and
twenty-five dollars. With his land warrant
he took up a tract comprising one hundred
and seventy-two acres, paying the govern-
ment for the twelve acres additional at the
rate of one dollar and twenty-five cents per
acre. He then returned east, where he re-
mained until the spring of 1855, when he
came back with the intention of making
this his permanent home. He now boasts
that on coming here he built his house,
4IO
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
manufactured the furniture for it, and was
married, all within one week.
On the 29th of May, 1855, Mr. Cooper
was united in marriage with Miss Mary E.
Serick, who was born in Henry county,
Ohio, December 12, 1836, and a daughter
of John and Mary (Miller) Serick, both
natives of Pennsylvania, but of German
origin. They located in Henry county,
Ohio, where he engaged in farming, and
there the remainder of their lives were
spent. In their family were twelve chil-
dren, of whom Mrs. Cooper was eleventh
in order of birth. Immediately after their
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Cooper moved into
the house which he had built, and in which
the first two years of their married life were
spent. It was a car-roof shanty, 12.x 16
feet, with one window and one door. It
was, however, their home, and the begin-
ning of better things. In two years they
had laid by enough to purchase a house
located on another farm, for which they
paid three hundred dollars. The house
was removed to their farm, and in that they
lived until 186S, when their present com-
modious house was erected. The new
house, which is of brick, was erected on an
eighty-acre tract adjoining his original pur-
chase, and compares favorably with many
of the more modern structures. The brick
house has been the home of the family up
to the present time. In tiie }'ears that have
passed fortune seems to have smiled on our
subject. In the home place, and in the
adjoining township of Dement, he has some
live hundred acres of excellent land, all of
which is under cultivation. He has also
over a section of well improved land in
Gage county, Nebraska.
To Mr. and Mrs. Cooper fourteen chil-
dren were born. Mary L. married Joseph
Haines, and with their children they reside
in O'Brien county, Iowa. Garrett P. is a
stock buyer, living in South Omaha. He
married Alice Sweeney, and they have one
child. Oliver is living in Rochelle. Edith
A. married Fred Crandall, and is living in
Woodson county, Kansas. They have four
children. Alma K. is the wife of Jonathan
Lynn, and they reside in Flagg township.
NettieE. died at the age of nine years. Al-
bert C, who is living in Rochelle, where
he is engaged in the butcher business, mar-
ried Anna Strife and they have three chil-
dren. Minnie is living at home with her
father. William W. died as the result of an
accident, at the age of thirteen years.
Charlie is living on his father's farm. He
married Elsie McDowell, and they have
one child. Lucinda died when one month
old. Howard is attending the Rockford
Business College. Clifford died in infancy.
Florence is living at home.
Mr. Cooper has done well by his chil-
dren, and has given each a good start in
life. In March, 1897, he gave to each of
his ten children a present of eight thousand
dollars, a sum that is certainly not to be
despised. Notwithstanding he has passed
his three score years and ten, he is yet hale
and hearty, and gives personal attention to
his business interests. He has been a suc-
cessful farmer, running after no special fads,
but content to go along in the even tenor of
his way, giving his time to general farming
and stock raising, looking carefully after the
little details of his business. When he
came to this section it was but thinly set-
tled, the great body of the land which is
now paying such golden tribute to the hus-
bandman was untouched by the plow. The
settlers' cabins were yet few and far between.
He has lived to see a remarkable change.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
41 I
one that can scarcely be realized even by
those who have not only been eye witnesses
but active participants in effecting the great
transformation. Scarcely an acre of un-
tilled land is to be found in all this section,
and thousands of acres which were consid-
ered worthless by reason uf their swampy
nature have been reclaimed and are now
the most productive lands. Villages and
cities have sprung up, railroads have been
built, miles upon miles of telephone and
telegraph wires have been strung, school
houses and churches dot the prairies, and a
happy and contented people are living at
peace with all mankind. Our subject has
not only the satisfaction of having witnessed
these things, but he has the double satis-
faction of knowing that the credit is due to
himself and other pioneers for all that has
been done.
ANDREW C. SPINK is a prosperous
farmer residing on section 27, Scott
township, where he owns and operates a fine-
ly improved farm of two hundred and forty
acres, which is kept under the highest state
of cultivation. He was born in Washing-
ton county, New York, June 10, 1S40, and
is the son of Robert and Julia (Warner)
Spink, the former a native of Rhode Island,
and the latter of Connecticut. They were
the parents of three children — Andrew C,
Julia and Angelina.
The paternal grandfather of our subject,
Michael Spink, was also a native of Rhode
Island, and followed the sea for mAny years
as commander of a vessel, and sailed al-
most over the entire known world, finally
retiring and purchasing a farm in Washing-
ton county. New York, where he engaged
in agricultural pursuits during the remainder
of his life. The maternal grandfather,
Nathaniel Wanier, was a soldier in the
Revolutionary war.
When our subject was twelve years old
his parents moved to Winnebago county,
Illinois, where his father purchased a farm
of eighty acres near Rockfurd, and in con-
nection with farming followed the trade of
a carpenter which he had learned in his
youth. His death there occurred, in \^'JS,
at the age of eighty-five years, his good
wife having preceded him to their heavenly
home some two years previously, having
died at the age of eighty-four. They were
greatly esteemed people in their western as
well as in their eastern home, being excel-
lent people who delighted in doing good as
the opportunity was afforded them. Their
death was sincerely mourned by a large
circle of friends.
After spending his boyhood in his na-
tive state, Mr. Spink came to Illinois with
his parents, and remained with them until
after he attained his majority, assisting in
the cultivation of the home farm and at-
tending the district schools a portion of the
time, principally during the winter months.
The habits of industry acquired in youth
have remained with him during his mature
years, as is shown by his well cultivated
fields and the excellent appearance of his
farm.
On the 23d of October, 18G3, Mr. Spink
was united in marriage with Miss Anna
Rogers, who was born in England, and who
accompanied her father, John Rogers, to
the United States in her childhood. F>y
this union eight children have been born,
six of whom are living, as follows: Lilly,
William, Belle, May, Fred and Frank. The
deceased were Angeline and Charles.
Mr. Spink was elected assessor of Scott
412
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
township in 1893, re-elected in 1895, and
again in 1897, filling the position to the en-
tire satisfaction of the tax-payers of the
township, one of the hardest positions that
one can be called upon to fill. He has also
satisfactorily performed the duties of road
commissioner, another position in which it
is difficult to satisfy all the people. For
some years he has been one of the directors
of the Scott and Marion Townships Fire
Insurance company, which is doing a good
business in insuring the farmers of the two
townships at a comparatively small cost.
Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic
order, holding membership with the blue
lodge at Rockford. He is also a member of
the Modern Woodmen of America, his
membership being with the local camp at
Davis Junction. In politics he is a Repub-
lican, being a firm believer in the principles
of the party. While a citizen of the county
but fifteen years, Mr. Spink is well known,
especially in the northeastern part, and as
a citizen he is held in high esteem.
FRED FREDERICKSON, the leading
tailor of Mt. Morris, is a native of Den-
mark, born in Copenhagen March 20, 1872,
and is a son of J. P. E. and Johanne Marie
(Skjellet) Frederickson, the former born
September 12, 1849, in Storskoven, Orsii,
Fjerding, Dronninglund, Sogn, and the lat-
ter August 4, 1850, in Agersted, Bakker,
Wor, Sogn. J. P. E. Frederickson is the
son of Frederick C. Jensen, Gjelstrup.
The latter word is a title bestowed upon
him for bravery, similar to that which
might be given one in this country by con-
gress for some brave act. It was given him
for his courage in reconnoitering the de-
fenses of the German army during the Dan-
ish-German war of 1848-51, being com-
pelled in so doing to pass through a line of
ten thousand German soldiers. In addition
to the title he was given eleven thousand
five hundred crowns.
Frederick C. Jensen was a poor shep-
herd boy, and when fourteen years old he
entered the military school of Denmark,
completing the course at the end of five
years with the rank of second lieutenant.
On account of his being poor, with no in-
fluential person to back him, he was not
given a post. Rather than be honorably
discharged, he re-entered the military
school as a private. After about two years
had passed the colonel in command of the
school sent a petition to the king reciting
the facts in the case, and within twenty-
four hours an answer was received compli-
menting the young man and assuring him
that something would be done for him. In
the meantime he would be sent to the
naval academy. Time passed, and at the
age of twenty-five he graduated from the
academy with the rank of second lieuten-
ant. After graduating, the king shook
hands with him and told him that he would
be looked after. He was then offered the
rank of first lieutenant in the army or sec-
ond lieutenant in the navy. He chose the
former and was sent to Randers, Synder,
Jylland. His first real service, with the ex-
ception of a number of skirmishes between
Denmark and Germany, was in the war of
1838-51 between Denmark and Germany.
He was also actively engaged in the Dan-
ish-German war of 1864, during which time
he served as acting lieutenant general. For
fifty-six years he served his country in act-
ive service, including the time spent in the
niilitary school and the naval academy. He
FRED FREDERICKSON.
MRS. FANNIE FREDERICKSON.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
417
is now living a retired life, receiving a pen- himself about five years and has built up a
sion from his government.
J. P. E. Frederickson is one of a family
of seven children. At the age of fourteen
he quit school and commenced to learn the
cabinet-maker's trade, but later took up
painting, and is to-day a fresco painter of
superior ability. He has a large establish-
ment in a si.x-story building of his own. At
the age of twenty he married Johanne M.
Skjellet, and they became the parents of
fourteen children: Fred, F. C. , Eida M. C.
F. (deceased), Eida M. C. F., R. C. (de-
ceased), C. L., Jensine, K. U. M. F., Mar-
timus, Thorald, Elvinus, Dusinus, Inger and
Johannes.
At the age of thirteen years the subject
of this sketch graduatecl from the public
school and was then apprenticed in a large
tailoring establishment in Copenhagen to
learn the tailor's trade. After serving an
apprenticeship of five years he left Copen-
hagen for Tronhjem, Norway, and worked
there about four months, going from there
to Christiana, Norwa}', where he remained
a short time. From Norway he went to
Stockholm, Sweden, and, after traveling
over that country a few months, he returned
home. He next went to Hamburg, Ger-
many, and after traveling over the principal
portions of Germany he went to Calais,
France, where he remained nine weeks.
He then returned home and was examined
for the army, but was rejected. After re-
maining at home for a week he determined
to try his fortunes in the United States.
Accordingly he took a steamer for New
York, and after landing came direct to Mt.
Morris and commenced work for Gregor
Thompson. After working for him a short
time he concluded to establish a business of
his own. He has now been in business for
good substantial trade.
Mr. Frederickson was united in mar-
riage, September 17, 1893, with Miss Fan-
nie Wilson, a native of Ogle county, and
daughter of James M. and Margaret (Downs)
Wilson, the former born in Perry county,
Pennsylvania, in November, 1806, and the
latter in Champaign county, Ohio, March
I, 18 16. James M. Wilson was the son of
William Wilson, a native of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, and who later removed to
Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and who never came
west.
James M. Wilson received his education
in the common schools of his native state,
and at the age of eighteen quit school and
commenced to learn the carpenter trade in
Lancaster, Pennsylvania. After learning
his trade he went to Urbana, Ohio, and
there remained until 1836, working as a
journeyman. He then moved to a farm in
Logan county, Ohio, where he resided two
years, moving from there to Clark county,
Ohio, where he worketl at his trade for four-
teen years. He then came to Ogle county,
purchased a farm in Pine Rock township,
and there rei7iained until his death, August
20, 1S74. His wife survived him nine years,
dying January 10, 1898, at the age of eighty-
two years and ten months. They were the
parents of fourteen children — Sarah J.,
Mary E., William O., Samuel M., Alice D.,
Melvina R. , Adel M., Margaret, Fannie H.,
Elizabeth, Katherine, Harry B., Josephine
and one who died in infanc}'. In politics,
Mr. Wilson was a Republican. While re-
siding in Clark county, Ohio, lie served as
deputy sheriff of the count}', and was then
elected sheriff. He also served one term
as justice of the peace. Fraternally he was
a Mason, as his father was before him.
4iS
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Religiouslj' he was a Baptist. Two of his
sons, William O. and Samuel M., were
members of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, and
served through the Civil war. Of the four-
teen children, ten are yet living.
In politics, Mr. Frederickson is a Re-
publican, and fraternally he is a member of
Elysian Lodge, No. 56, I. O. O. P., and
Mt. Morris Camp, No. 452G, M. W. A.
Religiously he is a Lutheran, as is also his
wife. While of foreign birth, he is a true
American citizen.
WILLIAM H. BARKMAN, a well-
known blacksmith of Polo, Illinois,
and one of its highly esteemed citizens, was
b<jrn near Hagerstown, Washington county,
Maryland, February 6, 1S31, a son of Da-
vid and Rebecca (Guyton) Barkman, who
were also natives of that county, the former
born in Boonsboro, in iSoi, the latter in
1808. The father, who was a shoemaker
by trade, came west in 1S63, soon after the
battle of Gettysburg, his place having been
stripped of its stock and fences by the con-
tending armies passing to and fro contin-
uously, " leaving nothing but the house."
On reaching.Ogle county, he bought a farm of
forty acres at Franklin Grove, where he
Continued to make his home until called
from this life in 1875, while on a visit to
our subject's in Polo. He retired from his
trade on coming to this state and devoted
his attention e.\clusi\ely to agricultural pur-
suits. His father was a soldier of the war
of 1812. The mother of our subject died
in Ogle county in 1876. There were ten
children in the family, of whom he is the
third in order of birth, but only seven are
now living.
William H. Barkman received a district
school education, walking each day three
miles to the school house. At the age of
fourteen he began his business career by
working for neighboring farmers, and was
thus employed for four years, after which he
learned the blacksmith's trade at Beaver
Creek, where he worked for a few months.
The spring of 1853 witnessed his arrival in
Illinois, making the journey by railroad to
Rockford, whence he soon drifted to Grand
Detour. There he secured employment in
the Andrews Plow Works, but in the fall of
the same year went to Buffalo Grove, the
"Old Town," where he worked for Mr.
Curtis until the first of the following year.
Since then he has made his home in Polo,
his first employment here being with Major
Aplington, who was in charge of railroad
construction. He remained with that gen-
tleman until the railroad was completed,
and then entered the blacksmith shop of Mr.
Frost, where he worked as a journeyman
until 1857, when he bought out his employ-
er and has since engaged in business on his
own account with marked success. In 1861
he built his present shop, where the anvil
has rung a merry tune for over thirty-eight
years.
At Mt. Pleasant, Washington county,
Maryland, Mr. Barkman was married in
July, IS51, to Miss Catherine Bombarger,
who was born in that county, January i,
1830, a daughter of Moses and Catherine
(Bet/) Bombarger. Eight children have
been born of this union: Annie, now the
wife of Harry Hearst, a railroad employe in
Colorado, by whom she has two children,
Charles and Alice; Elhannen, a traveling
salesman for a Chicago house, residing in
Decatur, Illinois, who married Rena Hill, of
Tama City, Iowa, and has three children,
Nina, Inda and Robert; Laura Virginia, who
THE BIOGRAPHICAL KECORL'.
419
is the widow of Reuben Wilder, and has
four children, Nellie, William, Eva and
Harry; Ida, wife of W^illiam Poffenbarj^er, a
blacksmith of Polo, by whom she has one
child, Goldie; William E., who is in the
shop with his father; Delia, widow of Ed-
ward Farringer; Alice, deceased; and Mollie,
wife of William Filson, a cutter in a shoe
factory in Dixon, Illinois.
Socially Mr. Barkman is an active and
prominent member of the Odd Fellows
lodge of Polo, has filled all its chairs, and
has been a delegate to the grand lodge four
or five times. The Republican party has
always found in him a stanch supporter of
its principles, and he has been an influential
member of the board of supervisors one
term and city council for several terms. He
has witnessed the entire growth and de-
velopment of Polo, and can well remember
when this region was all wild prairie with
only a railroad grade passing through the
present enterprising little city. He has
been an important factor in advancing its
moral and material welfare and has ever
been recognized as one of its valueil and
useful citizens. There is no one still living
in Polo who was here when he located in
the village, for the pioneers are fast pass-
ing away.
BARZILLA KNAPP, justice of the peace
and notary public, Creston, Illinois,
and the efficient collector of the township of
Dement, is a well-known citizen of the
county, of which he has been a resident for
forty-five years, or since 1S54. He was
born in Danbury, Connecticut, January 2,
1822, and in the same house in which his
father, Hon. James Knapp, was born. The
family is of English ancestry, and were
early settlers of Connecticut, the grandfa-
ther, James Knapp, Sr. , being a native of
the state. James Knapp, the father of our
subject, was twice married, his second union
being with Miss Zeruah Gregory. She was
the mother of Barzilla. Her death occurred
in June, i<S49. James Knapp was a prom-
inent man in his native state, and served
two or more terms in the state legislature.
By occupation he was a farmer and owned
and operated the old homestead which was
in possession of the family for man)' years.
He died in February, 1845.
Barzilla Knapp spent his boyhood and
youth in his native county and assisted his
father in the cultivation of the farm. His
educational advantages were good, but the
knowledge acquired in school has been
largely supplemented by reading and contact
with his fellow men. In early life he
worked in a mill and was an expert miller.
He was married in Danbury, Connecticut,
in October, 1841, when in his twentieth
year, to Miss Ruth A. Roberts. After mar-
riage he carried on the home farm for his
father for a few years and rendered what
assistance he could to his father in his de-
clining years. His wife died in 184O, leav-
ing two children — Charles J., now of Crest-
on, Illinois; and Ruth A., wife of Prof. H.
N. Halleck, of Vinton, Iowa. Mrs. Halleck
was well educated in the Creston schools
and in the high school at Rockford, Illinois.
She was a teacher for a number of years
prior to her marriage, and later assisted her
husband for nearly twenty years. Prof.
Halleck is now living retired in Vinton,
Iowa, while Mrs. Halleck is engaged in the
millinery business at that place.
Mr. Knapp's second union was celebrat-
ed September 17, 1847, when he was unit-
ed in marriage with Miss Melvina A. Read,
420
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
a native of Connecticut, and daughter of
Tilly W. Read, also a native of Connecti-
cut. After marriage, and until his removal
west, Mr. Knapp engaged in farming in the
summer and in teaching in winters. In
1852 he came to Illinois on a prospecting
tour, after passing through the states of In-
diana and Michigan. This section seemed
to him more attractive than any other, and
he accordingly selected a location in Ogle
county, near Brodies' grove. In 1854 he
moved here with his family, and at once
commenced the improvement of his tract of
two hundred acres. Fences had to be
built, dwelling and barns erected, the
prairie broke, and crops planted.
After remaining on the farm until 1862,
Mr. Knapp sold out and moved to Rockford,
where he engaged in the lumber business
until 1868. He then sold the business and
removed to Creston, where he lived retired,
building up his impaired health, which had
been broken down by close application to
his work. In the spring of 1869 he was
elected justice of the peace, and by re-elec-
tion has served continuously for more than
thirty years. He was not inexperienced in
the duties of the office, having served in the
same while residing in this county prior to
going to Rockford. In 18C9 he was ap-
pointed notary public and has served in that
office to the present time. He served one
term as supervisor of Dement township be-
fore moving to Rockford. Since his return
he has served eight years as township treas-
urer, and is now serving his eighth year as
township collector. He has represented his
township on several occasions in county and
judicial conventions. In every position filled
he has discharged the duties devolving on
him in a most satisfactory manner. Since
the organization of the party he has been a
thorough and consistent Republican, but in
local elections he votes for the men rather
than party.
Fraternally Mr. Knapp is an ancient Odd
Fellow. He was a member of the Rockford
lodge while residing in that city, and was
one of the charter members of the lodge in
Creston, and remained in full fellowship un-
til the surrender of the charter of the lodge.
His wife is a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal church, and although he is not a mem-
ber of the church, he yet attends with his
wife and assists in the maintenance of the
church in Creston. As a citizen he is held
in the highest esteem by all who know him,
and his friends are numerous in Winnebago,
De Kalb and Ogle counties.
HUGH L. GRIFFIN, an enterprising
young business man of Polo, Illinois,
was born in that city April 24, 1870, and
the greater part of his education was ob-
tained in its public schools, though he at-
tended the Dixon Commercial College, where
he was graduated in December, 1890. He
then went west and after spending a short
time at Walla Walla, Washington, he set-
tled at Port Gamble on Puget sound, where
he was in the office of a lumber firm for five
years and a half. His health failing, he re-
turned home and took charge of the livery
business left by his father. He carried on
the business in partnership with his mother
from July, 1 896, until October, 1898, when
he took complete control. In the success-
ful conduct of the business he manifests
good executive ability and sound judgment,
and by fair and honorable dealing he has
won a liberal share of the public patronage.
He has a general livery and feed stable, and
is also interested in the transfer business.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
421
Leander Griffin, father of our subject,
was born at Royalton, Niagara county, New
York, April 18, 1838, and came to Polo,
April 25, 1861. On the 3d of the following
December he joined the boys in blue as a
member of Company L, Fifteenth Illinois
cavalry. His company served as body guard
for' General Halleck at the siege of Corinth,
and later was with General Grant in thesame
capacity. Mr. Griffin was discharged June
24, 1862, on account of physical disability
and returned to Polo. He then engaged in
farming until 1867, and after a very short
time spent in the grocery business, he pur-
chased a livery stable the same year, con-
ducting the same quite successfully up to
the time of his death, which occurred Jan-
uary 7, 1892. He was unwavering in his
support of the men and measures of the Re-
publican party, and took quite an active
and prominent part in public affairs, serving
as as a member of the city council and as
deputy sheriff for a number of years. He
was one of the directors of the Ogle County
Agricultural board for a period of six years,
and was always found true and faithful to
every trust reposed in him.
William Griffin, the great-grandfather of
our subject, was one of the defenders of
the country during the war of 1812. The
grandparents, James and Jane (Brazee)
Griffin, came west at an early day and
purchased a farm near Polo, where the
former died at the age of sixty-seven
years. The Griffins were of English and
Dutch descent, while the Brazees were of
Scotch and Dutch extraction.
On the 19th of December, 1SG6, Lean-
der Griffin was united in marriage with Miss
Mary C. Hawkes, who was born at Lock-
port, New York, May 14, 1845. Her
father, Norman Hawkes, was born June 20,
45
1802, in Franklin county, Massachusetts, of
which his parents, Zebra and Rebecca (Sex-
ton) Hawkes, were also natives. Norman
Hawkes was married in 1829 to Miss Sarah
Smith, a daughter of Eleazer and Mehitable
(Bartlett) Smith, and in the spring of 1844
they came to Illinois. For eighteen months
they made their home in Chicago and for
two and a half years lived in Dixon, but
finally took up their residence in Buffalo
township. Ogle county, where Mr. Hawkes
and his son-in-law, Leavitt Moore, owned
five hundred acres of land. He died in 1884
and his wife passed away the year previous.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Leander
Griffin were Norman H., deceased; Hugh
L. , our subject; Roy; and J. Leavitt.
WILLIAM QUEST, section 35, Eagle
Point township, is an active and
enterprising farmer, the owner of a farm of
one hundred and forty-eight and a half acres
of valuable land. He was born in Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, August 20, 1850, and is the
son of W. C. Quest, a native of Indiana
county, Pennsylvania, born June 9, 1829,
and who in his youth went to Allegheny
City, Pennsylvania, to learn the blacksmith
trade. He was married October 9, 1848,
to Miss Mary D. Hart, a native of Penn-
sylvania, who was left an orphan in early
childhood. W. C. Quest was the son of
Matthew Quest, a native of Germany, and
one of three brothers who left their native
land to make homes elsewhere. One of
the brother was lost at sea, and one settled
in London, England, where he amassed a
large fortune. Matthew Quest was a pio-
neer of Indiana county, but later moved to
Illinois, locating in Lena, Stephenson coun-
ty, where he worked at his trade of jeweler.
422
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
W. C. Quest came to Illinois with his
family in 1856, and joined his father in
Stepheson county, and there worked at his
trade until 1S56, when he came to Ogle
county, locating in Eagle Point township,
where he built a shop and carried on busi-
ness for some years. The last years of his
life were spent at the home of his son,
where his death occurred April 20, 1895.
His wife died in 1893, and their remains
were laid to rest in the United Brethren
cemetery. Of their family, six sons and
three daughters are yet living One son,
Charles, died at the age of six years.
Of the living, W. H. is the subject
of this sketch; Samuel is engaged in farm-
ing in Eagle Point township; George is liv-
ing in Jo Daviess county, Illinois; Frank is
living in Hazelhurst; Henry is a farmer of
Ogle county; Margaret is the wife of Law-
rence Piper, of Carroll county, Illinois;
Anna is the wife of Sherman Stephens, of
Nora, Jo Daviess county; and Eva is the
wife of Charles Tillman, of Ogle county.
W. H. Quest was nine years old when
he came with his parents to Ogle county,
and here his life has been spent. He had
but limited school advantages in early life,
and is mostly self-educated, since arriving
at mature years. He usually worked on a
farm in the summer months, and attended
school a few weeks in winter. On the 19th
of January, 18S5, he was united in mar-
riage to Miss Emma Schryver, a native of
Ogle county, and daughter of Jesse Schry-
ver, a substantial farmer of Eagle Point
township, who is a brother of Erastus
Schryver, whose sketch appears elsewhere
in this work. By this union there are six
children — Jesse A., Mary Jane, Gracie
Pearl, William Walter, Ida D. and
Charles H.
After his marriage, Mr. Quest rented and
farmed for a few years, and in the spring of
1S83 made his first purchase of land, a farm
of one hundred and forty-three acres, a
place which had been very much run down.
He got possession and located upon the
place in the spring of 18S4, and at once be-
gan its improvement. He has since remod-
eled the house, built to and made a good
barn, planted an orchard and set out shade
and ornamental trees, making a very at-
tractive place. When a young man he
commenced threshing grain during the sea-
son, a business which he has kept up for
thirtj-three years. For the past twelve
years he has owned and operated a steam
thresher. He is now making a specialty of
feeding cattle for the general market, and
annually feeds and ships from two to four
car loads, and in addition about one hundred
head of hogs. In this branch of his business
he has met with success. He had but little
to commence life with, but that little has
been well used, and he is meeting with a
just reward for his industry.
Mr. Quest cast his first presidential bal-
lot in 1S72 for Gen. U. S. Grant, and has
since cast his ballot for every presidential
nominee of the Republican party to the
present time. He has taken some interest
in local politics, and has often been a dele-
gate to the conventions of his party, where
he has used his influence in securing good
men for the various offices. He has always
been in favor of the public schools, and be-
lieves in having good ones. He has served
on the school board for nine years, and for
the same length of time was clerk of the
board. He is now serving his second term
as commissioner of highways. While not
members of any church, Mr. and Mrs. Quest
attend the United Brethren church, having
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
423
been reared in that faith. He is a member
of Polo Camp, No. 10, M. W. A. A man of
strict integrity of character, he has many
friends, especially in the western part of the
county, where forty years of his life has been
spent.
DAVID F. HIBARGER was born at
Sharpsburg, Washington county, Mary-
land, on the 30th of November, 1S32, and
is a son of David and Rachel (Barnes)
Hibarger. The former was also born in
Sharpsburg, December 7, 1796. He was a
carpenter by trade, but on coming west he
took up a claim of one hundred and sixty
acres, five miles from Mount Morris, where
he resided until his death, January 1 1 , 1 8 5 i .
During his lifetime he was a prominent and
highly respected member of the German
Reformed church. His wife was born Oc-
tober 26, 1791, near Baltimore, Maryland,
and died in Ogle county, on the 22d of Oc-
tober, 1866. Ten children have been born
to them, here named in order of birth:
Adam and Daniel, deceased; Mary, the
wife of Joseph Reynolds; Catherine, who
married Isaac Long; Saliel; Calvin; David,
the subject of this sketch; Emily, the wife
of Edward King, now deceased; Ansevilla,
also deceased; and Otha R. The paternal
grandfather of our subject was Adam Hi-
barger, a wagonmaker, whose wife lived to
be eighty years of age.
David Hibarger, the subject of this re-
view, attended the common schools of
Washington county, Maryland, until the
family removed to the west in 1847, one
son having preceded them by two years.
When our subject was twenty years of age,
he learned the brickmason's trade at Mount
Morris, which he followed for two years, and
then took charge of the home farm for his
mother, his father having previously died.
About this time he was married, and for two
years rented the farm from his mother,
renting elsewhere the following year. In
the summer of 1864 he was prospecting in
Colorado, and the twu years following
farmed in Lincoln township. Ogle county.
In 1866 he removed to Polo, Illinois, where
he has since worked at his trade. He has
had charge of the brickwork of most of the
buildings in Polo. He helped build the
Harvester shops and a number of brick resi-
dences. Mr. Hibarger has made business
trips through Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota
and Illinois, and in 1S71 went to Chicago,
where he remained eighteen months. He
has also spent three summers in St. Paul,
Minnesota.
On the 22d of October, 1S57, at Mt.
Morris, David F. Hibarger was united in
marriage to Mary Catherine Waltmeyer,
who was born in Smithsburg, W'ashington
county, Maryland, April 27, 1839. She is
the eldest of a family of si.\ children, and is
is a daughter of Joseph and Catherine
(Adams) Waltmeyer, who came west in
March, 1857, and settled near Mt. Morris.
The former was born in York county, Penn-
s\-lvania, September 27, 1812, and was a
son of Phillip Waltmeyer, and before com-
ing west was the proprietor of a hotel and
was also constable. Upon reaching Illi-
nois he purchased a farm with his step-
father, but sold his share and rented a farm
in West Grove township, which he retained
for several years, and which he gave up to
purchase in Lincoln township. He lived
for a time at Maryland Station, Illinois,
and later at Haldane, where his death oc-
curred in November, 1893, at the age of
eighty-three years. His grandfather took
424
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
an active part in the war of the Revolution.
Mrs. Waltmeyer was a daughter of John
and Catherine (Bentz) Adams; the former
was a son of George Adams.
Mr. and Mrs. Hibarger are the par-
ents of eight children, the eldest being Os-
car, who is married and is a brickmason,
living at St. Louis. Willis married Henri-
etta Triber and lives at Aurora, Illinois,
where he is employed on structural iron
work. Of their five children, three are liv-
ing, namely: Eva, Ada and Vera. The
third son, Oliver, is a farmer and carpenter
in Brown county, Ivansas, and married Anna
Pulvermaher. They have two children,
Carl and Wanda. Cora married Blair Sey-
ster, also of Brown county. The fifth child,
Anna, is deceased, and David is employed
on a farm in Iowa. Frank is deceased,
and the youngest child, Pearl, is a success-
ful teacher, who has for five years taught
in the school of Lincoln township. Mr.
Hibarger is a Democrat, giving his support
to that party at each election. Among his
business associates he is held in the highest
repute for his integrity and uprightness,
and in the social circles in and about Polo
he and his family are held in the highest
esteem.
JOHN W. SOUTH WORTH, who is prac-
tically living a retired life in the city of
Rochelle, was born April 17, 1856, in Dry-
den, New York, and is the son of Thomas
G. and Malvina A. (Freeland) Southworth,
of whom a sketch is found elsewhere in this
volume. He attended the public school and
the academy at Dryden until the age of
eleven years, when he came with his par-
ents to Lee county, Illinois, the family lo-
cating in Reynolds township, where his fa-
ther engaged in farming for seven years, and
then removed to a farm adjoining the city
of Rochelle, Ogle county. In the district
schools of Lee county our subject continued
his studies until the removal of the family
to Ogle county, when he attended the
schools of Rochelle for a time. Later he
went to Rockford and took a short course
in Miss Alice's Business College, after which
he assisted his father on the farm in Flagg
township until his marriage.
On the 14th of February, 1882, Mr.
Southworth was united in marriage with
Miss Katherine DeCourcey, who was born
in Ashton, Lee county, Illinois, May 21,
1858, and daughter of David and Norah
(Doody) DeCourcey, both of whom were na-
tives of county Limerick, Ireland. David
DeCourcey came to America at the age of
seventeen, with his father, James DeCour-
cey, and located in Ashton, Illinois. Soon
after his arrival he went to work for the
Chicago & Northwestern Railway, and was
in the employ of the company for a period
of thirty years, serving as section boss, bag-
gage master, brakesman, fireman, agent and
other positions. After leaving the railroad,
he bought and sold grain for a few years,
and then went to farming in Dement town-
ship. Ogle county, where he remained one
year. He then went to Malta, De Kalb
county, and was there ten years. His next
move was to a farm in Reynolds township,
Lee county, where he died January 30,
1898. David and Norah DeCourcey were
the parents of eleven children — Katherine,
Margaret, James, Norah, Edward, Mary,
David, Helen, Elizabeth, Victoria and Celia.
Mrs. DeCourcey is still living in Rochelle.
To Mr. and Mrs. Southworth three children
have been born: Thomas G., born July 11,
18S3; Helen, born December 31, 1889; and
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
425
Ruth, born November 30, 1895. The two
oldest are now attending the public schools
of Rochelle.
After his marriage, Mr. Southworth lo-
cated on his farm in Flagg township, and
at once commenced its cultivation. On that
farm he continued to reside until March,
1893, when, having built one of the finest
residences in Rochelle, he moved with his
family to the city. The first floor of his
house is elegantly finished, the parlor and
library being in birch and cherry, and .the
dining room in cypress. The second story,
in which are the bed rooms, is finished in
Georgia pine. Everything about the place
shows excellent workmanship. The library
room is not built for show, but is well filled
with the best literature of the day.
In politics, Mr. Southworth is a Repub-
lican, having voted the ticket of that party
since casting his first presidential vote for
James A. Garfield. He is now serving his
third term as alderman from his ward, the
duties of which office he discharges with
fidelity. Fraternally he is a member of Wil-
low Camp, No. 44, M. W. A. Mr. South-
worth is a member of the Catholic church.
A good business man, Mr. Southworth
works for the best interest of his adopted
city and county, and enjoys the confi-
dence and good will of all with whom he has
been brought in contact.
PETER GOVIG, an enterprising farmer,
residing on section 35, Dement town-
ship, has been a resident of Ogle county
since 1867. He is a native of Norway, and
was born near Stevanger, January 4, 1833,
and is the son of John and Martha (Randa)
Govig, both of whom were also natives of
Norway, the former born December 3,
1799, and the latter in March, 1800. In
early life John Govig learned the trade of a
shoemaker, which he followed for some
years; but later, however, he engaged in
carpentering. His children having come to
this country, he followed them with his wife
in 1859, and spent the last years of his life
with his son, Peter, where his death occurred
August 27, 1883, at the age of eighty-four
years. His wife died in September, 1884,
and her remains were laid to rest beside
those of her husband in the Norwegian
church cemetery in Alto township, Lee
county. They were the parents of three
sons and si.\ daughters, all of whom grew
to mature years. Melvina married Thole
Sawyer, and they located in LaSalle county,
Illinois, where her death occurred. Dora,
widow of Eber Knudson, resides in LaSalle
county, Illinois. Lars is a farmer of Lee
county, Illinois. Martha Jane married Nels
Aske, but is now deceased. Peter is the
subject of this sketch. Mrs. Melina Foss,
a widow, resides with our subject. Mrs.
Bertha Hill resides in DeKalb county. Mrs.
Martha Hill resides in Passadena, California.
John is a resident of Ogle county.
Peter Govig grew to manhood in Nor-
way, and in 1857 came to the United States,
where he joined an older brother. He first
located in LaSalle county, Illinois, and
worked as a farm hand by the month for
about two years. In 1859 he made a trip
to Pike's Peak, starting from Leland, Illi-
nois, April 15, with three yoke of o.xen. He
did not, however, stop at the Peak, but
pushed on to California, arriving there in
September. On his arrival he commenced
chopping timber for a sawmill, but later
went to mining, in which he met with little
success. In the spring of i860 he made up
his mind to return east, and started toward
426
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Carson Valley and Camp Floyd, and then
on to Gregory, now Colorado City, Colorado,
where he again went to mining, at which he
continued three years with varying success.
Leaving Colorado he went to Montana,
where he spent about four years, and meet-
ing with fair success. In i 866 he returned
to Illinois with some means and purchased
the farm where he now resides, consisting
of three hundred and twenty acres of e.xcel-
lent land. With little experience in farm-
ing, he commenced work, and is now num-
bered with the most successful and practical
farmers in the county.
Mr. Govig was married in LaSalle county,
Illinois, with Miss Berthena Aske, also a
native of Norway, born May 15, 1S50, the
marriage ceremony being celebrated Sep-
tember 9, 1 868, and to them have been born
twelve children — John, Elsie, Peter, Mary,
Peter, Nellie, Nels, Mabel, Noah A., Marth,
Samuel and Daniel. Of these the first
Peter and Nellie are deceased.
Politically, Mr. Govig is a Republican,
but he has never asked or accepted public
office. He is a good citizen, however, and
lends aid and support to all worthy meas-
ures for the general good of the public. He
has been a resident of this county for forty-
two years, and although he came here poor
in this world's goods, by his industry, thrift
and economy he has accumulated sufficient
means to enable him to live in comfort and
ease during the remainder of his life.
ROMANZO G. SHUMWAY, of Polo, is
one of the leading bankers in this sec-
tion of the state, and bears a wide reputa-
tion as a most capable financier and business
man. While as a prosperous business man,
he has given close attention to his private
affairs, he has never forgotten or ignored
that bond of common interest which should
unite the people of every community and he
has always been ready to promote progress
in every line.
Our subject traces his ancestry back to
Peter Shumway, who founded the family in
Massachusetts as early as 1665. His son
Peter was the father of Oliver Shumway,
who was born October 12, 1724. The lat-
ler's son, Elijah Shumway, was born Octo-
ber 24, 1754, and was the father of Lewis,
who was born August 18, 1776, and became
the grandfather of our subject. David Shum-
way, the father, was born March 27, 1S03,
in Jamaica, Vermont, where he lived until
reaching man's estate. After his marriage
he removed to Ohio, and in the spring of
1836 came to Illinois, settling in Winnebago
county, where he entered a tract of land at
the mouth of the Kishwaukee river, near
Rockford. He was a man of great energy
and thrift, who succeeded in accumulating
a competency and surrounded his family
with all the comforts of life. He died in
1879. In early life he was a Democrat,
but on the organization of the Republican
party in 1856 he joined its ranks and con-
tinued to fight under its banner. In Ver-
mont he was united in marriage with Miss
Sallie Greeley, who was born in that state
in 1S06 and died in Illinois in 18S7. Her
father, Solomon Greeley, married a Miss
Smith, who died young, but he lived to an
advanced age and spent his last days in
Illinois. To David and Sallie (Greeley)
Shumway were born five children, and our
sul)ject is the eldest of the five who reached
years of maturity.
On the site of the present city of Ober-
lin, Ohio, Romanzo G. Shumway was born
February 12, 1832, and was therefore but a
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
427
small child when brought by his parents to
Illinois. He was reared on the home farm
near Rockford and attended the local
schools until twenty years of age. On at-
taining his majority he left the parental
roof and clerked for a time in a drug store
in Rockford. Later he was similarly em-
ployed in a drygoods store in Di.xon, and
shortly afterward embarked in the drug
business on his own account at Milledgeville,
with a branch store at Lanark, continuing
operations along that line for sixteen or
seventeen years. In November, 1871, he
took up his residence in Polo and became
interested in a private bank, which was
shortly afterward merged into the Exchange
National Bank. During the fifteen years
he was connected therewith he served as
either its president or vice-president. He
still carries on the banking business, being
interested in nine different banks in Illinois,
Minnesota and ^^'isconsin. A man of keen
discrimination and sound judgment, he has
met with marked success in all his under-
takings, and his good executive ability and
excellent management have brought to the
concerns with which he is connected a high
degree of prosperity.
On the 17th of October, 1S55, Mr.
Shumway was united in marriage with Miss
Eugenia M. Palmer, a native of Aurora,
Illinois, and a daughter of Dr. W. K. and
Anna (Barnum) Palmer, the former born in
Lane, Canada, in 1803, the latter in 1S06.
Dr. W. K. Palmer was one of the pioneers
of Illinois, he having practiced medicine in
Carroll county for many years, moving to
Aurora when there was only one white fam-
ily living there. Her paternal grandparents
were Azariah and Anna (Kerley) Palmer,
the former a son of Azariah Palmer, Sr.
Her maternal grandfather was Herman
Barnum, a son of Daniel Barnum, who
married a Miss Hoskins, a daughter of Asa
and Elizabeth (McCarthy) Hoskins. To our
subject and his wife were born three children,
as follows: Clara, deceased, studied art at
Evanston, Illinois, was a painter of great
promise and was an especially fine colorist.
Anna is the wife of W. P. Wagner, cashier
of the Citizens National Bank, of Green
Ijay, Wisconsin, and they have two chil-
dren: Perry and Eugenia. Lucia is a grad-
uate of the Polo high school and La Salle
Seminary, of Auburndale, Massachusetts.
Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Shumway are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
and socially was formerly a member of the
Masonic fraternity. In his political affilia-
tions he is a Republican, and he has been
honored by his fellow citizens with a num-
ber of responsible official positions. He
has served as school treasurer for fourteen
years; as supervisor for four years; postmas-
ter of Milledgeville for fourteen years; and
a member of the Polo school board for six
years. The duties of the offices were al-
ways most faithfully and conscientiously
discharged, and his public and private life
are alike above reproach. His strict integ-
rity and honorable dealing in business com-
mend him to the confidence of all; his
pleasant manner wins him friends, and he
is one of the popular and honored citizens of
Polo.
JESSE F. CATER, who resides on sec-
tion 1 I, Taylor township, is well known
in Ogle and Lee counties as an active
and enterprising farmer, one who endeav-
ors to keep abreast of the times. His
farm of two hundred and seventy acres is
always kept under a high state of cultiva-
428
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tion and well supplied with all modern ma-
chinery rendered necessary in this progress-
ive age. He was born October 25, 1866,
in Bureau county, Illinois, and is the son of
James and Susan (Perry) Cater, both of
whom were natives of Montgomery county,
Ohio, where they grew to manhood and
womanhood, were married, and afterwards
still resided for some years. In 18 — they
came to Illinois and settled in Bureau
county, about ten miles east of the county
seat. Purchasing a farm of one hundred
and thirteen acres, the father engaged in
agricultural pursuits. On that farm he
continued to reside during the remainder of
his life, his death occurring August 8, 1868.
His wife is yet living.
The subject of this sketch remained
under the parental roof until twenty-two
years old, helping in the work of the farm,
and when practicable attended the district
school. He was married September 20,
1888, in Taylor township, to Miss Laura E.
Harris, who was born in the township Oc-
tober 16, 1866, and a daughter of Ameriah
and Hannah A. (Northrup) Harris. Her
father was a native of Maine, born in Tur-
ner, Oxford county, October 24, 1822,
while her mother was born near Halifax,
Nova Scotia, July 12, 1826. They were
married August 29, 1847, at Grand Detour,
Ogle county. Mr. Harris was a well edu-
cated man, and for some years engaged in
teaching school, devoting his days to the
school room and his evenings to the manu-
facture of brooms, being an expert broom-
maker. Saving his means, he invested in
land, and at the time of his death, which
occurred June 13, 1893, he was the owner
of one hundred and fifty-five acres of im-
proved land in Taylor township. His wife
died August 12, 1898. For more than fifty
years she was a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church at Light House, and was
a strong believer in the doctrines of that
church. In their family were seven child-
ren, Mrs. Cater being the only one now liv-
ing. John B. died at the age of seventeen
years; Sumner B. when six years old; Vesta
E. at two years; addie L. at two years;
Louisa E. at one month; and Lucia, a twin
sister of Mrs. Cater, when nearly four
years old.
Mr. Cater was one of a family of eight
children. Edward married Mary Belknap,
and now lives in Carson, Iowa, where he is
engaged in the mercantile business; Mary
M. married Harry Belknap, a carpenter by
trade, and they reside at Goldfield, Wright
county, Iowa; William H. married Hattie
Scurr, and they reside in Colfax, Iowa,
where he is engaged in the mercantile busi-
ness; Arvin died in infancy; Ella J. mar-
ried Cyrus Hills, who is engaged in the
creamery business at Lamoille, Illinois;
Henry M. married Carrie Fish, and they
live in Berlin township. Bureau county, Il-
linois, where he is engaged in farming;
Katie B. married Uri Jacobs, and they also
reside in Berlin township. Bureau county,
where he is engaged in farming.
Mr. and Mrs. Jesse F. Cater are the
parents of two children — Sumner H., born
February 12, 1891, and Orville E., born
December 29, 1894. The former is now a
pupil in the pupil schools.
In addition to general farming, Mr.
Cater devotes considerable attention to
stock raising, principally well bred horses
of light and heavy weight stock, and Pol-
and China hogs. He annually buys a num-
ber of head of cattle, which he fattens for
the Chicago markets. He usually attends
to his own shipments. In this branch of
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
429
his business he has been fairly successful.
He is not a politician in the ordinary sense
of the term, but gives that time to his du-
ties of citizenship that should be given by
all. The only official position held by him
has been that of clerk of the school board.
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church at Light House, his wife also being
a member of the same body. In politics
he is a Republican.
FRANK J. CRAWFORD, editor and pro-
prietor of the Polo Semi-Weekly Visitor,
was born in Delhi, Delaware county. New
York, November 10, 1843. He is the son
of William S. and Orra A. (Sweet) Craw-
ford, the former a native of Connecticut,
born September 7, 1807, and the latter
born in Green county. New York, Septem-
ber 19, 1 810. They were married Novem-
ber 16, 183 I. In his native state, William
S. Crawford was made a Mason in 1828,
and the principles of the order were ever
dear to him. His wife died in Delhi, Dela-
ware county, New York, April 18, 1S88,
aged seventy-seven years and seven months.
He is still living in his native state. The
maternal grandfather, Cyrus Sweet, who
was a soldier in the war of 18 12, died in
1 86 1, at the age of eighty-four years.
In his native county, our subject ob-
tained his education in the public schools,
which he attended in the winter months
until he was thirteen years old. When
seventeen years old he went to Franklm,
New York, and commenced to learn the
printer's trade, at which he continued until
in August, 1862. He was now in his
eighteenth year, and the war for the union
had been in progress for a little more than
one year. He could resist the call of his
40
country no longer, and as a private he en-
listed in Company D, One Hundred and
Forty-fourth New York Volunteer Infantry,
August 13, 1862, at Franklin, Delaware
county. After enlisting he went into camp
at Delhi, where the regiment was thoroughly
drilled, and on the 8th of October, follow-
ing, having received marching orders, they
set out for the seat of war. At Elmira,
New York, they stopped long enough to re-
ceive Enfield rifles and accouterments, and
then proceeded on their journey. In Feb-
ruary, 1863, they were brigaded with the
One Hundred and Twenty-seventh, One
Hundred and Forty-second, and the One
Hundred and Forty-third New York Vol-
unteers.
The first engagement in which Mr.
Crawford participated was near Suffolk,
Virginia, May 3, 18G3. His next engage-
ment was on John's Island, South Carolina,
July 2, 1864, followed by another July 9th,
at which time they were charged by the
Confederates, whom they repulsed, and
then fell back to their line of earthworks.
The enemy soon following, again charged
them, attempting to capture the two guns
attached to their brigade, but were again
repulsed with a loss of five to seven hundred
men. Mr. Crawford was promoted to cor-
poral April 10, 1863, also promoted to ser-
geant May 30, 1865. While on their way
from Washington to Frederick City, Mary-
land, July 12, 1863, their train was run
into, a portion of it wrecked, and many
soldiers were injured. The regiment was
later stationed on Folly Island, Seabrook,
Kiowa, James and other islands in South
Carolina. While there they suffered very
much from sickness.
Mr. Crawford was so fortunate as to
keep a diary while in the service. From
430
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
this record we find that he stood guard
fifteen times, was corporal of the guard one
hundred and sixty times, and sergeant of
the guard forty-four times. The following
extract from his diary shows what a soldier's
life used to be; "Sunday, July 19,1863,
marched twenty miles and crossed the
Potomac river at Berlin on pontoons; Mon-
day, marched fifteen miles; Thursday, called
into line, and marched twenty miles with-
out rations; Saturday, we marched eighteen
miles." Among his most intimate com-
rades while in the service were Lieutenant
Boyd, J. H. Cobine and Giles M. Tiffany.
After serving three years, save one month,
he was honorably discharged from the serv-
ice at Elmira, New York, July 13, 1865.
On receiving his discharge, Mr. Craw-
ford returned to his old home at Delhi,
New York, and for a few weeks worked in a
printing office at that place. For several
years following he worked as a journeyman
printer in various offices of the east, and in
1876 came west and located in Dixon, Illi-
nois, where he continued to work at his
trade. In May, 1877, he came to Polo and
found employment in the office of the Polo
Press, where he continued for nine years.
He then went to St. Paul, Minnesota,
where he remained one year, and then re-
turned to Polo, and went into the clothing
business in partnership with W. R. Miller,
continuing in that line until 1890, when he
sold his interest in the establishment and
purchased the office of the Polo Semi-
Weekly Visitor, since which time he has
been sole editor and proprietor. Under his
control, the Visitor has taken front rank
among the local papers of the state. While
the paper advocates the principles of the
Republican party, it gives special attention
to local affairs, espousing all measures tend-
ing to advance the local interests of Polo
and vicinity.
On the 19th of March, 1869, Mr. Craw-
ford was united in marriage, in Franklin,
Delaware county, New York, with Miss
Aggie D. Field, a native of Andes, New
York, born February 4, 1851, and daughter
of Henry and Aseneth (Ferguson) Field, the
former born in Green county. New York,
June II, 1 82 1, and the latter in Andes, New
York, September 15, 1824. They were
married December 5, 1842. Mrs. Field
died August 16, 1857, while her husband is
still living in the east. To Mr. and Mrs.
Crawford two children were born: Lulu
May, born in Delhi, Delaware county, New
York, June 12, 1872, died at Walton, New
York, December 17, 1S74; EarlF., born in
Polo, Ogle county, Illinois, October 2, 1877,
is now assisting his father in his printing
office.
Fraternally Mr. Crawford is a charter
member of Polo post. No. 84, G. A. R.,
and has held office in the post continuously
since its organization, a period of eighteen
years. He is past commander, and for
some six or eight years has been serving as
adjutant of the post, a position that he still
holds. He is past master of Mystic Tie
lodge. No. 187, A. F. & A. M., and past
high priest of Tyrian chapter. No. Gi, R.
A. M., of Polo, Illinois, and is a member
of Dixon commandery, No. 21, K. T. , also
a member of the Eastern Star. Politically
he is a Republican, being a stanch advocate
of the principles of the party, his views
being plainly expressed through the columns
of his paper. From 1881 to 1885, inclu-
sive, he served as city clerk of Polo. Be-
fore coming to Polo he was a member of
the Congregationalist church, but is now a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church,
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
431
and one of the official members, holding the
office of steward. In the work of the
church he takes considerable interest. As
a citizen he is held in high esteem.
JAMES TAYLOR. — As a representative
of the intelligent and hardy pioneers
who opened up Ogle county for settlement
and have since taken a conspicuous part in
its development, we are pleased to place in
this volume a brief sketch of the life of the
gentleman whose name stands at the head
of this notice. He arrived here in 1841
and for many years was actively identified
with its agricultural interest, but is now
living retired in the village of Byron, sur-
rounded by many comforts and lu.xuries, all
of which have been acquired through his
own industry, perseverance and good man-
agement.
Mr. Taylor was born in Blendon town-
ship, Franklin county, Ohio, twelve miles
northeast of Columbus, February 16, 1S23.
His father, Ambrose Taylor, was a native
of New York, where he married Abigail
Meade, a native of New Jersey, who lived
at Meade's Bason, sixteen miles from New
York city. From the Empire state they
removed to Pennsylvania, and later to
Ohio, settling in Franklin county, where
the father developed a farm. Subsequently
he became a resident of Indiana, then spent
several years in Ogle county, Illinois, and
finally went to Iowa, where he passed the
remainder of his life.
Our subject accompanied his father on
the removal of the family to Indiana and lo-
cated near Lafayette, on the Wabash river.
In 1 841 he came to Ogle county, Illinois,
where he first worked by the month during
the summer season for fourteen dollars, and
also cradled wheat for fifty cents an acre.
In this way he secured a start in life and la-
ter purchased a team and engageil in teaming
on his own account. In early life he was
quite a hunter, and as deer and other wild
game still abounded in this region, he had
ample opportunity to indulge in that sport.
Although he worked for others he continued
to make his home with his father until he
attained his majority and together they en-
tered eighty acres of land in this county,
but later our subject purchased his father's
interest. He continued to engage in team-
ing for some time, hauling lead from b'rank-
lin to Galena, and in the winter of 1848,
made nine trips with a sleigh to Chicago. In
connection with freighting he also followed
farming to some extent, broke his eighty-
acre tract and erected thereon a hewed-log
house, for which he purchased the shingles
at St. Charles, Illinois. Later he built a
good frame residence and otherwise im-
proved his land, adding to it from time to
time until he had two hundred and eighty
acres in the home farm in Marion township,
all valuable and well improved land. Be-
sides this place he owns a farm of one hun-
dred and fifty acres in B\ron township,
through which both railroads pass, and
which is pleasantly situated a mile north-
west of the village of Byron, and also has a
good residence in Rockford, valued at
twenty-seven hundred dollars. Renting his
farm in 1890 he removed to Iiyron, where
he purchased a nice home and has since de-
voted his time to looking after his in-
vestment.
In Ogle county was celebrated the mar-
riage of Mr. Taylor and Miss Martha Con-
way, on December 21, 1852. She is a na-
tive of Morgan county, Ohio, and a daughter
of Jesse and Nancy Conway, who removed
432
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
to Lawrence county, Illinois, in 1837, and
nine years later became residents of Ogle
county, where they spent their remaining
years. They now sleep side by side in By-
ron cemetery. To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor
have been born five children, of whom
four are now living, namely: Ambrose, a
resident of California; Vinton, who died at
the age of ten years; Eveline, wife of Al-
fred Rood, of Rockford, Illinois; Sherman,
who is operating the old home farm; and
Martha, wife of John Shearer, a farmer of
Byron township.
Since the organization of the Republican
party, Mr. Taylor has been one of its stanch
supporters, voting for Fremont in 1856 and
Lincoln in i860, but he has never cared for
official honors. For the success that he has
achieved in life he deserves great credit, for
he came to the county empty-handed, and
has not only gained a comfortable compe-
tence, but has also won the respect of those
he has come in contact with by his hon-
orable, upright life.
GEORGE W. DICUS is not only one of
the best known and most popular citi-
zens of Rochelle, but is also one of the he-
roes of our late war with Spain, having
taken an active part in the capture of Porto
Rico. For eight years he has been editor
of the Rochelle Register, and is now most
creditably and satisfactorily serving as post-
master of that place.
Mr. Dicus was born in Marshall county,
Illinois, December 18, i860, and is a son
of George W. and Hannah (Lynch) Dicus,
natives of Ohio, the former born in 1814,
the latter in i8ig. The maternal grand-
father, Thompson, served through-
out the Revolutionary war as captain of a
company from Virginia, and he died in Day-
ton, Ohio, in 1842. The progenitor of the
Thompson family in America came from
England and settled with the first colony at
Jamestown in 1620. The Dicus family,
however, is of German origin and was not
founded in this country until iSio, when
the paternal grandparents of our subject
crossed the Atlantic and took up their resi-
dence in Ohio, being among the pioneers of
that state. Both died during the cholera
epidemic of 18 18, leaving their son, George
W.,an orphan at the age of four years. He
was adopted by George Goodrich, who in
1826 removed from Ohio to Lacon, Mar-
shall county, Illinois, settling there before
that village was established. Our subject's
father was thus reared to manhood amid
pioneer scenes in this state and was edu-
cated in the schools of Marshall county.
During his youth he returned to Ohio, and
in a small town near Columbus he learned
the blacksmith's trade. Having thoroughly
mastered the business, he again came to
Marshall county, Illinois, at the age of
twenty-one and established the first black-
smith shop there. In his early life he was
very successful, but after his service in the
Civil war he met with reverses in business.
In August, 1862, he enlisted in the One
Hundred and Fourth Illinois Volunteer In-
fantry and served for about two years as
regimental blacksmith with the rank of
sergeant. He participated in the bat-
tles of Missionary Ridge, Chickamauga
and other notable engagements, and was
captured by John Morgan, being imprisoned
at Montgomery, Alabama, for about three
months, after which he was sent to Nash-
ville to be exchanged. In the meantime he
had suffered a severe attack of brain fever.
During his imprisonment all trace of him
GEO. W. DICUS.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
435
was lost, and his wife, leaving her seven
children at home, went in search of him, and
for about a year served as nurse at Nash-
ville. She was twice married, her first hus-
band being John Riley Russell, a contractor
and builder, who died of yellow fever at
Port Lavaca, Texas, in 1853. By that
union she had six children, one of whom,
John H. Russell, was also among the boys in
blue during the Rebellion, in which he served
for four years and two months. He was a
member of the One Hundred and Seventh
Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was only
fifteen years of age at the time he took part
in the battle of Chickamauga. Mrs. Dicus
is a sister-in-law of Albert Ringe, of Phila-
delphia, who was for years the president of
the Philadelphia Plate Glass Insurance
Company, and was one of the capitalists
who furnished the means to Dr. Catling to
prosecute the manufacture of his guns. He
was at the front for some time, being with
Butler while testing the guns. After the
war, the father of our subject resumed
blacksmithing at Wenona, where he con-
tinued in business for some years, but spent
the last eight years of his life in retirement
at Streator. He died while on a visit to
Ottawa, Illinois, August 20, 1891. His
widow is still a resident of Streator. Our
subject is the second in order of birth in the
family of six children born of their union
and all are still living with the exception of
one son who died in childhood.
George W. Dicus, of this review, com-
pleted his education in the high school of
Wenona, Illinois, and at the age of fourteen
years commenced learning the printer's
trade under Cadet Taylor in the office of
Wenona Index, though he was still attend-
ing school. On leaving there at the age of
nineteen, he went to Streator, and has since
worked on most of the prominent dailies
throughout the United States. In 1S88 he
purchased the Milledgeville Free Press, and
in 1 89 1 bought the Rochelle Register, which
he has since successfully publislied, being
one of the ablest representatives of the jour-
nalistic profession in this section of the
state.
Mr. Dicus has been for years active in
editorial association work, being first vice-
president of the Illinois Press Association
for three years past, a member of the State
Republican Editorial Association, and has
been a delegate five times to the National
Editorial Association; in 1892, at San Fran-
cisco, California; 1894, Asbury Park, New
York; 1S95, St. Augustine, Florida; 1S97,
Galveston, Texas; and 1899, Portland, Ore-
gon.
On the 7th of June, 1877, Mr. Dicus en-
listed in Company C, Tenth Battalion Illi-
nois National Guards, under command of
Colonel Parsons and was later transferred to
Company C, Fourth Illinois. After coming
to Rochelle, he enlisted in 1892, as second
sergeant in Company M, Third Illinois Nation-
al Guards, subsequently was promoted to first
sergeant and November 30, 1895, waselected
first lieutenant. He assisted in quelling the
riots at Lainont and Chicago, and in iSSo
the company of which he was then a mem-
ber carried off the honors at Mobile, Ala-
bama. When the war between Spain and
the United States broke out, Mr. Dicus was
mustered into the United States service at
Springfield, May 7, 1S98, as first lieuten.
ant of his company, and on the 14th of May
proceeded to Chickamauga Park, where he
remained until July 22, when the Third Illi-
nois was picked out of the sixty-five regi-
ments to accompany' General Brooke to
Porto Rico. They were transported on the
436
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
auxiliary cruiser St. Louis and arrived at
Ponce July 29, 1898, and after one day
spent at that place proceeded to Arroyo, a
distance of forty miles, where they landed
on the 1st of August under the fire of the
guns of the St. Louis, Cincinnati and Glou-
cester bombarding the town and woods.
Capturing the place they occupied it for
three days, during which time they took
part in a number of skirmishes with the
Spaniards. On the 5th of August they ad-
vanced on Guayama, captured the town and
killed a number of Spaniards without loss
to themselves. On the Sth of August they
supported the Fourth Ohio regiment in the
Cayey mountains, driving the Spaniards out.
They were already to engage in battle on
the 13th when the news of peace reached
them, but they remained at Porto Rico on
outpost duty for some time. At the order
of General Haines, Lieutenant Dicus planted
the flag of truce opposite the Spanish works.
On the iith of May, he was appointed by
President McKinley as ordnance officer,
having full charge of the equipments, am-
munition, etc. With his regiment he sailed
November 3 on the transport Roumania for
New York, where they arrived on the 9th,
and over the Erie railroad proceeded at
once to Chicago. They were mustered out
January 17, 1S99. Lieutenant Dicus was
a gallant officer and brave soldier, who was
held in high esteem by his fellow officers and
had the confidence and respect of those un-
der him.
While in Springfield, preparing to go to
the front, Mr. Dicus was notified of his ap-
pointment as postmaster of Rochelle, and
was sworn in at Chickamauga Park by
Colonel Fred Bennitt. His wife then
served as acting postmaster until February
I, 1899, when he assumed the duties of
the office, which he has since so efficiently
discharged. He was married on the 22d
of June, 1884, to Miss Mary Louise John-
ston, who was born in Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania. Her father, George W.
Johnston, also a native of Pennsylvania,
has borne his part in the wars of this coun-
try, having served in the navy during the
Seminole war and the war with Mexico,
and as a member of the One Hundred and
Seventy-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry during the Civil war. He was a
cousin of Albert Sidney Johnston, the great
Confederate general.
Politically, Mr. Dicus is an ardent sup-
porter of the Republican party and its prin-
ciples. He is prominent in Masonic circles,
being a member of Horicon Lodge, No.
244, F. & A. M. ; Rochelle Chapter, No.
1 58, R. A. M. ; Sycamore Commandery,
K. T. ; Medinah Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. ;
and the Eastern Star. He is deservedly
popular as he is affable and courteous in
manner, and possesses that essential quali-
fication to success in public life, that of
making friends readily and of strengthen-
ing the ties of all friendships as time ad-
vances.
AL\IN JOINER.— There are no rules
for building characters; there is no rule
for achieving success. The man who can
rise from the ranks to a position of emi-
nence is he who can see and utilize the op-
portunities that surround his path. The es-
sential conditions of human life are ever
the same, the surroundings of individuals
differ but slightly; and, when one man
passes another on the highway to reach the
goal of prosperity before others who per-
haps started out before him, it is because
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
437
he has the power to use advantages which
probably encompass the whole human race.
To-day among the most prominent business
men in Ogle county stands Mr. Joiner, of
Polo.
The Joiner family was founded in Amer-
ica by three brothers, one of whom settled
in New England, another in the Middle
states, and the third in the South, and it
is from the first that our subject is de-
scended. His grandfather, Alvin Joiner,
was a native of Royalton, Windsor county,
Vermont, and one of the pioneers of Ogle
county, Illinois, having taken up his resi-
dence here in 1S36. He was a farmer by
occupation and in Oak Ridge township he
bought a farm of one hundred and sixty
acres. He married Hannah Van Wagoner,
of New York, a cousin of Roscoe Conklin.
Charles W. Joiner, father of our sub-
ject, was born in Windsor county, Vermont,
December S, 1S16, and was educated in the
common schools of that state and in Mid-
dlebury College. He came west with his
parents in 1836, and much of his early life
was devoted to farming in Ogle county.
Later he became interested in lumbering in
Michigan and spent twenty-seven jears in
the pineries of that state, but is now living
retired with our subject in Polo. Though
well past his four-=core years he is still active
in body and mind, and is numbered among
the highly esteemed citizens of the commu-
nity. He married Harriet M. Waterbury,
who was born in Andes, Delaware county.
New York, November 26, 181 5, a daughter
of John Waterbury, a native of Ballston
Spa, New York, who was born March 26,
1 79 1, and moved to Delaware county in
1 80S. His parents were Daniel and Mary
(Stephenson) Waterbury, the latter of whom
was born May 20, 1765, a daughter of
David Stephenson. Daniel Waterbury was
a son of Captain Daniel and Anna (Bouton)
Waterbury, antl was a member of his fa-
ther's company in the Revolutionary war,
in which both served with distinction. John
Waterbury, the grandfather of our subject,
was married, in 1813, to Miss Phcebe B.
Bradvvell, a daughter of Ezra and Sarah
(Beach) Bradwell. She was born in Charl-
ton, Saratoga county. New York, May G,
1790, and died October 24, 18G0. To the
the parents of our subject were born two
children, he being the younger. Mary W.
is the wife of John S. Thompson, who is
engaged in the steamboat and salt business
in Michigan.
Alvin Joiner, of this review, was born
near Polo, November 13, 1848, and as soon
as old enough began attending the district
school near the home farm. In 1857 the
family removed to Port Sanilac, Michigan,
where he continued his studies in the com-
mon schools, was later a student in the
Royalton Academy, Vermont, and took a
special course in a business college at Hills-
dale, Michigan, fitting himself to assist in
his father's business. He completed his ed-
ucation about 1 866, and at the age of twen-
ty-one was admitted to partnership in the
business. They purchased large tracts of
pine lands, established sawmills, and ship-
ped large quantities of lumber to the New
England states, Richmond, Virginia, and
also sold much in Ohio, Indiana and Michi-
fran Shinoles were manufactured on an
extensive scale and our subject himself has
bundled enough to make thirty miles of
bundles placed end to end. During their
business they were burned out six different
times. He retired from the lumber business
in the fall of 1883, and the following spring
returned to Polo, where he has since made
438
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his home, he with his father having invest-
ed some of their capital in farming lands in
this region. They also own tracts in Flor-
ida and Dakota and are engaged in loaning
money.
In Wood county, Ohio, Mr. Joiner was
married, January 14, 1S74, to Miss Ida
Wood, a native of that county and a daugh-
ter of Major H. L. and Jane (Kunkel)
Wood, the former born in Albany county.
New York, June 2, 1809, but was reared in
the western part of that state by an
aunt. When a young man the Major se-
cured the contract to build the Buffalo &
Niagara Falls railroad, having learned
something of railroad construction while
engaged in building the Baltimore & Ohio
road in Maryland. He went to Toledo,
Ohio, to construct a part of the Wabash &
Erie canal, and while there bought a farm
in Wood county, Ohio, where he made his
home from 1844 until 1876. In 1847 he
was commissioned major of the first brigade
of Ohio militia, and in iS — was made
brigadier-general of the third brigade. Dur-
ing the Civil war he enlisted in the Si.xty-
seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry; served as
quartermaster for two years, and with his
regiment was present at the battles of Win-
chester and Fort Wagner. From 1866
until 1870 he served as a member of the
state legislature, and was superintendent of
the Western Reserve & Maumee road from
1871 until 1875. The following year he
removed to Monroe, Michigan, where his
death occurred April 23, 1886. His father,
Abraham Wood, was born in Rensselaer
county. New York, January 28, 1774, and
died April 28, 1S49. He was a farmer by
occupation, and wedded Mary Stuart, a de-
scendant of the royal family of Stuarts.
The Woods were of English origin. Major
Wood was married in Fremont, Ohio,
March 27, 1845, to Miss Jane Kunkle, who
was born in the Wyoming Valley, Pennsyl-
vania, April 20, 1820, and died August 23,
1883. Her father, Conrad Kunkle, a miller
and mill owner in the Wyoming Valley, mar-
ried Hannah Luce, who was an own cousin
of Louisa Chandler Moulton. His father was
a native of Germany. To our subject and
his wife have been born five children, name-
ly: Jennie H., who is a graduate of the
Conservatory of Music, Oberlin College,
and is now engaged in teaching in Danbury,
Connecticut; Alice, who is preparing for
Cornell University at the Hillside Home
School, Iowa county, Wisconsin, where she
will graduate in 1S99; Charles Henry, Alvin,
Jr., and Flora Isabel, who are attending
the Polo schools.
In his political views Mr. Joiner is a
Republican, and in his social relations is a
member of the Knights of the Globe, the
Mystic Workers of the World, and the Lib-
eral Congress of Religions. He has served
as mayor of Polo for two terms, and was
the first postmaster of Chase, Lake county,
Michigan, which office was established for
the benefit of the lumber camps in that re-
gion. He and his father laid out the town
at that place, and were prominently identi-
fied with its growth and development. In
business affairs he is energetic, prompt and
notably reliable, and as a citizen merits
and receives the confidence and high regard
of all who know him.
ELIJAH H. MILLER, who is living a re-
tired life on his farm on section 15, De-
ment township, has been a resident of Ogle
county since 18C4. He was born near Au-
burn, Cayuga county. New York, September
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
439
27, 1837. His father, John Miller, was also a
native of the same county and state, while his
grandfather, John Miller, Sr. , was a native
of New Jersey. The latter, who was a
wheelright by trade, and also a miller, built
the first mill in Oswego, New York, and for
years engaged in the milling business in
connection with farming. He moved to
the county when it was little better than a
vast wilderness, purchased a large tract of
land, cleared it of its timber, and made a
fine farm. While he ran the mill his sons
and hired help ran the farm.
John Miller, the father of our subject,
grew to manhood in Cayaga county, and
there married Christiana Dills, a native of
New York, and reared in Cayuga county,
and daughter of Abram Dills, who was an
early settler of that county. By this union
there were ten children, two of whom died
in childhood. Purchasing a farm near that
of his father, John Miller engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits, and there reared his fam-
ily. He died there about 1862, his wife
surviving him until about 1879, when she,
too, passed away.
Elijah H. Miller was third in order of
birth of the ten children. He grew to man-
hood on the old farm of his father, and in the
common schools of the neighborhood re-
ceived a fair education. He is, however,
mostly self-educated. He was married in
his native county April 19, 1S57, to Miss
Emma McArthur, a native of Wayne coun-
ty, New York, a daughter of John and
Eliza (Waldron) McArthur, both natives
of Onondaga county. New York. For
four years after his marriage, Mr. Miller en-
gaged in farming in Cayuga county, and in
1 86 1 moved to Wayne county, in the same
state, where he bought a farm of fifty acres
near the village of Red Creek, on which he
lived for three years. He then came to
Ogle county, Illinois, and located in De-
ment township, where he purchased a farm
of one hundred acres, sixty acres of which
had been broken, but on which no further
improvements had been made. He bought
a small and cheap house which he moved to
his place, and in which the family lived for
several years. Later he built an addition to
the house, making of it a neat and com-
fortable residence. He also built two large
barns and erected other outbuildings, set
out fruit and ornamental trees, and other-
wise improved the place. After a few years
he purchased forty acres adjoining, and in
1876 bought the eighty acres on which his
present residence is located, and to which
he removed in 1S96. Since moving to his
present home he has lived a retired life,
leaving the management of both farms to
his sons.
Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of
six children, five of whom are now living.
Henry E. is a farmer in Dement township.
Edward D. resides in Wisconsin. Bertha
C. is living at home with her parents. Cal-
vin F. is living on the old homestead.
George A. is carrying on the present home
farm. One daughter, Eliza May, died at
the age of three years. Henry E. married
Josephine Kendall and they have five chil-
dren— Winifred V., William Elijah, Emert
J., Guy and Elizabeth E. Edward D. mar-
ried Nellie Miles and they have two sons,
Roy Harold and Ralph Edward. Calvin
F. married Rose Gibson and they have two
children, Alice E. and Floyd Arthur.
Politically Mr. Miller is a life-long Re-
publican, his first presidential vote being
cast for Abraham Lincoln in i860. He
has never swerved from allegiance to his
party, and has voted for every candidate of
440
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
his party for the presidency from that time
to the present. He has served several
years as township trustee, and for a num-
ber of years as member of the school board,
at times being president of the board. Re-
ligiously he is a Congregationalist, holding
membership with the Congregationalist
church at Creston, of which body his wife
is also a member. For thirty-five years
they have been respected citizens of Ogle
county, and in that time have made many
friends and few enemies. While their
financial ability was very limited on coming
to the county, they have the satisfaction of
knowing that they have been prospered,
and have enough to enable them to live at
ease, should they so desire, the remainder
of their lives.
HORACE STOCKING, one of Ogle coun-
ty's leading agriculturists and a prom-
inent grain dealer of Lindenwood, has spent
his entire life in the county, his birth having
occurred in White Rock township, October
13, 1S48, and is the son of William Stock-
ing, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this
work. He received his preliminary educa-
tion in the common schools and later at-
tended the Rockford high school. Through-
out his active business life he has followed
the honorable occupation of farming, and
has made a specialty of the breeding of
shorthorn cattle. In 1S98, he purchased a
half interest in the grain elevator at Linden-
wood, which is now conducted under the firm
name of Horace Stocking & Son, and they
are also doing a large and profitable business
at that place as dealers in lumber, coal, all
kinds of agricultural implements, carriages,
wagons, etc.
On the 22d of October, 1873, Mr.
Stocking was united in marriage with Miss
Alma C. Weeks, a daughter of David H.
and Eliza (Shaw) Weeks, of White Rock
township, and four sons have been born of
this union, namely: Dexter W., Elmer D.,
Howard L. and George E. Mrs. Stocking's
father was born in Starkville, Herkimer
county. New York, March 29, 18 19, was
well educated in the schools of his day and
early acquired an excellent knowledge of
farm work in its various departments. He
was married, June 15, 1851, to Miss Eliza-
beth Shaw, of his native land, and to them
were born seven children: John, who mar-
ried Emma Murphy; Ida L., wife of William
Ritchie; Alma C, wife of our subject; Day-
ton N., who married Carrie Danforth and
has four children, Ethel, Charles, Hazel and
Ida; Albert, who resides in Minneapolis;
Henry, a commercial traveler; and George,
who died at the age of five years. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Weeks are still living and now
make their home in St. Lawrence, Dakota.
Politically Mr. Stocking has always affil-
iated with the Republican party, and for
twelve years he has most capably and satis-
factorily served as highway commissioner.
Socially he is a member of Linden Lodge,
No. 829, I. O. O. F., of Lindenwood. As
a business man he is energetic, prompt and
notably reliable, and as a citizen he meets
every requirement, manifesting a commend-
able interest in everything that is calculated
to promote the welfare of his community in
any line.
JOSEPH O'KANE, an honored veteran
of the Civil war and one of the most
philanthropic and generous citizens of Ogle
county, has throughout the greater part of
his active business life engaged in agricult-
ural pursuits near the city of Polo. He
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
44'
was born in Franklin county, Indiana, De-
cember 23, 1836, and is a son of Daniel
O'Kane, a native of County Tyrone, Ire-
land, who was born in 181 i, and died in
April, 1892. When a lad of eleven years
the father came with his parents to the
United States, landing; at New York, when
they proceeded to Franklin county, Indiana.
In 1839 he came to Ogle county and bought
a tract of land which he operated during the
summer season, while during the winter
months he worked at the cooper's trade.
Knowing something of medicine, he w^as
frequently called upon to prescribe for his
neighbors in early days. In connection with
farming operations he also engaged in the
grain business to some e.xtent in later years.
His parents both lived to be ninety years
old. He married Miss Lucinda Johnson,
who was born in Kentucky, in 1813, and died
in August, 1 868. To them were born
fifteen children, of whom only seven are
now living. Three make their home in
Polo, namely: Joseph, our subject; Mary
S., wife of George Kingery; and Aaron A.,
a barber and insurance agent. James, the
oldest, lives in ICerney, Nebraska; John W.
lives in Wahoo, Nebraska; S. Byron lives
in Lincoln, Nebraska; Caroline married
Charles Hadsel and lives near Wahoo, Ne-
braska.
The subject of this review came with his
parents to Ogle county in the spring of
1839, and grew to manhood on the home
farm at Elkhorn Grove, attending the
district schools only through the winter
months, and working hard during the sum-
mer on the farm as he was the second in
order of birth in the family of fifteen. In
1859 he went to California by way of New
York and the Isthmus of Panama, it being
thirty days frorn the time he left home be-
fore he arrived in San Francisco. He first
worked on a ranch in Siskiyou county for
fifty dollars per month, and during most of
his stay on the Pacific coast was thus em-
ployed. In the spring of iSGi he returned
to Ogle county by the same route.
Feeling that his country needed his
services, Mr. O'Kane enlisted September 5,
1861, in Company 1), Seventh Illinois Cav-
alry, the first cavalry regiment in that state,
and was mustered in at Springfield on the
I 5th of that month. They were first sent
to Bird's Point, Missouri, and for some time
were engaged in scouting in that state,
reaching Shiloh two days after the battle at
that place. Their first engagement was at
Corinth, followed by Grierson's raid from
Memphis to Port Hudson, during which
time they were sixteen days in the saddle
without rest. Mr. O'Kane was captured at
Coldwater, Mississipi^i, November 3, 1S63,
and for four months each was confined at
Cahaba, Alabama, Charleston and Columbia,
South Carolina, and Columbus, North Caro-
lina, being finally c.xchatiged at Annapolis,
Maryland, March i, 1865. He suffered un-
told agonies during his si.xteen months im-
prisonment and it was only those of strong
will who survived. P^ive da3s' rations con-
sisted of a quart of meal and a pint of
sorghum, so that many starsed to death.
At one time our subject and fifteen others
dug a tunnel eighty feet in length, and
twelve officers and four privates made their
escape from Cahaba prison, and succeeded
in traveling eighty miles by night, and were
within one night's journey of the Union
lines when recaptured. When a man gave
out the rest would not leave him and all
were caught, being tracked by blood hounds.
After his exchange Mr. O'Kane was must-
ered out on release as his regiment had
442
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
veteranized during his imprisonment and he
was supposed to be dead. He reached
home March i8, 1865, a wreck of his
former self, and spent the following summer
in recuperating. During his service he had
sent to his home his wages, and this his
father had invested for him in eighty acres
of land, which was nearly all paid for. The
fall after his return he was married and be-
gan life in earnest upon his farm, which he
has since successfully operated. With wheat
at two dollars a bushel, he finished paying
for the place and has since bought one hun-
dred and ten acres near Polo, and one hun-
dred and five acres of pasture land on
Buffalo creek.
At the Methodist Episcopal church, in
Polo, September 17, 1865, was celebrated
the marriage of Mr. O'Kane and Miss Jenette
Rowand, who was born in "Old Town,"
Buffalo Grove, Ogle county. Her father,
Andrew Rowand was born in Paisley, Scot-
land, in 1S13, and on crossing the Atlantic
in 1S31, first located in Canada, but seven
years later became one of the pioneers of
Ogle county. At that time he could have
purchased any amount of land in the pres-
ent heart of Chicago for almost nothing,
but would not have taken it as a gift. He
was a stonemason and farmer by occupa-
tion and bought one hundred and sixty acres
of land three miles from Old Town, where
he departed this life December 27, 1887.
In politics he was a Democrat. His father
spent his entire life in Scotland on the same
farm, where the family have resided for two
centuries as leaseholders, as few can own
land in that country. Andrew Rowand
married Elizabeth Lawson, who was also
born in Paisley, Scotland, in 181 1, a daugh-
ter of John and Jenette (Downey) Lawson.
She caine to the new world in the same ves-
sel as her future husband and they were
married in Canada. To them were born
six children, of whom four are still living:
Jenette, wife of our subject; Maria, wife of
Marion Shoemaker, of Elkhorn Grove; An-
drew J., who lives on the old home farm;
and Agnes, widow of William O'Kane, a
brother of our subject.
Fraternally Mr. O'Kane is a member of
the Grand Army of the Republic, and in
politics is an ardent Republican. Both he
and his wife are active and consistent mem-
bers of the Methodist Episcopal church and
are noted for their generosity and kindly
spirit. Having no children of their own,
they have at various times taken into their
home nine orphans, several of whom were
legally adopted. These are as follows:
Mabel is now the wife of William Lyons,
who is successfully conducting a laundry at
Pecatonica, Illinois. James Edward O'Kane
lived with them for many years, but finally
went to Chicago, where he assumed the
name of Foster. He married Alice Vancil,
and now resides in Chicago. Among the
number who have lived with Mr. and Mrs.
O'Kane at times are Katie Smith, Thomas
Fassett, George Garrett, and Philla Sweet,
who married Gerald Snyder. Their latest
charge is Jerome Kilmarton, who now makes
his home with our subject. Some one
from Polo found him at the stock yards in
Chicago, and knowing the philanthropic
character of Mr. O'Kane and his wife, and
being sure that he would find a good home
with them, he brought him here. Such a
couple certainly deserve honorable mention
in a work of this character and we take
pleasure in presenting this brief sketch of
their lives to our readers, knowing that it
will be perused with interest by their many
friends iuid acquaintances in Ogle county.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
443
JOHN HARTWIG, who resides on sec-
tion 27, Eagle Point township, and
who owns and operates a farm of one hun-
dred and seventy acres, has been a resident
of Ogle county since August, 1857. He
was born in the kingdom of Prussia, Ger-
many, April 3, 1S29, and there received a
good education in his native language, his
knowledge of English having been acquired
since coming to the United States. In
September, 1S53, he was united in marriage
with Miss Catherine Schmidt, also a native
of Germany. Friends in the United States
had duly informed them of the opportunities
afforded a poor man to acquire a good liv-
ing, and even wealth, and they determined
to here try their fortunes. Accordingly
they left Bremen in a sailing vessel, and
after spending some seven weeks and two
days on the broad Atlantic, during which
time they encountered several severe storms,
they landed at Baltimore, from which place
they came direct to Polo, Ogle county,
where some of their German friends were
then
From Polo they went to
Eagle Grove, and for the ne.\t two years
Mr. Hartwig worked for others, in the
meantime accustoming himself to the
changed conditions of a new country, and
acquiring a knowledge of the English lan-
guage. In that two years he had succeeded
in saving a small sum of money, with which
he purchased twenty acres of brush land
and built a small log house. From the
land he cut the timber for the erection of
his house.
A turn had now come in the affairs of
Mr. Hartwig. He was now the owner of
a home of his own, and even if it was un-
pretentious, it was a home, and the begin-
ning of what he hoped would be better
times to him. And it was the beginning,
for fortune has since smiled on them. He
came here when the country was expe-
riencing the effects of hard times, from
which it required several years to recover.
But he was industrious, and he had a help-
ful wife, and by their united efforts they
have placed themselves above want. To
his original twenty he later added forty
acres, and from time to time made other
purchases, until he has now a well-improved
farm of one hundred and seventy acres. He
has now a large, neat frame residence, large
barn, good outbuildings, with the place well
supplied with fruit and ornamental trees.
Mr. and Mrs. Hartwig have three sons
and three daughters. Casper married
Rachael Schreiver, and they have two chil-
dren, Aggie and Edith. He is the owner of
a good farm in Ogle county. Valentine yet
remains at home and assists his father
in carrying on the home place. Seibert
married Miss Ella Post, and has one son,
Robert. He is also the owner of a valuable
farm in Ogle county. Elizabeth is the wife
of Edward Schreyver, of Sterling, Illinois,
and they have one child living, Nellie, who
is married and has one child. Kate is the
wife of Fred SchoU. and they have five chil-
dren: Frank, John, ArLhiir, Mabel and
Emma. They reside in Ogle county.
Emma married George Webster, and they
have two sons, John and Howard. They
reside in Carr(3ll county-, Illinois.
Politically, Mr. Hartwig and his sons
are stanch Republicans. Religiously, he and
his wife were reared in the Lutheran faith,
and yet adhere to the doctrines of that
church, but there being no church of their
choice in the neighborhood, they attend the
United Brethren church, and give their
means to its support. They are well-known
and highly respected people, and have many
444
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
friends in the county. They came here
with but little means, and when the coun-
try was but comparatively new, but have
lived to see the country thickly settled with
an industrious and thrifty people, and their
children are all well settled in life. They
have no cause to complain that they chose
to make for themselves a home in this
favored land.
THOMAS CRILL, who is now living a
retired life on his farm on section 25,
Monroe township, has been a resident of
Ogle county for almost half a century,
and is therefore numbered amon>; the early
settlers. He is well known in the county
and has always been held in hij^h esteem.
A native of New York, he was born in
Steuben, Oneida county, Au,t;ust 16, 18 19,
and is tlie son of Henry and Betsy (Brooks)
Crill, both natives of the same state.
Thomas Crill, the paternal grandfather,
first enlisted in the British army during the
Revolutionary war, was later taken prisoner
by the Colonial army, under Washington,
took the oath of allegiance, joined the
American army, and was with Washington
until the close of the struggle, when the inde-
pendence of the country was acknowledged.
For his services, in later 3'ears he received
a pension from the general government.
By trade he was a miller and for some
years operated a mill on Van Horn creek.
Subsequently remo\ing to Herkimer county
he purchased a farm and engaged in tilling
the soil during the remainder of his life,
dying at the age of ninety-three years.
Henry Crill, our subject's father, was
born in the town of Stark, Herkimer coun-
ty, New York, and there grew to manhood
and married Betsy Brooks. He was a
farmer by occupation and in his native state
owned and operated a farm of two hun-
dred acres. \\'ith a view of bettering his
condition, or rather to give his fann'ly bet-
ter opportunities, he sold his place and in
September, 1S44, came to Ogle count}' and
bought a squatter's claim of one hundred
and sixty acres in Monroe township, but
later removed to the village of Monroe
Center, where he purchased a cottage and
lived a retired life. His death occurred in
that village at a ripe old age, and his mem-
ory is held in grateful remembrance by
those who were fortunate enough to know
him.
The subject of this sketch grew to
manhood in his native state, where he
received but a very limited education in
the primitive schools, the knowledge since
acipiired being received in the school of
experience, and by reading and observa-
tion. On the 25th of March, 1S45, he
was united in marriage with Miss Caro-
line Smith, a native of York state, and a
daughter of W'olcott and Ijctsy Smith. By
this union five children were born, two of
whom died in childhood. Those arriving at
mature years were: Elizabeth, who mar-
ried a good, substantial farmer of Fayette
county, Iowa, where they now reside; Will-
ard, who married Pauline Heller, and who
is now working four hundred acres of his
father's farm; and Etta May, who married
James Mead, but who died at Kirkland,
Illinois, leaving four children.
In September, 1852, Mr. Crill came to
Ogle county and located on sections 25 and
26, Monroe township, and for some years
lived in a house not over twenty feet froni
where his present residence now stands.
When he located in the township there was
comparatively little improvement made antl
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
445
settlements were as yet few and far between.
His own place was entirely unimproved and
he broke the first sod on the farm. The
changes that have since been made are won-
derful, indeed. His journey to Ogle county
was made by water and rail to Chicago, and
from thence by teams to his stopping place.
There was then no railroad in Ogle county.
From the time of his settlement here he has
pursued an active life, and he has been hon-
ored by his fellow citizens with a number of
local offices, serving three years as assessor,
three years as collector, and the same length
of time as commissioner of highways. In
politics he has always been a Democrat, and
a stanch advocate of the principles of the
party. But he has always given more time
to his business interests than to politics, and
he has the reputation of being one of the
best farmers in his section of the county.
His place is well improved and kept in ex-
cellent repairs. In addition to general farm-
ing he has given more or less attention to
stock raising, especially Holstein cattle.
He usually ships his own stock to the Chi-
cago markets, thus saving the dealer's profit.
His long residence in the county has brought
him in contact with many people, and he
has the happy faculty of making and kcep-
ini' friends.
PROF. C. F. PHILBROOK, superin-
tendent of schools, Ivochelle, Illinois,
is a well known educator of more than a
state reputation. He was born in Shelby
county, Illinois, December 9, 1S5Q, and is
the son of Flavins J. and Sarah E. (Carter)
Philbrook, the former a native of Licking
count}-, Ohio, born January 8, 1836, and
the latter in Knox county, Ohio, August 31,
183S. They were married September 12,
1S58, at St. Elmo, Illinois. The Phil-
brooks trace their ancestry back to Thomas
Philbrick, or Philbrook (the name being
written both ways), who was born in Lin-
colnshire, England, and who came from
England in 1G30, locating in the southern
part of Maine. A part of the family later
went across the line to Exeter, New Hamp-
shire, but that part which were sea-faring
men remained in Maine. Thomas Phil-
brook was a mariner in early life, and was
master of a vessel. He settled in Water-
town, Massachusetts, his home being on
the corner of Belmont and Lexington
streets.
Seth Philbrook, the paternal grand-
father of our subject, of the seventh genera-
tion from Thomas, was born in \'inalhaven,
IMaine, January 5, 1795, and in 18 13 moved
to Ohio. He married Margaret Ward,
April 2, 18 18, and in 1S43 moved to Illi-
nois, locating near Vandalia, becoming one
of the pioneers of that locality. He was a
farmer, and the farm purchased by him on
locating there is still in possession of the
famil}'. His death occurred November 10,
1 86 1, his wife surviving him but one month.
They were the parents of twelve children,
of whom eleven grew to maturity, the
father of our subject being tenth in order of
birth.
Flavins J. Philbrook spent his boyhood
and youth in Ohio, being about eighteen
years old when he accompanied his parents
to Vandalia, Illinois. On coming to this
state he engaged in farmiug in summer and
teaching in winter until the second year of
the Civil war, when he enlisted in the One
Hundred and Fifteenth regiment Illinois
Volunteer Infantr}', and with his regiment
marched to the front. He was not destined,
however, to see much service in the field,
446
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
as on the day before the battle of Lookout
Mountain, he was captured by the enemy,
and for five hundred long and weary days
was held a prisoner, being confined in
various prisons, including Belle Isle, Flor-
ence, Macon, Jonesboro, Atlanta, and last,
but far from being least, in the notorious
Andersonville prison. His experience was
not one likely to be forgotten. There must,
however, be an end to all things, and he
was finally exchanged, and on the ist of
July, 1865, was discharged from the ser-
vice, having had but little opportunity to
distinguish himself in any way, being in no
regular engagement.
After his return from the army, he en-
gaged in farming in Shelby county, in which
he continued until 1870. About 1858 he
was united in marriage with Miss Sarah E.
Carter, by whom he had eight children, our
subject being first in order of birth. Ger-
trude married James Otto, of Independ-
ence, Kansas, where he is engaged in the
real estate and loan business. Mary Belle
married John R. Hogg, a banker of Dray-
ton, North Dakota. Cora is a teacher in
the public schools of Normal, Illinois.
Lowell M. is a student in the State Normal
school, at Normal, Illinois. Warren R. ,
who is married and living in Bloomington,
is in the employ of the McLean County
Telephone Company. Margaret died in
childhood, and one died in infanc}'. With
the desire to give his children better educa-
tional advantages than the home schools
afforded, Mr. Philbrook moved to Normal,
after leaving the farm in 1S70. He made
that city his home during the remainder of
his life, his death occurring in I'^ebruary,
189S. His wife died in October, 189C.
The subject of this sketch commenced
his school life in the public schools of his
native county, and was eleven years old
when he accompanied his parents to Nor-
mal. Entering the public school at that
place, he was graduated from the high
school at the age of seventeen. After his
graduation he commenced to learn the
trade of plasterer, in which he continued
for three years. It was always his inten-
tion, however, to obtain a better education
than that afforded by the high school, and
accordingly he entered the State Normal
School when twenty years old, from which
he was graduated in 1888. Being unable
to pursue continuously the regular course,
during the intervening nine years from the
time he entered until his graduation, he
taught school in the country surrounding
and later in the schools at Normal. For
a time he was principal of the schools of
Golconda, Illinois. While teaching in Nor-
mal, he served as town clerk one year, and
one year was alderman.
After his graduation. Professor Phil-
brook took charge of the public schools of
Lena, Stephenson county, Illinois, and for
four years was superintendent of its schools,
giving good satisfaction to the patrons of
the school. He could have continued there
indefinitely, having been elected by the
board for the fifth year, but having received
an offer from the Rochelle board of educa-
tion to become the superintendent of its
schools, he accepted the offer, and in the
fall of 1892 moved to that city, where he
has since continued to remain.
On the 29th of June, 1892, Professor
Philbrook was united in marriage with Miss
Maud E. Simmons, a native of Illinois, and
daughter of Rev. O. J. Simmons, a Method-
ist minister of the Rock River conference,
and the only child of her parents.
Professor Philbrook is by nature and
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
44;
training an educator. He has a love for
the profession of a teacher, and f;ives al-
most his undivided attention to his profes-
sional work. He is an active member of
the National Teachers' Association and of
the Northern Illinois Teachers' Association,
and in the latter body has been railroad
secretary for ten years. Religiously he is
a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church. Fraternally he is a member of the
Sons of Veterans, Horicon Lodge, No. 512,
A. F. & A. M., of Rochelle Chapter, No.
126, R. A. M., and of the Order of the
Eastern Star, of Rochelle. Of the latter
body his wife is also a member. He is like-
wise a member of the Knights of the Globe.
In each of these societies he has taken an
active interest.
In politics Professor Philbrook is a Re-
publican on state and national issues. In
local elections he votes independently of
party. During the campaign of 1896 he
was secretary of the McKinley club of Ro-
chelle, and in each of the county conven-
tions of his party in the past seven years he
has served as secretary. In the stale con-
vention of his party he has served as a dele-
gate, representing his county. Thoroughly
posted on the various issues of the day, he
makes a representative citizen in every
sense of the term. He is held in great es-
teem, not only because of his educational
ability, bat because of his worth as a man.
GUILFORD McDAID.— The world in-
stinctively pays deference to the man
who has risen above his early surroundings,
overcome the obstacles in his path, and
reached a high position in the business
world. This is a progressive age, and he
who does not advance is soon left far bc-
48
hind. Mr. McDaid, by the improvement
of the opportunities by which we are all
surrounded, has steadily worked his way
upward, and attained a fair degree of pros-
perity. He is now numbered among the
leading professional men of Oregon, where
he is an attorney and also police magis-
trate.
Mr. McDaid was born in Lawrence
county. New York, April 17, 1853, and re-
ceived his early education in the schools of
that county, and later in the schools of
Oregon and Ogle county after his parents
came west in 1865. He was appointed to
the naval school at Annapolis by H. C.
Burchard, member of congress, where he
remained one year and then resigned and
returned home to read law. During the
year 1884 and '5 he attended a law school
at Bloomington and was admitted to the
bar on June g, 1885. At the same time he
was appointed police magistrate, and the es-
teem in which he is held in that capacity is
illustrated by the fact that, though a stanch
Democrat, he has been repeatedly re-elect-
ed by a Republican community. One who
knows him well says that he gives his judg-
ment without fear or favor, and allows no
friendship or sympathy to warp his mind in
passing on a case. He is a member of the
Presbyterian church where he is held in the
highest esteem.
Mr. McDaid is the son of James Mc-
Daid, who was born in Londonderry, Ire-
land, in 1 8 16, and came to America in
1832, settling on a (arm in St. Lawrence
county, New York. He followed farming
until the breaking out of the Civil war,
when he enlisted in Company A, One Hun-
dred and Twenty-fourth New York Volun-
teer Infantry. He participated in the siege
of Fort Sumter, and was with the army of
448
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
the Potomac in the various battles of the
Virginia campaign. His father, Daniel Mc-
Daid, was a farmer in Ireland, and died at
the age of sixty years before James came to
America. The mother of our subject, Cere-
na (Drake) McDaid, who was born Febru-
ary lo, 1 8 14, in Prescott, Canada, is a
daughter of Lyman Drake, a farmer in New
York state, who died in 1840 in his sixtieth
year, and his wife, Polly (Woodcock) Drake,
a native of Canada. The Drakes are an
old Connecticut family who moved to Can-
ada about the time of the war of 18 12.
Guilford McDaid is one of seven chil-
dren, four of which are living. Frances,
the eldest, makes her home with the sub-
ject of this sketch. George resides in Clin-
ton, Iowa. The third child is the gentle-
man whose name heads this review.
James, the fourth child, resides in Chicago.
Hiram O. and Lyman, both deceased, were
in the Union army during the Civil war.
Jennie, also deceased, was the wife of
Alfred Woodcock, of Oregon, who served
as consul to Italy, also as internal revenue
collector for northern Illinois. He is now
a traveling land agent for the Union Pacific
railroad.
ORLANDO F. CRILL, residing on sec-
tion 15, Monroe township, is an active
and enterprising farmer, a life-long resident
of the township and one who stands high in
the estimation of his fellow citizens. His
farm, which consists of two hundred and
fifty-seven acres of well-improved land, is
always kept under a high state of cultiva-
tion. He was born in Monroe township.
May 30, 1850, and is the son of John J.
and Margaret (Keith) Crill, the former a
native of Herkimer county, New York, born
May 12, 1825, and the latter of Morgan
county, Ohio, born in 1830. Henry Crill,
the paternal grandfather, a native of New
York, married Betsy Wilkins, and both
lived and died in York state. The great-
grandfather, Thomas Crill, was a native of
Hesse, Darmstadt, Germany, and at an early
day emigrated to America, where he passed
his latter days. John J. Crill, the father,
was among the honored pioneers of the
county, and came to Monroe township in
I 844.
On the home farm our subject grew to
manhood, assisting in its cultivation and
attending the district schools as the oppor-
tunity was afforded him. He remained
under the parental roof until twenty-two
years of age, when he began life for him-
self. He was united in marriage December
17, 1873, with Miss Julia Matthews, daugh-
ter of John T. and Alvira P. (Garvin)
Matthews. She was born June i, 1852, in
Franklin county. New York, and when a
child of six years came with her parents to
New Milford, Winnebago county, Illinois,
and there grew to womanhood. By this
union three children have been born. Perry
J., born March 27, 1877, after receiving his
education in the public schools, took a
course in a commercial college of Rockford,
thus preparing himself for an active business
career. Edna, born May 10, 1883, and
Margaret, born October 24, 1885, are jet
attending the home school.
When Mr. Crill removed to his present
farm the sod only had been broken, but
with the characteristic energy of the family
he went to work to further improve the
place, and has now one of the best improved
farms in the township, with a good orchard
and an abundance of shade and ornamental
trees, substantial dwelling, good barns and
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
449
other outbuildings, and the land is kept
under the highest state of cultivation. He
has no especial hobby in the management
and cultivation of his farm, but gives his
attention to general farming and stock-
raising. He has met with a fair degree of
success, and feels that he has no just grounds
of complaint. The short-horned cattle and
Poland-China hogs which he annually raises
upon the place he ships to Chicago, thus
realizing the entire proceeds of their sale.
Politically, Mr. Crill is a Republican,
and with the Republican party he has con-
tinued to act since attaining his majority.
Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern
\\'oodmen of America, holding membership
with the camp at Monroe Center. A friend
of education, he has always lent his aid to
the public schools. In fact, to every enter-
prise calculated for the public good he is
ready to extend a helping hand.
GEORGE HISCOCK is a well-to-do
farmer residing on section 14, Dement
township, one-half mile north of the village
of Creston, where he owns a fine farm of
one hundred and twenty acres, and which
has been his home since about 1856. He
was born in England, November 23, 1S30,
and was but two years old when brought by
his parents, John and Frances (Dare) His-
cock, to the United States. They were
both natives of England, and came to this
country that they might better their condi-
tion in life. John Hiscock was a shoemaker
by trade, an occupation which he followed
for many years. He located in Danbury,
Fairfield county, Connecticut, where he
reared his family, and where his death oc-
curred when nearly eighty-three years old.
His wife survived him a year or two. They
were good and highly respected people.
George Hiscock grew to manhood in
Fairfield county, Connecticut, being reared
on a farm, and receiving his education in
the common scliools and in a private acad-
emy. A young man of twenty-two years
he came west, in 1852, and worked on a
farm in LaSalle county during the summer.
In the fall of the same year he returned to
his old home, and during the winter of
18
52-3 was engaged in running a stationary
engine. In the spring of 1853 he again
came to this state, and for several seasons
was engaged in breaking prairie, having
seven yoke of oxen which he used for that
purpose. When in Illinois for the first
time he purchased the land on which he
now resides, and in 1856 came to the coun-
ty, and in the spring of 1857 commenced
its improvement. Year b}' year some im-
provements were made, his present sub-
stantial dwelling being erected in 1S73.
In 1869 Mr. Hiscock was united in mar-
riage with Miss Emily A. Potter, who was
born, reared and educated in Onondaga
county. New York, and daughter of Joseph
and Jane (Carpenter) Potter, the former a
native of New York, and the latter of Lon-
don, England. Previous to her marriage
Mrs. Hiscock was for a time a teacher in
the public schools. By this union four
children were born. Blanche is now the
wife of Charles Schofield, editor of the
Marengo News, of Marengo, Illinois. Mabel
is the wife of Rev. A. F. Brewster, a min-
ister of the Methodist Episcopal church, of
Arlington Heights, Illinois. Previous to
her marriage she was a successful teacher
in the public schools. Alice was also a
teacher in the public schools. She is now
the wife of Charles A. Darnell, a lawyer of
45°
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Piano, Illinois. Georgia, a graduate of the
Creston schools, is yet at home.
Politically Mr. Hiscock is a Republican,
and has been a life-long advocate of the
principles of the Republican party. His
wife is a devoted member of the Methodist
Episcopal church. Both are well known,
especially in the eastern part of the county,
and have many friends. A residence of
forty-three years has enabled Mr. Hiscock
to have been an eye witness of the great
progress in the way of improvement, not
only of Ogle county, but of the northern
part of the state as well, and in the work of
its transformation he has borne his part.
HON. MILES J. BRAIDEN. — Promi-
nent among the energetic, far-seeing
and successful business men of Rochelle is
the subject of this sketch. His life history
most happily illustrates what may be at-
tained by faithful and continued effort in
carrying out an honest purpose. Integrity,
activity and energy have been the crowning
points of his success, and his connection
with various business enterprises and indus-
tries have been of decided advantage to
Ogle county, promoting its material welfare
in no uncertain manner.
Mr. Braiden was born in Castile, Wy-
oming county. New York, on the west bank
of Silver lake, October lo, 1835, ^nd on
the paternal side is of Scotch descent, his
grandparents, Joseph and Nancy ("Gillespie)
Braiden, being natives of the north of Ire-
land. In their famil}' were but two chil-
dren, a son and daughter, Roger and Jane.
The grandfather was born about 1767 and
died in 1792.
Roger Braiden, the father, was born in
1788, and arrived in New York City with his
parents the same year. They first located in
New York city, and in the public schools of
the Empire state he was educated, while
later he became a farmer near Silver Lake,
New York. In that beautiful locality he
was united in marriage with Miss Sophia
Fletcher, a daughter of Isaac and Ruth
(Pierce) Fletcher, both natives of Westfield,
Massachusetts, where for many generations
the family has resided. Her father was
born October 26, 1763, and as a sol-
dier of the Continental army, he took an
active part in the Revolutionary war. He
died in 1837 in Tazewell county, Illinois, and
his wife in 1S39, near Joliet, Illinois. In
their family were ten children: Gardner,
Joseph, Benjamin, Polly, Charlotte, Sophia,
Nancy, Eliza and Sarah. Five children,
three sons and two daughters, were born to
the parents of our subject, namely: George
E. , Cinderella, Marian, Isaac G. and Miles
J. The father died on the 20th of May,
1845, and five years later the mother, with
her children, came to Illinois, locating first
near Waukegan, but she spent her last days
in Rochelle, Illinois, where she passed away
October i, 1S72. The Fletcher family can
trace its record in England back to the
thirteenth century, and still farther back in
France and Switzerland, the name origin-
ally being spelled Flechiere.
The early education of Miles J. Braiden
was acquired in the public schools of his na-
tive state, and it was completed in the
Waukegan Academy, after the removal of
the family to this state. He began life for
himself as a farmer, and carried on opera-
tions along that line in Lake county, Illi-
nois, until 185G, when he and his mother
came to Rochelle, Ogle county, where he
embarked in the grocery and grain business
in company with his brother-in-law, H.
M. J. BRAIDEN.
MRS, CLARA V. BRAIDEN.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
455
Burlingim, under the firm name of H.
Burlingim & Company. On account of ill
health, caused by the dust from the grain,
he was obliged to give up the business in
i860, after which he purchased a farm in
Reynolds township, eight miles southwest
of Rochelle, becoming the owner of si.\
hundred and forty acres on sections 8 and
17. He continued to devote his time and
attention to the occupation of farming un-
til 1872, when he returned to Rochelle and
purchased the Flagg farm of one hundred
and forty-si.\ acres, upon which he has
platted two additions to the city. He also
purchased si.xty-five acres of Mills Stewart
in 1 868, on which he platted two additions
of one hundred lots. On his return to Ro-
chelle he began dealing in lumber, coal, ice
and building stone from quarries on his own
land, and in these combined interests he
has been eminently successful.
Mr. Braiden has been twice married, his
first wife being Julia P., a daughter of Wil-
lard P. Flagg. Four children were born of
this union: May E., Nettie C, Lucy S.
and Wilber F. , but all died of diphtheria
with the exception of Nettie C. , who is now
the wife of A. A. McClanahan, a prominent
attorney of Chicago, and has five living
children, Nettie M., Miles, Alice, Bayard
and A. Braiden. For his second wife our
subject married Miss Clara E. Vaile, and to
them have been born three children, two
sons and one daughter: Roscoe V., liiryant
F. and Marian G. Mrs. Braiden was for
eleven 3 ears a most successful teacher in
the primary department of the public
schools of Rochelle, and her grade took
first prize at the state fair in 1881. Her
father, Edward G. Vaile, was born in Wash-
ington county, Pennsylvania, March 2,
1827, and was married May 23, 1S48, to
Miss Caroline Cooper, a native of the same
place. In 1854 they came to Rochelle,
where he died March 30, 1897, but at the
present writing, in i S99, the mother is still
living. To them were born si.\ children,
one son and five daughters, as follows:
Mary E., Clara E., Maria S., Anna E. ,
Emma C. and Edward L.
Socially, Mr. Braiden is a prominent
Mason, belonging to Horicon Lodge, No.
244, F. & A. M., of Rochelle; Rochelle
Chapter, No. 58, R. A. M. ; and Dixon Com-
mandery. No. 21, K. T. He is an active
member of the Rochelle Agricultural and
Mechanical Association, of which he was
president for three years. In political sen-
timent he is a stanch Republican, and he
has ever taken prominent and influential
part in public affairs. Immediately after
locating in Reynolds township, he was ap-
pointed township treasurer of school funds
and held that position until his return to
Rochelle in 1872. He was alsO elected
supervisor of the township and most credit-
ably and satisfactorily filled the office for six
years in the township of Reynolds and for
the three last terms received every vote cast
for supervisor. He also served six years as
supervisor of Flagg township. Ogle county.
In 1870 he was elected to the twenty-sev-
enth general assembly of Illiuois, from Lee
county, and most ably represented his dis-
trict in that body for one term. In 1893
he was president of the Old Settlers' Associa-
tion. He has served as alderman of Ro-
chelle for two terms, and has been a mem-
ber of the school board for six years. He
has discharged his various official duties
with a promptness and fidelity worthy
of all commendation, and all that per-
tains to the public welfare receives his
hearty support. He is emphatically a man
456
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of enterprise, positive character, indomi-
table energy and liberal views, and is thor-
oughly identified in feeling with the growth
and prosperity of his adopted county and
state.
R
I C H A R D M. KING. —Prominent
among the energetic, enterprising and
successful citizens of White Rock township
is the subject of this sketch, whose home is
on section 21. He is public-spirited and
thoroughly interested in whatever tends to
promote the moral, intellectual and mate-
rial welfare of Ogle county.
Mr. King was born in Pelham, Hamp-
shire county, Massachusetts, January 28,
1S43, a son of John M. and Lucy (Boying-
ton) King. The father was a native of
England and on coming to this country lo-
cated first in the east. Having previously
learned the art of manufacturing cloth, he
was employed as overseer of woolen mills
at various places, among them being Lowell,
Massachusetts. He established and for
some time operated a mill in Georgia, but
in 1846 took up his residence permanently
in Ogle county, Illinois, and turned his at-
tention to agricultural pursuits and shoe-
making, which trade he learned after re-
tiring from the manufacturing business. In
this county he met with success in his un-
dertakings and acquired about two hundred
acres of valuable land. In his political
views he was a strong Abolitionist and' was
one of the first to cast his ballot for the
Free Soil party, later becoming a Repub-
lican. He was born in November, 1802,
and died in the village of Kings in 1886.
The mother of our subject passed away in
March, 1852. Of the eight children born
to them, seven reached years of maturity
and six are still living. They are George
W., a resident of Flagg, Ogle county;
James H., who is living retired in Rockford;
William H., of Ivings; Charles T., of
White Rock township; Isabelle J., who
married Kingsbury Morehead and died in
Jackson county, Iowa; John, who is a resi-
dent of Hand county. South Dakota, and has
represented his district in the state senate;
Richard M., our subject; and Lucy, who
died in infancy.
Richard M. King was only four years
old when brought by his parents to Ogle
county, but he well remembers many inci-
dents of the journey made overland. His
boyhood and youth were passed upon the
home farm, and he was educated in the
common schools and Mt. Morris Academy.
In the fall of 1S63, with his brother, John
M., he enlisted in Company B, Ninety-
second Illinois Vohmteers, which, a year
later, was made a mounted infantry regi-
ment, and was first under Colonel Atkins,
brigadier commander, and Colonel Sheets,
regiment commander. Our subject par-
ticipated in the battle of Chickamauga, the
campaign resulting in the capture of At-
lanta, Sherman's march to the sea, and the
Carolina campaigns. After almost three
years of arduous service he was mustered
out at Concord, North Carolina, June 21,
1865, and was honorably discharged on the
7th of July, at Chicago. After his return
home he attended school at Mt. Morris for
one term, and then engaged in teaching in
district No. i. White Ivuck township, now
the village of King's.
On the 1 8th of October, 1866, Mr. King
was united in marriage with Miss Lettie
Dalrymple, a native of Morrow county,
Ohio, and a daughter of John and Eleanor
(Logan) Dalrymple, who were also born in
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
457
that state, where the mother died in 1S49.
In 1862 the father came to Ogle county and
spent his last days in White Rock town-
ship, where he passed away September 13,
1 891. His children were Lettie, wife of
our subject; John A., still a resident of Mor-
row county, Ohio; Mary E., wife of \V.
D. Sechlcr, of Rochelle; and Martha A.,
wife of Charles Sechler, of King's. Mr.
and Mrs. King have a family of si.x children:
Carrie, who is one of the prominent instruct-
ors of the state and is now engaged in
teaching in the city schools of Chicago;
Frank J., cashier of the Farmers' Bank at
Iving's; Lula, also a teacher; Harry L. ,
who assists his father in carrying on the
home farm; Jeanie, who is attending school
in Rochelle; and M. Eleanor, now at home.
After his marriage, Mr. King rented land
and engaged in farming, and the following
winter again taught school in White Rock
township. The next year he purchased
forty acres of land now in the village of
King's and owned by W. H. King. This he
operated in connection with rentcil land
and the following year was able to purchase
an adjoining forty acres. Since then as his
financial resources have increased, he has
bought more land until he now owns three
hundred and seventy-five acres of as fine
land as can be found in the county. In
1875 he located upon his present place.
which was then owned by his father-in-law,
and to its further improvement and culti-
vation he has since devoted his energies.
After occupying the small house standing
thereon for one year, he built his present
residence which he has since enlarged and
improved. He has ever given his attention
principally to general farming and stock
raising, but at different times has also been
interested in other enterprises. In 1S75,
after the completion of the railroad through
King's, he established the lumber and coal
business there which is now conducted by
Mr. Klein, but he carried on the same for
three years. He was the one of the prime
movers in organizing the White Rock
Mutual Fire Insurance Company in 1S73,
and served as one of its directors for ten
years. In 1891 he became a fourth owner
in the Farmers Bank of Kings, and a year
later his son Frank bought a fourth interest
and has since acted as cashier. Frater-
nally Mr. King is an honored member of
Rochelle Post, No. 546, G. A. R. , and
politically is a Republican, but at local
elections supports the man and principles,
rather than the party. He has provided
his children with liberal educations and the
home circle is one of culture and refinement.
He has always taken an active interest in
educational matters and for nine years has
most creditably served as school trustee.
He is a well-informed, pleasant and genial
gentleman, and is very popular, having a
most extensive circle of friends and acquaint-
ances who esteem him highly for his genuine
worth.
THOMAS G. SOUTHWORTH, a well-
known farmer and capitalist, residing
in the city of Rochelle, although not num-
bered among the pioneers of Ogle county,
has been a resident of it for twenty-five
years. He was born in Dryden, Tompkins
county. New York, November 16, 1829,
and traces his ancestry back to Faber
Southworth, who was born September i,
1 7 10, and who married Mary Seabury.
Their son John, born January 4, 1743. "lur-
ried Elizabeth Wightman, by whom was
born Thomas, who married Sally Eldridge,
458
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
of Berkshire county, Massachusetts, who
died April ii, 1814. Thomas Southworth
died in Dryden, New York, July 27, 1863,
at the age of ninety-one years. Their son,
John Southworth, was born September 25,
1796, in Salisbury, Herkimer county, New
York, and at the age of ten years went to
Dryden, New York, where he grew to man-
hood and engaged in farming. He was very
prosperous and became a millionaire. He
was married September 9, 1S19, to Nancy
Ellis, a native of Tompkins county, New
York, and daughter of John and Rhoda
(Rathburn) Ellis. Her father, who was a
very prominent man, was known in all the
regions roundabout as the " King of Dry-
den." He was county judge for a number
of years, and served his district as state
senator, and also held various other local
offices. John and Rhoda Ellis were the par-
ents of five sons and five daughters. He
died a very wealthy man.
To John and Nancy Southworth five
children were born--Rhoda Charlotte, John
Ellis, Sarah Ann, Nancy Amelia and
Thomas George. The mother of these
children died March 16, 1830, and John
Southworth later married Betsy Jagger, and
to them were born five children. John
Southworth never came west to reside,
although he invested largely in real estate
in Illinois, which was managed for him by
his son, the subject of this sketch. He
died at his old home in Dryden, New York,
December 2, 1877.
Thomas G. Southworth grew to man-
hood in Dryden, New York, and in the
schools of that place received his education.
At the age of eighteen he quit school and
commenced work on the farm. He was
married April 19, 1855, to Miss Malvina A.
Freeland, who was born August G, 1834, in
Caroline, Tompkins county, New York, and
daughter of John and Ruth (Lake) Freeland,
who were the parents of five children--D.
Wellington, Adelaide M., Malvina A., Isaac
Newton and Rhoda Jane. John Freeland
was a son of Robert Freeland, who was
born in Armagh, in the north of Ireland,
and was mixed up in the Irish rebellion, and
who came to this country in 1798. In early
life John Freeland engaged in teaching, but
later followed farming in connection with
■ the trade of carpenter. He died in 1854,
but his wife is yet living at the age of ninety-
five years. To our subject and his wife one
son was born, John Willis, of whom more
is said elsewhere in this volume.
After his marriage Mr. Southworth moved
into the city of Dryden, and with his
brother-in-law, H. W. Sears, engaged in
the mercantile trade for two years, and
then returned to the farm. He continued
to engage in agricultural pursuits in his na-
tive county until 1867, when he concluded
to come west. On coming to Illinois, he
located in Reynolds township, Lee county,
and there engaged in farming for seven
years. He then moved to Ogle county and
settled on his farm adjoining the city of
Rochelle, where he lived thirteen years,
since which time he has been living in his
present place of residence.
Mr. Southworth is a thorough business
man, and has made a success in life. He
has one farm of one hundred and sixty
acres in Lee county, Illinois, and has sev-
eral farms in Ogle county, aggregating in
all between thirteen and fourteen hundred
acres of excellent farming land. He has
been connected with the Rochelle National
Bank as a stockholder for about fifteen
years, and for ten years has been one of its
efficient directors. In politics he is a
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
459
thorough Republican, but he has never been
a politician in the common acceptation of
the term. Believing firmly in the principles
of the party, he gives support to the na-
tional and state candidates, but asks no
office for himself.
For thirty-two years Mr. Southworth
has been identified with the farming and
commercial interests of this section of the
state, and through his own exertions he
has attained an honorable position and
marked prestige among the representative
men of Ogle county, and with signal con-
sistency it may be said, that he is the
architect of his own fortunes, and one whose
success amply justifies the application of
the somewhat hackneyed, but most ex-
pressive title, " a self-made man." He is
respected by all who know him, and he is
one of the best citizens of the county.
DANIEL ETNYRE.— Ogle county has
been the home and scene of labor of
many men who have not only led lives that
should serve as an example to those who
come after them but have also been of im-
portant service to their county through vari-
ous avenues of usefulness. Among them
must be named Daniel Etnyre, who passed
away in Oregon, October 21, 1893, after a
life of industry, and rich in those rare pos-
sessions which only a high character can
give.
Mr. Etnyre was born near Smithsburg,
Washington county, Maryland, March 29,
1817, a son of John and Catharine (Chris-
tian) Etnyre, who were also natives of Mary-
land and died in Ogle county. He was
reared on a farm in his native state and
continued to follow agricultural pursuits
there until the emigration of the family to
49
Illinois. On reaching the Ohio river, they
floated down that stream and then proceed-
ed up the Mississippi to St. Louis, and from
there came by wagon to Ogle county, reach-
ing their destination on the i6th of June,
1839. The father bought a farm, but be-
fore much had been accomplished in the
way of improvements he died, in October
of the same year.
Our subject purchased land on section
4, Oregon township, and for forty-six years
made that place ,his home while devoting
the greater part of his time and attention to
farming. On leaving the farm in Decem-
ber, 1884, he removed to the city of Ore-
gon, where he had previously built a com-
modious and pleasant residence. He was
unusually successful in his business career,
and besides his home farm, of nearly five
hundred acres, lying three-quarters of a mile
from Oregon, he had over three hundred
acres elsewhere in the county. He was also
interested in several important business en-
terprises in the city. He was one of the
organizers and a large stockholder of the
First National I5ank, of Oregon, served as
its president for a number of years, and was
also president of the Rock River Furniture
Company.
On the 1 2th of January, 1S43, in Ore-
gon, Mr. Etnyre was united in marriage
with Miss Mary Rice, who was born in
Boonesboro, Washington county, Maryland,
September 5, 1825, and came with her par-
ents to this state in July, 1837. They drove
from their old home in Maryland to Carlyle,
Ohio, in three weeks, and after spending a
short time at that place proceeded to Ogle
county, the remainder of the journey also
occupying three weeks. Her parents were
Jacob and Mary (Rowland) Rice, both na-
tives of Washington county, Maryland, and
46o
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
she was the tenth in order of birth in their
family of twelve children. After the death
of his first wife, Mr. Rice married Catherine
Fink, who is now living in Mt. Morris, at
the extreme old age of one hundred and
two years, and is in full possession of her
mental faculties.
Twelve children were born to Mr. and
Mrs. Etnyre: Lauretta, born March 25, 1844,
is the wife of Henry Coffman, of Pine Creek
township; Mary A., born January 14, 1846,
died December 25, 1846; Sarah E., born De-
cember 29, 1848, who was the wife of John
B, Mix, a farmer of Oregon township, died
June 29, 1S88; Augusta, born January 23,
1850, died May 5, 1864; William A., born
March 20, 1852, married Annie M. Lantz,
and is engaged in farming in Oregon town-
ship; John J., born September 12, 1854,
died March 26, 1884; Lydia C. , born Jan-
uary 23, 1858, resides with her mother in
Oregon; D. Edward, born July 9, 1859,
is engaged in farming on the old homestead;
A. Elizabeth, born January 3, 1861, is the
wife of Samuel B. Wadsworth; Mary Em-
ma born January 21, 1S63, and Samuel L.,
born May 18, 18O5, are both at home; and
George L. , born June 26, 1868, was killed
by a kick from ahorse September 27, 1881.
Mrs. Etnyre, who is a most estimable lady
and a member of the Lutheran church, still
resides in Oregon.
On the organization of the Republican
party, in 1856, Mr. Etnyre joined its ranks,
and continued one of its stalwart supports.
He served for one term as county treasurer,
but never cared for political preferment.
Endowed by nature with a sound judgment
and an accurate, discriminating mind, he
feared not that laborious attention to the
details of business so necessary to achieve
success, and this essential quality was ever
guided by a sense of moral right which
would tolerate the employment only of
those means that would bear the most rigid
examination by a fairness of intention that
neither sought nor required disguise. It is
but just and merited praise to say of Mr.
Etnyre, that as a business man he ranked
among the ablest; as a citizen he was hon-
orable, prompt and true to every engage-
ment; and as a man he held the honor and
esteem of all classes.
JACOB HEWITT, who resides on sec-
kJ tion 9, Scott township, is a well-
known and highly respected citizen of the
township, and a resident of Ogle county
since 1855. He is a native of Huntingdon
county, England, and was born September
17, 1S25. His parents, James and Mary
(Green) Hewitt, were also natives of the
same shire. They had a family of nine
children, as follows: Jane, Jacob, Hannah,
Elizabeth, Sarah, William, James, Daniel
and Samuel.
After spending his boyhood and youth in
his native land, where he received a very
limited education, when twenty-five years
old, our subject determined on emigrating
to America where the opportunities for ad-
vancement were supposed to be much great-
er, and where the poor man had equal rights
with the rich. Leaving home, he sailed for
" the land of the free," and after a voyage
of a number of days he landed at New York.
After two years sojourn in various places,
in 1855 he came to Ogle count)', which has
since continued to be his home. For two
years he worked by the day at odd jobs,
and having accumulated a little money he
purchased sixty acres of unimproved land on
section 9, and at once set about its improve-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
461
iiient. In due time he had a well cultivated
farm which he has since kept under a hii;h
state of cultivation, and which has been to
himself and wife a restful place of abode.
On the 14th of February, 1S55, Mr.
Hewitt was united in marriage with Miss
Sarah Brand, also a native of England, who
came to the United States with her father,
William Brand, who was born, reared and
married in Huntingdon county, England.
To her husband Mrs. Hewitt has been a
helpmeet indeed, and their married life has
been a happy one. \\'hile no children came
to bless their union, they have always been
happy in each other's love. Both are mem-
bers of the Baptist church, in the teachings
of which they have unbounded faith, and in
the work of which they are greatly inter-
ested. In politics he is a Democrat.
MJ. CRILL, who resides on section 14,
Monroe township, is a well-known
farmer and stock raiser, one who is known
throughout the length and breadth of the
county. He is a native of the township,
born August 11, 1S48, and is the son of
John J. and Margaret Crill, who were mar-
ried November 7, 1847, and who were num-
bered among the early settlers of the coun-
ty, and who were the parents of three chil-
dren— M. J., Orlando and Augusta. The
latter married Henry Hardy, and they are
now living a retired life in Rockfcrd, Illi-
nois.
The subject of this sketch remained under
the parental roof until he was twenty-si.\
years old, and in the common schools of
the neighborhood received his education.
The greater part of his education, however,
was obtained in the school of experience,
the lessons of which are usually well im-
pressed upon the mind, and seldom forgot-
ten. From the time old enough to reach
the handles of the plow, he was expected
to do his full share of the farm work, and
whatever he did was well done. The habits
of industry ac(]uired in youth have remained
with him during life, and his farm is always
under a high state of cultivation and well
kept in every respect.
Mr. Crill was married January 3, 1S71,
at Cherry Valley, Illinois, to Amelia Houd-
shell, a native of Winnebago county, Illi-
nois, and daughter of Jacob and Nancy
(Obedear) Hondeshell, both of whom were
natives of Pennsylvania, and who were
numbered among the early settlers of Winne-
bago county. By this union four children
were born: Nellie A. married Robert
Dresser, a substantial farmer residing at
Lindenwood, Illinois, where he operates a
farm of one hundred and si.xty acres; Maude
died at the age of nine years, and Ruth Ella
when ten months old; and one died in in-
fancy.
When Mr. Crill was first married he com-
menced farming a tract of five hundred and
ten acres of land and made a specialty of
raising Percheron and Morgan horses and
Shetland ponies, short horn Durham cattle,
and white Chester hogs, a liranch of his
business in which he was quite successful.
He has continued to engage in general farm-
ing, and his ability as a farmer is acknowl-
edged by all. For three years he served as
road commissioner, was twelve years a
member of the school board, and for five
years has been one of the constables of his
township, an office which he now holds. In
politics he is a Republican. Fraternally he
is a Mason, a memlier of the Knights of
Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America,
462
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
GEORGE MURRAY.— Canada has fur-
nished to the United States many
bright, enterprising young men who have
left the Dominion to enter the business cir-
cles of this country with its more progress-
ive methods, livelier competition, and ad-
vancement more quickly secured. Among
this number is Mr. Murray, one of the most
enterprising and progressive farmers and
stock breeders of Ogle county, his home
being on section 17, Buffalo township.
Mr. Murray was born near Toronto, On-
tario, Canada, November 15, 1850, and is
a son of Thomas Murray, a native of Scot-
land, born in the city of Edinburg, Septem-
ber 26, 1818. When a young man the
father came to the new world, locating in
Ontario, Canada, in 1836, and there he fol-
lowed the blacksmith's trade throughout the
remainder of his life, dying January 17,
1S66. He was married in Canada, in March,
1848, to Miss Louisa Graham, also a native
of Scotland, her birth occurring in Dum-
frieshire, June 28, 1826. She crossed the
Atlantic with a brother and also took up
her residence in Ontario. She survived her
husband for thirty years, spending her last
days with her son in Illinois, where she
passed away January 27, i8g6. She was
the mother of eight children, five sons and
three daughters, of whom four sons and two
daughters are still living, namely: Mary,
who acts as housekeeper for our subject;
George, of this review; Thomas, a farmer
of Holcomb, Ogle county; John, who is
married and engaged in farming in Lee
county, Illinois; Robert; and Mrs. Margaret
Copenhaver, who also resides with our sub-
ject and has two sons, George and Robert.
George Murray was reared in Ontario,
Canada, and received a good common-school
education, which well fitted him for life's
responsible duties. As a young man he
came to Illinois, in 1872, and took up his
residence in Taylor township, Ogle county,
where for one year he worked by the month
as a farm hand. He then rented a farm, which
he operated for the same length of time.
Since then he has given the greater part of
his time and attention to the breeding of fine
stock, in partnership with his brother im-
porting and dealing in pure-blooded Per-
cheron, Clydesdale and French coach horses.
The firm of Murray Brothers became well
known among breeders and dealers in differ-
ent states and they sold their horses quite
extensively throughout the west, doing a
large and profitable business. The partner-
ship was dissolved in 18S6, but our subject
continued to engage in the business until
1893. His first purchase of land consisted
of seventy-five acres in what is now Woo-
sung township, but after residing there for
three years, he sold the place and in 1881
located upon his present farm, consisting at
that time of one hundred and eighty-two
acres. Upon the place he has made exten-
sive improvements, which add greatly to its
value and attractive appearance, making it
one of the most desirable farms of the lo-
cality. He has enlarged its boundaries so
that they now contain two hundred acres of
valuable land under a high state of cultiva-
tion and improved with a large, neat resi-
dence, corn cribs, granaries, barns, etc. He
has also given considerable attention to the
raising of Galloway cattle, and still feeds an-
nually from one to four car loads of cattle and
a car load of hogs for the market. He start-
ed out in life for himself with nothing but
his own indomitable energy and through his
own efforts has acquired a comfortable com-
petence, being to-day one of the substantial
men of the county.
GEORGE MURRAY.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
465
Mr. Murray cast his first presidential
vote for Grover Cleveland and continued to
affiliate with the Democracy until iSgG,
when he supported William McKinley, the
Republican candidate. For a number of
years he has served as a member of the
school board and has been president of the
district. He is also connected with the
library association and has served as one of
its trustees and directors. He and his sis-
ters hold membership in the Independent
Presbyterian church of Polo, and he is also
a member of the Knights of the Globe.
He is held in hij;h regard by all who know
him, and he has a host of warm friends
throughout the county.
THOMAS P. RUTLEDGE, deceased,
was for years a well-known citizen of
Ogle county, one who to know was to love
and esteem. He was born P^ebruary i, 18 10,
in New York city, and was a son of Robert
and Mary (Purvey) Rutledge, the former a
native of Ireland, born April 27, 1782, and
the latter in New York state, April 14, 17S3.
In his )outh Robert Rutledge emigrated to
the United States, where he formed the ac-
quaintance of Mary Lur\ey, and in New
York city the}' were united in marriage.
P^rom that city they emigrated to Canada,
where he purchased two hundred acres of
land and engaged in agricultural pursuits.
There their family of ten children were
born, and in that country the parents re-
mained until 1 841, when they came to Ogle
county, Illinois, locating in Oregon town-
ship, Mr. Rutledge entering and purchasing
si.x hundred and forty acres of wild land and
again engaging in farming. Robert Rut-
ledge was a benevolent, kind and free-
hearted man, and his house was always
open to the weary traveler. No one was
turned from his door, and he was always
willing to assist those in distress. The new
comer from the far cast was made to feel
that he was welcome, and he would render
any assistance in his power to help him ob-
tain land and gain for himself a home. He
was an earnest and consistent member of
the Methodist Episcopal church and was an
active worker in that body. His wife was
also a member of that body, and both de-
lighted in the service of the Lord's house.
He was a great bible student, that book be-
ing his constant companion. His death oc-
curred December 9, 1862, and that of his
wife June 13, 1864, both passing to their
reward while residing in Oregon township.
The subject of this sketch was the eld-
est in the family. He grew to manhood in
Canada, and received such an education as
the common schools of that day afforded.
He was reared to farm life and made farm-
ing his life work. He was married in To-
ronto, Canada, p-ebruary 14, 1832, to Miss
Elizabeth Foster, a native of Ireland, born
July 26, I 8 14, and daughter of Christopher
and Catherine P"oster, both of whom were
natives of the same country. By this union
thirteen children were born, seven of whom
are now living. All were born in Canada.
Mary died at the age of one ytar. Robert
married Melissa Smith, and died August 18,
1894, at Storm Lake, Iowa. Foster mar-
ried Caroline Hart, and they reside in Storm
Lake, Iowa. Frances married J. F. Haw-
thorn, and they reside in Oregon township,
where they are engaged in farming. John
enlisted in the Seventy-fourth Illinois Vol-
unteer Infantry, and served under General
Thomas until the close of the war. He
married Mrs. Lucy Goodhue, but both are
now deceased. William married Clara
466
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
Blood, and after her decease he married
Maggie Fitch. He died at Council Bluffs,
Iowa, August 3, 1 89 1. Catherine married
Edward Crewell, and they now reside in
Orange, California, where he is engaged in
fruit growing. Charlotte married Captain
Spencer Smith, and they live near Van
Horn, Benton county, Iowa, where he is
engaged in farming. Thomas S. died in
Rockvale township. Ogle county, at the age
of si.xtecn years. Elizabeth married Sam-
uel G. Walker, and they reside in Butler,
Missouri. Hester A. finished her education
at Mt. Morris College, and for some years
was a successful teacher in Ogle county,
and later in Buena Vista county, Iowa. She
died July i, 1893, at Battle Creek, Mich-
igan. Emily is engaged in teaching in Ogle
county. She is the owner of a good farm
in Buena Vista county, Iowa. Edward
married Fanny Riesdorf, and they reside in
Browns Valley, Minnesota. He is a land
owner and county surveyor.
Selling his farm in Canada in the fall of
1855. Mr. Rutledge came to Ogle count}',
and in the fall of that year settled in Rock-
vale township, where he bought a farm of
three hundred acres and again engaged in
farming. It did not take but a little while
for him to gather around himself a host of
warm-hearted friends, because he was a
man of generous impulse, ever ready to do
a favor. At the age of nineteen years he
united with the Methodist Episcopal church
and was ever afterwards one of the faithful
workers in that body. A friend of educa-
tion, he was one of the first to establish a
school in his Canadian home, and after his
removal to Ogle county he assisted in estab-
lishing one of the lirst schools in his neigh-
borhood. He was a great reader and kept
himself well informed on current events.
and was never at a loss to express himself.
A strong temperance man, he advocated the
principles of total abstinence, and lived up
to his professions. For about ten j ears
prior to his death, which occurred April 7,
1879, in the city of Oregon, he was in ill
health. His wife, who was also a consist-
ent member of the Methodist Episcopal
church, died in Oregon August 29, 1875,
and both were laid to rest in Rock River
View cemetery at that place.
VIRGIL E. REED, who resides on sec-
tion 1 3, Nassau township, is a well
known and highly respected citizen of Ogle
county. He is a native of the county,
born in Daysville, September i, 1841, and
is the son of Lyman and Mehitable (Clark)
Reed, the former a native of Westfield,
Vermont, born December 25, 1809, and
the latter a native of Gilson, New
Hampshire, born April 24, 1814. In 1835
the parents came west, and in the spring of
1836, settled in Daysville, where he en-
gaged at his trade of carpentering, at which
he worked for about twenty years. In the
early 'fifties he built a store room and en-
gaged in general merchandising until his
death, which occurred January 8, 1866.
His wife survived him many years, dying
April 28, 1886.
The subject of this sketch lived with his
parents until the age of twenty years, in the
meantime attending the common schools of
the neighborhood as the opportunity was
given him. When the war for the union
commenced his patriotism was aroused,
and he offered his services as one of its de-
fenders. He enlisted in Company F, Thirty-
fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served
nearly four years. He first enlisted for a
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
467
term of three years, but at the end of two
years the regiment veteranized, and with
the command he enhsted "for three years
or during the war. " He was in all the
battles and campaigns in which his regiment
participated until December 31, 1S62, when
he was taken prisoner at the battle of Stone
River, and for six months was confined in
Libby prison and at Castle Thunder. He
was then exchanged and returned to his
regiment, which was encamped on the same
battlefield where he was taken prisoner.
The Thirty-fourth regiment was in active
service until the close of the war, engaging
in many battles and skirmishes, and was
with Sherman in the march to the sea. It
was also in the grand review at Washington.
From the time he rejoined it Mr. Reed con-
tinued with it until the final muster out at
the close of the war. His record as a soldier
was a commendable one, and he has a right
to look back with a just pride to the days in
which as a soldier he endured trials and
sufferings that cannot be realized by those
who had not the same experience.
On receiving his discharge, Mr. Reed
returning to his home in Daysville, but
feeling the need of a better education he
attended Mt. Morris Seminary for one year,
and was then, April 3, 1 866, united in
marriage with Miss Harriet D. Carpenter,
daughter of John and Louise Carpenter.
She was also born in Nassau township, the
date of her birth being April 8, 1844. Her
parents were among the pioneers of the
township, and were excellent people, well
esteemed in the community. By this union
there were four children. Leon yet makes
his home with his parents, and is the pres-
ent assessor of Nassau township. Elmer
V. married Emma Carrick, daughter of John
and Jane Carrick. She is a native of Ogle
county, born in Nassau township. They
now reside in Chicago, where he is assistant
superintendent of the New York Metropoli-
tan Life Insurance Company. Ernest C.
is the superintendent of the Metropolitan
Life Insurance Company, and now resides
in Chicago. Oscar O. is now engaged in
teaching the district school in his home
neighborhood. The oldest and youngest
sons are also engaged in buying and ship-
ping stock, and assisting in carrj'ing on the
home farm.
Mr. Reed has a valual)le and well-im-
proved farm of two hundred and seventy-
five acres, on which he has made some
valuable improvements since the close of
the Civil war. As a farmer he has been
progressive, ready to adopt any improve-
ment that appealed to his judgment. As a
citizen he has always been held in high
esteem. Fraternally he is a member of the
Grand Army of the Republic and of the
Masonic order. Always an advocate of
temperance, he has done much to advance
its cause.
WILLIAM J. MINNIS, a representa-
tive and highly respected farmer of
Ogle county, residing on section 26, White
Rock township, started out in life with
nothing but his own indomitable energy,
and his accumulation of this world's goods
is attributable to his industry, perseverance
and good management. He has won a fore-
most place among the leading citizens of his
community, and has become the owner of
four hundred acres of valuable land in White
Rock township; two hundred ant! lorty on
section 26 and one hundred and sixty on
section 25.
Mr. Minnis was born in I'^ebruary, 1831,
468
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
near Belfast, County Down, Ireland, and is
a son of William and Margaret (Patterson)
Minnis, also natives of that county. Tfie
fatfier was a farmer and land owner. In
thie family were five children. (i) Isabella
was married in County Down to Carrin Duff
and later they emigrated to Canada, where
both died, leaving four children, one son,
William, and three daughters. One of
these, Mrs. Deborah Way, with her two
daughters, Eva and Flora, now makes her
home with our subject and acts as his house-
keeper. (2) Mary wedded Samuel Gilbraitli
and still resides in Ireland. (3) Lydia
married Robert Wright and they came to
America at the same time as our subject,
locating first in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
Later they came to Ogle county and owned
a farm in Lynnville township, where he
died. The sister now makes her home in
Rochelle. (4) William J. is the next of the
family. (5) James came to America two
years after our subject, served all through
the Civil war and is now living retired with
his sister in Rochelle.
William J. Minnis received a common
school education and remained under the
parental roof until seventeen years of age.
At that time his sister Lydia and her hus-
band made arrangements to come to Amer-
ica, and he accompanied them on horseback
to Belfast, a distance of six miles, to see
them on board the vessel which they took
for Liverpool, England. His sister per-
suaded him to go with them to Liverpool,
so he sent his horse back home by a neigh-
bor. On reaching that place he was again
persuaded by her to come to America, which
he did without having made any prepara-
tions, his only possessions being the clothes
he wore and one pound sterling. Turning
his back on home, friends and native land,
he took passage with Mr. and Mrs. Wright
on a sailing vessel, which, after a long and
tedious voyage, landed them safely in Phila-
delphia. As Mr. Wright had a brother in
Pittsburg, they proceeded at once to that
city. Our subject's first work in the new
world was at threshing rye with a flail, for
which he received ten bushels of the grain
and sold the same for thirty-five cents per
bushel. Later he entered the employ of a
farmer in Washington, Pennsylvania, for
whom he worked five months for eight dol-
lars per month, but did not receive his pay
for two years. He next worked in a foundry
in Pittsburg for four dollars per week, and
out of that amount paid two dollars for
board. Later he was employed in glass
works at five dollars per week, and after
five years spent at various occupations, he
came west, locating first in Chicago. As
he failed to find employment in that city,
he accepted a position with James Garrett,
an old companion and associate in Ireland,
who was building wire fences for the Chi-
cago, Burlington & Ouincy railroad in
Bureau county. On the completion of that
task, he accompanied Mr. Garrett to his
home in Ogle county.
After working here two seasons for
wages, Mr. Minnis and his brother-in-law,
Mr. Wright, purchased eighty acres of land
in Lynnville township, which his sister now
owns. For some time he made his home
with them, but finally sold his interest to
Mr. Wright. Having heard that his father
was ill and not expected to live, he returned
to Ireland in the spring of 1867, but arrived
there too late to see him. He remained in
his native land one year, settling up the
estate, and then returned with his mother
to Ogle county, Illinois. The same fall he
bought one hundred and sixty acres where
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
469
he now resides, and where he has continued
to hve with the exception of six years spent
in Rochelle, during which time he rented
the place. On purchasing his farm he went
in debt for most of the amount, but so suc-
cessful has he been that he has since been
able to purchase two adjoining tracts, one
of eighty and the other of one hundred and
sixty acres. He now rents a portion of his
land, but personally superintends the rest,
and has always followed a most approved
system of mixed farming and stock raising,
putting considerable stock on the market
each year.
While on his visit to Ireland, Mr. Minnis
was married in February, 186S, to Miss
Agnes Martin, a distant relative and a
daughter of William and Grace (Minnis)
Martin. Soon after the birth of their only
child she died, February 23, 1871, at the
early age of twenty-eight years, seven
months and twenty-one days. Mr. Minnis
has always been true to her memory and
has never married again. The daughter
was named Agnes for her mother, and on
the 8th of October, 1895, she was united in
marriage with Henry Carpenter, of Dement
township.
Politically Mr. Minnis is a stanch sup-
porter of the Republican party, but has
never sought nor accepted any office with
the exception of school positions. He is
one of the leading members of the Meth-
odist Episcopal church of Rochelle, has
taken an active part in its work and been a
member of the official board. For a quar-
ter of a century he has belonged to Hickory
Grove 'Lodge, No. 230, I. O. O. F., of
Rochelle, and has filled all the chairs, being
past grand. He has met with excellent
success in life, having not only won a com-
fortable competence but also has the esteem
50
and confidence of all with whom he has
come in contact, either in business or social
life.
JOHN SMITH, now living a retired life
on his fine farm on section 4, Dement
township, and which lies about six miles
northeast of the city of Rochelle, has been
a valued resident of Ogle county since the
spring of 1859. He was born in Lincoln-
shire, England, May 22, 1825, and there
spent his boyhood and youth, being reared
to farm life. His educational advantages
were very limited, but he has made the best
use of the knowledge gained in youth and
is now a well informed man. He remained
under the parental roof until he nearly at-
tained his majority, and then worked for
others, his wages going to the support of
the family. He later began work for him-
self, having in view his future relations ii)
life. He was married in Lincolnshire, Eng-
land, April 10, 1848, to Miss Ann Tidswell,
a native of that shire, where they made
their home for two years after marriage.
Like all young married couples, they built
for themselves many air castles and laid
many plans for their future lives. They
soon concluded that if their air castles were
ever to turn into something more substan-
tial, they must emigrate to the United
States, where land was cheap and the op-
portunity was offered to every one to acquire
both wealth and reputation. Accordingly, •
in 1S50, Mr. Smith set sail for New York,
where he landed in due time, and made set-
tlement in Ontario county, and there be-
gan working by the month. Mrs. Smith
joined him the following year. They re-
mained in Ontario county for two years and
then removed to Yates county, in the same
4/0
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
state, where they remained until 1856, and
then came to Illinois, locating in "Winne-
bago county, where Mr. Smith found em-
ployment by the month with Terry Hol-
brook, who was residing near Rockford.
For Mr. Holbrook and Mr. Allenton he
worked for three years, and then moved to
his present place of residence. In 1S57,
he made his first purchase here, consisting
of eighty acres of raw land, on which there
had no improvement been made. In 185S
he built on the place a small house, into
which he moved with his family in 1859.
They lived in that house while he was open-
ing up his farm, and until his means war-
ranted his building a still better one. The
second one, however, was not a very pre-
tentious affair, but it served as a home until
he was able to build the present large and
substantial residence, in which the family
has now lived for some years. As his
means increased, he added to his landed
possessions until he has now about five hun-
dred acres of as fine land as one would care
to see, all of which is under cultivation.
Large barns have been erected, while vari-
ous outbuildings dot the place, fruit and
ornamental trees have been set out, and
everything in and around shows that a mas-
ter mind has directed and controlled it all.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of
seven children. Lucy is the wife of George
Sanders, a farmer of Flagg township.
Sarah is living with her parents. George
B. is married, and owns and operates a farm
adjoining the old homestead. Jennie is the
wife of D. F. Flowers, a carpenter by trade,
but who is engaged in farming near Cort-
land, Nebraska. William T. is married and
resides at Woodland, California. Albert E.
yet remains at home. Lizzie M. is the wife
of Robert Roe, of DeKalb, Illinois.
On the loth of April, 1898, Mr. and
Mrs. Smith celebrated their golden wed-
ding, on which occasion a number of their
friends and neighbors, their children and
grandchildren gathered to pay their respects
and to make glad the hearts of the old
couple, whom they all delighted to honor.
A silver tea set, and a number of other
valuable presents were made to Mr. and
Mrs. Smith as a reminder of the pleasant
occasion.
Mr. Smith is not a politician in the cur-
rent acceptance of the term, but he advo-
cates the principles of the Republican party
and votes the party ticket. With his good
wife he came to the county in time to ex-
perience many of the trials and hardships
of pioneer life, but he has been signally
blessed in worldly goods, and can now look
back to the days that are passed and smile
at the hardships then endured, having the
satisfaction of knowing that "all is well
that ends well." He is now comfortably
situated, with means to secure not only the
necessities of life, but any of the lu.xuries
that his heart might wish. In leaving the
old country for the new a wise move was
made.
JOHN THOMPSON, a well-known and
honored citizen of Lynnville township,
is the possessor of a comfortable property
which now enables him to lay aside all busi-
ness cares and enjoy a well-earned rest.
His early life was one of toil and due suc-
cess was not denied him in his chosen occu-
pation. As a young man of twenty-one
years he came to America, and with no
capital started out in a strange land to over-
come the difficulties and obstacles in the
path to prosperity. His youthful dreams
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
471
have been more than realized, ami in their
happy fulfillment he sees the fitting reward
of his earnest toil.
Mr. Thompson is a native of the north
of Ireland, born si.\ miles from Belfast, April
19, 1823, of Scotch ancestry. His father,
John Thompson, was born on the old home-
stead in Ireland, in 1797, and in early life
married Miss Margaret Patterson, who was
born May i, 1799. Theirs was a long and
happy married life of si.xty-five years and
they were not long separated by the hand
of death, as the mother died April 4, 1885,
and the father on the 2nd of the following
July. In their family were nine children,
namely: John, Margaret, Robert, Sarah,
William, James, Rabinah, Jane Ellen and
Samuel.
Our subject was educated in the schools
of his native land and there remained until
he attained his majority. On his emigration
to the United States, in 1844, he located in
Pennsylvania, where he was married, Feb-
ruary 6, 1 8 50, to Miss Hannah Blair, who
was born in Philadelphia, January 13, 1826.
In 1S53 they came to Illinois and took up
their residence in Ogle county, at which
time the present thriving city of Rochelle
contained but two log cabins. In partner-
ship with a brother-in-law, Mr. Thomps(jn
purchased two hundred and forty acres of
land in Dement township, but later he bought
a farm on section 31, Lynnville township,
where he now resides. He is a stone mason
by trade and followed it for many years, in
connection with farming, being employed
by the day and also doing some contract
work, but for the past ten years he has lived
retired.
To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson were born
nine children, four sons and five daughters,
namely: Mary and William both died in in-
fancy. Rabinah J. married Henry Blair,
formerly of Pennsylvania, and of the si.\
children born to them, four are now living:
P'rank, who married Nettie Sechler, of Iowa,
and has two children, Elroy and an infant;
and Clarence; Addie; and Elmer. Margaret,
daughter of our subject, married Isaac C
Teslor, of P'lagg township. Ogle county, and
they have six children: C. Edna, Fred G.,
Howard, Benjamin, Forest and Vance.
Samuel wedded Mary E. Spaulding, of
Lynnville tosvnship, and they have two
children: Lawrence |. and Lizzie A. Lydia
married William Burgess, of Lynnville
township, and died February i, 1895. Rob-
ert W. wedded Mary Lowey, of West Lib-
erty, Iowa, and has two children: Robert
and Ruby. Mary E. is living at home with
her father. J. William married Hattie
Collins, and was killed on the railroad, Jan-
uary 3, 1897. The wife and mother was
called to her final rest August 31, 1895. She
was a faithful meniber of the Methodist
Episcopal church, to which Mr. Thompson
also belongs, and of which he has been one
of the trustees. In political sentiment he
is an independent Republican.
CHARLES H. CANODi:, editor and
proprietor of the Mount Morris News,
was born in Franklin county, Penns) K'ania,
October 24, 1872, and is the son of .\rnold
E. and Amelia Jane (Worley) Canode, the
former a native of Washington county,
Maryland, and the latter of l-"ranklin coun-
ty, Pennsylvania. They were the parents
of nine children, as follows: James B.,
who married Flora L. Stoner, of Des
Moines, Iowa, but now reside in Mount
Morris; Benjamin F. ; George B., a druggist
of Bushnell, Illinois; Victor E-. who mar-
AT-
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ried Miss Mae McCoy, of Mount Morris, but
now make their home in Toledo, Ohio;
Frederick B., who married Miss Anna Cole-
man, of Chicatijo, where they make their
home; Martin Luther, living in DeKalb,
Illinois; Jennie M., who married Theodore
F. Haller, editor Forreston Herald; and
Mary E., at home. The f^ood mother died
December 13, 1S89, but the father is still
living in Mount Morris, which has been his
home since March 18, 1880, when he moved
with his family from their Pennsylvania
home. By trade he is a contractor and
builder, but is now living retired. He is a
member of the Lutheran church, in which
faith his wife died. Fraternally he is a
Mason and an Odd Fellow, and in politics a
Democrat. During Governor Altgeld's ad-
ministration he served as an officer in the
state penitentiary at Joliet.
The subject of this sketch was but eight
years old when he came with his parents to
Mount Morris. In the public schools of the
place he received his primary education, at-
tending the same until he was fourteen
years old, when he commenced to learn the
printer's trade in the office of the Brethren
Publishing Company, of Mount Morris. He
later spent six years in various newspaper
and job offices in Chicago, and was one of
the first operators on the Thorne type-set-
ting machine, in which he became an expert.
Returning to Mount Morris he established
the Mount Morris News, the first issue ap-
pearing under date May 19, 1896, and he
has since been sole editor and proprietor.
Under his management the paper has had a
successful career, and has been doing a very
satisfactory business.
On the 23d of September, 1896, Mr.
Canode was united in marriage with Miss
Eva M. Lutz, who was born in Melbourne,
Iowa, June 25, 1875, and daughter of John
M. and Sarah (Garber) Lutz, the former a
native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of
Illinois. They moved from State Center,
Iowa, to Mount Morris in the spring of
1894. Religiously they are members of the
Brethren church. They are the parents of
five living children, the others being Samuel
G., assistant general freight agent of the
Iowa Central railroad, who married Cora
B. Foreman, Marshalltown, Iowa; Dr. Ira
D., a dentist of Boone, Iowa, who married
Myrtle G. Praigg; Amanda G., and Viola
A., at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Canode are members of
the Lutheran church, and fraternally he is
a member of Samuel H. Davis Lodge, No.
96, A. F. & A. M., Mount Morris, and is a
charter member of Mount Morris Camp,
No. 4596, M. W. A. In politics he is a
Democrat.
JOSEPH F. HARLEMAN.— To a stu-
dent of biography there is nothing more
interesting than to e.xamine the life history
of a self-made man and to detect the ele-
ments of character which have enabled him
to pass on the highway of life many of the
companions of his youth who at the outset
of their careers were more advantageously
equipped or endowed. The subject of this
review has through his own exertions at-
tained an honorable position and marked
prestige among the representative farmers
of Ogle county, and is to-day the owner of
a large amount of valuable land in White
Rock township, his home being on sec-
tion 10.
Mr. Harleman was born in Northumber-
land county, Pennsylvania, October n,
1839, a son of Joshua D. and Elizabeth
JOSEPH F. HARLEMAN.
^^^s^
w
^4
v^X--"^-
,«%
V
MRS. ELIZABETH HARLEMAN.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL KECORU.
477
(Fogelman) Harleman, also natives of that
state. The father was in early life a shoe-
maker, but for several years followed farm-
ing in Pennsylvania. In the fall of 1852,
with his family he came to Illinois by team,
onr subject's thirteenth birthday occurring
while en route. Locating in Marion town-
ship. Ogle county, the father purchased
land and spent the remainder of his life
there with the exception of a few years
passed in the town of Oregon, where his
wife died in June, 1878. He then returned
to the farm and there passed away June 28,
1898, at the advanced age of eighty-six
years and seven months. He was a quiet,
unassuming man, giving his attention almost
wholly to the operation of his farm, and as
he met with excellent success in life, he left
a good estate. In early life he was a sup-
porter of the Democratic party, but later
became an ardent Republican. In his fam-
ily were four children, of whom our sub-
ject is the eldest. Mary C. is now the
widow- of Robert Sheadle, a resident of
Rochelle. Lucy E. was the wife of Charles
Hart, of Page county, I(3wa, where she
died. David S. now owns the old home-
stead in Marion township.
Mr. Harleman, of this review, was
reared on the home farm and received a
common school education. On starting
out in life for himself he engaged in farm-
ing upon rented land in White Rock town-
ship. He was married December 29, 1864,
to Miss Elizabeth Doebler, a native of Ly-
coming county, Pennsylvania, and a daugh-
ter of Henry and Sarah Doebler, who were
also born in that state, and in 1857 re-
moved with their family to Ogle county, Illi-
nois, locating in White Rock township,
where the father has since made his home.
For the past three years he has resided with
our subject. The mother is deceased; her
death occurred April ir, 1888. Mrs. Harle-
man is the second in ortler of birth in a
family of seven children, the others being
as follows: Jacob wedded Mary lienner
and resided in White Rock township, where
he died, leaving five children, Harry A. , John
B., Ella M. Myrtle B. and Ina E. Mary
S. is the wife of Marvin A. Hayner, (jf
|anesville, Wisconsin. Ellen C. is the
wife of Henry Rice, Paines Point, Ogle
county. Peter B. resides on the old home-
stead in White Rock township. |ohn A. is
a resident of Harlan county, Nebraska.
Martin L. makes his home m Ida county,
Iowa. As Mr. and Mrs. Harleman have
no children of their own, they have adopted
Ina P2., who is the youngest child of Jacob
Doebler and was only a year old at the time
her father's death. She has been carefully
reared as their own daughter and has found
a pleasant home with them.
In March, following their marriage,
Mr. and Mrs. Harleman commenced house-
keeping upon a rented farm on section 11,
White Rock township, comprising one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land, which he later
purchased. After living there for ten j'ears
he bought an adjoining one hundred and
sixt\' acres on section i i, and made that his
home for about the same length of time.
He then removed to his present farm (ju
section 10. P"rom time to time as his linan-
cial resources have permitted, he has bought
more land and now owns nine hundred and
sixty acres on sections 3, 9.10, 11 and 15,
White Rock township, ha\ing all of the
land for two miles and a half south of the
village of Holcomb. He has always given
considerable attention to the feeding of
stock and usually ships from three to five
car loads of cattle annually. He now rents
478
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
all of his land, with the exception of one
hundred and sixty acres, which he himself
operates. Like many men who have at-
tained success, he started out with nothing,
buying his first farm without a dollar of his
own to pay for it, and borrowing five hun-
dred dollars from his father to make the
first payment. His success is all attributa-
ble to his industryand the good judgment he
has exercised in business transactions. Po-
litically Mr. Harleman is independent, not
being bound by party ties, but voting for
principle rather than party.
CHESTER KEYS WILLIAMS, de-
ceased, who was for many years prom-
inently identified with the agricultural and
business interests of Ogle county, was born in
Brimfield, Hampden county, Massachusetts,
January 13, 1818, and was descended from
good old colonial stock. The first of the
family to come to the new world was
Robert Williams, whose early home was in
Norwich, England. He settled in Roxbury,
Massachusetts, in 1638, and died there in
1693, at an advanced age. From him down
to our subject we trace the ancestry through
the following: Samuel, a native of Eng-
land, 1632-1698; Samuel, 1655-1735; Eb-
enezer, 1690-175 5; Rev. Chester, 1702-
1755; Rev. Nehemiah, 1749- 1800; and
Ebene;;er, 1777 -1856. The last named,
who was the father of our subject, married
Eli/a Whitwell, a daughter of Dr. Whit-
well, a surgeon in the Revolutionary war.
Chester K. Williams attended the com-
mon schools of his native town and also the
Monson Academy, and when his education
was completed clerked in his father's store
until twenty years of age. In October,
1838, in company with his brother-in-law,
Horatio Wales, he came to Ogle county,
Illinois, and in Buffalo township they pur-
chased three hundred and twenty acres of
land bordering on Buffalo Grove. Until
1 85 I our subject gave his time and atten-
tion to the cultivation and improvement of
his land and then rented the farm and en-
gaged in clerking in Buffalo Grove, where
he also served as postmaster from 185 i un-
til 1853. In 1855, in partnership with Drs.
W. W. Burns and J. H. More, heemliarked
in the drug business, which they carried on
together for two years, but from 1857 until
1866, our subject again followed farming.
In the latter year he sold his place and
removed to Polo, where he continued to
make his home until called from this life,
December 8, 1891.
Mr. Williams was twice married, first to
Maria P. Anthony, of Avoca, New York, by
whom he had four children: Lulu, Kate,
Anna and Lucy, all now deceased. Lucy
married Homer B. Hitt and to them was
born a son, Harold Williams. On the 15th
of December, 1886, Mr. Williams married
Mrs. Mary McQuaid, a daughter of Charles
Wheeler Samis, who was born in New
York, January 21, 1801. Her grandfather,
Ebenezer Samis, was a sea-faring man who
died at the advanced age of ninet3'-three
years. He was married in 1800, at the age
of twenty-two or three years, to Ruth
Wheeler, who died in December, 1801, and
was buried in Trinity church yard, New
York city. The Wheelers were an old
f nnily on Long Island, and the house in
which they lived was built of bricks brought
from Holland. Charles W. Samis, the
only son of Ebenezer and Ruth (Wheelerj
Samis, was married November 28, 1824,
to Polly Bently, of Jamestown, New York,
who was born October 10, 1803, and died
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
479
at the age of eighty-three years. She was
a member of the Presbyterian church. Her
father, Uriah Bently, was a pioneer settler
of western New York, where he became an
extensive farmer and large land owner.
Lakewood and Chantanqua lake are on
grounds formerly owned by him. Much of
his property is still in the possession of the
family. He was born in Rensselaer coun-
ty. New York, and was married December
28, 1800, to Nancy Sweet, who died April
21, 1844, at the age of sixty-five years.
Mrs. Williams was first married January i,
1S49, to William McOuaid, by whom she
had three children, as follows: Charles
Samis, a practicing physician, married
Emma Kerr, and to them was born a son,
Charles William. The Doctor died in
Kansas. Amelia is the wife of George W.
McCollom. William, a resident of Knob
Knoster, Missouri, married Delina Andrews
and they have one daughter, Mary, now
the wife of James W. Silke, who is con-
nected with the German National Bank, of
St. Paul, Minnesota.
An upright and honorable man Mr. Will-
iams had the esteem and confidence of all
who knew him, and was frequently honored
by his fellow townsmen with positions of
trust and responsibility. Besides serving
as postmaster of Buffalo Grove, he was su-
pervisor in 1856 and 1857, and again in
1S63; was mayor of Polo from 1881 until
1 886, and president of the Polo Cemetery
Association in 1858. He was president of
the first old settlers' meeting, was also their
first treasurer, and after the reorganization
of the society in 1873, served as its presi-
dent for two terms. He was also cor-
responding secretary of the Buffalo Old Set-
tlers' Association, and in 1889 was elected
president of the Ogle County Old Settlers'
Association. Throughout his career of con-
tinued and far-reaching usefulness his duties
were performed with the greatest care, and
during a long life his personal honor and in-
tegrity were without blemish. He was a
man of deep convictions, was generous and
was never afraid to stand up for those
princijiles which he believed to be rii;ht.
In all the relations of life he was always
found true to every trust reposed in him,
and as a citizen was honored and respected
by the entire community.
BARBI'IR BROTHERS & CO., Bank-
ers, Polo, Illinois. This business was
founded in 1843 by Chanceford R. Barber
and Lemuel N. Barber, brothers, under the
firm name of C. & L. N. ISarber. They
came from near Brattleboro, Vermont, and
established a store at Buffalo Grove, an
early settlement in Ogle county on the old
stage route, in which was carried on a
general business in merchandise and prod-
uce of all kinds, and at the same time
meeting the requirements of the locality in
the banking line until the first exclusive
banking institution of Ogle county was
established at Polo in 1855 by Chanceford
R. Barber and others under the firm name
of Barber, Frisbee & Co.
In 1874 he formed a co-partnership for
banking with Isaac H. Trumbauer, under
the style of Barber & Trumbauer. Mr.
Barber retained his interest in business, and
was actively identified in its management
until the time of his death, which occurred
August 21, 1 8 79. In 1 88 1 Mr. Barber's
widow. Mrs. Lucie H. Barber, and his two
sons, Bryant H. and Henry D. , purchased
Mr. Trumbauer's interest and became sole
proprietors of the bank, which has since
480
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
been conducted under the name of Barber
Brothers & Co.
The banking house of Barber Brothers
& Co. conducts exclusively a general bank-
ing business, and the wealth and widely
known responsibility of its proprietors give
it standing among the substantial financial
institutions of the state.
Henry D. Barber was born in Buffalo
Grove, Illinois, March 3, 1855, a son of
Chanceford R. and Lucie H. Barber, and died
October 26, 1896. He was educated in the
public schools of Polo and at Harvard Uni-
versity, receiving his business training in his
father's bank where lie began as a clerk when
he was nineteen years old. From the forma-
tion of the present firm of Barber Broth-
ers & Co. until his death he was actively
engaged in the management of the firm's
business. He took an active interest in all
matters pertaining to education, and while
his exacting duties prevented his acceptance
of any public office he was always associated
in any movement calculated to develop the
highest standard of citizenship.
Mr. Barber was a man of singularly
keen judgment, unimpeachable integrity
and unusual attainments. His opinion was
held in high esteem in prominent financial
circles, and he was interested in many suc-
cessful enterprises of importance. He was
a deep student of finance, and his informa-
tion along these lines was of remarkable
range — a fact which, combined with the
soundness of his judgment, caused him
to be consulted as an authority by those
with whom he was brought into contact in
the conduct of affairs that took him into
the principal business centers of the country.
Mr. Barber was married February 21,
1S84, to Miss Mary J. Mix, daughter of
Henry A. Mix, a pioneer and business man
of Oregon. Mrs. Barber and two children,
Lucie R. and Mary C, survive him. A son,
Henry M., was born at Polo, November i,
1885, died February 12, 1891.
Bryant H. Barber, of Barber Brothers
& Co., Bankers, Polo, Illinois, is the son
of Chanceford R. and Lucie H. Barber.
He has lived at Polo since 1856, having
been educated at the public schools of that
city. His practical business education was
received from his father with whom he was
associated in the banking and other busi-
ness. On the death of his father, he, with
his mother and brother, Henry D. Bar-
ber, became the successors to the business
founded in 1843 by Chanceford R. Barber,
his father, and he is now actively engaged
in the conduct of this business.
STANLEY R. PIERCE, residing on sec-
tion 12, Dement township, is one of the
young and enterprising farmers, stock rais-
ers and breeders of Ogle county, who, in a
few brief years, has made a reputation of
which many whose years are far more may
well be proud. He is a native of the coun-
ty, and was born in the village of Creston,
December 4, 1870. His father, Blanford
R. Pierce, was born in the town of Grotten,
Oneida county. New York, March 11, 1833,
and there grew to manhood, receiving a
good education. For some years, in his
young manhood, he was engaged in teach-
ing, both in New York and in Illinois. He
was united in marriage, in Oneida county,
New York, October 29, 1853, with Miss
Sarah J. Potter, a native of that county and
state. By this union were four sons and
four daughters. Of the sons. Dr. C. A. is
a veterinary surgeon residing in Elgin,
where he is engaged in the practice of his
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
481
profession. Dr. B. A. is also a veterinary
surgeon, practicing his profession in the
stock yards of Chicago. A. J. is a business
man of Oketo, Kansas. Stanley R. is the
subject of this sketch. Of the daughters,
Florence L. is a lady of superior education,
and has been a professional teacher for
some years. She is now connected with
the college at Albert Lee, Minnesota. Maud
is residing with her parents in Chicago.
Winifred is acting as housekeeper for her
brother, on the old homestead. Carrie is
also at home with her parents, and is now
a student in the Chicago University. She
was also a teacher for two years.
In 1S56 Blanford R. Pierce came to
Ogle county and located in the village of
Creston, where he engaged in teaching,
and later in the grain and stock business.
He was a successful dealer in grain and
stock, and continued in that line for a num-
ber of years. During this time he pur-
chased a tract of land near Creston, and in
1877 moved to the place and commenced
the life of a farmer. In addition to general
farming he engaged in feeding, buying and
shipping stock, and was credited with being
one of the best and most successful busi-
ness men of the county. As his means in-
creased, he purchased more land, and is
now the owner of four farms in Ogle county,
all of which are well improved.
In 1884 Blanford R. Pierce purchased
four head of pure blood polled angus cattle
and began breeding the same. He kept in-
creasing the herd from year to year, and
built up a very extensive business and a
reputation for the purity of his stock second
to no breeder in the United States. In
1894 he turned over to his son Stanley a
half interest in the business, including the
management of his farm near Creston and
51
nio\ed to Chicago, where he purchased res-
idence property, and is now living a retired
life.
Since the retirement of the father, our
subject has continued to breed and deal in
pure blood polled angus cattle, and has now
the largest herd of such cattle in the state,
if not in the entire country, having fully one
hundred head of the purest blood. He an-
nually makes an exhibit of some of his cat-
tle in the stock shows and fairs, and invari-
ably carries off the best premiums. In
1893 he made an exhibit at the World's
Fair, Chicago, and in the great Omaha
Fair, in both of which places he received
the highest awards. In 1S95 and in 1896
he exhibited his cattle at the cattle show
in Madison Square, New York, competing
with the best herds in the whole country,
and there received the highest awards, and
more premiums and money than any other
exhibitor.
Mr. Pierce has made the breeding of
polled angus cattle a study from his youth
up, and is probably as well posted on the
breed as any man in the country. His suc-
cess has been marvelous, his cattle bringing
the highest market price at all times. In
1898 he sold one animal for the munificent
sum of one thousand dollars. During the
years that have passed, including those in
which his father was engaged in the busi-
ness, some three hundred and fifty fine, pure
blood male animals have been sold from the
herd, and probably twice as many heifers
and cows. Together with the fine stock
business, Mr. Pierce makes a business of
feeding about one hundred head of steers
of common stock annually for the market.
Politically, B. R. Pierce and his sons
are all stanch Republicans, and give their
support to the men and measures of that
48:
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
party. The subject of this sketch is not a
pohtician, and gives his entire time to the
management of his extensive business inter-
ests, having shown superior business abihty
which has given him a reputation which is
not confined alone to his native county and
state. He is well known as a man of up-
right character and worth, and has doubt-
less a bright future before him.
HENRY GUYER, a resident of Polo, Illi-
nois, whose life has been one of ac-
tivity and usefulness, is now living a quiet
and retired life, apart from the turmoil and
bustle of a busy world. He was born in
Dauphin count}', Pennsylvania, in May,
1830. He is a son of George and Magda-
line (Tohlman) Guyer. The former was
born in Wurtemberg, Germany, where he
learned the miller's trade, and came to
America in 1S2S, settling in Pennsylvania,
where he plied his trade, until coming west.
His death occurred in October, 1854, at
the age of si.'ity-five years, and that of his
wife in 18O8. Of their ten children, six
are still living, the subject of this sketch be-
ing seventh in order of birth. Two of the
family are residents of Stephenson county,
Illinois, one of Carroll county, in the same
state, one of Iowa, and another of Kansas.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was
a miller, and with a fellow-workman, watched
a portion of the battle of Waterloo from the
roof of a mill, until a cannon ball pierced
the structure, causing them to retire.
When Henry Guyer was a boy of fifteen
years, he came west with his parents, on
the steamer "Bell of the West," which
they boarded at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.
When about seventy-five miles below Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, the steamer took fire and
was entirely destroyed. One hundred and
twenty lives were lost, also the boat's
freight, including household goods belong-
ing to passengers. Our subject jumped
into a small boat, followed by his parents
and the rest of the family, some of whom
fell into the water, but were quickly drawn
up into the boat. With nothing but a
board for a paddle, our subject succeeded
in landing the family, and immediately re-
turned to the scene of the disaster and
rescued four girls. Blessing by name, who
afterwards became warm friends of the fam-
ily, frequently interchanging visits. A
larger boat carried the passengers to St.
Louis without remuneration, and from there
they were carried to Savanna, Illinois, their
transportation being furnished by a number
of kind-hearted citizens of St. Louis.
On reaching Savanna, the Guyer family
went directly to Haldane, Ogle county,
where, for a time, they suffered severely,
owing to their losses. His father struggled
along and finally obtained work, which,
after a time, enabled him to purchase a
farm of forty acres, on which he lived until
his death, in 1854. While in Haldane our
subject learned blacksmithing, and shortly
afterwards opened a shop in Iirookville.
Eight years later he moved to Pine Creek
township and worked at his trade for two
and a half years, and in the fall of 1S60
moved to Polo, Illinois, continuing in the
same line of business until 1874, when he
retired, and has since lived quietly on a
very comfortable income, the results of his
frugality and good management.
On the nth of January, 1S55, Mr. Guy-
er was united in marriage to Miss Barbara
Lehmen, a native of Blair county, Pennsyl-
vania, and the youngest of eight children of
John and Mary (Secrist) Lehmen, who came
THE BIOGKAPIIICAL RECORD.
4«3
west on the ist of October, 1S52, the father
purchasing two farms in Pine Creek town-
ship. His death occurred in 1875, at the
age of seventy-seven years.
Mr. and Mrs. Guyer are the parents of
eight children, five of whom are living. The
eldest, John C. , is a commercial traveler
and makes his home in Freeport, Illinois.
He married Dollie Witters, and they have
two children, Ruby and Ray. The second
child, Sevilla, married M. T. Myers, of
Denver, Colorado, and they have three chil-
dren, Clarence, Guy and Odesia. The third
child of our subject, Harry L. , is a travel-
ing salesman, whose wife is deceased, and
he makes his home with his parents. Addie
Ann married Charles Carpenter, an attorney
of Rome, Georgia, and they have one child,
Ralph. Will C. is in the grocery business
at Fort Dodge, Iowa.
In politics Mr. Guyer is a Republican,
and takes a deep interest in all affairs of
state. He is a member of the United Breth-
ren church, and his genial manner and
courtesy, and his high personal worth, have
won for him a circle of friends that is lini-
iied only by his circle of acquaintances.
AEFRED MALONE, who resides on
section 17, Leaf River township, is a
well known citizen of the county, owning
and operating a tine farm of two hun-
dred and forty acres, a part of which lies in
section 18. He is a native of the county,
and was born March 8, 1851. His father,
James Malone, was born in Washington
county, Maryland, in March, 18 17, and
there grew to manhood. In 1843 he came
to Ogle county and located in Pine Creek
township, where he entered government
land and opened up a farm. As his means
increased he added to his landed possessions
in that township, and there resided for thir-
teen years. He was married in this county,
to Miss Ellen Patterson, a native of Ireland,
where seven years of her life were spent,
and then emigrated to Maryland with her
parents, where she received her education.
She is a daughter of John Patterson, who
came from Maryland to Ogle county in 1843.
In 1856 James Malone bought the farm
and located where our subject now resides,
a farm which was opened in 1836 by Morti-
mer Hunt, who purchased the land ham the
government. Four years later, Mr. Malone
moved to a farm near Leaf River, which
was pre-empted by his wife's father, and
there he spent the last jears of his life, dy-
ing December 25, 1S88. His wife survived
him about ten years, dying December 3,
1898. They were the parents of three chil-
dren, the others, besides our subject, being
Kate, wife of James Wilson, of Leaf River
township, and Mary, wife of Marcus Hess,
of the same township. James Malone was
a man of some prominence, serving in sev-
eral offices of trust and lionor, inchiding
assessor and justice of the peace, serving in
the latter office a number of years.
Alfred Malone grew to manhood in Leaf
River township, and when not in school,
was assisting his father in farm work. His
primary education was received in the Lights-
ville school, and at Rock River Seminary,
Mt. Morris, he completed his school life.
After discontinuing his studies in school, he
engaged in teaching in connection with
farming, teaching in all about seven winter
terms, his summers being taken up with
work on the farm.
On the 1 2th of September, 1878, Mr.
Malone was united in marriage, in Mt. Mor-
ris township, with Miss Belle Cornell, a na-
484
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
tive of Ogle county, and daughter of David
and Elizabeth (Hopwood) Cornell, of Mary-
land, who came to Illinois in 1843, being
among the earliest settlers of Ogle county
from the state of New York. By this union
six children have been born — Kate, James,
Roy, Nora, Florence and Mamie, all of
whom are yet living save Roy, who died
January 26, 1899.
Mr. and Mrs. Malone began their do-
mestic life on the farm where they reside,
the farm being rented for several years.
He first purchased one hundred and si.xty
acres of the home place, and later added
eighty acres, giving him a valuable farm of
two hundred and forty acres, which he has
under a high state of cultivation. Com-
mencing life as he did with but little means
and on a rented farm, he has certainly met
with well-merited success, which is due to
his own industry, assisted by his estimable
wife. His farm is one of the best in Leaf
River township, and he is classed among
the most substantial farmers of the county,
one who keeps fully up with the times.
Politically Mr. Malone is a Democrat on
national issues, believing firmly in the prin-
ciples of the party, but on local issues he
votes independently, recognizing the man
and not the party name he wears. He was
elected and served as road commissioner si.x
years, for five years was township collector,
and in 1889 was elected supervisor from his
township, and being re-elected, served eight
consecutive years, during which time he
was on a number of important committees
and made a very useful member. His influ-
ence has ever been e.xerted in favor of good
schools, and he has given of his time as a
member of the school board, serving both
as president and clerk of his district. A
lifelong resident of the county, he has a
large acquaintance in all parts of it, and
wherever known he is held in the highest
esteem.
GEORGE W. SWAN, a well known
farmer and stock raiser of Rockvale
township, was born in Chemung county.
New York, in 1836, and came to Ogle coun-
ty, Illinois, with his parents two years
later. He is the son of Henry \V. and
Rachel (Westlake) Swan, the former born
in Chemung county. New York, in 1799,
and the latter in Newburg, Orange county,
New York, September 16, 1812. While
residing in the east, Henry Swan was en-
gaged in the mercantile business, and on
coming west he first engaged in the same
line of business. Later he ran a grist mill
and distillery, in which lines he was quite
successful. He built the first log house in
Byron township, and was well known as an
enterprising citizen of the county. He died
while yet in the prime of life, October 22,
1854. His wife survived him many years,
dying May 9, 1879. They were the par-
ents of seven children, (i) Benjamin died
in infancy. (2) George W. is the subject
of this sketch. (3) Annie Floyd married
Henry Harding Patrick, and they had five
children, as follows: Maurice Lee, born Sep-
tember 26, 1863, died August 22, 1889.
Carrie L. , born January 4, 1865, married
William W. Light, June 16, 1887. Susan
R., born December 11, 1870, married Will-
iam VanArsdale, August 4, 1892. Henry
Swan, born September 6, 1872, died April
3, 1884. Floyd Harding, born January 15,
1877. (4) Mary died when three years of
age from the effects of a scald. (5) Louise,
born December 14, 1845, was married June
16, (864, to James M. Babcock, then a first
THE BIOGRAPHICAL KECOKD.
485
lieutenant in the federal army. (6) Morris
A., a farmer of Bridgewater, Dakota, was
born March 22, 1S4S. He married Miss
Fanny Kepner, and they have three chil-
dren, namely: Charles James, born January
27, 1875; Floyd A. , February 22, i879;and
Mary Rachel, April 25, 1887. (7) Charles
F., born October 5, 1852, is a wealthy phy-
sician and banker in South Chicaj^'o, where
he married Huldah Austerman. They have
one child living, Nellie K. , and two deceased,
Louise and Charles Henry.
When Henry W. Swan first came west
the country was in its primitive state. On
the establishment of the land office at Dix-
on, his brother, James Swan, was appointed
receiver, and he acted as his deputy. A
band of outlaws known as the "prairie
bandits" soon infested the country, giving
honest people much uneasiness. Gold was
required by the government in payment for
land, and from time to time it was sent by
stage to La Salle, and from thence to St.
Louis by boat. On one occasion the stage
was held up by the bandits and considerable
money was taken. There were very few
roads laid out, and our subject remembers
well, when a mere boy, in going to Free-
port over the almost trackless prairie, there
being no roads until the opening of the Yel-
low creek brewery, three miles from the
village as it then was. The country th£»n
abounded in game of all kind.
The subject of this sketch attended the
subscription schools of Ogle county until he
was eighteen years of age, and in 1857 took
a commercial course at Rockford. He was
united in marriage, January 11, 1S60, with
Miss Ida Louise Read, born October 23,
i84i,and daughter of Hiram and Rhoda
(Dewey) Read, the former born April 20,
1806, in Cornish, New Hampshire, and the
latter September 30, 1803, in O.xford, New
Hampshire. They were married March
26, 1837, and were early settlers of Ogle
county. Hiram Read was the son of David
and Hannah (Gerrold) Read, natives of
Cornish, New Hampshire, who were blessed
with three children — |acob, Philip and
Hiram. Mrs. Read was the daughter of
Abel and Rhoda (King) Dewey, and was one
of eleven children, namely; Lucy, Joanna,
Timothy, Rhoda, Clara. Mary, Martha,
Henry, Almisee and two wIkj died in in-
fancy. Her father died June 29, 1S42, and
her mother. May 25, 1853. The great-
grandfathers of Mrs. Swan and Admiral
Dewey were brothers.
Soon after his marriage, Mr. Swan, with
Hiram Read, purchased land in Kockvale
township, and opened up a farm. In the
years that have passed, he has sown and
reaped, and success has in a measure
crowned his efforts. Five children came to
bless his union with Miss Kead. Stanley
H., born July 12, 1862, died April 25,
1865. Ardelle Louise, born August 12,
1864, is the wife of Frank Canode, and
they reside in Marion township. They have
one child, Eva L., born August 7, 1S95.
Lua Lillian died when three years of age.
Annie M., born January 19, 1865, married
Thomas Morton, December 15, 1886, and
they have four children, as follows: George
A., born September 10, 1887; Harry T. ,
February 4, 1890; Helen I., August 15,
1892; and Nellie M., March 20, 1895. Mis.
Morton died February 3, 1898. Henry W.,
born January 22, 1869, is residing at home
and has charge of the home farm. Mary
R., born November 22, 1875, married Ezra
T. Stoner, March 15, 1899.
Recognizing the advantages of a good
education, Mr. Swan has, in addition to the
486
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
common-school course, given all his chil-
dren the benefit of a high-school education
in Oregon. Mary attended the Wells Train-
ing School, and a preparatory school for
teachers at Oregon, and also took her
teacher's examination at that place. Until
her marriage, she was a successful teacher
in the county.
In politics, Mr. Swan is a Republican,
and although his ambitions do not run along
the line of office holding, he has served for
several years as school director, with great
benefit to the community. His farm, on
section 25, Rockvale township, is in an ex-
cellent state of cultivation, the natural re-
sult of years of good management and sound
judgment. He and his wife are genial and
hospitable people, and they have many
friends in the county.
SAMUEL GIBSON, whose home is on
section 20, White Rock township, is a
representative of the farming and stock rais-
ing interests of Ogle county and is one of
the prominent and influential citizens of his
community. He was born in Kirkcudbright-
shire, Scotland, January 4, 1828, and is
a son of William and Agnes (Henry) Gibson,
who were of pure Scotch ancestry and repre-
sentatives of families who had for genera-
tions made their home in that locality. The
father, who was a farmer by occupation,
spent his entire life there. His children
were James, William, Thomas, Robert, Al-
exander, John, Elizabeth, Mary Ann, Ag-
nes and Jane.
In the county of his nativity our subject
grew to manhood and received a common
school education at Bintle high school. On
starting out in life for himself, he engaged
in farming and contract work on county
contracts. He was married in Scotland, in
September, 1848, to Miss Margaret Adam-
son, a daughter of James Adamson. Our
subject had a brother, John Gibson, who
came to America in 1845, and located in
Pine Rock township. Ogle county, Illinois.
Returning to Scotland on a visit in 18C0,
he persuaded our subject to accompany him
on the return trip. The latter had already
decided to emigrate to America, and hasten-
ing his preparations for departure, they
crossed the Atlantic together and proceeded
at once to Ogle county. Here he purchased
a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on
section 20, White Rock township, and also
the stock, crops, implements, etc., paying
for the same fifty-five hundred dollars. Al-
though he went in debt at that time for the
greater part of the amount, he has been so
successful that he is now owner of four
hundred and ten acres of highly improved
and well cultivated land. He is still act-
ively engaged in farming and stock raising,
feeding a number of cattle each season, and
has made horse breeding an important
branch of his business. He believes in the
Clydesdale breed, from the fact that weight
and quality combined make them ready
sellers, they are more intelligent, more dur-
able, more courageons and better action and
color than the other heavy draft breeds.
He has followed a wise and judicious sys-
tem of mixed farming, dividing the risks and
profits among varied interests rather than
staking all in one enterprise.
To Mr. and Mrs. Gibson were born
eleven children, six sons and five daugh-
ters, of whom six are now living, namely:
Jane, wife of Harvey Haselton, of Carroll
county, Iowa; Agnes, wife of William
Prile, of Carroll county, Iowa; John, who is
still on the home farm and operates the
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
487
same in connection with his brother Robert;
James, a farmer of Winnebago county,
lUinois; and Samuel, a farmer of White
Rock township. Those deceased are Will-
iam, who married and removed to Colorado
but finally returned to Ogle county, where
he died in 1896, at the age of thirty-seven
years; Isabella, who died in early woman-
hood; Mary Ann, who died at the age of
four years, and Annie, who died at the age
of two years. One baby boy who died in
infancy. The wife and mother was called
to her final rest October 8, 1881.
Since becoming an American citizen,
Mr. Gibson has been a stanch supporter of
the Republican principles, but has never
sought political preferment, desiring rather
to devote his entire time and attention to
his business interests. With the exception
of school trustee, he has declined all offices.
In early life he united with the Presbyterian
church, of which he is still a consistent and
faithful member. He is one of the suc-
cessful and respected citizens of his county,
and the keynote to prosperity is industry,
economy and perseverance, for he started
out in life for himself empty-handed and
the success that he has achieved is due en-
tirely to his own well-directed efforts.
CHESTER C. HARRINGTON, now liv-
ing a retired life in Lee county, Illi-
nois, but who for years was a prominent
citizen of Ogle county, was born August 22,
18 1 3, at Sandy Hill, on the Hudson, New
York, and is the son of Rev. E. Harrington,
a Baptist minister, who for a number of
years was located in Cayuga county. New
York, but who came west in 1840, and soon
after located in Burlington, Racine county,
Wisconsin. His death occurred in 1842,
while his good wife preceded him to her
heavenly home about two years. The ma-
ternal grandfather of our subject was a sol-
dier in the Revolutionary war.
Chester C. Harrington was educated in
the schools of Cayuga county, New York,
and in his youth studied surveying, and for
a few years before coming west followed the
profession of surveying in the east. He
also for a time engaged in teaching in the
schools of his native state. He came to
Chicago in 1834, and in 1837 came to what
was then Ogle county, but is now a part of
Lee county, just across the river from Grand
Detour. On first coming to the county he
followed his profession as a surveyor for a
time, and engaged in other work. It was,
however, but a short time before he pur-
chased a half section of land on which was
a small log cabin, but on which no other
improvements had been made. The lum-
ber for his house he hauled from Chicago.
On that place he has since continued to live
with the exception of fourteen years spent
in Grand Detour, living retired.
On the 14th of November, 1844, Mr.
Harrington was united in marriage with
Miss Zarina Chamberlin, a native of Gene-
see county. New York, born December 5,
1820, and daughter of Cyrus and l^luma
(Burton) Chamberlin, both of whom were
natives of Vermont, but who removed to
New York at an early day. Cyrus Ciiam-
berlin followed farming in the east, but l)e-
licving the prairies of the west afforded bet-
ter opportunities for the enterprising man,
he came west, landing in Grand Detour,
July 4, 1835. He at once took up nine
hundred acres of land across the river in
Lee county and then returned east. In
September, 1835, he was again back in this
region. Soon after his return to this local-
48 S
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
ity he established a saw mill which he oper-
ated in connection with his farm for many
years. He finally moved to the village of
Grand Detour, where he lived retired until
his death, February 22, 18S1, at the age of
ninety-one years. He was a man of good
intellectual and executive ability, and en-
joyed the love and esteem of a large circle
of friends. Two brothers of his wife, Oliver
and Thomas Burton, served in the war of
1S12, both attaining the rank of colonel.
To Mr. and Mrs. Harrington four chil-
dren were born. Ingalls I. and Inez I. were
twins. The former died in infancy, but the
latter is yet living and makes her home in
Grand Detour. She is a cultured and re-
fined lady, with many friends wherever
known. Chester Eugene is operating the
old home farm in Lee county. Cyrus C.
died in 1S81, at the age of twenty-one
years.
Mr. Harrington now makes his home
with his son Chester on the old homestead,
and, at the age of eighty-five years, is in
full possession of all his mental faculties.
He has been a very active nvan in the
past, and quite prominent in the communi-
ties in which he has made his home. In
politics he is a stanch Republican. He was
always an anti-slavery man, and in the days
of slavery was one of the conductors on the
underground railroad and assisted in the
escape of more than one slave. For a num-
ber of years he served as supervisor of
Nachusa township, Lee county. He has
also been assessor, collector and school di-
rector, and served in other minor official
positions. He was always a strong tem-
perance man, and was a charter member of
the first temperance society formed in this
section, and for years was its secretary.
During the Civil war he Vv'as a member of
the Union League. In religious belief he
is a Baptist. For sixty-one years he has
been a resident of the vicmity where he now
lives, and he is well known throughout Lee
and Ogle counties as a man of strict honor
and integrity, and his friends are numerous
in both counties.
JOHN C. PHELPS, deceased, for years
occupied an enviable position among
the business men of Rochelle. He was
born in Lockport, Niagara county, New
York, March 25, 1830, and was educated in
the schools of that place. He grew to
manhood in his native state and acquired a
good business training. In 1855 became
to Illinois, located in Freeport, Stephenson
county, and there engaged in business, in
which he continued for some years. From
Freeport, he removed to Rochelle, and en-
gaged in the general merchandise business,
and later became a grain dealer. He also
started the First National Bank of Rochelle,
and conducted it for one year, and then
sold to other parties. Subsequently he pur-
chased and sold bankrupt stock of goods,
general merchandise of every description.
On the 26th of December, 1855, Mr.
Phelps was united in marriage with Miss I.
Frances Winchester, of Freeport, Illinois,
formerly of Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, who
preceded him to Freeport one month. She
is a daughter of Stephen and Nancy (Fuller)
Winchester, both of whom were natives of
Pennsylvania, and the parents of thirteen
children, eight of whom grew to maturity —
Stephen, Edmund, Elijah, William, Sarah,
Mary, Alvira and I. Frances. The father,
who was born in 1789, died in 1849, and
his wife soon afterwards. He was also a
general merchant.
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
489
To Mr. and Mrs. Phelps four children
were born, one of whom died in infancy.
Josephine I. married Charles Hurd, of Ro-
chelle, by whom she had four children, two
sons and two daughters — Pauline F. G. H.,
Helen H., Charles and Arthur H. The
eldest son, Arthur Alcott, married Grace M.
Countryman, youngest daughter of Harvey
Countryman, of Rochelle, and they have
two sons — Harvey John and Raymond Ar-
thur. He is doing a successful business in
the hardware line, and also has an interest
in the Ogle County Telephone Company, of
Rochelle, of which he is general manager.
Fraternally he is a member of Star Lodge,
No. 169, K. P., of Rochelle, and of Willow
Camp, No. 44, M. W. A. The third son,
John Clement, died at the age of eleven years.
John C. Phelps died at his home in
Rochelle, December 16, 1896, and his re-
mains were laid to rest in the cemetery of
that city. He left not only a loving wife
and family to mourn his loss, but a large
circle of friends and acquaintances. He
was a good man and tried to live right be-
fore his fellowmen.
GEORGE WATERBURY, a substantial
farmer residing on section 10, Buffalo
township, has been acti\ely engaged in
farming and stock raising in Ogle county a
period of more than half a century, having
become a citizen of the county in October,
1847. He was born in Beaver Kill, Sulli-
van county. New York, November 23, 1834.
The family are of English ancestry and
originally settled in Connecticut, from which
state Daniel Waterbury, the grandfather of
our subject, emigrated in an early day to
New York, where David S. Waterbury, the
father, was born. The latter grew to man-
hood in his native state and there married
MissEmcline Huntley, a native of Delaware
county. New York, and daughter of Squire
Huntley, of that county.
Daniel S. Waterbury, by trade, was a
tanner and currier, which occupation he
followed in early life. He also learned the
carpenter trade, and was later a contractor
on the Erie canal. In 1.S47 he came to
Ogle county, coming by way of the Erie
canal and the lakes to Chicago, and from
thence by teani to this county. He came
here by the advice of some friends who had
located here, and who had great confidence
in the future of the county and state. On
his arri\al he made a permanent settlement
in Buffalo township, entering a tract of
land, a portion of which is comprised in the
farm of our subject. The whole country
was then an almost unbroken wilderness,
settlers being few and far between. From
the adjacent timber he secured his sleepers
and joists, and from Chicago hauled the
siding for his house, which was raised No-
vember 8, 1S47. It was 24 .\ 34 feet, and
a one-story structure. The farm he at once
commenced to improve, and in due time
had a valuable and well improved place.
On that farm he spent the remainder of his
life, dying soon after the commencement of
the Civil war. His wife survived him many
years, passing away in May, 1895.
The subject of this sketch came to this
county a lad of thirteen years, and assisted
his father in opening up the farm. His
educational advantages were not of the best,
and his school life was limited. Wxih his
parents he remained until grown to man-
hood, when he commenced life for himself,
having purchased eighty acres of his present
farm, which he set about improving. He
also became interested in a threshing ma-
490
THE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.
chine about that time, and in the years that
have followed has been engaged in the busi-
ness of threshing grain. He now owns an
interest in a steam thresher, an<J was one of
the first to use one in this section of the
state.
In 1859 Mr. Waterbury went to Michi-
gan, and in Sanilac county was united in
marriage with Miss Anna M. Oldfield, a na-
tive of England, and daughter of Anthony
Oldfield, who left England to make a home
for himself and family in the United States.
He first located in Cincinnati, where he
was later joined by his wife and family.
He subsequently removed to Michigan,
where he engaged in the lumber busi-
ness. While residing in Cincinnati Mrs.
Waterbury received the greater part of her
education. To Mr. and Mrs. Waterbury
three children were born. David E. is
married and now resides in Rockford, Illi-
nois. Hattie E. is the wife of Robert C.
Trollope, who is operating the Waterbury
homestead. Henry R. is married and lives
in Polo. David E. has two children —
Ethel A. and Kenneth. Mrs. Trollope has
three children — Anna E., Charles R. and
Elwin B. Henry R. has one child, a daugh-
ter, Marian.
After their marriage Mr. and Mrs.
Waterbury commenced their domestic life
on the farm which he had already com-
menced to improve, and there their three
children were born. In his farming opera-
tions he has met with fair success, and has
now one of the best farms in Buffalo town-
ship, a township noted for its good farms.
For some time Mrs. Waterbury was an in-
valid, and was taken by her husband to Bat-
tle Creek, Michigan, for medical treatment.
Not receiving the help expected from the
noted institution at that place, with the
hope that a visit among her old friends and
relatives in Sanilac county might do her
good, she was taken there, but it was with-
out avail. The dread disease had taken
too strong a hold, and she succumbed to
the inevitable, dying at her old home where
her marriage occurred, and from which she
left a happy bride.
Politically Mr. Waterbury is an inde-
pendent, though usually supporting the Re-
publican ticket. He is in thorough sympa-
thy with every movement for the better-
ment of humanity and in the development
of his adopted county he has borne his part.
His residence here of fifty-two years has
brought him in contact with many of the
best people of the county, and wherever
known he is held in the highest respect.
index:.
AKIlh, Timothy \V o9
Anderson, Alexander 189
Anderson, James D 19()
Andrew, Georjje H 80
Andrus, Leonard 817
Ayres, Charles 78
Bacon, Francis 147
Baer, Elmer E 170
Barber Brothers 479
Barkman, William H 418
Baxter, Uelos W 38.5
Beck, John 1,54
Bellows, Levi M 285
Betebenner, Charles H 180
Binklev, Alfred R 325
Bird, William 14
Bistline, John BO
Bowers, Elias G 74
Bowerman, Dr. Solomon B... 225
Bowman, Cornelius 98
Braiden, M. J 450
Brand, George 812
Brewster, Mortimer S 198
Brown, Albert F .52
Brown, S. E 342
Bull, Matthew P 190
Bunn, William C 24
Burri<,'ht, Milton 21
Bush,' Charles 287
Buterbaugh, Edward C 75
Buttell, Adam 108
Canding, William 59
Cam|ibell, James. ... 158
Canode, Charles H 471
Carr, George W 12H
Carr, James Wesley 184
Case, Daniel 259
Cass,Aron 280
Cater, Jesse F 427
Cheeseman, Charles F 104
Clark, A. D 407
Clark, William M 304
Clayton, James M 174
Clinton, John W 29
Coffman, .'Xddison 303
Coffman, Henry 73
Countryman, James A 361
Cooper, Peter' 409
Crawford, Frank J 429
Crill, Orlando F . .'. 448
Crill, M.J 461
Crill, Thomas 444
Cunningham, W. 11 2(i0
Davis, John H 149
Davis, .Solomon 159
Deuth, Fred J 289
Dicus, George W 482
Dieffenbaugh, William C 9(1
Dixon, Thomas 80
Dodds, Capt. William T 112
Domer, Samuel 328
Donaldson, James 132
Donaldson, James H Ill
Doughty, Ik-njamin 239
Drexler, George 12
Dutcher, Edward F 271
Dysinger, Rev. Holmes 286
Ellis, William 267
Etnyre, Daniel 4.59
Ettinger, Martin L 30
Evans, I-lzra H 37
Fisher, Charles .306
Frantz, Thomas P , .'181
Frederickson, Fred 412
Frei, Martin A 324
Fruit, Charles 284
Gammon, J. G 384
(Gardner, Clarence E 403
Carman, Michael 219
Garnhart, Charles W 270
Garnhart, Gecjrge W 40
Gibson, Samuel 486
Gould, Dr. William W 397
Govig, Peter 425
Graehling, Henry 322
Graham, John 201
Griffin, Hugh L 420
Guest, Thomas 388
Guio, .Solistine 301
Guyer, Henry 482
Haller, Charles M 16
Hammer, George W 848
Hammond, William A 849
Harleman, J. F 472
Harrington, Chester C 487'
Harrison, Alfred 232
Harner, Emanuel M 206
Hartwig, John 448
Hastings, John S 221
Hays, Josiah A '.12
Hedrick, lieniamin T 81
Helm, John H 246
Hettiger, George 229
Hewitt, Jacob. 460
Hibarge'r, David F 428
Hiestand, Gecirge B 811)
Hiscock, George 449
Hitt, Robert R 1
Howe, F. W.. 25
Huggans, Eilmond D 295
Johnson, C. W 257
Johnson, Roliert X 402
Johnston, Timoleon O 213
Joiner, Alvin 486
Joiner, Mrs. Mary 1 251
Jones, Milo A 212
Jones, George W 296
Judson, Dr. James H 127
Kappman, Jacob 185
Kanev, August 863
Kidder, Nelson B 208
Kindell, lohn E li;8
King, R. M 4.56
Klein, Charles -8^6
Knapp, Barzilla 419
Knodle, .Samuel 26.,s
Knodle, .Samuel 176
Korf, August F 21il
Rosier, l(ilin S IHI
Krel)bs,'Dr. |acob 1 8'.!.^
Kridler, liu ton D 249
Lamont, David H 868
Landers, Ziba A 26
Lawrence, Johnson 99
Lawshe, Spencer 2''i2
Lebo, John J 95
Lewis, P'rederick H 82
Lewis, .Silas W 275
Light, John 2.56
Long, Andrew F 155
McCann, Rev. John J 336
McCrea, Alfred B 892
McCrea, |ohn A .876
McDaid.'Guillord 447
McGuftin, .Samuel S 27
Magne, [ames H 186
Malone,'Alfred 4^<3
Marshall, Reuben S 108
492
INDEX.
Mason, Janu-s I l.iS
Matteson, Clark K 163
May, Cul. D. C 4' 0
Mendenhall, Dr. A. L 864
Mettler, Ira 380
Mettler, William | 394
Meyers, Henry R' 266
Meyers, Peter R 64
Meyers, Peter .S 114
Miller, Elijah H 438
Miller, J. H '244
Miller, Michael 11
Miller, William H 231
Minnis, William J 467
Moore, Amos F 119
More, Rev. James H 333
Mnring, Lewis 150
Morns", Howard A 343
Mulnix, Homer W 15
Mumma, Samuel P 344
Murray, George 462
Myers, Tames 139
Myers, Joseph M 293
Newcomer, Andrew 194
Newcomer, Charles 287
Newcomer, Dr. David 137
Nettz, John R 339
Nichols, John and James 290
Nicodemus, Cyrus 171
Nohle, Charles B 374
Norton, Orlo W 183
Nye, John H 181
O'Kane, Joseph 440
Otto, Louis J 248
Palmer, William L 160
Pankhurst, Dr. James 66
Parks, Henry A 222
Peek, Franklin F 329
Perkins, George W 389
Petrie, Lewis': 298
Phel|is, lohn C 438
Philbrook, Pn.f. C. F 445
Phillips, John H 169
Pierce, Stanley R 480
Preston, Noah 227
Poole, Gefirge 191
Powell, Samuel W 77
Preston, Gardner S 346
Price, Edward E 65
Price, Jacob H 129
Quest, William 421
Reed, George M 382
Reed, Virgil E 466
Revell, Wallace 320
Reynolds, John 98
Rhodes, George R 247
Rice, Isaac 350
Rice, Jacob 71
Rice, Joseph L 353
Rice, William 405
Roe, Dr. Malcolm C 61
Rolfe, Squire 135
Rosecrance, E. L 399
Royer, John G 151
Rutledge, Thomas P 465
Schelling, Henry 209
■Schneider, Charles 91
.Schrader, Henry J 157
Schrader, Henry 2.33
Schryver, Erastus W 224
Seibert, Benjamin D 311
Shafer, George W 46
Sharer, Henry 366
Sharland, George H 373
Shaver, Nicholas N 240
Sheffield, Amos A 140
Shelly, John 276
Shoemaker, Harvey M 166
.Shuart, Stephen B 146
Shuniway, Romanzo G 426
Sims, .Sr., Daniel 177
Small, John 31
Smith, Francis A 208
Smith, George 261
Smith, John 469
Smith, John L 118
Smith, Peter 326
Snyder, Di. J. F .54
Snyder, Dr. Jerome B 404
Southworth, John W 424
Southworth, T. G 4.57
Spalding, John F 277
Speaker, Noah 26
Spencer, Isaac 187
.S]iink, Andrew C 411
Spoor, Austin W 314
Stahley, Rev. Andrew 204
Stahlhut, William 81
Stauffer, Daniel H 316
Steffa, Jacob 41
Steffa, William H 331
Stires, J. Chester 56
Stocking, Horace 440
Stocking, Lewis 391
Stocking, William 299
Stroh, Rev. N. J 216
Sullivan, Dennis 28
.Swan, George W 484
Swank, Jacob F 243
Swingley, Michael N 70
Taylor, James 431
Thomson, David 47
Thomas, Henry L 89
Thomas, Joshua 122
Thompson, John 470
Tobias, Daniel H 42
Treat, Dr. Gilbert B 406
Trumbull, Asaph M 44
Trump, Isaac 370
Waite, Judson A 63
Wales, Horatio, 57
Waterbury, George 489
Watts, William 340
Weaver, Abraham F 302
West, McFarlen, J 252
Williams, Chester K 478
Wilson, James P 173
Windle, George 116
Woodburn, James C 48
Woodin, Hiram 354
Wolf, Benjamin 279
Woodcock, John B 241
Wragg, Peter B 10
Young, Daniel W 228
Youngs, Ogden B 359
Zick, Frederick 84
Il!,,.'ii' *]
''"';iii!! • •;iij,;::v
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,?*;'« '''^LLEY CC LIBRARY
|Li5i6000163046
F A3619
547 The biographical
.03 record of Ogle
B52 County, Illinois
F
547
.03
B52
43619
The biographical
record of Ogle_
County ,
Illinoxs
SAUK VALLEY COLLEGE LIBRARY
Dixon, II 61021
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