History of McHenry County, Illinois

L I E> KAR.Y

OF THE

UN IVERSITY

Of ILLINOIS

cop. 1*

HISTORY

OF

McHENRY COUNTY

ILLINOIS

BY

SPECIAL AUTHORS AND CONTRIBUTORS

VOLUME II

ILLUSTRATED

CHICAGO
MUNSELL PUBLISHING COMPANY

PUBLISHERS

1922

In the first century of the Christian era, Tacitus (perhaps the
greatest of Roman historians) wrote that the object of history was
"to rescue virtuous acts from the oblivion to which the want of
records would consign them."

BIOGRAPHICAL

CHAPTER XL

THE PART OF BIOGRAPHY IN GENERAL HISTORY CITIZENS OF MCHENRY

COUNTY AND OUTLINES OF PERSONAL HISTORY — PERSONAL SKETCHES
ARRANGED IN ENCYCLOPEDIC ORDER.

The verdict of mankind has awarded to the Muse of History the
highest place among the Classic Nine. The extent of her office, how-
ever, appears to be, by many minds, but imperfectly understood. The
task of the historian is comprehensive and exacting. True history
reaches beyond the doings of court or camp, beyond the issue of battles
or the effects of treaties, and records the trials and the triumphs, the
failures and the successes of the men who make history. It is but an
imperfect conception of the philosophy of events that fails to accord
to portraiture and biography its rightful position as a part — and no
unimportant part — of historic narrative. Behind and beneath the ac-
tivities of outward life the motive power lies out of sight, just as the
furnace fires that work the piston and keep the ponderous screw revolv-
ing down in the darkness of the hold. So, the impulsive power which
shapes the course of communities may be found in the moulding influ-
ences which form its citizens.

It is no mere idle curiosity that prompts men to wish to learn the
private, as well as the public, lives of their fellows. Rather is it true
that such desire tends to prove universal brotherhood; and the interest
in personality and biography is not confined to men of any particular
caste or vocation.

The list of those to whose lot it falls to play a conspicuous part in
the great drama of life, is comparatively short; yet communities are
made up of individuals, and the aggregate of achievement — no less than
the sum total of human happiness — is made up of the deeds of those
men and women whose primary aim, through life, is faithfully to per-
form the duty that comes nearest to hand. Individual influences upon

459

460 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

human affairs will he considered potent or insignificant, according to
the standpoint from which it is viewed. To him who, standing upon
the seashore, notes the ebh and flow of the tides and listens to the sullen
roar of the waves, as they break upon the beach in seething foam, seem-
ingly chafing at their limitations, the ocean appears so vast as to need
no tributaries. Yet, without the smallest rill thai helps to swell the
"Father of Waters," the mighty torrent of the Mississippi would be
lessened, and the beneficent influence of the Gulf Stream diminished.
Countless streams, currents and counter currents — sometimes mingling,
sometimes counteracting each other — collectively combine to give motion
to the accumulated mass of waters. So it is — and so must it ever be —
in the ocean of human action, which is formed by the blending and
repulsion of currents of thought, of influence and of life, yet more
numerous and more tortuous than those which form the "fountains
of the deep." The acts and characters of men, like the several faces
that compose a composite picture, are wrought together into a compact
or heterogeneous whole. History is condensed biography; "Biography
is History teaching by example."

It is both interesting and instructive to rise above the generaliza-
tion of history and trace, in the personality and careers of the men from
whom it sprang, the principles and influences, the impulses and ambi-
tions, the labors, struggles and triumphs that engross their lives.

Here are recorded the careers and achievements of pioneers who,
"when the fullness of time had come," came from widely separated
sources, some from beyond the sea, impelled by divers motives, little
conscious of the import of their acts, and but dimly anticipating the
harvest which would spring from the sowing. They built their primi-
tive homes, toiling for a present subsistence while laying the founda-
tions of private fortunes and future advancement.

Most of these have passed away, but not before they beheld a devel-
opment of business and population surpassing the wildest dreams of
fancy or expectation. A few yet remain whose years have passed the
allotted three-score and ten, and who love to recount, among the cher-
ished memories of their lives, their reminiscences of early days.

[The following items of personal and family history, haying been arranged in
encyclopedic (or alphabetical) order as to names of the individual subjects, no spec-id
index to this part of the work will be found necessary.)

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 461

CHARLES T. ABBOTT.

Charles T. Abbott, proprietor of a general repair shop at Woodstock,
is a skilled machinist, and owner of a valuable farm in Greenwood Town-
ship. He was born in McIIenry County, September 29, 1859, one of the
three children of his parents, George and Emeransa Abbott, natives of
Ohio. George Abbott was a fanner and cattle dealer, and held govern-
ment contracts for supplying cattle to the army during the Civil War.
His death occurred in December, 1889, and his wife died in February.
1890.

Charles T. Abbott attended the local schools of his native county, and
until 1902, was engaged in farming, but in that year he entered his pres-
ent line of business. He specializes in Pennsylvania lubricating oils and
grease, and conducts a garage and general repair business, doing an
annual business of about .$15,000, and giving employment to four persons.
In addition to his tine farm of 183 acres in Greenwood Township, Mr.
Abbott owns his residence at Xo. 219 Lumber Street, and is a man of sub-
stance in his community.

On September 29, 1885, Mr. Abbott was married to Miss Mary Pierce,
a daughter of John Pierce, who came from one of the eastern states to
Mellenry County. Mr. and Mrs. Abbott have the following children :
Lela M., who is the wife of J. D. Manor; George V., now associated with
his father, served in the First Mechanical Regiment, Company Seven,
was second in the Ford automobile race held in Chicago in 1916, when he
drove a machine at an average rate of seventy-five miles an hour ; Ivan,
who is attending the University of Illinois and taking a course in elec-
trical engineering, and Harold A., who is attending school. Mr. Abbott
and family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a
Republican, and fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows. A skilled
man in his line, Mr. Abbott's services are in great demand bj- those desir-
ing expert assistance, and the volume of his trade has increased with each
vear he has been in business.

CHARLES H. ACKMAN, JR.

Charles H. Ackman, Jr., supervisor of Coral Township, and one of
the leading men of McHenry County, resides at Union, where he is
engaged in a real estate business, although he owns two farms in Coral

LIBRARY

UNIVERSE OF ILUtm*

462 HISTOKY OF McHENRY COUNTY

Township and is interested in the operation of a threshing outfit. He
was horn in Cook County, Illinois, April 27, 1876, one of the eight chil-
dren of his parents. His father, Charles H. Ackman, Sr., was born in
Cook County, Illinois, but later came to McIIenry County, in 1907, and
was one of the prosperous farmers here until his death, August 20, 1917.
His widow survives him and lives in Kane Count}', Illinois.

Charles H. Ackman attended the common and high schools of his
native county, and lived on a farm until 1916, when he removed to Union,
retaining, however, one farm of 127 acres, and another of 128% acres,
both in Coral Township.

On October 10, 1900, Mr. Ackman was married to Miss Emma
Wiesche, a daughter of Christian Wiesche, one of the pioneers of Coral
Township. Mr. and Mrs. Ackman have four children, namely: "Wayne
C, LeRoy W., Thelma H. and Harvey H., all of whom were born in
McHenry County. The family all belong to the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and Mr. Ackman belongs to the Evangelical Church. He is a
Republican, and was highway commissioner for nine years, and was
elected supervisor in 1916. Fraternally he belongs to Oriental Lodge
No. 358, A. F. & A. M., and Coral Lodge No. 769, I. O. O. F.

FRANCIS J. AICHER.

Francis J. Aicher, D. D. S., is one of the capable and skilled members
of the dental profession, engaged in active practice at McHenry. He
was born at Washburn, 111., February 1, 1890, one of three children born
to his parents, Benedict and Anna (Fecht) Aicher. Benedict Aicher was
born in Germany and came to the United States in 1861, and after stop-
ping for a time in New York City, came on to Illinois, and went into a
real estate and stock business at Washburn, 111. There he lived until
death claimed him, in 1900. The mother of Francis J. Aicher, who was
his second wife, survives him. By a former marriage, Benedict Aicher
had four children.

Doctor Aicher attended the common and high schools of Washburn,
and then took a three years' course in the Dental School of the North-
western University, from which he was graduated in 1913. Finding the
opening he sought at McHenry, he located in this city immediately fol-
lowing his graduation, and since then has built up a very desirable prac-
tice, and has earned the confidence of his patients.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 463

Like other McHenry County men, Doctor Aicher is very patriotic,
and when his country entered into the World War, he offered his serv-
ices, and on September 15, 1917, was commissioned a first lieutenant in
the Dental Reserve of the United States Army. He belongs to the
Knights of Columbus and the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics
he is independent in his views. The Catholic Church holds his member-
ship.

ALFRED 0. ALLBEE.

Alfred 0. Allbee, one of the energetic and prosperous farmers of
Dorr Township, was born in Seneca Township, April 16, 1872, a son of
Oren and Christina (Lindsay) Allbee, natives of Collins Center, and
Buffalo, N. Y., respectively, the date of her birth being November 25,
1828. The paternal grandfather was Adolphus Allbee, and he came to
what was then the wilderness of New York state from Vermont, with
four or five brothers, and became pioneers of that region.

When he was eighteen years old Oren Allbee came to Illinois to join
his old employer Alvin King, who had come to McHenry County, and
entered land. After a short time, Oren Allbee bought a farm in Seneca
Township, three miles west of Woodstock, on the Marengo road, which
he kept as his homestead, although he bought and sold several other
farms. His death occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Flanders,
of Seneca Township, in February, 1914, when he was eighty-six years
old. He had been retired for some years after becoming very successful
as a farmer. His wife died in December, 1907. They were married
November 23, 1863. She was a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Mathew-
son) Lindsay, both of Scotch birth, who came to New York City, where
Mrs. Allbee was born September 30, 1838. When she was still a child
her parents came to McHenry County, locating on a farm in Don-
Township, two miles south of Woodstock, which property is still in the
family. They were among the pioneers of this section, and made the
trip overland with ox teams. The father was killed by an accident in
the timber, and he left seven children, all small, namely: Thomas,
who had the homestead, died at Woodstock in 1902 leaving no issue;
Arthie, who is the only survivor, lives at Wayne, Nebr. ; Jennie M.,
who married William Scott, lived on a farm near the homestead, where
both died; Christina, who became Mrs. Allbee; Mrs. Robert Richardsj

li. I HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

who died in Dakota: Mary, who married Thomas Wier, went to Kansas
and then to Idaho, where she died in 1 9 1 S ; and Archie, who left home
when young. The old Lindsay homestead is owned by Mrs. Daggetl
of Woodstock.

Orel) Allliee was well known as an auctioneer for many years. While
a strong Republican, he was no politician. He had three children,
namely: Nellie, who married George Redpatli, died in young woman-
hood; Alfred O., whose name heads this review; and Mary, who married
Will Flanders of Seneca Township.

Alfred 0. Allbee remained on the homestead until he was thirty years
old, when he bought a farm in Boone County. On November 29, 1902,
he was married to Mrs. Ina (Elliott) Gillette, a daughter of George
Elliott. After a few years in Boone County, Mr. Allbee sold his farm
and came back to McHenry County, buying a tract of land in Coral
Township, on which he remained for five years. In 1917 he bought his
present place of 107 acres in Dorr and Nunda Townships. It is well
improved and fitted for modern dairying. He has a herd of cattle and
carries on general farming. Like his father he is a Republican, but no
office seeker. He and his wife have had the following children born to
them: Hal Eldon, and Majorie Esther, both of whom are at home.
Mr. Allbee and his wife are connected with some of the oldest and most
influential families in McHenry County, and come of as fine American
stock as can be found in the country, and they live up to the best stand-
ards of citizenship in every respect. Mr. Allbee is an expert farmer, and
his fine farm shows that the owner takes a pride in his premises and knows
just what he is about when he directs any work.

CHARLES W. ALBRIGHT.

Charles W. Albright, one of the prosperous men of McHenry County,
who is helping to maintain its prestige as a great dairying center, owns a
valuable farm four miles east of Algonquin in Algonquin Township. He
was born in Barrington Township, Cook County, Illinois, November 11,
1873, about three miles east of his present farm, a son of Christ and
Charlotte Albright, natives of Germany, who with two children came to
the United States about 1866, and in 1S76 bought land on Crystal Lake,
in Algonquin Township, one mile east of the farm now owned b.y Charles
W. Albright. This farm comprised forty acres and was developed into

HISTORY OF McHENEY COUNTY 465

an excellent farm, on which Christ Albright lived into old age, dying at
his home in McHenry County at the age of eighty-six years. His wife
had died six years previously. Their three children to reach maturity
were as follows : Ernest, who died in Dundee Township, aged forty-
three years, was a farmer, and left a widow and six children; Mary, who
is .Mrs. William Mitchell of North Dakota, and Charles W., whose name
heads this review.

Charles W. Albright remained on the homestead until he was twenty-
six years old, when he rented a farm for a few years and then located
on his present one, then owned by Robert Haeger, father of Supervisor
Haeger. After renting it for two years he went on the farm of William
Brandt for fifteen years. Finally in 1912 he bought the Haeger farm,
which comprises 130 acres, for which he paid $110 per acre. He has re-
built the barn, erected a silo and rebuilt the house, and has a nice place.
Dairying is his main feature and he keeps thirty-five cows of the Holstein
strain. The farm is well located for dairying purposes, and he has it
drained properly. Since buying the farm he has placed ten more acres
of it under cultivation. In 1919 he bought sixty acres adjoining the
homestead. For three years Mr. Albright served as road commissioner,
and has been a capable official.

When he was twenty-six years old Mr. Albright was married to Min-
nie Golderman, of Algonquin Township, a daughter of Fred and Louise
Golderman, who came to McHenry County at an early date. Both are
now deceased, but were at one time engaged in farming two and one-half
miles east of Algonquin. Mr. and Mrs. Albright have four children,
namely : William, Stella, Laura and Hazel, all of whom are at home.
Mr. Albright has worked very hard to accomplish what he has and de-
serves his present prosperity. He stands very high in his neighborhood,
and his associates recognize that he is a man of his word, and one who
knows how to get things done right.

CHARLES T. ALLEN.

Charles T. Allen, formerly assistant state's attorney of McHenry
County, is the junior member of the law firm of Lumley & Allen, of
Cary. He was born in Algonquin Township, McHenry County, Feb-
ruary 27, 1882, one of the six children of Thomas C. and Margaret
(Brannan) Allen. Thomas C. Allen was born in Ireland, but came to

466 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

the United States with his parents when a mere infant, and spent the
greater part of his life in Algonquin Township. For some years he
was general superintendent of the Washington lee Company at Cary,
but retired several years prior to his death, which occurred December
10, 1913.

Charles T. Allen attended the public schools of McHenry County and
the Elgin Academy, from which he was graduated. He then studied law
at the Northwestern Law School, being graduated therefrom in 1910,
and was admitted to the bar. In the fall of thai year he opened an office
at Woodstock, the county seat, and one at Cary, where he retained his
residence. In 1915 lie formed a partnership with V. S. Lumley, a prom-
inent attorney of the McHenry County bar. Later, upon the election of
Mr. Lumley to the office of state's attorney. .Mr. Allen was appointed
assistant state's attorney and proved himself a very capable official. From
this position on .March 1. 1921, he resigned on account of the large pri-
vate practice he had acquired and his extensive real estate interest along
Fox River, and since then has maintained his office almost exclusively at
Cary. .Mr. Allen has been for the last ten years and is now city attorney
of Algonquin and Cary, both of this county. In polities he is a Republi-
can.

In 1903 Mr. Allen was married to .Miss Vera Mentch, and they have
twii sons. Russell C. and Robert E. Mr. Allen is a Mason. Odd Fellow and
Elk, and also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and Royal
Neighbors. He and his family reside at Cary. 111., where he is most
highly esteemed as a man and attorney, as well as throughout McHenry
County, where his professional duties and his past connections with the
state's attorney's office has given him a large acquaintance.

HENRY PHILIPS ALLEN.

Henry Philips Allen, now- deceased, was formerly one of the highly-
esteemed and reliable men of Dorr Township. He was born in Madison
County, N. Y., February 26, 1839, a son of Thomas and Mary (Williams)
Allen. In 1840 the family came to McHenry County, settling in Dorr
Township, adjoining the farm later owned by Henry Philips Allen, five
miles south of Woodstock, which property is still in the family. It was
a tract of timber land, but from it Thomas Allen developed a good home,
and lived on it until his death, December 11, 1883, when he was aged

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 467

eighty-nine years. His widow died July 3, 1886, aged eighty-seven
years. They had three children, namely: James, who owned a farm
adjoining the homestead, but retired to Woodstock, there dying, being
survived by his widow and daughter, Mrs. George G. Miller; Henry P.,
whose name heads this review; and Frank, who inherited the homestead,
but became a machinist, worked at Union and later at St. Charles, 111.,
and now lives in California.

Henry P. Allen was reared on his father's farm and remained on it
until his marriage. He studied to be a teacher, but never followed that
calling. On January 16, 1866, he was married to Louisa Hope, a
daughter of William and Elizabeth Hope. Mrs. Allen is the only sur-
vivor of her father's family of four sons and two daughters, and the
only one who continued to reside in McHenry County. She was only
seventeen- years old at the time of her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Allen
began their married life in the house still occupied by Mrs. Allen, on
fifty acres of land which were taken from his father's homestead, to
which he added until he had 100 acres. He followed general mixed
farming, and for a few years conducted a store at Union. Mr. Allen
died January 1, 1911, after a major operation in a hospital. Mr. and
Mrs. Allen became the parents of the following children: George,
who died in boyhood; Rose, who married John Wallace of Seneca Town-
ship; Jessie, who married Charlie Gule, of Dorr Township; Dora, who is
at home; Kittie, who is Mrs. George Pugh, owns a part of the old Allen
farm; Harry A., who is operating his father's homestead. Both Rose
and Jessie Allen were school-teachers prior to their marriage and very
successful in their chosen calling. The present house on the homestead
has been thoroughly modernized and has electric lights, is heated by a
furnace, and has other first-class improvements. Harry A. Allen is
conducting this farm so as to make it one of the model ones of the
county. Henry Philips Allen was one of the upright, honorable men
of his community, and when he died Dorr Township suffered a loss it
could ill afford. However he left behind him some fine children who are
a credit to their name and to the township which gave them birth and
fostered them.

Y. B. ANDERSON.
Page 150.

His HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY

LEWIS J. ASHBURN.

Lewis J. Asliliuni, successful business man and vice-presideni of the
Eerrick Feed Company of Harvard, is rightly cumbered among the
representative citizens of Me Henry ( lounty. He was born in Wisconsin,
October 19, 1889, and is one of the five children of Ole and Julia ( Larsen I
Ashburn, prosperous farming people of Rock County, Wis.

Growing up on his father's farm, Lewis J. Ashburn attended the dis-
trict schools of his native county, and the Sharon High School, and after
being graduated from the latter, he took a business course in the Southern
Wisconsin Business College at Janesville, WTis. In 1910 Mr. Ashburn
came to Harvard and entered the employ of Hunt, Helm, Ferris & Com-
pany. After remaining with that concern for two years, and lieing
employed in the First State Bank for four years, he went into business
for himself and for a time conducted a popular grocery and meat market.
Disposing of his business he formed his present connections which are
congenial and profitable, and has risen to be the vice-president of his
company.

On June 5, 1893, Mr. Ashburn was united in marriage with Miss
Elsie Mae Crosby, who was born February 18, 1889. Mr. and Mrs.
Ashburn have one daughter, Dellora Mae, who was born May 8, 1919.
An alert and astute business man Mr. Ashburn has risen through his
own efforts, and deserves the prosperity which has attended him.

W1LLIA1I A. AUSTIN.

William A. Austin, now living retired at Richmond, is a justice of the
peace and a very representative man in every particular. He was born
August 10, 1885, a son of William H. and Angeline (Austin) Austin,
both of whom are deceased, the latter passing away in Ohio. William II.
Austin was colonel of the regiment raised in McHenry County for serv-
ice during the Civil War, and after its close he went to Nebraska, where
he died as the result of injuries received in that conflict. He and his wife
had the following children : David, who died at the age of sixteen years,
about the time of the birth of William A. ; Hattie B., who married Lewis
Vogel, deputy assistant secretary of state, resides at Springfield, 111.:
Edward, who is the owner of the old farm in Richmond Township, two
miles south of Richmond, and William A., whose name heads this review.

HISTORY OF McHBNRY COUNTY 469

William A. Austin remained at home until he was sixteen years old,
and attended the Richmond High School. At his father's death he as-
sumed charge of one of the farms owned by the elder man, and for the
subsequent five years was engaged in dairying and stock growing. At
the expiration of that period, he moved to Richmond and the farm is now
operated on shares by a tenant. This farm is a very valuable one and
a herd is kept of about thirty-five cows of the Ilolstein strain. The
buildings on the farm were erected by his father for dairying purposes.
.Air. Austin is convinced of the wisdom of handling only good stock, and
his product is excellent in this respect. While he is not now on the farm,
he supervises the work, having learned to be a practical farmer from his
father, who at one time was one of the most extensive agriculturalists of
the county, owning 560 acres of land.

William A. Austin was married September 20, 1911, to Marietta
Johnsen, a daughter of Ole and Anna Johnsen, of Richmond Township,
who was only eighteen years old at that time. Mr. and .Mis. Austin have
four children, namely: Edwin, Harold, Arlen, and Donald P. A strong
Republican, like his estimable father, Mr. Austin is now- serving as a jus-
tice of the peace. He belongs to Richmond Lodge, A. P. & A. M. Brought
up in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which his parents were con-
sistent members, Mr. Austin is himself a member of it, and contributes
very liberally toward its support.

Mr. Austin is a man of public spirit, and in his operations he has
been broad enough to take advantage of the experience of others and so
has rendered a service to his community by redeeming farm land through
effective drainage. In his office as justice, he displays good common sense
and excellent judgment with reference to human nature, and few of his
decrees are reversed by a higher court.

EDWARD E. AYER.

Edward E. Aver, one of the most distinguished men McHenry County
has produced, is known all over the civilized world as the greatest living
authority on the history of the American Indian. He has not confined
his studies to this one line, however, but is equally well informed upon a
variety of subjects, all of his intellectual development being entirely the
outgrowth of his own endeavors, for he is a self-made man in the best
sense of the word.

470 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

When he was eighteen years old, Edward E. Aver left his home in
Harvard and went to Nevada, where he worked in a quartz-mill for a
time, going on to San Francisco, where he was engaged in chopping wood
and working in a saw-mill. With the outhreak of the Civil "War, he
offered his services to his country by enlisting in the First California Cav-
alry, and saw service in California, Arizona ami New .Mexico, being dis-
charged with the rank of second lieutenant. He then retraced his steps
to Harvard, where he arrived July 1, lst>4, joining his father, who had
an interest in a general store at that place, and being taken into partner-
ship. Soon thereafter, he came to Chicago to buy goods, and on this trip
secured Prescott's "Conquest of Mexico.'* which he claims opened the
door for him into a new world and inspired him to strive to educate him-
self and gain an understanding of the higher things. Mr. Aver has pros-
pered in a material way since that day, but he is far prouder that he was
the first president of the Field Museum, and chairman of the collection
committee, trustee of the Art Institute, director of the Chicago Historical
Society, president of the Archaeological Society, member of the Missouri
and Wisconsin Historical societies, member of the Chicago Commercial
Club, director and advisor of the Crerar Library, and a recognized bib-
liophile of international reputation.

His collections embrace African jewels, illuminated manuscripts,
Korans, Persian manuscripts, laces, furniture, porcelains, lusters, pew-
ters, embroidery stuffs, Navajo, Mexican, Algerian and Tunisian blan-
kets and many other articles of great value. At the Newberry Library
are two rooms which bear his name in which are to be found 17,000 vol-
umes of printed books and 4,000 separate manuscripts, some of them
volumes; thousands of printed maps; 300 manuscripts; 2,62.") portraits
or drawings by artists in the field, 390 prints, 9,770 photographs, includ-
ing 8,000 of "The Pictorial History of the Philippines;" sixteen editions
and different works of John Smith, twenty-two editions of Hennepin,
twenty editions of Jonathan Carver, titty-three editions of Las Casas,
every early edition of Champlain, every early edition of Lescarbot, every
early edition of Sagard, about 3,000 volumes in the Indian languages, cov-
ering 220 tribes in America, thirty-eight in the Philippines, and one in
the Sandwich Islands; the finest set of Ptolemy known, sixty volumes
including five in manuscript ; one of the great collections of Ortelius and
Apianus and general geographical atlases; thirty-nine out of the forty-
one Cremaisi in existence in the original editions ; the twenty-six Gilmary
Shea: the eight O'Callaghan; all of the Margry; the Cleveland edition
of over seventy volumes; the Quebec edition and many manuscripts; and

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 471

100 Mexican pietographs on maguey paper and leather; as well as first
and early editions on all parts of North America pertaining especially to
Indian history, including 351 titles of Captivities; 1,260 of the 2,625 por-
traits and drawings are by Burbank, 400 are by Waldeck, fifty by Carl
Bodnier ; 250 are lead-pencil portraits by Catlin, with a short biography
of each. What Mr. A,yer considers the very gem of his whole collection
is Prescott's ''Conquest of Mexico" in three carefully tooled volumes
bound in the very best Grolieresque red binding by Binder Zaehnsdorf,
which were the first books he ever bought, about August 1, 1864, and the
foundation of his great history of the North American Indian Library.

EDWARD M. AYLWARD.

Edward M. Aylward, senior member of the firm of Aylward Bros.,
breeders of high grade stock, is one of the foremost business men of
Hebron, and he is the senior member of the grain house of Aylward,
Slavin & Randall. He was born at Walworth, Wis., February 19, 1879,
one of the nine children of his parents, Richard W. and Mary (Cleary)
Aylward. Richard W. Aylward was born in Ireland, but came to the
United States in 1850, and after a stay at Walworth, Wis., located in
McHenry County, whei-e he still resides, having, during all of his active
years, been a farmer. His wife died September 28, 1899.

Edward M. Aylward attended the schools of McHenry County, and
was reared upon his father's farm. He spent two years in railroading,
and then in 1912, began breeding stock, specializing on Holstein cattle,
and his annual business is now about $200,000. Mr. Aylward gives em-
ployment to six people and he and his brother are recognized as leaders
in their line. In 1918 Mr. Aylward formed a partnership with Messrs.
Slavin and Randall for the purpose of handling grain, and this firm is
doing an immense business.

On September 25, 1901, Mr. Aylward was united in marriage with
Miss May Monear, a daughter of Wallace Monear, and they have three
children, namely: Viola M., Florence and Edward M. The family all
belong to the Catholic Church. In politics Mr. Aylward is a Republican,
but he has never taken an active part in public life, as his time has been
too fully occupied with his business affairs. Mr. Aylward is proud of
the fact that his father served his adopted country during the Civil War,
enlisting in 1861, and being a brave soldier until his honorable discharge.

172 HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY

The family is one of the mosl highly esteemed in McHenry County, and
Mr. Aylward is a worthy member of it.

FRANK F. AX TELL.

Frank F.Axtell, president of the First State Bank of Harvard, and
one of the most prominent men of McHenry County, is generally recog-
nized as one of the representative financiers of this part of the state.
He was born in New York state. October 29, 1847, only child of Alonzo
E. and Mary M. (Lambert) Axtell. Alonzo E. Axtell was born in
New York state, and, coming to Harvard, became interested in mer-
chandising upon an extensive scale. He was also one of the early
bankers of McHenry County, and developed into a very prominenl and
influential man.

Frank F. Axtell attended the schools of Boone County. 111., where the
family located in 1851, and Harvard, where they came in 1858. His
first employment was as a clerk in his father's store, and he remained
with him until 1889, when he organized, as a private concern, the bank
of which he is now the executive head, and re-organized it as a state bank
in 1909. Mr. Axtell is a member of the American Bankers Association
and the Illinois Bankers Association, and he was associated with the
Chicago Board of Trade for a number of years.

Mr. Axtell was married to Miss Cynthia A. Austin, a daughter of
Pasco Austin, and they have one son, E. E. Axtell, who is the cashier of
the bank of which his father is president. A daughter, Darline V.,
died in 1911. She was born in 1882, was a graduate of Vassar College,
and a lovely girl, only tw-enty-nine years of age at the time of her death.
Mr. Axtell is a Republican. Ever since he came to Harvard lie has
taken an intelligent and effective interest in its development, and is
justly numbered among its most representative men anil desirable
citizens.

CHARLES W. BAILEY.

Charles W. Bailey, M. I)., one of the leading physicians and surgeons
of McHenry County, is successfully engaged in a general practice at
Hebron, and he is also connected with the financial life of the city as a

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 473

director of the Bank of Hebron. He was born at Denver, Colo., the only
child of his parents, Jefferson A. and Eliza (Bringham) Bailey. Jeffer-
son A. Bailey was engaged in farming for many years in the vicinity of
Walworth, Wis., but his wife died in 1874.

Doctor Bailey attended the common and high schools of Illinois, and
then took a course at the Northwestern University, from which he was
graduated in 1895, following which he took a medical course in the med-
ical department of the same institution. Doctor Bailey then took a course
at Rush Medical College, and was graduated in 1900, and for the suc-
ceeding year was interne at St. Mary's Hospital of Milwaukee, Wis. He
then located at Hebron, where he has since remained. In August, 1918,
Doctor Bailey was commissioned captain in the medical corps for service
during the World War, and was at Camps Greenleaf and Forest for
three months. On December 23, 1918, he was honorably discharged, and
returning to Hebron, resumed his practice, which is a very large one,
for his patients have great confidence in his skill and knowledge. He
belongs to the county," state and American medical associations.

In 1904 Doctor Bailey was married to Miss Ida Groesbeck, a daughter
of William Groesbeck, and a member of an old pioneer family of Me-
Henry County. Doctor and Mrs. Bailey have the following children:
Alice E., who was born in 1906 ; Francis J., who was born in 1909, and
John W., who was born in 1914. The fraternal connections of Doctor
Bailey are with Hebron Lodge No. 604, A. F. & A. M. ; Harvard Chapter
No. 91, R. A. M. ; Cavalry Commandery No. 25, K. T., and he is also a
Shriner. Politically, he is a Republican. Recognizing the weight Doctor
Bailey's name would have, the Bank of Hebron induced him to consent
to serve upon its directorate in December, 1916. As a medical man and
citizen, Doctor Bailey has proven his sterling worth, and no one stands
any higher in public esteem in this part of the state, than does he.

SOLOMON BAIRD.
Page 132.

JOHN BALDOCK.

John Baldock, who is now living retired at Alden, was formerly
extensively engaged in business as a lumber and feed merchant, and he
has also served his township as supervisor. He was born in England,

474 HISTORY OP McIIENRY COUNTY

August 16, 1846, one of four children born to his parents, Matthew and
Susan (Coy) Baldock, also natives of England, who came to the United
States in 1852, locating at what is now Chemung, but was then known
as Big Foot. Later Matthew Baldock moved to Alden, where he died
in 1S93.

John Baldock attended the common schools of Harvard, and grew
up in McHenry County. After having been engaged in farming for
some years, in 1890 he organized a lumber and feed business, and con-
ducted it until 1910, when he sold it to his son, Jay L. Baldock, and his
son-in-law, Nathan B. Clawson, who conduct it under the name of
Baldock & Clawson. In February, 1865, Mr. Baldock enlisted for
service during the Civil War, and was discharged, September 25, 1865,
and he has been a member of the local post G. A. R. since its organiza-
tion. He is a Republican, and was elected supervisor of Alden Town-
ship, and served for sixteen years, and he was a justice of the peace for
eleven years.

In 1869 Mr. Baldock was married to Miss Mary A. Seward, who died
in 1871. Later he was married (second) to Miss Roxie A. Ferris, who
belonged to a well known McHenry County family. She died February
9, 1913. By his second marriage Mr. Baldock had two children, namely:
Jessie M., who is the wife of Nathan B. Clawson and has had the following
children — Frank, George and Eugene, the last two died in childhood; and
Jay L., who married Edith Snell, a daughter of John Snell, and they have
two daughters, Florence and Dorothy. The family all belong to the
Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Baldock is highly esteemed by all
who know him, and his prosperity is well deserved.

AMORY BARBER.

Aniory Barber, one of the farmers of Riley Township who is con-
nected with some of the leading families of McHenry County, deserves
a place in a record of this high class. He was born in the village of
Java, Wyoming County, N. Y., a son of Humphrey and Maria (Potter)
Barber, natives of Massachusetts and New York, respectively, who
came to McHenry County in 1851, to join her brother, Almon Potter,
who had already settled in this region, taking up government land.
Humphrey Barber entered forty acres of land, now owned by Amory
Barber, which is located seven miles south of Marengo, nine miles west

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 475

of Huntley, and there he died at the age of sixty-eight years, and she
when eighty-six, in 1901, having survived him for twenty years. In
addition to farming, Humphrey Barber discharged the duties of a justice
of the peace for many years, having his office in his residence. He was
a Universalist. The children born to him and his wife were as follows:
Lester, who lived at home for some time, moved to Coral Township,
then retired to Marengo, where he died about 1916; Lucinda, who mar-
ried William Mallory, died in McHenry County, leaving one child;
Lucius, who enlisted at the outbreak of the Civil War in Company D,
Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, served through the war, was cap-
tured at Acksworth and confined in Andersonville prison, from which he
was later exchanged, but not until his health was undermined, and he
died a number of years ago from the effects of the hardships he endured ;
Amanda, who married W. B. Sheldon, a farmer of McHenry County,
died here as did her husband; ,Nivvie, who married W. B. Mallory after
the death of her sister, died a few years later, but he survives and makes
his home at Elgin; Rose, who married F. E. Stevens of Coral Township;
and Amory, whose name heads this review.

Amory Barber owns the homestead of his father, which comprises
eighty acres of land. Formerly he carried on dairying almost exclu-
sively, but of later years has devoted more time to grain production.
He is a strong Republican and has served as supervisor of Riley Town-
ship, and as a justice of the peace.

RICHARD W. BARDWELL.

Richard W. Bardwell, superintendent of the public schools of Wood-
stock, and one of the leading educators of this part of Illinois, is held in
the highest esteem by all who have the honor of his acquaintance. He
was born at Tipton, Iowa, May 14, 1889, a son of Conrad Myron and
Anna Louise (Wollbcn) Bardwell, the former of whom was born at
Northampton, Mass., October 9, 1860, and the latter at Marengo, 111.,
December 9, 1867.

The Bardwell family was founded in America in 1720 by Robert
Bardwell, who landed from England at Boston, Mass., in that year.
On the maternal side, the family originated in Scotland, and came from
thence to the United States, locating in Illinois. Conrad M. Bardwell
is a man of high standing and considerable influence among the educators

476 HISTORY OF McHENR"? COUNTY

of the state, and for many years has been superintended of differenl

public schools. He is a man of force of character, bill also one of fine
human qualities, with a large circle of friends both within his profession
and out. lie has been honored with various offices within the associa-
tions of education, and in 1909 he was president of the State Teachers
Association.

Richard W. Bardwell was graduated from the University of Illinois,
and immediately thereafter accepted the principalship of the schools of
Hebron, 111., holding this position during 1910 and 1911, when he took
the same position at Delavan, 111., remaining there until 1914, when he
came to Woodstock, where his career has been eminently satisfactory in
every respect, and his schools and pupils show a remarkable improvement
under his supervision.

On July 10, 1912, Mr. Bardwell was married, at Evanston, 111., to
( iertrude Smith. She is a daughter of Townscnd and ( 'harlot te (MiddeU)
Smith, natives of Beverly, England. Mr. Smith is deceased, but for
years was a well known real-estate broker of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs.
Bardwell have the following children: Elizabeth, who was born May 2,
1913; and Richard M., Jr., who was born September 21, 1915. Mr.
Bardwell belongs to Hebron Lodge No. 604, A. F. & A. M , and the
Order of the Eastern Star, and he is also a member of the college frater-
nities of Psi Upsilon and Phi Delta Phi.

EDWARD C. BARNARD.

Edward C. Barnard, now deceased, was one of the well known figures
in McHenry County business life, and owned and operated the mill at
Solon Mills in Richmond Township. He was born at Solon Mills,
October 19, 1S48, and died June 11, 1918, in his seventieth year. He
was a son of George and Ruth (Yates) Barnard, the latter being a de-
scendant of Lord Wellington of England. George Barnard owned a
farm near Greenwood where he died, and was a farmer and miller,
operating a mill at Solon Mills for many years. Both he and his wife
lived to an old age. One of their sons, Ensley Barnard is conducting
the old farm near Greenwood.

Edward ( '. Barnard learned the milling business and for a time
operated a mill at Silver Lake, near Cary Station. Later he bought a

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 477

mill from a Mr. Northrup five miles south of Richmond, on the Nip-
persink, and operated it from 1884 until 1911, when his health failing,
he sold it. The old mill still stands, but has not been operated for
some years, although the water power is excellent. Mr Barnard also
owned 300 acres of land in the vicinity of his mill, but he left the farm
in 1916 to move to Richmond.

Mr. Barnard was married his bride being eighteen years old at that
time. Mr. and Mrs. Barnard had one son, Earl Clement Barnard. He
married Bertha Marsh, and they have a son, Clement. Earl C. Barnard
has spent some time in Kansas, but is now living with his mother, and
the farm is rented. Mr. Barnard was a public-spirited man, of high
standing in his community. He was a charter member of Nunda Lodge,
A. F. & A. M., and later was connected with the Masonic lodge at
Richmond.

CHARLES P. BARNES.

Charles P. Barnes at present County Judge of McHenry County, has
an extensive acquaintance among the judges and lawyers throughout
Northern Illinois, on account of the many important jury cases he has
conducted in his own and the adjoining counties, and his ability as a
successful criminal lawyer is admitted by all.

He was born in the town of Nunda, in the county of McHenry, 111.,
on February 14, 1862, a son of Charles C. and Lydia (Sayles) Barnes,
the former being killed at the Siege of Vicksburg in 1863, as a soldier
in the Union Army, leaving a widow and two children, besides Judge
Barnes. When eleven years old he commenced working out by the
month and, in the summer of 1873, worked eight months for the com-
pensation of $7 per month. He worked for his board in winters, and
attended the district schools, and at the age of eighteen years became
a stationary engineer for the Clayson Drying Company, at Nunda.
From his boyhood he had taken a deep interest in law suits, and often
walked several miles to hear the trial of a case before a justice of the
peace and early acquired a desire to become a lawyer. During the fall
and early winter preceding his commencement of the study of law, in
a regular law office, he conducted five cases before justices of the peace
at Nunda and Crystal Lake, and won four of the five.

478 HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY

In March 1881 being then only nineteen years of ago, he entered
the law office of Attorney O. II. Gilmore at Woodstock, and
worked on a farm near the outskirts of the city for his board,

in order that lie might pursue his law studies. After spending a little
over one year in the office of Attorney 0. II. Gilmore, who later became
County .Judge, he entered the office of former County Judge B. N.
Smith, and from that office went before the Appellate Court at Ottawa
in the month of March, 1883, and passed a successful examination and
was admitted to the bar of this state, and immediately entered upon
the practice of law in the City of Woodstock, where he has lived con-
tinuously until the present time.

In July 1885, he formed a partnership with Hon. Merritt L. Joslyn,
who was Assistant Secretary of the Interior during the administration
of President Arthur, and for nearly three years the firm practiced law
together under the firm name of Joslyn & Barnes. Later he was as-
sociated with Attorney D. T. Smiley under the firm name of Barnes &
Smiley, and this partnership continued for nearly three years. For a
short time, he was in partnership with Attorney John J. Cooney, now
deceased, who at one time was a student in his office. Attorneys D. T.
Smiley, F. R. Jackman, F. B. Bennett, John J. Cooney, Arthur J. Mul-
len and J. I. Lang all studied law in his office, and all passed successful
examinations before the Appellate Court for admission to the bar.

Judge Barnes has acted for the defense in some of the most cele-
brated criminal trials that have ever taken place in the Circuit Court
of his county, and has an enviable record as a successful jury lawyer.
He enjoys the unusual distinction of never having a jury return a ver-
dict against his side on which the client could be sentenced to the peni-
tentiary.

He is Republican in politics, but in 1912 stood with the Roosevelt
movement under the head of the Bull Moosers and was chairman of
the Roosevelt movement in McHenry County. In 1916 he sought the
Republican nomination for states attorney having for his opponents,
Attorneys D. R. Joslyn, then states attorney, and V. S. Lumley, who
had previously served in that capacity and in the three-cornered fight,
he was defeated by Mr. Lumley who received the nomination. In the
fall of 1918, after helping Attorney Calvin J. Hendricks of Harvard to
secure the Republican nomination he was placed on the ticket to fill
the vacancy caused by the death of Attorney Hendricks and as County
Judge has made a record that is highly commended by the attorneys
and the people who have had business before his court.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 479

C. PERCY BARNES.

C. Percy Barnes, attorney, junior member of the legal firm of
Barnes & Barnes, is one of the able young men of Woodstock, and is
associated with his distinguished father in the practice of his profession.
He was born at Woodstock, May 22, 1886, one of the three children
of his parents, Charles P. and Lanta (Young) Barnes.

C. Percy Barnes attended the local schools, and Kent Law School
of Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1908, thus following in his
father's footsteps, and adopting the law as his profession. Immediately
thereafter he was admitted to the bar, and locating at Woodstock, has
since been in an active practice, his father being the senior member
of the firm of Barnes & Barnes. In 1910, C. Percy Barnes was elected
city attorney of Woodstock, which office he still holds.

C. Percy Barnes was married to Miss Ruth Freestone, and he and
his wife are members of the Congregational Church of Woodstock.
In politics he is a Republican. His knowledge of men and their motives,
and his keen, analytical mind enable him to handle the cases entrusted
to him efficiently and successfully, and he has been connected with some
very important jurisprudence that is not confined to the boundaries of
his own county.

DARWIN A. BARROWS.

Darwin A. Barrows, who belongs to one of the prominent pioneer
families of McHenry County, is serving his township as assessor, and
is numbered among the representative retired farmers of Harvard.
He was born in the county, a son of Dexter and Olive E. (Simpson)
Barrows, who had eight children. Dexter Barrows was born in Ver-
mont, but came to McHenry County in an early day, and became one
of the prosperous farmers of this section. He lived to the unusual age
of ninety-three years.

Darwin A. Barrows was reared on his father's farm, and attended
the local schools. During the Civil War, he enlisted in Company E,
Ninety-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, although only sixteen years
old, and served until the close of hostilities, when he was mustered out.
Returning home, he resumed farming, and became the owner of a valu-
able farm in Dunham Township. A few years ago he retired from his
agricultural activities, and located at Harvard, where he owns his com-

ISO HISTORY OF McHBNEY COUNTY

fortable residence. A man of mure than average ability, he lias been
called upon to hold public office, and for seventeen years he was town
clerk and he has hern township assessor for five terms.

On June 15, L870, Mr. Barrows was married to Marion E. Billings,
and they had the following children: Mildred, who married Ernes! F.
Goodknecht; Nellie (!., who married Archie (liven, and Marion, who
married Gardner A. Knapp, superintendent of the county home at
Hartland.

EBER E. BASSETT.

Eber E. Bassett, postmaster of West McHenry, is one of the sub-
stantial men of McHenry County, and one who has long; been appreciated
by his fellow citizens. His appointment came as the just reward of
faithful service to the government as a rural free delivery carrier, and
since taking hold of the office, he has increased very materially its
annual business, and the efficiency of the service. Mr. Bassett was
reappointed to the office in September, 1917, and he has one assistant
under him. His appointment followed the raising of the office to
third class.

Eber E. Bassett was born in McHenry County, June 17, 1875, one
of the two children of Wilbur F., born in Ohio, and Jennie (Earl) Bassett.
born in Vermont. W. F. Bassett came to McHenry in 1854, with his
parents, John E. and Celestia Bassett.

Jennie (Earl) Bassett came to McHenry in 1868. For some years
following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bassett were engaged in farming,
but are now retired. Eber E. Bassett attended the local schools, and
took a business course at the Elgin Academy during the fall and winter
of 1896-97. Until 1905, he was engaged in farming, but in that year
became a letter carrier on the rural free delivery route, and continued as
such until his appointment as postmaster in 1914. He is a Republican
in politics. On December 18, 1S97, he was married to Miss Cora
Martin, a daughter of Peter S. and Wealthy A. (Farmer) Martin, and
they have two children, namely: Lisle E., and Floribel. The family
belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church of West McHenry. Mr.
Bassett's fraternal affiliations are with the Modern Woodmen of America,
and Mrs. Bassett is a member of the Royal Neighbors. Accommodating
and capable, Mr. Bassett is giving universal satisfaction as postmaster,

HISTORY OF McHEXRY COUNTY 481

and is correctly regarded as one of the most representative men of his
community.

ROCKWELL M. BEAN.

Rockwell M. Bean, assessor of Seneca Township, and one of the
leading farmers of McHenry County, owns and operates a fine rural
property known as Maple Farm, which is located three and one-half
miles northeast of Marengo, and eight miles southwest of Woodstock.
He was born on his grandfather's old home farm, October 10, 1863, a
son of William and Philenia (Mead) Bean, and grandson of Simeon Bean
of New Hampshire. William Bean was also born in New Hampshire,
but when he was eight years old his father brought him to Illinois, and
in 1836 secured government land in the woods of McHenry County.
Simeon Bean was a leading man of those early days, and lived to be
sixty years of age. A man of educational advantages far beyond those
of his associates, he was called upon to attend to much public business,
as well as settle estates and act as administrator of estates. Both he
and his wife were school-teachers in New Hampshire, and after coming
to McHenry County he continued to teach during the winter months,
and at one time was county superintendent of schools. His children
weru as follows: Ellen, who married Daniel Fellows, died at St. Charles,
111., at the age of fifty years; Louise, who married Allen Paddock, is
deceased, having passed away at the Paddock home in New York, but
she and her husband are both interred in the new cemetery at Marengo;
Joseph, who died at the age of twenty years while a student at college;
John, who lives in Minnesota; and William, who was the oldest born.

William Bean spent two years at Waterloo, Iowa, but returned to
McHenry County, and securing the old homestead, lived upon it until
his death, in August, 1907, three years subsequent to the death of his
wife. He erected the buildings now standing on the Bean farm, and
made other improvements, which are now being enjoyed by outsiders
as the farm was sold after his death. He was a leader in his community,
public spirited and able and served twenty-one years as a member of
the school board. The Presbyterian church of Marengo had in him
one of its most active workers and devout members. William Bean and
his wife had the following children: Frank W., who left home at the
age of sixteen years to go to Nebraska, attended college, became a

482 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, and died at Clay Center,
Nebr., August 24, 1918; Carlton S., who is a farmer of Davenport,
Nebr.; Rockwell M., whose name heads this review; William K., who
is a fruitgrower of Michigan; Mae, who is Mrs. L. J. Hand of Marengo;
and Rose, who is Mrs. Edward Thomas of Belvidere, 111.

On October 12, 1887, Rockwell M. Bean was united in marriage witli
Marian Drury, a daughter of L. and Roxa (Angier) Drury, natives of
Massachusetts. Following his marriage Mr. Bean spent three years
on a large rented farm owned by H. W. Belding, and then went to
Davenport, Nebr., operating 600 acres of land, a portion of which he
had purchased, and remained there for seven years. Here he met with
disaster in the form of continuous droughts so that for the years he was
there he made nothing and was glad to get away alive. When he finally
arrived in McHenry County he had only twenty-eight cents in cash,
and had to provide for his family comprising a wife and two little children.
In addition to all this he had a debt of 81,000, and in order to secure
his present farm he had to go still deeper into debt, but during the sub-
sequent years he has cleared off his obligations, and not only has a
valuable farm, but excellent buildings. His barn is a basement one and
he has accommodations for twenty cows, for he specializes in dairying.
Both he and Mrs. Bean are consistent members of the Baptist church,
and he served for eight years consecutively as superintendent of the
Sunday school of his church, and for one year was county superintendent
of the temperance department. In 1918 Mr. Bean was elected assessor
of his township, and has proven very acceptable to the people. Mr.
and Mrs. Bean have three children, namely: Arthur W., who married
Cora M. Lowe, has a son, Clarence A., and conducts a garage at Marengo;
Myron, who is on a farm near his father, married Caroline L. Lundy,
and has two children, Marion L. and Marjorie W. ; and Harold, who
is at home. He went into the service under the First Draft, but was
rejected after reaching the training camp in Georgia on account of
disability. All of the sons have had high-school educations, and are
young men of ability and a superior order of integrity.

ALFRED G. BEATH.

Alfred G. Beath, one of the foremost men of Marengo, owns and
operates a fine, modern mercantile establishment, and is regarded as

1

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 483

an excellent representative of the best business interests of McHenry
County. He was born in England, June 17, 1851, one of the eight
children of his parents, Robert and Sarah (Peck) Beath. Robert Beath
was a baker by trade, and not liking conditions in England, he brought
his family to the United States, settling at Rockford, 111.

Alfred G. Beath was reared at Rockford, having been brought there
when four years old, and attended its common and high schools. Learn-
ing the trade of a baker, he worked at it, and November 6, 1883, he
established himself in the baking business at Marengo, conducting it
until 1912, when he branched out as a general merchant, and now
carries a stock valued at $10,000, and owns the building in which it
is located.

In 1879 Mr. Beath was united in marriage with Miss Catherine
Pherris, and they had one child, Mabel, who married Doctor Ashbaugh,
one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Marengo. Mrs. Beath
died in 1915. Mr. Beath belongs to the Episcopal Church. Politically
he is a Republican, and he was elected a justice of the peace in 1918.
He is a Mason, and is High Priest of Lansing Chapter No. 73; and
belongs to Calvary Commandery, of Woodstock, and Tibutu Shrine, of
Rockford, Illinois. Having traveled extensively and being an exhaustive
reader, Mr. Beath is one of the best posted men of Marengo, and his
advice is often sought by those who realize that they can rely upon his
store of knowledge and good judgment.

EDWARD C. BELL.

Edward C. Bell, one of the substantial farmers of McHenry Town-
ship, owns and operates a farm on the outskirts of Ringwood. He was
born two miles north of Ringwood, in McHenry Township, May 6,
1856, a son of John B. and Nancy (Coates) Bell, both natives of Ireland,
who were married in England, and soon thereafter came to the United
States. Immediately after landing in this country they came direct
to Ringwood, reaching it in 1851 or possibly in 1852. For a short
period they resided in the village of Ringwood, and then moved on the
farm of eighty acres on which Edward C. Bell was born. It was a new
farm with poor buildings, but John B. Bell was an excellent farmer
and business man and improved his property and added to his farm
until he owned between 500 and 600 acres. Later on in life, he moved

48-4 HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY

to Ringwood, 1 milt a large house, ami he died there in September, L905,
aged eighty-two years; his widow surviving him about twelve years,

dying when eighty-seven years old.

Edward C. Boll was reared on the farm, and adopted farming as his
life work. For twenty-five years he rented land from his father, and
then boughl 240 acres in Richmond Township, four miles north of
Ringwood, remaining on it eleven years, during that period developing
it into a dairy farm. He enlarged the bam and made other improve-
ments, and then sold it in 1911, and bought his present farm of fifty
acres adjoining Ringwood. The buildings are in excellent condition,
and the house was erected by James Green after the loss of the original
one by fire. Since buying this property Air. Roll has built a silo and
now carries on general farming, although on his other farm he bud
eat tie of the Ilolstein strain.

On February 10, 18S1 Mr. Bell was married to Florence Motley,
of Richmond Township, a daughter of Robert and Ann (Silli Motley,
natives of England, Mrs. Motley having been born in the same section
of Yorkshire as Mr. Bell's father, and Mr. Motley was born in Lincoln-
shire. They were married in Mclienry County, and lived on their
farm until Mrs. Motley died. Mr. and Mrs. Bell have the following
children: Louis, who is conducting the farm; Robert, who died at the
age of twenty years; Bertha, who is Mrs. Esh of Spring Grove; Walter,
who died in 1918, aged thirty years; Mary, who is Mrs. Glenn Esh of
Spring Grove; and Howard, who is at home.

FRED B. BENNETT.

Fred B. Bennett, one of the prominent lawyers of McHenry County,
real estate owner, and a director of the United State Bank of ( Yystal
Lake, is recognized as a representative man of his locality. He was
born in Lake County, Illinois, August 2G, 1871, one of three children
of his parents, John K. and Louisa (Lytle) Bennett, well-known farmers
of Lake County, both now deceased.

Fred B. Bennett attended the local schools of Cuba Township, Lake
County, and the high school of Barrington, Cook County. Illinois. He
then read law with Hon. C. P. Barnes of Woodstock, ami was sub-
sequently admitted to the bar. Immediately thereafter, he commenced
the practice of his profession in the office of Mr. Barnes, later leaving

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 485

to form a law partnership with Frank R. Jackman, the firm being
known as Jackman & Bennett. This association continued for about
eight years and until the death of Mr. Jackman in 1908, since which
time Mr. Bennett has continued the practice of law alone. He is the
legal advisor of the Hoy Banking Company of McHenry, and of the
Ringwood Bank, and the United States Bank of Crystal Lake, and is
a recognized authority on real estate and corporation law. In politics,
a Republican, he has served as city attorney for Huntley and McHenry,
and is in every respect one of the leading men of the county.

In 1898 Mr. Bennett was married to Miss Kate C. Hibbard, a
daughter of John L. Hibbard of Woodstock, and they have a daughter,
Katherine R., who is at home. Mr. Bennett and his family belong to
the Congregational Church. He is a Thirty-second Degree and Knight
Templar Mason, being a past commander of Calvary Commandery
No. 25, and also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and the
Royal Arcanum. A profound scholar and able lawyer, Mr. Bennett is
naturally well versed upon many subjects, and his advice is sought by
all classes.

FILLMORE S. BENNETT.
Page 151.

WALTER C. BESLEY.

Walter C. Besley, D. D. S., one of the leading dental surgeons of
McHenry County, is engaged in an active practice at Woodstock, where
he is held in the highest esteem, not only in a professional capacity, but
personally as well. He was born at Chicago, 111., July 27, 1875, a son
of George W. and Sophia (Cone) Besley, who had three children. George
W. Besley was for thirty years a druggist of McHenry, McHenry
County, later on moved to Woodstock, where he died in January, 1916,
his wife having previously passed away.

After attending the local schools of McHenry County, and the
McHenry High School, Walter C. Besley took a course in dentistry at
the Northwestern University, from which he was graduated in 1897,
and immediately thereafter embarked in a general practice at Wood-

isii HISTORY OP McHBNRY COUNTY

stock, where he has since remained. His offices are conveniently
located over the State Bank of Woodstock.

On June 6, 1900, Doctor Besley was married to Miss Cora G. Bennett,
and they have the following children: George V., and Walter B. Doctor
Besley and his family belong to the Congregational Church of Wood-
stock. In politics he is a Republican, and for the past eight years he
has served continuously as a member of the city council. He is a
Mason, an Odd Fellow, and an Elk, and prominent in all of these orders.
Skilled in his profession, his success with his patients has resulted in
the building up of a large and constantly increasing practice, and the
establishment of his reputation as a very valuable citizen in his
community.

GUSTAVUS F. BINNEWIES.

Gustavus F. Binnewies, one of the retired farmers of Harvard, was
formerly very active in agricultural matters in McHenry County, and
still owns his farm in Dunham Township. He was born on this farm,
three miles southwest of Harvard, August 22, 1858, a son of Christian
and Caroline (Kappenberg) Binnewies, natives of Germany. The
parents came to the United States in 1853, and after a stay in Pennsyl-
vania, moved to McHenry County, 111., where they bought a small
farm, adding to it until they had 160 acres, and forty acres of timber
in another farm. The original house is still in use, although different
additions and many improvements have been made to it. The father
put about half the farm under cultivation, carrying on general farming.
He came to this country with nothing, but owing to the opportunities
here offered, he was able to acquire a valuable property. His death
occurred on the farm, October 16, 1886, at the age of sixty-seven years.
His widow survives and makes her home with her son, G. F. Binnewies.
Of their children, four now survive, namely: Anna, who lives with her
mother and brother; Minnie, who married Harve McWilhams, who is
a factory man living at Harvard; Carrie, who married Henry Hopper-
stead, who is in a store at Capron; and Gustavus F. One son died at
the age of nineteen years while attending Rockford College and Ida,
Josephine and Caroline are also deceased.

Gustavus F. Binnewies remained on the homestead and took charge
of it when his father was taken sick, and he is still interested in it,

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 487

although for the past fifteen years he has lived in Dunham Township.
The present tenant had been on the farm for fifteen years, and he is
Mr. Binnewies' partner in handling stock. With his leaving the farm,
Mr. Binnewies did not lose interest in it, but has kept up the improve-
ments, and has a very fine property, that he holds at a high figure.

Mr. Binnewies has never married, his sister, Miss Anna being house-
keeper for him and his aged mother. He is a Republican, but aside
from being a school director, as was his father before him, Mr. Binnewies
has not cared to hold office. In the early days of McHenry County,
the home of the Binnewies family was the stopping place for the traveling
ministers of the German Evangelical faith who used to hold services
in the schoolhouses of the neighborhood. When a church of this creed
was established at Harvard, they attended it, and gave it their support.
Mr. Binnewies is recognized as one of the representative men of his
country, and his family is justly numbered among the pioneer ones of
this region.

RICHARD BISHOP.

Page 131.

FRED A. BOHLANDER.

Fred A. Bohlander, one of the leading merchants of McHenry
County, owns and operates a fine dry goods establishment at West
McHenry, and he is also a director of the West McHenry State Bank.
He was born at Monroe, 111., May 21, 1863, one of the seven children
born to his parents. His father, Peter Bohlander, was born in Germany,
but came to the United States in 1833. He lived at West Chicago,
moving thence to South Chicago, and finally to Monroe, 111., where he
died in 1901. His wife, whose maiden name was Schroeder, died
in 1894.

Fred A. Bohlander was reared on his father's farm, and early learned
to make himself useful in its conduct. He attended the local schools,
and was well grounded in the common branches. When he left home
to start in business on his own account, he connected himself with the
wholesale shoe trade, continuing in it until 1901, when he came to West

I— HISTORY OF McHBNBY COUNTY

McHenry and founded his present house. He carries a full and com-
plete line of ready-to-wear garments for women, men's furnishing
goods, clothing, groceries, shoes and rubber goods, tin and granite ware,
notions, toys and all goods ordinarily carried by a modern department
store. His stock is a very large and comprehensive one, and the prices
are as low as is consistent with the quality and service. In August,
1916, Mr. Pohlander was elected a director of the West McHenry
State Bank, his association giving added prestige to that institution.

In 1S90 Mr. Bohlander was married to Miss Anna Warneke, a
daughter of August Warneke, of Will County, 111., and they have one
son, Roy, who is now at Sycamore, 111., married Viola Cole. Mr. and
Mrs. Bohlander belong to the Evangelical Protestant Church. In
political faith, he is a Republican. A man of importance in his com-
munity, Mr. Bohlander was connected with the various movements
connected with the war activities here, and has otherwise proven his
good citizenship and worth as a man.

WILLIAM A. BOIES.

William A. Boies, one of the most highly respected men of McHenry
County, who was formerly a successful agriculturalist of Coral Town-
ship, is now living retired on his fine farm one mile west of Marengo.
He was born at Homer, Courtland County, N. Y., December 15, 1841,
a son of Israel and Mary (Ives) Boies, the former born in Massachusetts,
and the latter in Connecticut. The Horace Boies, one time governor of
Iowa, was a first cousin of Israel Boies, and the family is one found all
over the country. In 1859 Israel Boies brought his family west to Dar-
lington, Wis., where they lived for five years, and then came to McHenry
County, settling at Marengo.

William A. Boies was educated in New York. He was married,
February 20, 1865, at Darlington, Wis., to Lottie Shimmins, who was
born on Long Island, N. Y., Oct, 23, 1842, but brought to Wisconsin
when a child. After his marriage, Mr. Boies rented his present farm,
and during the period he was preparing to buy it, his father, Israel,
dealt in cattle, buying at Darlington and shipping to Chicago, having
had much experience in stock dealing in New York state. In fact it
was the realization of the better opportunities he would have in the
west to buy cattle that brought him to Wisconsin. During his earlier

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY ls;i

experiences in the east, Israel Boies drove both cattle and sheep to
the New York and Philadelphia markets, from rural regions, where
he had bought them. In 1878 he went to Byron, 111., and established
himself in a butter manufacturing business, and after he had sold it
at a fair profit, he built another butter factory at Davis Junction, 111.,
and another at Genoa, 111., and operated the latter until 1882, when he
returned to McHenry County and spent his remaining years at the
home of his son, William A. Boies, in Coral Township.

In the meanwhile William A. Boies had been associated in the stock
business with his father, operating the Marengo end of it, but in 1868
bought what had been the Orsan Rogers farm. Here during the follow-
ing year he began making butter, producing his own milk and keeping
forty cows. The butter was made by his mother, who was so expert
that the demand for her product increased to such an extent that in
1870, William A. Boies erected a building that is still standing, and in
order to increase the output, began buying milk of his neighbors. In
time he commenced shipping to eastern markets, receiving what was
then considered a gilt-edged price, forty cents per pound. Ordinary
butter then sold for twenty cents per pound. Until about 1875 Mr.
Boies practically controlled the milk supply of his neighborhood, but
his success encouraged others to enter his line, and similar creameries
were established. His own butter was known as "Creamery" butter,
and there was such a demand for it, especially in Rhode Island, that
he could not supply it. Recognizing his ability, the owners of the other
creameries endeavored to secure him as manager, and he undertook
too many responsibilities, as during five years he had charge of nineteen
creameries, one of them being in Boone County. Disaster overtook
these many enterprises, numerous causes contributing, but the same
condition prevailed all over the state. The men who had assumed
management were carried down, and the majority of them lost their
entire investment, and Mr. Boies was no exception. About 1884, the
bottom having fallen out, a change began, which has resulted in the
establishment of the present system of handling the milk. It is claimed
that one contributing cause of failure was excessive speculation on
the Board of Trade. While the project was not a success, the foundation
was laid for the development of McHenry into the leading dairy county
of Illinois. The early creameries had to contend with many difficulties,
among them being the lack of proper equipment. They had no means
of testing the milk, nor of preserving it, and disaster was certain.

Mr. Boies shouldered his responsibilities, and went to work to clear

490 HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNTY

off his debts incurred by the inevitable bankruptcy. Although offered
a very Battering position at a high salary in Pennsylvania, he borrowed
sufficient money to go into general fanning, and through that calling
rehabilitated himself financially among the people who had so highly
trusted him. Here he raised Holstein cattle, and was very active until
about 1918, when he retired. To liquidate his debts he sold his farm,
but bought it back again in 1890, and still lives upon it. He owns
588 acres on the Grant Highway. To his credit be it said that while
he lost everything, no farmer who dealt with him was out a cent, al-
though he could, had he cared to do so, have evaded many of his obli-
gations.

Mr. and Mrs. Boies have two children, namely: Philip, who operates
the home farm, is unmarried, and lives at home; and Jessie M., who
married N. L. Jackson, a real estate dealer of Belvidere, 111. While he
is not connected with any religious organization, Mr. Boies attends the
services of the Presbyterian Church of which his wife is a member, and
he gives it a generous support. Looking back over his life, Mr. Boies
takes great pleasure in the fact that in spite of disaster he has kept his
name clean, and his credit good. At no time was that credit impaired,
for his associates knew that his word was good as gold and that what
he promised to carry out, he would do without any evasion, and time
has proved this to be correct. Such a man is a valuable asset to any
community, and Coral Township is proud of him and what he stands
for.

EMIL W. BOLLE.

Emil W. Bolle, a general farmer and dairyman of Grafton Township,
owns and operates 200 acres of valuable land. He was born in Switzer-
land, May 21, 1868, a son of Charles and Mary (Corsell) Bolle, and a
grandson of Joseph Bolle, a native of France. Charles Bolle was born
in Germany, and was a civil engineer.

Emil W. Bolle attended the common and high schools of Germany,
and came to the United States in 1903, settling in McHcnry County.
Prior to coming here, he was superintendent of a large tanning factory
at Berlin, Germany. Since coming here, he has been engaged in farming.
In 1913, he bought his present farm of 200 acres in Grafton Township,
and he milks twenty-four cows.

<UL -vrv c ^v^fJL- Sn^tw

>u

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 491

In 1893 Mr. Bolle was married to Teressa Risto, born in Germany.
Mr. and Mrs. Bolle have the following children: Emil, Arthur, Hattie,
Eugene, Agnes, Lucy and William. Mr. Bolle is an independent Repub-
lican, casting the vote accorded him for the man he deems best fitted
for the office in question. He belongs to the Odd Fellows and Mystic
Workers of the World. The family belong to the Evangelical church.
Thrift}' and hard working, he has made a success of his undertakings
in his adopted country.

FRED G. BOSSHARD.

Fred G. Bosshard, president of the Woodstock Implement Com-
pany, incorporated, is one of the live and energetic young business
men of McHenry County, who deserves the success his efforts have
brought him. He was born at La Crosse, Wis., June 11, 1886, one of
the two children of Edward and Marie (Sulzer) Bosshard. Edward
Bosshard was born in Wisconsin, in the city of Sauk, and in his home
state his useful life was spent, he being for a number of years one of the
substantial merchants of Sauk. He died in that city in 1893.

At the age of eight Fred B. Bosshard went to Switzerland, and
attended the graded and high schools of Winterthur. Returning to
La Crosse in 1903 he took a course at the Keef College of La Crosse,
from which he was graduated in 1905, following which he accepted a
position with the La Crosse Plow Company as bookkeeper. Leaving
that concern in 1910, he went to Beaver Dam, Wis., as head book-
keeper of the J. S. Rowell Manufacturing Company, and from there
came to Woodstock in 1912, and organized his present business under
his own name. The following year it was incorporated as The Wood-
stock Jmplement Company, with Alvin J. Eppel as secretary and
treasurer. The firm handles farm machinery, tractors, gasoline engines,
wagons, carriages, automobiles, tires and supplies, and does well work.

In 1911 Mr. Bosshard was married to Miss Inga M. Solbery, a
daughter of Louis Solbery, and they have one child, Winifred L. Mr.
and Mrs. Bosshard belong to the Presbyterian church. In politics he
is a Republican. His fraternal connections are with the Masonic order.
The beautiful family residence at No. 418 Jefferson street is noted for
its delightful hospitality, and here Mr. and Mrs. Bosshard entertain
their many friends.

192 BISTORT? OF Mi BENRY COUNTY

J. L. BQSSLER.

Now thai the supplying of the world as weD as this country with
foodstuffs lias become of such paramount importance, the work of the
fanner has increased in value ami dignity. Among those of McHenry
County whose labors have been directed along t his exceedingly important
line is ,1. L. Bossier of Greenwood Township.

The birth of J. L. Bossier occurred on the farm he now owns and
occupies, on Section 28, Greenwood Township, October 28, 1874, he
being a son of John J. Bossier, born in France. When he came to the
I'nited Slates, the father first located in Lake County, 111., migrating to
McHenry County in the early sixties, and settling on section 28, Green-
wood Township, where he developed a farm, and here died. He was
married to Thressa Benisch, born in Austria, who survives him, and
lives with her son, J. L. Bossier. They had a daughter, Minnie E.,
who is now deceased.

J. L. Bossier was reared on the homestead, and alternated attending
the district schools, with work on the farm, learning from experience
how to be a practical agriculturalist. lie now owns 160 acres, twenty
acres being in pasture, twenty acres in timber, and the remaining 120
acres being the well tilled land of the homestead. Mr. Bossier has
made many improvements on his farm. In politics he has always been
independent, preferring to use his own judgment with reference to voting,
rather than be bound down by party ties. He is a member of the Knights
of Columbus, and belongs to the Catholic church, as does his mother.
An industrious, capable man, he has well earned the confidence and
esteem he inspires.

ALBERT E. BOURNE.
Page 132.

JAMES THOMAS BOWER.

James Thomas Bower, one of the retired business men and farmers
living at Richmond, has been very active in the affairs of his township
ami village, and faithfully discharged the duties of a number of public

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 493

offices. lie was born at Chicago, December 8, 1S53, and comes of
an old and honored family here, his father having been a heavy land-
owner. When he was nineteen years old he left the homestead, and
going to Fulton, 111., spent some time at that place, and then returned
to McHenry County. In September, 1885, Mr. Bower was appointed
postmaster of Richmond, and re-appointed under the second Cleveland
administration. From 1890 to 1900 he conducted a harness shop, and
then was engaged in a fire insurance business. For ten years he was
on the board of review, from 1907 to 1917, and he has filled all of the
local offices, although a Democrat and living in a strong Republican
township, which speaks very well for his personal popularity. For
twenty years he has been township clerk, and police magistrate, and
has served as member and president of the village board, is now its
clerk, and is one of the best known men in the country. When his
father died, Mr Bower inherited the old home farm of 411 acres, three
miles east of Richmond, and since it has come into his efficient hands,
he has made many improvements, including the remodeling of the
buildings, the erection of two silos and the installation of everything
to put the farm in fine shape. Dairying is the principal feature, and
from forty to fifty cows are kept. Mr. Bower has a tenant operating
his farm on shares.

So well known is Mr. Bower as a man of the utmost probity, that
he has oftentimes been called upon to act as administrator of estates,
conservator of properties and guardian of orphans. A Mason, he
belongs to Calvary Commandery, K. T., and visits the national conclaves,
and also belongs to the Eastern Star, of which Mrs. Bower was worthy
matron at the time of her demise, May 12, 1908.

In September, 1880, Mr. Bower was married to Mary Ella Potter,
and they had one son, Earl E., who is connected with the National
City Bond House of New York, with headquarters at Omaha, Ncbr.,
spent nineteen years in the Woodstock Bank, and was cashier for six-
teen years, being at that time regarded as one of the most efficient
financiers of the country. Mr. Bower has a pleasant home at Richmond,
which was the girlhood residence of his wife. A public-spirited man,
Mr. Bower has given his services to the school board since 1890, and
can be counted upon to protect the interests of the children, providing
for them suitable surroundings and efficient teachers. It would be
difficult to find a more thoroughly representative man than Mr. Bower,
who in every capacity measures up to the highest standards of American
citizenship.

494 HISTORY OF McHENEY COUNTY

DANIEL B. BOYLE.

Daniel B. Boyle, general manager and junior member of the well
known firm of Shurtlett & Peters Company, dealers in grain, coal and
lumber, is one of the progressive business men of Marengo, as well as
of McHenry County. He was born at Marengo, November 29, 1877,
one of the nine children of his parents, Daniel and Mary (Tracy) Boyle.
Daniel Boyle. St., was born in Ireland in 1836, but came to the United
States in the early sixties, and locating at Marengo, here rounded out
his useful life. His wife died in 1888.

Daniel B. Boyle attended the common and high schools of his native
place, and commenced his business career in 1903 with Redpath &
Compan3% grain dealers, continuing with them until the business was
sold in 1907, at which time he formed his present partnership. Mr.
Boyle has six persons under his supervision, and the business shows a
healthy annual increase.

In 1906 Mr. Boyle was united in marriage with Miss Fiances M.
Redpath, a daughter of David Redpath, and a member of one of the
prominent families of McHenry County. Mr. and Mrs. Boyle have
two children, namely: Margaret L., who was born in 1908; and Lindsey
B., who was born in January, 1910. Mr. Boyle is a consistent member
of the Roman Catholic church. The business acumen of Mr. Boyle is
shown in his management of his concern, and his upright policies have
won for it a patronage that is gratifying and profitable.

GILBERT BRAINARD.

Gilbert Brainard, now deceased, was formerly one of the leading
agriculturalists of McHenry County, but lived at Harvard for several
years prior to his death which occurred in December, 1911, when he
was fifty-four years old. He was married at Lawrence, 111., to Emma
Brown, who was born on a farm near Lawrence, to which her father
had come from one of the eastern states. The homestead of Gilbert
Brainard which is well improved, comprised 300 acres, he having de-
veloped the property, but the house now standing has been built since
his death. Mr. Brainard specialized on raising cucumbers for sale to
pickling factories. For some years he was connected with the McHenry
County Fair Association, served on the school board for years, and was

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 495

a very public-spirited man. His political convictions made him a
Republican. The Methodist Episcopal church had in him an earnest
member, and he was one of the original class at Lawrence, that later
founded the church at Harvard, and Mr. Brainard was a class leader
of the latter for several years. Mrs. Brainard died a year before him.
They had the following children: Charles Gilbert and Susie May, who
died young; Emma, who owns the old homestead, and built the residence
at Harvard she now occupies, is very active in community work; Charles
Gilbert, who lives at Round Lake; and Susie May, who lives at home,
is a teacher at Woodstock.

CHARLES L- BRATZLER.

Charles L. Bratzler owns and operates 160 acres of valuable land in
Algonquin Township, where he is engaged in breeding pure-bred cattle,
is a resident of Algonquin, and serving as assistant supervisor of his
township. He is also secretary for R. E. Haeger, widely known as a
cattle man. Mr. Bratzler was born in Algonquin Township, November
19, 1889, a son of J. C. and Eva M. (Jayne) Bratzler, who had four
children. J. C. Bratzler was extensively engaged in farming in Algon-
quin Township, where he died in 1902.

Charles L. Bratzler attended the common and high schools of Algon-
quin, and his first business experience was with a bank. In 1909 he
became secretary of R. E. Haeger, which position he still retains. That
same year he was made assistant supervisor of Algonquin Township,
and is still representing his township on the county board. In politics
he is a stanch Republican, and one of the leaders of his party in this
part of the county.

On July 15, 1915, Mr. Bratzler was united in marriage with Miss
Susie M. Binnie, a daughter of Alexander Binnie, and a member of one
of the pioneer families of Kane County. His fraternal affiliations are
with the Masons and Elks. Mr. Bratzler has long been connected
with the breeding of pure-bred Holstein cattle, and his success in this
line has made his name a well known one among cattlemen.

MARTIN C. BREMER.

Martin C. Bremer, now living retired at Marengo, is one of the
highly respected men of McHenry County, who is entitled to the regard

496 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

of his fellow citizens. He was Ikimi ai Elk Grove, Cook County, III..
May A, lstio. a son of Henry and Dorthea (Steege) Bremer. Henry
Bremer was born in Germany, ami when eighteen years old he came in
the United States, ami became a fanner in Cook County, 111., where
the mother died when her son, Martin, was ten years old. Henry Bremer
was married (second) to Sophie Hawaiian, who survives him, and lives
at Marengo. In 1882 Henry Bremer came to McHenry County, locat-
ing on a farm four miles northwest of Marengo, a portion of which is
still owned by Martin Bremer, and the other pari by his brother Henry.

When he was twenty-eight years old Martin Bremer was married
to Dorothea Schroder of Huntley, who died two and one-half years
later, leaving him with the following children: Fred, who married Ethel
Beardsley, lives at Marengo: and his three children, Ethel, Ralph and
Jean; Amanda, who married George Rappich; has a daughter, Adeline,
and lives at Marengo; and Herman, who married Elizabeth Husfeldt.
was in the service during the World war, is now at home witli his father,
and lives on the home farm. On June 10, 1918, Mr. Bremer was mar-
ried (second) to Mrs. Louisa (Stumme) Strubing, also born at Elk
Grove, 111., but married at Elgin, 111., where her first husband Mr.
Strubing, had been a merchant. By her first marriage Mrs. Bremer
had two daughters, namely: Loretta and Ruth Strubing, both of whom
live at Elgin. There are no children of Mr. Bremer's second marriage.
The Lutheran Church of Marengo has in Mr. and Mrs. Bremer faithful
members and he is a trustee.

After some years devoted to the operation of his farm, Mr. Bremer
retired, ami now makes his home at Marengo, where he finds congenial
surroundings. He has been in past years a hard worker, ami knowing
how to save his money and invest it, he can now enjoy the comforts of
life without undue exertion.

WHITNEY BRIGHAM.

Whitney Brigham, one of the prosperous farmers of Hebron Town-
ship, lives two miles west of Hebron, and was born on his present farm,
February 9, 1878, a son of Charles Morris Brigham. The father was
also born on this farm, August 7, 1845, and died July 19, 1894. The
grandparents of Whitney Brigham, Whitney and Mary (Colson) Brig-
ham natives of Vermont, on September (i, 1839 entered 120 acres of

HISTORY OF MeHENRY COUNTY 497

land in Hebron Township, long before the railroad was built or there
were improvements in the county.

Charles Morris Brigham was married when twenty-five years of
age to Fanny Campbell, a native of Vermont, who was brought to
Illinois when she was two years old, and she survives her husband and
makes her home at Hebron. They had the following children: Bertha
B., who is the widow of Mark Stone, lives at Richmond; Florence, who
lives with her mother at Hebron; Grace M., who married Edgar Swan,
lives at Liberty ville, 111.; and Whitney, whose name heads this review.

Whitney Brigham has spent his life upon his present farm. He was
married February 20, 1901 to Clara Tribbey, born at Janesville, Wis.,
a daughter of Erastus and Jane (Shirley) Tribbey, natives of Vermont
and Germany, respectively, who came to McHenry County shortly
prior to Mrs. Brigham's marriage. Mr. Tribbey died October 5, 1918,
at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Brigham. Mr. and Mrs. Brigham
have four children, namely: Shirley, Joyce, Libbey Jean and Beulah
Belle.

Mr. Brigham has 240 acres in his farm where he carries on dairy-
ing with fifty cows. His house was erected by his grandfather, but
later was rebuilt. He has two cement silos, one 14 x 40 and the other
18 x 44 feet. Mrs. Brigham belongs to the Baptist church, but her
husband is not connected with any religious organization. Fraternally
he is a Woodman.

SAMUEL RIGHT BROWN.

Samuel Right Brown, now deceased, was born at Bedford, Mass.,
November 17, 1817, and he died at Cary, 111., February 2, 1908, having
lived in retirement in that village for some seventeen years prior to his
demise. He was married at Bath, N. Y., to Sallie Ann Cass, born
June 3, 1817, at Bath, N. Y. After his marriage he came to Kankakee,
111., where a brother, Darien E. Brown had already located, and about
two years later, Samuel R. Brown came to McHenry County, to join
Mrs. Brown's two sisters, Lucy, who was Mrs. A. L. Weaver; and
Matilda, who was Mrs. David Miller, both of Algonquin Township,
where their husbands had secured land from the government. Samuel
R. Brown rented the farm he later bought, on which was an old house.
It was partly covered with timber. He cleared off the land, drained

!!'> HISTORY OF McHBNRT COUNTY

it ami put up a good set of buildings, to which a silu and other improve-
ments have since been added. For years Mr. Brown made butter for
private customers in addition to carrying on his farmings, becoming

one of the well known men of his community. On December 3, 1902,
Mr. Brown had the misfortune to lose his wife. They were the parents
of the following children: William C, who enlisted when only sixteen
years old in Company I. Ninety-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under
( 'aptain .lames Xish, and he served through the Civil War, coming out of
the conflict without any wounds but with his health so impaired that he
died fifteen years later; Samuel K.. who is a well-known stockman, lives
at Cary with his sister; Martha, who is the widow of Mark Osgood,
also lives at Cary: Charlotte, who died at the age of eighteen years,
had attended the academy at Elgin; Julia, who lives at Cary, is a very
progressive lady, who during the World War was active in Red Cross
work, and belongs to the Woman's Club, Royal Neighbors and Ladies'
Aid Society: Darwin, who is a prominent man and successful farmer of
Lake County, 111.; Melvin, who is deceased, was a prominent cement
contractor, and passed away at Wancenda, 111., in 1913; Daniel M., was
a milk dealer of Chicago for some years, was educated in the Elgin
Academy; and Dora, who married Ben Rand of Crystal Lake, died when
about fifty years of age. The Brown family is one of the best-known
ones in McHenry County, and its members during their long residence
here have been connected with some of the most constructive work (if
their section, and are recognized as being typical of the advanced spirit
which seems to prevail in this portion of Illinois.

ARCHIE H. BROTZMAN.

The star on the service flag in the home of Arthur II. Brotzman has
turned to gold; there is a vacant chair in the family circle; aching hearts
seek solace for the supreme sacrifice which took from a useful, happy
life one of McHenry County's most promising young men, Horace A.
Brotzman. The great patriotism of this family has been called upon
more heavily than that of any other at Marengo, and its members can
only be consoled by the remembrance of the fact that their gallant young
soldier died in defense of what all of them believed to he right and good,
and that he did not try to shirk his duty, but met the requirements of
Vnerican manhood as a good citizen should.

^c«^ ^to^ r ^L

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 499

Arthur H. Brotzman, fn.milinrly called "Archie," is now living retired
a1 Marengo, but he was formerly engaged in farming. He was born a1
Huntley, this county, April 22, 1869, a son of John Brotzman, a native
of Ohio, who spent his boyhood in Madison County, that state, to which
his father, John, had come from Pennsylvania in an early day. In
1859 John Brotzman, the younger, came to Illinois, his brother, Naliuin,
who still resides in Riley Township, coming later. Nahum Brotzman
was a loyal soldier during the Civil War, and has been an able official of
Riley Township, serving it as supervisor for the past thirty years. There
is no more true blue American in the township than he. His son, Earl
Brotzman, is well known at the Chicago Stock Yards, having been for
the past quarter of a century connected with the commission firm of
Miller, White and Wood.

Upon his arrival in McHenry County, John Brotzman settled at
Huntley on a farm. Like his brother he served his country during the
Civil War, enlisting in the Fifty-second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and
served for three years and three days, or until peace was declared.
Although not wounded, a horse was shot under him. Returning to
McHenry County he resumed his farming. Soon after the close of the
war he was married to Libbic Melvin, who came from Michigan to
McHenry County as a teacher in Riley Township and Coral Township,
and was engaged in educational work for several years. After their
marriage Mr, and Mrs. Brotzman located on the farm near Huntley,
now owned by Archie H. Brotzman. In the spring of 1870 John
Brotzman bought the farm in Riley Township, four and one-half miles
south of Marengo, where he died November 7, 1918, aged eighty-four
years, having been born February 15, 1834. His wife died in the
seventies, when twenty-seven years old, leaving two children, namely:
Libbie, who is Mrs. William Weaver, lives on the old homestead, and
Archie H. Brotzman. This farm was a run-down one of 120 acres,
which he put in good shape, adding to it until there were 1823-ii acres in
it. On it he erected a fine set of buildings so that it is a valuable prop-
erty. John Brotzman served for thirty years as township clerk, and for
twenty-five years as assessor, being in both offices continuously. He
was a Republican, and very active in local affairs. An excellent judge
of horses, as well as a lover of them, John Brotzman became well known
at exhibits of driving horses, and did a good business in matching teams
and selling them. He always drove a good grade of horse himself, and
was a magnificent driver.

Archie H. Brotzman remained at home and attended the local schools

.".(in BISTORT OF McHENRY COUNTY

When 1h^ was twenty-four years old ho was married to Sadie fiance, a
daughter of Charles and Eveline (Frayer) [lance, the latter now a
resident of Marengo. Mr. I lance was a carpenter and building con-
tractor, who died May 30, 1007. After his marriage A. II. Brotzman
boughl a farm two miles from the old farm, Imt sold it eight years later,
and rented land for a time. He then boughl another farm of forty
acres. About 101(> he moved to Marengo. He has always been inter-
ested in handling stock, and ships to the Chicago market. He has also
handled milk cows for the dairymen's trade, and has been interested in
other branches of the agricultural industry. He is a member of the
Mystic Workers.

Mr. and Mrs. Brotzman have had the following children horn to
them: John, who was sent overseas from Camp Tremont, August 26,
1917, was in Siberia for some months as a soldier of the National Army;
Horace, who was in the coast artillery, enlisted May 12, 1918, and June
28, 1918, died at Fort Weatherill on Narragansett Bay as a result of an
accident, when only twenty-one years of age; Eloise, who is in the office
of the Ellison Machine Company; Florence, who was graduated from
the Marengo High School in 1919; and Clifford, who is at Woodstock.
The death of Horace Brotzman was a heavy blow not only to his im-
mediate family but to the community where he had been reared, and
where he was known as a bright, clean, ambitious young man, whom it
was fell was destined for a happy and successful future. War exacts a
heavy price, and the family and friends of this young soldier are [laying
it in losing him from their midst, and his community suffers because he
was not spared for constructive work in its behalf.

SAMUEL W. BROWX.

Samuel \Y. Brown, postmaster of Ringwood, and owner of one of the
leading drug stores of McHenry Township, is one of the best known men
of this section of McHenry County. He was born in McHenry County
August 23, 1880, one of the two children of his parents, Jonathan E. and
Emma (Rugg) Brown, the former of whom was born in New Hampshire,
but came to McHenry County in an early day, locating at Hebron in
1S49, but later moving to Ringwood. where he died in 1914. His widow
survives him.

Samuel W. Brown attended the grammar and high schools of

HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 501

McHenry County, the Elgin Academy and a business college, from
which he was graduated in 1896. He then took a course in pharmacy
at the Northwestern University, and following his graduation, embarked
in his present business. He handles a complete line of drugs, paints,
oils, wall paper, school books, stationery, and similar commodities, his
stock being valued at $5,000. A staunch Republican, he was appointed
postmaster November 24, 1904, by President Roosevelt, and so capable
has he proven himself that he has since been continued in office by the
successive presidents.

On September 12, 1906, Mr. Brown was married to Miss Lora
McDonnell, a daughter of James McDonnell, a veteran of the Civil
War, and a prominent resident of McHenry County. Mr. and Mrs.
Brown have a son, Leonard J., who was born September 13, 1914. Mr.
Brown is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mrs. Brown
belongs to the Catholic church. His fraternal affiliations are with the
Masons and Woodmen of America, and he is as popular in these orders
as he is with the community at large.

THERON HOMER BROWN.

Theron Homer Brown, police magistrate of Woodstock, and one of
the solid and representative men of McHenry County, enjoys the esteem
of all with whom he is brought into contact on account of his fair and
impartial methods of dispensing justice. He was born in New York,
October 13, 1857, one of the four children of his parents, Alexander A.
and Anna G. (Tucker) Brown, the former of whom was a prosperous
farmer of New York state.

Theron Homer Brown was reared in his native state, where he
attended the public schools. Until 1901, he was engaged in farming,
but in that year he came to Woodstock and embarked in an insurance
business. For eight consecutive years he served McHenry County as
superintendent of the poor farm, leaving that position to accept that
of police magistrate when he was elected as such in 1910. So capable
did he prove, that he was re-elected on his record, in 1914, and is still
serving.

Mr. Brown was married to Miss Rosa A. Thompson, a daughter of
Edward Thompson, and they had a son, Volney E., who is at home.
The first Mrs. Brown died October 1, 1916. On July 29, 1918, Mr.

502 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

Brown married her sister, Mrs. Minnie Fuller, of Indianapolis, Ind.
Mr. Brown and his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church of
Woodstock. He is a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Com-
mandery of the Masonic fraternity, and of the Modern Woodmen of
America, serving the last named order as clerk. So uniformly just are
the decisions of Magistrate Brown that very few of them are reversed
by I hi' higher courts, and his record is one of which anyone in a similar
office might well he proud.

WILLIAM BRUEDIGAN.

William Bruedigan is a man who is successfully carrying on a business
established by his father, and giving the community of Crystal Lake
excellent service as a machinist and expert blacksmith. He was born
at Crystal Lake, 111., July 18, 1883, and is one of the four children of
his parents, Henry and Augusta (Kollankork) Bruedigan, natives of
Germany, who came to the LTnited States at an early day. They located
at Crystal Lake, and here Henry Bruedigan established his son's present
business, continuing his interest in it until his retirement in 1914.
Although now living in retirement from the cares of business, he takes
an intelligent interest in local affairs, and is a very desirable citizen.

William Bruedigan was reared at Crystal Lake, and attended its
grammar schools, and was taught his trades by his father, early gaining
a practical knowledge of life and its requirements. His father took
him into the business twenty years ago, and when he retired, the son
became the sole owner, operating as Bruedigan & Co. In November 10,
1910, William Bruedigan was married to Miss Rose Miller. Mr. Bruedi-
gan is a Republican. He and his wife belong to the Lutheran church.
A young man of industrious habits, he has increased his trade, and
firmly established himself in the confidence and respect of his com-
munity.

JOHN Bl'CHTK.

John Buchte, mayor of Union, and general superintendent of Libby,
McNeill & Libby's establishment at this city, is one of the leading men
of his part of the county, and deserves the prosperity which has attended

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 503

liis career. He was born February 15, 1883, one of the ten children of
Conrad and Caroline (Hemming) Buchte. Conrad Buchte was engaged
in farming for a number of years and after having secured a comfortable
fortune, retired, and is spending his declining years in ease.

John Buchte attended the common and high schools of his neighbor-
hood, and gained a practical knowledge of farming from his father.
His first business venture was in a mercantile line, and he continued
in it until he was offered his present position, when he was twenty-six
years old. This involves heavy responsibilities, but he has proven
himself capable of meeting them, and manages his fifty employes effi-
ciently. A Mason, he belongs to Oriental Lodge No. 358, A. F. & A.
M. of Union, and he also belongs to the Eastern Star. In politics he is
a Republican. A man of unusual business ability, his worth is appre-
ciated by all who know him.

JOHN V. BUCKLAND.

John V. Buckland, proprietor of the Ringwood Nursery, is one of
the best known men in his line in this part of the state, and enjoys a
patronage which extends over a wide territory. He was born at Green
Lake, Wis., August 9, 1859, a son of Romulus A. and Laura E. (Smith)
Buckland.

Romulus A. Buckland was a native of Brandon, Vt., where he
received his education. He came west in 1849, and stopped at Dundee,
111. The following year he was engaged with a party of engineers to
survey and locate the railroad from Elgin to Richmond, with head-
quarters at McHenry. There he made the acquaintance of Laura E.
Smith. After their marriage they lived for some time at Smith's
Corners, then moved to Rochester, Wis., but finally located at Green
Lake, Wis., where he was engaged in farming in connection with his
brother until 1865, when he concluded to change his occupation, on
account of failing health. They returned to Ringwood, lived about a
year at Smith's Corners, and in 1867 he located and built a cheese
factory and dwelling at Ringwood, and moved his family there in
December of that year. In the spring of 1869, Mrs. Buckland's health
began to fail rapidly. She died June 22, 1869, and was buried in Ring-
wood Cemetery. She left four children, namely: Moseley A., who was
named for his old railroad companion; John Y., whose name heads this

504

HlsTOKY OF McHENRY COUNTY

review; Clara E. and Howard A. Romulus A. Buckland was married
(second) to Harriel A. Pike, a Dative of New Hampshire, who came to
Ringwood as a teacher. She had entered the educational field in the
south as an instructor of colored children after the close of the Civil war.
She joined relatives at Ringwood after her experiences in the south, and
was engaged to teach the Ladd School at Ladd's Corners, and later
taught at Greenwood and Woodstock, returning to Ladd's Corners
where she was married Augusl 8, 1S70.

R. A. Buckland died August 8, 1885, after many years of failing
health. In 1895 .1. V. Buckland erected a new residence and remodeled
t ho factory building into a barn.

Harriet A. Buckland died October 31, 1918, and was buried in Ring-
wood Cemetery.

John V. Buckland has operated both the farm and nursery and
has been a very busy man. He has ten acres devoted to nursery stock,
and also grows fruits, supplying a general line of trees, shrubs, and
plants to the local trade, although he has an excellent patronage from
the proprietors of summer resorts who desire to beautify their places
with his landscape stock. He has studied landscape gardening, and is
often called upon to assist in planning for this class of work. Mr.
Buckland keeps a few high-grade Jersey cows and Barred Plymouth
Rock chickens. He is not married, his step-mother managing his house-
hold. Fraternally Mr. Buckland is a Mason and Woodman. He has
never aspired to public life, his time and attention being fully occupied
with his varied duties.

BILLINGS BURTON.

Billings Burton, now deceased, was a retired farmer of Harvard,
and one of the most highly esteemed men of the county, who richly
deserved the confidence of his fellow citizens. He was born at Cana-
joharie, Montgomery County, N. Y., April 26, 1821. In the fall of
1841, he came to Illinois, landing at Southport, now Kenosha, and
walked the remaining forty-four miles to Harvard. After looking about
him, he selected what is now Chemung Township, and entered govern-
ment land six miles northwest of Harvard.

In 1844, Billings Burton was married to Harriet J. Sweasey, who
came from Springfield, Otsego County, X. Y., to Illinois, with her

HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 505

parents in the early forties. She was born October 22, 1828, and died
May 13, 1910. In 1901 Billings Burton sold his farm, which is how
owned by Blake Bell, and moved to Sharon, but later settled at Har-
vard, where he rounded ovit his long and useful life, passing away in his
eighty-sixth year. Few men are permitted to see so many radical
changes as did Mr. Billings Burton. When he arrived in McHenrv
County almost the entire region was either prairie land with unturned
sod, or densely timbered sections, and all of the present development
has in large part been accomplished since he, as a young man, walked
that forty-four miles between Kenosha and Harvard. He was a man
of sound judgment and broad outlook, and while of course he could
not have foreseen what was going to happen in its entirety, still he did
have faith enough in the future of McHenrv County to decide to spend
in it the best years of his life. That he succeeded admirably in develop-
ing a valuable property, and establishing here a family that has gained
distinction, shows that he knew what he was doing when he readied
that decision.

Billings Burton has passed from his old life, but he has left to repre-
sent him and his good wife twenty-eight grand-children, eighteen great-
grand-children, his brother, Charles Burton of Sharon, in addition to his
eleven children, who are as follows: James 0., who lives in LeRoy
Township; Orrin, who lives at Sharon, 111.; Menzo, who lives in Che-
mung Township; Mrs. Sarah Corkins, who lives at Peabody, Kans.;
Mrs. Mahala Piper, who lives at Sharon, 111.; Mrs. Joe Englehardt, who
lives at Sharon; Mrs. L. Kizer, Mrs. J. B. Englehardt, Mrs. Horton
Gillis and Mrs. Clara Spicer, the last four living at Harvard; and Mrs.
Charles Quackenbush, who lives near the old Burton homestead in
Chemung Township. His daughter, Mrs. George Little, and his sisters,
Mrs. Mercy Burr and Mrs. Elizabeth Hollester, died subsequent to
his demise.

MENZO E. BURTON.

Menzo E. Burton, whose finely developed farm is located on section
G, Chemung Township, lives on the old Merriam farm of 150 acres, of
which sixty acres are in Boone County. He was born on the old Burton
farm, May 19, 1871, and was the youngest son of the family of Billings
Burton, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. He left
home when twelve years old and has earned his own way ever since.

506 HISTORY OP M< IIKXIJY COUNTY

Learning the buttermaking trade, lie was engaged in ii in Wisconsin,
Illinois. Iowa, Ohio, Oklahoma. Texas, Colorado and Missouri, and
assisted in establishing a number of creameries in these different states.
It was his custom to erect the building, install the machinery and lien
educate someone to take charge, after which he would go on to another
community. Oftentimes, however, he was called backbyurgenl appeals
of the stockholders who wished to have his expert knowledge and
experience to guide their enterprise. Still later he covered North
Dakota, Minnesota and other western states, twenty-two in all, and in
each state established creameries at various producing centers, the
majority of which are still in operation. Mr. Burton was thus occupied
for about twenty years of his life.

He had been married at the age of twenty-one years at Williams Bay,
Wisconsin, to Lottie Green, and she died six and one-half years later.
He was married (second) to Hattie L. Merriam, a daughter of Hamilton
and Mary Merriam, who owned the present farm of Mr. and Mrs.
Burton, to which she was brought from Linn, Wisconsin, when five years
old. Mrs. Burton's parents died in Sharon, firm in the faith of the
Methodist Episcopal church. At their death, Mr. Burton bought the
Merriam farm, and has made many changes upon it. This farm was
entered from the government by a Mr. Bird, and he built the first
house, but it was destroyed by fire in 1914, and in 191S Mr. Burton
replaced it with a fine modern structure. He has added twenty-two
acres across the railroad, so that there are now 150 acres in the
farm, the greater part of which is cultivated. Here Mr. Burton carries
on grain and stock farming with a gratifying success.

Mr. Burton was called upon to make the supreme sacrifice as his
eldest son, the gallant young soldier Serg. Burnice Burton, was killed in
action during the first big drive on Verdun, October 16, 1916. He
enlisted at Panama in the English Aviation Service, going there from
Virginia where he was operating a creamery, at the outbreak of the
World War. He left a widow, whose maiden name was Helen CTaypool,
whom he had married in Oklahoma, and two sons, Bernard and Theodore.
Serg. Burton was an experienced flyer and had been at the front some
time. His family received a characteristically cheery letter from him
just a week before he was killed. Like so many heroes of that mighty
conflict, he was very young, only twenty-three when stricken from the
rolls of life. All that is mortal of this young man who loved humanity
better than he did his own safety, is buried near Verdun, and his grave
is properly indicated and marked. By his second marriage, Menzo E.

<A /U^c^f*

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 507

Burton has the following children: Paul Everett, who is a graduate of
the Sharon High School; Victor Carroll and Donald M., who are attend-
ing the Sharon High School; and Bessie Louise, who is the youngest.
All of these children are living at home.

The father of Mrs. Burton, the late Hamilton Merriam, was born
near Syracuse, N. Y., May 23, 1832, and he died at Sharon May 23, 1901,
on his sixty-ninth birthday, where he was living retired. As a child he
was taken by his parents, Allen and Permelia Merriam, to Walworth
County, Wis. They were natives of New York, who died near Linn,
Wis. Hamilton Merriam was married in 1800 to Mary Brown, also
born in New York, who came to Wisconsin when eighteen years old.
Until her marriage she was a school teacher. In 1881 Mr. and Mrs.
Merriam came to McHenry County and bought the Henry Bird place,
two miles east of Sharon. Mr. Bird lived on his farm until he retired
and went to Sharon where he died at an advanced age. Mr. and Mrs.
Merriam had the following family: Permelia Belle, who is Mrs. Duncan
Stevenson of Madison, Wis.; George, who lives near Palmyra, Wis.;
Wallace, who lives near Darius, Wis.; Orrin, who lives on a part of the
Merriam farm; Hattie, who is Mrs. Burton; and Fred, who lives at
Janesville, Wis.

The Burton family is another of the highly respected ones of McHenry
County that is connected by intermarriage with a number of others that
belong in the best class of those who aided so materially in the settlement
and development of this important section of the state. Mr. Burton
and his wife are potent factors in the neighborhood, and their children
are bright young people who give promise of becoming useful and enter-
prising citizens.

D. C. BUSH.
Page 132.

JOHN CAREY.

John Carey, a prominent man and retired farmer of McHenry, at
one time owned and operated one of the largest farms in McHenry
County, but since 1915 has lived at ease, having fairly earned the right

508 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

to do so by long years of arduous labor in tilling the soil. He was born

in Lake Comity, 111.. July 1.5, 1853, and has been a resident of McHenry
County since 1S57, at which time his parents, John and Mary (Dorev
Carey, came here. The father. John Carey, was horn in Ireland, hut
came to the United States in 1848, and first settled in Lake County.
111. His life was spent in farming, and he owned and operated a large
amount of land. His death occurred in McHenry County in 1897.
lie and his wife had five children.

John Carey, the younger, attended the schools of McHenry County,
and was reared on his father's farm. All of his efforts were directed
towards farming, and he still owns 400 acres of very valuable McHenry
County farm land. He married Miss Mary Phalen, a daughter of
Thomas Phalen. They became the parents of eight children, of whom
six survive. The family all belong to the Catholic Church. In politics
Mr. Carey is a Democrat. During his entire life, Mr. Carey has been
deeply interested in local improvements, and with the entry of this
country into the World War, he proved his loyalty and public spirit in
many ways.

MERVILLE A. CARMACK.

Merville A. Carrnack, one of the leading lawyers practicing at the
McHenry County bar, has long been a resident of Woodstock, and one
of its representative men. He was born in Dunham Township, this
county, August 23, 1872, a son of Abraham and Caroline C. (Niewerth
( armack. Abraham Carrnack was twice married and had seven children.
He was born in Crawford County, Pa., and when he attained to his
majority he came west to Illinois, settling in McHenry County, where he
was engaged in farming. This county remained his home until his
death, which occurred February 17, 1892. His wife died several days
before him, passing away on February 11, of that same year.

Merville A. Carrnack attended the district schools of his native town-
ship, Harvard High School and other preparatory schools, and when
he attained to manhood, he began reading law under Hon. O. H. Gill-
more, being admitted to the bar in 1901, and immediately thereafter
began to practice his profession. Since then, he has been connected
with some very important jurisprudence, and has built up an enduring
reputation for knowledge of the law, and skilful handling of cases.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 509

In 1906 Mr. Carmack was married to Miss Belle G. Allen, a daughter
of E. W. Allen, and a member of one of the old established families of
McHenry County. Mr. and Mrs. Carmack have three children,
namely: Klaron M., M. Allan, and Carrol. Their residence is at No.
377 Lincoln Avenue, Woodstock. Mr. Carmack's political opinions
make him a Republican of the progressive type. He is a Mason in good
standing.

CHARLES D. CARPENTER.

Charles D. Carpenter, now living retired at Marengo, is one of the
highly respected men of McHenry County, where he has passed the
greater part of his life. He was born in Delaware County, N. Y.,
October 2, 1848, a son of Chester L. and Olive M. (Bloom) Carpenter,
natives of New York and Pennsylvania, respectively. In 1849 he came
with his parents to Illinois, his father locating on a farm ten miles south-
east of Beloit, Wis., where the family resided until 1855, when they
moved to McHenry County, purchasing a farm on the Kishwaukee
River Road, two and one-half miles from Marengo. Here the family
home was made for many years.

On February 22, 1871, occurred the marriage of Charles D. Carpenter
and Luzena Joslyn, who was born in Seneca Township, this county,
August 13, 1851. At the time of his marriage, Mr. Carpenter moved
on to a farm in Boone County, ten miles northeast of Belvidere, where
he and his wife resided for twenty-three years. In 1894 they removed
to Marengo, where for several years he was engaged in the stock business,
handling principally cattle and horses, which he purchased from local
breeders and shipped to Chicago. He is a director of the Dairymen's
State Bank of Marengo, and has held this office for several years. While
a Republican, he has kept out of politics. The Methodist Episcopal
church holds his membership as it does that of his wife, both being
regular attendants at its services. When the church and parsonage
was erected, he served on the building committee, and has been a
member of the board of trustees of the church for over twenty-five
years. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and the
Mystic Workers. He and his wife have two daughters, namely: Mary,
who married E. R. Hyndman, proprietor of a garage at Capron, 111.,
and Ruby, who is the wife of G. F. Colver, a farmer residing near
Marengo.

510 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

JAMES F. CASEY.

James F. Casey, one of the leading attorneys practicing at the bar
of Woodstock) is one of the besl examples of i lie self-made men furnished
by McHenry County. Be was born ai Huntley, 111.. March li. 1863.
a son of Daniel and Nancy Byron (Fitzgerald) Casey, and grandson of

Daniel Casey. The elder Daniel Casey was horn in County Limerick,
Ireland. He grew up in his native land, was there married, and located
on a small farm, hut during the terrible famine of 1847, he brought his
family to the United States, settling in Virginia, where he died. His
children were as follows: Robert, Daniel, Jr., Michael and Mary.

Daniel Casey. Jr., the father of James F. Casey, was about thirteen
years old when the family emigrated to the United States, and after
his arrival in this country, attended the common schools, and later
became a farmer. At an early age, he was married at Boston. Mass.,
his wife also being a native of County Limerick, Ireland, and a daughter
of Garrett Fitzgerald, a man of superior education, who had been a
teacher in Ireland, which lie left in 1S4S, locating first at Boston. Mass.,
hut leaving that city two years later for Chicago, where he died when
between eighty and ninety years old. The children of Garrett Fitzgerald
were as follows: James, Garrett, Mary, Kate, Eliza and Nancy. The
eldest son, James, who was a promising young lawyer of Chicago, at
tin' beginning of the Civil war, enlisted and became captain of Company
I, Twenty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Col. James A. Mulligan
commanding, what was popularly known as the famous "Irish Brigade."
and participated in many hard-fought battles. Captain Fitzgerald
was a zealous member of the Fenian organization. The daughter, Eliza,
was married, and at an early day moved to Kansas, where she was
massacred at the time of the Quantrell raid against Lawrence in that
state. Shortly after his marriage, Daniel Casey, Jr., and his wife came
to Chicago, where they lived for about four years, but in 1851 moved
to McHenry County, settling near Huntley, where Mr. Casey bought
land and began improving a farm. He died March 3, 1863, of typhoid
fever, when he was about forty years of age. Mrs. ( !asey survived him
many years, dying at the age of seventy-six. She was a very devout
Christian, and during her life was the correspondent of some of the
dignitaries of the Catholic church, among them Bishop Foley and
Father Daman of Chicago. She received many personal letters from the
Pope of Rome. She was a faithful mother, and after the death of her
husband, maintained a good home for her children, early instilling into

HISTORY OF McHEXRY COUNTY 511

their minds the precepts of virtue and right living. Self-sacrificing to a
remarkable degree, she labored with untiring zeal to bring up and educate
her family that they might occupy good positions in life.

James F. Casey was only three days old when his father died, and
he was reared at Huntley by his mother, and to her early training he
owes his perception of the underlying principles of character on which
his success in life has been founded. He was kept at a good school
regularly until he was about thirteen years old, when he found employ-
ment at farm work, his first duty as a boy being the watching of sheep,
for which he received $2 per month. Later when he was able to handle
general farm work, he received $5 per month. Still later he was ad-
vanced until he received $11 per month. Having reached the highest
limit in wages, as then paid, he left the farm, and going first to Huntley,
and later to Chicago, he secured better paying employment. All this
time he had continued his studies, and by careful economy, managed
to save a little money, so that he was able to attend school, being grad-
uated from the Huntley High School when sixteen years old. He then
attended the Elgin Academy for three winters, at the same time working
in the summers. At the age of twenty years, he received a first-class
certificate as a teacher from the county superintendent of schools.
In 1881, he organized a private grammar school at Elgin, and in the
meanwhile, having been studying law, in 18S3, he entered as a student
the law office of Judge Ranstead, a prominent attorney of Elgin, and
after taking a course at the Union College of Law at Chicago, was
admitted to the bar in 1887. On September 6 of that year he located
at Woodstock, where in 18S8 he formed a partnership with Hon. M. L.
Joslyn, which association was continued until March, 1897, when it
was dissolved, and since then Mr. Casey has been alone. Some of the
jurisprudence with which he has been associated includes the following
cases: the J. G. Templeton murder case, in which he appeared for the
defendant and secured an acquittal for his client; the case of Mrs. Woolerl
for shooting her daughter, in which he appeared for the defense, and
she was judged insane; the murder case of Joseph Held and Dr. Koehler,
in which he secured acquittal for his clients; and in the case of John
Flusky against James Clancy, Mr. Casey succeeded in saving an estate
valued at $150,000 for the rightful owner. This case was carried to the
Supreme Court. Politically Mr. Casey is a Republican, and has taken
an active part on the stump in every campaign since the one in which
James G. Blaine was a presidential candidate. Mr Casey served for

512 HISTORY OF M< BENRY COUNTY

one term as chairman of the McHenry County Republican Central
( ommittee.

t)n October 30, 1888. Mr. Casey was married to Minnie Simmons,
a native of Woodstock, who died May 22. 1890, leaving one daughter,
Sylvia. Mr. Casey is one of the besl known lawyers of northern Illinois,
and enjoys a practice which is widespread and lucrative. Personally,
he is one of the most affable of men, and his kindly manner and ready
sympathy win him friends wherever he is known, while his professional
ability and scholarly attainments gain for him the respect and confidence
of his profession and community. He owns two farms of 530 aires in
Nunda Township on Fox River. There are good buildings and good
stock on these farms and he prides himself on his properties.

WILLIAM J. C. CASELY, M. D.

William J. C. Casely, M. D., one of the leading physicians and
surgeons of Marengo, who has long been recognized as an honor to his
profession, is connected with St. Joseph's Hospital of Elgin. He is the
only child of his parents, William J. and Caroline (Reed) Casely, and
he was born in Marengo Township, April 22, 1862. William J. Casely
was horn in England, and when a mere lad he was apprenticed to the
cabinetmaking trade, and after he had learned it, he followed it the
remainder of his life. In young manhood he came to the United State-.
and located at Marengo.

Doctor Casely attended the common and high schools of Marengo,
the University of Illinois at Champaign, 111., and was graduated from
the Chicago Medical College in 1885. Immediately thereafter he estab-
lished himself in a general practice at Marengo, where he has since
resided, with the exception of ten years spent at Chicago, where he was
appointed by Mayor Harrison, the elder, examining surgeon of the police
department. Doctor Casely is a member of the McHenry County
Medical Society, the Illinois Medical Society, and the American Medical
Association. In politics, he is a Republican, but has never sought
publicity, having preferred to give his time and attention to his profes-
sion. Fraternally, he is a Mason.

In 1886 Doctor Casely was married to Miss Rachel Pringle, a daughter
of Patterson Pringle, a member of one of the pioneer families of McHenry
County. The first Mrs. Casely died in 1900. In 1903 Doctor Casely

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 513

was married (second) to Miss Emma C. Lane, a daughter of Frederick
Lane, well known in McHenry County affairs. Doctor Casely has two
children, namely: Robert E. and William E. The family belong to the
Presbyterian church. Doctor Casely takes a deep interest in anything
pertaining to the advancement of his community. His office and
residence are on East Washington Street, Marengo, in the heart of the
city, a few doors from the main street.

PROF. JOHN W. CASTELO.

Prof. John W. Castelo, superintendent of the Huntley school, and
one of the eminent educators of McHenry County, is held in the highest
esteem by all who know him. He was born at Toledo, 111., August 15,
1S80, one of the five children of his parents, Calvin B. and Lizzie (Walker)
( astelo. Calvin B. Castelo was a contractor and was engaged in that
line until his death, which occurred in 1917.

John W. Castelo attended the common and high schools, and then
prepared himself for his profession of teaching by courses at the Val-
paraiso University, and the Northwestern University, at Evanston, 111.
In 1900 he began teaching in his native city, going thence to Oxford,
Iowa, as superintendent of its school. From 1910 to 1914 he was county
superintendent of schools of Cumberland County, 111., and then was at
the Chicago University studying law. From 1915 to 1918 he was
superintendent of the schools of Roanoke, 111., and in the latter year he
was called to take charge of the Huntley school.

In 1915 Professor Castelo was married to Miss Manda Walker, a
daughter of Charles E. Walker, of Chicago, and they have two children:
John W., who was born July 19, 1916, and Shirley May, who was born
April 18, 1919. Mrs. Castelo is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
church and he of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Democrat.
He belongs to Toledo Lodge No. 834, A. F. & A. M., and he also is a
member of the Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America.
A man of studious habits and possessing a natural talent for imparting
knowledge to others, he has made his efforts in the educational field
count for much, and is highly appreciated by all who know him.

ROLLO GUY CHAMBERLIN.

Rollo Guy Chamberlin, D. D. S., mayor of West McHenry, one of
the leading men of McHenry County, is the exponent of the best element

514 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

in this section, and a man of high principles and upright living. He
was born in Michigan, .January 13, 1874, a son of Nathan and Jane
i< raver) Chamberlin, the former of whom was a farmer of Michigan,
and died in 1900.

Hollo Guy Chamberlin attended the common and high schools, and
was graduated from the latter in 1902, and then took a course in dentistry
at the Illinois Dental College at Chicago. Following his completion of
this course, he located at West McHenry, where he has since been
engaged in the practice of his profession, and he has here built up a large
and constantly increasing practice. In political faith he is a Republican,
and in 1917 was elected mayor of West McHenry by a large majority,
running ahead of his ticket because of his personal popularity.

On September S, 1900, Doctor Chamberlin was married to Miss
Fannie Densmore, a daughter of James A. Densmore, and they have the
following children: Greeta M., Louise, and Rollo D. Doctor and Mrs.
Chamberlin belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He maintains
membership with the Masonic order and the Modern Woodmen of
America. He and his wife belong to the Eastern Star.

THOMAS CHARLES.

Thomas Charles, one of the highly esteemed men of Woodstock, is
now retired, but was formerly one of the energetic farmers of McHenry
County. He was born in Pembrookshire, Wales, October 9, 1844, a
son of David J. and Mary Ann Charles, of Welsh ancestry. In 1853
they came to the United States, sailing from Liverpool, England, landing
at New York City after a very stormy passage of seven weeks on the
water. In 1867 Thomas Charles came to McHenry County and worked,
making butter and cheese, for Robert Stewart in Hebron Township
until 1870, having learned this trade in New York state. Mr. Charles
then went with Henry Mead, proprietor of a creamery, and in 1872
took charge of the Richmond factory which he operated for John
McConnell, Peter Whitney, Doctor Bennett and others.

In 1873 Thomas Charles was married to Mary E. Stewart, of Hebron
Township, a daughter of Robert S. and Susan Stewart, and then began
farming, renting land for six years in Hebron Township. He also ran
a dairy to produce milk. Mrs. Charles died in August, 1878. In 1881,
Mr. Charles was married (second) to Emma Murphy of Greenwood

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 515

Township, a daughter of Owen J. and Emma C. Murphy of the same
township. After his second marriage, Mr. Charles bought a farm, com-
prising 138 acres of land, in Seneca Township, five miles west of Wood-
stock, on the Marengo road. After remaining on that property for
two years he traded it for property belonging to his father-in-law, Mr.
Murphy, who continued to live with him, Mrs. Murphy having died.
This farm comprised 232 acres and was located five miles north of
Woodstock, on the Greenwood road. Mr. Murphy, who had been
one of the pioneers of the county, died there in 1892, aged seventy-eight
years. He came to the county from Virginia and obtained his farm
from the government. After Mr. Charles secured this property he
erected new buildings and made many improvements, and lived on it
until when in 1913, he retired to Woodstock. He specialized on dairy-
ing, milking over twenty cows. As his attention was fully occupied
with his farm, Mr. Charles never cared to enter public life.

By his first marriage Mr. Charles had a son, Robert S., who is
managing his father's farm. The children born of Mr. Charles' second
marriage are as follows: Paul L., who went to Winnipeg, Canada, in
young manhood; Fred, who is on the old homestead; and Emma O.,
who is doing office work, lives at home. Mrs. Charles is a member of
the Methodist Episcopal church which her parents were instrumental
in establishing in their vicinity. Mr. Charles is a straight Republican,
but acts independently when he deems it best to do so. He and his
family stand very high in McHenry and deserve the confidence dis-
played in them, for they are fine people.

EUGENE L. CHURCH.

Eugene L. Church, one of the substantial residents of Harvard, has
been an important factor in the industrial life of the city. He was born
in Walworth County, Wis., eight miles north of Harvard, May 10, 1850,
a son of Cyrus and Emily (Russell) Church, natives of Connecticut
and Ohio, respectively, who were married in Wisconsin, to which state
their families had come in 1836. Cyrus Church and his wife spent their
lives on their Wisconsin farm, where he died at the age of eighty-two
years. In addition to their son, Eugene L., they had a daughter, now
Mrs. J. D. Clark of Harvard.

Eugene L. Church was reared on his father's farm and was given an

516 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

academic course. For sonic years after reaching maturity he traveled

mi the road, but in 187S, come to Harvard to continue the manufacture
of several patents, among them a Hon carrier for use in barns, which lie
had commenced at Rockford, 111., two years previously. At different

times lie had partners, and continued his business until 1000. lie man-
ufactured in addition to his carrier, hog tools, and was very successful,
dealing with retailers. In 1882 he secured an interest in a Hour-mill,
hut sold it. preferring to devote his attention to his manufacturing.
However, during the time he was connected with the mill he had it
remodeled, and the new-process machinery installed. During 1881 he
Imilt his present residence which is one of the show places of Harvard.
Mr. Church owns the double brick block which bears his name and also
the site of his former factory, having sold his plant in 1900. At present
he is giving some attention to the conduct of his wife's farm in Wis-
consin. Politically he is a Republican, has represented his ward in the
city council, and has been on the school board for twenty-one years.
during which period the schools were remodeled and modernized.

In 1879 Mr. Church was united in marriage with Anna Hall of Wal-
worth County, Wis., member of one of the pioneer families of that
region. She owns the farm her grandfather entered from the govern-
ment many years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Church have three daughters,
namely: Ethel and Eloise, both of whom are at home; and Lucy, who
is a teacher, who, after teaching for five .years at Fergus Falls, Minn.,
is now principal of the high school of Geneva, 111. She is a graduate of
Beloit College, and a lady of unusual intellectual endowments, whose
success in her chosen field is a source of gratification to her parents.

LAWRENCE S. CHURCH.
Page 132.

PHILANDER W. CLARK.

Philander W. ('lark, now deceased, was for many years one of the
leading agriculturalists of Greenwood Township and a man of high
standing in McHenry County. He was born in New York state, June

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 517

20, 1838, but came to Greenwood Township in 1800. Mr. Clark was
married to Rebecca J. Matthews, also a native of New York state,
July 5, 1839, who survives him, and lives on their farm in Greenwood
Township, being now over eighty years of age. They had the following
children: Clinton H.; Minnie E., who is Mrs. George W. Maetsberger;
Frank, who now operates the home farm, Lutie E., who is Mrs. M.
Thomas; Matie M., who is the widow of Phil S. Harrison; Clyde C,
who is with his brother Frank, is a member of the Modern Woodmen
of America. He married Maude Abbott, who was born in McHenry
County, June 8, 1879, a daughter of T. A. and Julia (Ryder) Abbott,
natives of Illinois. George Abbott, Mrs. Clyde Clark's paternal grand-
father, came to Illinois from New York state in 1845. Clyde Clark ami
his wife have the following children: Alice May, born February 1'5, 1911 ;
Leta, born December 13, 1912; Gordon, born April 5, 1915; and Eleanor,
born July 30, 1917.

The farm on which Mrs. Clark and her two sons are still residing
is located on section 26, and contains 120 acres of as fine land as can
be found in McHenry County. The family is one of the most highly
esteemed in this section, and its members are important people in the
county.

SAMUEL D. CLARK.

Samuel D. Clark, one of the progressive business men of Hebron,
is successfully engaged in purveying choice meats and groceries and
enjoys a wide-extended trade from the people of Hebron and its vicinity.
He was born in Wisconsin, August 22, 1851, one of the five children of
his parents, Osias and Lydia (Graves) Clark. Osias Clark was born in
New York state, but later moved to Wisconsin, all of his active life
devoting himself to farming. Both he and his wife are now deceased.

Samuel D. Clark was reared on his father's farm, and attended the
local schools. He was engaged in farming for a time, and then learned
the butchering trade, and followed it until in 1898, when he came to
Hebron and opened his present market. Later, he branched out, and
now handles a choice line of fancy and staple groceries, his stock aggre-
gating $3,000.

In 1872 Mr. Clark was married to Miss Elizabeth Robinson, a
daughter of Thomas Robinson, and they have three children, namely:
William D., who is associated with his father in business; Byron W.,

518 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

who is engaged in business in California; and Kate, who is the wife of
Montgomery Householder, of Hebron. Mr. < 'lark and his family belong
to the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is a Republican.
Recognized as the leading merchant of Hebron, Mr. Clark enjoys a
patronage from the very best people of the city, who have implicit
confidence in him and his judgment, and rely upon him for high grade
foodstuffs, knowing that Ids prices will be as low as consistent with
their quality, and that his service is at all times uniformly excellent.

NATHAN B. CLAWSON.

Nathan B. Clawson, junior member of the well known lumber and
feed firm of Baldock & Clawson of Alden, is one of the successful business
men of McHenry County, and belongs to one of the pioneer families
of this region. He was born in Wisconsin, a son of George T. and
Amanda M. (Helm) Clawson. Nathan B. Clawson attended the com-
mon schools, and in 1910, he formed his present connection, his partner
being Jay L. Baldock. This business house, which is one of the largest
of its kind in this locality, was founded by John Baldock in 1890, and
operated by him until 1910, when he sold to the present firm, the mem-
bers being his son and son-in-law, respectively. The firm deals exten-
sively in lumber, coal and feed, the annual sales aggregating $50,000.

On October 24, 1894, Mr. Clawson was united in marriage with
Miss Jessie M. Baldock, a daughter of John Baldock. Mr. and Mrs.
Clawson became the parents of the following children: George, who was
born September 18, 1895, died January 2, 1908; Eugene, who was born
May 10, 1905, died July 23, 1905; and Frank, who was born June 27,
1906.

In politics Mr. Clawson is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Clawson
belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. He belongs to Hebron
Lodge, A. F. & A. M. One of the alert business men of Alden, Mr.
Clawson deserves the prosperity which has attended him, and is de-
servedly numbered among the representative men of the county.

JOHN F. CLAXTON.

John F. Claxton, proprietor of the "Woodland Dairy Farm," located
one mile east of the city of McHenry, is one of the progressive agricul-

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 519

turalists of McHenry County. He was born in Nunda Township, three
miles south of McHenry, November 11, 1857, a son of John and Maria
(Page) Claxton, the latter being a daughter of Joseph Page, sister of
William Page and aunt of Charles E. Page, and a native of County
Kent, England. A sketch of the Page family is given elsewhere in this
work. John Claxton was born in the County of Norfolk, England,
August 14, 1815, and when he was eighteen years old came to the
United States, landing at Boston, Mass., making the trip in a sailing-
vessel that took seventy-two days on the water. He later worked in
a mill in Oneida County, N. Y., remaining with one company for fifteen
years, but received such small wages that he decided to seek better
opportunities, and coming to Illinois, rented land in McHenry County
for a year, and then bought seventy acres of land in Nunda Township,
all of which was then raw prairie. After four years on it, he exchanged
that farm for 160 acres, taking possession of it in 1862. On the place
were an old house and barn, and before he moved to it, he erected
portion of the present residence. He died on this farm, October 6, 1885,
his widow surviving him until October 26, 1892, he being sixty-nine years
old at the time of death, and she seventy-six. Five years prior to his
death John Claxton was kicked by a horse, and he never fully recovered.
He and his wife had the following children: Mary, who is the widow
of Charles H. Parks, lives at McHenry; William, who died during the
Civil war, while a member of the One Hundred and Forty-seventh
Illinois Volunteer Infantry, after a year's service, being then but eigh-
teen years of age; Emma, who is the widow of William H. Mudget of
Chicago; and John F., whose name heads this review.

John F. Claxton took charge of the homestead when his father was
injured, and when he died, bought the interest of the other heirs in the
farm. Since then he has bought the old Wilson farm of 200 acres adjoin-
ing his original farm on the east, so that he now owns and operates
360 acres of very valuable land. The present residence, which was
built by his father, was remodeled by him in 1911, and he put in hot
and cold water, electric lights and other modern improvements. He
enlarged his barn and built two silos and a dairy barn to accommodate
his herd of forty-five thoroughbred cattle and his registered bull. He
also has a fine drove of Poland-China hogs. Mr. Claxton is a stalwart
Republican, but aside from serving on the board of education, has not
sought political honors. As a member of that body, he has rendered
very efficient service for sixteen years, for twelve of them being con-
nected with the McHenry district.

520 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

» >n January 18, 1882, Mr. Claxton was united in marriage with

Mercy E. Fryer, a sister of the first wife of Charles I.. Page of McHenry,
and a daughter of .lames and Julia Fryer, natives of County Kent and
London, England, who came to the United States and landed at New
York City, where their daughter was born. In 1850 they came west to
Illinois, and located in McHenry County. In 1886 or 1887, Mr. and
Mrs. Fryer went to Dakota, where both died, leaving two daughters,
Mrs. Claxton and Mrs. Page in McHenry County. Mr. and Mrs.
< 'laxton became the parents of the following children: William, who
was graduated from the McHenry High School, is living at home; Pearl
and Ruby, both of whom attended the McHenry High School, are al
home; and the former is a teacher in that school, having been connected
with it for some time ; and Lelah, who was graduated from the same school
as her brother. The family all attend and support the Methodist
Episcopal church. Fraternally Mr. Claxton belongs to the Masons
and the Modern Woodmen of America. His three daughters belong
to the Eastern Star. He is one of the most representative men of the
county, and all of his operations are carried on intelligently and capably.
His family is a charming one, and their influence on their community
cannot help but be of an elevating and inspiring nature.

JAMES R. CLEARY.

James R. Cleary, postmaster of Marengo, and one of the most sub-
stantial and highly respected men of McHenry County, is an extensive
owner of choice McHenry County farm land. He was born at Marengo,
May 24, 1860, one of the six children of his parents, Cornelius and
Catherine (Hartnett) Cleary. Cornelius Cleary was born in Ireland,
but came to the United States in 1848, and after some time spent in
New York state, came west to McHenry County, and located in Marengo,
where he died in 1886.

James R. Cleary attended the common and high schools of Marengo,
and was reared on a farm. He was engaged in farming until 1892, when
he branched out into a stock business and followed it until he was
appointed by President AVilson, postmaster of Marengo, September ] ,
1915. He has under his supervision three people, and the post office
is admirably conducted by him.

On November 15, 1913, Mr. Cleary was married to Miss Delia M.

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 521

Green, a daughter of James Green, and they have two sons, James
G., who was born September 28, 1915, and William J., who was born
July 27, 1919. Mr. and Mrs. Cleary are devout members of the Roman
Catholic Church. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus and the
Modern Woodmen. Politically, he is a staunch Democrat, and has
given the administration a loyal support, especially during the late
war. For one term he served Marengo as alderman from his ward,
and he is properly regarded as one of the leaders in his party. In addi-
tion to other interests, Mr. Cleary owns two farms in Marengo Town-
ship, comprising 237 acres of fine land.

WILLIAM CLEARY.

William Cleary, who was formerly one of the most successful farmers
of McHenry County, is now living in comfortable retirement at Marengo,
where he is numbered among the most desirable citizens of that village.
He was born in the northwestern part of Marengo Township, April
20, 1858, a son of Cornelius and Catherine (Hartnett) Cleary, a sketch
of whom is to be found elsewhere in this work.

William Cleary grew up on the home farm of his father, and when
his father died he bought the interest of the other heirs to the homestead,
which he has since conducted in partnership with his brother James.
After they secured the farm they erected new buildings, and made other
improvements. A drainage district passes through the farm by means
of which 100 acres have been reclaimed. The brothers lived in one
house for a time, but later sold 120 acres of the farm and erected a new-
set of buildings. For years they were engaged in dairying, and built
a creamery on the farm which was operated as a co-operative concern,
but they later became butter producers themselves and so continued
for two or three years. Later they sold their milk to Bordens, and had
from thirty to forty cows in their herd. In 1894 William Cleary left
1 he farm and came to Marengo, but continues his interest in his farm
and keeps up its improvements. He has never cared to enter public
life, devoting himself to his own affairs, but at the same time he takes
an intelligent interest in civic matters, and wants to have everything
done which will advance his community. In his political views he is a
Democrat. Mr. Cleary has never married, and he and his sister, Ellen,
who was born December 2, 1852, live together, she acting as his house-

522 HISTORY OP McHEXRY COUNTY

keeper. The Church of the Sacred Heart of Marengo holds his member-
ship, and he is doubly attached to it as his parents were among the
original members of the parish, and he also belongs to the Knights of
Columbus, and Foresters. The Cleary family is a very highly respected
one in this region, and William Cleary is an admirable representative
of the sturdy characteristics of his parents, who are still well remembered
in this locality where for years they were leading factors.

J. EDWARD COFFEY.

J. Edward Coffey, a prosperous farmer of Greenwood Township,
owns and operates 160 acres of valuable land on section 8. He was
born in Greenwood Township, May 9, 1865, a son of Thomas and Mary
(Clarissy) Coffey, the former born in Ireland, and the latter in Massa-
chusetts. When he was fourteen years old, Thomas Coffey was brought
to the United States by his parents and they located in Wisconsin and
became farming people of that state. In 1864, Thomas Coffey located
on a farm in Greenwood Township, McHenry County, about one-half
a mile north of the farm now owned by his son, J. Edward Coffey, and
there he lived until his death in 1908, when he was seventy-four years
old. His widow survives, being now over seventy years old. They had
ten children, six of whom survive. The homestead farm of Thomas
Coffey contained 3S0 acres, and he owned another farm of 120 acres,
and all of it he placed under cultivation.

J. Edward Coffey was reared on this homestead, and attended the
schools of his native township. In 1896, he was married to Maggie
Halloran, born in Alden Township, this county. They have two sons,
Gilbert and Paul. Since he moved on his present farm, Mr. Coffey has
devoted himself to general farming, and his property is one of the best
in the township. He and his wife belong to the Catholic Church. His
political affiliations are with the Democratic party. A practical farmer,
he has made his work count for much, and deserves his reputation of
being a sound business man and excellent citizen.

AMOS COGSWELL.
Page 135.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 523

ALSON J. COLE.

Alson J. Cole, president of the Hebron State Bank, and owner of 320
acres of very valuable land in Hebron Township, is one of the most
prominent men of McHenry County. He was born in Stephentown,
New York, February 2, 1863, one of the three children of Dr. Melvin J.
and Mary A. (Whitman) Cole. Melvin J. Cole was a physician and
farmer, who was born in Massachusetts, but later moved to New York,
and thence to McHenry County, where he located at Hebron. He died
at Hebron, October 9, 1900. His widow survived him until January,
1905, when she, too, passed away.

Alson J. Cole was reared on a farm, and attended the schools of
Hebron Township. After reaching his majority, he embraced farming
as his life work, and has always been interested in agricultural matters,
although he has been engaged along other lines as well, for ten years
conducting one of the leading mercantile establishments of Hebron,
and now being largely interested in the Hebron Bank, of which he is
president, which office he has held since 1906.

On March 16, 1896, Mr. Cole was married to Miss Libbie Rotnour,
a daughter of Sanford Rotnour, and they had one daughter Carolyn,
who lives at home. Mrs. Cole died January 26, 1913. After her death,
Mr. Cole was married (second) to Mrs. Susan M. Meyers, who belongs
to one of the oldest pioneer families in the county. Mr. Cole has been
very prominent in the Republican party, serving in the Hebron council
for seven years, and as mayor of Hebron for one term. A Mason, he
belongs to Hebron Lodge No. 604, A. F. & A. M., Harvard Chapter
No. 91, R. A. M., and Calvary Commandery No. 25, K. T. He is also
a member of Hebron Lodge No. 767, j.. O. O. F. His connection with
the Hebron bank as its chief executive official, gives it solidity and
prominence, for his own record as a business man and citizen has been
such as to reflect credit upon him and his associates.

THOMAS. D. COLE.

With the passing of the late Thomas D. Cole another of the honored
sons of McHenry County has gone to his last reward, leaving behind
him a record of uprightness, sterling integrity, and dependable work
both as an experienced agriculturalist and public-spirited citizen. He

524 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

was still in the prime of life, 1 mt during the years accorded him, he
accomplished much, and dying, left many friends, and few enemies,
behind him. The example of a blameless life such as his cannot help
but be beneficial in his neighborhood, and prove a stimulus to the rising
generation to order their lives in like manner.

The birth of Thomas D. Cole occurred on the farm so long occupied
by him, in Burton Township, one mile east of Spring Grove, December
18, 18(>9. He was a son of Franklin M. and Emily M. (Stevens) Cole.
Franklin M. Cole was born at East Andover, Merrimack County, N. II.,
January 4. 1836, and his wife was born September 27, 1841. The parents
of Franklin M. Cole, Miles and Sallie (Bixby) Cole, natives of New
Hampshire, decided that the old New England home was too narrow,
and so set out for the West, packing their household possessions in two
covered wagons, one of which was on springs, something then quite new,
and made the long trip overland, being seven weeks on the road, and
arriving in what is known as the Creek District, McHenry County, in
November, 1838. They entered the farm from the government which
was so long controlled by Thomas D. Cole, and here they rounded out
their lives, dying in old age before the birth of their grandson. They
had six children, of whom four grew to maturity, namely: Miles Harmon,
who was a miller of Richmond; Ransom B.; Harvey, who went to
California and was lost trace of; Franklin M.; Martha, who married
Thomas Kimball, a farmer of Lake County, 111., died in old age; and
Mandana, who married Lewis Hatch, lived near the homestead in
Burton Township, and they had the following children: Miles, Fred,
Frank and Martha Loretta Hatch.

Franklin M. Cole was married in Lake County, his wife being the
daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Stevens, natives of Brattlcboro, Yt.,
and Utica, N. Y. A -sketch of the Stevens family is given elsewhere in
this work. As a lad Mr. Stevens had come to Illinois and settled in
Lake County, where he lived for many years, but his last days were
spent with Mr. and Mrs. Cole. Franklin M. Cole secured the home-
stead of his father, and spent his life upon it, and in 1871 erected the
residence now standing. The farm originally contained 520 acres, anil
he operated it as a general farmer and stockraiser, breeding short-horn
cattle, which he exhibited at county fairs. A Republican, he served cm
the school board and as road commissioner. His death occurred May
20, 1895, his widow surviving him until May 8, 1918, when she died on
the farm which had been her home from the time of her marriage. Their
children were as follows: Lucy, who died in childhood; Warren, who died

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 525

March 13, 1920; Alice, who died at the age of sixteen years; Thomas D.,
whose name heads this review; John, who died in young manhood;
Frank, who died in childhood; and Annie, who died in young womanhood.

Thomas D. Cole spent his life on the old Cole homestead, and for
sixteen years operated it in partnership with his brother, Warren, who
died five months prior to his own demise. They were enterprising
farmers and stoekraisers, and very successful in all of their operations.
Thomas D. Cole was married to Ida M. Dodge, who was horn at Apple-
ton, Wis., and they had three children, namely: Franklin Dodge,
Martha Elizabeth and Edith Stevens. Like his father, Mr. Cole served
on the school board. He maintained fraternal relations with the
Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Cole died August 13, 1920, very
suddenly at his old home, and his funeral was held August 15, there
being a very large attendance as his many warm, personal friends came
to pay a last tribute to one whom they held in such high regard. The
services were conducted by Rev. Clay E. Palmer, of Richmond, and
interment was made in the Cole Cemetery.

Mr. Cole was not a man who sought public honors. His happiness
was found in his home, and with his family. He knew how to carry on
farming capably, and was never afraid of hard work. A friend of the
public schools, he tried hard to raise the standard of those in his neigh-
borhood, and also did all in his power to improve conditions in his town-
ship and county. A good man is gone, but the results of his earnestness
and sincerity remain and live after all that is mortal of him has crumbled
to dust.

JOHN CONLEY.

John Conley, one of the progressive farmers of Grafton Township,
is entitled to be numbered among the representative men of McHenry
County. He was born in Grafton Township, October 7, 1866, where for
a number of years his father, Owen Conley, was engaged in farming.
Owen Conley and his wife, Marguerite (McCue) Conley, were natives
of Ireland, but came to the United States when young, and located in
Grafton Township. Here he died February 18, 1894. They had five
children born to them.

John Conley attended the local schools and was reared on the farm
where he has always resided, it comprising 236 acres of valuable land,

.".l'i; HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY

all improved, on which he is carrying on general farming an<l stock
raising.

Mr. Gonley was united in marriage with Miss Agnes Driscoll, a
daughter of John Driscoll, one of the leading men of McHenry County.
In politics Mr. Conley is a Democrat, and he has ever been very active
in local affairs, serving as road commissioner for twelve years, and was
elected supervisor for Grafton Township in the spring of 1918. He and
his family are members of the Catholic church.

MICHAEL CONLEY.

Michael Conley, who represents one of the old families of McHenry
County, is a native son of this county, and is now successfully engaged in
general farming and dairying in Nunda Township. He was born in
Dorr Township, February 14, 1854, a son of William and Anna S.
(Hanrahan) Conley, the former of whom was born in Kilkenny County,
Ireland in 1813, where he was married. In 1849 he and his wife came
to the United States and for a time they lived at Pittsburgh, Pa., from
whence they came to McHenry County. He died on his farm of thirty
acres, in Nunda Township. They had six children, all of whom are
living, they being as follows: Ann, who is Mrs. Welsh; Bridget, who is
Mrs. M. Dailey; Michael; James; Margaret, who is Mrs. Fitszimmons;
and Kate, who is Mrs. Hanrahan.

Michael Conley has spent his life on his farm, and has been engaged
in farming for thirty-one years. He now owns 240 acres of land, and
he has a herd of thirty cows. An earnest, industrious man and good
farmer, he is regarded as one of the desirable citizens of this county.
He is a member of the Catholic church.

FRED A. COOLEY.

Fred A. Cooley, who is one of the progressive business men of West
McHenry, deals in agricultural implements and owns and conducts
the West McHenry Feed Mills. He was born in Illinois, December 19,
1870, one of the four children of his parents, Henry and Frances E.
(Rowe) Cooley. Henry Cooley was born in Vermont, but later moved

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 527

to Illinois, and was a farmer all his life. He died in 1914, and his wife
is also deceased.

Fred A. Cooley was reared on a farm, and was sent to the district
schools. He was engaged in farming until 1916, when he established
himself at West McHenry, organizing his present implement business,
and buying his feed mill. In his implement business he carries a stock
of $20,000, and his trade is a large one and it comes from a wide territory.

Mr. Cooley was united in marriage with Miss Matilda K. Seyler,
a daughter of Conrad Seyler, and a member of a prominent family of
McHenry County. Mr. and Mrs. Cooley have the following children:
Floyd, Opal and Jennie M.

A. B. COON.
Page 133.

JOHN HOWARD CORNUE.

John Howard Cornue, who is living retired on his farm in Alden
Township, three miles west of Hebron, and fifteen miles northwest of
Woodstock, on the "state line, is one of the well known men of McHenry
County. He was born on the family homestead, one mile west of his
present home, November 5, 1856, a son of Daniel A. and Sarah Jane
(Olmstead) Cornue, natives of New York.

Daniel A. Cornue came to Illinois in 1844, and took up wild land on
which he built a house, but for a time he worked out by the month to
obtain a little ready money, but later settled on his farm. Although he
devoted much time and attention to this farm, he was one of the organ-
izers of the Alden Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and continued a
member of its board of directors as long as he lived. He also helped to
organize the Lynn-Hebron Presbyterian church two miles away from
his farm, and was on the committee which built the church edifice, as
well as on the official board. He is buried in the cemetery connected
with that church. His family was as follows: Melvin C, who is a retired
farmer of Steuben County, N. Y. ; Elvira, who is Mrs. Doric Porter, lives
at Kansas City, Mo.; John Howard, whose name heads this review;

528 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

William Duane, who owns the old homestead, is living at Hebron,
:mil a sketch of him appears elsewhere in this work: and Ellen, who
married Fred Thacher, lives at Stanley, Wis.

.John Howard Cornue was reared on the homestead and assisted in
clearing off and breaking the land. He was married February 9, 1881,
to Emma ,J. Weter, a daughter of M. E. and Delia (Mickle) Weter, both
now living at Hebron. Immediately following his marriage, Mr. Cornue
began housekeeping on his present farm, originally the James Cornue
farm. At first Mr. Cornue bought 100 acres, later adding forty acres
so that he now has 140 acres, and on this farm he has erected nearly
all the present buildings and made many other improvements, this being
considered one of the best farms in the township. He carries on dairying
and keeps twenty-five cows. For eleven years he bred thoroughbred
Holstein cattle and kept fifty or sixty head, milking from twenty-five
to thirty, and shipped breeding animals and had sales of his product.
His son is also a breeder. Mr. and Mrs. Cornue have the following
children: Arthur D., who operates the farm, married Ethel M. Turner
and they have three children, James Howard, Wesley Turner and
Richard Arthur; Harvey E., who is a ranchman of Winnett, Mont.;
Elsie Evelyn, who died on her fifteenth birthday; E. C, who is a locomo-
tive engineer on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, went into the
army May 21, 1918. Mr. Cornue belongs to the old Lynn-Hebron
Presbyterian church with which his family has been associated for so
many years.

WILLIAM DUANE CORNUE.

William Duane Cornue, one of the retired farmers of Hebron, was
formerly very active in the agricultural life of McHenry County. He
was born on his father's farm in Alden Township, on the Wisconsin
state line, four miles west of Hebron, October 3, 1861. Remaining on
the homestead, he secured it in 1884, and lived upon it until he retired
in 1903, since which time he has had a tenant to conduct it. The farm
now contains 240 acres of well developed land, and the buildings were
erected by his father but have been kept in fine condition by him, and
he had added to them and rebuilt, and has everything suitable for dairy
farming. Mr. Cornue owns another farm of 160 acres one mile from the
homestead, on which he has erected new buildings and put in drainage
to redeem the former wet land that now is very productive. While he

HISTORY OF McHBNRY COUNTY 529

has left his farm he keeps up his interest in it and owns stock in partner-
ship with his tenant. Mr. Cornue was one of the directors of the Alden
Mutual Insurance Company, and served it as secretary for about eight
years. A staunch Republican, he has been committeeman, delegate to
county and state conventions, and served his township as road com-
missioner and supervisor, rendering valuable service in both offices, his
occupancy of the former office being during the nineties, and also as
assessor for several years.

Mr. Cornue was married September 15, 1903, to Ada B. Wilson, a
daughter of John and Lucetta (McColhern) Wilson, of Sharon, Wis.
Both parents are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Cornue have one son,
Stanley Huntington, born October 27, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Cornue are
members of the Presbyterian church of Hebron, of which he is an elder,
and he served in the same capacity in the Lynn-Hebron church two
miles distant from his old home, and he has been a delegate to the synod
and the general assembly of his church at Kansas City, Mo. The
Cornue farm is one of the best developed properties in the county, and
in addition to it and his other farm here, Mr. Cornue owns 240 acres in
North Dakota and 80 acres in Wisconsin. He is one of the most highly
respected men of this region, and deserves the confidence he inspires as
well as the success which has attended him.

ROBERT E. CORLETT.

Robert E. Corlett of Chemung Township, has one of the most valu-
able, well improved and efficiently-operated farms of this region, and
his home is a delightful one. He was born on the Isle of Man, August
2, 1852, a son of John and Catherine (Corlett) Corlett. The name of
Corlett is found as frequently on the Isle of Man as the one of Smith
is in the United States. In 1853 the parents came to the United States,
and upon landing crossed the country to Illinois, and spent a year in
Richmond Township, McHenry County, leaving it in 1856 to go to
Lodi, Wis., where they remained on a farm until 1865, at which time
they returned to Richmond Township, and in the spring of 1880 located
on the farm in Chemung Township now owned by their son, Robert.
A brother of John Corlett had preceded him to this country, and set-
tled at Rochester, N. Y., where he died. John Corlett died in 1915,
aged ninety-one years. He was a powerful man both mentally and

530 HISTORY OF McIIEXRY COUNTY

physically, and always kept well posted through reading and study.
All of his life he was a local preacher, and he was one of the best known
men of the county. His wife died when she was eighty-four years old.
The family is noted for its longevity on both sides, Mrs. Corlett's two
sisters, who died on the Isle of Man. lived to be eighty-nine and ninety,
respectively. The children born to John Corlett and his wife were as
follows: Robert E., whose name heads this review: Ceaser Eugene, who
is a farmer at Ord, Valley County, Xebr. ; and Albert Edwin, who died
in 1917 at the age of fifty-eight years, having gone to the stale of Wash-
ington when he was twenty years old.

Robert Corlett remained at home and as his father grew older, he
assumed the responsibilities of the farm. All of the present improve-
ments on the farm, consisting of a modern residence, commodious barn,
two silos and similar buildings, have been erected since the Corlett
family has owned the property. At first stockraising was rallied on,
but now Mr. Corlett is devoting himself principally to dairying, and
has a herd of from twenty to thirty cows, of the Holstein strain, but
does not exhibit. A Republican, he is strongly in favor of Prohibition,
and his father did some very effective speaking in favor of the move-
ment, and working with the anti-saloon element. However when it
comes to casting his vote, he supports the candidates of the Republican
party.

When he was twenty-eight years old Robert Corlett was united in
marriage with Christian Cowlin, born in the Isle of Man, who came to
the United States in 1S80. Mr. and Mrs. Corlett have the following
children: Ralph, who is at home; Mona, who is Mrs. C. I. Coate-, lives
at Monroe. Wis., has three children, John R., Elizabeth, and Elinor.
Albert E., and Bertha, who are both at home. The sons are assisting
their father in operating the farm. Interested in securing good educa-
tional facilities for the children, Mr. Corlett served for some time on
the school board, and the excellent schools in his section owe much to
his good judgment and wise foresight. He is one of the exceptional
men of the county, and he and his family are numbered among the most
desirable and worth-while people in this region.

FLOYD E. COYALT.

Floyd E. Covalt, local manager for the Wilbur Lumber Company at
Mc Henry, is one of the enterprising and representative men of this part

^zd

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY • 531

of McHenry County. He was born in McHenry County, July 11,
1884, one of the six children of his parents, Floyd W. and Harriett
(O'Connell) Covalt. Floyd W. Covalt was the manager of the Wilbur
Lumber Company at Crystal Lake, where he is now living retired from
active participation in business life. At one time he was mayor of
Crystal Lake.

Floyd E. Covalt attended the common and high schools of Crystal
Lake, and as soon as he had completed his studies entered the employ
of his present company at Crystal Lake, under his father's management.
In 1908 he obtained his deserved promotion to be manager of the plant
of that company at McHenry. This branch does a business of 8200,000
annually. The officers of the company arc: R. W. Houghton, president;
R. H. Wilbur, vice-president; and George H. Wilbur, secretary and
treasurer.

In 1907 Mr. Covalt was married to Miss Carrie E. Himler, a daughter
of George A. Himler, of West McHenry. Mr. and Mrs. Covalt have two
children, namely: Floyd E., Jr., who was born January 29, 1914; and
Shirley M., who was born October 7, 1917. Mr. Covalt is a Republican.
A Mason, he belongs to McHenry Lodge No. 158, A. F. & A. M., of
which he is Past Master; McHenry Chapter No. 36, R. A. M.; Calvary
Commandery No. 25, K. T., and he is District Deputy Grand Master of
the Twenty-first District. He also belongs to Valley Camp, M. W. A.

EMMETT C. COVELL.

Emmett C. Covell, mayor of Richmond, and one of the retired
farmers of McHenry County, formerly was very prominent in agri-
cultural circles, and still owns 280 acres of valuable farm land. He
was born at Sugar Creek, Wis., June 20, 1856, one of the seven children
of his parents, Charles and Phebe (Persons) Covell, of whom three
survive. Charles Covell was born in New York, and there learned
the trade of a carpenter, and worked on the erection of churches and
public buildings. In 1862, he came to McHenry County, and his death
occurred April 5, 1905, when he was eighty-six years old. His wife
was born in Massachusetts, December 25, 1818, and died August 12,
1905.

Emmett C. Covell attended the schools of McHenry County, and
was brought up on a farm, and still oversees the operation of his large

532 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

farm of 2S0 acres, although he retired from active participation in the

work in 1905, when he moved to Richmond and erected a handsome
residence. In 1901 he was elected mayor of Richmond, and has held
that office ever since, and he has also been a justice of the peace, and
police magistrate of Richmond. In addition to his farming interests,
Mr. Covell was one of the board of directors of the creamery, and was
manager of it for a number of years.

( )n August 22, 1888, Mr. Covell was married to Miss Cora H. McCon-
nell, a daughter of George McConnell, formerly a banker of Richmond,
but now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Covell became the parents of the
following children: Nellie B., who is now Mrs. John Westmont of
Wisconsin; George C, whose death occurred in 1914; Grace L., who is
Mrs. Walter Kruse, lives in Aurora, 111., and Hattie M., C. Bonepart,
Marguerite, Cora M., and William, all of whom are at home. The
family all belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, and are very
prominent in it. Mr. Covell is a Republican. Fraternally he is a
Mason and has been advanced in that order to be a Knight Templar.
Mrs. Covell and the daughter Hattie are members of the Eastern Star.
A man of sound principles and practical ideas, his counsel is sought
upon many occasions, and he is held in the highest esteem by all who
know him.

LUCIEN B. COVELL.

Lucien B. Covell, supervisor of Richmond Township, and one of its
most representative men, is the owner of a very valuable farm of 200
acres in Richmond Township. He was born in New York state, No-
vember 22, 1848, a son of Charles and Phebe (Persons) Covell, and
brother of E. C. Covell. Charles Covell was born in New York state,
and his wife was born in Massachusetts, the date of his birth being
1819, and hers December 25, 1818. He died April 5, 1905, and she passed
away August 12, 1905. Charles Covell was a carpenter, and in 1862
he came to McHenry County, where he spent the remainder of his life.
He specialized in building churches and public buildings. He and his
wife had seven children, of whom three now survive.

Lucien B. Covell attended the common schools, and was reared to
work on the farm, and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits.
Mr. Covell was married to Miss Anna Moore, a daughter of William
Moore. There are no children. Mr. Covell is a Republican, and one

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 533

of the leaders of his party locally. In 1897 he was elected supervisor of
Richmond Township, and held that office for twenty-two years, or until
ill health compelled him to retire. For forty-six years he was a director
of the school board of Richmond, where he now maintains his residence,
although he continues to oversee the operation of his fine farm several
miles distant. Mrs. Covell taught school for six years. Both he and
Mrs. Covell belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. His fraternal
connections are with the Masonic Order. A man of unusual capabilities,
he has exerted himself to such good purpose that he is not only a man of
ample means, but one who has accomplished much for his community,
and gained the approbation of his fellow citizens.

ROBERT COWAN.

Robert Cowan, a progressive farmer of section 1, Grafton Township,
is making a specialty of raising Shropshire sheep, and he is justly re-
garded as one of the representative farmers of McHenry County. He
was born in Will County, 111., August 10, 1869, a son of John and Mary
(Allen) Cowan, the former of whom was born in Scotland in 1833, and
came to the United States in 1865, settling in Will County, where he
was engaged in farming. He lived to be eighty-three years. old. His
wife was born in Canada of Scotch ancestry.

Robert Cowan was reared in Will County, and educated there,
learning farming under the wise direction of his father, and he has
always been engaged in this line, and with the exception of three years
in Iowa, has spent his life in Illinois. On March 7, 1912, he moved to his
present farm, which comprises 160 acres on section 11.

On August 19, 1896, Mr. Cowan was married to Ellen Frydendall,
a native of Kane County, 111., where she was born March 16, 1874,
and they have eleven children, as follows: Elizabeth, Emory, Bruce,
Burton, William, John, Dean, Gordon, Grace, Verdell and Florence.
Mr. Cowan is a member of the Presbyterian church, and his wife belongs
to the Congregational church. Both of them are Republicans. Under-
standing as he does farming in every particular, he has made his work
count for something, and deserves the prosperity which has attended
him.

FRANK CARROLL CURTIS.

Frank Carroll Curtis, who is located on the old Poyer farm in Marengo
Township, five miles northwest of Marengo, on the River road and near

534 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

Seven Bridges, is one of the substantial farmers of McHenry County.
He was born at Hebron, Jefferson County, Wis., May 19, 1859, and
was then- reared by his grandparents. His maternal grandfather,
.lames Folts, came to Wisconsin from New York when the country was
undeveloped.

In 1SS6 Frank C. Curtis came to McHenry County and bought the
John Foyer farm, then containing 213 acres. John Poyer, then deceased,
had lived on this farm for many years and erected the present house,
using a portion of the original residence built on an old Indian trail
on another part of the farm. John Poyer's son, Delos Poyer, owned
and operated the farm just opposite. The barn, which has a full base-
ment, is 32 x 134 feet, with an el 28 x 30 feet of the same height, and
was built by Mr. Curtis. He also built two cement silos, and uses all
of the basement for stabling. Dairying is his main feature, and he
keeps from thirty to forty cows. His farm is one of the finest oiuthe
Fiver Road. While he is a strong Republican, Mr. Curtis has never
eared for office.

In 1883 Mr. Curtis was married to Angie King of Whitewater, Wis.,
a daughter of Edward King, who erected one of the first houses at White-
water. When Mr. King reached Whitewater he had but fifty cents in
his pocket and used that to pay postage on a letter. He had to hunt
a job before he had any supper. For some time he worked at his trade
as a carpenter, and then became a farmer.

Mr. and Mrs. Curtis became the parents of the following children:
Flora, who married Verne Sisson, lives near Capron, in Boone County,
and has three children, Clarence, Vera and Eugene; Lillian, who married
H. A. Walton, a mechanic of Woodstock, has two children, Hugh and
Dorothy; Carroll, who is at home on the farm; and Mark, who was the
eldest, is deceased. He died in 1914 when in his thirtieth year. This
estimable young man had remained at home and become one of the
reliable residents of his township. A Mason and Odd Fellow, he was
well known in both orders, passed all the chairs in the latter fraternity
at Garden Prairie. While he was operating a small pumping engine,
his overalls were caught by the starting shaft, and his body drawn into
the machinery so that his foot was mangled. He was taken to the Elgin
Hospital, but blood poison set in and death resulted. Few young men
are as deeply mourned as was he, not only by his family and brother
lodge members, but by the whole community. For years he had been
a consistent member of the Baptist church of Marengo, and lived up
to its teachings in his everyday life.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 535

IRA R. CURTISS.
Page 134.

TIMOTHY J. DACY.

Timothy J. Dacy, now deceased, was formerly one of the most
substantial business men of Woodstock, and one who left behind him
a record for upright dealing and kindly actions. For years he was one
of the leading dealers in agricultural implements of the county, and he
was known throughout this region as few men are. He was born in
Ireland in 1838, and when he was twelve years old his parents started
for the United States, but while on the ocean the good mother died and
was buried at sea. After reaching this country, the little party came
to McHemy County and located in Hartland Township, where the father
obtained work with the railroad, but the children were thrown upon
their own resources, and Timothy J. Dacy early learned to be self-
supporting. For some years he worked for Robert Forrest, and in the
winters attended school whenever it was possible for him to do so.

Leaving farm work, in 1861, Mr. Dacy came to Woodstock, entering
the employ of John J. Murphy, dealer in grain and wool, and remained
with him for several years. In 1863 Mr. Dacy's interest was aroused
in a patent gate, and he was induced to invest his savings in it, and he
purchased the right to sell it in a small territory, later acquiring a larger
field until he sold the gate all over the United States and Canada, and
met with a very gratifying success. In 1865 he returned to Woodstock
and embarked in a farm products business, continuing that until he
formed a partnership with W. B. Austin for the purpose of handling
farm implements, which business was carried on until March, 1880,
although in the meanwhile Mr. Dacy had become the sole owner, but
in that month the entire plant was destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of
$20,000, which was only covered by $2,000 insurance. Mr. Dacy
immediately set to work clearing away the debris, and sold at auction
the damaged farm machinery, as well as other goods he immediately
ordered, and in this way acquired a working capital, and made his name
known throughout a wide territory. Mr. Dacy then formed a partner-
ship with J. D. Donovan, which continued for three years, Mr. Dacy
again becoming sole owner of his business, continued as such until his

:>::<; HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

death, being (lien recognized as the leading man in handling agricultural
implements in the county.

In 1869 Mr. Dacy married Lucinda Donnelly, a daughter of Neill
Donnelly, now deceased, and they became the parents of four children,
namely: Charles F., Albert E., Alice B. and George H., who, with his
widow survived him. Mr. Dacy met his death August 1, 1896, when he
was struck by a train at his home depot, and died soon thereafter.
Stricken clown in the very prime of his usefulness, he was mourned by
the whole community, and it was a long time before his place was filled.
He had always taken an active part in public matters, and had been one
of the promoters of the County Fair Association, doing much to make
the annual meetings a success. St. Mary's Catholic church held his
membership, and it was from its portals that his remains were carried
to their last resting place in Calvary Cemetery. Years have passed
since Mr. Dacy died, but the results of his upright life remain, and have
their influence on the life of the region in which he spent the greater
portion of his useful and honorable career.

JAMES DAVIS.

.lames Davis, one of the progressive farmers of Coral Township,
is located four miles west of Huntley, and was born one-half mile north
of his present farm, April 4, 1861, a son of David L. and Elizabeth
(Williams) Davis, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
After attending the local schools, James Davis worked on his father's
farm for eighteen months, leaving his rural surroundings for Chicago,
where he was engaged in conducting a milk route for eight years, secur-
ing his milk from his old home neighborhood, and handling from twenty-
five to thirty cans daily. He had three wagons and sold at retail, his
place of business being at No. 25 Pierce street, opposite to the old fire-
marshal Sweeney.

After clearing up a few thousand dollars, Mr. Davis bought his
present farm in 1894, then known as the Thomas Williams farm, which
contained 160 acres of land, for which he paid $65 per acre. On
it were buildings in fair condition, but since taking possession of the
property he has rebuilt and enlarged the buildings and has everything
in fine condition. He erected a silo, and operates a dairy, milking
about thirty cows. Adding to his farm he now has 200 acres in one

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 537

body, ami eighty-three acres three miles distant on the State road in
McHenry County, once known as the William Barket farm for which
he paid $125 per acre. On this property also Mr. Davis rebuilt the
original buildings, and erected a silo as well as put in other improve-
ments. The smaller farm is now being operated by his son Walter.
On both farms the cattle are high-grade Holstein, and Mr. Davis owns
a full blooded bull. On the homestead he has a fine supply of water
for the house and premises, from a fifty-five foot well, operated by a
windmill. All of the basement of the barn is arranged for stabling.

When he was twenty-one years old Mr. Davis was married to Dora
Mackeben, a sister of Henry Mackeben, a sketch of whom appears else-
where in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Davis became the parents of the
following children: Maggie, who is Mrs. William Lowe, lives one mile
south of Harmony, and has no children; Walter, who is on the farm
in McHenry County, married Anna Eckman, and they have one child,
Ruby; David M., who is living at home, was married to Marie Bourreau,
but she died, leaving him with one son, James Henry; and Henry H.,
who is at home. David and Henry are assisting their father in oper-
ating the homestead. Mr. Davis is a Republican, but has never sought
office, his private affairs absorbing all of his time. For a number of
years he has been active in the Methodist Episcopal church of Harmony,
which is located one mile west of his farm. An excellent farmer, Mr.
Davis has devoted himself to agricultural labors all his life, and is glad
that his sons are following in his footsteps, for he believes that the
natural way for a man to earn his living is from the soil.

THOMAS DAVIS.

Thomas Davis, one of the progressive farmers of Coral Township,
is profitably engaged in conducting his father's homestead, where he
has spent practically all his life. He was born on his present farm,
September 20, 1868, a son of David L. and Elizabeth (Williams) Davis.
David L. Davis was born in Abrothwith, Wales, March 16, 1835, and
died March 22, 1915. His wife was born in Wales, February 22, 1837,
and died October 22, 1908. They were married in New York, when
he was twenty-four years old and she was twenty-two.

When David L. Davis brought his family to McHeary County he
was accompanied by his brother, William. Soon after his arrival,

.-).•{* HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

David L. Davis secured the farm now occupied by his son, Thomas,
then principally in the timber. He built a log house, which he replaced
with the one now standing, about 1S72, and cleared off his original
forty acres. To this he added until he owned 420 acres, and he also
owned 100 acres in Lyon County, Iowa. For a number of years he was
one of the extensive farmers of this region, keeping from forty to fifty
cows, and making a specialty of dairying. For the last decade of his
life he lived in retirement, renting his homestead of 100 acres to Thomas
Davis. Always a Republican, he never neglected exercising his right of
suffrage, and was chosen by his fellow citizens to serve on the school
board. He was one of the original members of the Harmony Methodisl
church, and lived to be its oldest surviving member. Very hospitable,
Mr. Davis enjoyed entertaining his friends, and his home was often-
times a gathering place for delightful social events. His remains arc
laid to rest at Harmony, two miles away from his old home, four and
one-half miles due west from Huntley, in Coral Township. He and his
wife had the following children: Mary, who died at the age of seventeen
years; David, who died at the age of sixty-four years, at Marengo, to
which he had retired from his farm, and there his widow who survives
him, is still living; George, who left McHenry County thirty years ago,
lives at Dennison, Iowa; William, who lives on a portion of the home-
stead, is written up elsewhere in this work; Sarah, who died at the age
of eighteen years; James, who lives on a farm adjoining that of Thomas,
is also written up elsewhere in this work; Katie, who lives on the old
homestead, devoted her life to her parents; Thomas, whose name heads
this review; and Mary, who is Mrs. George Ilemmcr.

Thomas Davis lives in the house in which he was born, and has
devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. He was married December
30, 1902, to Emma Kahle, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Mc-
kaben) Kahle, she being a sister of Henry Mckaben. Mr. Kahle died in
January 1917, aged seventy-one years, and she, February 17, 1908, and both
were born in Germany. Mrs. Davis was born on the State road October
13, 1884. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Davis are as follows:
Sarah, Mary, Margaret, Lester, George, David, Frances, all of whom
arc at home, and two, who died in infancy. When he married, Thomas
Davis took over the homestead where for seventy years his family had
lived. Here he carries on dairying, keeping from twenty-four to twenty-
five cows, and he owns stock in the new creamery at Harmony. Mr.
Davis belongs to the old Harmony Methodist church with which his
father was connected for so many years, but Mrs. Davis was reared in

HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 539

the Harmony Lutheran church. During the years Mr. Davis has been
conducting his farm, he has proven himself an excellent farmer and has
always been a public-spirited citizen, although like his father he has not
aspired to political preferment.

WILLIAM HENRY DAVIS.

William Henry Davis, who belongs to one of the old and highly
respected families of McHenry County, was born in a log cabin, in
Coral Township, one-half a mile distant from his present farm, February
4, 1859, a son of David L. and Elizabeth (Williams) Davis, a sketch of
whom appears elsewhere in this work.

William Henry Davis was reared in his present township, and here he
was married, at the age of twenty-seven years, to Ellen Hand, a daughter
of Louis Hand, of Lake County, 111., but later widely known in McHenry
County. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hand are deceased. After his marriage,
William Henry Davis moved to his present farm five and one-half miles
from Huntley, and for twenty years was connected with a threshing
outfit, commencing with horsepower, but later buying a steam outfit.
At the death of his father he secured eighty acres of the homestead,
and now operates 120 acres. On his property he has erected a barn,
3G x 80 feet, and a silo, and has put in considerable tiling, thus redeem-
ing what was formerly almost worthless land. Mr. Davis has also
cleared off the timber on his land with the exception of about fifteen
acres. When he began farming only a small part of the land had been
plowed, but he now has it in magnificent condition, this of course en-
tailing an immense amount of labor and careful planning. He has a
well thirty-one feet deep, fitted with a windmill and so has a fine supply
of water for all purposes. Dairying is his specialty, and he keeps from
fifteen to twenty cows, of a high grade strain. His barn is admirably
fitted for dairy purposes, having a cement floor, modern stanchions and
other appliances, which bring it up to the requirements of the state
regulations. Mr. Davis has, all in all, one of the best-kept farms in
McHenry County, and his careful supervision shows that he takes a
pride in his property. A solid Republican, he gives a hearty support
to his party, but has never held any office except that of school director.
He was on the board for thirty years, as was his father, both doing much
for the cause of education in this region.

.".Ill HISTORY OF McIIKNRY COUNTY

Mr. and Mrs. Davis became the parents of the following children:
Vivia, who is Mrs. .John Thompson of McHenry County, has the fol-
lowing children: Neil, Vivia, Helen and Melvinc; Pearl and Sylvia, both
of whom arc at homo, have taught school in their home district; and
Leonard, who is at home. The Harmony Methodist church was estab-
lished by a few faithful men and women in the neighborhood, of whom
Mr. and Mrs. David L. Davis were two, and William Henry Davis is
one of its members. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America.
On February 20, 1907 Mrs. Davis was taken from her family, since
which time Miss Pearl has been the housekeeper.

PROF. HARRY A. DEAN.

Prof. Harry A. Dean, superintendent of the schools of Crystal Lake,
is one of the thoroughly efficient and scholarly educators of McHenry
Count}-. He was born in Massachusetts, July 29, I860, one of the nine
children born to Otis and Annista (Dunlar) Dean. Otis Dean, born in
Massachusetts, was a shoemaker by trade. He later became a manu-
facturer of shoes, and going to California, there rounded out his life,
dying in 1910. His wife survived him until 1914.

Harry A. Dean was graduated as a civil engineer, from Ames College
in 1891, but immediately after his graduation he began teaching school
at Geneva, 111., where he remained for two years. Leaving Geneva,
for the subsequent ten years he was superintendent of schools at Etbur,
111., and for eight years he was superintendent of the schools of Kane
County. In 1910, Prof. Dean came to Crystal Lake, where he has
since remained, having charge of the schools of that city. He is a mem-
ber of the National Educational Association, and of the state and local
educational organizations. There are sixteen teachers and 500 pupils
under Prof. Dean's supervision, in the grade and high schools.

Professor Dean was married to Miss EvaE. Riplits, and they have the
following children: Revere E., who lives at Chicago; Harry A., who is
an ex-service man; and Beatrice A., Dorothy I., Jennie V., and Ruth,
all of whom are at home. The family residence is at Crystal Lake.
Professor Dean is a Mason. His political affiliations are with the Repub-
lican party. He and his family are members of the Congregational
church.

HISTORY OF McHBNRY COUNTY 541

JOHN F. DE YARMOND.

John F. Dc Yarmond, now living retired at Marengo, was formerly
actively engaged in farming, and is regarded as one of the representative
men of the county. He was born at Ada, Kent County, Mich., March
11, 1S50, a son of Alexander F. De Yarmond, born near Halifax, Nova
Scotia, but of French Huguenot stock. In 1834 or 1835, he came to the
then territory of Michigan and participated in the "Buckeye War,"
which was a dispute over a strip some six miles wide claimed by Ohio
and Michigan. The controversy was settled by Michigan being given
what is now the Upper Peninsula, Ohio retaining the other strip. By
trade he was a blacksmith.

In 1866 John F. De Yarmond joined his uncle, George W. Richard-
son, a farmer of Riley Township, who at that time had rented his farm
and gone to the "Oil Regions" of Pennsylvania. For three years Mr.
De Yarmond operated the old Josiah St. John Farm in connection
with his brother-in-law, John B. Hoof, and then bought an interest
in a set of abstracts of Eau Claire County, Wis., in partnership with
Charles B. Swift, and spent a year at Eau Claire. Returning to
McHenry County he was at Marengo for a time, then went on his
uncle's farm for several years. Once more coming to Marengo, he con-
ducted a real estate business until 1893, when on June 28 of that year,
he was married to Ida Austin, a daughter of Rufus A. and Charlotte
Austin, of Woodstock.

Mr. Dc Yarmond inherited an interest in his uncle's farm, and also
administered his estate. In 1914 he was made one of three commissioners
of the Coon Creek Drainage District in Riley and Marengo townships
of McHenry County, and extending into Boone County, and con-
structed about four miles of main channel, dredged and laid a number
of miles of tile. This enterprise affects 7,000 acres of farm land, render-
ing it fit for tillage. Much of this acreage is already under cultivation.
Mr. De Yarmond is still on the commission. He owns a small tract
in this district. The service Mr. De Yarmond and his associates have
rendered to their counties and state in this reclamation project cannot
easily be overestimated. The lands redeemed were formerly in part
almost utterly worthless, but now are among the most fertile in this
region. The long period that the soil lay idle, combined with the
fertilization of the swamp growths, was productive of a richness that
yields banner crops and amply compensates for the time and trouble
and expense involved in the proper draining.

542 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

In 1911 Mrs. De Yarmond made an extended tour of Europe, visiting

the various places of interest in France, Italy, Germany, Belgium,
Holland, England and Scotland, and having been over much of the ground,

later the scene of the World War. she lias naturally been able to follow
the course of events more comprehensively and intelligently than the
majority of people.

A. G. DICKERSON.

A. G. Dickerson, secretary of the Alden Mutual Fire Insurance
Company, is one of the energetic business men of McHenry County,
who resides at Hebron. He was born in Seneca Township, December
1, 1868, a son of Silas and Clarissa (Dilley) Dickerson. Silas Dickerson
was born near Ypsilanti, Mich., and came to Illinois in 1837, being then
ten years of age. His parents entered land from the government in
Seneca Township, and there his father died while still a young man.
In 1905 Silas Dickerson located in Hebron Township, where he died
at the age of seventy-seven years. His widow survives and makes her
home with her son.

A. G. Dickerson learned to be a carpenter, and worked at his trade
until January, 1918, when he was made secretary of the Alden Mutual
Fire Insurance Company, which was organized in 1S74 to place risks in
Alden Township. The business has been so expanded that the town-
ships of Alden, Hebron, Richmond, Burton and McHenry are included
in its territory, and associated with Mr. Dickerson is James H. Twney,
who is president; Arthur D. Cornne, who is vice president; and II. G.
Street, E. L. Kingsley, H. G. Derkec, all of Alden, and E. G. Turner
and Jesse B. Richardson of Richmond, who compose the board of direc-
tors. The company now has 500 policy holders of $1,800,000 insurance,
at a cost of about one percent for a five year period. Mr. Dickerson
has charge of the new business and the adjustment of all sma'l losses.
The cost of operation in 1918 was $300. This is a constantly growing
business, and during 1918 about $460,000 worth of insurance was placed,
there being no assessment for that year.

Mr. Dickerson was married when twenty-nine years of age, to Elva
Douglas, a daughter of Edwin and Clara Douglas of Hebron. Mr. and
Mrs. Dickerson have two children, namely: Mary, who was graduated
from the Hebron High School in 1917, is head of the selling force of the
Weaver store at Hebron; and Raymond, who is at home. Mr. Dickerson

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 543

is a Mason and is present master of the Hebron Lodge. He is a man
well qualified for his position, and under his watchful supervision the
volume of business has greatly increased.

ARLIE A. DEITZ.

Arlie A. Deitz, junior member of the well known grocery firm of
Kappler and Deitz, extensive dealers in staple and fancy groceries at
Woodstock, is one of the enterprising business men of McHenry County.
He was born in Seneca Township, McHenry County, May 25, 1875, a
son of Albert A. and Olive (Waterman) Deitz, who had six children.
Albert A. Deitz was born in Albany, N. Y., and there learned the trade
of a cabinetmaker and carpenter, and followed that calling until his
death which took place in 1902, his wife having passed away in 1877.

After attending the grade and high schools of McHenry County,
Arlie A. Deitz secured the position of rural mail carrier out of Wood-
stock, and held that position until 1900, when he began clerking in
a grocery. Having learned the business, he took the position of manager
of a grocery house at Ridefield, in 1910, and held it until 1913, when
he formed his present partnership, and since then he and Mr. Kappler
have built up a fine trade, and stand well with their customers, not only
on account of the quality of their goods, but because of their fair prices
and excellent and cheerful service.

In 1898, Mr. Deitz was married to Blanche Jacket, a daughter of
Charles Jacket of Seneca Township. Mr. and Mrs. Deitz have two chil-
dren, namely: Arlie and Eldred A. The family belong to the Presby-
terian church. In politics, Mr. Deitz is a Republican. The family
residence is maintained at No. 329 North Madison Street, Woodstock.
A sound business man, Mr. Deitz has known how to make his efforts
pay, and at the same time his principles are such as to prevent him
ever taking advantage of another, and in this way he has built up
a well-deserved reputation for integrity and fair dealing.

WILLIAM DESMOND.

William Desmond, one of the prosperous farmers of McHenry
County, is an honored resident of Woodstock, and one of the substantial

544 HISTORY OF MrllENRY COI'XTY

men of his locality. He was born at Haitian d, 111., .July I, I S 10, a son
of Cornelius ami Hannah (McEniiy) Desmond, natives of Ireland,
where the former was horn in 1701), and the latter in 1811. The father
was a farmer, who came to Illinois in 1836, and was employed in the con-
struction of the old Illinois & Michigan Canal. He came to Mcllenry
County in .lime, IN3S, and took up a government claim on section 29,
Haitland Township, where he remained until his death, February 8,
1871, with the exception of one year which was spent on a farm in
Rock Island County, that he bought in 1866. The mother came to
the United States in 1843, landing at Syracuse, X. Y., from whence
she came to Chicago, and in 1844, to Haitland Township. In 1850
the father was appointed one of the first judges of elections in Haitland
Township, and he also served as a commissioner of highways for several
3'ears.

William Desmond attended the district schools of his native town-
ship, and two years at the Harvard High School. His first work was
done on his father's farm, and after completing his studies, he taught
in the district schools of the county for twelve years, when he resumed
his farming. He now owns 200 acres of land on sections 29, 31 and 32
Haitland Township, and his home at No. 845 Clay Street, Woodstock.
In politics Mr. Desmond is a Democrat, and he served as assessor of
Haitland Township from 1877 to 1891; as supervisor from 1891 to 1912,
during which time he was chairman of the board for three years, and
in 1902 was elected by a large majority representative in the lower
house of the State Assembly, and he served as a member and clerk of
the board of review for seventeen years. His fraternal connections are
with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Catholic Order
of Foresters. Mr. Desmond belongs to the Catholic church.

On June 6, 1876, Mr. Desmond was married at Harvard, 111., to
Margaret Nolan, born in Hartland Township, October 9, 1848, a daughter
of Thomas and Margaret Nolan, the former born in Ireland in 1800,
and the latter born in Ireland in 1818. Mrs. Desmond attended the
district schools of the county, and the AVoodstock and Harvard High
Schools, and for fifteen years taught schools in the McHenry County
schools. Mr. and Mrs. Desmond became the parents of the following
children: Cornelius C, who was born May 25, 1877; Thomas H., who
was born March 31, 1879; William W., who was born September 24,
1880; Daniel H., who was born March 21, 1882; John J., who was born
July 31, 1885; Margaret E., who was born February 24, 1887, and
May !•;., who was born May 11, 1890.

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 545

JOHN C. DIENER.

John C. Diener, one of the retired residents of Harvard, has a record
of having been successful along two widely diversified lines, that of
farming and railroading. He was born in Germany, February 4, 1853,
one of seven children, of whom five survive. These parents, John and
Catherine Diener, were born in Germany, which they left in 1856,
coming to the United States, and after their arrival in this country,
they located at Fond du Lac, Wis., where the father died in 1914, having
been a cabinetmaker by trade.

John C. Diener was but a small child when his parents came to the
United States, and he consequently was reared here, and attended the
public schools of Wisconsin. When he was thirty-eight years old, he
came to McHenry County, and has made this county his home ever
since. His farming was done in Wisconsin between the ages of twelve
and twenty-two. For five years he was occupied with selling pumps,
lightning rods and agricultural implements, and then for thirty-three
years he was connected with the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad,
commencing as a laborer, and advancing to the position of roadmaster.
On March 1, 1912, he retired, being at that time held in the highest
esteem by all who were associated with him.

On March 31, 1878, Mr. Diener was married to Miss Delia M. Brown,
a daughter of Pearson Brown, and a member of a pioneer family of Fond
du Lac County. Mrs. Diener died December 13, 1919. Their two
children are: Winifred J., who is Mrs. F. B. Saunders of Chicago; and
Wayne R., who lives at Harvard. Politically Mr. Diener is a Repub-
lican, and he has served Harvard as a member of its city council, being
elected three consecutive terms. Fraternally he belongs to Harvard
Lodge No. 309, A. F. & A. M., and Harvard Camp No. 86, M. W. A.
For some time Mr. Diener has been a prominent member of the Men's
Club of Harvard, and has always taken an active part in any movement
having for its object the promotion of the prosperity of Harvard, and
the advancement of its people.

ALBERT BLODGETT DIGGINS.

Albert Blodgett Diggins, now deceased, was one of the most prominent
and wealthy men of Harvard, and was held in the highest esteem all

546 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

over McIIcnry County. He was born in McHenry County, January
23, 1854, a son of Franklin and Ellon (Rlodgott) Diggins, who had throe
children. Franklin Diggins was one of the pioneers of McHenry
County, and became a farmer hero upon an extensive scale.

Albert Blodgett Digging was reared on his father's farm, and attended
the local schools. In 1881 he went to Hersey, Mich., and for some
time conducted a large dry goods store, later branching out into the
lumber business, with headquarters at Cadillac, Mich. In 1894, he
returned to McHenry County and resumed his farming activities, con-
tinuing them until he retired in 1908, and lie then lived in retirement
at Harvard until his death which occurred February 6, 1916. When he
diod he owned 150 acres of valuable farm land in McHenry County;
a large amount of land in Texas; a number of lots at Harvard, as well
as his residence, and his interest in the Cummer Diggins Lumber Com-
pany of Cadillac, Mich. Mr. Diggins also had a large amount of money
loaned out on gilt-edged mortgages.

On December 28, 1875, Mr. Diggins was married to Emma J. Johnson,
and they became the parents of the following children: Stella E., who
is the wife of John McFadden, one of the prominent men of Harvard;
Frank A., who is supervising his mother's interests, married Erne Udell;
and Ralph C, who is a veteran of the World War, enlisted in the aviation
branch of the service, July 3, 1917. The family belong to the Methodist
Episcopal church. Mr. Diggins was a staunch Republican. He was
a Mason and belonged to the Modern Woodmen of America. Mrs.
Diggins survives her husband, and lives at the old home in Harvard,
where she is surrounded with every comfort and luxury. She enjoys
the respect and affection of her associates to whom she has endeared
herself by her many excellent traits of character.

WILLIAM EDWIN DIKE.

William Edwin Dike, formerly one of the prosperous farmers of
Dorr Township, is now living in practical retirement at Crystal Lake.
He was born at Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence Count}-, X. Y., October 11,
1861, a son of Abial and Olive (Manley) Dike, who were married in
Vermont. In 1862 they came to McHenry County, 111. Abial Dike
bought a small farm one-half mile from Crystal Lake, and conducted
it for a time, but became crippled by rheumatism. In 1867 or 1868

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY :»47

he sold this farm and bought a large tract of prairie land in Greenwood
Township, which continued to be his place of residence until he retired
and moved to Woodstock, where he died, surviving his wife, who passed
away in January, 1910, having been born in 1829, while he was born
in 1828. She was educated at a ladies' seminary at Pittsford, Vt., and
was a consistent member of the Congregational church for a number
of years. He was a successful farmer, and during his life owned several
large farms, and had bought and sold considerable real estate. Abial
Dike was one of the original directors of the McHenry County Fair,
and superintendent of the horse department of it, for years. At one time
he was extensively engaged in breeding both road and farm horses, and
was among the first to introduce Merino sheep into McHenry County,
and raised and bred on a large scale sheep, cattle, hogs and horses.
He was reared in the Congregational church, and was a liberal contributor
to it. A very strong Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Dike had the following
children: Minnie, who lives at Zion City, 111.; William E., whose name
heads this review; Elizabeth Adelia, who is Mrs. B. V. Morris of Park
Ridge, 111.; and Abbie J., who is Mrs. Peter B. Johnson of Zion City, 111.

William E. Dike was reared and educated in McHenry County.
When he was twenty-two years old he took charge of a farm near Crystal
Lake for his father. Later he returned to the home place, and when
his father retired, he took charge of the old farm. The father disposed
of his real estate before his death, and in 1903 W. E. Dike bought the
farm of Albert Morse which contained 133 acres of land to which he
later added the Olmstead farm of 120 acres, and called his property
Sunshine Farm. Here he ran a dairy farm, and had a herd of Jersey
cows, shipping milk to Chicago for eighteen years.

He made other improvements on his property, remodeled the house
and barns, and then sold it to James Tate in April, 1919, and moved
to his present residence at Crystal Lake, which is one of the most pleasant
and comfortable homes in McHenry County. He is a faithful supporter
of the Republican party.

On February 10, 1904, Mr. Dike was married to Clara Ashton of
Crystal Lake, a daughter of T. H. and Huldah (Chase) Ashton, natives
of Medina, N. Y. They came to Illinois in 18.55, and ten years later
located at Crystal Lake, and owned and conducted the Crystal Lake
Hotel until Mr. Ashton's death. He was widely known among traveling
men. His death occurred May 19, 1891, when he was seventy-five
years old. In recent years Mrs. Ashton went to live with Mr. and
Mrs. Dike and died at their home February G, 1909, aged ninety years.

548 HISTOKY OP McHENRY COUNTY

Both Mi. and Mrs. Ashton were consistenl members of the Methodist
Episcopal church. Mrs. Dike was born at Barringtori, 111., September
Hi, L858. She was educated in a girls' school at Crystal Lake, and was
a kindergarten teacher at Blue Island, near Chicago, prior to her mar-
riage, and she had also taught at Woodstock. Mrs. Dike had three
sisters, namely: Cornelia, who was Mrs. William Morris, is deceased;
and Miss Amanda Jane Ashton; and Sarah Patience Ashton Nash, both
o!' whom are living with Mr. and Mrs. Dike. The two brothers, Lewis
II and L. Chase Ashton, are residents of Ogden, Utah. Mr. and Mrs.
Dike belong to the Presbyterian Church.

LOUIS DIMMEL.

Louis Dimmel, who is successfully engaged in farming on his fine
rural property four and one-half miles west of Woodstock in Seneca
Township, was born in Alsace, France, September 23, 1847, a son of
Louis and Eliza Dimmel, who in 1848 came to the United States, and
bought property one mile east of the present homestead of their son,
of which he still owns a portion. Here Louis Dimmel, the elder, died,
his widow surviving him until 1910, when she too passed away being
then about eighty-four years old. The grandfather, John Dimmel,
had come with the family to Me Henry County, and he died at an
advanced age. The elder Louis Dimmel had served for seven years in
the French army, Alsace at that time being under French rule, as it is
at present, hut for over forty-five years it belonged to Germany. His
children were as follows: Louis, whose name heads this review; George,
who lives in Winnebago County, 111., is engaged in farming; ami Cather-
ine, who died in young womanhood.

Louis Dimmel, the younger, was only fifteen years old when his father
died and upon his young shoulders fell the burden of operating the farm
as his brother was only four years old at that time. Later, about
1867, he sold the homestead of 100 acres and purchased his present
farm, but still later bought fifty-five acres of the homestead left by his
father, and has 175 acres of land, on which he has erected his present
buildings, except the barn, which he has recently remodeled. His land
is all in the famous Kiswaukee Prairie. Mr. Dimmel has always car-
ried on dairying and keeps from thirty-five to forty cows, selling his
milk to factories. His cattle are high-grade Ilolstein. He is a Demo_

HISTORY OP McHENKY COUNTY 549

crat in his political beliefs. St. Mary's Catholic church of Woodstock
holds his membership, and his is one of the oldest families in the parish.
In 187S Mr. Dimmel was married to Lizzie Barbien, of McHenry
County, a daughter of Nicholas Barbien, of French origin. Mrs.
Dimmel died in 1900, leaving the following children: Lena, who is Mrs.
William Desmond of Hartland Township, has five children, Dorothy,
Arthur, Marguerite, Donald and Eleanor; George, who is assisting
his father on the farm; Kate, who is Mrs. Jerry O'Connor of Newark,
N. J.; Louis, who is a millwright of Chicago; Mary, who is connected
with the selling force of one of the large mercantile establishments of
Chicago; Paul, who is also assisting his father; Helen, who is keeping
house for her father and brothers; and Madeline, who took a commercial
course, is now employed in an office at Elgin. Mr. Dimmel has every
reason to be proud of his family, and they and he deserve the confidence
they inspire in their associates.

GEORGE A. DODD.

George A. Dodd, who has served as mayor of Algonquin, is an
extensive farmer of Algonquin Township, and stands high among the
representative men of McHenry County. He was born in Algonquin
Township, July 4, 1869, one of the five children of his parents, George
E. and Roselle (Ford) Dodd. George E. Dodd was born in New York
state, but came to Illinois in June, 1844, and located in Algonquin
Township, wJiere he remained until his death, October 14, 1914.

George A. Dodd attended the common and high schools of his native
township, and was reared on a farm, putting to practical use in after life
the knowledge he gained during his formative period. His farm of
107 acres of choice land shows the effect of his fostering care, and half
of it is within the city limits of Algonquin.

On August 28, 1901, Mr. Dodd was married to Miss Elizabeth
Rosencrantz, a daughter of Albert A. Rosencrantz, a prominent man of
Crystal Lake. Mr. and Mrs. Dodd have one daughter, Miss Gladys,
who is now attending the Elgin High School. Mr. Dodd is a Republican,
and was elected mayor of Algonquin in 1916, and gave his city a wise and
constructive administration. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern
Woodmen of America. He and his family belong to the Congregational
church.

550 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

WILLIAM A. DODGE.

William A. Dodge, proprietor of the Oakenwall Farm, ono mile
north of Ringwood in McHenry Township, is one of the aggressive
fanners of the county, and a man who holds the respect and trust of
his neighbors. He was born at Johnson, Vt., June 5, 1851, a son of
Amos and Sarah N. (Ritterbush) Dodge, both of whom were horn in
Vermont. In 1872 he went to Massachusetts where he worked in
various occupations.

In the spring of 1873 William A. Dodge and his brother Erwin
Dodge, came to Illinois, and spent some time in McHenry County,
but later rented their farm and went to Nebraska and conducted a
stock business on government land. Still later they bought 380 acres
of land in Waller County, Nebr., on which he was engaged in farming
for five years, and then returned to McHenry Count}-, his brother
Erwin, who had accompanied him to Nebraska, remaining on their land
in that state. The brothers continued to work together for sixteen
years, and then William A. Dodge took the farm in McHenry County
while Erwin took the one in Nebraska, which he still owns.

Subsequently William A. Dodge moved to Ringwood, and rented
his farm, but in 1903 went to Alaska, and upon his return resumed the
operation of his farm, and is still so engaged. In recent years Mr.
Dodge has added twenty acres to his original farm, and is engaged in
carrying on dairying, handling forty-five cows. Earlier in life he did
considerable feeding of cattle, sheep and hogs, both in Nebraska and
McHenry County. The present residence was standing when he took
charge of the farm, but he has rebuilt it.

On September 24, 1884, William A. Dodge was united in marriage
with Nellie L. Rea, of Ord, Nebr., born at Knoxville, Iowa, but taken
to Nebraska when six years of age, and reared on the prairie. She was
eighteen years old at the time of her marriage. Her father built the
first frame house and first hotel at Aurora, Nebr., and was a very promi-
nent man of that region.

Mr. and Mrs. Dodge became the parents of the following children:
Rea Arthur, who died at the age of twenty-eight years, had lived at
home and operated the farm, and his widow, formerly Ada Westlake,
now Mrs. George Simpson of Beloit, Wis., bore him a daughter, Mildred
Rea who survives her father; Lora, who married George L. Bacon of
Antioch, 111., a railroad mail clerk, has one daughter, Georgia Irene;
Agnes Ethel, who was a school teacher in McHenry Count}', entered

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 551

the government service as reconstruction aid at Camp Grant, Des
Moines, Iowa, Atlanta, Ga., and Oteen, N. C; Elynor E., who is attend-
ing school at Antioch, 111.; Leon E., who is at home; Sarah Jane, who is
attending school at DeKalb, 111.; anil William, Jr., who is deceased. Mr.
Dodge is a Republican, but has never taken any active part in politics,
his private affairs absorbing his time and attention.

GEORGE E. DOLBY.

George E. Dolby, who owns one of the best garages and repair shops
in this part of McHenry County, is one of the leading business men of
Huntley. He was born at Elgin, 111., August 2, 1892, one of the eleven
children of his parents, George W. and Mary (Grice) Dolby. George
W. Dolby was born at London, England, where he was reared and taught
the trade of a tinsmith. In 1880, he came to the United States, and
located at Elgin, 111.

George E. Dolby was brought up at Elgin, and attended its schools
and Grant Academy. In 1914 he embarked in his present business,
and has built it up to gratifying proportions, and carries a stock of
$2,500 worth of goods.

Mr. Dolby was married September 18, 1915, to Miss Florence E.
Hill, a daughter of Charles Hill of Elgin, 111. Mr. and Mrs. Dolby have
one daughter, Muriel F., who was born November, 1917. Both Mr.
Dolby and his wife belong to the Lutheran church, in which they are
active. His political convictions make him a Republican. Alert,
expert and enterprising, Mr. Dolby has made a success of his under-
taking, and stands exceedingly well in his community.

CHARLES H. DONNELLY.

Charles H. Donnelly, circuit judge of Woodstock, was perhaps more
widely known and deeply loved than any other member of the bench.
In his official capacity he was competent, able, well informed, firm, yet
kindly, just, yet merciful; in private life, a loyal, kindly, sympathetic
friend, with his heart open to every call of need. Intensely human,
Judge Donnelly had characteristics which make comrades of men of

552 BISTORT OF McHENRY COUNTY

all classes ami creeds, repelling none befriending all. Judge Charles
II. Donnelly was born at Woodstock, August 22, 1855, one of the ten
children of his parents, .Will and Mary (McElroy) Donnelly. Neil!
Donnelly was born in County Deny, Ireland, May 12, is Hi, and came
to the United States in 1S2S. For many years he was a very successful
merchant of Woodstock.

Charles II. Donnelly attended the graded and high schools of Wood-
stock, and Notre Dame University, from which he was graduated in
L873. He then entered the law office of Slavin & Smith, and in due
course of time was admitted to the bar, January 8, 1877. He was
elected city attorney of Woodstock for seven consecutive years, and in
1S90 was elected county judge of McHenry County, and served until
June, 1897, when he was elected to the circuit bench, to which he was
re-elected in 1903, in 1909, and in 1915. He also served as captain
of Company G, Third Regiment of the Illinois National Guards for
six years.

On May 2, 1888, Judge Donnelly was married to Miss Nina C.
Blakleslee, a daughter of Gervase and Helen R. Blakleslee, and their
children are as follows: Mary, whose husband, H. L. Webster, was
discharged August 12, 1919, from serving the United States army
during the World War; and Helen, who has completed her studies at
Boston, Mass. Judge Donnelly was a Mason of high standing, belonging
to Calvary Commandery, K. T., and the Mystic Shrine, Medinah
Temple. In the Odd Fellows, he was past noble grand of the Grand
Encampment. In politics he was a staunch Republican.

It would be impossible to overestimate Judge Donnelly's services
on the bench. His knowledge of the law was very well founded, and his
rulings have been just, while his personal honor and unblemished
integrity give unquestioned assurance of perfect equity to all parties
concerned. He died December 27, 1921. (See pages 143-144).

PAUL J. DONOVAN.

Paul J. Donovan, attorney-at-law of Harvard, is a man whose
genial traits, devotion to domestic demands, and recognized ability,
have won for him deep appreciation and friendship among a wide
circle in McHenry County and throughout the northern part of the
state. He was born at Woodstock, March 19, 1890, a son of John
Donovan, president of the McHenry County State Bank of Woodstock.

HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 553

After being graduated from the Woodstock High School in 1907,
he became a student of the law school of Notre Dame University, from
which he was graduated in 1910, following which he entered the office
of David R. Joslyn, and the next year was admitted to the bar of Illinois,
it being impossible for him to take his examination earlier as he had not
attained to his majority when he completed his collegiate courses. He
remained with Mr. Joslyn as assistant states attorney for four years,
and then formed a partnership. with Judge E. H. Waite, this association
continuing until Mr. Donovan opened an office at Harvard in November,
1918, this city having been his place of residence since 1912, he having
been united on June 19 of that year to Miss Lillian Keating, a native
of Harvard, and a daughter of John and Hannah Keating. Mrs.
Donovan was educated at Harvard, and for two years prior to her mar-
riage was engaged in teaching in McHenry County. There are no
children of this marriage.

As assistant states attorney Mr. Donovan was placed in charge of
some important litigation involving the collection of back taxes from
tax-dodging men and estates. One of these cases was the County vs.
the Barber Estate, which was ably contested, but a final decision was
reached whereby $60,000 in back taxes were recovered for the village
of Crystal Lake. Mr. Donovan's study of assessments and the taxing
systems as practiced generally during this and other litigation, made
him an expert on a subject which has attracted the attention of some
of the ablest men of the profession. When Lake County endeavored
to collect back taxes from the Richard W. Sears Estate, Mr. Donovan
was chosen as the prosecutor, the decision of the case yielding the
county some $92,000. The village of Oak Park, in Cook County, also
made an effort to collect over $1,700,000 in back taxes from the same
estate. Mr. Donovan represented the prosecution in this case as well,
and it is still in court.

The attorney general of Illinois called upon Mr. Donovan to represent
the State in the case State vs. Durand for the dissolution of an injunction
granted by the Circuit Court to restrain the State from destroying
a fine herd of cattle infected with the foot and mouth disease. This
case was carried to the Supreme Court, where the injunction was dis-
solved, the right of the State being held supreme. The financial loss
to the owner was reimbursed by action of the legislature. All of these
unusual experiences have been of inestimable advantage to a rising-
young attorney of Mr. Donovan's abilities, and he is now recognized
as one of the distinguished members of the bar of the state. In politics

554 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

ho is a Republican, differing in his views from his father who is chairman
of the McHenry County Democratic Central Committee.

Mr. Donovan is a close student, going into every phase of a case
and understanding it thoroughly before he takes it into court. His
field is not overcrowded as arc some of his profession, for too few men
understand the complicated details of the laws governing assessing and
collecting of taxes, especially when they have been persistently dodged,
so that in this, Mr. Donovan has ample opportunity to prove his capa-
bilities, and win for his clients a fair and equitable decision. His
removal to Harvard is regarded by that city as a decided acquisition,
and the loss is correspondingly felt at Woodstock.

EDWARD DUFFY.

Edward Duffy, now deceased, was for many years a prosperous
farmer of Grafton Township, and one of the well-known men of McHenry
County. He was born in Ireland, November 1, 1839, a son of James
and Elizabeth Duffy. James Duffy died when his son Edward was a
small child, and in 1851 he was brought to the United States by his
mother when he was twelve years old. He attended school in this
country, and became a farmer.

On October 26, 1878, Edward Duffy was married to Nellie J. Barry,
who was born in Ireland, March 19, 1855. She was brought to the
United States by her parents, James and Nellie (Hill) Barry, and they
located at Hartford, Conn. Later, the parents returned to Ireland,
where they died. Mr. and Mrs. Duffy became the parents of four
children, namely: Mae E., who is deceased; James A., who manages the
home farm; Estelle R., who is also on the home farm; and Edward G.,
who is at home.

The home farm contains 145 acres of land, and here general farming
and dairying are carried on. Mr. Duffy died on this farm, August 7,
1912, and he is survived by his three children and his widow, who con-
tinue on the farm he left to them. He was a Democrat, and was elected
road commissioner and school director. For many years he was a con-
sistent member of the Catholic church. A man of fine character and
good habits, he was regarded as one of the most desirable citizens of
the county, and his death was deplored by all who knew him.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 555

ALAN J. DUFIELD.

Alan J. Dufiold is a veteran of the World War, and one of the sub-
stantial men of Woodstock who put to good use a natural inclination
for mechanics, and proved that he understands the requirements of his
trade. He conducted a first-class general machine shop, and did all
kinds of electrical and mechanical work. Mr. Dufield was born in
McHenry County, June 1, 1892, a son of John A. and Ada M. (Jewett)
Dufield, who became the parents of three children, two of whom survive.
John A. Dufield was a very prominent man in McHenry County, and
active in Democratic politics. He served as postmaster of Woodstock
for eight years, and was also the editor of the McHenry County Dem-
ocrat. He sold the Democrat in 1901, later engaged in the stationery
and job printing business, continuing in it until his death, March 17,
1907.

Alan J. Dufield attended the Elgin and Dixon academies, but pre-
ferring to follow his natural bent, learned the trade of a machinist,
and bought his shop from E. G. Griebel. His equipment was modern
and he did all kinds of general machine work, armature winding and
electrical work, and made a specialty of the latter. In 1918 Mr. Dufield
sold his business, and enlisted in the United States Ambulance service
with the French army as a mechanic. He was honorably discharged
in 1919.

Mr. Dufield was married to Miss Marie E. Mentzer, a daughter of
Henry Mentzer. They have one son, Alan Curtis Dufield, born June
24, 1920. Fraternally he belongs to the order of Elks. His political
views make him an independent voter. A fine workman, he had built
up a large and valuable trade, and he stands well with his associates
and in his community.

NEILL C. DUNHAM.

Neill C. Dunham, owner of one of the finest farms in Coral Township,
is numbered among the enterprising young men of McHenry County.
He was born in 1884 on a farm adjoining his present property. His
grandfather, Artemas Dunham was one of the most distinctive figures

556 HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY

in the early history of McHenry County. When be was fourteen years
old, this remarkable personage was the owner of a team, ami with his
horses began to he self-supporting, and from the little money he was
able to make, saved enough to enter land from the government in 1836,
which property is now owned by his grandson, Neil! C. Dunham. Dur-
ing the early period referred to, Artemas Dunham's father and brother
frequently hauled wheat to Chicago and were glad to get fifty cents B
bushel for it. One dollar per day was considered good wages, but then
the purchasing power of a dollar was much greater than it is today.
While developing his land Artemas Dunham worked at whatever he
could find to do. He bought and sold farms, owning at one time 800
acres of land, and handling in all about 1,000 acres. The homestead
contains 197H acres, nothing having been added since his demise. He
had given one tract of land to his son, but owned when he died about
300 acres. He traded three times, one of the farms having been at
Union, and from it he took enough land to donate the site for the Meth-
odist church, although he and his wife belonged to the Presbyterian
church at Marengo, to which he was a liberal contributor. He died
at Marengo, having retired to that village six years previously. For
some years before moving to Marengo, he had not taken any active
part in the farm management, renting it to a tenant, and living on the
farm in a second set of buildings. He occupied himself with caring
for his garden. His widow survived him and passed away at the home
of her son at Marengo.

Neill C. Dunham was graduated from the Marengo High School,
and then took a three years' course in the agricultural department of
the University of Illinois. He then was travelling salesman for the
American Radiator Company, selling rad'ators, boilers, etc., and then,
after three years with that concern, spent two years in California,
handling automobiles. In 1914 he took charge of the old farm. Mr.
Dunham specialized on growing and feeding pure bred Hampshire hogs,
shipping largely for breeding purposes, and he also operated a dairy.
Since becoming the owner of the farm, he built a silo, laid cement floors
in his barns and modernized his house, putting in hot and cold water,
and gasoline lights.

Mr. Dunham was married in 1900. He votes the Republican ticket,
and was elected a member of the first community school board. He
belongs to Marengo Lodge No. 138, A. F. & A. M., and to the Sigma
Alpha Epsilon Greek Letter Fraternity.

b^^tM-H C}juJ*

HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 557

HARVEY G. DURKEE.

Harvey G. Durkee, supervisor of Alden Township, and one of the
most extensive farmers of this section, is held in the highest esteem all
over McHenry County. He was born in Alden Township, September
20, 1866, one of the two children of George F. and Betsy (Stewart)
Durkee. George F. Durkee was born in New York, later going to Ver-
mont, and then coming to McHenry County, his parents locating in
Alden Township. He became one of the prosperous farmers of this
region, dying here in 1888, his wife having passed away in 1887.

Harvey G. Durkee attended the local schools, and learned farming
from his father. When he attained his majority, he began farming, and
now owns 347 acres in Alden Township and twenty-seven acres in Hebron
Township. Here he carries on general farming and stock raising, and
is very important in the agricultural life of his community.

Mr. Durkee was united in marriage with Miss Mary Lordon, who
belongs to one of the pioneer families of Alden Township. Mr. and Mrs.
Durkee have the following children: George L.; Edward J., married
Elizabeth Bailey, and they became the parents of the following children:
Paul, Mary, Harvey, Francis and Mark; Harry D., who is a veteran
of the World War as a member of Company A, Fifty-eighth, Fourth
Division of Regulars, and was in France for nearly two years; Agnes
M., and Vincent J. The family belong to the Catholic church. In
politics he is a Republican, and served as assessor of the township before
he was elected supervisor in 1917, and has been very valuable to his
township in both offices. He is a charter member of Hartland Court
No. 224, C. 0. F., and also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America.
His family is an old one in this section as is evidenced by the fact that
his father hauled grain to the lakes and Kenosha before a railroad was
built. His mother oftentimes saw deer to the extent of fifteen at a time,
feeding in the timber about their place. Mr. Durkee is a man of more
than usual capabilities, and he has devoted his talents to practical uses,
and his present prosperity shows what a man can accomplish if he is
willing to work and save.

CHARLES E. DYGERT.

( 'harles E. Dygert, a retired farmer of Algonquin, belongs to one of
the pioneer families of McHenry County, and is one of the oldest living

538 HISTORY OF MfcHENRY COUNTY

residents of this county. He was horn in Algonquin Township, Novem-
ber 19, 1840, a son of Henry P. and Laura (Peck) Dygert. Henry
P. Dygert was horn in New York state in 1814, and died in 1898. His
wife died in April, 1863. They were among the pioneer settlers of Mr-
Henry County, where their five children were horn.

Charles E. Dygert attended the district schools, and was given a
practical knowledge of farming by his father, and he was engaged in
farming until his retirement. During the Civil War, he was one of
those who responded to his country's call, enlisting in July, 1861, and
serving until September 23, 1864, as a member of Company II, recruited
at Woodstock.

Mr. Dygert was married to Miss Lucina Lucas, who died at Algon-
quin May 13, 1917. The family residence on North Main Street,
Algonquin, is owned by Mr. Dygert, and he owns two other houses in
that village, but sold his 160 acre farm in Algonquin Township, and
another farm of the same area in South Dakota. In politics he is a
Republican. He belongs to the local G. A. R. It is related that C. P.
Barnes, now one of the most prominent attorneys of the country, when
a law student, went to Mr. Dygert for assistance, and the latter paid
him $5 for a pig he possessed, a big price in those faraway days. With
this $5 the ambitious lad was able to secure necessary books to prosecute
his studies. During the years he has lived, Mr. Dygert has seen remark-
able changes take place, not only in his native county, but the nation,
and as an old and patriotic soldier, has followed the late war campaign
with expert knowledge and enthusiasm.

HENRY EARLE.

Henry Earle, postmaster at Hebron, is one of the suhstantial men
and prominent citizens of McIIenry County, and prior to his appoint-
ment to his present office in 1908, he was extensively engaged in farming
and stockraising. He was born in Alden Township, October 6, 1851,
one of the four children of his parents, Henry and Sarah Jane (Paul)
Earle, natives of England, who came to the United States in 1850, and
located in Alden Township. There he developed a fine farm, and died
in 1872. The mother survived the father many years, dying in 1905.

Henry Earle, Jr., was reared on his father's farm, and attended the
local schools. Having been reared to agricultural pursuits, he naturally

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 559

followed them after attaining his majority, and was very successful
as a farmer and raiser of good stock. When he was appointed post-
master of Hebron in 1908, he moved to that village. Mr. Earle has one
assistant and two mail carriers under his supervision.

On October 31, 1S76, Mr. Earle was united in marriage with Miss
Ella F. Mansfield, a daughter of Hollis and Cynthia J. (Mason) Mans-
field, and a member of a very prominent McHenry County family.
Mr. and Mrs. Earle became the parents of the following children: Mary
M., who married Frank O'Brien, who is superintendent of the Chicago
and Northwestern Railroad; Florence E., who is the widow of Thomas
Cox; and Charles F., who lives at Harvard, 111. Mrs. Earle died June
11, 1914, having been a devoted wife and mother. The family are
members of the Protestant Episcopal church. In politics Mr. Earle
is a Democrat, and he has been very active in local affairs. Under his
intelligent supervision, the affairs of the post office are ably conducted,
and he is rendered efficient assistant by Mis Verna E. Welbon.

ERNEST V. EASTMAN.

Ernest V. Eastman, dealer in furniture and undertaker of Wood-
stock, is one of the substantial business men of McHenry County, and
a man who is held in high esteem by all who know him. He was born
in Winnebago County, 111., December 3, 1880, one of the eight children
of his parents, Henry W. and Eliza (Wilson) Eastman. Henry W.
Eastman was born in New York state, but he came to Illinois in 1845,
where he continued to reside until his death in 1913, having been engaged
in farming all of his active years.

Ernest V. Eastman attended the graded and high schools of Rock-
ford, 111., and took a commercial course in a business college. He then
embarked in a furniture business and in order to fit himself as an under-
taker, took a special course in the Barnes Embalming School in 1905.
In 1913, he located at Hebron, 111., and from there came to Woodstock
in 1915, forming a partnership with F. C. Slavin, under the firm name
of Slavin & Eastman. The business is located at No. 122 Main Street,
and No. 360 Tryon Street, Woodstock, and here is carried a fine stock
of furniture worth about $7,000, and a full equipment of undertaking
apparatus, including a $10,000 auto hearse.

On June 19, 1907, Mr. Eastman was married to Miss Iva Moore,

560 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

ami they have two children, namely: Vernon M. and Everton V. Mr.
Eastman and his family belong i" the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Fraternally he is a Mason, Odd Fellow and Elk. In politics ho is a
Republican. Mr. Eastman is a skilled embalmer, and every funeral
entrusted to him is conducted with dignity and impressiveness that
honors the deceased and reflects credit upon the living. Personally,
he possessed those qualities which make him well fitted for his calling,
and his customers look upon him as a friend as well as a highly trained
pi ofessional man.

HOWARD D. EATON.

Howard D. Eaton, M. D., one of the leading physicians and surgeons
of Harvard, and a man widely known all over McHenry County, is an
honor to his profession. He was born in Bound Brook, N. J., February
10, 1S7S, one of the two children of his parents, James D. and Gertrude
(Pratt) Eaton. James D. Eaton was a noted minister of the gospel,
and for years was prominent in the Congregational church.

Howard D. Eaton attended the graded and high schools of Mont-
clair, N. J., and Beloit Academy, and then matriculated at Beloit
College, from which he was graduated with the degree of B. A. in 1900.
Following that he took a medical course at the College of Physicians and
Surgeons, Chicago, 111., from which he was graduated in 1904 with the
degree of M. D. Immediately thereafter, Doctor Eaton went to
Chihuahua, Mexico, where he was engaged in practice for seven years,
Kin I hen returning to the United States, on account of disturbed political
conditions, spent three years in Shopiere, Wis., still continuing his prac-
tice of medicine. In 1915 he came to Harvard, where he has since
remained, building up a large practice. He served as secretary of the
McHenry County Medical Society from 1920 to 1923, and is a member
of the Illinois State Medical Society and the American Medical As-
sociation.

In 1904 Doctor Eaton was married to Miss Katherine Ingleby,
a daughter of John Ingleby, and they have three children. Fraternally
Doctor Eaton belongs to the Masons and Loyal Order of Moose. In
politics he is an independent voter. lie and his family belong to the
Presbyterian church. As a man and a physician Doctor Eaton stands
very high, and he is a decided addition to Harvard, and McHenry
County.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 561

i

In August, 1918, in response to his country's urgent call for physicians,
he accepted a commission as first lieutenant in the Medical Corps, and
after four months' service in the army, was honorably discharged,
December 21, 1918. After his discharge he was offered a commission
as captain in the Medical Reserve Corps for a period of five years, which
lie accepted, so that in case of another national emergency his country
could again have the benefit of his services.

EBEL BROTHERS.

Henry Carl Ebel and Clarence Joseph Ebel, proprietors of Ebel
Brothers Garage of Algonquin belong to one of the old families of
McHenry County, and are numbered among Algonquin's most repre-
sentative younger business men. They were born in Algonquin Town-
ship, Henry C, February 2, 1875, and Clarence J., November 13, 1896,
two of the five children of Joseph and Katherine (Deuchler) Ebel, the
former of whom is engaged in farming upon an extensive scale in Algon-
quin Township.

Henry C. and Clarence J. Ebel were reared on a farm, and attended
the district schools. They embarked in their present business at
Algonquin under the firm name of Ebel Brothers. When Clarence J.
was called to the colors during the World War, he sold his interest in
the business, but after his return to Algonquin he again entered into
partnership with his brother, Henry C. They carry a stock valued
at $10,000. In addition they do an extensive business in trucking and
moving and give taxi service by day and night.

On December 21, 1912, Henry C. Ebel was married to Miss Hazel
Rahn, a daughter of Charles Rahn, and they have three children,
Charles, Gladys and Norman J. Clarence J. Ebel was married, Septem-
ber 14, 1921, to Miss Irma B. Ritt, daughter of Carl J. and Mary Ritt
of Crystal Lake, 111. They are members of the Lutheran church. In
politics they are Republicans. Thoroughly understanding the business
in every detail, they are able to render expert service, and their garage
is largely patronized by people from a wide territory.

JOSEPH EBEL.

Joseph Ebel, whose farm is conveniently located four miles east of
the village of Algonquin, in Algonquin Township, was born in Branden-

562 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

burg, Germany, about sixty miles from Berlin, June 23, 1842. He
served the necessary three years in the German army, and participated
in the Prussian-Austrian War of 1866, and, being stationed in Luxem-
burg, was in none of the battles.

In 1868 he came to the United States and for a time worked at
Dundee, 111., receiving $20 per month for two seasons. He then bought
a farm of 100 acres that he still owns, on which was a log house and
stable, and that primitive dwelling still stands and is used as a summer
kitchen. The land was covered with stumps, and it was hard work
to get them grubbed out. In order to get the land, for which he paid
$40 per acre, he had to go into debt for it, and for his horses, implements
and everything necessary to engage in farming, but he was given twenty
years in which to clear off this indebtedness. Since then he has paid
off everything, erected the present buildings, and his original one cow
is now replaced by a fine herd of twenty. He assisted in organizing a
creamery near him. Later Mr. Ebel bought sixty acres of land where
he now lives, still later adding sixty acres more across the road, paying
for each more than $60 per acre. He conducts this last farm, and his
first one is operated by a son, Otto. For years he has produced milk,
and has kept as many as seventy-five cows.

Mr. Ebel was married (first) to Mary Eckert, also born in Germany,
who died ten years later, having borne him four children, namely: Albert,
who lives near Algonquin; Anna, who is Mrs. Fctland Hager of Nebraska;
Emma, who is Mrs. William Madden of Sioux City, Iowa; and Herman,
who lives on a farm near his father. In 1883, Mr. Ebel was married
(second) to Kate Denchler, a native of Baden, Germany, a widow with
one child, Emil Denchler of Aurora, 111. Mr. and Mrs. Ebel became
the parents of the following children: Henry, who lives at Algonquin;
Otto, who is on the old farm; Elsie, who is Mrs. Joseph Hart, of Chicago;
Clarence, who is a veteran of the World War, was sent to France, but
returned, and is with his brother Henry in a garage at Algonquin; and
Theodore, who is engaged in farming on the old homestead. Mr.
Ebel is a member of the Lutheran church at Barrington, one of its officers,
and is now one of the oldest members. This church is five miles distant
from his home. Politically he is a Democrat, but he takes little or no
part in politics. He is a very hard worker, never sparing himself, and
his wife is equally ambitious for their success, her efforts having aided
him in getting ahead and coming to a place where his money would
work for him.

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 563

GEORGE ECKERT.

George Eckert, ex-sheriff of McHenry County, is a man who has
taken a very active part in local affairs, and is also held in high esteem
on account of his being a veteran of the Civil War, both at Woodstock,
where he resides, and throughout the county. He was born in Franco,
February 24, 1841, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Hartlett) Eckort.
Henry Eckert was born in Alsace, France, where he was engaged in
farming until his death. Following that sad event, his widow, with
her small family, embarked for the United States, and died at Chicago,
111. The children after her death, separated and made their own way
in the world.

Being but a small child when he was brought to the United States,
George Eckert had attended school but a short time in France, and he
supplemented what educational training he had there received by
attending school at Queen Ann, 111. Until 1859, he was engaged in
farming, but in that year entered employ of the A. W. Fuller & Company
concern, later going with Fuller & Sherwood, with whom he continued
until May, 1862, when he enlisted in defense of his country in Company
F, Ninety-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served during the Civil
War until August, 1865, when he was honorably discharged, and returned
home. He then became associated with the firm of Fillback & James,
selling dry goods, groceries and other merchandise, leaving that firm to
go with I. T. and A. L. Solsbery with whom he remained until 1886,
when he was elected sheriff of McHenry County, and so capable an
official did he prove that he was re-elected to the same office in 1894.
For the following two terms he was deputy sheriff under M. W. Lake,
and Sheriff Wandrack, and then on December 7, 1914 he was appointed
truant officer by Hon. D. T. Smiley, now county judge of McHenry
County. For twelve years, Mr. Eckert served as a member of the city
council of Woodstock, and in every way has taken a deep and intelli-
gent interest in the progress of his city and county. He belongs to
Woodstock Post No. 108, G. A. R.

Mr. Eckert was married to Miss Amy Green, a daughter of Robert
Green, and a member of one of the pioneer families of McHenry
County. Mr. and Mrs. Eckert had one child Georgia C, who is at
home. Mrs. Eckert is dead and is buried in the cemetery at
Queen Ann, 111. Mr. Eckert and his daughter belong to the Presby-
terian Church, and their pleasant home is at No. 340 S. Madison Street.
A man of enterprise, Mr. Eckert long ago invested quite heavily in

564 HISTORY OP McHENRY COXJNTY

North Dakota farm lands, and their increase in value proves the wisdom
of his investment.

GEORGE F. EC'KERT.

George F. Eckert, junior member of the well established lumber
firm of Hall & Eckert of Woodstock, 111., has fairly earned the reputation

I QJoys for honorable dealing; and uprightness of character. He was

horn February 14, 1864, one of the eight children of his parents, Michael
S. and Lena (Stoltz) Eckert, natives of France, who came at an early
day to the United States. The paternal grandparents were Harry and
Elizabeth (Herdklotz) Eckert, who were born in the central part of
France, but died at Paris, France.

George F. Eckert attended both the graded and high schools, and
when still a young man embarked in a lumber business with W. D. Hall,
maintaining this association for twenty years. On January 1, 1907, the
firm of Hall & Eckert was organized, and a complete stock of lumber,
coal, sash doors, blinds, lime, cement, stucco, hair, building paper and
similar supplies has since been carried. Mr. Eckert is also a director
of the Farmers Exchange State Bank of Woodstock, and is a man of
large interests in the county.

In 1888 Mr. Eckert was married to Miss Louise Wilber, a daughter
of Joseph Wilber of Crystal Lake. Mr. and Mrs. Eckert have four
children, namely: Wilbur D., who is a veteran of the World War, was
on the battleship "Kansas"; Helen L., Ralph T. and Walter H., all of
whom are at home. Mr. Eckert and his family belong to the Presby-
terian church. Fraternally he is a Mason, while in politics he is a
Republican. A man of sound principles, lie can be counted upon to
give his hearty support to all movements calculated to be of benefit
to his community or country, and is rightly numbered among the most
representative of McHenry's best element.

DANIEL E. ECHTERNACH.

Daniel E. Echternach, a rural free delivery carrier of Marengo, and
owner of the Kiswaukee Stock Farm, is one of the best-known men of
McHenry County. He was born at Reamstown, Lancaster County. Pa.,

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 565

August 30, 1866, a son of Samuel H. and Susannah (Fry) Echtemach,
both of whom were reared in Lancaster County. The paternal great-
grandfather of Daniel E. Echtemach came to the American Colonies
from France, while the maternal great-grandfather came to this country
from Germany. Samuel Echtemach and his wife came to Illinois in
1869, locating first at Naperville, DuPage County, where he was engaged
in veterinary work, although he had been a coachmaker in Pennsylvania,
and then, after about fifteen years, he moved to Boone County, 111.
In 1888 or 1889, he came to McHenry County, and spent two years on
a farm in Coral Township, from whence he moved to Marengo, and
there lived retired until his death April 8, 1898, when he was under
seventy years of age. His widow survives him and makes her home at
Marengo. Their children were as follows: Christian F., who lives at
Painesville, Ohio, is a traveling salesman; Fanny, who is Mrs. Charles
Green of Chili, Wis.; Anna, who is Mrs. Frank Morris of Aurora, 111.;
Clara, who is Mrs. John A. Chase of Denver, Col.; Daniel E., whose
name heads this review; Henry, who is a farmer of Marengo Township;
and Wallace, who is a farmer of Riley Township.

Daniel E. Echternach was twenty years old when he came to
McHenry County, and prior to that had been graduated from the Elburn
High School in Kane County, 111. He became a mechanic with the
McCormick Harvester Company, but after three years went with the
Terry Manufacturing Company of New York, as a traveling salesman,
covering Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota, handling their hard-
ware specialties. Later Mr. Echternach went on the farm of his father-
in-law for two seasons, in 1900 becoming a rural free delivery mail car-
rier and one of the first in the county. He has held this position con-
tinuously ever since. His associates are: Mrs. Ina Coonrad of Route 1;
Roy Thomas of Route 2; and Lee Grover of Route 3; Mr. Echternach's
route is No. 4. Route 5 is now discontinued There have been a
number of men in this service since 1900, but Mr. Echternach is the
only one who has continued. He is a member of the Carriers' Associa-
tion, and has been a delegate several times to the state conventions, and
has always been active in organization matters.

On November 29, 1897 Mr. Echternach was married to Ethel M.
Pringle, who was born in Marengo Township, on the river road. Mr.
and Mrs. Echternach have one son, Malcolm Gerald, who was born
May 31, 1899, was graduated from the Marengo High School in 1918,
is now at home, and is a very intelligent young man. Mr. Echternach
has rendered faithful service to his community during twenty-one years,

566 HISTORY OK McIIKXRY COUNTY

and has enjoyed his work. Fond of horses, he in former years took a
pride in driving a good road horse on his trips, but an automobile now
lias replaced the horse. As he possesses a genial nature, he has made
warm friends all along his route.

EDWARD EDDY.

Edward Eddy, one of the highly esteemed residents of Woodstock,
is a retired farmer of Seneca Township. He was born in that township,
t hree miles southwest of Woodstock, January 24, 1848, a son of James,
and Louisa (Weeks) Eddy. James Eddy was born near Newark, N. Y.
in 1807, but was taken to Steuben County, Ohio when fifteen years old.
On April 20, 1845, he was married, his wife being a widow. On October
1, 1846 they came overland to McHenry County, and settled on the
Kishawaka Prairie, Seneca Township. James Eddy secured govern-
ment land on the prairie and here he lived until his death in 1888, at
the age of eighty-one years. His wife died in 1886, aged seventy-two
years, having been born in 1814. A cooper by trade, James Eddy was
handy with his tools and made many things, including ox yokes, cradles
and similar articles. The last ox yoke he made is in the possession of
his son Edw-ard, and is in good condition although over fifty years old.
He was a strong Republican, and served on the school board. Prior to
his marriage with the mother of Edward Eddy, James Eddy was mar-
ried to Lorena Wilcox, who died in New York. Their children were as
follows: Alonzo, who during the Civil War, went to Nebraska where he
died at the age of seventy-six years; and Homer, who also went to
Nebraska, and died there in 1877. By her first marriage, the second
Mrs. Eddy had a daughter, Emma, who married Henry Palmer, and
in 1855 went to Bear Creek, Iowa, where she died in April, 1916, aged
eighty-three years, having been born in 1833. By his second marriage
Mr. Eddy had three children, namely: Lorena, who married James
Mitchell, lives at Carpenterville, Kane County, 111.; Julia, who married
John Donley, a stone mason, is now a widow of Woodstock; and Edward,
who was the youngest.

Edward Eddy remained on the homestead, and bought it in 1877,
but gave his parents a home with him until their death. He added to
the original farm and erected new buildings, making the property a
very valuable one. Here he carried on dairying and hoggrowing, milk-

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 571

stock December 7, 1855, and when eighteen years of age began teaching
in the local schools of McHenry County. For fifteen years she con-
tinued in the educational field, seven years of which she taught in the
Woodstock school, the remainder of that time being in the country
districts, on account of her health, which necessitated her residing
amid rural surroundings. Since her marriage she has diverted her
talents to social and club work, and for eight years has been recorder
of the local camp of the Royal Neighbors. Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth
have no children. They reside in the northern part of Woodstock,
where Mr. Ellsworth erected a comfortable house, and every summer
take an outing on the lakes of Wisconsin. Both the Ellsworth and
Lemmers families are exceptionally well known in McHenry and adjoin-
ing counties and their representatives stand for all that is best and
highest in community welfare work and good citizenship.

M. F. ELLSWORTH.
Page 134.

ALVIN J. EPPEL.

Alvin J. Eppel, secretary and treasurer of the Woodstock Implement
Company, incorporated, is recognized as an important factor in the
business life of Woodstock, and McHenry County. He was born in
McHenry County, June 8, 1875, one of the four children of his parents,
Jacob and Catherine (Koch) Eppel, natives of Germany and the United
States. He came to this country in his youth, and became a farmer
of McHenry County.

Alvin J. Eppel attended the local schools of McHenry County, and
the Woodstock High School. Until 1903, he was engaged in farming,
but in that year became associated with Fred G. Bosshard in his present
business, which is the handling of farm machinery, gasoline engines,
wagons, carriages, automobiles, tires and supplies, and doing well work.

On September 29, 1903, Mr. Eppel was married to Miss Liza Nail,
a daughter of Charles Nail of McHenry County, who was born in Ger-
many. Mr. and Mrs. Eppel have one daughter, Helen A. Mr. Eppel

572 HISTORY OF .M.liKXUY COUNTY

is a Republican in his political convictions. The Lutheran church of
Woodstock holds his membership and that of his wife and daughter.
The Eppel residence on Dacy street, Woodstock, is a very comfortable
one, and here the many friends of the family enjoy gathering upon
numerous occasions.

HENRY T. EPPEL.

Henry T. Eppel, one of the prosperous farmers of Greenw I

Township, owns and operates 247 acres of valuable land on section 34.
He was born in Seneca Township, February 16, 1868, a son of Jacob
and Catherine (Koch) Eppel. Jacob Eppel was born in Alsace Lor-
raine, France, and came to the United States when he was twenty-two
years of age, and after stopping in Ohio for a year, came to Illinois, ami
located in Hartland Township, McHenry County. After living there
for thirteen years, he moved to Seneca Township, and became the
owner of 200 acres of land. There he died when seventy-one years
old. His wife survives him, being now seventy-seven years old. Sin-
was born in Racine County, Wis. Their children were as follows:
Henry T., Alvin J., William J. and Fred R., all of whom are still living.

Henry T. Eppel attended the local schools in Hartland Township,
and learned practical farming from his father, so thoroughly that he
was able to make a success of his own farming from the very beginning.
He was married to Rose Mclntyre, born March 14, 1875, in New York
state, a daughter of A. Mclntyre. Mr. and Mrs. Eppel have the fol-
lowing children: Irvin H., who was born June 4, 1897; Florence, who
was born November 22, 1898, is a teacher; and Ida, who was born
August 7, 1902. In politics Mr. Eppel is a Republican, but he has
not had the time or inclination to seek public office, his work on the
farm occupying his attention, but he has always taken an intelligent
interest in local affairs, and given his support to those measures he deemed
best for the community and its people.

EDWARD J. FARDY.

Edward J. Fardy, senior member of the hardware firm of Fardy &
Yick of Hebron, is one of the well known business men of McHenry

&. (isjLAJL^--

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY- 573

County, where his ability is appreciated. He was born on a farm in
Wisconsin, August 18, 1883, one of six children of William and Alice
(Goodman) Fardy.

Edward J. Fardy was reared on his father's farm, and he attended
both the common and high schools of his locality, being graduated from
the latter in 1901. He then learned the trade of a tinner and plumber,
and gained a practical experience which has stood him in good stead in
his present undertaking. On March 11, 1916, he and Chris Vick organ-
ized their present business, which is the handling of a general line of
hardware, gasoline engines, and pumps, and the carrying on of plumbing
and repairing. An extensive patronage has been built up, and both
partners are accepted as skilled workmen and experienced in their line.

Mr. Fardy was married to Miss Jennie C. Howie, a daughter of
DeWitt Howie, and a member of a prominent Wisconsin family. Mr.
and Mrs. Fardy have one daughter, Grace E., who was born November
23, 1907. The Fardy family are Universalists. Mr. Fardy is a Repub-
lican. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America.
Having made his own way in the world, Mr. Fardy deserves all the more
credit for what he has accomplished, and is worthy of the confidence he
inspires.

CHARLES H. FEGERS, M. D.

Charles H. Fegers, M. D., one of the honored retired physicians of
McHenry County, is now living at McHenry, and is interested in the
West McHenry State Bank, which he is serving as president. He was
born in Germany, but when only four years old was brought to the
United States by his parents, John H. and Gertrude Fegers, also natives
of Germany, who located at West Point, Iowa, in 1850. John H.
Fegers was also a physician, and practiced his profession at West Point,
Iowa, for a number of years. In 1877, he returned to his native land
on a visit, and there died. His wife died in Iowa.

Dr. Charles H. Fegers attended the public schools of Iowa, and then
embarked in a drug business at Keokuk, Iowa, and was engaged in the
same line at Burlington, Iowa. He then began the study of medicine
under Doctor Andrews of Chicago, completing his medical studies at
the Chicago Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1879.
He then located at Johnsburg, 111., but four years later came to McHenry,
where for many years he was engaged in an active practice. In 1911,

574 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

he retired owing to increasing years, but he still maintains his interest
in politics, voting independently, and for some years was a member of
the school board. TTc bad also dealt largely in real estate, having built
many residences in McHenry and a number of summer cottages. Pro-
fessionally he long belonged to the county, stale and national medical
societies, and is still interested in their work.

In 1880, Doctor Fegers was married to Miss Alice McGee, a daughter
of Sylvestor McGee, a prominent resident of Woodstock. She died
some years ago. The family belong to the Catholic church.

FRANK C. FERRIS.

Frank C. Ferris, junior member of the grocery house of Schuett &
Ferris, is one of the enterprising business men of Woodstock, and well
known throughout McHenry County. He was born at Huntley, 111.,
June 24, 1878, one of the five children born to Theodore R. and Mary
(Merrill) Ferris. Theodore R. Ferris was a druggist at Huntley for
thirty years, and he was also postmaster at that place for a number of
years, being appointed under a Republican administration. He has
now retired from active life, and is enjoying the comforts his former
activities have entitled him to.

Frank C. Ferris attended the graded and high schools of Huntley,
and completed his studies at the Elgin Academy, and a commercial
college. He then clerked in his father's drug store, and was associated
with his father in the post office. Coming to Woodstock, he entered the
well-known grocery house of A. K. Bunker, with which he continued
until April 15, 1918, when he and Robert H. Schuett bought the business.
Mr. Bunker is now deceased. The new firm carry a full and complete
line of groceries and hardware, and are upholding the old prestige of
the house. Their stock averages about $6,000. Mr. Ferris, like his
father, is a strong Republican. His fraternal connections are with the
Masons and Odd Fellows. A live business man, he has known how
to forge ahead, and deserves the credit which is accorded him as a
citizen and a man.

HOWARD J. FERRIS.

Howard J. Ferris, one of the substantial business men of Harvard,
holds the responsible position of superintendent of the Hunt, Helm,

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 575

Ferris Company, of which his father, Henry L. Ferris, is vice president.
He was born on a farm known as the Ferris Homestead in Alden Town-
ship, February 16, 1878, one of four children born to Henry L. and Millie
F. (Mosher) Ferris. A sketch of Henry L. Ferris is given elsewhere
in this work.

Howard J. Ferris was reared at Harvard, 111., and after attending
its schools, took a business course in the Rockford Commercial college.
On completion of this course he spent two years in the office of Hunt,
Helm, Ferris Co., and then took a four year course in mechanical engi-
neering in the Universitj' of Chicago. Returning to Harvard he
again entered the employ of Hunt, Helm, Ferris Co., working as drafts-
man and pattern maker for two years. In August, 1904, he was made
superintendent and still holds that position although he is devoting
more and more of his time each year to the experimental department
in which the devices manufactured by his firm are developed.

On January 15, 1905, Mr. Ferris was united in marriage to Miss
Beatrice Gaye, a daughter of William C. and Nancy F. Gaye, and they have
two children, namely: Robert G. and Beatrice Nan. Mr. and Mrs.
Ferris are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, both
serving as teachers in- the Sunday school for years. Politically he is
a staunch Republican, but does not care for office, preferring to exert
his influence in favor of his party and civic improvement, as a private
citizen. He is president of the board of education and a director in
the Harvard State Bank. The Ferris family is one of the best and
most favorably known in the county, and Mr. Ferris is a worthy member
of it, and the principles for which its representatives have always stood.

HENRY L. FERRIS.

Henry L. Ferris, vice president of the Hunt, Helm, Ferris Company
of Harvard, one of the largest concerns of its kind in the United States,
is accounted one of the most prominent men of McHenry County.
He was born at Alden, 111., September 24, 1850, one of six children
born to Sylvanus and Sarah (Brandow) Ferris. Sylvanus Ferris was
born in Greene County, N. Y., where he spent the early part of his
life. He died at Alden, 111., where he had located in 1875.

Henry L. Ferris was reared on a farm in Illinois, and attended its
public schools. After reaching years of maturity, he entered the cream-

576 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

cry business, and was so engaged for seven years, interesting himself

in the production of butter and cheese. Later he obtained several
patents of so valuable a nature that they justified the organization of
the company of which he is now vice president, and the plant has been
expanded to its present proportions, employment being now given to
about 300 people. Mr. Ferris has been an energetic and tireless worker,
devoting most of his time for the past forty years to inventing and
developing the many devices owned and manufactured by his company.
He is a firm believer in patents as shown by the fact that he has taken
out over one hundred foreign and United States patents covering the
devices he has perfected.

In 1876 Mr. Ferris was married to Miss Millie F. Mosher, a daughter
of William Mosher. Mr. and Mrs. Ferris became the parents of the
following children: Howard J., who is superintendent of the above
mentioned company, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume;
Eugene C, who is at Alden, 111., is manager of H. L. Ferris & Sons
Dairy Farms of 940 acres, producing last year 350 tons of milk; Bessie I.,
who is Mrs. William Doyle of Harvard, 111.; and Olive C, who is Mrs.
Samuel May of Rockford, 111. The Ferris family belong to the Metho-
dist Episcopal church. Mr. Ferris is very active in civic matters as
a Republican, and has been a member of the city council of Harvard,
and on its school board. In addition to his heavy interests in the
Hunt, Helm, Ferris Company, Mr. Ferris owns several valuable farms
in the vicinity of Harvard, and has the prosperity of this locality close
at heart, and can be counted upon to render any aid in his power to
advance it and its people.

REV. ALBERT A. FISKE.

Rev. Albert A. Fiske, D. D., one of the honored residents of Har-
vard, has the distinction of being the founder of Christ Episcopal church
here, and one of the scholarly men of McHenry County, w^hose labors
in the ministry and for the uplift of humanity, have endeared him to
a wide circle of people. He was born in Troy, X. Y., November 1, 1828,
one of six children born to Allen and Eliza (Chapman) Fiske. Allen
Fiske was born in New Hampshire, and was graduated from Dartmouth
College as a Phi Beta Kappa. Originally a farmer, he passed his last
years as an educator, and specialized as an instructor in literature and
English grammar. His death occurred in 1877.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 577

Albert A. Fisko was reared at Troy, N. Y., and received his pre-
liminary instruction under his father. Devoting himself to the service
of the church, he entered Nashotah, Wis., Seminary, and was graduated
therefrom, being ordained for the ministry by Bishop Whitehouse of
Chicago. After faithfully fulfilling the duties of several charges, he
was induced by Bishop McLaren to undertake the work of organizing
a church at Harvard, and held his first services there in January, 1877.
From then until 1886, he labored zealously and successfully, and during
that period the present beautiful church edifice was erected and con-
secrated. In 1886 he received a call from the church at Austin, 111.,
and left Harvard for Austin, but in 1891 he was recalled to Harvard b}r
his old parishioners, who felt that he belonged to them. Once more
he assumed charge of affairs, and continued to minister to them until
failing health made it necessary for him to permanently retire.

In 1859 Mr. Fiske was married to Miss Amelia Goodyear, and
after her demise, he was married (second) to Mary S. Herrick, of Boston,
Mass. During his youthful days, Mr. Fiske did considerable newspaper
work, and has contributed some able articles since then to church
publications. He is a Republican. Fraternally he is a Mason.

JOHN G. FITCH.

John G. Fitch, now deceased, was formerly one of the pioneers of
Crystal Lake, and a man widely known and universally respected.
He was born at Pawlet, Vt., August 19, 1809, a son of Daniel Fitch,
born during the American Revolution at Stanford, Conn. John G.
Fitch was married in Virginia, to Caroline Marlow, a native of Loudon
County, Va., where Mr. Fitch was engaged in teaching, and where he
remained for four years. He then returned to Vermont, and in 1839
came to Illinois, securing land that was located in Crystal Lake, then
known as Nunda, from the government, and another farm in Algonquin
Township. It was on the first farm that his wife died in 1854. After
he was again married, Mr. Fitch went to his other farm, living there
until he enlisted for service during the Civil War, in Company H,
Thirty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which company was largely
made up of McHenry County men. His period of service extended
over three years, but eighteen months of it was spent in the invalid
corps to which he was transferred after receiving an injury. Later he

.178 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNT?

did service guarding government property in the North. After his
honorable discharge he returned to Illinois, and lived on a farm in
Livingston County, where he died April 1, 1883.

By his first marriage he had the following children who reached
maturity: Mary Jane, who married Edward Barring, of Westfield,
X. Y.. died on her seventy-third birthday; James II., who left MeHenry
County in young manhood and went to Texas, where he died in 1880,
aged forty years; Virginia, who is the widow of Charles H. Cronkhite,
lives in Washington County, N. Y.; Marlow, who served in the One
Hundred and Twelfth New York Volunteer Infantry during the Civil
War for almost three years, *was discharged on account of disability
from wounds received at the battle of Cold Harbor, Va., and returned
to the uncle with whom he was living at the outbreak of the war; Walter
B., who is mentioned at length below; Daniel Edward, who left McHcnry
County in boyhood, died when about forty-nine years of age in Arizona,
where he was engaged in sheep herding; and Laura E., who lives with
her brother, Walter B.

Walter B. Fitch was born April 3, 1847, on the old homestead, one-
half a mile north of Crystal Lake, and he has spent his life in this vicinity
with the exception of his period of service in defense of his country
during the Civil War. He enlisted for that conflict, in January, 1865,
in Company K, One Hundred and Fifty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry,
and saw duty in Tennessee, not being discharged until September, 1S65,
following which he in company with his uncle, James W. Marlow,
established a general store in the old town of Crystal Lake, this partner-
ship being maintained for sixteen years, death severing these bonds,
when Mr. Marlow passed away. For the subsequent eleven years
Mr. Fitch continued the business, and then retired. During the over
twenty-six years he was continuously in business, he built up a fine
trade, and was recognized as one of the leading men of Crystal Lake.
For four years he served as postmaster under the Harrison administra-
tion; was village treasurer for twenty years and school treasurer, ami
during the time he held the latter office, the main school building was
erected. Mr. Fitch belongs to Nunda Post No. 226, G. A. R., and of
Nunda Lodge, No. 169, A. F. & A. M., which he served as secretary for
sixteen years. Considering the various relations he has maintained
with the public, Mr. Fitch is about as well known a man as can be found
in MeHenry County, and certainly no other man enjoys a greater or
more deserved popularity, for he has measured up to the highest
standards in every particular.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 579

MATTHEW H. FITZSIMMONS.

Matthew H. Fitzsimmons, one of the prosperous farmers of Nunda
Township, resides five and one-half miles east of Woodstock, on the
township line between Nunda and Dorr townships. He was born near
Auburn, N. Y., March 4, 1843, a son of John and Mary (Riley) Fitz-
simmons, both of whom were born near Dublin, Ireland. In the fall
of 1843 Mrs. Fitzsimmons, accompanied by her sistei\ Ann, came to
Chicago by way of the Erie Canal and the Great Lakes, and went to
visit Patrick Fitzsimmons who had come west five or six years pre-
viously, being a pioneer of Nunda Township. Later John Fitzsimmons
joined them, and entered a large amount of land near Barryville, 111.,
where he died in 1893, aged ninety-one years, having been retired for
the last twenty years of his life. He was a Democrat. He was a charter
member of the Catholic church of McHenry, the first services being held
in the cabins of the early settlers, but later a substantial church edifice
was erected. His wife survived him, dying when only lacking two
months of being eighty-six years of age. Their children to attain to
mature years were as follows: James, who, after having spent twenty
years at Lake City, Minn., returned to McHenry, where he died at the
age of seventy-five years; Richard, who, after living in Iowa, Minnesota
and Kansas, died at Chicago, December 17, 1917, aged eighty-four
years; Mary Ann, who married Smith Searles, kept a millinery shop at
McHenry for fifty years, and died at the age of seventy-five years; John,
who died at the age of twenty-one years, had taught in the home district
and was a law student; Thomas, who died at the age of twenty-two
years at Natchez, Miss., while serving in the Ninety-fifth Illinois Volun-
teer Infantry during the Civil War; Matthew, whose name heads this
review; William, who was a well known stockman, died unmarried at
the age of thirty-eight years; and Joseph, who was a storekeeper at
McHenry for some years, retired, and now lives at Chicago.

Matthew H. Fitzsimmons was reared on the homestead and with his
brother William operated it until the latter's death. He then secured
his present farm which formerly belonged to his wife's parents, and prior
to that it was owned by Samuel Terwillger, who erected in 1849, the
residence which is still a landmark, now occupied by Mr. Fitzsimmons.
Mr. Fitzsimmons has built one of the finest barns in the county. He
devotes his 300 acres to dairy farming, and his water supply comes from
natural springs on the farm, from which the water is piped to the house,
barns and yard. It is his practice to keep a tenant on the farm. He is

580 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

one <>f the original directors of the former McHenry County State Hank
at Woodstock, now nationalized, of which he is vice president. Mr.
Fitzsimmons owns a section of farm land in North Dakota, and another
section in Kearney, Nebr. He has served as assessor and a member of
the school board.

Matthew H. Fitzsimmons was married to Margaret Conley, a
daughter of William and Anastasia Conley, who settled in McHenry
County in the early forties, buying their farm some fifteen years later.
Mr. and Mrs. Fitzsimmons have no children of their own, but they have
reared James Hanrahan, Mrs. Fitzsimmons' nephew, taking him when
he was only a child. He has been graduated from Loyola. St. Ignatius
School, Chicago, and is now studying law. Both Mr. and Mrs. Fitz-
simmons are members of St. Patrick's Catholic church of McHenry, to
which the Conley family belonged from its establishment. An expe-
rienced farmer and good business man, Mr. Fitzsimmons has made a
success of his undertakings and is justly numbered among the repre-
sentative men of the county.

WILLIAM GILBERT FLANDERS.

William Gilbert Flanders, one of the prosperous and representative
men of McHenry County, owns a fine farm five and one-half miles
southwest of Woodstock in Seneca Township, and was born in St.
Lawrence County, N. Y., near Ogdensburg, March 28, 1867, a son of
Otis B. and Emily (Kelly) Flanders. The Flanders family was founded
in this country during Colonial times by four brothers, who located in
what are now the New England States, and it is now a very large one
found in practically all of the states of the Union, as shown by a genealogy
compiled about 1870.

Otis B. Flanders was born in New Hampshire May 30, 1832, and
during his childhood was taken to St. Lawrence County. N. Y., and
reared on a farm. During the Civil War he served in the One Hundred
and Twenty-first New York Volunteer Infantry, Company F, for four
years, and participated in a number of important battles. After the
close of the war he returned to his wife and family, and later brought
them and his parents to McHenry County, first buying the farm now
occupied by his son, William G., and later purchasing other property.
His death occurred March 23, 1909.

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 581

For twenty-nine years William G. Flanders has lived on his present
farm, and the buildings have been erected by him during the past ten
years, and are thoroughly modern. On May 26, 1909, he was married
to Mary L. Allbee, a daughter of Orin Allbee, who was born on the farm
now owned by James Scott in Seneca Township. She lived with her
parents and cared for them until they were claimed by death. Mr. and
Mrs. Flanders have no family.

Mr. and Mrs. Flanders are earnest, members of the Methodist
church, and active in carrying on its good works. Both are held in the
highest esteem in the neighborhood where they have spent their lives.

ALLEN GILMORE FLEMING.

Allen Gilmore Fleming, one of the progressive farmers of McHenry
County, is located five miles northwest of Marengo, in Marengo Town-
ship. Mr. Fleming was born at Stewarton, Ayrshire, Scotland, March
16, 1853. In 1S70, in company with an elder brother David, he came to
the United States, locating in Will County, Illinois. Later he moved to
Chicago, where he carried on a grocery and meat market business for a
number of years. In 1880 he came to McHenry County, where he had
purchased 160 acres of land at $40.00 per acre, from G. N. Chittendon,
of Plainfield, 111. There was not a building on the farm except a portion
of a house. The soil was in fair condition, but a number of acres were
covered with water. The latter obstacle was overcome by laying 900
rods of tile, which drained it properly and redeemed the greater ^part of
the land. Later he laid 1,000 rods more, making the entire farm tillable.
As he could he erected his barn and other buildings, also bought three
other farms which he sold again later.

At first Mr. Fleming was engaged in dairying, which he found very
disastrous, and for three years was merely able to hold his own. At
present he carries on general fanning and the feeding of steers; he is also
a cattle and hog buyer, shipping to the Chicago markets. A period of
forty years has brought about many changes in farming methods, also
prices. At one time oats sold for fourteen and fifteen cents per bushel,
corn at twenty-one cents per bushel, and hogs brought $2.75 per hundred
weight. Considering these facts and a loss of $2,500 one year in feeding
cattle, his success has been remarkable.

The Fleming farm is one of the best cultivated farms in that region.

582 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

It is operated according to modern methods with all the modern
machinery. Mr. Fleming has always believed in doing everything
effectively and thoroughly. He has never forgotten the kindness of
Mr. Chittendon in standing back of him during his early struggles and
i^ grateful for his friendship and support.

Mr. Fleming was married June 25, 1S73, in Chicago, to Isabella
Taylor, also-born in Scotland. They became the parents of the following
children: Clarence Robert, Alexander Taylor, William Cochran, L.
[sabelle, Anna Louise, Florence Elizabeth and Alice Lewellyn. Clarence
died at La Porte, Inch, in 1912 of pneumonia; and Florence died in
October, 1918, during the influenza epidemic. Of the surviving children
Alexander lives in Marengo Township, and William in Coral Township,
both excellent farmers. The daughters have all taken up the teaching
profession and at the present writing Isabelle and Anna are in the
Chicago public schools, and Alice in the home school at Marengo, 111.

FRANK J. FLOOD.

Frank J. Flood, one of the progressive farmers of McHenry County,
is a resident of Woodstock, his farm being on the edge of the city. He
was born one mile east of Woodstock, May 27, 1866, a son of Owen
and Margaret (McDonald) Flood, both natives of County Cavan,
Ireland, where they were married. In 1845, they came to the United
States bringing with them their infant son. For the first two years
they were in New York state where the father worked on the construc-
tion of the Erie Canal, and then looking for similar labor, he brought
his family west, and located in McHenry County, in 1S47.

He secured forty acres of government land east of the present site
of Woodstock, which at that time had not come into existence. There
was a little log house on the land, and the timber was dense about it.
There the family lived until 1869, when removal was made to a farm
two miles further east in Greenwood Township, which was made the
permanent homestead. This 120 acres of land is now owned by Frank
J. Flood. The father lived on this farm until his death which occurred
in 1891, when he was eighty years of age. The mother survived him
until 1901, when she too passed away, aged seventy-six years. From
the time he was seventy-eight until his demise, the father was retired
from all active pursuits. He never cared for public life, but did his duty

-

X

O
3

o
W
>

X

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 583

as a citizen, voting the Democratic ticket. Both he and his wife
belonged to the Catholic church at Woodstock.

Frank J. Flood remained on the homestead until he was twenty-two
years of age, and then came to Woodstock and engaged in stock buying
and shipping, specializing on dairy cattle, which he gathers in the west,
fattens and then supplies the needs of farmers in this locality and the
Chicago market. He is one of the best known men in this line in
northern Illinois. He now owns the homestead, which he purchased
for cash from the other heirs, and he has made many improvements
upon it. Mr. Flood is a Democrat by inheritance and conviction, but
like his father has not cared to enter public life. Also like his father,
he is a consistent member and generous supporter of St. Mary's
Catholic church of Woodstock.

On March 29, 1913, Mr. Flood was united in marriage with Miss
Rose McCoy of Grafton Township, a daughter of Arthur McCoy.
Mrs. Flood was born a few miles south of Woodstock. The children
of Mr. and Mrs. Flood are three in number, as follows : One who died in
infancy; Margaret and Francis.

The Flood family is undoubtedly one of the best known ones in
McHenry County, and its members have also been very active in the
upbuilding of St. Mary's Catholic church of Woodstock. Mr. Flood's
operations as a farmer and stockman entitle him to consideration and
place him among the representative men of his county and state.

VERNON N. FORD.

Vernon N. Ford, one of the retired farmers of Algonquin, was
formerly largely interested in the agricultural progress of McHenry
County, and owned his homestead in Algonquin Township. He was
born in Algonquin Township, October 2, 1843, one of seven children
born to his parents, Hiram and Lucy (Brown) Ford. Hiram Ford was
born in Vermont, and in 1841 he came to McHenry County, locating
in Algonquin Township, two miles west of Algonquin, where he lived
until his death, May 18, 1848. His wife died in May, 1886.

Vernon N. Ford was reared in his native township, and attended its
schools. He was engaged in farm work until his enlistment, when
eighteen years old, in Company I, Ninety-fifth Illinois Volunteer
Infantry, for service during the Civil War, and he was mustered out

584 HISTORY OF McHENRT COUNTY

May 17, 1S65, as a corporal. Returning to Algonquin Township, he
resumed fanning, continuing in that line of endeavor until 1SS0, when
he retired, and moved to Algonquin. Mr. Ford has served as a school
director for many years, and for thirty-one years has been township
clerk, and he has also been deputy township assessor.

On September 5, 1877, Mr. Ford was married to Miss Nelia E. Dodd,
a daughter of Ambrose Dodd, and a member of one of the prominent
families of Algonquin Township. Mr. and Mrs. Ford have the follow-
ing children: Albert V., who lives at Harvard, 111.; Nella B., who is
Mrs. Frank W. Runge of Evanston, 111.; Elmer A. is a veteran of the
World War; Jessie E., who is at home, is a music teacher; and one
who is deceased. He is a man highly respected in his neighborhood,
and his children are fully sustaining the family name.

WILLIAM H. FORREST.

William H. Forrest, formerly actively engaged in farming, is now
living in honorable retirement at Woodstock, where he is numbered
among the representative men of the county. He was born November
8, 1858, a son of Robert Forrest, born October 14, 1835, died November
10, 1916, and his wife Nancy, who was born September 26, 1832, and
died February 1, 1908. Robert Forrest was a son of William and
Jeanette (Drennan) Forrest, natives of Scotland, who, when their son.
Robert, was still an infant, came to Canada, there remaining until
1842, when they came to the United States and secured land from
the government in Hartland Township, McHenry County, five miles
west of Woodstock. They were accompanied by his wife's sister and
her husband, Mr. and Mrs. John Planman, who located in Seneca
Township, not far away from the Forrests.

After a few years William Forrest went to Chicago, where he died at
the age of forty-four years, leaving his widow with three children,
namely: Robert, who later became the father of William H.; Mary,
who married Charles Heaton, moved to Kansas, and is now Mrs. Riley,
living in Iowa; and Jennie, who married James Vanorsedal, moved to
Iowa.

As a lad Robert Forrest had to assume charge of the farm, and at
his mother's death, of his sisters. When he was nineteen years old
he was married to Nancy Mitchell, born in New York, whose parents

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 585

brought her to Hartlaml Township, but later moved to Iowa. Robert,
retired from the farm, and spent the remaining twenty-eight years of
his life at, Woodstock. A public-spirited man he was instrumental in
starting the McHenry County Fair Association, and had charge of the
grounds during the annual meetings, and he was also one of the pro-
moters of a local creamery, and for a time was its manager, but failing
health necessitated his retirement from all business activities. In addi-
tion to his 240-acre home farm, he owned 260 acres, and operated both
properties while engaged in agricultural lines. He first began breeding
Durham cattle, keeping some thirty head, and for several years was
an exhibitor, with flattering success. He also bred Poland-China swine,
and his efforts resulted in a betterment in the neighborhood stock and
the present recognition of the desirability of handling high-grade stock
is the outcome of the example he set. His children were as follows:
Mary Jeanette, who is now Mrs. Charles Judd of Woodstock; Charles
T., who is living retired at Woodstock; and Frank R., who is living
at Mobile, Ala.

William H. Forrest, was married December 15, 1883, to Flora Gould,
a daughter of James and Joanna P. (Phetteplase) Gould, natives of
Massachusetts, who came from Chicago, where they had been living
for a time, to Woodstock, on the first train operating between the
two places. They had also lived at Dayton, Mo., where Flora was
born February 21, 1860. On account of war conditions, Missouri was
not a comfortable place for loyal Unionists, and so Mr. Gould was glad
to get across the Mississippi River into Illinois. He secured a farm
in Dorr Township, two miles west of Woodstock, but his last few years
were passed at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Forrest, where he died
in 1901, aged seventy-six years, his wife died in 1899. Their only son,
Frank, lives at Woodstock.

At the time of his marriage, William H. Forrest took up farming
on land he had bought from his father, and for thirty-five years devoted
himself to operating it. He also raised Durham cattle and Poland-
China swine, and then later established a herd of Holstein cattle. In
1918 he retired and moved to Woodstock, although he retains a part-
nership with his tenant. He is a director in the Farmers Exchange
State Bank at Woodstock, and a man of consequence in his community.
For thirty years he served on the school board, and was supervisor for
six years. Of late years he has spent his winters in Alabama, and has
made some profitable investments in that state. Although he and his
wife have no children of their own, theyhav'e reared two, namely: Daniel

586 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

Bedoe, whom they took when eight years old; and Fred Simmons, when
he was ten years old. Mr. Forrest has always voted the Republican
ticket, and supported its principles. Fraternally he belongs to the
Odd Fellows, having joined that order over thirty years ago. Mrs.
Forrest is one of the most active members of the Red Cross chapter
in her neighborhood, and is a lady of great executive ability, who gave
liberally of her time and energy to promote all kinds of war work during
the late war.

WALTER E. FRAASE.

Walter E. Fraase, one of the rising young business men of Harvard,
is the sole proprietor of the Economy Garage, one of the best equipped
of its kind in this part of the state. He was born in McHenry County,
October 16, 1889, one of the six children of his parents, Otto F. and
Hannah (Hyde) Fraase. Otto F. Fraase was born in Germany, but
came to the United States when he was eighteen years old, and located
in McHenry Count}-, where he has been engaged in farming for many
years.

Walter E. Fraase attended the common and high schools of McHenry
County, and when he was eighteen years old he learned the trade of a
machinist, and worked at it for a time, and then established himself in
a garage business at Woodstock, where he remained until the spring of
1914, when he came to Harvard, and opened his present garage. His
stock is worth $5,000, and he does a large business, giving employment
to five people.

On July 3, 1913, Mr. Fraase was united in marriage with Miss Mertel
Merchant, a daughter of Frederick Merchant of Rockford, 111. Mrs.
Fraase died September 26, 1917, having been a devoted wife, and con-
sistent member of the Presbyterian church of Harvard. Mr. Fraase
also belongs to this church. Politically, Mr. Fraase is a Republican,
but he has not sought public preferment. He belongs to Harvard
Lodge No. 309, A. F. & A. M. Mr. Fraase has made his own way in
the world, and deserves the success which has attended him, for he ha*
worked hard for it.

GEORGE W. FRAME.

George W. Frame, postmaster of Woodstock, and one of the repre-
sentative men of McHenry County, is a native son of Woodstock, and

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 587

deeply interested in its growth and advancement. He was born at
Woodstock, October 1 1866, one of the five children of Norman and
Susie (Sando) Frame, the former of whom was born in West Virginia.
He was a farmer and manufacturer, and died in 1901.

George W. Frame attended the grammar and high schools of Wood-
stock, and after completing his school courses, embarked in a pickle
business, conducting it profitably until 1900, when he sold and went
into a feed and milling business, carrying on that enterprise until he
was appointed postmaster of Woodstock, January 16, 1917, when he
succeeded W. S. McConnell. Mr. Frame has fifteen employes under
him in the post office, and his assistant is Bert J. Deitz. Under his
capable management, the affairs of the office are conducted in a very
satisfactory manner, and he is extremely popular with all c'asses.

Mr. Frame was married to Miss Alma R. Cowlin, a daughter of
Abraham Cowlin, and they have a son, Harold W., who served his
country as a soldier in the World War. The Presbyterian church of
Woodstock holds the membership of Mr. Frame and his family. Mr.
Frame is a member of the Order of Elks. His political convictions have
made him a strong Democrat, and he has always been active in party
matters, so that he was the logical candidate for the office o1' postmaster,
and his work since receiving the appointment proves that the choice was
a happy one.

CHRIST FRANKE.

Christ Franke, senior member of the reliable firm of C. Franke & Co.,
of Algonquin, is one of the substantial men of McHenry County. He
was born in Germany, April 4, 1863, one of the four children born to
Christ and Christina (Geister) Franke, also natives of Germany. In
1865, the father came to the United States, and first settled in Algonquin,
but later moved to Cook County, 111., where he remained until his death
which occurred in 1865. The mother survived him until the fall of
1872. The father was a mason by trade.

Christ Franke attended the common and high schools of McHenry
County, and learned the trade of a carpenter, which he followed until
1894. In that year he went into the retail liquor trade, but sold his
business in 1912, and bought his present elevator, and since then has
dealt in flour, feed, coal, coke, seeds and salt. In 1916 he took his sons
Arthur F. and Clarence W. into the business with him. In addition to

588 HISTORY OK Mr II KXR V (OI'XTV

his business interests, Mr. Franke owns ;t valuable farm of 166^ acres
in Algonquin Township.

In 1887 Mr. Franke was married to Miss Augusta Wollert, a daughter
of Fred Wollert, and they have two children, namely: Arthur F., who
was horn January 6, 1888, married Alida Redquist, and they have two
children, Dorothy A., and Arthur ('.; and Clarence W., who was born
October 25, 1889, married Ella Ritt, and they have a son, Clarence C.
The family all belong to the Lutheran church. Mr. Franke is a Repub-
lican, and was elected mayor of Algonquin in 1913, and re-elected in
1915. Prior to 1913, he served for eight years as a member of the
city council.

HORACE C. FREEMAN.

Horace C. Freeman, one of the most progressive farmers of McHenrv
County, owns and operates a farm of 161 acres of valuable land on
section 12, Greenwood Township. He was born in Greenwood Town-
ship, March 23, 1875, a son of Henry and Sarah (Howard) Freeman,
natives of New York state, both of whom are deceased. Henry Freeman
was a farmer and lived in McHcnry County for many years prior to his
death.

Horace C. Freeman attended the schools of his native township,
and has always been engaged in farming. He now carries on general
farming and stock raising, specializing on a good grade of stock. His
political convictions are such that he is an independent Republican.

On December 25, 1898, he was married to Mary A. Barber, also born
in Greenwood Township, September 27, 187G, a daughter of John Barber.
Mr. and Mrs. Freeman are the parents of the following children: Helen,
Arlene, May, Flora, Walter, Frank, Mildred and Marion and Lawrence
C, who are living, and Celia, who died at the age of four years. The
family is an old one in McHenry County, and its members are held in
high esteem by the people here, for they have proven themselves excel-
lent farmers and business men, and very desirable citizens in every
respect. Mrs. Freeman is a Methodist, as are the older children.

WILLIAM M. FREEMAN, M. D.

William M. Freeman, M. D., an eminent physician and surgeon of
Woodstock, has earned his present standing in his profession through

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 589

his natural ability and careful training for his calling. He was born
September 3, 1877, at Chicago, III., one o" the five children of John J.
and Marjory (Spence) Freeman, of Chicago. John J. Freeman was for
years connected with leading mercantile houses of Chicago, and now
lives in Aurora, 111. His wife died in 1913.

William M. Freeman attended the grammar and high schools of
Aurora, and then, deciding upon entering the medical profession, he
matriculated at Rush Medical College, Chicago, from which institution
he was graduated in 1901. Following his graduation, Mr. Freeman
spent the subsequent two years as an interne in several of the Chicago
hospitals, gaining in this way a varied and very valuable experience.
He then located at Crystal Lake, where he engaged in a general practice
for fourteen years. Desiring a broader field, he made a change in
February, 1918, coming at that time to Woodstock, and here he has
firmly established himself in the confidence of the public. Dr. Free-
man is a member of the McHenry County Medical Society, the Illinois
State Medical Society, and the Tri-State Medical Society. His fraternal
connections are with the Masons, Odd Fellows, and Moose. In politics,
he is a staunch Republican.

In 1903 Dr. Freeman was married to Miss Ella M. Corner, a daughter
of Thomas Corner, and they have three children, namely, Irene M.,
born February 3, 1905; Helen L., born October 6, 1907; and Harold
M., born April 2, 1911. The family belong to the Congregational church.
Dr. Freeman is a highly-trained medical man, and keeps abreast of
modern progress in his profession by constant reading and study. Per-
sonally he possesses those characteristics likely to win confidence, and
has built up a large and lucrat ve practice.

PETER FREUND.

Peter Freund, now deceased, was formerly engaged in farming in
McHenry County, and was regarded as one of the substantial men of
this locality. He was born in Germany, and when he was twenty years
of age, he came to the United States with his parents, John Peter and
Margaret Freund, and his brothers, John, Jacob, Michael and Christ,
all of whom are now deceased, Christ dying in California, and the others
in McHenry County.

Peter Freund was married to Susan Hess, and settled on land where

590 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

he lived and died. He erected the finest house on the hay. His children
were as follows: Barbara, who is Mrs. Wolfe of Chicago; Jacob, who
lives in the village of McHenry; John, who lives in the vicinity of Mr-
Henry; Christina, who married John Miller, died at the age of thirty-
five years; Mary, who married Nick Webber, died when about thirty-
five years; M. Joseph, who lives near McHenry; Hubert, who is the
next in order of birth; Nicholas, who is a blacksmith of Spring Grove;
Peter, who lives near Johnsburg; Michael, who lives near Spring Grove;
and Elizabeth, who is Mrs. Matt Freund, lives near Spring Grove.

Hubert Freund was born on the old farm, July 29, 1867, and re-
mained at home until after he had attained his majority. For nine
years he rented the Jackson farm in Richmond Township, and then
bought the Bell farm of 120 acres in Richmond Township, and erected
a new dairy barn on it and made other improvements during the ten
years he owned it. In 1909 he sold his farm and bought the Covell
farm of 220 acres, one mile east of McHenry, on which he has put up
a silo, and built a dairy barn. He has a herd of thirty-five cows of the
Holstein strain, and has Percheron horses for farm use. His farm is
located on high land and has good natural drainage. In politics he is
independent.

When he was twenty-two years old, Hubert Freund was married to
Kate Meyers, a daughter of Anton and Emma Mary Meyers, and they
have the following family: Anton, who married Mary Freund, lives
near McHenry; Emma, who is Mrs. Peter M. Freund, lives near Spring
Grove; Barbara, who is Mrs. Joseph L. Freund, lives near Johnsburg;
and Gertrude, Margaret, George, Joseph, Alfred, Florence and Rosela,
all of whom are at home. The parents were members of the old St.
John's Catholic church at Johnsburg, but Hubert Freund and his family
belong to St. Mary's Catholic church at McHenry.

STEPHEN H. FREUND.

Stephen H. Freund, who has served as supervisor of McHenry
Township, is one of the progressive farmers of this county, and a man
well and favorably known. He was born in Richmond Township,
McHenry County, September 26, 1864, one of the nine children of
Mathias S. and Anna (Freund) Freund, natives of Germany, who came
to the United States in 1850 and 1843, respectively. For many years

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY .591

the father was a farmer upon an extensive scale, but he is now living
retired. The mother died March 20, 1917.

Stephen H. Freund attended the public and private schools of his
native county, and was reared upon his father's farm. Although he
learned the trade of a carpenter, he only followed that calling a short
time, having otherwise devoted himself to farming. He now owns a
beautiful farming property, adjacent to the city of McHenry, consisting
of 173 acres of very valuable land.

On January 25, 1888, Mr. Freund was married to Miss Catherine
Klapperich, a daughter of Peter M. Klapperich, and a member of a
very prominent McHenry County family. Mr. and Mrs. Freund have
seven children, as follows: Mary N., Anton P., Cecelia E., Carl J.,
Herbert H., Helen L. and Bertilla A. Mr. Freund is independent in
his politics, and in 1909 he was elected supervisor of McHenry Township,
and re-elected to the same office continuously ever since, serving a por-
tion of the time as chairman. He has served on the school board of
his district, and was a member of the board of education for the city
of McHenry. He and Mrs. Freund belong to the German Catholic
church, and he is a member of the Knights of Columbus. Both in
public and private life Mr. Freund is very prominent, and his standing
in his community is unquestioned.

CHRISTIAN FRITZ.

Christian Fritz, commissioner of roads for Coral Township, and
one of the representative men of McHenry County, has one of the
choice farms of his township, which has been developed by an immense
amount of hard work on his part. He is an expert in road improvement,
as is attested by the many miles of excellent highways under his super-
vision. He was born in Dundee, Kane County, 111., January 23, 1871,
a son of Christ and Minnie (Hence) Fritz, both of whom were born in
Mecklenburg, Germany.

Christ Fritz came to the United States when he was between nineteen
and twenty years old, and was married at Dundee, 111., in 1870. When
his son Christian was one year old, he took his family in a wagon to
Adams County, Wis., having traded his house at Dundee for an unde-
veloped farm, and there he remained until 1915, or for over forty years,
and during that period developed it into a very valuable property

592 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

This farm comprises 2flo acres of land <>n the Wisconsin River, and
on it ho built a fine sot of buildings. During the time he lived there
he served on the school board and was a representative man in every
way. l'pon his retirement from the farm he went back to Dundee
so as to be among his old friends.

( 'hristian Fritz is the only member of his family to come to Mr Homy
County. Until ho was seventeen years old ho was on the home farm
in Wisconsin, but then began working out by the month for farmers,
so continuing until he was nineteen, then leaving Wisconsin for Illinois,
and for several years worked on farms in the vicinity of Dundee. When
he was twenty-two years old he was married to Freda Lussow of Mil-
waukee, Wis., who had come to the United States throe years prior to
her marriage. Her father's last years wore spent in the Fritz home,
where he died in 1918 at the age of eighty-throe years, the mother
having passed away three years previously.

At the time of his marriage, Christian Fritz routed a farm near
Dundee, staying on it for seven years, and then rented another farm
in Riley Township, where he remained for five years, a portion of the
time being on the Fred Schultz farm, paying cash instead of produce
for his rent. Mr. Fritz then bought his present farm, in 1905, it being
the 160-acre property known as the Joseph Kalbaugh farm, and since
then he rebuilt the house, and has a barn 36 x 96 feet, with an el 36 x 30
feet, using the latter as a horse shelter. The basement is cemented,
and the outbuildings are equally modern. He has a silo and has tiled
sixty acres, which are now the most productive of his land, the process
requiring over nine carloads of the tile. Each year he has made improve-
ments, but they have paid, for the farm for which he paid $75 per acre
in 1905, is worth several times as much today. Dairying is his principal
interest, and he milks about forty-five cows. For twenty-five years he
has operated a threshing machine, and for several years has done the
local threshing, silo filling, corn shelling, etc. For six years he has been
road commissioner, and during that period has put the roads in fine
condition, and the cement bridges over the streams are well built, some
of them costing as much as $3,000. Ho keeps up the road grading, and
is constantly urging the necessity of continuing these improvements.

Mr. and Mrs. Fritz became the parents of the following children:
Arthur, who' married Edith Stopen, attended high school and business
college, is at home, assisting his father in operating the farm; Minnie,
who married Frank Anderson, a fireman on the Illinois Central Railroad,
lives at Freeport, 111., and has a daughter, June D.; Rudolph, who is

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 593

in Wyoming; Florence, who is at home; and Raymond, who is also
at home. Mr. Fritz and his family are members of the Lutheran
church at Union.

JAMES GANNON.

James Gannon, one of the native sons of McHenry County, and now
a prosperous farmer of Grafton Township, was born on his present
farm, on section 14, July 4, 1849, in a log cabin which is still standing,
and which was built by his father in 1847. James Gannon is a son of
Luke Gannon, born in Ireland, who came to the United States when
fifteen years old, making the trip in a sailing vessel, which took six
weeks to cross the ocean. After reaching this country Luke Gannon
worked on the Erie Canal in New York state for a short time, and then
came on to Illinois, and was employed on the construction of the Illinois
and Michigan canal. As soon as he had sufficient money, he came to
McHenry County and spent a year in Dorr Township, and then in 1847,
bought ,t he farm now occupied by his son. His death occurred in 1866.
He was married to Margaret Fallen, who was born in Ireland. Their
children were as follows: John, who is deceased; Peter, who lives in
Iowa; Thomas, who lives in North Dakota; and Katherine Minning,
Mary, Margaret and Michael, all of whom are deceased, having died
within two years of each other.

James Gannon attended the local schools, and grew up on his farm.
On June 3, 1884, he was married to Elizabeth Malone, also a native of
McHenry County, born February 14, 1863, a daughter of Cornelius
Malone, who settled in this county prior to the Civil War. Mr. and
Mrs. Gannon have had the following children born to them: John,
James, who married Julie Williams, has two children, Mary J. and
Katherine E.; Ed.; Margaret; Mary; Katherine; Stasia; Eleanor; and
Stella, who died at the age of one year.

Mr. Gannon's farm comprises 160 acres of land, which he devotes
to general farming and dairying, he milking about twenty-four cows,
his herd containing thirty-five. It is interesting to note, in view of
his success, that Mr. Gannon never took a drop of intoxicating liquor
in his life. He is an independent Democrat and was two terms com-
missioner, and many years a school director and trustee. As a farmer
and citizen, he is held in the highest respect, and his prosperity is de-
served, for he has earned it by legitimate means.

594 BISTORT OF MclIENRY COUNT V

ORLANDO GARRISON.

Orlando Garrison was a retired fanner of Greenwood Township,
but at one time was one of the leading: agriculturalists of McHenry
County. He was born in New York state, July 10, 1841, a son of Noah
and Sarah (Bates) Garrison, natives of New York state. Noah Garrison
was a fanner, who came to Illinois in 1848, and settling in Greenwood
Township developed a valuable farm, prior to his death, when he was
forty-seven years old.

Orlando Garrison attended the local schools and learned practical
farming from his father, following in his footsteps in the selection of a
calling. For many years he was engaged in operating his 212 acres of
land on section 13, Greenwood Township.

Mr. Garrison was married three times, his first wife having been
Malinda Boon, who bore him two sons, William and Noah J. After her
death, Mr. Garrison was married (second) to Anna A. Young, who died,
leaving no children. The present Mrs. Garrison bore the maiden name
of Frances Jackson Wickham. She was born in McHenry County.
By a former marriage she had a son Clifford who married Anna Weber,
and the}' have three children: Walter D., Wilbert J., and Marion K.
Mi', and Mrs. Garrison had no children. Mr. Garrison was a Republican,
but never sought public office. His experiences went back many years
in the history of Illinois for his parents brought him to this state in 1848,
before the present great railroad systems were built which now provide
safe and rapid means of travel. Then the sturdy pioneers had to risk
much, and brave dangers as well as discomforts in order to make the
change from the east to the west. His parents traveled from Albany to
Buffalo, N. Y., on the Erie Canal, and there re-loaded their household
possessions on a lake boat which landed them at Waukegan, 111., in 1848,
and from there the trip to Greenwood Township, McHenry County, was
accomplished by wagon.

PROF. EDWARD A. GARDNER.

Prof. Edward A. Gardner, superintendent of the schools of Marengo,
and one of the best-known educators in this part of the state, is recog-
nized as the right man in the right place. He was born in Westmoreland
County, Pa., December 29, 1861, one of the five children of Samuel

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 595

and Jane (Hill) Gardner. Samuel Gardner was born in Pennsylvania,
and was engaged in farming until his death in 1905.

Edward A. Gardner attended the common and high schools of his
native state, and was graduated from the Merchant's Academy in 1880.
He followed these courses with one at the Pennsylvania State Normal
School, and immediately after his graduation, entered the educational
field as an instructor. Later he came to Illinois, and for sixteen con-
secutive years was superintendent of schools of Ford County. In 1914,
he received his present appointment at Marengo, and since that time
lias concentrated his efforts upon the improvement and development
of his school. He has 440 pupils and fifteen teachers under his super-
vision, and all concerned have every reason to be proud of the progress
made.

Professor Gardner was married to Miss Alice E. Ross, a daughter
of George W. Ross of Westmoreland County, Pa., and they have two
children, namely: Edward Ross, and Kenneth M. The family belong
to the Methodist Episcopal church. Professor Gardner belongs to
the McHenry County Teachers' Association and the Illinois Teachers'
State Association. In politics he is a Republican. His fraternal con-
nections are with the Masons and Modern Woodmen and Knights of
Pythias. A scholarly man, he has devoted his life to h's profession,
and his success proves that he decided wisely when he adopted it as his
life work.

ROBERT B. GARDNER.

Robert B. Gardner, now deceased, was formerly actively engaged
in farming, and owned and operated a fine farm at Solon Mills. He
was born March 23, 1847, in a house that occupied about the same site
as the present one, on the farm now owned by his son, W. H. Gardner.
His father, William Gardner, was born in Scotland, and died November
1, 1893, his wife having passed away in March, 1889. They were
married in Canada, and in 1837 came to McHenry County, entering
from the government the present farm of W. H. Gardner. A carpenter
by trade, William Gardner erected the present house in 1850, and it is
still a substantial structure. The children of William Gardner were
as follows: James, who when twenty-one went to Baker City, Ore., and
died there; Mary, who married John Merrill, a carpenter of Solon
Mills, died there as did her husband; Robert, whose name heads this

596 BISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY

review; Willis, who remained on the homestead, died at the age of
thirty; and Flora, who married Charles L. Turner, lived on a portion
of the old farm until her death, after which Mr. Turner moved to Solon
Mills, where he is still residing.

Robert Gardner remained on his father's homestead until he was
twenty-five years old at which time he was married to Adela Turner,
a sister of Charles Turner, who died one year later, leaving one daughter,
Carrie A., who is Mrs. John Oxtoby of Hinton, Okla. -In 1878 Mr.
Gardner was married (second) to Amelia H. Turner, an elder sister of
his first wife, and a daughter of Robert L. and Mary (Lee) Turner,
both natives of Yorkshire, England, who were married at Detroit.
Mich., and in 1843 came to Chicago to join his brothers already located
there. Mr. Turner operated a blacksmith shop and wagon shop at
Ghicago, until 1871, on the corner of Michigan and State streets, on
the North Side, but being burned out during the Great Fire of 1871,
he brought his family to McHenry County. At that time Mr. Turner
was building a mill at Solon Mills, but his losses prevented his finishing
it and it still stands as he left it. He owned a farm near Solon Mills,
and on it Mr. Turner died in 1887, aged seventy-eight years. Mr. and
Mrs. Turner had twelve children, five of whom still survive, four of them
residing in McHenry County, and one son at Canyon City, Colo.

At his father's death, Robert Gardner bought the interests of the
other heirs, becoming the owner of 175 acres of land of which he later
sold forty acres, leaving 135 acres in the farm now known as the Gardner
Farm. For five years he conducted it, and then went to Colorado for
five years, having previously been there for ten years. Upon his return
to McHenry County, Robert Gardner located at Solon Mills, where he
died April 30, 1902. After his death, the farm was rented until 1910,
when his son, Willis H., took charge of it. Mr. Gardner had spent a
good deal of his life away from McHenry County, but his main interests
were centered here. He and his second wife early united with the
Presbyterian church.

By his second marriage Mr. Gardner had the following children:
William R., died at the age of twenty-one years at Rocky Ford, Colo.;
and Willis Henry, who was born at Solon Mills, February 16, 1880.
Flora J. died aged five years; and one died in infancy.

In 1907 Willis H. Gardner was graduated from the agricultural
department of the University of Wisconsin, and for the subsequent
three years was in the employ of the government as superintendent
of dairy tests for an experimental station, and was -engaged in making

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 597

special butter records. In 1910 he came home and took charge of the
farm for his mother, and is now operating it as a dairy property, keeping
about twenty-five head of pure-bred Holstein cattle, and grows breeding
animals for sale. He is a member of the County Farm Bureau, and is
on the school board.

On March 24, 1910, Mr. Gardner was married to Addie Overton,
a daughter of William J. Overton of Solon Mills, a sketch of whom
appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner have four
children, as follows: William Bruce, Robert Willis, Eunice Ann and
Ruth Amelia. Recently Mr. Gardner purchased a residence at Crystal
Lake.

RICHARD GAULT.

Richard Gault was formerly a merchant at Marengo, and later
engaged in conducting a general insurance and real-estate business,
in partnership with his son, Paul, under the firm name of Richard Gault
& Son. The firm represent one of the strongest and most reliable
companies in the world, the Royal Insurance Company. Richard
Gault was born in Posen, Germany, February 15, 1854, and came to
the United States in 1870, locating at Chicago, where he remained until
after the Great Fire. In October, 1871, he came to Woodstock, where
he found employment with Fred Renich, with whom he remained until
he formed a partnership with Charles Kremer, under the name of Gault
& Kremer. and located near the depot at Woodstock. In 1874 Mr.
Gault sold his interest to his partner, and returned to Chicago. Sub-
sequently he came back to McHenry County, and began working at
his trade of cigarmaking at Marengo for Randolph Renwick, assisting
Mr. Renwick to organize the factory, which he bought on July 4, 1875.

In 1885 Mr. Gault founded the Fair store, in 1904 replacing the old
building with a new one, but in September, 1911, he sold the mercantile
business. As early as 1885 Mr. Gault began selling insurance, and at
the same time began acting as correspondent for the Woodstock Sentinel.
Branching out from being the local agent for the Royal Fire Insurance
Company, Mr. Gault built up a fine connection and his renewals alone
yielded him a handsome income. Ten years ago he bought his residence
and office which occupy the site of the first building erected at Marengo,
which was built in 1836 by Calvin Spencer and for some years was used
as a tavern. It is in the center of the village at the intersection of

.Vis HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

State and Highway streets. After he gained possession of the property

Mr. Gaull rebuilt and remodelled the house and it is a beautiful home.

In l875*Mr. Gault was married to Emma Basuier, who died in
1883, having borne him two children, namely: Oswald E., who is a
resident of Woodstock; and Alice, who married Andrew Swanson, died
at Aurora, 111., on Thanksgiving Day, 1918, of ptomaine poisoning, and
is buried in the Marengo Cemetery. In November, 1885, Mr. Gault
was married second to Maggie Farmer, who died May 3, 1917. The
children of his second marriage were as follows: Paul, who is in business
with his father; Ellen, who married Eugene McNeaney, a retail merchant
operating the Gault Bazaar; Anna, who is her father's housekeeper;
Caroline, who married Cleatus Gundy of Gary, Ind.; Alphonse E., who
died in childhood; and Julia, who is a saleslady in Gault's Bazaar,
lives at home.

Mr. Gault belonged to the Mystic Workers and the Modern Woodmen
of America, and held office in both orders. He also belonged to the Com-
munity Club. The Sacred Heart Catholic church held his member-
ship. Mr. Gault was a substantial citizen with many friends. He was
fully Americanized, and during the late war invested liberally in the
various bonds, and contributed generously to the different war activities.
Mr. Gault had been with the Royal Insurance Company so long that
they placed confidence in him and his son and gave them the power
to adjust their own losses and that is what the assured likes. The
speedy adjustments made by this firm have resulted in the present
extra good business. He also held a §2,000 life insurance policy with
the Bankers Life Insurance Company, of Des Moines, Iowa, for years.
Mr. Gault died December 24, 1921, and his son, Paul II. will continue
the business.

IDA LOU GEHRIG.

Ida Lou Gehrig, librarian at Harvard, is one of the accomplished
and scholarly ladies of McHenry County, and one who is very efficient
in her present position. She was born at Pekin, 111., a daughter of Charles
F. and Anna (Turner) Gehrig. From childhood Miss Gehrig has been
of a studious turn of mind, and after she was graduated from the Pekin
High School, she took up special studies for perfecting herself for the

1

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 599

work of a librarian, doing Story Hour work in the Peoria, III., public
library, and attending the summer school and the University of Illinois
Library School. When the trustees of Harvard, 111., were looking for
a competent person to put in charge of the library, Miss Gehrig was
suggested as a candidate. Her selection has met with universal approval
from the patrons of the library, who not only receive from her a gracious
courtesy, but timely and patient assistance in their courses of reading
and study, so that those desiring to make use of the library for the pur-
pose of adding to their store of knowledge or to pursue some special
study, will find here the expert help they require to accomplish their
purpose.

BENJAMIN C. GETZELMAN.

Benjamin C. Getzelman, president of the Algonquin State Bank,
and a man of importance in the community, has been connected with
the financial affairs of this part of the state for a number of years. He
was born at Hampshire, Kane County, 111., January 1, 1870, a son of
Malachi C. and Eve (Rudolph) Getzelman.

Malachi C. Getzelman was born in Germany, January 1, 1837, and
came to the United States in 1845, landing at New York City, from
whence he came west to Hampshire, Kane County, 111., where he became
interested in farming. During the Civil War, he enlisted in the Fifty-
second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served for four years, receiving
his honorable discharge in 1865. He is now living retired at Elgin,
111., and belongs to the G. A. R. of that city. He and his wife had
four children.

Benjamin C. Getzelman attended the grammar and high schools
of his native county, and also took a pharmaceutical course, in which
he was graduated, and he was made a registered pharmacist in 1890.
From 1890 until 1894, he was engaged in the drug business at Elgin,
but in the latter year entered the clerical department of the Elgin
National Bank, and remained with that institution until February,
1902, when he left it to organize the Algonquin Bank, which was incor-
porated as the Algonquin State Bank, June 27, 1913, with a capital
stock of $25,000.00, which he has since served as president. Mr.
Getzelman is also a director of the Chapell Ice Cream Company of
Chicago.

600 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

In 1898, Mr. Getzelman was married to Miss Jennie Chapell, a
daughter of Clarence E. Chapell, and they have two children, Eunice
J. and Benjamin Chapell Getzelman. Mr. Getzelman is a charter
member of Algonquin Lodge No. 960 A. F. & A. M., and belongs to
Freeport Consistory and the Mystic Shrine, of Rockford. In politics
he is a Republican, and served as alderman from his ward from 1915
to 1917. During the late war he was on the Local Exemption Board
of McHenry County. Mr. Getzelman was alternate delegate to the
Republican National Convention at Chicago in 1912. The family all
are Universalists. A man of more than ordinary prominence, Mr.
Getzelman has worked for his community as well as himself, and his
prominence is well deserved.

ERNEST A. GIESEL.

Ernest A. Giesel, pastor of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran church
of Harvard, is one of the eloquent and forceful members of his profession
in McHenry County. He was born at Baraboo, Wis., June 18, 1877,
a son of Rev. E. 0. Giesel, now deceased, formerly an occupant of the
pulpit of his son. E. 0. Giesel was born in Silesia, Germany, in 1S49,
a son of Adolph and Nora (Koener) Giesel, who spent their lives in
Silesia, Germany, where the father died in 1880, his wife having passed
away several years previously.

Having decided on entering the ministry, E. O. Giesel, after com-
pleting his schooling in the public institutions of his native place, studied
in a theological college in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and then in
1S73, desiring to benefit from the broader opportunities offered in the
United States, came to this country, and became a student of the Theo-
logical Lutheran Seminary at Mendota, 111., from which he was
graduated in 1874, and ordained to the ministry of the Lutheran Evan-
gelical church in 1875. . He preached at various points in Illi-
nois and Wisconsin, including Meredosia, Harvard, and Glencoe,
111., Baraboo and Platteville, Wis., coining from the last named place to
Harvard, McHenry County, and was the highly esteemed and beloved
pastor of the church of his faith there until his deatli on December 5,
1912. He had founded many Lutheran churches in Illinois and Wiscon-
sin; was a man possessed of a wonderful intellect, and big heart. He
had a truly kind and Christian disposition that made him legions of

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 601

friends wherever he went, and his death was mourned especially at
Harvard, and also throughout the Synod. Large delegations of his
friends came from Chicago and Platteville to attend his funeral at
Harvard, and his mortal remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at
this village. The good work he had commenced at Harvard has been
continued by his son, Rev. E. A. Giesel.

In 1876 Rev. E. O. Giesel was married first to Miss Anna Hebert,
who died the following year leaving a son, Ernest A., who was then only
nine days old. In 1878, he was married second to his wife's sister,
Miss Elizabeth Hebert, and they became the parents of the following
children: George, Anna, Clara, Nora, Amanda, Adolph, Mary and
Frieda. Some idea of the respect in which the late Mr. Giesel was held
in his community is evidenced by the fact that during the day of his
funeral the business houses all closed their doors as a token of respect
to him. He was equally respected at Platteville, Wis., where his pastorate
had extended over nearly a quarter of a century.

The dying request of the mother of Rev. E. A. Giesel determined
the future of the nine-day son, as she asked her heart-broken husband
that he train the little one to enter the profession she felt the father so
honored. Consequently, after he had received the customary common-
school education, Ernest A. Giesel became a student of the Platteville
High School, and later of the State Normal School of the same city.
Still later he took his college training at Waverly, and Clinton, Iowa,
and his theological courses at St. Paul, Minn., and Saginaw, Mich.,
being graduated in 1898. His first ministerial charge was in Butler
County, Iowa, in the vicinity of Allison, and from there he was sent to
Fall Creek, Wis. During the early years of his ministry he was working
under the direction of the Missionary Board, as a missionary whose
work it was to establish churches in small, neglected and out-of-the-way
places so that all might have an opportunity to learn the truth of the
Master's teachings. His success in founding and building up churches,
increasing the membership and spiritual strength of the congregations,
has been remarkable, and sets an example for other young mission-
aries to strive to emulate. Among the communities in which his good
work was carried on may be mentioned the following: Columbus,
Arlington, Waupaca and Baldwin Mills, Wis., and South Haven, Mich.,
having received and accepted a call from that place, although his de-
parture was deeply regretted by his former congregations. It was
while he was accomplishing splendid work for his people at South Haven,
that he received the news of his father's sudden demise after an illness

602 BISTORT OF McIIENRY COUNTY

of only a few days' duration. Believing that he ought to accept the
call made him by his father's church, he did so, and look charge of the
Harvard Church at once, having at that time been a minister of the
gospel for thirteen years. Those years had been full of busy, effective
hours, and consequently great development in the career of the young
clergyman, and these experiences, some of them strenuous and difficult,
ripened his character, and fitted him for the greater work he was to
perform.

On December 13, 1899, Mr. Giesel was married to Miss Marie
Michelis of Marion, Wis., a daughter of P. A. and Marie (Sever! )
Michelis, and they have the following children: Marie, who was born
at Fall (reck, Wis., July 17, 1901; Gertrude, who was born at Colum-
bus, Wis., February 9, 1903; and Ernest Oscar, who was born at Colum-
bus, Wis., July 26, 1906. A more detailed account of the work of Mr.
Giesel at Harvard is given under the chapter of churches elsewhere in
lliis history, which will demonstrate that in him his church and com-
munity have one of the most valuable men in McHenry County.

JAMES W. GILBERT.

James W. Gilbert, one of the substantial business men of Crystal
Lake, carries a large and carefully selected stock of furniture and operates
a first-class undertaking establishment. He was born in Lake County,
111., November 18, 1871, one of two children born to Eugene E. and
Catherine (Griffin) Gilbert, Eugene E. Gilbert was born in New York
state, but came to Lake County, 111., when a small boy, and has since
resided there.

James W. Gilbert attended the schools of Lake County, and the
university at Valparaiso, Ind., following which he embarked in a hard-
ware business, but disposed of it at the expiration of one year, and then
bought an undertaking business at Crystal Lake. To this he added
the handling of furniture and carried a full and complete line of furniture,
rugs, carpets and linoleums. Five years later he sold this business and
went into the furniture business at Union, 111., and added the handling
of hardware. On March 9, 1911, he also disposed of this business,
and then September 1, 1911, he bought his present establishment,
which he conducts upon an extensive scale. He is a graduate of the
Barnes Embalming School, class of 1897. His furniture stock averages

HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 603

$4,000 and he has $4,500 invested in his undertaking business, exclu-
sive of his $6,000 auto hearse. The building in which his business is
located was bought by Mr. Gilbert at a cost of $5,000.

In 1S95 Mr. Gilbert was married to Miss Lillian E. Shaw, and they
have the following children: Vivian E., Una I. and Leroy E. The
family belong to the Congregational church. Mr. Gilbert's fraternal
connections are with the Masons, Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen
of America. In politics he is a Republican, and he served for ten years
as township treasurer of Coral Township. Mr. Gilbert is well fitted
for his profession, possessing those characteristics which make it possible
for him to bring comfort into the homes of the afflicted, while his skill
and knowledge insure that proper care will be given the dead and a
dignified respect shown their memory.

WILLIAM B. GILBERT.

William B. Gilbert, for many years one of the successful farmers of
Nunda Township, is now living in honorable retirement at Crystal Lake.
He was born June 11, 1858, a son of George and Sarah (Mack) Gilbert.
George Gilbert was born in New York State in 1818, a son of Abraham
Gilbert, also a native of New York. The Gilbert family is of Holland-
Dutch extraction. Sarah Mack was born in New York, a daughter of
Abner Mack. George Gilbert was a farmer, who came to Illinois
about 1846, and settled in Nunda Township, where he bought 150
acres of land, which is now very valuable. In politics he was a Republi-
can. He and his wife had the following children: Electa M., who is
deceased; Edson R. ; Ada L., who married Edwin Eaton; Minnie M.,
who married a Mr. Fink; William B.; and Martin V., who is deceased.

William B. Gilbert attended the schools of Nunda Township, and
those of the town of Ringwood. For many years he was engaged in
farming his 155 acres of land in Nunda Township, but since his retire-
ment in 1915 has sold it.

In 1879 Mr. Gilbert was married to Charlotte A. Colby, born in
McHenry County, a daughter of Allen P. Colby. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert
became the parents of one daughter, Dora. She is the wife of Michael
Conley of Oak Park, 111., and they have the following children: Howard,
Everett, Morton and William. Mr. Gilbert is a Republican.

604 HISTORY OF McHENRY COCNTY

II \RRY D. GILE.

Harry D. Gile, one of the worth-while men and first-class fanners of
Chemung Township, is located seven and one-half miles northwest of
Harvard, a portion of his farm being in Boone County just across the
county line. lie was horn in Walworth County, Wis., five miles north-
east of Sharon, December 26, 1883, a son of Frank and Emma (Smith)
Gile. Frank Gile was born in Sharon, and died there March 17, 1920,
hut his widow survives him and still makes her home at Sharon.

Harry D. Gile has spent his life in farming anil understands its every
detail. When only nineteen years old, on June 24, 1902, he was married
to Hat tie May Powers, born December 29, 1880, a daughter of Esco and
Eva (Brown) Powers. Mrs. Powers died at Chemung where they had
been residing, and Mr. Powers then went to Chicago, 111., and died about
three years later. Hattie May Powers was reared at Chemung, and
attended its schools.

Following his marriage Mr. Gile rented land and continued to be a
tenant for eight years, for four of them being in McIIenry Township.
He then bought a portion of the old Ridge farm, located in Boone County,
on which no buildings had then been erected, and in March, 1914, he
exchanged it for his present farm owned by the family of Robert Pearson,
comprising 217 acres, eighty acres of which are in Boone County. He
has erected a new barn and a tenant house and made other improvements
including the remodelling of the present buildings and the putting up of
a silo. He keeps fifty head of cattle of the pure-bred Holstein strain,
and carries on dairying with twenty-five cows, and he also breeds pure-
bred Duroc-Jersey hogs. A very progressive man, he organized The
Boys and Girls Club, of which two of his children were the first members,
and he is now a leader in this movement. His Corn Club won first place
in several exhibits of corn demonstration, and first place in the demonstra-
tion at the State Fair at Springfield. He now has three clubs, one Corn
another Pig, and a third Calf. These clubs have resulted in the develop-
ment of great interest among the farmers, who encourage their children
in joining them. The results are various farm betterments and a greater
desire on the part of the young people to remain on the farms. During
the World War, Mr. Gile was very active in war work, stimulating in a
marked degree the sale of bonds and contributions to the Red Cross and
other organizations.

Mr. and Mrs. Gile became the parents of the following children:
Norma; Fred, who is attending the Sharon High School; Iva, Orpha,

HISTORY OF McIIENKY COUNTY G05

Helen, Wihna, Laverna and Dorothea. Mr. Gile and his family belong
to Sharon Methodist church, and he is active in its work as he is in other
organizations. For some time he has been a member of the Farm Bureau
of the Illinois Agricultural Association. The farm of Mr. Gile is one of
the best operated in this part of the state. The policy of this alert,
astute business man and modern farmer, is to carry on his farming as
he would a factory or mercantile establishment were his talents devoted
to the running of such enterprises, and whenever he finds by his own
experiments, or those of others, that a certain method or appliance will
increase his efficiency and improve his property, he adopts it. His work
among the young people of his neighborhood can scarcely be over-
estimated in its value, not only to them but the community at large,
and is entirely on a line with the best ideas of constructive citizenship
advocated by the best authorities. In 1920 Mr. Gile somewhat extended
the scope of his operations by buying fifty-nine acres of land at the edge
of Sharon, Wis.

O. H. GILLMORE.
Page 135.

CHARLES W. GODDARD, M. D.

Charles W. Goddard, M. D., one of the leading physicians and sur-
geons of McHenry County, is engaged in a general practice at Harvard,
where he is held in the highest respect, and where he is now serving as
city health officer. He was born at Cedarville, 111., January 19, 1857,
the only child of his parents, Fayette and Anna (Stiles) Goddard, the
former of whom was a noted educator, who died in Stevenson County,
111., in 1864.

Doctor Goddard attended the common and high schools of his
native place, and then took a course at the Chicago Medical College,
from which he was graduated in 1882. Immediately thereafter, he
located at Rockford, 111., where he was engaged in a general practice
until 1883, when he came to McHenry County, and established himself
at Harvard. He belongs to the McHenry County Medical Society,
the Illinois State Medical Society, and the American Medical Associa-

606 HISTOKY OP MdlKXKY COUNTY

tion. In addition to attending; to the duties of his practice, Doctor
Goddard is local surgeon for the Northwestern Railroad Company, and
was elected city health officer of Harvard several years ago, on the
Republican ticket, which office he still holds, rendering his community
a valuable service in that capacity.

In 1882 Doctor Goddard was united in marriage with Miss Caroline
Blake, a daughter of John Blake, a prominent citizen of Rockford, 111.
Doctor and Mrs. Goddard have the following children: Paul B., 'who
is a manufacturer of Chicago, 111.; Carl B., who is an attorney of Detroit.
Mich.; and Dorothy, who married T. R. Strobridge, a manufacturer
of Chicago. The Goddards are very prominent socially, and they are
deservedly popular not only at Harvard, but throughout McIIenry
County.

WILLIAM V. GOODER, M. D.

William V. Gooder, M. D., one of the progressive physicians and
surgeons of Marengo, was born at St. Paul, Minn., August 1, 1881.
The paternal grandfather came from Halifax, England, to the United
States in the early forties, settling in Wisconsin, and his son, the father
of Doctor Gooder, was born in Monroe County, Wis., later moved to
St. Paul, Minn., and later to Iowa, where he died when his son, William
V., was only five years old. The widowed mother took him back to
the city of his nativity, and he later attended school at Tomah, Wis.,
being graduated from its high school at the age of seventeen years, and
the subsequent year began to read medicine, beginning the regular
course at the age of nineteen years, when he became a student of the
medical department of the Northwestern University at Chicago, from
which he was graduated in 1905. For a year thereafter he was interne
at the Wesley Memorial Hospital, and then went to Lowell, Ind., where
he was engaged in a general practice for eight years, but his health
failing him he went to California, and upon his return to Chicago, took
a post graduate course, and learning of Marengo, and realizing the
possibilities of the healthful dairying region surrounding it decided to
locate there permanently, which he did in 1913. Feeling it to be his
duty, Doctor Gooder enlisted for service in June, 1917, and was called
into the service in February, 1918, first with the rank of first lieutenant,
but later being promoted to a captaincy. He was sent to France in
October, 1918, and returned in February, 1919, having spent the greater

HISTORY OP McIIENRY COUNTY 607

part of his time in a base hospital at St. Nazaire. Doctor Gooder
belongs to the county, state and national medical societies, and has
done constructive work in all.

In 1907 Doctor Gooder was married to Vera Mason Smith, of Dixon,
111., and they have one son, Jack. Doctor Gooder is a capable physician
and a man of pleasing personality which wins for him many friends both
in and out of his profession.

JOHN GOODKNECHT.

John Goodknecht, now deceased, was formerly one of the industrious
and prosperous farmers of Chemung Township. He was born in
Mechlinburg, Germany, and died in May, 1906, aged seventy-nine
years, and is buried at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in McHenry County.
Upon his arrival in the United States to which he journeyed in young
manhood, he came to Woodstock, then the end of the railroad. Another
member of the family went to Michigan, and still another to Iowa, but
he remained in McHenry County, and worked for Austin Diggins at
Harvard for several years.

In 1856 he bought from Paschal P. Stiles the present farm of his
son, Ernest, comprising 130 acres of land in Chemung Township, and
on it he spent practically the remainder of his life. At the time he bought
it a portion of it was covered with timber, the remainder being either
prairie or low land, but he set to work with characteristic industry
and persistence and finally developed it into a valuable property.
During his later days he retired and moved to Harvard, where he died
four or five years later, his widow surviving him for about eighteen
months, and then died at the age of sixty-nine years. He never entered
into local affairs, his time and interest being centered on his farm and
family. For many years he was a member of the Lutheran church
of Sharon, but when he went to Harvard, he transferred his membership
to the Lutheran church of that city. The children born to him and
his wife were as follows : Amelia, who is Mrs. Charles Walters of Water-
loo, Iowa; Theodore, who is a carpenter and builder of Harvard; Emma,
who is Mrs. Charles Englehardt of Boone County, 111. ; Maggie, who died
at the age of twenty-one years; William, who is a farmer of Parkersburg,
Iowa, and Ernest, whose name heads this review.
Ernest Goodknecht has owned the farm for seventeen years, and since

(ids HISTORY OF MclIENRY COl'NTY

then has made many improvements, including the erection of a silo.
He carries on dairying and lias from twelve to fifteen cows. His opera-
tions are carried on very efficiently, and he is known as one of the pro-
gressive men of his calling. A Republican, he contents himself with
giving an intelligent support to the candidates of his party, his private
affairs being too heavy to permit of his taking office.

In February, 1909, he was united in marriage with Mildred Harrows,
a daughter of D. A. Barrows, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in
this work. Mr. and Mrs. Goodknecht have one son, John, who is eighl
years old. Mr. Goodknecht is a native of the county, and has been
educated in it. His interests are naturally centered in the development
of this region, and he is a friend of the public schools and the good
mads movement. Such men as he are a credit to their communities,
and too much praise cannot be accorded them, for it is now an accepted
fact that the farmers are the mainspring of the nation's prosperity.

EDGAR E. GOODRICH.

Edgar E. Goodrich, proprietor of the Marengo Steam Laundry and
Dry Cleaning Works, is one of the substantial men of Marengo. He
was born at Marengo, February 14, 1873, a son of Elias J. and Lucia
(Morrill) Goodrich. Elias J. Goodrich was in a furniture and under-
taking business at Marengo, with branches at Woodstock and Harvard,
at the time 'of his son's birth, but about 1881 or 1882 he sold and went
into a hotel and restaurant business, continuing it for some years, and
becoming very well known in the county. In 1894 he moved to DeKalb,
111., and spent five years, and then returned to Marengo, where he died
in 1910, aged seventy-six years. His widow survives him. Their chil-
dren were as follows: Ella, who is the widow of a Mr. Pettibone, lives
at Council Bluffs, Iowa; Walter, who is a hotel man at Council Bluffs,
Iowa; Estelle, who is Mrs. George Bates of Marengo; Edgar E., whose
name heads this review; Mrs. Bessie Meehan, who lives at Chicago;
Ernest W., who lives at Rockford; and Ruth, who is Mrs. I. 0. Hunger-
ford of Brooklyn, N. Y. Mr. Hungerford is superintendent of the
eastern branch of Borden's Milk Co. His first job was secured for him
by E. E. Goodrich with Borden's, and he proved so capable that he
was made superintendent of the Borden plant at McHenry, later becom-
ing county superintendent for the company. He was then transferred

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 609

to Chicago, then to Montreal, and finally was made general superin-
tendent of all the eastern business of the company with headquarters
at Brooklyn, N. Y.

In 1891 the Marengo Steam Laundry was founded by W. H. Fisher,
and in 1895 Edgar E. Goodrich bought it and he has improved it until
it is now thoroughly modern and equipped with the latest machinery
and devices for the conduct of the business. Realizing the need for a
reliable dry cleaning establishment, Mr. Goodrich organized this branch
of his business over twelve years ago and enjoys a fine trade in both
branches. He gives constant employment to five persons.

At the age of twenty-one Mr. Goodrich was married to Maud
Winegar of Marengo, who died in April, 1906, leaving two children,
namely: Fern, who is Mrs. Harry C. Gilkerson of Marengo; and Pauline,
who died in childhood. In 1910, Mr. Goodrich was married (second) to
Frances Fisk of Detroit, Mich., and they have no children. Several
years ago Mr. Goodrich built his present brick residence, which is very
modern and convenient.

A Republican, he has served as a member of the city council, and
while holding that office was instrumental in securing for Marengo its
present ornamental lights. At present he is worshipful master of
Marengo Lodge No. 138, A. F. & A. M. Always interested in civic
matters, he finds the Community Club an effective channel through
which to achieve improvements, and is a forceful member of it.

EPHRIAM R. GOODROW.

Ephriam R. Goodrow, senior member of the firm of Goodrow &
Son, is one of the substantial business men of Woodstock, and one who
stands unusually high in public esteem throughout McHenry County.
He was born in Wisconsin, July 12, 1861, a son of Eli and Hannah
(Penwell) Goodrow, who had eight children. Eli Goodrow was born
in France, but came to the United States in 1840, and located in Jeffer-
son County, Wis., where he was engaged very successfully in farming
until his death, in 1882. His widow survived him until 1915.

Ephriam R. Goodrow attended the common and high schools of
his native state, and came to McHenry County in 1901, establishing
whi I was known as the Hitch Harness Company, which in 1916 was
< ::; ;indcd into an automobile business, and the name changed to Good-

610 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

row & Son. The firm carries farm implements, milking machines,
buggies, wagons, oils, gasoline, whips, blankets, robes and automobiles,
and carry on a first-class garage, and employment is given three people.
Mr. Goodrow has the exclusive agency of the Overland car for his
neighborhood, and carries a stock valued at $10,000.

Mr. Goodrow was united in marriage with Miss Mary Cook, a
daughter of Albert Cook, and a member of a prominent family of Wis-
consin. Mr. and Mrs. Goodrow became the parents of the following
children: Frank J., who is in business with his father; Eva, who is
Mrs. William Onus of Chicago; Etta, who is Mrs. John Hayes; Tcssic
M., who is Mrs. Howard Cos of Wisconsin; and Loraine, who is com-
pleting her studies at the University of Wisconsin. Mr. Goodrow and
his family are consistent members of the Roman Catholic church. In
politics he is a Republican. A man of unusual business energy, he has
forged ahead, and has honestly earned his present prestige.

FRANK J. GOODROW.

Frank J. Goodrow, junior member of the well known garage and
implement firm of Goodrow <fc Son, is one of the alert young business
men of Woodstock. He was born in Wisconsin, January 8, 1889, a
son of Ephraim and Mary (Cook) Goodrow, also natives of Wisconsin,
and grandson of Eli and Hannah (Penwell) Goodrow and Albert Cook,
all of whom are well known and universally respected.

Frank J. Goodrow was educated in the schools of Wisconsin and
Woodstock, being about twelve years of age when his father established
himself in business at the latter place, so that practically he has been
reared in McHenry County, and naturally his interests are centered
here. In 1916, Mr. Goodrow was taken into partnership by his father,
and has participated actively in the business ever since. A complete
line of agricultural implements, wagons, buggies and automobile accesso-
ries is carried to the amount of $10,000 and the firm is sole agent for the
Overland cars in McHenry County.

Mr. Goodrow was united in marriage with Miss Helen Goff, a
daughter of Fred Goff. In politics, like his father, Mr. Goodrow is a
staunch Republican. He belongs to the Roman Catholic church.
A young man of progressive ideas, he has thrown himself into his busi-
ness, and while achieving material success, is also gaining the confidence

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 611

of those with whom he does business because of his high principles and
honorable methods.

MUNSON SMITH GOODSELL.

Munson Smith Goodsell, now deceased, was in former years one of
the substantial men of McHenry County and was the first merchant of
Hebron. He was born at Cooperstown, N. Y., November 23, 1826,
and died April 21, 1910, aged seventy-three years. On January 10, 1858,
he was married to Annie Marie Arnold, at Elkton, Wis. She was born
February 9, 1839, a daughter of Giles and Iris Welton (Hickox) Arnold,
of Victor, Ontario County, N. Y., where Mrs. Goodsell wa? born. Prior
to 1844, Giles Arnold came west to Wisconsin and securing a home,
returned to New York for his family, who made the trip in 1844.

Munson Smith Goodsell attended Beloit College, and when his
father died in 1861, took charge of his store, later selling it and moving
to Hebron, where in June of that year he erected a building and in it
established the first store and post office of the village. At that time
there were but two frame houses in the settlement. Mr. Goodsell con-
tinued to operate the store until about 1880. He was also interested
in a lumber yard conducted by him and his partner Henry Mead. Mr.
Goodsell was the first postmaster of Hebron, and held that office for
a quarter of a century, and he was township clerk for twenty-three
years. For thirty years he served as township assessor, and was holding
that office at the time of his death. He was a specially capable business
man, reliable and upright. Not a talker, he carried out his ideas in deeds,
and had the welfare of his community at heart. Politically he was a
Republican. He was made a Mason at Richmond, soon after coming
to the county, and was a charter member of the Hebron Lodge, his
funeral being in charge of his brothers in the lodge.

The one surviving daughter of Mr. Goodsell is Annie West Snitz,
who lives at St. Petersburg, Fla., her husband having been a prominent
real estate dealer in Cleveland, Ohio. The other daughter, Iris, married
on March 14, 1887, Charles Q. Albertson, and died within a year, being
then but twenty years of age. She was a lovely girl, bright and capable,
and her loss was mourned by her family and her host of friends. The
only son, Lewis Burr Goodsell, was killed at Fox River Station, on the
Northwestern Railroad, while coupling cars in his capacity of brakeman,
December 7, 1881, being then twenty-three years old. Fannie G. died

612 HISTORY OP McHENRI COUNTY

.•it the age of one year. Mrs. Goodsell has lived in her present house
since 1862, and lias lived to bury her husband and three children, who

lie in the local cemetery. Both she and Mr. (I lsell parly connected

themselves with the Episcopal church at Lake Geneva, but when they
came to Hebron they interested themselves in the Methodist Presby-
terian and Baptist denominations as there was no church of their own
faith here. They were very liberal in their views, and sought only to
further the spiritual welfare of their community. For some years since
her husband's death, Mrs. Goodsell has spent the winters with her
daughter in Florida, but retains her property and interest in Hebron.
During the late wrar she was active in Red Cross work, and all her life
has always done more than her share of church and community work,
and her many benefactions and unselfish efforts have endeared her to
all who have the honor of her acquaintance.

WILLIAM A. GOODWIN.

William A. Goodwin, director of the United States Bank of Crystal
Lake, one of the substantial and representative men of McHenry ( lounty,
is also prominent politically. Lie was born in McHenry County,
August 5, 1857, one of the four children born to John and Sarah C.
(Chase) Goodwin. John Goodwin was born in Pennsylvania, but in
1850 came to McHenry County, and was engaged in farming and man-
ufacturing pickles in Algonquin Township, where he died in 1892, his
wife passing away in 1908.

William A. Goodwin attended the common and high schools of his
native county, completing his studies at the Elgin Academy and the
Indiana State Normal School. For the subsequent two years, Mr.
Goodwin was engaged in farming, but then came to Crystal Lake, and
embarked in a flour, feed and lumber business, and built a feed and flour
mill which he still operates. He is also interested in handling stock,
and owns considerable farm land, including 131 acres in Algonquin
Township, and he also owns his residence at Crystal Lake.

Mr. Goodwin was married to Miss Mary M. Rainthorp, and they
have one living child, Benjamin S., the other child, Lora, having died.
Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
He is a very prominent Republican and served two terms in the city
council, his record as an alderman making him the logical candidate for

HISTORY OK McIIKNRY COUNTY 613

mayor, to which office he was first elected on the Citizens ticket in 1907.
He has also rendered efficient service on the school board, and has done
much to bring about improvements in the school system in his city.
Fraternally he is a Mason, and Odd Fellow and is active in both lodges.
A man of unusual capabilities, he has exerted himself to make good in
whatever he has undertaken, and his success is self-earned, and well
merited.

HENRY GORHAM.

Henry Gorham, now deceased, was formerly one of the most repre-
sentative men of Dorr Township, and a man widely and favorably known.
He was born at St. Isaacs, on the St. Lawrence River, within thirty
miles of Montreal, Canada, in December, 1855. His educational training
ceased when he was fourteen years old, at which time he went to Vermont,
and was engaged in farming near Fairfield until 1855, when, with a
cousin, George La Chance, he came to Illinois, by railroad as far as
Chicago, and thence to Kane County, where he continued to work at
farming, being employed by George Sawyer of Dundee for three years.
He then joined a party and crossed the plains to California, the trip
consuming nearly five and one-half months. After about five years of
varied experiences, during which period he met. with varying success,
Mr. Gorham returned to Dundee by way of San Francisco and the
Isthmus of Panama.

On December 26 of the year of his return home, he was married to
Judith Helen Sawyer, and they located on the old Sawyer homestead in
Dorr Township, where they continued to reside until the death of Mr.
Gorham on January 1, 1902, with the exception of fourteen months,
when Mr. Gorham was in Kansas, homesteading 160 acres of land, and
freighting to Emporia, Humboldt and other points. Returning home,
he resumed his agricultural activities in Dorr Township.

Mr. Gorham was a Republican of a stalwart type, but did not seek
political preferment. He and his wife had the following children:
Elmer S., who is engaged in farming in the vicinity of Crystal Lake,
married Mary Myers and they have one son, Henry; William Henry,
who lives at Woodstock; George F., who married Laura Thayer, has
four children — George H., Edith, Helen and Hazel, and who is operating
the old homestead; and Bertha, who married Richard Reed, a farmer
living near Ridgefield, 111., and they have the following children— Pearl
Marie, Clarence Edward and Dorothy.

614 HISTORY OF .MdlKXRV OOl'NTY

Mrs. Gorham was born at Bradford, Vt., January 9, 1842, a daughter
of William and Savilla (Hayes) Sawyer, who were of English-Puritan
ancestry. Savilla Hayes was horn at Strafford, Yt., January 3, 1811, a
daughter of Robert and Abigail (Merrill) Hayes, the former of whom
was a soldier of the American Revolution. Their children were as
follows: David, John, Samuel, Sallie, Irene, Lydia, Roxamia, Elvira.
Lucy (who died young) and Savilla. The Hayes family here referred to
belonged to the same stock as Pres. Rutherford B. Hayes.

William Sawyer, father of Mrs. Gorham, was born at Oxford, N. H.,
in November, 1807, a son of John and Judith (Webster) Sawyer, the
ancestors of both having been among the very early settlers of New
Hampshire. This branch of the Sawyer family belongs to the same stock
as that of former Senator Sawyer of Wisconsin. Judith Webster was a
second cousin of Daniel Webster. John Sawyer was killed at an early
day in Canada. His son William Sawyer acquired what was for his day
an excellent education, and always was an earnest student of history.
In 1839 he was married to Savilla Hayes, and their children were as
follows: Judith Helen, who married Henry Gorham; and George, who
served as a soldier during the Civil War, as a member of Company F,
Ninety-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, but died a few months after his
enlistment at Lake Providence, La. Mr. Sawyer was engaged in farming
and the transportation of produce from his home town to Boston, Mass.,
byr way of the Connecticut River on flat boats made by himself. Later
he bought a farm near Bradford, Vt., where he remained until 1840, at
which time he moved to Bradford. In August, 1851, he came to
McHenry County, 111., locating on eighty acres of land, which was un-
improved except for a dilapidated log cabin. He improved this property
and increased his farm until he owned 188 acres. His death occurred
when he was eighty-one years of age, his w:idow surviving him until
January 3, 1902, when she passed away, aged ninety-one years. She
was a Methodist in religious belief, and very active in church work.

Mis. Gorham has lived on her present farm since 1851, and is one of
the oldest residents of the township. While not a member of any religious
denomination, she is an attendant on the services of the Presbyterian
Church, and takes an active part in the good work of that body as well
as social organizations, having given liberally of her time and money to
the Red Cross.

George F. Goiham, son of Henry Gorman, took charge of the old
homestead which formerly belonged to his grandfather Sawyer, and an
additional farm of 158 acres two miles away from his original one, which

ftfZ^M

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 615

is owned by his mother. He specializes in milk production, his herd
averaging twenty head. The present residence was erected in 1892 to
replace the one destroyed by fire. The barn, 36 x 120 feet, is a modern
structure, and other improvements are contemplated, for George F.
Gorham is one of the progressive men of his calling who believes in having
a first-class equipment in every particular. When the government asked
the farmers for a greater wheat production, Mr. Gorham responded with
a crop of 1,100 bushels in addition to his regular milk production. The
Gorham family is one of the most representative ones in McHenry
County, and George F. Gorham is living up to its highest standards.

FLAVEL K. GRANGER.
Page 138.

HENRY F. GREELEY.

Henry F. Greeley, one of the very prominent men of Richmond,
owns two choice farms in Richmond Township, and has been interested
along several commercial lines in this city. He was born in McHenry
County, August 8, 1868, one of the nine children of Michael and Hannah
(Waldron) Greeley. Michael Greeley came to McHenry County in
1850, and for many years was engaged in farming. He lived to the
unusual age of ninety-nine years, and was one of the most highly
esteemed men of his locality.

Henry F. Greeley was reared on his father's farm, and was given an
excellent public school education. For some time he was engaged in
farming, and then he went into a dairy business at Richmond, but later
sold it. A staunch Democrat, he was the unsuccessful candidate of his
party for the office of mayor of Richmond, being defeated both times by
E. C. Covalt, although he ran way ahead of his ticket on account of his
personal popularity.

On November 9, 1910, Mr. Greeley was married to Miss Ariel V.
Carnahan, a daughter of Mrs. Emma Gates, who was born in Pennsyl-
vania. Mr. and Mrs. Greeley have two children, namely: Henrietta,
who was born November 14, 1911; and Horace E., who was born August

616 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

27, 1912. He has always given a prompt and loyal support to local
measures which in his judgment would prove of benefit to the majority,
and few men an- hold in higher esteem in their communities than he.

CARL GUSE.

Carl Guse, who is now living retired at Marengo, where he owns
his comfortable residence, is one of the highly respected, thoroughly
Americanized citizens of German birth. He was horn in Germany,
January 20, 1856, and came to the United States in 1875, his mother
accompanying him. After three months spent at Chicago, Mr. Guse,
who had been reared on a farm, came to Riley Township to join a friend
who had located here. His first work was as a harvest hand, and for
four years he continued at farm labor, spending two of these years in
the employ of Monroe Sears. Mr. Guse was then married to Therese
Post, who had been born in the same village as he, and came to the
United States on the same boat. She remained at Chicago until her
marriage.

When he married, Mr. Guse rented a farm in Riley Township and
remained on it for four years, when he bought the farm adjoining it,
known as the Tenrick farm of 160 acres, for which he paid $31 per
acre, going heavily into debt to secure it, and it took him twenty years
to clear off this obligation. However, he had a team and some stock, and
gradually made things pay. Here he lived until 1915, when he retired.
During the time he lived on this farm he had erected new buildings, and
did considerable draining, at a cost of $2,300.

To his original farm he added 100 acres, two and one-half miles
distant, and put in $700 worth of drainage on it, operating the two
farms. The buildings on his last purchase have also been erected by
him. Dairying was his main interest, and he kept twenty-five or more
cows. Of late years Mr. Guse sold his last farm to his son, but retains
the other, having a tenant on it.

Mr. and Mrs. Guse became the parents of the following children:
Emma, who married Neil Hopkins, lives near Buffalo, X. Y.: Ella,
who died at the age of thirty-three years; Rosa, who lives with her
sister in New York; Will, who lives on his father's smaller farm, married
Flossie McMackan, has one sohe, Walter ('., and owns 240 acres of
land; Lena, who spent some years at Chicago, is now at home with

HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 617

her parents; Charles, who rents the old homestead, married Martha
Schauer; Anna, who is employed at Chicago; and Fred, who is on the
homestead.

Soon after coming to this country, Carl Guse took out his papers
of citizenship, and is a strong Republican. He was a school director for
about twenty years. One of the original members of the Zion Lutheran
church of Marengo, he has been one of its most generous contributors,
and was on the building committee at the time the new church edifice
was erected. Although living at some distance from the church, he has
always attended its services, and outside of his family and farming, it
has been his principal interest in life. Having lived in this country so
many years, he has become thoroughly imbued with its principles, and
is proud of it and of his choice which brought him to it in the full flush
of his young manhood.

CHARLES E. GUSE.

Charles E. Guse, manager, treasurer and a stockholder of the old-
established firm of Shurtleff & Peters of Union, operating as the Shurtleff
& Peters Company, dealers in the Deering hay, feed and corn machines,
tillage implements, corn cultivators, planters, shellers, knife grinders,
motor trucks, feed grinder, threshing drills, cream separators, soil and
gas engines, oil tractors, manure spreaders, ensilage cutters, farm
wagons and trucks, twine, coal and feed, is one of the best known men
in this section of the county.

Charles E. Guse was born at Chicago, 111., July 22, 1876, a son of
Herman and Amelia (Gluth) Guse. Herman Guse was born in Ger-
many, but came to the United States in 1868, first locating at Chicago,
where for twenty-four years he conducted a lumber business. Selling
that, he came to McHenry County, and from 1892 has resided on a farm
south of Marengo. He and his wife had nine children born to them.

Charles E. Guse attended the Chicago schools, and was sixteen years
old when he came to McHenry County. He engaged in farming, moving
to a farm of his own at Union in 1901, but in 1912, became manager of
his present firm, and has since held that responsible position. He employs
three men in his establishment.

On December 8, 1904, Mr. Guse was married to Miss Augusta
Rechner, and they have two children, namely: Emil C, who was born
September 29, 1905; and Martha, who was born January 10, 1907. In

618 HISTORY OF McHENEY COUNTY

politics Mr. Guse is a Republican, and lie has been president of the

Union school board since 1914. During his occupancy of the office,
the present modern schoolhouse was erected. He is also secretary of
the fire department of Union. A member of St. John's Lutheran church,
he is serving it as secretary. A live, progressive man, he gives to his
community the same loyal, efficient service that he renders his business
associates and is highly respected by all who know him.

JOSEPH A. GUTII.

Joseph A. Guth, a prosperous general farmer of Greenwood Town-
ship, is a man who has developed his land and firmly established himself
in public estimation. He was born in Hartland Township, this county,
September 21, 1867, a son of George and Ellen (Long) Guth. George
Guth was a son of Jacob Guth, and when the former was fourteen years
old, his father brought him to the United States, and settled in Hart-
land Township, where he became a farmer. Ellen Long was born in
Ireland, a daughter of Dennis Long. The children of George Guth
and his wife were as follows: Katherine, who was married to Edward
Howard; Joseph A.; Thomas; Fred; and Margaret A., who is deceased.

Joseph A. Guth was reared in Hartland Township, where he attended
the district schools. When he began farming for himself, ho bought
eighty acres of land on section 22, Greenwood Township, and here he
has developed a valuable property. He was married at Chicago, Jan-
uary 19, 1898, to Margaret Keefe, born September 6, 1870, in Hartland
Township, where she was reared. Her parents wrere Edmund and
Bridget (Davis) Keefe, natives of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Keefe had
the following children: Katherine, John, Richard, William, Joseph, who
died at the age of thirty years, Mrs. Guth, who is deceased; Anna, who
is Mrs. William McGee and Edward. Mr. and Mrs. Guth have the
following children: Grace F., George, Edmund, J. Walter, Margaret E.
and Edna. In politics he is independent in his views. The family are
members of the Catholic church.

ROBERT E. HAEGER.

Robert E. Haeger, supervisor of Algonquin Township, is one of the
leading stockbreeders of the state, ami his work in developing the Hoi-

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 619

stein strain of cattle has made him known from coast to coast. For
many years he has been a resident of Algonquin, and was born in Algon-
quin Township, on his father's farm, May 5, 1875, a son of Robert W.
and Mary (Jayne) Haeger, the former of whom, born in German}', was
brought by his parents to the United States when a lad of eight years, in
1857, and with them settled on a farm near Spring Lake, McHenry
County, 111. There he was reared and resided until 1895, in the mean-
while in 1876, starting one of the first Holstein herds in Illinois. In
1895, Robert W. Haeger moved to Algonquin, where he died January
19, 1901, his wife having passed away March 21, 1893, and they were
the parents of six children.

Robert E. Haeger attended the common and high schools of Mc-
Henry County, and when he was twenty years of age began handling-
stock, and has been connected with the stock industry in various branches
ever since. In young manhood he became a professional ball player,
and was one of the pitchers of the Pelican team of New Orleans of the
Southern League, and was also in the Interstate League and later the
Eastern League. In 1898 Mr. Haeger took up auctioneering and has
attained to a national reputation in this line. In 1911 he was elected
on the Republican ticket supervisor of Algonquin Township, and still
holds that office. For many years he has been alderman of Algonquin,
and is admittedly one of its foremost men, his volume of business aggre-
gating $100,000 annually. His extensive stock barns are located at
Algonquin. Mr. Haeger has, in the past twelve years, developed the
champion show herd of Holstein cattle in the world. In 1890 he did
his first auctioneering, taking it up as a regular line of business in 1898,
and owing to his lifetime experience with Holsteins, his services have
naturally been in demand at the biggest sales of blooded stock in the
country. He has received the highest price ever paid for male and
female animals in the United States. Mr. Haeger has rendered his
services as auctioneer all over the United States and Canada, and is
one of the best-known men in the stock industry.

On May 28, 1901, Mr. Haeger was married to Miss Ruth M. Ycrkcs,
a daughter of Frank Yerkes, one of the leading men of Algonquin, and
they have one son, Robert Douglas, who was born March 12, 1912.
Mr. and Mrs. Haeger belong to the Congregational church.' A potent
factor in the development of his community, Mr. Haeger displays in
every way his business ability and public spirit, and no man in the
county or state is more popular than he.

620 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

ALVA II. HALE.

Alva II. Hale, supervisor of Nunda Township, and a very successful
operator of farm lands, lives at Crystal Lake, where lie and his family
are regarded as being among its most essential citizens. He was horn
in Nunda Township, October 22, 1869, only son of Osman M. and
Lurelia (Webster) Hale. Osman M. Hale was one of the prosperous
fanners of Nunda Township, whose death occurred December 29, 1909.
His widow survives.

Alva H. Hale attended the grammar and high schools of McHenry
County, and has been a resident of Crystal Lake since he was seventeen
years old. After completing his school life, he embarked in a grocery-
business at Crystal Lake and continued in it for fifteen years, having
learned the business as clerk while attending school. In 1906, he began
dealing in farm implements. In December 1911, he was appointed super-
visor to fill out the unexpired term of deputy sheriff Ben Troop, and
the next spring he was elected to the same office. He also served as
a member of the city council of Crystal Lake for one term, and was
township treasurer of Nunda Township for several years. Mr.- Hale
served on the school board of Crystal Lake for fifteen years, and has
always been a strong Republican.

On June 6, 1S94, Mr. Hale was married to Miss May G. Hamilton,
a daughter of William T. Hamilton, and a member of one of the old
families of Crystal Lake. Mr. and Mrs. Hale have two children, namely:
Marion L. and Hamilton 0. Mr. Hale has under his direction nearly
1,000 acres of land in the county. All this property is in Nunda
Township. Mrs. Hale owns the. beautiful residence at Crystal Lake
which was elected at a cost of $10,000. Mr. Hale's fraternal affiliations
are with the Masons and Modern Woodmen of America. His long
association with the public affairs of his city and township has given
him a valuable experience and affairs of moment placed in his hands are
certain to receive capable and immediate attention.

WILLIAM D. HALL.

William D. Hall, one of the most prominent men of McHenry ( Ounty,
is senior member of the lumber firm of Hall & Eckert of Harvard, and
vice president of the Harvard State Bank. He was born in Wisconsin,

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 621

September 3, 1850, one of four children born to Henry and Lucy (Clark)
Hall. Henry Hall was born in New York state, in 1813, and his wife
was a native of the same state. After their marriage, they moved to
Wisconsin, and later located in McHenry County, where he died July 1,
1884, his widow surviving him until June, 1903.

William D. Hall attended the public schools of Wisconsin, Walworth
Academy, and the Chicago University. After completing his studies,
Mr. Hall embarked in a lumber business at Harvard, and from then,
1873, to the present time has been associated with its development, the
annual business now aggregating $80,000. Mr. Hall also owns a choice
farm of 107 acres in Wisconsin. In 1910, the value of his connection
with the Harvard State Bank was recognized, and he was made its vice
president.

On November 29, 1889, Mr. Hall was married to Miss Euretta
Young, a daughter of Henry Young of Albany, Vt., and they have
one son, William H., who is completing his studies at the Beloit, Wis.,
College, having already been graduated from the Northwestern Military
Academy at Lake Geneva, in 1918. Mr. Hall belongs to Harvard Lodge
No. 309, A. F. & A. M., and is also a Knight Templar. A Republican,
he was elected mayor of Harvard for one term, and has also served in
the city council, being one of the most public spirited officials the city
has ever had. Mr. Hall is one of the wealthy men of Harvard, but he is
something more, for he is one of the most popular and highly respected,
for it is generally recognized that his ample means have come through
legitimate channels, and as the result of honorable business methods,
directed by unusual sagacity and knowledge of existing conditions.

JOHN C. HALLISY.

John C. Hallisy, one of the honored retired farmers of Woodstock,
was born in Hartland Township, March 8, 1848, a son of John and Mary
(Walsh) Hallisy, both born in County Cork, Ireland, but married at
Newark, N. J. John Hallisy was engaged as boss of a gang of workmen
on the construction work of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, and being
pleased with the outlook in McHenry County, took up land in the timber
at Hartland Township on section 22, settling on his farm in May, 1841.

Two brothers of John Hallisy, Timothy and Daniel, took up land
adjoining his and all three spent the remainder of their lives on their

622 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

farms, John dying at the age of sixty-four years; Daniel at the age of
seventy, and Timothy at the advanced age of ninety-three years. Mrs.
D. F. Coakley, of Woodstock, is a granddaughter of Timothy Hallisy.
These brothers were among the tirsl settlers in Hart land Township, and
were followed by another brother, Cornelius, who also died in the town-
ship at the age of eighty-seven years. All of these brothers were original
members of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, which was started in 1846.
Prior to that year services were held at the home of Andrew Donnelly.
Rev. Father Hampston was the first resident priest, and he was later
succeeded by Father Eagan, who served the parish for twenty-five years.

The wife of John Ilallisy survived him many years, living to be ninety-
nine years old, during her last years being tenderly cared for by her
daughter, Mrs. Hannah Deneen, of Marengo Township. The children
of John Hallisy and his wife were as follows: Hannah, who is Mrs.
Deneen; Elizabeth, wdio is the widow of Nicholas Grady, who died at
Woodstock in 1916; Mary, who is Mrs. Timothy Deneen, of Woodstock;
Anna, who is the widow of Roderick Cooney, who died fourteen years
ago, and she lives at Woodstock; and John C, who was the youngest.

John C. Hallisy remained with his father until his death, and then
bought the home farm of 312 acres to which he added until it is now over
400 acres, and improved it so that it is one of the best rural properties in
the township. It is especially adapted for milk production. While he
had charge of the farm he kept a herd of from thirty to forty Durham
cows. In 1910 he turned the operation of the farm over to his sons. To
one son he gave a fine tract of ninety acres. He had erected two barns
and silos, drained and tiled his property, and put in all the improvements
he deemed necessary to make it fitted for dairying purposes. All of his
mature years he has been a Democrat. He is a Catholic by inheritance
and conviction and connected with St. Patrick's parish.

John C. Hallisy was married to Bridget E. Wallace, a daughter of
Thomas and Margaret Wallace, who were born in Ireland. She was
born in McHenry Township, March 6, 1S59, although the greater part of
her life has been passed in Hartland Township. Mr. and Mrs. Hallisy
became the parents of the following children: John, who married
Margaret Hurley, has three children — John C, Margaret M., and
Edward R., is engaged in farming near the old farm; James, who married
Margaret Castetter, has these children — J. Francis, Robert and Dorothy
E., on the homestead; Mary, who is Mrs. John Flavin, of Chicago;
Margaret, who married Roy Cowlen, a merchant of Hartland Station;

A

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 623

Florence, who is Mrs. Charles Croak, of Chicago, has a daughter, Lois J. ;
Edward, who is with his brother James; George, who is a student attend-
ing the Woodstock High School; and William H. and Hannah L., who
are deceased.

Coming as he does of fine old pioneer stock, Mr. Hallisy is one of the
representative men of McHenry County, and during a long and useful
life he has contributed much toward upbuilding his community. He
has not desired to enter the public arena, but has rather endeavored to
do his duty as a citizen in private, carefully considering problems as
they have come up and voting upon them conscientiously according
to his best judgment. He has reared a fine family who are doing him
and his wife credit, and sustaining the reputation of the name and devel-
oping into desirable and constructive citizens, whose work is always
directed toward the securing of community betterment and better living
cond'tions.

THEODORE HAMER.

Theodore Hamer, county recorder of McHenry County, and a director
of the McHenry County National Bank of Woodstock, has long been
recognized as one of the leading men of McHenry County. He was born
in Germany, February 9, 1869, a son of Claus H. and Anna (Giese)
Hamer, who had five children, four of whom survive. Claus H. Hamer
was a shoemaker by trade, and worked at his calling all his life.

Theodore Hamer left Germany in 1883, and in 1886 he located in
McHenry County. After obtaining his citizen's papers, he became a
strong Republican, and his services to his party were recognized by his
election to the office of circuit clerk, after he had served for some time
as deputy county clerk. Later, he was elected county recorder, and his
present deputies are William T. Conn and Miss Emma Shearer.

In 1892 Mr. Hamer was married to Miss Emma Shearer, a daughter
of George Shearer, and they have four children. The family all belong
to the Presbyterian church, in which they take an active part. Frater-
nally, Mr. Hamer belongs to the Masons, Odd Fellows and Modern
Woodmen of America. A very efficient and painstaking official, he gives
universal satisfaction, and is held in the highest esteem throughout the
county, where he is recognized as a loyal citizen and most excellent man.

624 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

FRANK E. HANAFORD.

Frank E. Hanaford, one of the retired citizens of Woodstock, was
formerly actively engaged in teaming work in McHenry County. He
was horn at Newhampton, N. II., December 8, 1842, a son of Aaron and
Sarah (Curtis) Hanaford, natives of New Hampshire and Vermont,
respectively, who were married in the latter state. The Hanaford
family originated in England, representatives of it coming to New
Hampshire at an early day. A Captain Hanaford commanded a company
of New Hampshire men during the American Revolution.

A brother of Aaron Hanaford, Milton, came to Illinois about 1850,
settling at Huntley, where he was later joined by the former. Aaron
Hanaford and his wife had the following children: Mary Elizabeth, who
married Morris Parks, died in the state of Washington, in 1918, aged
eighty-two years; Frank E. ; and Isadora, who is Mrs. Kimbally of
Woodstock.

Frank E. Hanaford was fifteen years of age when the family located
in McHenry County, and he lived with his father until he enlisted in
1861, in Company A, Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in response
to the first call of President Lincoln, and served during the Civil War as
a brave soldier. He has long belonged to the local post of the Grand
Army of the Republic, and has attended several national encampments.
enjoying meeting his old comrades in this way.

In 1865 Frank E. Hanaford was married to Melissa Sears of Seneca
Township, born in New York, who was brought to McHenry County
when a child by her parents, Clark and Abigail Sears. They settled in
Seneca Township, where both died at an advanced age, Mrs. Hanaford
being the only survivor of her family. Mr. and Mrs. Hanaford became
the parents of the following children: Edward, who lives at Woodstock,
is a dealer in oil and gas; Mabel, who married W. H. Monroe, lives at
Humbolt, Iowa; Frank C, who conducted the leading teaming and
draying business at Woodstock, retired some years ago; and Ida M.,
who is actively engaged in church* work. One daughter, Maud, died in
young womanhood. The surviving daughters have always taken an
active part in church work and social life. This is one of the best-known
families in the county. The pleasant home at No. 442 South Street.
was built by Mr. Hanaford in 1868, and it has long been a favorite
gathering place for the friends of the family. Mr. Hanaford himself is
a well-known, thoroughly reliable and highly respected citizen, and a
man who commands confidence wherever he is known.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 625

In connection with his experiences as a soldier during the Civil War
Mr. Hanaford relates an account of the escape of himself and Ben
Gardner, from Wauconda, 111.; Marvin Sheldon, from Crystal Lake,
111.; Daniel Burton, from Woodstock, 111.; Andrew LaCelle, from Wood-
stock, 111.; who were prisoners of the Confederacy. On October 4, 1864,
he was captured near Ackworth, Ga., and taken across the Chattahoochee
River, and after several changes was confined at Andersonville. At that
time there were from 8,000 to 10,000 prisoners in the cramped quarters.
Even at this day he recalls with distinction the horrors of that prison
with its inadequate and miserable food and unsanitary conditions. The
prisoners were unsufficiently clad, their wounds were neglected and
deaths were many and frequent. Mr. Hanaford was one of those de-
tailed to assist in removing each morning those who had died during
the previous night. He was there for one month, and from all that he
observed he states it as his firm belief that no one ever really escaped
from that stronghold.

Fearing the advance of General Sherman, the Confederates took
detachments of prisoners to Savannah, Ga., and from there Mr. Hana-
ford and his companions after three or four days were run into the pine
woods ninety to ninety-five miles southwest of Savannah, and placed
under guard. Once more the prisoners were moved, and finally while
in camp, near Thomasville, Ga., nearly 100 miles away from the Union
forces, the five men above referred to, made their escape on December 11.
All were members of the Fifteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. These
five men had only a pint of beans, one pint of cornmeal, a little salt,
and one tin cup by way of equipment and supplies. They had planned
to travel by night, which they did, excepting about two miles and lay
in the swamps by day. Chickens and sweet potatoes were the principal
living which they foraged during the night, usually finding plenty, but
never getting very hungry, never asking for help, and their hardships
were pitiful. Finally on January 2, 1865, twenty-two days after their
escape the five reached the flag fort on the Island of Fernandina, and
they imported to the provost marshal, who provided for their needs.
From there they finally took a steamboat to Hilton Head, S. C, and
from there went up to Beaufort, S. C. There through some misunder-
standing these brave soldiers were held for examination by a subordinate,
but when the adjutant-general of the Seventeenth Army Corps had the
matter called to his attention, he relieved the subordinate from duty,
and gave the escaped prisoners a thirty-day furlough. From there they
went north to New York City, and the Soldiers Home. They were

626 HISTORY OF .M.IIKXHY COUNTY

sent to Chicago by way of Cleveland, and then on home. In June, he
wont to Springfield to be mustered out of the service, but as hi- papers

had not arrived, after two weeks of waiting, returned home. Finally
he was mustered out July 20.

It is impossible to give in so restricted a space the many intensely
interesting incidents told by Mr. Hanaford with reference to this thrilling
escape. He has related all of this in a most interesting narrative called
"War. Prison and Escape," which ought to be given to the public in
some permanent form by him on account of its truthfulness and general
interest. He states that his comrades LaCelle and Sheldon are dead
and that the former's daughter Eva married his son Frank.

AUGUST HAHX.

August Hahn, a farmer whose prosperity has been self-gained, is a
man who is highly respected in Chemung Township where his property
is located, it being seven miles northwest of Harvard. He was born
at White Oak, Chemung Township, two miles from his present farm,
April 24, 1865, a son of Lewis and Mary (Randt) Hahn, natives of
Saxony, Germany, who were married in Illinois.

Lewis Hahn had come to the United States during the early sixties,
and worked for Austin Diggins of Harvard, and while thus employed
he hauled the first load of lumber used in the building of the village.
His wife was a sister of Dera Randt, the mother of Ernest Goodknecht,
a sketch of whom is given elsewhere in this work. After their marriage,
Lewis Hahn and his wife worked on the farm of Abe Carmack and then
rented land for awhile. At last he bought eighty acres of land, going
into debt for it all. A few acres were cleared and there was a log house
on the property, but before he retired to Sharon, he had put the property
into fine shape. His death occurred at Sharon in 1910, aged seventy-two
his wife having passed away in 1909. Lewis Hahn added to his original
farm until he had 110 acres in the home place, and he also bought
120 acres now occupied by August Hahn, about 1S87. He had two
children, namely: August, whose name heads this review; and Lydia
Lora Hahn. who resides at Harvard, but owns the homestead. The
parents are buried in the Burr Oak Cemetery in Boone County near
their old home. They were devout members of the Lutheran church of
Harvard, and Mr. Halm helped to build the new church edifice.

August Hahn remained at home until he came to his present farm

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 627

twenty-five years ago. On February 19, 1894, he was united in marriage
with Bena Zimmerman, a daughter of John and Bena Zimmerman, now
living retired at Sharon. Both were born in Bavaria, Germany, and
there married, coming to the United States in 1883. Mr. Hahn had
been renting land for six years prior to his marriage, but then moved
on this property which has been his home ever since. To it he has
added what was the Jim Barnes farm of sixty acres on the north, for
which he paid $60 per acre, and the Banner farm of sixty acres to the
north of his second farm, for which he paid $77 per acre. His property
is all in one farm, and here he carries on dairying and grain farming,
keeping fifteen cows. Mr. Hahn has erected a silo and outbuildings,
and makes other improvements as they are needed, for he takes great
pride in his property and seeks to keep it in tiptop condition. In 1914
he built a new house on an elevation that commands a magnificent
view of the surrounding country, and it is thoroughly modern in every
respect, being supplied with hot and cold running water, a heating
plant and electric light. One-half the basement is used for the heating
plant and the other half as a garage. His farm machinery is of the latest
design, and operated by a tractor of six plow capacity. In fact every-
thing about this finely improved farm bespeaks the efficiency of the
owner and his adoption of modern methods in everything he undertakes.
For two seasons he has operated a threshing outfit with customary suc-
cess. Politically he is a Republican.

Mr. and Mrs. Hahn have the following children: Louis August,
who is in partnership with his father, was drawn on the first draft,
reclassified, but on the second draft was called, and was ready to go
when the Armistice was signed-, married Martha Royce; Perley Albert,
who is at home; and Jesse, who is working at Piano, 111. A great believer
in farm life, Mr. Hahn has brought up his sons to this calling, and they
are proving that not only is it a very important industry, but a paying
one as well.

H. S. HANCHETT.
Page 138.

CHARLES W. HARRISON.

Charles W. Harrison, proprietor of the Meadow Lawn Stock Farm
one of the most finely developed rural properties in McHenry Township,

628 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

was bom April 17, 1S(>7, :il the home of his uncle John Harrison, and
until lie was two years old lived with this uncle, who loved him as
though he had been his own son. When he attained to man's estate,
he began working for Richard Carr, on a farm he now owns.

On March 20, 1SS9, Charles W. Harrison was married to Ella Hotch-
kiss, a daughter of George W. and Helen (Boone) Hotchkiss, natives of
New York and Kentucky, respective^. The Boone family came to
McIIenry County at an early day as did the Hotchkisses, and Ella
Hotchkiss was born at Greenwood. Following his marriage, Mr. Harrison
rented the Carr farm for five years, and then bought it, living on it until
1911, when he retired to Ringwood, where he had a house built by his
uncle, Charles Harrison, and occupied by him as a residence for many
years. This house is located on one of the pleasantest spots for a home
in this region, and in the yard are sixteen fine old oak trees, relics of the
days when much of the higher land in McHenry County was covered
with a heavy growth of magnificent timber.

The farm, formerly known as the Carr property, contains 155 acres
of land, and has been known as the Meadow Lawn Stock Farm, since
Mr. Harrison assumed charge of it. He erected the present house and
barns, and it is now devoted to dairy purposes, his son, Chauncey L.,
conducting it along the same lines as his father. For thirty years Mr.
Harrison was engaged in breeding thoroughbred Holstein cattle, keeping
fifty head of pure breed, and his product has been exhibited at the
fairs held at Freeport, 111., Elkhart, Wis., and other points, and secured
many honors. Sales of the stock were held annually, and shipments
for breeding purposes were made to countries as far distant as Japan.
Mr. Harrison was one of the first farmers to have a herd of pure-bred
Holstein cattle in McIIenry County. He carries on his stock business
in partnership with his son, but does not supervise other of the opera-
tions, feeling that he deserves a little leisure. He has never aspired
to enter public life.

Mr. and Mrs. Harrison became the parents of the following children:
Chauncey L.; and Ethel F., who is Mrs. Lonnie L. Smith, lives near
Ringwood. The son was married to Myrtle Wattles, a daughter of Frank
Wattles, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Chauncey L.
Harrison and his wife have two children, namely: Francis and Helen.
Charles W. Harrison is a member of McHenry Lodge, A. F. & A. M.:
Woodstock Chapter, R. A. M.; Woodstock Commandery, K. T.; and
Medinah Temple, Mystic Shrine, Chicago, and is past master of Mc-
IIenry lodge. He also belongs to Greenwood Camp, M. W. A. His son

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 629

is also a Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery Mason. The Harrison
family is one of the oldest and most highly respected ones in McHenry
County, and its members are held in the highest regard in this and other
counties.

CLAYTON C. HARRISON.

Clayton C. Harrison, one of the substantial farmers of McHenry
County, owns a fine farm in McHenry Township, nine miles east of
Woodstock. He was born on the old Harrison farm west of Ringwood,
May 29, 1872, a son of William Harrison, now deceased, and was there
reared.

On April 6, 1897, Clayton C. Harrison was married to Flora Sher-
burne, born east of McHenry, a daughter of Robert H. and Sarah M.
(Colby) Sherburne. Robert H. Sherburne was born in New Hampshire,
February 3, 1832, and on his mother's side of the house belonged to the
old Eaton family of New Hampshire. He died December 11, 1909.
When he was nineteen years old, he was married at Boston, Mass., to
Bessie Stocker, soon thereafter moving to Green Bay, Wis., then a
trading post, where he was employed by the United States government
in making surveys. Later he returned to Concord, N. H. In the
meanwhile the Stocker family had come to McHenry County, settling
on the River road south of McHenry, and Robert H. Sherburne and his
wife followed them in either 1856 or 1857, and here Mrs. Sherburne
died soon after the close of the Civil War, leaving a family of small
children.

On January 1, 1869, Mr. Sherburne was married (second) to Sarah
Colby, a daughter of Ira Colby, one of the pioneers of McHenry County.
Sarah Colby was born at Danville, Va., August 16, 1833, but when six
years old was brought to McHenry County, and for some years was her
father's housekeeper, as her mother died when she was young. After
his second marriage, Mr. Sherburne lived for two years on a farm east
of McHenry, and then in 1871 moved on the farm of 160 acres now
occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Harrison, and remained there until 1894,
when he retired to McHenry and there died. During the time he was
on the farm, he worked hard to develop it, and through his efforts it
has become a very valuable property, although all of his buildings have
been replaced by Mr. Harrison with more modern ones. Mr. Sherburne
was on the school board nearly all of the time he lived in McHenry

630 HISTORY OF BfcHENRY COUNTY

Township, and he also served as road commissioner. He was a well-
read man, and a supporter of Republican principles and candidates.
For years he attended the services of the Methodist Episcopal church at
McHenry, where his wife attended. By his first marriage Mr. Sherburne
had the following children: .Maria, who is the widow of William Wilson,
lives at Maeon, 111.; Mary, who is Mrs. O. E. Churchill, lives at Liberty-
ville, 111.: Roberta, who is the widow of Milo Wheden, lives at Fort
Smith. Ark.; Anna, who lives with her stepmother; Robert, who is a
farmer of Albion, Boone County, Neb.; Ruth, who married E. J. Mans-
lield. died in young womanhood; Fred, who married Lulu Colby, operated
the Sherburne farm for a time, but died after he was thirty, and is
survived by his widow. Mrs. Harrison is the only child born of her
father's second marriage.

For six years after his marriage, Clayton C. Harrison conducted the
old Harrison farm, and then sixteen years ago came to the Sherburne
farm, where he has since resided. In 1915 he erected the present fine
modern residence, the barn having been built in 1914. The latter is
34 x 96 feet, with stabling in the basement, and there is also a large silo
on the place. Dairying is the main feature, and his herd is composed of
registered Holstein cattle. He also sells breeding animals. A Re-
publican, he has served on the school board for about sixteen years.
Mrs. Harrison is a Methodist, attending service at Ringwood, three
miles away. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison have the following children:
Margaret, who has been a teacher for two years, is meeting with the
same success as did her mother, who was also in the educational field
prior to her marriage; Florence Sue; Mary, who is attending Beloit
College; William; Ella and James. The four eldest children have been
graduated from the McHenry High School, and the younger ones give
promise of being equally intellectual.

The Harrison home is one of the nicest ones in McHenry County,
and Mr. Harrison pursues his farm work according to the most modern
methods known to agriculture. Both he and his wife are very popular,
and deservedly so, and they are splendid representatives of some of the
best pioneer stock of this region.

ELLERY A. HARRISON.

Ellen- A. Harrison, one of the progressive farmers of Hartland
Township, is located two miles wist of Woodstock where he is carrying

o^

£-

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 631

on dairying and general farming. He was born in the village of Mc-
Henry, May 3, 1SG1, a son of William and Jeanette (Thayer) Harrison,
he born in England in 1822, died at the age of seventy-two years;
and she, born in 1828, died in 1896 when sixty-eight years old. He was
brought to the United States when a child, and was reared in Oneida
County, N. Y., from whence he came to McHenry County, 111., after
his marriage, and all of his children were born in Illinois. The first
land he bought was located four miles south of McHenry, but he later
moved to McHenry Township, and lived in the village of McHenry
for a time. Still later he returned to his farm where he remained until
1867, at which time he bought the farm now owned by his son, Ellery
A., which lies on the line between Hartland and Greenwood townships.
His children were as follows; Lyman, who lives with his son at Lockport,
111.; Leonard, who after spending his active years on a farm in Minne-
sota, is now living retired at Elgin, 111.; Mary, who married Arthur
Stewart, is living in North Dakota; and Ellery A., who is the youngest.

Ellery A. Harrison lived on his father's homestead, and when his
father died, he bought out the other heirs and now has one of the model
farms of his neighborhood. His modern residence was erected by him
in 1914, and he built his barn in 1907. He has a silo and accommoda-
tions for a herd of twenty-four cows of the Holstein strain. His home
is one of the most desirable ones in the county, and is modern in every
respect, being supplied with hot and cold water, electric lights, a sleeping
porch and compares favorably with any city residence. The dairy
barn carries out all of the state requirements, and is a model of its kind.
Many of his ideas have been adopted by his neighbors after he has
proved their value.

Ellery A. Harrison was married December 22, 1886, to Nettie
Whipple, of Dunham Township, a daughter of Virgil and Jane (Durant)
Whipple, both of whom are deceased. Her brother, Augustus Whipple
is on the Whipple homestead. Mrs. Harrison was born in a log house,
March 30, 1867. She attended the local schools and was engaged in
teaching school in that same district for two years prior to her marriage.
Mr. and Mrs. Harrison have no children of their own, but have taken
two into their hearts and home. These girls, Inez and Blanche Steven-
son, were sent to the Woodstock High School, from which they were
graduated. They were then given a normal-school training, and are
now engaged in teaching school.

Mr. Harrison is a Republican, and when he cast his first vote there
were only thirty Republican ballots polled in Hartland Township.

632 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

During the late war Mis. Harrison took a very active part in war work,
serving as chairman of several of the committees and did more than her
share in raising the quotas for the Red Cross, Liberty Loan and other
drives in her community.

HOMER MARCELLUS HASTINGS.

Homer Marcellns Hastings, now deceased, was one of the prominent
business men of Richmond Township, whose operations as a stock dealer
made him widely known, lived one-half mile outside the village of Rich-
mond. He was born at Pittsford, Monroe County, X. Y., October 7,
1S46, and came to McHenry County in the Spring of 1858. After his
arrival here he was married to Eliza Belle Martin, born in Richmond
Township, March 21, 1853, a daughter of Lovain and Fanny (Whiston)
Martin, natives of Massachusetts and Utica, X. Y., respectively. They
were married near Hebron, 111., he having come to McHenry County
with his brother Benjamin, and she with her parents. Benjamin
Martin located in Richmond Township. Mr. and Mrs. Whiston also
came to McHenry County, locating in Richmond Township, where he
died at the age of eighty-three years, and she at the age of eighty-six
years. Fanny Whiston was only sixteen years old at the time of her
marriage, and she and her husband continued to reside in Richmond
Township, dying at their homestead, later the home of Mr. Hastings,
when both were seventy-one years of age. although twelve years apart,
as Mrs. Martin was much younger than her husband. Their family
was as follows: Mis. Hastings; Anna Maria, who died at the age of
six years; and Lillie, who died in infancy. Mrs. Hastings was seventeen
years old when her parents located on their present farm, and nineteen
at the time of her marriage.

H. M. Hastings spent twenty-four years in Richmond as a stock
buyer, and then, when Mrs. Martin died, he took charge of the farm
of 167 acres in Richmond Township, which he made his home, until his
death, although he continued to buy and ship stock, being the leading
stock buyer of this region. The dairy interests were promoted on the
farm and Mr. Hastings also bred Jersey cattle. Mr. Hastings was a
man of parts, and served on the county equalization board, on the
village board, and as road commissioner, and was a Republican in his
political convictions. Both a Mason and member of the Eastern Star,

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY G33

Mr. Hastings was well known in both orders, and Mrs. Hastings is
equally interested in the Woman's Relief Corps and the Royal Neighbors.
They had no children, and he was the sole survivor of his family as
Mrs. Hastings was of hers.

Mrs. Hastings is one of the most intelligent ladies of McHenry
County, and her literary talents find expression in her work as local
correspondent for metropolitan journals, in which she has been engaged
for the past quarter of a century. When a girl she learned spinning and
weaving, she is a musician of no mean ability and has taught both
instrumental and vocal music, and for years was one of the members of
the choir of the Richmond Methodist Episcopal church. The old log
cabin, a relic of pioneer days, on the fair grounds at Woodstock, was
secured through the instrumentality of Mrs. Hastings, it having been
the original home of Jonathan Imeson, one of whose descendants is
Mrs. Albert Gibb of Richmond Township. Mr. Imeson was a near
neighbor of Mrs. Hastings' parents. No movement has been promul-
gated for the purpose of bettering conditions or raising the moral standard
of Richmond Township, that has not had the effective support of Mrs.
Hastings, and to her co-operation, through her work as correspondent,
and in other capacities, is due the success of more than one of these
enterprises.

Mr. Hastings died suddenly, at 7 A. M. December 27, 1920. The
funeral was held in the Methodist Episcopal church, Wednesday follow-
ing, at 1:30 P. M. The Masons had charge of the services at the grave.
His remains were interred in the Richmond Cemetery. In the passing
of Mr. Hastings his community suffered a distinct loss.

JASPER HAVEN.

Jasper Haven, now deceased, was one of the men who exerted a
strong influence upon the growth of Seneca Township and Marengo,
and whose death was a distinct loss to his community. He was born
in Oswego County, N. Y., October 4, 1816, and died October 14, 1900,
being buried on October 16, which was the thirtieth anniversary of his
wedding, which occurred at Waterloo, Iowa, October 16, 1870, when he
was united with Julia E. Hull, born July 8, 1833, at Churchville, N. Y.,
and died May 14, 1919. She was brought to Seneca Township at an
early day by her widowed mother and a brother, Gordon Hull, but
later removal was made to Iowa where Mr. and Mrs. Hull both died.

634 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

Jasper Haven went from New York to Pennsylvania, and when he
was twenty-one years of age, with his cart lily possessions tied in a red
bandana handkerchief, set out for the South to become an overseer on a
plantation. This was aliout 1831. When he reached Cincinnati, Ohio,
the steamboat on which he was traveling, blew up, but the ambitious
young man managed to work his way down the river as far as Cairo,
purposing to go to New Orleans. There he secured employment in a
saw-mill, and helped to saw the first rails for the first proposed railroad
in Illinois, which were to be 20 foot 4x6 white oak timbers, laid end
to end, and straps of iron nailed on top. He worked eighteen hours
per day, receiving SI. 50 per day for his work, and when he worked at
night, he received 82. Later he was made cook for the camp, and
remained with it until 1841, and then hearing of the land Bales in
Northern Illinois, he came to Chicago, and from there walked to Union,
McHenry County. About the same time, his sister, Lorinda, wife of
T. J. Richards, came to McHenry County, and she and her husband
secured land about three miles north of Marengo. Another sister,
Fidelia, wife of Jonathan F. AVolcott, and two brothers, Edmond and
Edson, settled at Union. Jasper Haven bought in Seneca Township
for SI. 25 per acre what the present generation knows as the Crandall
farm, it being three and one-half miles north of Union. Here he devel-
oped a farm, and enjoyed the companionship of his sisters and brothers,
and lived with Mrs. Wolcott until his marriage. After his marriage he
sold his old farm, but bought other land, and at one time owned 600
acres of land in McHenry County. He had also bought up many tax
titles in Wisconsin and Iowa, his holdings in all aggregating about
1 .tiOO acres. He was a very successful farmer, at one time having four
crops of wheat threshed which he had kept in the stack to save the price
of a "rainary. Mr. Haven never spared himself, and in order to secure
a little ready money, which was very scarce in the early days, would
work at anything offered. From the first he recognized the advisability
of keeping a good strain of horses, and his product became famous
throughout a wide region, he specializing on them and grain. He bought
the David Page farm in Marengo Township for two cousins, Edson and
Leander, but after one year they decided they could never pay the
88,000 mortgage, so he took it back. It was to this property that he
brought his bride in 1870, and they lived there until 1879, when he
moved to Marengo on account of having been stricken with paralysis
in one hand, and there lived retired. This farm sold in 1919 for nearly
S200 per acre. Mr. Haven was a Republican, and served as tax collector

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 635

in Seneca Township. He cast his first vote for a Democrat, but left that
party soon afterwards, never to return to it. Not a man to seek office,
he preferred to do his duty as a citizen in a private capacity. His worth
and sterling honesty were so generally recognized that he was oftentimes
called upon to act as guardian for orphans. The Presbyterian church
had in him a liberal supporter. An advocate of temperance, he aided in
the organization of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and
was active in promoting the prohibition work, but never was willing to
affiliate himself with the political end of the movement.

Jasper Haven and his wife had the following children: Helen A., who
married Rev. H. R. Upton, a Presbyterian minister, of Worthington,
Minn., taught school for ten terms prior to her marriage, three of them
being in the home district; and Glenni J., who was named for Senator
G. W. Scofield of Pennsylvania.

Glenni J. Haven was born November 9, 1873, and was reared in
McHenry County. He attended the Cedar Falls Normal School, and
then schools in McHenry and Boone counties for two years, when he
entered the law department of the Northern Illinois College, from
which he was graduated with the degree of LL. B., later taking a post
graduate course and receiving the degree of LL. M. He was admitted
to the bar of Missouri and of Tennessee, and was engaged in the practice
of his profession at Nashville, Tenn. for two years, when his health
failed, and he returned to Marengo, and until 1919, supervised the oper-
ation of the home farm. For two years Mr. Haven served as police
magistrate of Marengo, and since then he has been known as "Judge."

Like his father he is a stanch Republican, but limits his politics to
casting his vote for the candidates of his party. For two years he con-
ducted the Marengo Hotel, and was successful in that, for his talents are
diversified. A true patriot, when he felt he would be of service to his
country, he entered the second officers' training camp at Fort Sheridan,
and was honorably discharged when the signing of the Armistice made
it unnecessary for him to continue his excellent training, although he
was ready and anxious to see active service.

In 1906 Mr. Haven was united in marriage with Louise Medlar of
Woodstock, who died in less than a year after marriage. On February
12, 1916, Mr. Haven was married (second) to Mrs. Mae Roberts of Iowa,
a daughter of John Dean, who was a pioneer of Coral Township, who had
late]- moved to Iowa. There are no children. Mrs. Haven has a son
by her first marriage, Sergeant Elba J. Roberts, who was with the
Railroad Transport Corps in France, and was sent across in June, 1918.

636 1IISTOKV OP .M.IIKXKV COUNTY

Sergeant Roberts was a railroad man, and was the only conductor who
registered from McHonry Count}'. He was in Franco in forty days after
being called into the service. Mr. Haven is a Mason and is active in his
fraternity, belonging to Marengo Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Lansing Chapter,
R. A. M. of Marengo, and Woodstock Commandery, K. T. The Presby-
terian church holds his membership, and earlier in life he was active in
Sunday school work.

In 1919, having sold his farm in Marengo Township, he moved to
Millsville, Clark County, Wis., where he has a large farm and is engaged
in raising thorough-bred Holstein cattle.

LEWIS HATCH.

Lewis Hatch, who was one of the oldest men of Mellenry County,
died on his farm at English Prairie, when he was within two months of
being ninety-three years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of
Mandana Hatch, survived him and lived to be eighty-eight. Mr. Hatch
was one of the heaviest landowners in the county, his holdings in
McHenry aggregating over 1,000 acres, and he also owned 6,000 acres in
Minnesota and land in Nebraska and Kansas, and about 6.000 acres in
the State of Washington, his estate amounting to something like 8300,000.
Prior to his death Mr. Hatch arranged his affairs and divided his property
between his three sons, Miles, Fred and Frank. His children, five in
number, were as follows: Fayette, who died in infancy; Miles, who died
March 6, 1919, had lived in the state of Washington where he was a
lumberman, dairyman, feeder of Guernsey cattle and a hop grower, is
survived by a son, Lewis, who lives at Alderson, Wash.; Fred L., who is
mentioned below; Frank W., who lives in Lake County, 111.; and Mrs.
Augustus Hubbard. Mr. Hubbard, a former mayor of Elgin, 111., is now
deceased. After going to Washington, Lewis Hatch never returned to
McHenry County, but he looked after his property in Washington.

Fred L. Hatch was born on his father's homestead one mile east of
Spring Grove, November 1, 1S48, and after attending the local schools,
he was a student at the Elgin Academy, and then for some time was
engaged in teaching, beginning this career at the age of nineteen years,
and continuing for three winters in Kane and McHenry Counties, and
for a time taught at Champaign, 111. Still later he returned to the old
farm, living there for awhile, but for the last ten years -has resided in

HISTORY OK McIIENRY COUNTY 637

Lake County, one mile distant from his farm of 333 acres, three-quarters
of which comprises his father's homestead. In addition he owns about
2,000 acres in Minnesota, Michigan and Washington. For ten years
Mr. Hatch served Burton Township as supervisor, and during that time
the county farm was bought and the buildings erected. In 1912 Mr.
Hatch was '.he candidate of the Progressive party for the State Assembly.
In 1890 Mr. Hatch was married to Anna M. Reynolds of Belvidere,
111., who died twenty years later, leaving no children. Mr. Hatch was
married (second) in 1905 to Mrs. Ethelyn (Baker) Foster, of Manistee,
Mich., a daughter of Prof. Samuel Baker, late superintendent of schools
of Manistee, now deceased. Prior to her marriage, Mrs. Hatch was a
high-school teacher, and is an organizer in the work of women in her
neighborhood. Mr. and Mrs. Hatch had two children, but both died in
infancy. Mr. Hatch is a convert to alfalfa growing, having experi-
mented with it on his old home, under instructions from the Farmers'
Institute. He has always been an advocate of the "Good Roads"
movement, and is one of the very progressive men of his neighborhood.

JOHN HAWLEY.

John Hawley, a director in the Huntley State Bank, is interested in
farming in McHenry County, conducting at present two farms, compris-
ing 270 acres of land, in Grafton Township. Mr. Hawley was born in
Germany, August 29, 1862, but was brought to the United States in
1863 by his parents, who located at Crystal Lake, 111. Later they went
to Kansas.

John Hawley attended the common schools of McHenry County,
and after attaining to his majority went into a mercantile business at
Crystal Lake, from whence he moved to Huntley, continuing in the
same line until he retired from it in 1900 to devote himself to his agri-
cultural interests. When the Huntley State Bank was organized, Mr.
Hawley became one of its directors, and he has held this office ever
since. A Republican, Mr. Hawley has been alderman of Huntley for
three terms, and has also served as town clerk.

In 1878 Mr. Hawley was married to Miss Mina Weltzine, and they
have the following children: Edith, who is the wife of J. W. Burns, a
leading merchant of Huntley; Neva, who is the wife of M. J. Van Ness,
bookkeeper for Jelke & Company; and Lillian E., who is at home. The

638 HISTORY OF McIIFXKY COFNTY

family belong to the Congregational church. He belongs to the Odd
Fellows and Woodmen of the World. A man of high principles, he has

conducted his affairs in accordance with them, and has won and retains
the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens.

CHARLES HAWTHORNE.

Charles Hawthorne, township assessor of Hebron Township, and one
of the well known men of Hebron, is a native of the township in which
he lives, and he was born on his father's farm, three miles southeast of
Hebron, March 6, 1866, a son of Isaac and Lorinda (Thomas) Haw-
thorne. Isaac Hawthorne was born in Oneida County, N. Y., and was
married in Illinois, and then located on the farm his parents, Edward and
Rachel Hawthorne, had secured from the government during his boy-
hood. Rachel Hawthorne died on this farm. One of the sons, Isaiah,
secured a portion of the farm and lived on it until his death, Edward
Hawthorne living with him until he died.

Charles Hawthorne lived on the homestead until he was twenty-two
years old, and then, in 1901, bought 160 acres adjoining it, upon which he
lived until about 1914, since which time he has resided at Hebron. Mr.
Hawthorne is now engaged in handling power milking machines. A
Republican, he has been assessor of Hebron Township for four years,
and is very satisfactory in this office. His duties as assessor have made
him known throughout the township, but prior to that he had impressed
people as to his reliability and uprightness by his life among them.

ISAAC HAWTHORNE.

Isaac Hawthorne, now deceased, was formerly one of the successful
farmers of Hebron Township and a man universally respected. He was
born May 30, 1827, and died August 30, 1899. On March 27, 18G2, he
was married to Lorinda Thomas, born October 7, 1839, and died Sep-
tember 9, 1911. He was a son of Edward and Rachel Hawthorne of
Oneida County, N. Y., who, about 1846, came west to Racine, Wis.,
and for one or two years resided there, and then moved to the present
Hawthorne farm, on which both parents died, Edward Hawthorne in

X

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 639

1861 and his wife about sixteen years later, at the age of eighty-three
years. Isaac and Isaiah Hawthorne were their only sons to reach
maturity, the latter dying when thirty-eight years of age. There were
three sisters and an elder half-sister in the family, namely: Elizabeth,
who married a Mr. Foster, survived her husband many years and lived
at Racine, Wis.; Sarah, who married Adam Herzog, lived at Racine, and
died when seventy-two; Mary, who married a Mr. Westcott, moved to
Iowa and died there when about seventy; and Martha, who married
Alonzo Thomas, died in young womanhood. Lorinda (Thomas)
Hawthorne was born in Richmond Township, a daughter of Alfred and
Susan (Westcott) Thomas of New York, who, about 1835, came to
McHenry County, where they were pioneers. Later in life they lived
at Woodstock, where he died about 1874, aged sixty-nine years, but she
died in Mason City, Iowa, aged seventy-six years.

Isaac Hawthorne and his wife began farming on the homestead that
he later acquired, and in time became the owners of 590 acres of land,
all but forty acres in one body, but composing four farms with four sets
of buildings, he being one of the largest landowners and milk producers
in his township, and devoted himself to his farm. In 1900 his widow
came to Hebron, where she continued to live until her death. Their
children were as follows: Sarah Etta, who is the widow of Stephen H.
Holden, to whom she was married May 28, 1902, lost him by death on
April 9, 1919, he having been a farmer until 1904, and after that lived
retired although he had been a butter and cheese maker for some time,
has no children, and lives at Hebron; Charles, a sketch of whom appears
elsewhere; Ida, who died in August, 1907, aged thirty-eight years, was
the wife of A. P. Robertson, now of Hebron; Edward, who is a rural free
delivery carrier at Hebron; Frank, who lives on the original farm of his
grandparents; Alfred, who is a stock buyer of Hebron; and Earl, who is on
his father's last-bought farm in Hebron Township.

WILLIAM HELM.

William Helm, now living retired at Hebron, formerly one of the
successful agriculturalists of McHenry County, was born in Germany,
March 24, 1863, a son of John and Caroline (Peters) Helm, both of
whom were natives of Germany. In 1882 they came to the United
States, locating at Harvard, 111., where a sister of Mrs. Helm, Mrs.

640 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

John Hockstadt, had already settled. Land was secured near Hebron,
and William Helm began working by the month, receiving $180 the firs!
year, $200 the second, and then $18 to $20 per month, for two years
of this time being with Beal Finch. Frugal as well as industrious,
William Helm saved his money and before long was able to rent land,
from Mrs. Merrick, on which he remained for three years, paying cash,
and keeping the proceeds of his work. In this way he secured a nice
start in handling milk, which he sold to local butter and cheese factories.
Mr. Helm, at the expiration of the three years, operated the 160 acre
farm of Melvin Cole, father of A. J. Cole, on shares, and from a herd
of fifty cows shipped over 1,200 pounds of milk daily, and sometimes
exceeded that amount. After remaining on that farm for seven years,
he bought the adjoining farm of eighty acres from Charles Prouty.
paying $80 per acre for it. Later he added forty acres, and remain sd
there for ten years, erecting new buildings, put in wells, and other
improvements, and then sold it for $150 per acre. It is one of the
fine dairy properties of the county. Retiring from farm work, Mr.
Helm located at Hebron, and for twelve years worked at the carpenter
trade, which he had picked up. He has one of the nicest homes in the
village. While a Republican, he has never sought office. Reared in
the Lutheran church, he gives it his support, and although he is not a
member of it, his family are.

In 1888, when twenty-five years of age, Mr. Helm was married to
Anna Puttbreese, born near Stralsund, and came to the United States
when sixteen j'ears old. Her brother, Charles Puttbreese is a retired
farmer of Woodstock. Mr. and Mrs. Helm have the following children:
Anna who married William Goodsmith of Milwaukee, Wis., a locomotive
engineer; Minnie, who married Clarence Stewart, a barber of Hebron;
William, who is foreman of the Borden Dairy Company at McHenry,
has held that position for two years; and Emma, who married Ben
Wilbrandt, a sheep man of Crystal Lake, 111. Mr. Helm is an example
for what America has done for thousands of young men coming here
from Germany. He has been broad enough to recognize his advantages,
and neglected no opportunity to demonstrate his loyalty to his adopted
country during the World War.

GEORGE A. HEMMER

George A. Hemmer, one of the substantial farmers of Grafton Town-
ship, is located one mile west of Huntley, and was born in Coral Town-

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 641

ship, October 14, 1856, a son of George and Kundigunda (Ziegler)
Henimer, both of whom were born near Bamburg, Bavaria, Germany,
and there married. The father gave the compulsory military service to
his country, and then engaged in farming, but left Germany for the
United States in 1842, and landed in New York City without any money.
He went to Woodbridge, N. J., where he secured employment in its
porcelain and clay works, and later came to Illinois. He obtained a
farm of 175 acres in Kane County, on the line between it and McHenry
County, and there he and his wife lived until 1S76, when they traded a
part of their farm for one across the county line, on which he died in
1887, aged seventy years, and she in 1892, when over eighty. They had
lived in that community for over fifty years, and owned 240 acres of
land, which they had turned over to their sons. Their five children were
as follows: Margaret, who married Otto Nichols, lived in the same
neighborhood as her parents until 1884, when she moved to Stearns
County, Minn., and there died; Barbara, who married John Kreuter,
lived in Grafton Township, near Huntley, for twenty-five years, finally
retiring to Huntley, and later to Elgin, 111., where they are now living;
John, who died in 1874, at the age of twenty-two years, was drowned
while skating; George, whose name heads this review; and Joseph, who
was a partner with George in the ownership of the homestead until 1900,
when he died. He never married, and died of typhoid-pneumonia
contracted in the early part of December, 1899, while engaged in ship-
ping some stock from West Union, Iowa. Although very ill, he managed
to reach home before his death, which occurred January 10, 1900.

Following his brother's demise, George Hemmer closed up the outside
business, but continued the stock shipments for fifteen years, operating
upon quite an extensive scale. He still owns the old farm, but for the
past five years has lived on the 107 acres he bought near Huntley some
years ago. On this farm he has a large house and suitable outbuildings.
In a "fire about thirteen years ago, all of the buildings except the house
were burned, and so the barns and other buildings are comparatively
new. One of the barns is 34 x 80 and the other is 54 x 84 feet. There
is a silo and other improvements, and Mr. Hemmer still buys and ships
cattle. He has not taken much part in politics, but his brother, Joseph,
was very active, having been a Democrat until the second administration
of President Cleveland, when he turned independent. His numerous
satirical articles on the "full dinner pail" attracted considerable atten-
tion. Like his father, also a Democrat, Joseph Hemmer was a very

642 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

well-read man. A personal admiration for .lames (1. Blaine led him to
vote for the Republican candidate for the presidency in 1884.

George Hemmer was married when he was thirty-six years old to
Mary Mavis of Coral Township, a daughter of David and Elizabeth
Davis, natives of Wales, both of whom are now deceased. Their children
are as follows: Pear'. K., who was graduated from the Huntley High
School, was engaged as a teacher in the public schools of Kane and
McHenry counties in music and drawing, is a very close student, and
owns one of the best private libraries in the county; Edmond Gerald,
who is attending high school; Elizabeth, who died in childhood; and
Joseph, who is the youngest .

ANDREW H. HENDERSON.

Andrew H. Henderson, ex-sheriff of McHenry County, who is now
living retired at Crystal Lake, is one of the very prominent men of
McHenry County, and a man who is deserving of all the confidence he
inspires. He was born in McHenry County, February 22, 1858, one of
the nine children born to his parents, Andrew H. and Anna (Young)
Henderson, natives of Scotland, who in 1844, came to the United States,
first stopping in Rhode Island, but in 1848, they came west to Illinois,
and located in McHenry County, where they secured a farm, and con-
ducted it thereafter. He died in 1S93, and she in 1894.

Andrew H. Henderson attended district school No. 8, in McHenry
County, and learned to be a practical farmer under his father's instruc-
tion. In 1890, he left the farm to enter a mercantile life at McHenry,
and in 1893 opened a butter and dairy business, which he sold in 1895,
and moved to Crystal Lake to become city marshal, holding that
office until he was elected sheriff of McHenry County on the Republican
ticket, and when his term of office expired, in 1914, he returned to
Crystal Lake and was again city marshal for two years, and then in
1916, he retired. During the time he was sheriff, he proved himself a
fearless official, and gave entire satisfaction to the law-abiding people
of the county. In the fall of 1918, he was a candidate for nomination
for sheriff.

In 1882 Mr. Henderson was married to Miss Lettie Haufiman, a
daughter of David S. Hauffman, and a member of one of the leading
families of McHenry County. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson had two daugh-

HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNTY 643

t crs, namely: Florence, who is married to Ray Neville of Forest Park,
111., and cashier of the Bowman Dairy Company; and Alice A., who is
married to Charles Irwin of Chicago, assistant superintendent of the
public service of that city. Mrs. Henderson died December 26, 1896.
The family all belong to the Presbyterian church of Crystal Lake. Mr.
Henderson belongs to the Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica. A man of unusual ability and long experience as a guardian of public
safety, he is eminently qualified for any office of this character he may
be 'called upon to fill, while his sterling integrity and unquestioned
bravery make him a terror to evil doers.

CALVIN J. HENDRICKS.

Calvin J. Hendricks, formerly an attorney-at-law and mayor of
Harvard, was one of the leading lawyers and citizens of McHenry
County. He was born at Spring Grove, 111., October 27, 1872, and
died September 27, 1918. His parents were John and Johannah (Larkin)
Hendricks, natives of Germany and Ireland, respectively. Calvin J.
Hendricks attended the district schools and the Woodstock high school,
and during the summer months worked at farm labor, and when only
seventeen years old, in 1890, he secured a teacher's certificate. In 1891,
he entered the Indiana Normal School and later a business college at
Valparaiso, Ind., and after completing his studies there, began teaching
at Grass Lake, Lake County, 111. After teaching there during the
spring and fall terms of 1892, and the winter term of 1892-3, Mr. Hen-
dricks entered the law office of David T. Smiley at Woodstock, and was
admitted to the bar of Illinois, May 21, 1895.

From then on until April 1, 1899, Mr. Hendricks remained with
Mr. Smiley, in the meanwhile, during the spring of 1897, being elected
city treasurer of Woodstock, which office he held one year, and then
resigned on account of moving to Harvard, where he opened an office
April 10, 1899, and built up a large and valuable practice. He was a
Republican, and in 1903 was elected city attorney of Harvard, and in
April, 1915, he was elected mayor of this city, and re-elected in 1917,
with no opposition. In July, 1904, he was appointed master-in-chancery,
and served as such until 1916, and from 1903, until his death, he was
attorney for the Harvard Mutual Building & Loan Association. His

044 ' HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNTY

fraternal affiliations were with the Masons, Knights of Pythiai and
Modern W linen of America.

On November 3, 1897, Mr. Hendricks was married to Miss Pauline
Marie Udell, a daughter of Asad and Kate (Donnelly) Udell, who died
September (>, 1902. <>n August 9, 1905, Mr. Hendricks was married
(second) to Edna Francisco, a daughter of John A. Francisco of Warren,
III. Mr. and Mrs. Hendricks had the following children: Kathryn E.,
Marion F. and Harriet L. Mr. Hendricks was a communicant of the
Episcopal church, as is his widow. The office Mr. Hendricks occupied
for some years was located over the Harvard State bank. On January 1,
101-1. he formed a partnership with Mr. Marshall, under the style of
Hendricks & Marshall, which association continued until his demise.
A scholarly man, and yet one who had a thoroughly practical grasp on
affairs, Mr. Hendricks was easily one of the leaders in his county, where
he was held in the highest esteem.

He was the nominee on the Republican ticket for County Judge,
September 11, 1918, and died a little over two weeks later.

HERMAN HENK.

Herman Henk, one of the retired farmers of Algonquin, is one of
the men who have made good, and he is a credit to himself and his
community. He was born on the old farm of his father, October 14, 1872.
He is a son of Henry Henk, now deceased, who was born June 26, 1836,
and died November 15, 1904. At nineteen years of age, he came to the
United States in company with some other young men, and they drove
to McHenry Count}' from Chicago.

Henry Henk worked for a time at Dundee in a foundry making flat
irons, and also at Carpenterville. It was during that period that he was
married to Caroline Haas of Germany, and after his marriage he bought
forty acres of land one mile east of Algonquin, going into debt for it
and for a yoke of oxen. The land was in the timber, and on it was a
log house in which he and his wife lived for a time. In order to get a
little money, he hired out by the day, receiving twenty-five cents and
his board, and at odd moments cleared off one-half of his farm. He then
sold it and bought 135 acres in the same vicinity, The land had been
cut over, but the stumps remained, and hard work it was to get them
out. On this second farm was a small house. Mr. Henk traded his

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 645

yoke of oxen for a span of horses, paying some cash for it as well. This
farm he made his permanent home and it is still owned by his youngest
son, August. He bought two other farms, one of 180 acres, known as
the old John Gillihan farm, and the other of 185 acres was the old Grimes
farm, and he owned them at his death, having operated all three of them
for some years, being one of the most extensive farmers of his day and
neighborhood. Mr. Henk placed his homestead under cultivation,
remodeled the house, and erected a barn with full basement in 1872,
which is still in use, although enlarged. He did other clearing on his
properties, and kept on improving them as long as he lived. In addition
to the many stumps, there was much undergrowth of a heavy character
and all had to be removed before crops could be profitably cultivated.
Mr. Henk belonged to the real farming class, centering his interest on
his land and caring nothing for politics. The German Lutheran church
received all the attention he could spare from his farm and family, and
he helped to organize the church of that denomination at Dundee, and
also the one at Algonquin, becoming one of the leading members of the
latter. His wife died when Herman Henk was fourteen years old. They
had nine children, six of whom reached maturity, namely: Henry, who
is a resident of Algonquin; Caroline, who is Mrs. Ferd Marshall of
Chicago; Louise, who was Mrs. Fred Borchardt of Chicago, is deceased,
passing away at the age of thirty-seven; Herman, whose name heads
this review; Annie, who is Mrs. Samuel Beckman of Chicago; and
August, who lived on the old homestead, retired and moved to Algonquin.

Herman Henk remained at home until he was nineteen years of age,
at which time he began working for farmers by the month. On February
10, 1S98, he was married to Caroline Zimmerman, born at Ridgefield,
April 8, 1875, a daughter of Charles and Caroline Zimmerman, natives
of Germany. Mrs. Zimmerman came to the United States when she
was eighteen years. Mr. Zimmerman was a farmer, and was killed at a
railroad crossing when his daughter, Caroline, was seven years old.
After his marriage, Mr. Henk rented for some years one of his father's
farms on shares. Later he bought that farm of 180 acres, placed about
forty acres more of it under cultivation, remodeled the buildings, built
a new barn, 36x100 feet, and two silos 16x35 feet, and kept on improving
his property each year, until it is one of the best farms in the township.
Until March, 1908, he operated his farm, but then retired, and since then
has rented his farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Henk have three sons, namely: Herman, who took a
commercial course in the Metropolitan Business College of Chicago;

646 HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNTY

Paul, who is in the employ of the Northwestern Railroad at Algonquin;
and William. Mr. Henk at tends the Congregational church. He belongs
to the Odd Fellows and his wife to the Rebekahs of Crystal Lake. During
the years he was on the farm Mr. Henk proved that he knew how to
work and save, and by improvements increase the value of his property.
While he has never entered politics, he takes an intelligent interest in
civic matters, and believes in improvements to keep up a village or
county, just as he does those on a farm.

FRED J. HERDKLOTZ.

Fred J. Herdklotz, one of the enterprising farmers of Greenwood
Township, owns and operates 120 acres of land, and he was born in a
log cabin on this farm, September 19, 1866, a son of Henry and Mag-
dalena (Deidtrich) Herdklotz. Henry Herdklotz was born in Alsace
Loraine, France, in 1840, and was brought to the United States when
he was five years old. His wife was also born in Alsace. Their children
were as follows: Laura, who is the wife of B. C. Kingsley; Henry, who
is deceased; and Fred J. When the Herdklotz family came to the
United States in 1845, immediate settlement was made in Greenwood
Township, McHenry County, and here Henry Herdklotz was reared
and became a successful farmer. The log cabin in which Fred J. Herd-
klotz was born, was built by the grandfather as the first family residence
in the new home, and it is still standing, being considerable of a novelty
today.

Fred J. Herdklotz was reared in his present township, and from boy-
hood was taught farming in all of its details. He attended the local
schools, and helped his father until he reached manhood.

In 1891 he was married to Emma Haefner, a daughter of Christ
and Mary Haefner, who was born in Wisconsin. Her father was a
stockman, and he died in 1916. Mr. and Mrs. Herdklotz have two
children, Milford and Stella. He carries on general farming, and has
time to give some attention to public matters, having been a road com-
missioner for three years, and a school director for many years. His
affiliations are with the Republican party. The Methodist Episcopal
church holds his membership. A skilled farmer and good business man,
Mr. Herdklotz carries into public life the same characteristics which

3<^<^/U2^^i^v£- &<X>Ylsv™<sL:U

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 647

brought him success in his private ventures, and his community has
benefited by his experience and ability.

ROY L. HERRICK.

Roy L. Herrick, president of the Herrick Feed Company, and one
of the enterprising men of Harvard, has built up a business of consider-
able magnitude through his own efforts. He was born in Wisconsin,
March 1, 1877, one of the three children of Hiram H. and Jennie (Dodge)
Herrick. Hiram H. Herrick was a prosperous farmer of Sauk County,
Miss. He died in 1883. During the Civil War, he supported the Union
cause as a soldier, and received his honorable discharge after his period
of service had expired. His wife survives him.

Roy L. Herrick attended the district schools of his native place,
and entered railroad employ when he become self-supporting, becoming
train dispatcher of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, and con-
tinuing with that road for twenty-three years. On January 1, 1918,
he branched out, organizing The Herrick Feed Company of which he is
President, and M. H. Herrick, his wife, is secretary and treasurer.

On March 26, 1901, Mr. Herrick was united in marriage with Miss
Mabel H. Carpenter, and they have the following children: Roy V.,
who was born August 15, 1902; Jeannette, who was born February 3,
1906; and Robert L., who was born March 15, 1907. He and Mrs.
Herrick are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
In all his business transactions, Mr. Herrick has displayed an integrity
and a willingness to render efficient service, and he enjoys the respect
of all with whom he has been associated.

CHARLES C. HIGBEE.

Charles C. Higbee, former mayor of Marengo, is at present engaged
in the oil business as a member of the Pennsylvania Oil Company. Mr.
Higbee was born in Michigan, June 3, 1870. On October 9, 1893, he
was married to Zua W. Blodgett. They have one child, Garnette A.
In 1900 Mr. Higbee came to Marengo Township, and bought a farm,

648 HISTORY OF McIIFXRY (OFXTY

mi which he and his family resided until they moved to the city of Mar-
engo in 1908.

In 1915 Mr. Higbee was elected mayor of Marengo, and so popular
did his administration prove that he was re-elected in 1917. Mr. and
Mrs. Higbee belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally
Mr. Higbee is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, Knights
of Pythias and Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

REV. BENNO A. HILDEBRAXD.

Rev. Benno A. Hildebrand, pastor of St. Peter's Roman Catholic
church of Spring Grove, is one of the scholarly men of his faith, and a
potent factor in the moral life of his community. He was born in
Switzerland, Xovember 16, 1884, and he is one of five children born
to his parents, John and Sophie (Wetzel) Hildebrand. John Hildebrand
was a veterinary surgeon, and practiced his profession until his death,
which occurred in 1901. His wife survives him.

Benno A. Hildebrand attended the public schools of his native land,
completing his studies at St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee, Wis. Imme-
diately thereafter he was ordained priest, June 27, 1909, by the Very
Rev. Bishop Muldoon of Rockford, 111., and was stationed at Aurora,
111., as assistant priest. From there he was sent to Savannah, 111., where
he remained for a year, and then for three years he was sent as a mission-
ary to Cuba. Upon his return to this country, he served for three years
as assistant priest at Aurora, and then, in September, 1917, he came to
St. Mary's church at Huntley, and in May, 1919, to Spring Grove. His
parish contains sixty-five families, and under his beneficent care, the
affairs of the church are in excellent condition.

CHAUNCEY W. HILL.

Chauncey W. Hill, one of the pioneer horseshoers and blacksmiths
of McHenry County, conducts one of the best equipped general repair
workshops at AYoodstock, and is a solid and reliable man of this part
of the county. He was born in McHenry County, in September, 1S5S,
one of the six children born to Xewell and Wealthy (Hawley) Hill.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 649

Newell Hill was born in New York state, where he learned the horse-
shoeing trade, and followed it in his native state until 1848, when he
came to Illinois, but he died in New York, where he had moved from
Illinois. The mother died in 1885.

Chauncey W. Hill attended the common schools of New York, and
learned blacksmithing under his father, who was an expert in his line.
He has always continued in this branch of industrial activity, and is
unquestionably a leader in it. He is a Republican, and served the city
of Woodstock as an alderman for eight years, and was a justice of the
peace for ten years.

On December 22, 1S80, Mr. Hill was united in marriage with Miss
Carrie Ott, a daughter of Martin Ott, and they have two children,
namely: Leon O., who married Pear McGowen, has two children, Robert
and Douglas; and Merle D., who married Nellie Fosdick, has a son,
William. Mrs. Hill is a Christian Scientist. In addition to the very elegant
family residence at No. 125 Van Buren street, Woodstock, Mr. Hill owns
other city property, and is a man of ample means. His fraternal connec-
tions are with the Elks and Woodmen of the World. The services he
has rendered to his community in both a business and official way,
cannot be lightly considered, and he is justly numbered among the
worth-while men of the county seat.

PHILIP G. HOFFMAN.

Philip G. Hoffman, of Spring Grove, supervisor of Burton Township,
is one of the very representative men of McHenry County, and one who
stands high in public confidence. He was born in McHenry Township,
May 2, 1865, a son of Aaron Hoffman, and grandson of Martin L.
Hoffman. Martin L. Hoffman was born at Philadelphia, Pa., in 1790,
and reared in Somerset County, Pa., from the time he was ten years
old. In 1830 he came west to Berrien County, Mich., and to McHenry
County, June 6, 1836, settling then in Burton Township, of which he
was the pioneer. During the gold excitement of 1849, he went over-
land to California, and died at New Orleans, La., on the way back, in
1852, aged sixty-seven years. His wife, Hannah Cupp, was born in
Somerset County, Pa., in 1808, and she survived him until 1867. Their
old house at Spring Grove is now owned by Philip G. Hoffman.

Aaron Hoffman was born in Somerset County, Pa., October 1, 1824,

650 EISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY

and lir went In California with his father, and prospected there for
three years, meeting with fair success. On his return to McHenry
County he bought land in McIIenry Township, where five of his eight
children were horn. His wife was Isabella Cole, also a native of Somerset
County, Pa. In 1862, Aaron Hoffman bought another farm ami in 1S6S
moved on it and here he died in 1893, his widow surviving him until
1902. Aaron Hoffman owned 495 acres of land in Burton Township,
which is now divided into three farms. His children were as follows:
Senorita, who was born in 1855, married William R. James and died in
1910; Douglas, who was born in 1857, died in 1870; Mark, who was
born in 1859, died in 1916 on the old home at Spring Grove; Philip G.,
whose name heads this review; William, who was born April 16, 1872, is
a railroad man of Green Bay, Wis.; and three who died young.

Philip G. Hoffman followed in the footsteps of his father and grand-
lather, and went to the Klondike in search of gold, but unlike them
returned rich only in experience. At his father's death he secured a
portion of the homestead, and as long as his brother Mark was alive,
was in partnership with him. He now owns 289 acres of the homestead
and his grandfather's farm, and carries on dairying and grain farming,
keeping two tenants. For some time he has been taking things easy,
only going into the fields at harvest time and when there is a rush of
work. Mr. Hoffman is a Democrat, and after serving as assessor, in
1917, was elected supervisor, which office he still holds, and is discharging
the duties of that office very efficiently. Fraternally he is a Mason and
Woodman.

Mr. Hoffman has never married, but has practically reared his
nephew, Paul Hoffman, who entered the service for the World Wrar,
June 26, 1918, was sent to the front in October, 1918, was gassed on the
Argonne front and died at Stignay, France, May 6, 1919, aged twenty-
four years, leaving a widow who is now residing at Wauconda, 111.

JOSEPH C. HOLLY.

Joseph C. Holly, cashier of the Hoy Banking Company at McHenry,
and a former postmaster of the city, is deservedly placed among the
representatives and very prominent men of McHenry County. He was
born in McHenry County, July 25, 1885, one of the six children born to
his parents, Roswcll and Nizza (Hebard) Holly. Roswell Holly was

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 651

born in Pennsylvania, but came to McHenry County in 1855. He was
a carpenter by trade, and worked at his trade in Woodstock, where he
lived until 1SS4, when he moved to McHenry, and there died in 1905.
His wife survives and lives with her son, Joseph C. Holly.

After attending the grammar and high schools of his native county,
Joseph C. Holly learned the trade of a mould maker and was employed
as such by the Terra Cotta Company of McHenry County, with which
he remained until 1911, when he was appointed postmaster of McHenry.
At the close of his term of office, he went with the Hoy Banking Company
as bookkeeper, and was made its cashier, September 16, 1916. Since
1914, he has been township treasurer, and in 1917 was elected village
treasurer. He is a strong Republican in politics.

On September 16, 1908, Mr. Holly was married to Miss Ethel May
Strong, and they have two sons, Warren S. and Harold J. Mr. and
Mrs. Holly are Universalists. He belongs to the Masons, Eastern Star
and Modern Woodmen of America. A man of sterling character, he
has capably discharged the duties assigned to him, and proved himself
worthy of every trust reposed in him, and of future advancement, if he
desires to accept other offices.

RILEY HOLMES.

Riley Holmes, now deceased, was formerly one of the well known
men of McHenry County in several lines of endeavor, and during his
declining years lived in retirement at Hebron. He was born at Akron,
Ohio, February 10, 1846, a son of Thomas and Maria (Roddell) Holmes,
both of whom were born in England, but were married after coming to
the United States. They located in Lake County, III., about 1849, going
thence to Racine County, Wis., and in 1871 came to McHenry County
and divided their time between Hebron and Richmond townships, he
dying in the latter, when sixty-three years old. She passed away in
Hebron Township when seventy years old. Their farm was in Rich-
mond Township. Of their nine children who reached maturity, four
were living in 1919, namely: Riley, whose name heads this review;
Russell, who lived at Genoa Junction, Wis., was killed in an accident
January 5, 1920; Frank, who lives at Hebron; and Ida, who is Mrs.
John Reynolds of Hebron.

652 HISTORY OF M.HKXRY OOIXTY

After attaining to a working ago, Riley Holmes became a cheese
maker and was in the employ of (1. W. Conn at Hebron for ten years,
and continued in this line for thirteen years and becoming very expert
turning out 600 pounds of cheese daily, and was paid a salary. His prod-
uct was exhibited at county fairs, and he would make it at these
exhibitions as he was recognized as one of the expert cheese makers
in the state. For the past twenty-six years Mr. Holmes lived at Hebron
and was a director of the Hebron Bank. While he was a Republican,
he took no active part in politics. Of late years he spent his winters
at St. Petersburg, Fla., where he died December 5, 1920, aged seventy-
four years, nine months and twenty-five days.

On September IS, 1895, Mr. Holmes was married to Dora Holmes,
widow of his brother Adelbert, and daughter of Mclvin J. Cole, and a
sister of A. J. Cole, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
Mrs. Holmes was married first when twenty-three years of age.

Riley Holmes and his brother Frank Holmes were together all their
lives. When the mother died twenty-four years ago, the two brothers
began living together at Hebron. Mrs. Holmes owned a farm inherited
from her father which was sold in 1919 and Riley and Frank Holmes
owned their father's homestead in Richmond Township. Riley Holmes
was the owner of several track horses, some of which were exhibited,
and won premiums at the Woodstock and Elkhorn fairs. He was a
member of the Horsemen's Association of Richmond, and all his life
enjoyed driving a good horse. His horse "Modesty" won many honors
and is still well remembered by horse lovers in the county. He was held
in the highest regard by all who knew him, and he had many friends who
were won and retained through his genial manner and kindly actions.
His demise was deplored by all who knew him although he w-as spared
for many useful years during all of which he was a constructive force
in his community.

JAMES S. HOWARD.

James S. Howard, one of the oldest native sons of Greenwood Town-
ship, and a prominent farmer of this county, was born on the farm he
still occupies, October 14, 1844. He is a son of Matthew and Catherine
(Short) Howard, natives of County Clare and County Tyrone, Ireland,
respectively. In 1835, Matthew Howard left Ireland and landed at
Quebec, Canada, where he spent three years, and then, in 1838, came to

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 653

McHenry County, 111., and took up, a claim in Greenwood Township.
In 1840, he bought 280 acres, and later forty acres more, from the
government. Subsequently he bought other land from private indi-
viduals until he owned 640 acres. He and his wife had the following
children: Johanna, who is the widow of P. J. Nolan, resides in Hart-
land Township; James S., Margaret, who died in infancy, and Thomas
P., who died at the age of sixty-seven years. The mother of these
children died when she was thirty-four years old, and at that time
James S. was only five years of age, and he was taken by an aunt, Mary
Howard, who reared him, and he lived with her until she was married.
His father married (second) Mary Griffin, and they had two children,
John J. and Edward L. Matthew Howard died April 11, 1888.

James S. Howard has spent all of his life on the homestead, and
here he carries on general farming. This farm contains 320 acres of
land, and is located on sections 17 and 28. In politics Mr. Howard is a
Democrat. He belongs to the Catholic church. Belonging as he does
to one of the old pioneer families of McHenry County, and having
lived here all his life, he naturally is very much interested in whatever
promises to prove of permanent benefit to his community and its people.

CLARENCE F. HOY.

Clarence F. Hoy, general manager of the Ringwood State Bank of
Ringwood, is one of the substantial and well-known men of this county.
He was born in McHenry County, and belongs to one of the oldest and
most prominent families of this part of the state. He is a son of Fre-
mont and Hattie (Osborn) Hoy, who had four children born to them,
three of whom survive. Fremont Hoy resides at Woodstock and is
connected with several of the best known banks in the county. A
complete sketch of the Hoy family is given in the sketch of M. D. Hoy,
the grandfather of Clarence F. Hoy.

The boyhood of Clarence F. Hoy was passed in his native county,
and after he had completed courses in the common and high schools
here, he attended Beloit College, from which he was graduated. Fol-
lowing that, he was engaged in an insurance business for three years,
leaving it to engage in a banking business at Huntley. There he re-
mained until the close of 1912, and in November, 1913, he became
manager of the Hoy Banking Company, it having been then organized.

654 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

It was a private bank of the highest standing and reliability, with a
capital stock of $25,000, until its reorganization into a state bank. Its
cashier is Kenneth Hoy, a brother. Mr. Hoy was formerly vice-president
of the United State Bank of Crystal Lake, 111., of which Fremont Hoy
was president, until disposing of their interests there in January, 1919,
and Mr. Hoy is also vice-president of the Fox River Valley State Bank
of McIIcnry. Like his father, he is well known in financial circles as a
man of probity and an expert banker.

In 1908 Mr. Hoy was married to Miss Beatrice Boyd, a daughter of
Edward K. Boyd, a prominent resident of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs.
Hoy have a son: Hamilton B., who was born April 2, 1915. Mr. Hoy
is a Republican. Mrs. Hoy is a Christian Scientist. Both are among
the leaders in the best circles of Crystal Lake, where they reside and
their influence can be relied upon in all movements tending toward a
betterment of existing conditions.

GEORGE H. HOY.

George H. Hoy, one of the leading financiers of McHenry County, is
president of the Farmers Exchange Bank of Woodstock, and comes of
one of the old and honored families of this section of the state. He
was born February 21, 1853, in McHenry County, a son of Marmaduke
and Catherine Maria (Alberty) Hoy. Marmaduke Hoy was born in
Schoharie County, N. Y., March 3, 1821, and he died May 15, 1912.
His first wife, the mother of George H. Hoy, was born in Green County,
N. Y., February 19, 1821, and died July 23, 1863. On October 4, 1864,
Marmaduke Hoy was married (second) to Esther Eleanor Atwater, who
was born in Schoharie County, N. Y., February 20, 1833, and is now
deceased. By his first marriage, Marmaduke had five children.

George H. Hoy attended the common and high schools of Woodstock,
and then took a commercial course at Bryant & Stratton's Business
College at Chicago. Returning to Woodstock, he entered with his
father into the mercantile business and later into the banking business,
which were conducted in the same building now occupied by the bank
of which Mr. Hoy is president. The bank being originally carried on as
a private bank and in January, 1916, organized as a state bank.

In 1877 Mr. Hoy was married to Miss Mary L. Belcher, a member
of an old and prominent family of the county, who located here in 184 1.

>-

^m?

f ' 7

'

^

- ^M

^M

4

^

■

JLJU *hh. JUlvM-Y Qty

«£juJ<Ucm.rf /X %<M*»'fin fyft

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 655

Mr. and Mrs. Hoy have two children, namely: William P., who is
cashier of the State Bank of Huntley; and Walter G., who is engaged in
an extensive contracting business in Northern Illinois. Mr. Hoy is a
Republican, and has been a member of the city council, served Wood-
stock as mayor, and had long service on the school board. He and his
family belong to the Presbyterian church. A man of unusual ability,
he has exerted himself in behalf of his community, and is justly numbered
among the most representative and influential men of the county.

JOHN M. HOY.

John M. Hoy, cashier of the Farmers Exchange State Bank of Wood-
stock, and treasurer of the city of Woodstock, is one of the most repre-
sentative men of McHenry County. He was born at Woodstock, April
5, 1872, a son of M. D. and Esther Eleanor (Atwater) Hoy, an extended
sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.

John M. Hoy attended the public schools of Woodstock, and was
graduated from its high school in 1890. His first business experience
was gained as a member of the mercantile firm of M. D. Hoy & Sons,
merchants of Woodstock, but he later went to Huntley to serve as cashier
of the bank established by his father and brothers in that city. In 1903,
he was offered his present position, and left the Huntley State Bank,
where he was succeeded by his nephew William P. Hoy, and assumed
charge of the duties of cashier of the Farmers Exchange State Bank of
Woodstock. When the bank at Huntley was re-organized under a state
charter, he was made its president, and still holds that office. For
several years he has served Woodstock as city treasurer.

On November 11, 1896, Mr. Hoy was married to Miss Letah M.
Bunker, a daughter of the late Amos K. Bunker. Mr. Hoy recently
served as secretary of Group 4, Illinois Banking Association and declined
the chairmanship for this year. The influence of the Hoy family upon
the financial development of McHenry County cannot hardly be over-
estimated, and it is certainly due to its members that the banks of this
section rest upon so solid a foundation, and that the interests of the
depositors are safeguarded as they are by sound and conservative
policies.

656 HISTORY OF MclIBNRY COUNTY

M. D. HOY.

There are old and honorable Dames in McHenry County thai have
long been prominently identified with its development and leading
interests, and thus particularly invite attention from a faithful historian.
One of these names is that of Hoy, and in the life and character of the
late M. D. Hoy were illustrated those indomitable traits and sturdy
virtues that have made this family notable and successful in various
lines of activity for generations. An early settler in McHenry County,
Mr. Hoy laid the foundation stone upon which he built up a great
enterprise at Woodstock, and entered upon and maintained honorable,
useful and friendly relations with his fellow citizens until the close of a
worthy life.

Marmaduke, or M. D. Hoy, which was his preferred signature from
early youth, was born near Gilboa, in Schoharie County, N. Y., March
3, 1821. He was of Scotch-Irish extraction on both ancestral lines.
His paternal grandfather, Marmaduke Hoy, was a native of Ireland,
and for more than a century the Hoys belonged to County Antrim. In
1805 two of the sons of Marmaduke Hoy emigrated to America, Richard
and Marmaduke, and still later other members of the family also came
to the United States.

Richard Hoy was born in 1784, in the parish of Upperwood, Ireland,
sixty miles distant from Dublin. He assisted his father on their small
farm and afterward worked for several years at the shoemaking trade
in the city of Dublin, but he was not satisfied with his business pros-
pects there and in 1805, accompanied by his younger brother, crossed
the Atlantic ocean to New York. The brothers separated, the younger
entering into military service in a New York regiment, and the former
locating in Schoharie County, where he found opportunity to continue
wink at his trade in an establishment conducted by a Mr. Stevens,
whose sister-in-law, Sarah Fanning, he subsequently married. She was
born in New York, October 15, 1785, and was the youngest daughter of
Capt. Walter and Grace (Benjamin) Fanning. Captain Fanning was an
officer during the War of 1812 and during his later years was a farmer.
He was a descendant of Edmond Fanning, who came from Ireland to
Stonington, Conn., in 1641, after his father, Domican Fanning, a man
of political note, had been beheaded by order of Oliver Cromwell. The
Fanning family has many distinguished representatives in the United
States today. Richard Hoy removed to Albany, N. Y., after marriage,
and conducted a grocery store there for six years and then removed to

HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 657

Gilboa, in Schoharie County, and resumed work at his trade and also
kept a toll gate on the main highway. His death occurred in 1831 at
Stamford, in Delaware County, N. Y. He was the father of six children,
Marmaduke being the fifth in order of birth.

M. D. Hoy impressed his neighbors and associates in McHenry
County as a well-informed and educated man. His educational training
had been more thorough than many youths enjoyed and early prepared
him for the position of school teacher, and he taught in Green County,
N. Y., for a number of winter terms, devoting his summers to work on
the farm. He became deeply interested about the time of his marriage
in the wider opportunities being offered in what was then the far west,
and shortly afterward, when the completion of the Erie Canal made
transportation safe and possible across the state, started for Illinois.
Rough weather was encountered on the lakes and they put in at the
village of Chicago, reaching Southport, now Kenosha, Wis., May 23,
1844, and from there made their way to Alden Township, McHenry
County, 111. They soon became settled residents there, and Mr. Hoy
took a prominent part in public matters, and concerned himself with the
progress and advancement of the neighborhood, and in 1865 he was
elected county clerk. He removed then to Woodstock and for the next
eight years devoted himself to the duties of the county office and at the
end of that time embarked in a mercantile business in partnership with
his son, George H. Hoy, which was developed into an extensive enter-
prise.

Mr. Hoy was married in Lockport, N. Y., June 15, 1843, to Miss
Catherine Maria Alberty, who was born in Green County, N. Y.,
February 19, 1821, and died July 23, 1863. The following children were
born to them: Sarah Delia, born October 10, 1847; Luman Thomas, born
October 28, 1850; George H., born February 21, 1853; Fremont, born
June 1, 1856; and Jennie, born June 26, 1859, died September 21, 1861.
Mr. Hoy was married (second) October 4, 1864, to Esther Eleanor
Atwater, who was born in Schoharie County, N. Y., February 20, 1833,
and is now deceased. There were two children born to the second
marriage, Kittie A., who died in 1883, and John M., who was born April
5, 1872. The sons of Mr. Hoy are all identified with the banking business
in McHenry County, and are leading factors in the financial field.

During the Civil War Mr. Hoy was an ardent supporter of the Union
cause and few citizens of Alden Township were more active in patriotic
work during that period. He was associated with Stephen Alberty,
William Barnes, William Wedgewood and other loyal men on the local

658 HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNT!

committee to promote enlistments and it should go on public record thai
these men finding that the raising of funds to pay the soldiers' bounties
at the time impossible, did not hesitate to raise the needed money on
their personal notes. It was a noble act of patriotism and saved the
township a large amount of discount money. He was a sound Repub-
lican and faithfully supported the party's candidates. Many offices of
trust and responsibility were tendered him and he served as a justice of
the peace, highway commissioner and township treasurer. He was a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Hoy died May 15,
1912.

WILLIAM P. HOY.

The name of Hoy is associated with banking of the highest class in
McHenry County, those bearing the name having been associated with
the finances of the various communities here for many years. William
P. Hoy is cashier of the State Bank of Huntley, his associates in the
bank being as follows: John M. Hoy, president; John T. Kelley, vice
president ; and W. B. Bartlet, assistant cashier. This bank was originally
known as the bank of M. D. Hoy & Sons, being organized as such
May 1, 1901, and was incorporated as a state bank in 1913, with a
capital stock of $50,000; now has a surplus of $25,000.

William P. Hoy was born at Woodstock, March 6, 1879, a son of
George M. and Mary M. (Belcher) Hoy. George M. Hoy, president
of the Farmers State Bank of Woodstock, is a son of M. D. Hoy, now
deceased, a complete sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
William P. Hoy attended the common and high schools of Woodstock,
and was graduated in 1901 from the University of Wisconsin. Imme-
diately thereafter, he entered the Farmers State Bank of Woodstock,
remaining there as a clerk in the counting room, until he accepted his
present position in 1903, succeeding his uncle, John M. Hoy, who then
became cashier of the Farmers State Bank of Woodstock.

In 1902 Mr. Hoy was married to Miss Claribelle Wright, a daughter
of A. S. Wright, prominent in Woodstock circles. Mr. and Mrs. Hoy
have the following children: Adelbert W., who was born April 12, 1906;
George Marmaduke, who was born May 30, 1909; and Mary Louise,
who was born June 12, 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Hoy belong to the Con-
gregational church. He belongs to the Royal Arcanum, the Odd Fellows,
and is a Mystic Worker. Politically he is a staunch Republican.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 659

MRS. MARY H. (HUBKA) HRDLICKE.

Mrs. Mary H. (Hubka) Hrdlicke, postmistress at Cary Station, is
one of the most efficient officials in the government service within the
confines of McHenry County, and one who is most highly respected.
She was born at Chicago, 111., May 30, 1864, a daughter of John H.
and Barbara Hubka, who had six children. John H. Hubka was born
in Europe, and was brought to the United States by his parents when
he was seven years old. He learned to make shoes, and locating at
Chicago engaged in their manufacture, being so engaged at the time
of his death, July 10, 1893. His widow survives and lives at Chicago.

Mary H. Hubka attended the common and high schools of Chicago.
She was married June 24, 1890, to Frank H. Hrdlicke, born in Europe,
who was also a shoe manufacturer. He died May 21, 1910, leaving her
with one child, Mamie H., who is the wife of Dr. George B. Allen.
Doctor Allen was graduated from the Chicago College of Medicine,
Northwestern University, and was an interne of Michael Reese Hos-
pital, Chicago. At present he is engaged in a general practice at South
Bend., Ind., and is special medical adviser of the Studebaker auto-
mobile plant.

Mrs. Hrdlicke is a Democrat, and an appointee of President Wilson.
She took the civil service examination for her position February 12,
1913. The post office is located in one of the rooms of the business
block owned at Cary by Mrs. Hrdlicke, and she also owns her residence
at Cary. She belongs to the Catholic church.

MARTIN H. HUBRIG.

Martin H. Hubrig, M. D., the only resident physician of Algonquin,
is one of the honored members of the profession in McHenry County,
and a conscientious and capable man. He was born in Wisconsin,
June 11, 1889, a son of Henry and Anna (Krueger) Hubrig, who had
five children. Henry Hubrig, was born in Germany and came to the
United States when he was eight years old, and located in Wisconsin,
where he remained until his death, December 5, 1917. His widow
survives him.

Doctor Hubrig attended the common and high schools of Wisconsin,
Valparaiso (Ind.) University, in 1911 and 1912, and the Chicago College

660 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

of Medicine and Surgery, from which he was graduated May 30, 1916.
Following his last graduation in his profession, he served for fifteen
months as interne at the West-Side Hospital, Chicago, and then located
in Algonquin, coming lure in July of 1917. Doctor Hubrig is a member
of the Phi Chi Medical Fraternity, the McHenry County Medical
Society, the Illinois State Medical Society, and the American Medical
Association.

In April, 1917, Doctor Hubrig was married to Miss Ida Karolus of
Wisconsin, a daughter of Henry Karolus, (also of Wisconsin); they
have two daughters, Pearl Mae, born November 9, 1918, and Norma
Helen, born January 3, 1920. Doctor and Mrs. Hubrig are members
of the Lutheran church. His political convictions are independent of
party ties, but he can be relied upon to give his support to all measures
looking toward an improvement of civic conditions and the advance-
ment of his community.

EARL C. HUGHES.

Earl C. Hughes, supervisor of Hartland Township, is engaged in
farming and milk producing upon a very extensive scale, being recog-
nized as a leader in his line in this part of the county. He was born
in McHenry County, February 6, 1871, the only child of his parents,
William E. and Mary Ann (Schryder) Hughes. William E. Hughes
was born in New York State, but came to McHemy County in 1846,
locating in Hartland Township, and later lived in Woodstock, where
he continued to reside until his death, February 19, 1886. He was
a farmer, and was also connected with the Chicago & Northwestern
Railroad Company.

Earl C. Hughes was reared in his native count}' and attended its
schools. He has 160 acres of choice land in Hartland Township, and
he has always been a farmer and producer and shipper of milk. In
1917 Mr. Hughes was elected supervisor of Hartland Township on the
Citizens' ticket.

On February 26, 1896, Mr. Hughes was married to Miss Mary L.
Weidrich, born September 10, 1873, a daughter of Frederick Weidrich,
and they have the following children: Vera L., who was born September
6, 1898; Mary V., who was born March 1, 1900; and Earl M., who
was born September 6, 1907. Mr. Hughes is very proud of the fact

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 661

that his father was one of the men who fought on the side of the Union
during the Civil War, being honorably discharged in 1865. Both the
Hughes and Weidrich families are old and well known ones in this
part of the state.

HARRY D. HULL, M. D.

Harry D. Hull, M. D., one of the most successful physicians and
surgeons of McHenry County, is engaged in an active practice at Crystal
Lake, and is a veteran of the World War. He was born at Chicago,
111., May 20, 1867, one of the four children of Tracy D. and Isabella
(Streeter) Hull. Tracy D. Hull was one of the well-known real estate
men of Chicago, where, prior to his death on August 16, 1901, he did
much in bringing about a healthy and sane expansion of the city's
boundaries. He was a New Yorker by birth, but came West to Chicago
at an early day. His wife died July 20, 1877.

Doctor Hull attended the University of Notre Dame, and after his
graduation therefrom, entered Rush Medical College, Chicago, from
which he was graduated in 1891. For the subsequent eight years he
was engaged in a general practice in Wisconsin, but on January 1, 189S,
located permanently at Crystal Lake, and has built up a very large
practice, and is held in the highest esteem by all who know him. He
is also physician and surgeon for the Northwestern Railroad, and the
Chicago Telephone and Public Service Company at Crystal Lake, and
is the attending physician and surgeon of the Cottage Hospital of
Harvard, owned and operated by Dr. C. M. Johnson, one of the leading
medical men of Harvard. During his residence at Crystal Lake Doctor
Hull has been very prominent in civic affairs, and served as mayor of
the city for two terms. He is now city physician of the municipality,
and held this office for some years prior to being elected mayor. A
staunch Republican he is very active in his party. Doctor Hull is one
of the men of his profession who served during the late war, and received
his commission as captain September 20, 1918, and was first assigned
to Camp Greenleaf, Georgia, Base Hospital, and later to the Rockefeller
Institute, New York and Base Hospital at Camp Lee, Va. He received
his honorable discharge February 20, 1919, and returned home.

On April 20, 1892, Doctor Hull was married to Miss Cathryne M.
Raffen, a daughter of John T. Raffen, and a member of a leading family
of Chicago. Doctor and Mrs. Hull have two children, namelv: Cathrvne,

662 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

who is the wife of Victor Breytspraak, of Evanston, 111.; and Marie
F., who is at home. Mrs. Hull and her daughters belong to the Baptist
church. Fraternally Doctor Hull is a Mason and a member of the
Benevolent, and Protective Order of Elks.

It is doubtful if there are any other men in the profession in the county
who have so extended their sphere of usefulness, and at the same time
continued in active practice, as has Doctor Hull, and his work in the
army was equally effective, and his fellow citizens are appreciative.
His standing in his calling and community, is unquestionably of the high-
est in every respect.

WILLIAM M. HULL.

William M. Hull is one of the most representative men of Union,
for he not only conducts a large hardware and saddlery business, but
also has served the city as fire marshal, and police magistrate, and as a
member of the school board. He was born in Boone County, 111.,
October 17, 1872, a son of John D. and Olive E. (Gray) Hull. John
D. Hull was born in New York, but came to Illinois at an early day
and became one of the prosperous farmers of Boone County, where he
died in 190S. His wife survives and is living in Boone County.

William M. Hull was reared on a farm in his native county, and at-
tended its schools. When he was eighteen years old he began teaming,
and after several years went into the grocery business. He then was
a member of a fire department, rising to be assistant fire chief. In the
meanwhile he learned the trade of harness making, and in 1911 located
at Union, and opened his present business. He also does shoe repair-
ing, carrying in all a stock of about SI, 000. In 1916 he was made a
police magistrate and in 1917 was made fire marshal. Fraternally he
belongs to the Odd Fellows, Coral Lodge No. 769. Politically he is a
Republican.

Mr. Hull was married to Miss Lucy E. Adams, a daughter of George
Adams, and they have two children, namely: Joseph W., who was born
August 28, 1909; and Harriett D., who was born March 1, 1913. Mr.
and Mrs. Hull belong to the Episcopal church.

CARLTON C. HUNT.

Carlton C. Hunt, proprietor of the Oak Grove Farm, and general
manager of the Farmers New Era Telephone Company of Hebron,

is •* Sro NY

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 663

is one of the representative men of McHenry County. He was born
on the old farm in Hebron Township, April 23, 1860, the eldest of the
five children born of his parents. He continued to reside on this farm
that eventually became his and his brother, George Hunt's, they oper-
ating it in partnership. After buying additional land, making the farm
280 acres in extent, they divided it. Carlton C. Hunt remained on his
farm until 1919, when he came ro Hebron. He was a dairy-farmer,
milking from twenty to fifty cows, and bred Holstein cattle until he
gave that up in favor of milk production. Mr. Hunt also specialized
in seed growing and the greater part of the wheat raised in this region
comes from seed that he had produced on his farm. Always a pro-
gressive man he recognizes the value of concerted action, and is a mem-
ber of the McHenry County Soil Improvement Association His farm
is one of the best-improved in the township, and he put in a large amount
of tile, redeeming a lot of waste land.

In response to the demand for better telephone service Mr. Hunt
and others organized in 1904 what is known as the Farmers' New Era
Telephone Company, .which now has 1,100 subscribers and three ex-
changes, one at Hebron, one at Richmond, and one at Wilmot. The
total assets of the company are $129,668.38. Mr. Hunt has always
been a very strong Republican, and has served on the township board
and as a justice of the peace, but has not entered county politics.

When he was thirty-five years old, Mr. Hunt was married to Blanche
Merchant of Rockford, and they have the following children: Leslie
R., who married Gertrude Deaner of Harvard, operates the homestead;
Mina Grace, who is Mrs. Walter Ledger; Blanche Beatrice, who mar-
ried Clarence Baron; Edith Mary, who is at home, and George W.,
who is attending the Hebron High School. Mr. Hunt is a Mason, a
member of the Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America, and he
and his wife are members of the Eastern Star. A wholesome out-of-
doors man, Mr. Hunt finds recreation in hunting and fishing. All of his
life he has been exceedingly active, and has not relaxed his lifetime
habits, the duties of his position as manager of the telephone company
requiring him to exert himself during a long-hour day.

GEORGE A. HUNT.

George A. Hunt, son of George W. and Mary Louville Hunt, was
born at Oak Grove Farm, Hebron Township, McHenry County, 111.,

664 BISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY

January I. L863. He was educated in the common schools. A great
lover of nature, he took especial delight in the study of birds. His
father died when he was nineteen years old leaving his brother Carlton,
three years older, and himself to continue the management of the farm
and the breeding of purebred livestock and poultry. Mr. Hunt became
well known as a breeder, exhibitor and judge of livestock. He con-
tinued in the partnership with his brother on the farm until 1907, when
he sold out to his brother and moved to Woodstock, where he now
resides. He was married June 26, 1907, to Miss Mary L. Seal, of
Roekford, 111.

Mr. Hunt has always been interested in every public enterprise,
taking an active part in the County Farmers' Institute, also in the
McHenry County Fair at which he and his brother were regular exhibitors
of livestock, poultry and farm products. He was president of the
Farmers' Institute in 1899, 1900 and 1901 ; put much enthusiasm into the
work, anil was rewarded by some of the largest gatherings of farmers
ever held in any institute meetings in the county. He was president
again in 1911 and 1912; and was also a director of Farmers" Institutes
for the Eleventh Congressional District for the years 1901 and 1902.

In 1901 Mr. Hunt conceived the idea of having the farmers of the
county visit the Universities of Illinois and Wisconsin in order thai
they might get into closer touch with the work of the agricultural col-
leges and experiment stations. He therefore organized what was called
The McHenry County Farmers' Picnic Association. Under the auspices
of this association an excursion party of 350 farm men and women of
the county visited the College of Agriculture at Madison, Wis., June 1.
1901. This was the first Farmers' Institute excursion to an agricultural
college from any Illinois county. The Harvard Herald in its report of
this excursion had this to say: "The success of the excursion was due
to the untiring efforts of the officers of the Picnic Association but no
one person is entitled to more credit than is George A. Hunt, the origi-
nator of the project and the most original and tireless worker for the
farmers' welfare in McHenry County." In 1902 McHenry County
farmers enjoyed a two-days' excursion to the College of Agriculture at
Urbana, 111. In 1901 and 1902, Mr. Hunt made comprehensive ex-
hibits of the agricultural products of McHenry County at the Illinois
State Fair, winning first prize for the county both years. There were
over six tons of agricultural products in the 1902 exhibit. In connec-
tion with these exhibits Mr. Hunt distributed several thousand copies
of a booklet which he published in 1901 describing the resources, ad-

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 665

vantages and possibilities of the county. This exhibit was reproduced
as nearly as possible at the McHenry County Fair in 1903. The grains
and grasses in this exhibit and the samples of over 100 different kinds
of wood found in the county were shown in the Illinois exhibit at the
St. Louis World's Fair in 1904.

Mr. Hunt was secretary of the McHenry County Fair eight years,
from 1903 to 1910 inclusive, during which time improvements to the
value of more than $10,000 were placed on the grounds of the associa-
tion. As secretary of the McHenry County Fair, Mr. Hunt found that
the state appropriation for county fairs provided a flat rate of .$200
annually to each fair regardless of merit. This he considered unfair to
the more progressive counties, and, believing that the appropriation
should be made according to merit, a larger amount going to the fairs
that gave the most encouragement to the agricultural and livestock
interest of their respective communities, therefore with the co-operation
of Hon. Len Small, Secretary of the Kankakee Fair, he arranged for a
convention of county fair managers which was held at Springfield,
February 14, 1907.

An organization was formed known as the Illinois Association of
Agricultural Fairs. This association secured from the legislature an
appropriation for each fair equal to forty per cent of the premiums paid
except for speed. This appropriation was afterwards increased to
sixty percent on the first $1,000 of premiums paid; fifty percent on the
second $1,000; forty percent on the third $1,000; and thirty percent on
the fourth $1,000 of premiums paid. Mr. Hunt was secretary of the
Illinois Association of Fairs six years after which he resigned on account
of the pressure of other work.

Mr. Hunt was superintendent of the Illinois Dairy Exhibits at the
St. Louis Exposition in 1904. He made a very creditable showing for
the state. His design showing bust statues of President Grant and
President Lincoln, and a large statue representing Illinois, all made
with pure creamery butter, was very highly commended.

In March of the same year, 1904, Mr. Hunt was instrumental in
organizing The Farmers' New Era Telephone Company which grew in
a few years from a $5,000 company to a $60,000 corporation with many
miles of toll line and with exchanges in Hebron and Richmond, 111., and
Wilmot, Wis. While George A. Hunt was the originator of the project
and is president of the company, he gives to his brother, Carlton C.
Hunt, the larger share of the credit for the company's continued success.

In July, 1911, Mr. Hunt became associated with Eugene D. Funk

666 BISTORY <>!•' McHENRY COUNTY

and Arthur J. Bill, of Bloomington, 111., and others, as secretary of the
Fanners' Publishing Company, publishers of the Farmers' Voipe. Two
years later this publication was merged with the Prairie Farmer, of
Chicago, Mr. Hunt becoming manager of livestock advertising which
posit ion he now holds.

Politically, Mr. Hunt is a Republican ami although not an active
politician he is interested in all measures intended to benefit the com-
munity. He has been connected with the church for a number of years
and is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church of Woodstock.
He is also connected with the Modern Woodmen, being a member of
Progress Camp No. 229, Woodstock. His father, George W. Hunt,
was born in Orangeville, Genesee County, New York, July 16, 1835.
He came with his parents to Walworth County, Wis., in 1839; was
educated at Milton College and engaged for a time with his father in
the mercantile business. After his marriage, March 31, 1859, he made
his home on the farm later known as Oak Grove Farm, Hebron Town-
ship, McHenry County, Illinois. His great-grandfather came to this
country from England or Wales and was a soldier in the Revolutionary
war. George A. Hunt's mother was Mary Louville, daughter of Alvin
H. and Mary Horsford Parker. She was born in South Bristol, Ontario
County, N. Y., April 17, 1835; came with her parents to McHenry
County, 111, in June, 1841, and died March 7, 1918. Mr. Hunt's wife,
Mary L., daughter of Christopher and Sarah Finch Seal, was born in
Rockford, III., December 14, 1867. Her father and mother were of
sturdy English stock, coming to this country in July, 1855, making the
voyage in a sailing vessel which required six weeks to cross the ocean.
They came at once to Illinois and made their home in Winnebago County,
where they resided for more than fifty years. Mr. and Mrs. George A.
Hunt reside at 425 West South Street, Woodstock.

E. R. JACKMAN.

E. R. Jackman, one of the highly respected residents of Crystal
Lake, is now living retired from the activities of life, although in former
years he was one of the worth-while farmers of McHenry County.
He was born two miles south of Crystal Lake in Algonquin Township,
on the homestead of his family, November 15, 1863. He is a son of
Rodney D. and Elizabeth L. (Rowley) Jackman, the former born in

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 667

New York, Juno 10, 1821, died November 2, 1884, and the latter, horn
March 7, 1825, died in Juno, 1905. They were married in McHenry
County, May 16, 1848.

Between the ages of twenty-three and twenty-four, Rodney D.
Jackmau came to Illinois, driving through from Warren County, Pa.,
to join his uncle, James Jackman, who had secured considerable land
in McHenry County, from whom Rodney D. Jackman bought a farm.
A year later, his father, William Jackman, arrived in McHenry County,
and the two bought another farm, and the father conducted a little
store at Crystal Lake. In time another son, James, became a partner
with his grandfather. The last years of William Jackman were spent
with his son, James, and he died about 1872 or 1873. Rodney D.
Jackman remained on his farm of 155 acres until just before his death,
when he moved to Crystal Lake. His brother, James, lived in Crystal
Lake, where he was in an insurance business, until 1917. He was
also president of the Crystal State Bank. His son, William, is in
Idaho; and his daughter, Susie, who is Mrs. John Fish of Woodstock,
has a daughter, Flora, who is Mrs. Bert Colby, and Mrs. Colby lives
at Loyal, Wis. A brother of James and Rodney D. Jackman, William
Jackman, died while still a young man, leaving two children, the daughter
only surviving, she being Mrs. Levi Landon of Chicago.

Rodney D. Jackman and his wife had the following children : Amelia,
who is Mrs. Ellis Spencer, is a widow of Crystal Lake; Kate, who is
Mrs. Thomas Ford of Oak Park, 111.; E. R., whose name heads this
review; Charley, who is a mail carrier of Elgin, 111. Ezra R. Jackman
owns the old farm, having bought out the other heirs, although prior
to that he had leased it from his mother, taking charge of it when he
was twenty-four years old. For several years he was in a mercantile
business at Crystal Lake with his brother, Charley, but later returned
to the farm, where his first wife died. In 1915 he located permanently
at Crystal Lake, where he has since lived. He built a barn on his farm,
which has a cement floor and other modern conveniences, and a silo.
The house was erected by his father, who spent the greater part of his
married life in it. While conducting the farm, E. R. Jackman kept
about thirty cows, milk being his leading feature. As this farm was
prairie land, it was not nearly so hard to develop it as those in the timber.
Like his father, Mr. Jackman is no politician, the older man espousing,
however, first the principles of the Whig party, and later those of the
Republican. All his life Rodney D. Jackman was a member of the
Methodist Episcopal church at Crystal Lake, but his son does not

668 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTS

belong to any religious organization, although he is a liberal supporter
of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife is a member.

On October 7, 1887, E. R. Jackman was married to Carrie Adriance
of Crystal Lake, who died August 29, 1901, leaving him with four chil-
dren, namely: Ralph; Mrs. Hazel Wingate, who married Clifton Win-
gate of Nunda Township; Lester; and Leon. Of these children, Ralph
was married to Ida M. Schrader, who died, leaving two children, Loris
and Elroy, and after her demise, Ralph left the old farm where he had
been living. Leon enlisted for service in the regular army, First Regi-
ment of Engineers, July 5, 1916, and was sent to Eagle Pass, Tex., and
from there to Washington, D. C, to act as guard at the White House.
He was then assigned to the Seventh Regiment Engineers at Fort
Leavenworth, Kan., and sent to France in March, 1918, and was at
the front from July, 1918, until the signing of the Armistice, following
which he was in the Army of Occupation in Luxemburg, and during
his period of service was in France and Italy, and advanced from private
to corporal and then sergeant. Lester is another son who has upheld
the family name in military service, going into the National Army
under the Selective Draft, and after being trained at Camp Fremont,
was sent abroad, and was with the Siberian Contingent.

E. R. Jackman was married (second) to Mrs. Ida E. Hill, of St.
Charles, 111., born at Aurora, a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Parker)
Sinclair, and widow of John Hill of Grenada, Miss. There are no
children. The Jackman is one of the best known families in Algonquin
Township, and its members are commanding confidence and respect
both at home and abroad.

WILLIAM JACKSON.
Page 139.

JOHN JANAK.

John Janak, proprietor of the leading garage of Algonquin, and dealer
in agricultural implements, lumber, wagons, buggies, road wagons,
wood and iron pumps, Plymouth binder twine and similar commodities,

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 669

is one of the best known men in this locality. He was born in Bohemia,
May 11, 1862, a son of Frank and Frances (Joblonrski) Janak, the
former of whom was a native of Bohemia, who brought his family to
the United States in 1872, and after a short stoppage at Spring Lake,
111., went to California, where he lived until his death in March, 1916.
His wife died in 1895.

John Janak was ten years old when brought to the United States,
and he attended the Algonquin schools. All of his mature years he has
been engaged in his present business, and branched out when he built
his garage at a cost of $7,000, disposing at that time of a livery business
he owned.

On June 22, 1892, Mr. Janak was married to Miss Josephine Suchy,
a daughter of Franklin Suchy, Bohemians. Mr. and Mrs. Janak
became the parents of the following children: Valentine, who is the wife
of Fred Schutie, city marshal of Algonquin; Edward, who enlisted in
the United States army in 1915 as a private, became a sergeant with
the Philippine Coast Artillery; Edna, who is at home; Elmer, who was
with the United States navy; and George, who was a quartermaster
in the United States army. Mr. and Mrs. Janak and their family
belong to the Congregational church. He is a Republican. His fra-
ternal relations are with the Woodmen of the World. A fine business
man, Mr. Janak has made a success of his undertakings, and is numbered
among the successful residents of McHenry County.

EMILUS C. JEWETT.

Emilus C. Jewett, president of the State Bank of Woodstock, and
one of the leading financiers of McHenry County, is held in the highest
esteem by all who know him. He was born on a farm in McHenry
County, January 29, 1854, a son of Walter P. and Harriet C. (Horton)
Jewett, who had five children, two of whom grew to maturity. Walter
P. Jewett was born in Vermont, but in 1836 came to Rockford, 111.,
and to McHenry County in 1838. He was a farmer until his death
which occurred in 1879.

Attending the public schools, Emilus C. Jewett spent his young
manhood in Woodstock, and entered the counting room of the First
National Bank of Woodstock; he remained there for eight years, leaving
it to start in the shoe business, in which he remained for seven years.

670 HISTORY OF McHENBT COUNTY

The following two years he spent in the Northwest, and then in 1887,
he, with E. E. Richards, formed the firm of Richards & Jewett to handle
an abstract business which is now incorporated as the Richards, Jewett
& Wright Abstract Company. In December, 1889, he became cashier
of the State Bank of Woodstock at the time of its organization, and
later was made its president, in 1915. His knowledge of the banking
business is intimate, and under his able direction the affairs of his bank
are in admirable condition.

In 1879 Mr. Jewett was united in marriage with Miss Alice C.
Eckert, a daughter of Jacob Eckert of McHenry County, and they
had two children, namely: Jessie E., married Raymond F. Pfeiffer.
and Helen A., married Roscoe G. Brewer. She has two children:
Harriet Horton and Roscoe G., Jr. Mrs. Jewett passed from this life.
April 12, 1912. The family attend the Congregational church. Polit-
ically Mr. Jewett is a Republican. His fraternal affiliations are with
the Masons and Elks, and he is as popular with these organizations a-
he is with the community at large.

GEORGE H. JOHNSON.

George H. Johnson, manager of the Wilbur Lumber Company at
West McHenry, 111., is a young man of wide experience and knowledge,
and is admirably fitted for the duties of his present position. He was
born in McHenry County, December 30, 1886, a son of Benjamin and
Caroline (Anderson) Johnson, who had three children. Benjamin
Johnson was for many j^ears a farmer, and is now living at Crystal
Lake, 111.

George H. Johnson attended the common and high schools of Crystal
Lake, and was graduated from the latter in 1906, and engaged with the
Wilbur Lumber Company's plant at West McHenn\ In 1912 he
accepted a position with W. G. Wheeler at Rockford, acting as traveling
salesman for four years. Mr. Johnson then became manager for the
Alexander Lumber Company at Waynesville, 111., and he remained
there until October 14, 1918, when he was appointed cashier of the
Bank of Ringwood to fill the vacancy left by the death of R. G. Wharton.
On March 1, 1920, he severed his connection with the Bank of Ringwood
and accepted the managership of the Wilbur Lumber Company yard
at West McHenry.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 671

On June 3, 1914, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Mabel M. Granger,
a daughter of Frank K. Granger, and a member of an important McHenry
family. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson became the parents of three children,
namely: Margaret I., who was born August 16, 1915; George E., who
was born February 14, 1917; and Frank K, who was born June 21, 1920.
Mr. Johnson is independent in his political views. Fraternally he
belongs to McHenry Lodge No. 158, A. F. & A. M.; McHenry Chapter,
No. 547, O. E. S., and to the Modern Woodmen of America. He is
held in the highest esteem wherever he has lived, and his ability is
recognized by all who know him.

HORACE W. JOHNSON, M. D.

Horace W. Johnson, M. D., now deceased, was the first practicing
physician of Harvard, and one of the pioneer members of the medical
profession of McHenry County. He was born in New York City, N. Y.,
December 16, 1810, the eldest of the three children of Jacob and Maria
(Johnson) Johnson. After completing his academic courses in New
York City, he was graduated from Rutger College, New Jersey, having
been under the preceptorship of Valentine Mott, Sr. For the subsequent
six years Doctor Johnson was engaged in practice in New York City,
but in 1836 came west and from then until 1856, practiced in Kenosha,
Wis., when he came to Harvard.

When Doctor Johnson came to what is now Harvard, the present
site of the city was occupied by a field of waving corn, and not the most
optimistic could have visioned the present surroundings. However,
Doctor Johnson did have faith in the future of the neighborhood, and
was here located until his death, February 24, 1871. On November 9,
1842 he was married at Bloomfield, Wis., to Adaline A. La Tour, a native
of New York City, born August 27, 1823, a daughter of James and
Christina (Kipp) La Tour. Doctor and Mrs. Johnson had a family
as follows: Col. M. Johnson, M. D., of Harvard, and three sons and
two daughters who died early in life. The grandfather of Mrs. Johnson,
Anthony William La Tour, came to the United States from France
with General Lafayette, served in the American Revolution as an officer,
and later had the honor of being one to entertain the distinguished
French official when he re-visited this country many years after the
close of the war in which both had participated. In the spring of 1841,

67:2 EISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

the parents of Mrs. Johnson brought her to Walworth County, Wis.,
where they permanently settled.

COLONEL M. JOHNSON, M. D.

Colonel M. Johnson, M. D., one of the prominent members of the
medical profession of McHenry County, is the proprietor of the Cottage
Hospital of Harvard, which was the first hospital in the county. He
was born at Kenosha, Wis., May 2, 1854, one of six children born to
Horace W. and Adeline Amelia (La Tour) Johnson. Horace W. Johnson
was a well known physician and surgeon of New York City, where he
was born, and later of Wisconsin. He finally came to Harvard, 111.,
where he died February 22, 1871. His widow survived him many
years, passing away in March, 1901.

Doctor Johnson attended the common and high schools of Harvard,
Notre Dame University, from which he was graduated in 1871, the
University of Michigan, from which he was graduated in September,
1875. He took a post-graduate course at Bellevue Hospital, New York
City for a year, and then in 1876, located at Harvard, where he has
since remained. Subsequently he built his hospital, at a cost of over
$15,000. This hospital has accommodation for thirty-two patients, and
seven nurses. Doctor Johnson belongs to the county, state and national
medical societies. He is a Democrat, and has served as city physician,
treasurer, alderman and mayor of Harvard, and has very well satisfied
his constituents in all these offices. He is a Thirty-second Degree and
Shriner Mason, and also belongs to the Illinois Historical Society.

Doctor Johnson was married to Elizabeth Jolly and divorced from
her. They had one son, namely: Horace W., who is engaged in a real-
estate and insurance business at Chicago. Doctor Johnson was married
(second) to Miss Helen E. Downes, a daughter of Richard H. Downes
of Onconta, N. Y. Doctor and Mrs. Johnson have one son, Colonel
R. M., who is at home. Both in private practice and as the head of
his own hospital, Doctor Johnson has attained to a well deserved popu-
larity, and those under his charge arc certain of receiving expert atten-
tion and the most modern of hospital service, without going to the
expense and trouble of visiting Chicago.

HISTORY OF McHENEY COUNTY 673

SAMUEL A. JOHNSTONE.

Samuel A. Johnstone, one of the progressive general farmers and
dairymen of McHenry County, owns and operates 120 acres of land on
section 36, Nunda Township. He was born in Scotland, May 13, 1856.
a son of William and Margaret (Stelle) Johnstone, natives of Scotland,
who came to the United States in 1869, and located on the farm now
owned by their son. Here the father died at the age of sixty-eight years.
He was a Presbyterian in religious faith. There were nine children in
his family, namely: Isabella, Samuel A., Janette, Richard, William.
Robert, Margaret, John and Fred.

Samuel A. Johnstone attended the schools of Scotland and McHenry
County. He was married to Jennie Kirkpatrick, born at Elgin, 111., a
daughter of William and Mary Kirkpatrick, natives of Scotland. Mr.
and Mrs. Johnstone have four children, namely: William K., who is
in the United States navy, and has been for twelve years; Melvill George,
who is also in the navy, on the Texas; Robert C; and Samuel A. The
only daughter, Maggie, died at the age of twelve years. Mr. and Mrs.
Johnstone are correctly numbered among the thoroughly representa-
tive people of the county, and their sons are living up to the high stand-
ards of the family on both sides.

MERRITT L. JOSLYN.

Page 138.

TIMOTHY KANALY.

Timothy Kanaly, now deceased, was formerly one of the successful
farmers of Seneca Township, and a man universally liked. He was
born near Cork, Ireland, in July, 1836, and died January 23, 1910. His
father died when he was small, and when he was ten years old, Timothy
Kanaly was brought to the United States by relatives. Later he sent
for his mother to join him. Until he was eighteen years old, he remained

674 BISTORT? OF McHENRY COUNTY

in New York, a portion of that period working for a gardener, but in
1854, he came to McHenry County, and was for a time employed by
Thomas Richards, and helped tu set out the evergreens that have since
given the name of Evergreen to one of the school districts. On January
6, 1858, he was married to Johanna Nihan, who was born in Pennsyl-
vania in November, L838, the ceremony taking place at St. Patrick's
Church at Hartland. She had come to McHenry County with her
parents, James and Mary Nihan, who located in Seneca Township,
where both died when about eighty years old, and they are buried in
the pioneer cemetery of Seneca Township.

After his marriage Timothy Kanaly located on the farm in Seneca
Township that is still owned by the family, and he built a shanty on it.
There was no road leading to it, and everything was undeveloped. In
order to earn a little money, he leased a yoke of oxen, and with them
used to work for $1 per day, going four or five miles to work. He cut
wood at fifty cents per cord, hauling it five miles to Marengo. Just
as fast as he could, he kept on adding to his original purchase of fifteen
acres, until he had 220 in his homestead. The little shanty, he replaced
with a frame house still standing, but the present residence has been
built at different periods. The original barn was built from stumps,
covered with hay, but in 1873 he erected the present barn. Mrs. Kanaly
made butter which was sold to customers at Marengo. He was a Dem-
ocrat of the old school, and never missed an election. While he was
firm in his convictions, he was not a man to argue, and his boys are all
the same as he in this respect. When they first came there, Mr. and
Mi's. Kanaly would walk twelve miles to Hartland for religious services,
and when the Marengo church was established, they were among its
oldest members. Mrs. Kanaly survives her husband, and lives on the
farm.

The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Kanaly were as follows: Timothy,
who lives on a farm adjoining the homestead; Mary Ann, who is the
widow of J. Riley of Marengo; Cornelius, who is with the Commonwealth
Edison Company, of Chicago, has been a resident of that city for thirty
years; and Daniel and James, twins, and Katherine, who are all at
home. The two sons last named conduct the farm. Daniel is active
in township affairs, having served on the election board, and also on
the school board. The Kanaly family is one of the highly esteemed
ones of McHenry County, and the sons are numbered among the suc-
cessful farmers of Seneca Township.

HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 675

EDWARD C. KAPPLER.

Edward C. Kappler, senior member of the well-known grocery firm
of Kappler & Deitz, is one of the leading men in his line at Woodstock,
and a well-known figure in McHenry County. He was born at Wood-
stock, April 3, 1874, one of the four children of Charles and Lena (Miller)
Kappler. Charles Kappler was a farmer, and was engaged in that line
of endeavor until his death which occurred in 1912.

Edward C. Kappler attended the grammar and high schools of
Woodstock, and has always been identified with the best interests of
his native place. Mr. Kappler first formed a partnership under the name
of Kennedy & Kappler, and sold out his interests there in 1913. Later
he bought out S. L. Hunt, and he took Arlie A. Deitz as his business
associate. The firm carries a full and carefully assorted line of staple
and fancy groceries averaging $8,000, and do an annual business of
.$100,000. The selling force is composed of ten experienced people,
and excellent service is rendered. During the late war, this firm cheer-
fully lived up to -all the government regulations, and deserves the
heavy patronage it receives.

Mr. Kappler is Democratic in his political faith. Fraternally he
belongs to the Odd Fellows, Elks and Woodmen. His residence is at
No. 335 Lincoln Street. The business policy of this firm is to render
the best service and sell the highest grade of goods at prices as low as
is consistent with their quality, and the market quotations.

PATRICK KEATING.

Patrick Keating, now living retired at Huntley, is one of the most
highly respected men of McHenry County, and formerly took an
active part in the agricultural life here and is still the owner of a large
amount of farm land. He was born in Kane County, 111., five miles
south of Huntley, April 15, 1843, a son of Edward and Mary (Tobin)
Keating, both natives of County Tipperary, Ireland, where they were
married.

Upon coming to the United States, they proceeded direct to Illinois
and soon were settled on a farm in Kane County, 111., where Edward
Keating rounded out his life, and after his death his widow moved to
a farm near Crystal Lake, in Grafton Township, and after ten or twelve

676 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

years, went to live at Elgin, III. They hail the following children:
William, who was originally a fanner, became a fireman on the Chicago
& Northwestern Railroad, and was killed near Dubuque, Iowa; Patrick,
whose name heads this review; Thomas, who at one time conducted
a blacksmith shop at Huntley, lived for a time at Chicago, and is now
a resident of Elgin, 111.; and Edward, who was a lieutenant on the
Chicago police force, in charge of the Stanton Avenue Station, and later
chief of detectives, is now deceased.

Patrick Keating remained in Kane County until he attained his
majority, working by the month on neighboring farms, and then con-
ducted his mother's farm in Grafton Township for four years. He then
bought eighty acres of land three and one-half miles northwest of
Huntley, going into debt for it. Not only did he clear off this debt,
but he erected a fine set of buildings on the property, making it one of
the best farms in this region, and also began adding to it until he had 240
acres. This farm is rolling prairie land, with several flat tracts, which
he drained, thus redeeming about sixty acres. The house was built
in 1883, and the barn in 1876, but. the latter he replaced in 1915 by a
line daily barn, with full basement, 36 x 120 feet, and 16-foot posts,
all of the stabling being in the basement. There is also a horse barn
36 x 70 feet and the necessary outbuildings, including a commodious
milk house and silo, 16 x 50 feet. These buildings are on a slight ele-
vation, commanding a fine view of the surrounding country, and they
can be seen for miles about. Mr. Keating's holdings are heavy, he
owning 1,400 acres of land, all of which is in McHenry County with the
exception of a 200-acre farm a part of which is in Kane County. These
McHenry County farms are as follows: the old William Miller farm
of 160 acres; the Koppen farm of 120 acres; the Henry Sinnett farm
of 240 acres; the John Kreutzer farm of 160 acres; the Salow farm of
140 acres; and the Scott farm of 196 acres, and other valuable .lands.
Mr. Keating has paid as high as $140, and as low as .$26.25 per acre,
for his land. As he bought these various farms, he began making im-
provements, either erecting new buildings, or remodeling the old ones;
>iuking wells, putting in windmills, cementing the floors in the big barns,
using several miles of tiling in properly draining the low places, and doing
everything to bring his properties up to the highest standards of modern
efficiency. On his homestead he made it a practice to keep a herd of
about forty head, and always dealt in stock, giving this latter branch
of his business special attention after he retired from the farm to Huntley
in 1884. In order to properly handle his stock, he built a large barn

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 677

for it at Huntley. His stock business is now owned by his son, Edward.

On February 28, 1867, Patrick Keating was married to Margaret
A. Harmon at Woodstock. She is a daughter of Michael and Ann
(Quinn) Harmon, both of whom were born in Kings County, Ireland,
but came to the United States in 1840, and located in Seneca Township,
two miles west of Woodstock, where she died in 1902, aged eighty-seven
years, he surviving her for four years, passing away at the age of ninety
years.

Mr. and Mrs. Keating became the parents of the following children:
William, who had spent some years at Wallace, Idaho, entered the ser-
vice of the Knights of Columbus organization for work in France during
the World War; Edward, who is in a real-estate and stock business at
Huntley; Thomas, who is a resident of Chicago; Bernard, who is with
his brother Edward; Michael, who was a veteran of the Spanish- American
War, died July 6, 1915; Elizabeth, who is now living with her parents,
was for some years a public school teacher, and for three years was
thus engaged at Huntley; Mary, who was a public school teacher in
McHenry County and the Elgin High School, is now engaged in War
Savings branch of the United States Treasury at Chicago; James, who
is engaged in life insurance work, is at home; and Ann, who was a court
stenographer at Chicago for some years, is now Mrs. Harold Morton
of Yonkers, N. Y. All of the family belong to St. Mary's Catholic church
of Huntley.

Mrs. Keating is one of the most intelligent ladies of McHenry
County, and much of her husband's remarkable success is due to her
foresight and business acumen. Warm hearted and impulsive, she is
quick to act and prompt to respond to any call upon her sympathies,
and during the late war was very energetic in forwarding the cause in
her neighborhood.

JOHN T. KELAHAN.

John T. Kelahan, postmaster of Algonquin, is one of the extensive
realty dealers specializing on farm lands. He was born June 16, 1862,
a son of Thomas and Mary (Cunningham) Kelahan, who had eight
children, seven of whom now survive. Thomas Kelahan was born in
the state of New York, and originally was a farmer, but later became
a merchant and was engaged in that line of business when he died,
September 14, 1875. His wife died February 19, 1918.

678 HISTORY OF MclIENRY COUNTY

John T. Kelahan attended the common and high schools, and was

reared on a farm. He remained with his parents until the death of his
father, and then assumed the responsibilities of conducting the farm.
Later he became associated with the Borden Company at Algonquin,
and was so connected for fifteen years, the last year being superintendent.
Upon his appointment as postmaster of Algonquin, March 3, 1915, by
President Wilson, he resigned from his firm, hut in addition to dis-
charging the duties of his position, he deals in farm lands upon an
extensive scale.

In 1908 Mr. Kelahan was married to Martha Doyle, a daughter of
Thomas Doyle, and they have three children, namely: John T., Jr.,
Russell J., and Thomas R. The family are all members of the Catholic
church. In polities Mr. Kelahan is a Democrat. His fraternal connec-
tions are with the Moden Woodmen of America. His administration
of the affairs of the post office is such as to commend him to the general
public, while personally he has many warm friends not only in McHenry
County, but Chicago as well, being very well known in both sections
of the state. He was mayor of Algonquin for six years, from 1907 to
1913, and during his term of office brought about many improvements,
one of the most important being the city sewerage system. Mr. Kelahan
served for four years as postmaster of Algonquin under President (inner
Cleveland's last administration.

ABNER W. KELLEY.

Abner W. Kclley, now deceased, was one of the prominent men of
McHenry County, and long a resident of Marengo, and he was born
in Canada Jul}' 26, 1859, and died December 6, 1918. When he was
three years old he was brought to Marengo, and was here reared.
He learned the trade of a machinist, and worked at it all of his life,
principally in McHenry County, although he spent a year in Virginia
engaged in farming. Returning to Marengo, he resumed his business
of handling Ford cars, in which he had been engaged before moving
South, and he had the record of running the first Ford in McHenry
County, having bought it in 1904. Mr. Kelley bought the first two
Fords in the county, driving them from Kalamazoo to Marengo, and
from that time on continued to handle them. In connection with his
agency he conducted a garage and a machine shop established by his

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 679

father in 1872. He and his brother built a new garage 80 x 150 feet,
with an ample repair department, and a fine display window, there
being none better in the county, and he had just arranged matters satis-
factorily so as to take things more leisurely when death claimed him.
Associated with him in the garage business were his two sons, who have
served in the World War. Mr. Kelley was a Republican, and had
served on County Committees as well as being interested in securing
the well being and progress of his community, serving several terms as
alderman. Mr. Kelley was an elder in the Presbyterian church.

On May 14, 1888, Mr. Kelley was married to Caroline Kimball,
born in Massachusetts, but reared at Elgin, 111. Her father was a hard-
ware merchant, and one of the oldest business men of Elgin. Mr. and
Mrs. Kelley were the parents of the following children: Pauline, who
married R. S. Fidler of Aurora, 111.; Charles, Joy and Benjamin, who
are conducting the garage business formerly owned by their father;
Fred, who is attending Lake Forest College, was also in the service
during the World War; Theodore, who is also at Lake Forest College;
Abner, who is attending Beloit College; and Caroline, who is at home.
Charles Kelley served in the Second Division, Army of Occupation,
having crossed to France in December, 1917, and was a hospital supply
driver. Joy Kelley served in France in automobile repair work.

On December 6, 1918, Mr. Kelley was returning from Chicago with
a car, when he was taken with heart failure and was found near Elgin
bv other autoists in his car. dead at the wheel.

JOHN T. KELLEY.

John T. Kelley, ex-mayor of Huntley, vice president of the Huntley
State Bank, and grain merchant, is numbered among the most repre-
sentative men of McHenry County. He was born December 19, 1867,
a son of John G. and Sarah (Coyne) Kelley, and grandson of James
Coyne.

John G. Kelley was born in Ireland, and after his father's death,
which occurred when he was thirteen years old, he was brought to the
United States by his mother. He and a brother, Thomas, were engaged
in an implement business at Chicago, later living at St. Charles, and
Crystal Lake, 111., and finally coming to Huntley in 1862, where he
was engaged in operating a blacksmith shop until 1885. In that year

fiMi HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNTY

he sold his shop and continued to supervise his extensive farming inter-
ests until his death which occurred January 7. 1915. He and his wife
were devout members of the Catholic church.

John T. Kelley attended the public schools and the Drew Business
College of Elgin, 111., being graduated from the latter March 16, 1886.
When he was fourteen years old he entered the employ of W. G. Sawyer
& Co., and remained with this concern for twelve years, and then
bought a half interest in it, and when Mr. Sawyer died March 15, 1912,
he purchased his interest from the estate, and continued the business
alone, under his own name for three years, when he took in Harry
Hilbert as a partner. The firm of Kelley & Hilbert handled flour,
feed, grain and coal, and did a large business, amounting to $60,000
annually.

Mr. Kelley is now the president of the Huntley Farmers Supply
Company, organized September 1, 1918, and owns a number of shares
in the same. His son is treasurer, and Mr. Hilbert acts as secretary.
The business has a capital of $30,000, and an extensive business is
eairied on in coal, grain, flour, feed, seeds, etc.

Mr. Kelley also owns 500 acres of choice farm land in Grafton Town-
ship. When the Huntley State Bank was organized, Mr. Kelley was
made a director, and in 1916, he was elected vice president. Very
prominent locally, Mr. Kelley has served as postmaster, village clerk,
township trustee, school director, town clerk and mayor of Huntley,
and is now secretary of the school board.

In 1893 Mr. Kelley was married to Miss Man- Connor, a daughter
of Jeremiah Connor of Kane County. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley have the
following children: Marie, who is Mrs. Raymond J. Donohue of Kane
County; Gordon J., who is in business with his father; Margaret and
Raymond J., who are at home. Mr. Kelley belongs to the Modern
Woodmen of America. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley and family are devout
members of the Catholic church.

WILLIAM KERR.
Page 138.

WILLIS JAMES KITTLE.

Willis James Kittle, one of the substantial farmers of Nunda Town-
ship, owns a finely-improved farm on sections 11, 12 and 15 of this town-

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 681

ship. He was born in Nunda Township, October 3, 1856, a son of James
and Jane Isabella (Mosgrave) Kittle, who spent the greater part of
their lives in Nunda Township, where they were engaged in farming.
The maternal grandfather of Willis James Kittle, settled on the present
farm of the latter, in 1844, buying a large part of it from the government.

Growing up in his native township, Willis James Kittle attended
its common schools, and then studied for two terms at the normal school
at Valparaiso, Ind. Early taught to make himself useful on the farm,
he has spent the greater part of his life in agricultural pursuits, although
earlier in life he was also engaged in school-teaching, and had some
practical experience in mercantile work, in which he was engaged for
several years commencing with 1893, during the period of the World's
Fair at Chicago. He is a strong Republican, and during 1881, served
as township collector, and has been on the school board, and also as a
village trustee. The Methodist Episcopal church holds his member-
ship, and he is highly regarded in the local congregation.

Mr. Kittle was married (first) at Ringwood, 111., to Rose L. Nickle,
who was born at Ringwood, September 5, 1855, and they had one son,
Roy L. Kittle, who died October 30, 1918. After the death of his first
wife, Mr. Kittle was married (second), at Crystal Lake, 111., to Miss
Laura A. Paine, who was born at Crystal Lake, July 31, 1876. Mr. and
Mrs. Kittle have one son, James Lewis Kittle, who was born April 11,
1913. The family residence is at Crystal Lake, although Mr. Kittle
still owns and operates his farm. Few men stand any higher in public
esteem than he, and he deserves the place he occupies in his community
for he has won it through personal effort and real merit.

LENTILLES KIZER.

Lentilles Kizer, a retired farmer of Harvard, belongs to the old and
honored Kizer family of McHenry County, and was born on the farm
his father secured from the government, July 12, 1856. He is a son
of Warren Kizer, one of four brothers, Morgan, Jacob, Warren and Morris
Kizer, who came to McHenry County in 1844. Warren Kizer's farm
joined that of Jacob on the south, while the farm Morris secured was
across the road, so the three brothers had an undivided piece of land.
Morgan Kizer was about three-quarters of a mile away from the others.
The latter left the county about 1861, and died at Oregon, 111. Morris

6S2 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

sold his farm before the outbreak of the Civil War, but bought another
one in Chemung Township, where he died, and his property was later
sold and his family is scattered.

Warren Kizer was married in New York state to Sophronia Brees,
and at once came West. They had but the one child, who was born
in a log house, but about 1859, a new residence was built, and in it he
died August 5, 1868. For some years prior to his demise he was in
poor health, and his wife did fine sewing and trimmed hats, gaining a
widespread reputation for the quality of her work. For several years
he and Warren were in partnership with the Waite brothers and they
conducted a general store at the State Line Corners, but after the
establishment of the village of Sharon, on account of the building of the
Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, the trade was drawn away from
that region, the business w7as abandoned, and Mr. Kizer returned to
his farm in 1860. In young manhood he taught school, and was the first
teacher at the Big Foot school, five miles from home, and he walked
back and forth, receiving only $12 and his board per month, for his
services. When he went for his certificate, he was asked if he could
make a quill pen, and when he replied that he could, he was told to write
out a certificate, and it was at once signed, the one question and answer
constituting the only examination given him. The little schoolhouse
in which he first taught was built of cobblestones, and he also taught in
his home district. All four brothers were Republicans after the formation
of that party. Warren Kizer's wife survived him until April 23, 1902.
Their marriage certificate, still in the possession of his son, is dated
Fairport, N. Y., April 28, 1844, and shows that he was born in Lucerne
County, Pa., June 14, 1816, and she in Chemung County, X. Y.,
February 4, 1818.

Lentilles Kizer was twelve years old when his father died, and the
next four years were spent by him in attending school and in helping
his mother. When he was sixteen years old, he began operating the
farm, which he owns, leaving it in 1907, to locate at Harvard, although
he still supervises the work of the farm, keeping it well improved, and
he has a very fine farm. His residence, located on an elevation, is the
original house lived in by his father, but he has practically rebuilt it,
and made it very modern. Mr. Kizer is a Republican.

On May 27, 1880, Mr. Kizer was married to Lettie E. Burton,
a daughter of Billings and Harriet (Sweasey) Burton, born on the Burton
farm, April 16, 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Kizer have no children.

HISTORY OF McHEXRY COUNTY 683

ROLLAND C. KIZER.

Rolland C. Kizer, who owns one of the best farms in Chemung
Township, is located eight miles northwest of Harvard and three miles
east of Sharon, and was born on this farm October 17, 1853, a son of
Jacob and Sarah (Smith) Kizer, natives of Pennsylvania, where they
were married. The paternal grandfather, Samuel Kizer, accompanied
Jacob Kizer when he journeyed overland to Ohio, and with them were
two brothers of the latter, Warren and Marius. They came on to
McHenry County, the younger men all securing government land,
which they developed and spent the remainder of their lives in this
vicinity. The old grandfather lived with Jacob Kizer until his death
which occurred at the age of ninety-three years. A son of Warren
Kizer owns his father's homestead which joins the one of Jacob Kizer,
and on it Warren Kizer died at the age of seventy years. His wife
was also a Pennsylvanian. Marius had a farm opposite to the one of
Warren, but he later sold it and went to Rock Island County, 111., and
there died, his family remaining there also. When the Chicago &
Northwestern Railroad was built, all the brothers helped in the con-
struction work, and they were among the organizers of the township.
Warren served the township as assessor for years.

Jacob Kizer, in partnership with John A. and William A. Waite,
conducted a general store at the State Line Corners, and in addition
to the store and post office there was a blacksmith shop and a few houses,
the nucleus of a village, but with the building of the railroad and the
establishment of Sharon, business drifted to the new town, and Jacob
Kizer returned to his farm which he conducted for twenty-five years,
but then retired. He was born December 10, 1815, and died February
12, 1896. His wife was born November 24, 1816, and died October 21,
1897. They were married November 11, 1841. Their children were
as follows: Laura M., who married Edward V. Phelps, a banker of
Harvard; Ann E., who was born July 24, 1846, died in the cholera
epidemic of 1870; Hamilton, who was the first of the children born in
Illinois, his birth occurring June 11, 1847, lives at Harvard; Edward S.,
who was a creamery man of Sherland, 111., died February 2, 1897; R. C,
who is mentioned below; Lydia R., who married Robert Brown of
Sharon, Wis., a farmer, died December 18, 1909; and Frank, who is
engaged in a creamery business of Wapaca, Wis., left McHenry County
in young manhood.

Jacob Kizer was one of the active Republicans of his township, but

684 BISTORT OP McHENRY COUNTY

never could he induced to accept of public honors. During the early
days he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at State Line
Corners, but later connected himself with the Cary Church at Sharon,
and died firm in its faith. He was a man who held the respect of his
neighbors and deserved it for he was upright, hard working, thrifty,
a good citizen and reliable man.

Rolland C. Kizer has added to his father's homestead until he now
has 140 acres. His house was erected by his father, but he has prac-
tically re-built it. He has also built a barn, silo and made numerous
other improvements. For years he has devoted himself to dairying
and keeps from seventeen to twenty cows of the Holstein strain. Like
his father Mr. Kizer is a strong Republican.

On March 10, 1886, Mr. Kizer was married to Frances Hawver,
a daughter of Charles Hawver, born and reared at Big Fork, Chemung
Township. Mrs. Kizer died February 8, 1888. Mr. Kizer has not
re-married. He has a splendid tenant on his farm. In young manhood,
Mr. Kizer united with the Methodist Episcopal church at Sherland,
and later transferred to the one at Sharon. He is a Blue Lodge Mason,
being affiliated with the lodge at Sharon. Like his father he enjoys
the confidence of all who know him, the county owes him and his much
for the representatives of his name have borne an important part in
the development of this part of the state.

CLAYTON W. KLONTZ, M. D.

Clayton W. Klontz, M. D., one of the prominent members of the
medical profession of McHenry County, is engaged in practice at Rich-
mond, where he located August 1, 1917. He was born in Illinois,
April 25, 1890, a son of Isaac and Marguerite (Folgate) Klontz, who
were the parents of five children, four of whom survive. Isaac Klontz
was born in Ohio, but came to Illinois when two years old. He later
engaged in farming continuing in this line until his death, in 1908. An
excellent farmer and good business man he was very successful, and
stood well in his home community.

Doctor Klontz attended the grade and high schools of Freeport, 111.,
and the University of Illinois for three years, taking a science course, and
later became a student of the Northwestern University, from which
he was graduated in 1916. For eighteen months thereafter he was

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 685

connected with St. Anthony's Hospital at Chicago, where he gained a
very valuable experience. Since coining to Richmond he has won the
approval of his fellow practitioners and the favor of the public, by his
knowledge of his profession and his skillful treatment of his cases. He
is a member of the McHcnry County Medical Society. A man of
strong convictions he prefers to vote according to his own views instead
of binding himself down by party ties.

Doctor Klontz was married to Miss Lula M. Swanson, a daughter
of Herman and Mary (Wrightson) Swanson of Lewiston, Mich. Both
Doctor and Mrs. Klontz are protestants in religious faith.

GARDNER A. KNAPP.

Gardner A. Knapp, superintendent of the County farm at Hartland,
has a practical knowledge of farming that particularly fits him for his
present position which he has held since 1913. He was born on a farm
in Iowa, April 13, 1868, one of the nine children of Ebenezer R. and
Emily (Thompson) Knapp. Ebenezer Knapp was born in New York,
from whence he came West as far as Ohio, and after a stop in that state,
to McHenry County, in 1855, and locating at Woodstock, carried on a
wagon-making business until 1871. In the later year he moved to
Seneca Township, and for some years was engaged in farming. He
died January 10, 1905. During the Civil War he served in Company G,
Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry. His wife survives.

Gardner A. Knapp was reared in McHenry County and attended
its schools. He has alternated farming and working at his trade as a
carpenter, but since 1913, he has devoted his time and attention to
the care of the inmates of the county home. This home was built
in 1884, and opened on December 10 of that year. At present there are
thirty-eight inmates. The farm comprises 109 acres of land, and the
buildings are supplied with modern conveniences.

On February 16, 1898, Mr. Knapp was married to Miss Marian
E. Barrows, a sketch of her family appearing elsewhere in this work.
Mr. and Mrs. Knapp have the following children: Paul E., who was born
January 21, 1900; Mabel, who was born June 24, 1908; Russell, who was
born December 24, 1911; Gerald, who died at the age of one month, and
two who died in infancy. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal
church. In politics Mr. Knapp is a Republican, and he has served as a

686 HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNTY

justice of the peace and town collector. Under his wise and judicious
management the poor of the county receive attention and at the same
time are kindly led to till their farm so as to provide in some measure
for their food supply. Mr. Knapp is a Royal-Arch and Shriner Mason,
and he also belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America.

MICHAEL KNOX.

Michael Knox, a farmer of Nunda Township, who deserves more
than passing mention in a work of this character, belongs to one of the
old families of McHenry County. He was born in this county, January
21, 1864, a son of John Knox, who was born in Ireland in 1819, and died
in 1887.

John Knox came to the United States in young manhood, and soon
after his arrival, located in McHenry County, where he became a farmer.
He was married to Mary Noonan, born in Ireland, who was brought
to the United States by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Noonan,
and they became early settlers of McHenry County. John Knox and
his wife had the following children: Ella Bolger; Anna Doherty;
Elizabeth, who is Mrs. M. Conway; Mary; Alice; John; Michael, all of
whom are living; and Thomas, Edward and two infant daughters, who
are deceased. In politics John Knox was an independent Democrat.
Buying 160 acres of land, he farmed it until his death, and was a very
successful man.

Michael Knox attended the district schools, and grew up on the
farm. With the exception of two years spent in Chicago, Mr. Knox
has always lived in McHenry County. For three years he rented a
farm, and then bought 160 acres on section 15, Nunda Township, on
which he has since carried on general farming and dairying with gratify-
ing results.

In 1895 Mr. Knox was married to Mary A. Doherty, born in Nunda
Township, a daughter of Michael and Mary (Knox) Doherty, natives
of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Knox have the following children: Florence,
who is a teacher; Francis; Edward, who served on the U. S. S. Massa-
chusetts; Harold T.; Robert; Vernon; Mabel and Marie, who are living;
and Ellen, who is deceased. Mr. Knox is an independent Democrat.
During the more than half a century Mr. Knox has lived in McHenry
County, he has borne his part in its development.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 687

FRANK KREUTZER.

Frank Kreutzer, one of the successful men of McHenry County,
resides in Grafton Township, three miles north of Huntley, where he
owns a valuable farm. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, February
24, 1854, a son of John and Mary Ann Kreutzer, a sketch of whom is
to be found elsewhere in this work. Frank Kreutzer was twelve years
old when the family came to the United States, and thirteen, when settle-
ment was made in McHenry County. When John Kreutzer sold the
homestead to his sons, Paul and John, Frank Kreutzer began working
for John Coil of Kane County, and after one year on his farm, spent two
years on the farm of William A. Boies, receiving $18 per month for the
first year, and $23 for the second. During these three years he was able
to save $300, and with the $900 he received from his father, he had
enough money to go into partnership, in 1878, with his brother George
and buy his present farm of 160 acres, all of which was open prairie,
covered with stones. They paid $25 per acre for this farm, and at that
time could have bought an improved farm for $35 per acre. They each
paid $1,000, and went into debt for $3,000, paying ten percent interest
for two years, when they were able to negotiate a loan at six percent.
Still later, Frank Kreutzer bought his brother's share.

There were so many stones on the farm, many of them of considerable
size that Mr. Kreutzer decided to make use of them, and utilized them
in the erection of his buildings, in this way securing a durable and cheap
material. It took an almost unending amount of hard work to clear
and develop the land, and it was not until 1912 that he paid off his debt
in full. Prices were very low during the early days, milk selling for
sixty cents per can, from which the freight of seventeen cents had to be
subtracted. In fact for some years he made nothing from his herd, but
later on he changed his grade of cattle, and improved the quality and
increased the volume of his production. During President McKinley's
administration land in the rural regions began to increase, prices rose
for farm products and he was able to make substantial payments on
his debt, and thus reduced his interest. Mr. Kreutzer has continued
to improve his property, and has redeemed about sixty acres of ponds
and swamp land by proper drainage. His residence and other build-
ings are located on an elevation overlooking not only his own farm, but
an area of several miles in extent, and his entire premises show that they
are carefully superintended by one who understands his business and
takes a pride in having everything just right. His barn is 36x112 feet,

<;>- HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY

am! 35 feel in height, with full basement, and he has room for over
fifty head of cattle in big box stalls. He lias made milk his leading
feature, and milks forty-five head, feeding all the crop he raises to his
stock. As his soil is kept in prime condition, his crops are large. He
has a large silo, and other improvements, and his interests are centered
in his farm.

In 1880, when he was twenty-three years old, Mr. Kreutzer was
married to Mary M. Pobb, born in Illinois, her parents being residents
of Buffalo Grove, Lake County, 111. Mr. and Mrs. Kreutzer became
the parents of the following children: John; Rosa, who married Andrew
Schmidt of Huntley, a mason by trade; Anna, who is at home; Lizzie,
who married Joseph Zelover, is now at home, her husband having died
in November, 1918; Andrew; Willie, who spent six months at Camp
Hancock, during the Great War, expected to be sent to France, hut
did not receive orders on account of the signing of the Armistice; and
Leo, who is on the farm, as are all of the other sons. Mr. Kreutzer
and his family belong to St. Mary's Catholic church of Huntley. He
is one of the strongest kind of Republicans, and firmly believes that only
under Republican administration can this country develop a healthy
prosperity, pointing out with accuracy the hard times which have always
followed the return of Democrats to power. His information on this
subject shows that he has studied the history of his adopted country,
and his willingness to give these facts, proves his fearlessness in backing
his beliefs.

PAUL KREUTZER.

Paul Kreutzer, a director of the State Bank of Huntley, and an exten-
sive farmer of Grafton Township, is one of the most substantial men of
this region, and resides at Huntley. He was director of the Chicago,
Waukegan & Fox Lake Traction Company during the years 1912 and
1913, in which he lost several thousand dollars. Mr. Kreutzer was born
in Bavaria, Germany, November 22, 1848, but since coming to this
country, has imbibed the true spirit of his adopted land, and is thoroughly
Americanized in thought and act. He is a son of John and Mary Ann
Kreutzer, farming people.

In 1866 John Kreutzer came to the United States, and spent a year
at Springfield, 111., coming thence to McIIenry County, locating on the
farm still owned by his son, Paul, which contained 211 acres, forty acres
of which were covered with timber, and the remainder is in prairie, to

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 689

which Paul Kreutzcr has since added until he now has 311 acres, his
last purchase of twenty-two acres costing him $225 per acre, which same
land was offered to him forty years ago at $75. Mr. Kreutzer has built
a new set of buildings and made many other improvements, having one
of the best rural properties in his neighborhood. This farm lies mainly
in Kane County, just across the county line. Mr. Kreutzer has always
carried on dairying, milking from sixty-five to seventy cows, but is now
having a smaller herd as he has rented a portion of his property. In
addition to his barns, he has two silos, and does all of his work according
to modern methods. At one time he was associated in the operation of
a local creamery. While he is a Democrat, Mr. Kreutzer is not an office
seeker.

When he was twenty-seven years old, he was married to Kunigunda
Sporlein, at Buffalo Grove, 111., where she was born, a daughter of
Christ Sporlein, whose father had secured land from the government
during the early forties, and this farm is still owned by George Sporlein,
a brother of Mrs. Kreutzer. Mr. and Mrs. Kreutzer became the parents
of the following children: Walburgo, who married a Mr. Daniel Crim-
mins, and died six months later at the age of twenty-four years; Charley,
who is at home; and Joseph, who is also at home. Joseph Kreutzer
registered for service under the first draft and was expecting to be
called into the service when the Armistice was signed. Mr. Kreutzer
is an honest man and looks it. The soul of sincerity, he lives up to his
word and expects others to be as honest as he. Strong in his con-
victions, he does not lack the courage of them, nor does he fear to give
expression to his opinions. Powerful in physique, he has always been
able and willing to do two men's work, and his industry and energy
have resulted in a much-deserved prosperity. During the late war Mr.
Kreutzer was one of the men of German birth who proved their loyalty
to the United States in countless ways, and is justly numbered among
the very desirable citizens of the county. His methods of farming are
such as to win approval from his associates, and many of them are
adopted by those who appreciate their value and desire to bring about
similar results to the ones attained by him. He is a member of the
Catholic church at Huntley.

JOHN P. KROEGER.

John P. Kroeger, a director of the United State Bank of Crystal
Lake and proprietor of the garage at Crystal Lake that bears his name,

690 HISTORY OK McHENRY COUNTY

is also agent for the Ford cars. He was born in Germany, .July 24, 18G2,
a son of Joseph and Mary (Roggensack) Kroeger, who had nine children,
three of whom survive. Joseph Kroeger was born in Germany. Be
died in this country in 1893, having been a farmer all his life.

John P. Kroeger was reared on his father's farm, and attended the
public schools of his native land. In 1883, he came to the United
States and located at Crystal Lake, and worked at various trades.
In 1893 he was appointed postmaster at Crystal Lake, and at same time
embarked in a mercantile business which he recently sold. In February,
1914, he branched out, becoming agent for the Ford cars, and in 1918
completed his present modern garage at a cost of ,$18,000, since which
time he has conducted a large service station. He has a partner in the
automobile business, operating under the name of Kroeger & Rauhut,
the firm having been established in 1917. Since its re-organization,
Mr. Kroeger has been a director of the United State Bank of Crystal
Lake.

In 1887, Mr. Kroeger was united in marriage with Miss Rika Berg,
a daughter of John Berg, who was born in Germany. Mr. and Mrs.
Kroeger became the parents of five children, namely: William E. ;
Mary, who died September 9, 1916; Paul F. ; and Hulda and Edith
(twins) who are at home. The family belong to the Lutheran church.
Mr. Kroeger is a Republican. He is one of the best business men at
Crystal Lake, and is held in high respect by all who know him.

CHARLES KRUSE.

Charles Kruse, one of the prominent business men of Richmond,
owns and operates one of the most prosperous hardware stores in Mc-
Henry County. He was born at West Chicago, 111., December 21,
1872, one of the nine children of John and Sophia (Hilgendorf) Kruse.
For many years John Kruse was section foreman for the Northwestern
Railroad, and he is still living, but his wife died November 6, 1919.

Charles Kruse attended the public schools of his locality and learned
the tinner's trade, following it for some time, and he still has a well-
equipped tinning and plumbing shop in connection with his present busi-
ness. For some years he continued to be a resident of West Chicago, but
in 1898 moved to Richmond, and erected his present store building in
1905, at a cost of $12,000. In normal times he carries a stock ranging

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 691

from $15,000 to $20,000. He usually has four people in his employ.
In January, 1920, he incorporated his business as the Kruse Hardware
Company, under which name he is now operating. In addition to his
business interests at Richmond, Mr. Kruse owns 115 acres of land in
Richmond Township, that is very valuable, a 125-acre farm in Randall
Township, Kenosha County, Wis., and considerable realty at Richmond,
he being one of the wealthiest men of his community.

In 1898 Mr. Kruse was married to Miss Anna Mordhorst, a daughter
of John Mordhorst, a prominent farmer of Kane County, 111. Mr.
and Mrs. Kruse have had the following children: Helen S., who is the
wife of Richard G. Richardson; Charles E., who is attending the Uni-
versity of Illinois; Anna Bernice, who died April 1, 1920; and John
Wallace, who is at home.

In politics Mr. Kruse is a Republican. He and his family belong
to the Lutheran church, but attend the Methodist Episcopal church
to which he contributes. His many and varied interests keep him fully
occupied, but he does not neglect his civic duties, and can always be
relied upon to give an instant and effective support to all measures
which he believes will bring about an improvement in existing con-
ditions. He is vice-president of the State Bank of Richmond, a director
of the Community High School of Richmond and Burton Townships,
and president of the Business Men's Association.

EDWARD FRED KUECKER.

Edward Fred Kuecker, supervisor of Seneca Township, and one of
the representative men of McHenry County, is successfully engaged
in farming, four miles northeast of Marengo, and eight miles southwest
of Woodstock. He was born in Du Page County, 111., February 28,
1880, a son of Richard and Charlotte (Winkelman) Kuecker, both of
whom were born in Hanover, Germany, where they were married. Soon
after their marriage, in 1869, they came to the United States to join
two of his sisters who had located in Du Page County, 111. In 1910, he
retired, and moved to Marengo where he is now living, taking life easily.
Richard Kuecker owns one of the very valuable farms of McHenry
County, having come to it in 1885. It is located in Coral Township,
one mile south of the village of Coral. It was an undeveloped tract
of land when he bought it, and much hard work was required to bring

692 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

it into its present fine state, bul that he was able fco perform, and few
men of the vicinity deserve greater credit for their labor than he. In
1016 his property was visited by a devastating fire, and all of the build-
ings were utterly destroyed, not a gate being left untouched. He
immediately went to work and rebuilt them all, making them thor-
oughly modern and much better than they were originally. In addition
to having the best of buildings, fencing and equipment, Mf\ Kuecker
has thoroughly drained his land, and holds it at a high figure. His
children tire as follows: Henry, who is in the employ of the Borden
Company at Marengo; William, who is a farmer of Riley Township;
Edward F., whose name heads this review; Fred, who is a farmer .of Coral
Township; Richard, who lives on the old homestead, suffered the loss
of several horses, grain, hay, tools, etc., at the time of the fire; George,
who lives at Marengo; Sophia, who is Mrs. August Kloszeski of Coral
Township; Emma, who is Mrs. Albert Winakelmann of Elgin, 111.;
Dorothy, who is Mrs. Monte Standiford of Belvidere, 111.; Alvina, who
lives at Warsaw. Ind.; and Matilda, who is the wife of Frank Miller, an
auctioneer of Marengo.

Edward F. Kuecker assisted his father to clear off the homestead,
and remained at home until his marriage, which occurred November
19, 1902, when he was twenty-two years old, at which time he was
united with Sophia Mueller, a daughter of J. D. Mueller, now deceased,
but late of Seneca Township, his old farm now being conducted by
his two sons, Rudolph and William. Mrs. Kuecker was born at St.
Louis, Mo., and was only four years old when she was brought to Seneca
Township.

Mr. and Mrs. Kuecker have five children, namely: Ahin, Edwin,
Wilhelmiua arcl Ellen, living, and Lydia, deceased.

After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Kuecker rented land in Marengo
Township for four years, and then bought eighty acres. On it Mr.
Kuecker has erected a silo and outbuildings, and has added twenty-four
acres to his original purchase, for which he paid $100 per acre. Forty
acres adjacent to a creek, formerly very low land, have been drained,
and the whole farm today is in a high state of cultivation. Starting
in a small way, Mr. Kuecker has branched out into a breeder of fine
Holstein cattle, of which he has a magnificent herd, all pure bred, and
he has also a widespread reputation as a successful breeder of White
Leghorn chickens.

A stalwart Republican, Mr. Kuecker was highway commissioner

HISTORY OF McHENKY COUNTY 693

for four years prior to 1915, and in that year was elected supervisor,
and has since been re-elected. He is a member of the local school
board and one of the three directors comprising the McHenry County
High School Board, of which he is president, becoming a member of
the board which came into existence under the new law, which provides
the privilege of high school students attending the school most con-
venient to their place of residence, regardless of townships or district
lines, the county bearing the tuition expense. Mr. Kuecker belongs
to Zion Lutheran church at Marengo, and has long been very active
as a member of its choir, and he is also president of the Marengo Band
Association, which he helped to organize. A born musician, Mr. Kuecker
has worked hard to cultivate an appreciation of good musfc, and his efforts
are bearing fruit.

CLAUDE C. LACE.

Claude C. Lace, junior member of the firm of Lace & Reimer, pro-
prietors of the Algonquin Garage, is one of the leading young business
men of Algonquin. He was born at New Milford, 111., January 21, 1S90,
the only child of Thomas and Hattie (Cipperly) Lace. Thomas Lace
was formerly one of the prosperous farmers near Rockford, 111., but is
now residing at Rockford.

Claude C. Lace was reared at Rockford, and attended its common
and high schools. For a time he was engaged in assisting his father on
the farm, after he had completed his studies, and then he began learning
the trade of a machinist. Completing his apprenticeship at this trade,
he put it to practical use, and December 9, 1914, formed his present
association. The firm carries a stock valued at $7,000, and in addition
to operating a general garage and machine shop, they conduct a Goodyear
service station, and do a very large business in all lines.

In 1916 Mr. Lace was united in marriage with Miss Minnie Werneke,
a daughter of William Werneke, and a member of one of the pioneer
families of Algonquin. She died December 31, 1918, leaving one child,
Ruth M. Lace.

In politics, Mr. Lace is a Republican. He is one of the alert young
men of the county, and deserves the prosperity which is attending him,
for he has worked hard and intelligently to bring it about.

G94 HISTORY OP McIIKXRY COUNTY

JAMES C LADD.

James C. Ladd, one of the retired fanners and business men of
Ring wood, has been active in affairs of McHenry County, and Clark
County, Iowa. Ho was born one mile north of Ringwood, August
12, 1847, a son of Wesley Ladd, who died March 25, 1897. His firsl
wife, whose maiden name was Caroline Colburn, died October 1st, 1S53,
having borne him two children, namely: .James ('. and Frederica.
The daughter remained with her father, and died unmarried, September
4, 1906, in the family home at Ringwood, to which her father moved in
1882, and which he had owned for fifty years. By his second marriage
with Plielie Haley, Wesley Ladd had the following children: Amelia,
who is Mrs. E. H. Carter, of Jefferson, Iowa; Nellie C, who is Mrs.
< harles M. Prickett, of Elizabeth, Colo., was a teacher until her marriage;
Carrie, who is Mrs. Willard E. Smith, of Ringwood; Elma, who died
in 1881; anil Mary A., who married Oliver Southwick, a merchant of
Williams Bay, Wis. Wesley Ladd owned 570 acres of land near Ring-
wood, at one time being one of the most extensive farmers of this region.
In addition to farming, he dealt in grain and pork upon a large scale,
especially during the Civil War, and was one of the leading men of
McHenry County.

.lames C. Ladd remained with his father until his marriage, which
occurred February 7, 1877, when he was united to Elizabeth Harrison,
a daughter of Francis and Catherine (Ward) Harrison of Nunda Town-
ship, to which locality they had come from New York state in 1840, and
there spent the remainder of their lives. He was born in Yorkshire,
England, and she in Oneida County, N. Y. Following their marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Harrison moved to Clinton County, N. Y., and lived
there until their migration to Illinois. Mr. Harrison died in 1878, aged
sixty-eight years; and she died in 1902, aged eighty-five years, having
survived her husband for twenty-four years. Mrs. Ladd was born in
Nunda Township, February 14, 1854.

At the time of his marriage, Mr. Ladd rented a farm in McHenry
County and remained on it for a few years, and then' went to Clark
County, Iowa, where in 18SG, he bought 280 acres of land, for which he
paid $3,500. At the death of his father, he returned to McHenry
County as he was named as one of the executors of the estate, although
he had become very prominent in Clark County, being one of the three
county commissioners, who in 1893, erected the courthouse at a cost of
$50,000, one of the finest ones in the state. It stands in the public

& $'>&m<t&^/tf. &

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 695

square, and his name, among others, appears on the cornerstone. As
he realized it would take some time to settle his father's extensive
affairs, he finally sold his Iowa farm. As a portion of his share of the
estate, Mr. Ladd received the family residence at Ringwood, where he
has lived for some years. He has been engaged in stock shipping, and
owns a 140-acre farm near Ringwood, on which he has made many repairs
and put in improvements so that it is now a valuable property. For
two terms Mr. Ladd served as supervisor of McHenry Township. A
Republican, he cast his first presidential vote for General Grant while
he was attending the State University at Urbana, 111. Mr. and Mrs.
Ladd have no children. Since 1885 Mr. Ladd has been a member of
McHenry Lodge No. 158, A. F. & A. M. Mrs. Ladd is a member of
the Eastern Star. He is a Universalist and the local society of that
belief, having no house of worship, holds its meetings at the homes of
those belonging to it. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ladd are held in the highest
esteem and have many warm friends both in McHenry and Clark
counties.

J,OHN CARL LADWIG.

It has long been a recognized fact that the agriculturalist occupies
a very important place in the economic plan of any country, and recent
events have proven how independent the farmer of the United States
is of outside influences. If he owns his land he has not only a home
assured him, but ample food supply, while from the majority of rural
properties enough fuel can be gathered to provide heat. He can easily
exchange his produce for clothing, or at a pinch can, as did his ancestors,
raise cotton and wool. Because of the realization of the fact that the
fanner is fundamentally back of all industry has brought about a greater
appreciation of the value of his efforts in the past. One of the men who
was closely connected with the agricultural development of McHenry
County was the late John Carl Ladwig, who for years was a farmer
of Greenwood Township.

John Carl Ladwig was born in Wentsbangendorf, Pommern, Ger-
many, March 27, 1847. In 1872 he came to the United States and
settled at Crystal Lake and for a time was occupied with farming for
others and then, in 1874, he rented the James Smith farm in Algonquin
Township. It was not long, however, before he bought a farm of his
own, comprising 120 acres of land in Greenwood Township, which he

696 BISTORT OF McHENRY COUNTY

operated for nine years, or until his death, which occurred on May 25,
1903. His family sold the farm and moved to Woodstock, where they
own a comfortable home.

Ill 1874 he was married to Miss Marie Schlot I mami and they became
the parents of Louis, Robert, Emma and Augusta. Mrs. Ladwig died
in INS."). In 1886 Mr. Ladwig was married to Mrs. Zimmerman, and
they became the parents of the following children: John, who died in
1907; Curl; Alexander, and Clara. Mr. Ladwig was a hard-working,
thrifty man, he stood very high in public esteem and was recognized as
one of the solid men of his community, and one upon whom implicit
reliance could be placed. His widow and children share in the general
approbation he won, and are members of a congenial social circle at
Woodstock.

JAMES LAKE.

James Lake, one of the very influential men of Harvard, who is
interested in some of the most important affairs of the city and county,
was horn in Walworth County, Wis., eight miles north of Harvard, and
one mile north of the state line, September 23, 1850, a son of Beardsley
Lake. The latter was born in New York, a son of Rev. Philip Waldo
Lake, a minister of the Free Will Baptist church, who came west in
1839, settling on Big Foot Prairie, where he secured 640 acres of land.
The next spring, Beardsley Lake's wife and two children joined him.
Her maiden name was Mary K. Welsh, and she was born in the same
neighborhood as he. They settled on 320 acres of the land above
mentioned.

James Lake was two years old when his mother brought him to this
farm, and he lived on it until 1876 when he came to Harvard, and two
years later he bought an interest in the business of Mr. Clark, and
maintained that connection for three years. He then bought the busi-
ness owned by A. D. Crum of Walworth. Wis., conducting it for three
years, when Mr. Crum became his partner. Once more Mr. Lake bought
Mr. ('rum's interest and continued alone for eight years. At the expira-
tion of that period he took into partnership, his son-in-law. This busi-
ness was originally founded by James Lake's uncle, Levi Lake, and has
been continuously in the Lake family ever since, with the exception
of the time it was owned by Mr. Crum. Lumber, coal, feed and similar
commodities are handled, and since 1876 the firm has handled stock,

HISTORY OF McIIKXRY COUNTY 697

buying, selling and shipping upon an extensive scale. In connection
with the stock end of the business, Mr. Lake has owned several farms
at different times. He is a staunch Republican, and for ten years served
as supervisor of Chemung Township. The Congregational church
holds his membership. Mr. Lake is a Knight-Templar Mason. Few
men are held in higher esteem in McHenry and Walworth counties than
he, and he deserves a place in a work of this high character.

JOSEPH I. LANG.

Joseph I. Lang, now deceased, was one of the distinguished members
of the McHenry County bar, and at the time of his demise, was residing
at Richmond. He was born in Ypsilanti, Mich., January 30, 1877,
one of the six children of Cornelius C. and Jennie (Gunn) Lang, the
former of whom was engaged in the hardware business for a number
of years.

Joseph I. Lang attended the common and high schools of his native
city, and the law department of the Northwestern University, from
which he was graduated June 16, 1904. Immediately thereafter he
opened an office at Richmond, and was engaged in an active practice,
when his brilliant career was terminated by an automobile accident
November 20, 1916, when he and Dr. W. H. Streng were killed.

On October 9, 1901, Mr. Lang was married to Miss Ella L. Knight,
born January 17, 1880, a daughter of George O. Knight of Providence,
R. I. Mr. and Mrs. Lang became the parents of one child, Frances
M., born June 3, 1914, who, with her mother survive Mr. Lang. Mr.
Lang was a Republican. He belonged to the Catholic Church, while
his wife is a Baptist, Professionally Mr. Lang belonged to the McHenry
County Bar Association which he served as secretary and treasurer.
Fraternally he was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America
and the Knights of Columbus, and Mrs. Lang belongs to the Royal
Neighbors. Mr. Lang left behind him an unblemished reputation and
a name which stands for the highest conception of the ethics of his
learned profession.

GEORGE WILLIAM LEMMERS.

George William Lemmers, abstractor of titles and insurance agent,
residing at No. 232 North Tryon street, Woodstock, is one of the repre-

698 HISTORY OK M< HENRY COUNTY

sentative men of McHenry County. He was born at Woodstock,

March 1."), 1871, a son of Cornelius Florentius and Lois Delina (Wheeler)
Lemmers, the former of whom was horn at Rotterdam. Holland, Septem-
ber 4, 1816, and the latter, at Courtland, X. Y., September IS, 1833.
He was a carpenter and joiner and settled with his wife at Woodstock,
in 1851, building the following year, a house on the lot now occupied by
the residence of his son, George William Lemmers. This house stood
until 1915, when it was moved to make room for the new residence of
Mr. Lemmers. Prior to coining to the United States, Cornelius F.
Lemmers lived at Paris, France, for ten years, and he spoke five languages
very fluently. His wife was brought to McHenry County five years
prior to her marriage, by her father, who bought 100 acres of land near
Ridgeland, but died soon thereafter from sunstroke.

George William Lemmers attended the public schools of Woodstock,
and in 1888, when he was seventeen years old, he was graduated from
the Woodstock High School. He began working in a meat market
when only nine years old, and continued to spend all of his spare time
there until he completed his school courses. Mr. Lemmers then began
working on a farm during the summer, and in the winter worked in the
office of the McHenry County Democrat, where he remained until
March 4, 1S89, when he became associated with the abstract office of
Richards & Jew7ett, located where the restroom in the courthouse is now
placed. During the summer of 1889, Richards & Jcwett erected the
brick building at No. 130 Cass Street, and here Mr. Lemmers has worked
continuously ever since, not having missed a day's pay during all that-
time. On September 1, 1889, the Richards, Jewett & Wright Abstract
Company was incorporated, and Mr. Lemmers was made treasurer and
manager, and still holds these positions.

Mr. Lemmers served for four years in Company G, Illinois National
Guard, spending six weeks of that time at Chicago during the great
railroad strike in 1894, helping to guard railroad property. He was
elected city clerk of WToodstock in 1896, and served for eight years, and
in 1913, was elected alderman from the Third Ward, serving two years,
and served for three years as a member of the board of education, to
which lie was elected in 1912. Although he cast his first vote for Grover
Cleveland in 1892, since then he has voted with the Republican party.
Mr. Lemmers belongs to the Odd Fellows, and was noble grand for two
years, and secretary for ten years, of Guardian Lodge No. 60; was
exalted ruler in 1911 and 1918 of Woodstock Lodge No. 1043, B. P. O. E.,
and also served it as secretary; and he belongs to St. Mark's Lodge No.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 699

63, A. F. & A. M.; Woodstock Chapter No. 36, R. A. M.; Calvary
Commandery No. 25, K. T., of which he was commander from 1913 to
1915; and Tebela Temple, Mystic Shrine of Rockford.

On August 14, 1894, Mr. Lemmers was married to Stella May Jones,
born at Woodstock, 111., November 9, 1873, a daughter of Valorous
Elwayne and Mary (Gardner) Jones, the former of whom was born in
New York, but moved west wlv n very young, and the latter, born at
Batavia, 111., October 3, 1840, died May 19, 1916. Her ather was born
in Renfrewshire, Scotland, and came to America, settling in Cook County,
111., in 1833, naming the town of Dundee in Kane County. Mr. and
Mrs. Lemmers have two children, namely: Dorothy Geraldine, born
August 20, 1895; and Mary Evelyn, born October 23, 1905.

LOUIS M. LILLIBRIDGE.

Louis M. Lillibridge, one of the retired farmers of Harvard, has been
a director of the First State Bank of Harvard since it was organized,
and was formerly extensively engaged in farming in Dunham Township.
He was born in Durham Township, April 14, 1846, one of the two
children of Oliver P. and Matilda (Smith) Lillibridge. Oliver P. Lilli-
bridge was born in Pennsylvania, and came to McHenry County in
1842, settling in Marengo Township. He died in 1898, in Dunham
Township, having been a fanner all his active life.

Louis M. Lillibridge attended the common schools, and was reared
upon his father's farm. After reaching his majority, he began farming,
and was so engaged until 1895, when he retired, but he still owns a fine
farm of 235 acres of land in Durham Township.

On February 5, 1868, Mr. Lillibridge was married to Miss Ella
Billings, a daughter of Capt. William G. Billings, and a member of a
well known McHenry County family. When the First State Bank of
Harvard was organized, Mr. Lillibridge was made one of its directors,
and has maintained that connection with it ever since. For the past
eighteen years he has been school treasurer and for twelve years he was
assessor of Durham Township. Politically he is a Republican. Mr.
and Mrs. Lillibridge have had five children, three of whom survive,
namely: William P., of St. Charles, 111.; Fannie, J.; and Jessie B., wife
of Alfred H. Shepherd. Thomas and Gertrude are deceased. Strictly
honorable in all his dealings, Mr. Lillibridge has always commanded

700 HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY

the respect and confidence of his associates, and lew men stand any
higher than he in public opinion.

SAMUEL L. LINCOLN.

Samuel L. Lincoln, now deceased, was formerly one of the most
influential men of Hartland Township, owning and operating a fine farm
two and one-half miles east of Harvard. He was born in Alexander
Township, Genesee County, N. Y., June 7, 1840, a son of Apollos and
Melissa (Waite) Lincoln, a grandson of Daniel Lincoln; great-grandson
of Purvis Lincoln, and a descendant of General Lincoln of Revolutionary
fame, from whom Abraham Lincoln was also descended.

Apollos Lincoln was born at Brattleboro, Vt., June 2, 1802, and he
died February 22, 1880, aged seventy-eight years. In June, 1845, he
came to McHenry County, and after renting land for four years, located
on 120 acres of timber land in Nunda Township, but later sold this farm
and bought another one in Marengo Township, where he lived the
remainder of his life. His children were as follows: Gooding \Y.,
Henry M., Elizabeth A., Eunice A., Mary S., Samuel L., and Omar II.

Samuel L. Lincoln was only an infant when his parents moved to
Cattaraugus County, N. Y., and not quite five years old when they
came to McHenry County. His educational training in Illinois was
supplemented by attendance on a school in New York, alternating
being a student at the academy at Wauconda, N. Y., with working on
the farm for two years. After completing his schooling, he began
teaching school, and followed the practice for thirty-four years of teach-
ing during the winter months, and farming in the summer, all of his
schools being located either in Boone, Lake or McHenry counties.

On April 15, 1868, Mr. Lincoln was married in Ridgefield to Julia
E. Francisco, born in McHenry County, February 26, 1847, a daughter
of Peter and Sarah (Ingalls) Francisco. The Francisco family is of
French descent, but long ago was established in New Y'ork state. Mr.
and Mrs. Lincoln had the following children: Earl G., who was born
June 22, 1869, married Man- Strandt, and lives on the home farm ;
Charity, M., known as Dollie, who was born April 12, 1871, is Mrs.
E. C. Hammond of Alden Township; Herbert W., who was born June
30, 1875, died of diphtheria February 22, 1897, when twenty-one years
old; Clara B., who was born June 14, 1878, lives with her mother:
Albert W., who was born February 22, 1881, also died of diphtheria

HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 701

February 22, 1897; George M., who was born May 29, 1884, died
August 15, 1908, when twenty-four years old; and Leon S., who was
born September 20, 1889, is a rural free delivery carrier, and lives
with his mother.

After his marriage Mr. Lincoln lived at Marengo for about twelve
years and then came to Hartland Township where he bought a farm
of 163 acres of land, and moved upon it in 1881. He became very
much interested in milk production and kept about twenty cows him-
self. At one time he was a director of the Milk Producers Association,
there being only one other in McHenry County. For some years he
was interested in -selling brick silos, averaging about twenty a year,
and saw that they were properly put up. In every way he encouraged
the farmers in this and adjoining counties to improve their farms and
fit them for the production of milk, he realizing that this county is an
ideal locality for that branch of agricultural activity. Being an edu-
cated man he had a broader outlook than many, and could weigh matters
and pass judgment intelligently, so that many affairs were submitted
to him for his advice. Early in life he was a Republican, casting his
first vote for Abraham Lincoln, but later changed his politics and voted
for William Jennings Bryan, and continued thereafter with the Demo-
cratic party. He held the offices of justice of the peace and school
director for many years. Always very active in school matters as an
educator and citizen, he was one of the organizers of the McHenry
County Teachers Institute about 1860-1, and was appointed a member
of the committee to draft its constitution and by-laws, his associates
being A. W. Cummings of Chemung, and Edward Haywood of Nunda
Township. All of his mature years the Methodist Episcopal church
had in Mr. Lincoln a devout and effective member and worker, and he
died firm in its faith, November 11, 1917, his remains being interred
in Oakland Cemetery near Harvard. In his passing McHenry County
lost one of its venerable figures, and a man whose equal it would be
difficult to find. Upright and honorable, he gave freely of his means and
experience toward the betterment of his community and calling, and left
his neighborhood the better for his having spent practically all of his
life in it.

WILLIAM C. LINDERMAN.

William C. Linderman, general superintendent of the extensive
lumber business of J. H. Patterson & Company of Union, is rightly

702 BISTORT OK M< HENRY COUNTY

numbered among t ho representative men of his community. He was
born in Boone County, 111., in December, 1865, one of the seven chil-
dren of Alonzo and Mary Ann (Paul) Linderman. Alonzo Linderman
was a prosperous farmer of McHenry County, where he died in 1903,
his widow surviving him until 1906.

William ( '. Linderman was reared in McHenry County, and attended
its schools. His first self-supporting employment was on a farm, but
he left it in 1905 to engage with the J. H. Patterson Lumber Company,
and in 1907 was made its secretary.

In 1894 Mr. Linderman was united in marriage with Miss Fannie
B. Fry, a daughter of Robert Fry, and they have one daughter, Vivian
\Y.. who is the wife of James Rowland, a civil engineer of Chicago, 111.
Mr. Linderman is a Republican. Fraternally he is a Mason, and also
belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his family arc
members of the Presbyterian church. Although his business interests
are centered at L-nion, Mr. Linderman resides at Marengo, where he
owns his home. A sound and reliable business man, he has risen to a
position of trust and responsibility, and he is also held in high esteem
because of his constructive interest in local affairs.

THOMAS LINDSAY.

Thomas Lindsay, for many years connected with the agricultural
activities of Dorr Township, but now deceased, was one of the substan-
tial men of McHenry County, and one whose memory is held in high
esteem. He wras born in Scotland, July 23, 1836, a son of Thomas and
Marion (Marshall) Lindsay, who came to the United States in 1840,
and located permanently in McHenry County in 1842, purchasing the
farm in Dorr Township which later became the property of their son
Thomas. The father only lived for twelve years after his arrival in
McHenry County, dying in 1852, but the mother survived him until
1880. Their children were as follows: Jenette, who married William
Scott; Thomas, whose name heads this review; Christine, who married
Oren Allbee; Archibald; Mary A., who married D. Redpath; and Mar-
garet J., who married Thomas Wier.

The educational training of Thomas Lindsay, the younger, was
acquired in the district schools of Dorr Township, and he grew up on the
homestead. From the time of his father's death until that of his mother,

K

i is

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 703

he had charge of the homestead of 200 acres of land, and then acquired
ownership of it, and operated it very successfully for many years.

In 1864 when his adopted country was divided in a civil war, Mr.
Lindsay enlisted in defense of the Union, and served in Company F.,
Ninety-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry for one year, when he was
honorably discharged, and returned to his agricultural labors.

In 1880, Mr. Lindsay was married to Maggie Pope, a daughter of
Frederick Pope of Cook County, 111. Mr. and Mrs. Lindsay became
valued members of the Presbyterian church. A Mason, Mr. Lindsay
maintained membership with St. Mark's Lodge No. 63, A. F. & A. M.
of Woodstock. Although some years have passed since Mr. Lindsay's
demise he is still remembered by the older generation of Woodstock
and Dorr Township as one of the men who helped to raise the high
standards for which this region has always been justly celebrated.

CLARK E. LOCKWOOD.

Clark E. Lockwood, one of the prosperous farmers of Dorr Township,
owns and operates a fine farm in the vicinity of Ridgefield. He was born
in Geneseo, Livingston County, N. Y., January 24, 1859, a son of Minor
and Belva (Sutton) Lockwood, natives of Connecticut and New York,
respectively. In 1861 these parents came to McHenry County to join
Mrs. Lockwood's brother, James Clark Sutton, who had lived for some
years in Dorr Township on what is still known as the J. C. Sutton farm,
lying between Ridgefield and Woodstock. Minor Lockwood first
bought a farm adjoining the present one of his son, Clark E. Lockwood,
but sold it and in 1872 bought the homestead, one mile west of Ridgefield,
and five miles south of Woodstock. It comprised over seventy acres
of land, the greater part of which was improved. He left the farm in
1899, and moved to Woodstock, where he died April 1, 1916, aged
eighty-seven years, having spent all of his active years in agricultural
work. He was very prominent in the Presbyterian church of Ridgefield,
later transferring to the one at Woodstock. His first wife died in 1893,
and three years later he was united in marriage with Mrs. Frances M.
Duffield, who survives him and lives at Woodstock. She was a widow,
whose maiden name had been Sawyer. By his first marriage Minor
Lockwood had the following children: Cora, who died in childhood;

7ii4 IIlsTnKY OF McHENEY COUNTY

Clark E., whose name heads tliis review; Elmer, who lives at Elgin, 111.;
and Mary E., who is Mrs. J. F. Wilson of Marengo.

Clark E. Loekwood has always lived in MeHenry County since being
brought here in 1861. After he attained to hi.s maturity he rented land
for seven years, and then, in 1X91), returned to the homestead and
worked it for his father until in 1900 when he bought it. He is a
Republican, and for about fourteen years served as a justice of the
peace, and was on the school board for twelve years.

On February 28, 1894, Mr. Loekwood was united in marriage with
Georgia E. Murphy, a daughter of Elijah Beddings ami Josephine
(Hakes) Murphy, now deceased, but formerly of Greenwood Township.
Mrs. Murphy was born in New York, but brought to MeHenry County
when a child, but Mr. Murphy was a native son of the county, and he died
February 17, 1915, having spent his entire life on the farm where he Was
born, and which is still a part of his estate. Mr. and Mrs. Loekwood
have one daughter, Cora M., who is a teacher. After being graduated
from the Dundee High School, she taught for two years in the MeHenry
High School, and then was graduated from the State Normal School at
Charleston, 111. Miss Loekwood is an able educator, and accomplished
young lady. Mr. Loekwood has belonged to the Modern Woodmen of
America for thirty years, and his wife belongs to the Royal Neighbors.

CHARLES JOSEPH LOCKWOOD.

Charles Joseph Loekwood, who has always lived on the farm he now
owns, is one of the successful dairymen and farmers of Coral Township.
He was born in a portion of his present residence, May 2, 1863, a son of
Charles and Sarah (Kennedy) Loekwood, both natives of New York,
and grandson of Joseph and Dolly Loekwood. The family came to
MeHenry County at the same time as Rush Bartholomew, the Cobbs
ami Thomases, all of whom were neighbors in New York. They entered
land in such a way as to continue to be neighbors, and Joseph Loekwood
secured the farm now owned by his grandson. Charles Joseph, whom
he never saw, he dying before the latter's birth. At the time he entered
it, the farm was covered with timber and contained sloughs and ridges,
only the latter being cultivated.

Charles Loekwood was born May 12, 1812, and died December 30,
1901. He was the only child of his parents, whom he accompanied to

HISTORY OF McHENRY COIXTV TO.")

McHenry County in 1844, and spent the remainder of his life on the
Coral Township farm. He was married (first) to Jerusha Miller, who
died leaving two children, namely: Mary, who is Mrs. Leham Warner,
of Mendota, 111.; and J. Henry, who married Hattie Woodworth, of
Chicago. The second wife of Charles Lockwood was Sarah Kennedy,
and she was born February 20, 1830, and died February 5, 1911. She
came to McHenry County with her parents when she was a child, and
here met Mr. Lockwood, to whom she was united in 1880. The children
of Mr. Lockwood's second marriage were as follows: Jennie, who is
unmarried, is a nurse and dressmaker and lives at the old home; and
Charles Joseph, whose name heads this review. Charles Lockwood was
one of the organizers of the Harmony Methodist church, and continued
a member of it until his death. When he was a lad he was frail of con-
stitution, and so his parents had him well educated, and the studious
habits he then formed continued with him the remainder of his life.
He was a great reader, kept himself well posted on current events, and
was a recognized authority in his neighborhood.

Charles Joseph Lockwood not only owns his father's homestead of
165 acres of land, but also a second farm of 169 acres adjoining. He
carries on dairying with from twenty-five to thirty cows. In addition
to farming, Mr. Lockwood is engaged in buying, selling and shipping
stock, and has handled considerable real estate, at one time owning
several farms in O'Brien County, Iowa. The reclamation of the old
farm has been carried on by Mr. Lockwood, and about half of it has been
thus developed through the use of tile. His father and grandfather
were Democrats, but he is a Republican.

On February 5, 1896, Charles J. Lockwood was married to Carrie
Shellington, a daughter of James and Ellen (Kelley) Shellington, at
Marengo. She was born on her father's farm three miles west of Mar-
engo, on the State Road, and prior to her marriage, was a bookkeeper
in an insurance office at Marengo. James Shellington died Apri' 20,
1903, aged eighty-eight years, having been born in May, 1815. He was
married in 1856 to Elizabeth Hagen, and they had three children,
namely: Maria, who is Mrs. Fuller, of Chicago; Maggie, who is Mrs.
Tiedeman, of Chicago; and Lizzie, who is Mrs. Charles Shearer, of Rock-
ford, 111. His second wife was Ellen Kelley, and they had children as
follows: Ella, who is Mrs. Warren Jordan, of Marengo; Sadie, who is
Mrs. Chauncey Wheeler, of Marengo; Carrie, who married Charles J.
Lockwood; and James Shellington, of Marengo. Mr. Shellington

706 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

retired to Marengo twenty-five years before his death. He belonged
to the Episcopal church.

Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood became the parents of the following children:
Clarence, who was graduated from the Marengo High School in 1919;
George, who is attending the Marengo High School; and one child who
died in infancy. The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church
of Riley Township and are active in its good work. Mr. Lockwood is
recognized as one of the leading men of his township and deserves the
prosperity which has fallen to his lot. He and Mrs. Lockwood enjoy
entertaining their many friends at their delightful rural home, and are
the center of a pleasant neighborhood social circle.

GEORGE LOWE.

George Lowe, one of the men whose work in behalf of agriculture
places him in the front ranks of the great army of farmers of McHenry
County, owns a fine farm in Algonquin Township, two miles north of
Algonquin, and one and one-half miles south of Carey Station. He
was born at London, Ontario, Canada, February 28, 1859, a son of George
Lowe, who was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, February 29, 1824,
and came to Ontario, Canada, in 1852, and there was married in 1857
to Jessie Watson. She was born in Bammffshire, Scotland, and came
to Ontario, Canada, in 1852.

Although a farmer in Scotland, George Lowe turned his attention
to other work after coming to the New World, his first employment
after reaching it was the laying of ties for the old suspension bridge
over Niagara Falls. Later he became a railroad contractor on what
is now the Grand Trunk Railroad in Ontario, securing the contract for
laying 100 miles of cattle guards along the railroad. In 1863 he moved
to McHenry County, 111., and bought land one and one-half miles north
of Algonquin Township, and there he died August 4, 1906. His wife
died January 28, 1898. Their children were as follows: Mary A., who
is unmarried, lives at Elgin, 111.; George, whose name heads this review:
John W., who died at Osseo, Wis., in 1917, at the age of fifty-seven
years; Jessie, who married Frank Svoboda, who is living retired at
Algonquin; Elsie, who married Ralph McCarthy, lives at Elgin, 111.;
Cora, who is Mrs. James Stewart of Carejr, 111., and James A., a sketch
of whom appears elsewhere in this work.

HISTORY OF McHEXRY COUNTY 707

George Lowe, the younger, remained on his father's homestead, and
attended the old Miller school of Algonquin Township. When he was
twenty-one years old he rented the Siebert farm of 285 acres, and
handled a large amount of stock in connection with it until he bought
his present farm of 255 acres, then known as the Hamilton property.
It lies along the Fox River for one-half a mile, and about one-half of
it is under cultivation. Later he sold some of the land, so that the
farm now comprises 200 acres. The land he disposed of was not suitable
for tilling, but is admirably adapted for summer homes and is used for
this purpose. He carries on dairying with about forty head of high-
grade Holstein cattle, and his improvements are good. The farm is
beautifully located overlooking the valley of the Fox River with its
timbered scenery. While he is a strong Republican, he cannot be induced
to permit the use of his name on the party ticket, for he has no inclina-
tion for public life, preferring to exert his influence for civic betterment
in a private capacity.

When Mr. Lowe was thirty-five years old, he was married to Elizabeth
Surfleet, of Carey, a daughter of Edmond Surfieet, now deceased, born
in England, who became a farmer near Carey. Mrs. Lowe's mother
bore the name of Anna, and she, too, is deceased. The birth of Mrs.
Lowe took place at Crystal Lake. Mr. and Mrs. Lowe have the fol-
lowing children: Marshall, Alice, Watson, Marian, Ruth, Robert,
John, Dorothy and Esther. Mr. Lowe has been a great reader and
observer, and relates many interesting stories illustrative of conditions
during the pioneer period, and owns some very valuable relics of those
days. One of these stories relates the efficiency and bravery of Mrs.
Margaret Gilligan. The Gilligan family were the first settlers on the
west side of the Fox River, coming there in 1834. The pride of Mrs.
Gilligan's heart was her cook stove, for the majority of the pioneers
had to depend upon open fireplaces and "Dutch" ovens, and so when
a band of Indians entered her little cabin and taking a liking to this
luxurious article, made way with it, the intrepid lady followed them
up the Fox River to McHenry, a distance of twenty miles, and recovered
her property, bearing it back with pride on horseback. She lived to be
over ninety years of age, residing in McHenry County until within a
year of her death, which occurred in Missouri at the home of a daughter,
she having lost her own home by fire. Another incident of the Gilligan
family related by Mr. Lowe is relative to a man hired by John Gilligan
from Chicago to haul out a few sacks of barley. This man, named
Thomas, set out for Algonquin Township, ahead of Mr. Gilligan, who

708 HISTORY OF MrllEXKY COUNTY

overtook him, finding him stuck with his wagon in one of the many
mudholes. Mr. Thomas was seeking to lighten the load by removing
the sacks of barley, and called upon Mr. GilHgan to hrlp him. After a
heated argument, in which he failed to convince Mr. Gilligan to help
him, Mr. Thomas threw the barley in the mud and drove away. Mr.
Gilligan's contention was that as he had hired Mr. Thomas to deliver
the grain, it was not his place to render any assistance. This incident
tides to prove that human nature has not changed much since pioneer
days. Another pioneer of the Fox River valley was Jesse Miller, who
died at Algonquin when nearly ninety years old. He was the first
settler on the east side of the Fox River, coming there in 1834, and
locating at Millers Grove, in Kane County. Later he came to Algonquin
Township, and the Miller School is named for him. The pioneers have
passed away, but the work they accomplished remains and it is hut
fitting that proper recognition be paid to them, in a record of this digni-
fied character, so that the coming generations may understand some
of the hardships and privations of the brave men and women who made
McHenry County one of the most famous dairy regions in the state,
and laid the foundation for its other claims to prestige.

JAMES A. LOWE.

James A. Lowe, one of the successful farmers and extensive land-
owners of Algonquin Township, is a man widely known and respected.
He was born one and one-half miles north of Algonquin, December 21,
1870, a son of George Lowe. Until he was twenty-two years old, James
A. Lowe remained on the homestead, and alternated attendance in the
country schools with farm work, learning from his father the funda-
mentals of farming. When he left home, he rented the W. P. Thompson
farm, and conducted it for two years, keeping sixty cows. He then
moved to the Ed Benson farm which joined his father's homestead.
Here he also had sixty cows and remained two years, and upon leaving
it he began handling stock, buying, selling and shipping cattle and horses
to Algonquin, remaining in this business fifteen years. A portion of the
time he continued to farm, making milk production his feature until
within recent years he has been handling horses to meet the local demand,
buying from four to five carloads annually and selling them to the fanners.
Mr. Lowe has dealt quite heavily in farm property, and now owns four

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 709

farms, amounting to 700 acres. All these farms are used for milk pro-
duction. He keeps tenants on these farms. In all, he owns 135 head
of Holstein cattle, and keeps on making improvements on his properties,
for he is a progressive man and recognizes the wisdom of keeping his
plants up to standard in every respect. His farm equipments conform
to state regulations and are admirably fitted to increase the product and
add to the value of the property. For twenty-two years he has resided
in Algonquin, where he has a pleasant home.

When he was twenty-seven years old, Mr. Lowe was united in
marriage with Isabel Fyfe, of Shelby, Neb., and they have five children,
namely: Edna Mae, who graduated from the Elgin High School in 1919
and is now attending the Wisconsin University; Winnifred Mary, who
graduated from the Elgin High School in 1921, and is now attending
Beloit College, Beloit, Wisconsin; George W., who is attending Elgin
High School; Jessie Isabel and Margaret Fyfe, both of whom are attend-
ing school in Algonquin.

Mr. Lowe is a man who understands agricultural matters thoroughly,
and having been engaged in all of the branches of farm life is an authority
upon them. His operations have been carried on intelligently and
systematically, and the results prove that he has adopted the best
course. It is such men as he who have given McHenry County its
prestige as the greatest dairy county in the state. His success encourages
others to devote themselves to milk production, for which the farms of
this region are so admirably adapted. He is a man who, while not
desiring public life, takes an intelligent interest in progress, and is a
friend to the public schools, good roads and other improvements, and
can be relied upon to give his support to measures looking forward to
their advancement.

VESPER J. LOWE.

Vesper J. Lowe, manager of the Caselu Manufacturing Company of
Union, and member of the school board, is one of the men who makes
his influence felt in his community. He was born at Elgin, 111., March
22, 1859, one of the seven children of Venrenssaler J. and Jerusha Lowe.
Venrenssaler J. Lowe was born October 25, 1816, and died February 12,,
1881.

Growing up at Elgin, Vesper J. Lowe attended the schools of that
city and learned to be a blacksmith, following that trade for some years.

710 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COFNTY

He also was engaged in handling sugar of milk upon an extensive scale,
and (hen in 1900 embarked in his present business, and since 1909 has
been its manager, and has been instrumental in developing it to its
present proportions.

On August 8, 1894, Mr. Lowe was married to Miss Gertrude Barber,
a daughter of Joseph Barber, and they have the following children:
Vernon J., who is a veteran of the World War; Howard; Stella, who is
Mrs. A. G. Anderson, of Great Lakes, 111.; and Miss Grace and Donald
D., who are at home. They have an adopted daughter, Cora, who was
born October 30, 1890. Mr. and Mrs. Lowe and their children belong
to the Baptist church. In politics he is a Republican, and, in April
1914, he was elected a member of the school board of Marengo, where he
maintains his residence.

VINCENT SILAS LUMLEY.

Vincent Silas Lumley, state's attorney of McHenry County, and
senior member of the legal firm of Lumley & Allen, is one of the most
prominent attorneys of this region, and a man whose character both in
public and private life is without a blemish. He was born at Ringwood,
McHenry County, December 26, 1867, a son of Thomas R. and Eliza
(Mitchell) Lumley. The Lumley family are of English descent, their
history having been identified with Yorkshire, England, from a remote
period. They were the founders of a fraternal organization, The
Foresters, originally composed solely of members of that family but
into which, at a later period, members of other English families were
admitted.

Thomas R. Lumley, the father of Vincent S. Lumley, was born in
Yorkshire, England, July 3, 1827, the son of Thomas Emanuel and Man-
Ann Lumley, and was reared to be a farmer in his native country. His
father, Thomas Emanuel Lumley, also a native of Yorkshire, was a
farmer, and had three brothers, all of whom, like himself, were men of
prominence and considerable property. Of these, John, now deceased,
was a well-to-do citizen of Scriven, England; Mathew was a piano
manufacturer of Hull, England; and Edwin was during his lifetime an
extensive farmer of Yorkshire. Thomas Emanuel Lumley served as a
soldier during the French-English War, under the Duke of Wellington,
and participated in the battle of Waterloo. A former Lord Lumley,

> nnJ <yy Caw ^.-,^/C

HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 711

connected with this family, was friendly to the Puritans and assisted
some of them in their efforts to reach the American Colonies during the
days of their persecution. Thomas E. Lumley married Mary Ann
Wright, and they had an excellent home in Yorkshire where the following
named children were born to them: John, Helen E., James, William,
Thomas Robert, and Mary Ann. Thomas E. Lumley died in England
in 1863, and his wife died in 1848.

Of the above family Thomas R. and William Lumley sailed from
Liverpool, England, for America, in 1851, the voyage to New York
consuming six weeks. After landing they came to Huntley, McHenry
County, direct from New York, and obtained employment for a time
on what is now the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. Later they
joined the John S. Cummings Company in an expedition across the
plains to California. While in California Thomas R. Lumley engaged
in the merchandise business for two years, but in 1854 returned to
McHenry County. He then bought 335 acres of land in Ringwood
Prairie, a portion of which was improved and known as the Halcomb
Farm, but the remainder was unimproved. Here he erected one of the
finest farmhouses of that period in McHenry County.

On May 3, 1858, Thomas R. Lumley was married to Ann Eliza
Mitchell, born at Kingsville, Ashtabula County, Ohio, February 22,
1836, a daughter of Silas Robert and Mary S. (Hopkins) Mitchell.
After marriage Mr. Lumley settled on his farm in McHenry County,
where he acquired a large estate, at one time owning 1,000 acres of land.
Among his later acquisitions were the Tryon Farm of 275 acres in Heb-
ron Township, and the Peterson Farm of 218 acres in Greenwood Town-
ship. Mr. Lumley and his wife remained on their farm until 1888,
when they removed to Woodstock, and later to Chicago. He was a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he filled the office
of steward for many years. Politically he was a Republican, but he
was in no sense an office seeker, preferring to give his attention to his
large farming and other activities.

Mr. and Mrs. Lumley were the parents of the following children:
Frank B., Clinton G., Genevieve L., Vincent S., Edwin T., Wallace J.,
and Stanley M., who died August 24, 1890, aged eighteen years. Mr.
Lumley died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Tryon, at Chicago,
November 14, 1896, aged sixty-nine years. Of their children, Clinton
G. was graduated from the University of Illinois and the Chicago Med-
ical College, and is now a practicing physician of Chicago; he married
Miss Nellie McLean of Urbana, 111., a graduate of the University of

712 HISTORY OK McHENKY COUNTY

Illinois, and they have four children, Harold M., Leslie, Axlene and
Dorothy. Edwin T. Lumley took courses in the Dixon Business Col-
lege, and the Illinois School of Pharmacy, and is a druggist of Chicago.
Wallace J. was graduated from the Uixon Business College and the
Illinois School of Pharmacy, and is a resident of Elgin, 111. Frank B.
married Fred Tryon of McHenry County and they have three children:
Glendara II., who married W. V. Hoff, of Blue Island. Floyd C, and
Verna E. Mr. Tryon died in 1894, and his widow now resides at Wood-
stock. Genevieve L. married George T. Goodnow, who is associated
with the firm of Benjamin Moore & Company of Chicago, and they
have one child, Pauline. Wallace J. married Margaret Weast. Edwin
T. married Cecil Erickson, and they have two children, Gerald and Ber-
nice.

Vincent S. Lumley was reared among the peaceful scenes of rural
life in Ringwood Prairie, one of the most beautiful of the smaller prairies
which dot the rich landscape of Northern Illinois. Here he passed his
youthful days, and attended the public schools, acquiring the foundation
of a good education under the instruction of Rev. William Nickle.
He then attended the normal school at Normal, 111., and later was
graduated from the Northern Business College at Dixon, 111., where
he was valedictorian of his class. After being engaged in teaching
school at McHenry, for a year, he entered the law department at the
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, from which he was graduated
in 1S88 when only twenty years of age, at which time he delivered the
class oration. The year previous, when nineteen, he was admitted to
practice law in the state of Michigan and at Ann Arbor, and with a
single exception, was the youngest student in a class of 142, the others
not only being older, but many of them were able lawyers in active prac-
tice.

In 18SS, the year of his graduation, Mr. Lumley engaged in practice
at Woodstock, in partnership with the late Judge T. D. Murphy, which
association continued until the death of the latter. Since that even he
practiced alone until he formed a partnership with Charles T. Allen,
in 1915. Politically Mr. Lumley is a staunch Republican. In 1896,
he was elected state's attorney of McHenry County, receiving a plurality
of fifty-nine votes over those cast for William McKinley for the pres-
idency, and securing the largest majority ever given to any candidate
for office in the county. In 1900 Mr. Lumley was re-elected, was again
returned to office in 1916, and in 1920.

In 1892, Mr. Lumley was united in marriage with Neva D. Bunker,

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 713

at Woodstock. She was horn in this city, a daughter of Amos and Dell
(Sherman) Bunker. They have two daughters. Mr. Lumley belongs
to the Odd Fellows and several benevolent organizations.

PEHR HJALMER LUNDGREN.

Pehr Hj aimer Lundgren, now living retired at Marengo, is one of
the highly respected men of McHenry County, who was born at Lind-
shafen, state of Ostergotland, Sweden, on May 5, 1845. He came to
the United States in 1868, and after he landed in New York City, being
a painter by trade, he secured a job painting a fruit vessel. This vessel
was to make the trip between New York and New Orleans, touching
at Aspinwall, and he was to do the work while on the water. For it
he was paid $115 in addition to his board. Unfortunately yellow fever
broke out on board so he was very glad to reach New Orleans without
being stricken down with the scourge. From that city he came north as
far as St. Louis, and thence to Chicago, where he was offered work, but
having a friend at Des Moines, Iowa, decided to join him, and the two
went to work painting stage coaches for the line which then ran between
Des Moines and Boone, Iowa, for at that time there was no railroad.
After the Chicago fire Mr. Lundgren came to Chicago, thinking to find
work during the rebuilding period, but through a friend secured a job
of painting the machines manufactured by the Easton Harvester Com-
pany at Sycamore, 111., remaining there for two years, and was soon
made foreman over twenty men. In the meanwhile, during the summer,
when work was slack at the shop, he secured work house painting, and
some of these houses were at Marengo. The locality so pleased him,
that he finally located permanently in this city.

In October, 1876, Mr. Lundgren was married to Delilah Renwick,
a daughter of Walter and Mary Ann (Haynes) Renwick, natives of
New York and Virginia. Mr. Renwick was a stone mason and con-
tractor and did considerable work on canal locks in the east. Sub-
sequently he came to McHenry County, locating on a farm one mile
east of Marengo, where Mrs. Lundgren was born, March 30, 1850.
Mr. and Mrs. Renwick had in addition to Mrs. Lundgren the following
children: William, who is living retired at Marengo; James Walter,
who lives in California; and Randolph, who lives at Belvidere, 111.
Mr. Renwick died in 1881, age eighty-one years, his widow surviving

714 BISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

liini for fifteen years. She lived with Mr. and Mrs. Lundgren the last
four years, and then died at the age of eighty-two. The old Renwick
farm has since been sold.

Mr. Lundgren secured a farm two miles north, and one and one-
quarter miles west of Marengo, on the Kiswaukce River Road, and
still owns that 103 acres, upon which he lived until 1900. He then
returned to Marengo, and continued his painting. He has bought
and sold a few farms at a profit to himself, for he is a good judge of land
values. In addition to doing all kinds of outside painting, Mr. Lund-
gren carried on contracting as an interior decorator. He built his present
home after the model furnished him by his father's residence in Sweden,
where his father was a large farmer, distiller and hotel man. Mr.
Lundgren has been back to his native land upon several occasions, the
first time after ten years' absence from it, and again after his father's
death. His mother died in 1897, aged seventy-nine years. He had
three brothers who died in Chicago, the last two from injuries received
in accidents. Mr. and Mrs. Lundgren became the parents of four
children as follows: Carl Leonard, who was graduated from the State
University at Champaign, 111., as a civil engineer, has experience as a
professional ball player, and is now coach for the ball team of the Univer-
sity of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Mich., and a traveling salesman during
vacation times; Franz Emil, who was graduated from the Marengo
High School in 1907, died August 29, 1917, unmarried, being at that
time an employe of a clothing store; Eva, who was a stenographer was
made private secretary of Robert J. Blum, head man of the cash depart-
ment of Sears Roebuck & Company of Chicago, and later was married
to Mr. Blum; and Alma, who married Jesse Getman, a traveling sales-
man of Belvidere, 111. Mr. Lundgren is a member of the Odd Fellows.
The family are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Lundgren
has made nine round trips between the United States and Sweden,
and has toured Europe several times.

HENRY MACKEBEX.

Henry Mackcben, mayor of Huntley, is one of the progressive farmers
of McHenry County, and is extensively engaged in the raising of straw-
1m >rries, raspberries and all small fruits for the market. He was born
in Hanover, Germany, in 1863, and came to the United States in 1805

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 715

with his parents, after a seven-weeks' ocean voyage. They first located
at Plum Grove, 111., where they remained three years, when they moved
to Lake Zurich, 111., where his father managed the 700-acre Fox estate,
and in 1S72, he, with his parents, came to Harmony, in Coral Township,
and bought the old Marshall farm where they lived and the children
were schooled. In 1887 Mr. Mackeben went to Chicago and started
to work for Thomas O'Brien, in the milk business. In 1888 he was
married to Miss Lena Lambrecht at which time he purchased the business
of Mr. O'Brien and which he conducted for two years.

After the death of his father he disposed of his business and purchased
the old homestead and a few years later purchased the adjoining farm.

In 1901 he moved with his family to Huntley, where he has since
continued to live. Mr. Mackeben was a member of the village board
of trustees for several years and in 1917 was elected mayor of Huntley,
giving the little city a wise and business-like administration.

In 1910 Mr. Mackeben started in the fruit business on a small scale,
increasing year by year until his gardens now cover fourteen acres.
He has made a study of all plant life giving his entire time and thought
to that end. He is ably assisted in this work by his two children, namely:
Harley H. and Ida.

JOHN W. MAIR.

John W. Mair, manager of the Crystal Lake Branch of the Bowman
Dairy Company, is one of the leading business men of McHenry County,
and one whose sagacity and knowledge of the affairs of his concern
recommend him to those in authority. He was born in Scotland, No-
vember 8, 1867, one of the twelve children of William and Jane (Rich-
mond) Mair, both of whom were natives of Scotland, and are now de-
ceased. His father was a farmer by occupation.

John W. Mair attended the public schools of Scotland, and com-
pleted his studies in Kelmornock Academy. In 1894, he came to the
United States, locating in Illinois, where he became associated with
extensive interests in the creamery business, and in 1910, came to
Crystal Lake as manager of the plant of the Bowman Dairy Company.
The present plant was built in 1902, and has a capacity of 60,000 pounds
of milk per day. Mr. Mair has thirty-five people under his supervision.

In 1909 Mr. Mair was married to Miss Hattie Wyant, and he and

71(5 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

his wife arc members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He believes
in the principles of the Republican party, supports its candidates with
his vote, and served Crystal Lake as alderman for one term. His
fraternal connections are with the Odd Fellows and the Mystic Workers
of the World. In addition to his residence, Mr. Mair owns sixteen acres
of land within the corporate limits of his municipality, and 100 acres
in Nunda Township.

BENJAMIN F. MANLEY.

Benjamin F. Manley, attorney-at-law, and one of the best known
lawyers of McHenry County, deserves the prestige to which he has
attained, for he has won it fairly and honorably. He was born at Alden,
111., December 31, 1868, one of the four children of Henry F. and Harriet
A. (Class) Manley. Henry F. Manley was born in Vermont, but later
came to Alden, 111., where he lived until his retirement from farming,
when he located at Harvard, and there died. During the Civil War,
he served as a brave soldier.

After going to the schools of Alden, Mr. Manley attended the Western
Normal Commercial Institute, from which he was graduated in 1894,
following which he took a course in the legal department of the North-
western University, and was graduated therefrom in October, 1899.
He then entered the firm of Gann & Peaks of Chicago, with which he
continued until October, 1902, when he located at Harvard, where he
has since remained. In 1905, he was elected a member of the school
board, and held office until May 1, 1919, and was city attorney of Har-
vard from May, 1907, to May, 1919, and served as Mayor of Harvard
from May 1, 1919, to May 1, 1921. He is a member of the McHenry
Bar Association of which he is vice president. Fraternally, he is a
Mason and Odd Fellow, and Elk.

Mr. Manley was married to Miss Effie M. Justice, a daughter of
John 0. Justice of Bushnell, 111. Mr. and Mrs. Manley have one son,
John Henry, who is at home. They are members of the First Presby-
terian church of Harvard, of which Mr. Manley is a trustee. He is
recognized as one of the leading attorneys of the county, and his services
in an official capacity to Harvard are considerable, and are appreciated,
as is shown by his re-election to office.

HISTORY OP McHENKY COUNTY 717

WILLIS HOMER MANN.

Willis Homer Mann, now deceased, was for some years extensively
engaged in handling real estate at Woodstock, where his last years were
spent, and where he left a lasting impress upon the city's welfare. He
was born at Plymouth, Wayne County, Mich., November 14, 1854, a
son of Levi and Melvina Mann.

After a boyhood spent in Michigan, Willis H. Mann engaged in
farming near Broadhead, Wis., and developed a very valuable farm and
learned to know the agricultural business in all its branches. During
1903, he retired from farming, and coming to McHenry County, estab-
lished himself in a real estate business at Woodstock, expanding until
he carried on extensive transactions, and controlled many and varied
interests. He was thus engaged when claimed by death on November
16, 1915.

Mr. Mann was united in marriage on March 2, 1871, with Ada
Howard, at Carson City, Mich., a daughter of Eben and Elizabeth
(Ryan) Howard of Jackson, Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Mann became the
parents of the following children: Lilly, Charles H., Floyd, Lizzie,
Millard, Earl, Georgia and Homer. Mr. Mann and his family early
began attending the services of the Baptist Church, although Mr. Mann
was not a member of any religious denomination.

CHARLES E. MARKS.

Charles E. Marks, stock breeder, and dairyman, is one of the pro-
gressive men of Woodstock, and one who is fully alive to the possibilities
of his calling and the importance of the advancement of his community.
He was born in Jo Daviess County, 111., February 28, 1880, a son of
J. H. and Eleanor A. Marks, highly respected residents of Woodstock,
having made this city their home for the past three years. J. H. Marks
was also born in Jo Daviess County, about sixty-four years ago, his
parents having come to that section from England. The parents of his
wife came originally from England and the Isle of Man. He is a large
owner of McHenry County farm land, and devotes his attention to
supervising its cultivation.

Charles E. Marks was five years old when he was taken to Grant
County, Wis., where he lived during his educational period, attending

718 BISTORT OF .Mc HENRY COUNTY

the local schools and Laurence College at Appleton, Wis. Early in his
career, he became associated with his father in stock dealing and
handling farm land, their operations extending over several states, in-
cluding South Dakota. However, Mr. Marks was impressed with the
superior advantages offered for dairying in McHenry County, and in
1915 bought 295 acres of land adjoining the city of Woodstock, where
he made extensive improvements. His farm is now regarded as one of
the model ones of the county. A tenant occupies the house on the
farm, Mr. Marks having erected for his own use a handsome residence
on the city line, but near his farm so that his family can enjoy both
country and urban advantages. Mr. Marks erected and equipped a
modern and sanitary milk plant for bottling milk and making butter
for the city trade at Woodstock, and has Guernsey cows, tuberculin
tested, producing the best quality of milk. His policy is "service and
quality." He is a breeder of pure-bred Duroc-Jersey swine.

On December 26, 1908, Mr. Marks was united in marriage to Grace
W. Willison, and they have three children, namely: Charles Donald,
Chester Edgar and Marjorie May. The Methodist Episcopal church
holds his membership. Long a Mason, he is well thought of in that
order, and his wife is equally interested in the Eastern Star of which
both are members. An intelligent and experienced farmer, Mr. Marks
is deservedly numbered among the leaders in his calling in this part of
the state. For two years he was a member of the city council of Wood-
stock.

HENRY FOSTER MARKS.

Henry Foster Marks, now living retired at Huntley, is one of the
substantial men of McHenry County. He was born at Homer, Cortland
County, N. Y., August 23, 1843, a son of Azef and Ann (Wallace)
Marks, natives of Ohio and England, who were married in New York.
When Henry Foster Marks was thirteen years old, the family came to
McHenry County, and the father located on the Sherman farm two
miles south of Woodstock, but two years later went on a farm four miles
north of Huntley, which he subsequently bought. Still later, he moved
to Westside, Crawford County, Iowa.

Henry Foster Marks lived in McHenry County from the time he
was thirteen years old until his father went to Westside, Iowa, when he
accompanied him, but after helping to develop a new farm, he sold his

/£5*/ J}fs^2£y*t)t

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 719

interests, and returned to Huntley, where he spent several years, and
then went to Missouri for a year. Once more he returned to Illinois,
and for twelve years conducted a milk route in Chicago. He then went
back to McHenry County for two years, when he was offered the position
of superintending a flat building at Chicago, which he accepted, and
held it for about ten years. Mr. Marks then returned to Huntley and
since then has been practically retired. Having served during the
Civil War as a soldier, he was interested in the Grand Army of the
Republic, and belonged to Old Glory Post at Chicago, but never con-
nected himself with the post at Huntley. He generally attends the
reunions, especially of his regiment, and spent a week in camp on the
Fiftieth anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg, and is now the only
survivor of all of the men who went into the service from Huntley.

Mr. Marks was married to Rene Grimley of Huntley, born in New
York, February 28, 1849, and they have two sons, namely: William
Ernest, who married Martha Allen, is a real estate dealer of Oak Park,
111.; and Alfred Earl, who is a promoter of oil stock at Kansas City, Mo.

ROBERT F. MARSHALL.

Robert F. Marshall, one of the leading members of the McHenry
County bar, is one of the most prominent men of this part of the state,
and his public-spirited efforts have been largely instrumental in bringing
about many of the recent improvements in local conditions. He was
born at Rockford, 111., June 8, 1880, one of the three children of his
parents, William and Almira (Herrick) Marshall. William Marshall was
also an attorney of distinction in McHenry County and at Rockford,
and he died at Chicago, 111., April 23, 1902.

Robert F. Marshall attended the schools of Rockford, Academy of
Beloit College, and the law department of the Northwestern University,
from which he was graduated in 1907 and he was admitted to the bar in
the fall of the same year. From 1907 to 1909 he was employed as a law
clerk with one of the large law firms in Chicago. From 1909 to 1912 he
was engaged in practice at Rockford, and then located at Harvard,
forming a partnership with the late Calvin J. Hendricks. With the
exception of the three years he spent in Rockford he has made Harvard
his home since the spring of 1899. In December, 1917, Mr. Marshall,
moved by the spirit of patriotism, relinquished his enviable position

720 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

among the attorneys of McHenry ( lounty to enlist in Army Y. M. ( '. A.
work and was first stationed at ('amp Logan, where the One Hundred
and Twenty-ninth Infantry trained for overseas work. He was unable
to ge\ an assignment for overseas duty with this organization, and was
assigned to Y. M. ( '. A. duty on the (". S. S. Pocahontas. He has
visited Brest, France, and made numerous trips hack and forth in the
discharge of his duty. Many of the returning soldiers will hold .Mr.
.Marshall in affectionate and grateful remembrance for his service to
them.

On September 23, 1911, Mr. Marshall was married to Miss Blanche
Marshall, a daughter of Hugh Marshall, of Kansas. Mr. and Mrs.
Marshall have one son, Hugh F., who was born November 26, 1918.
They are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Marshall is a
Republican and city attorney of Harvard. Fraternally, Mr. Marshall
is a Knight Templar Mason and prominent in his order. With the
cessation of his war duties, Mr. Marshall resumed active practice of his
profession at Harvard, 111., where he now resides, and will add to the
distinction he has already attained for he is recognized as a lawyer of
unusual ability and steadfast purpose.

FRANK E. MARTIN.

Frank E. Martin, proprietor of the Oak Wood Farm of McHenry
Township, is one of the substantial men of the county, of which he is
a native son, for he was born within two miles of his present home, in
McHenry Township, January 18, 1864, a son of Peter L. and Wealthy
A. (Tanner) Martin, natives of West Virginia and Ohio, respectively,
who were married in Illinois. She was brought to Illinois in childhood
by her father, Harvey Tanner, who located in McHenry Township,
two miles west of the present farm of his grandson, Frank E. Martin.
He died when the latter was fifteen years old, being then seventy-nine
years of age. Peter L. Martin came to Greenwood Township with
his parents, who died in that township.

After his marriage, Peter L. Martin moved to Iowa, and from 1865
to 1875 was engaged in farming in Cass County, that state. Upon his
return to McHenry County in 1875, he secured the old Tanner home-
stead of 200 acres, and continued to live there until his death on July

HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 721

28, 1907, at the age of sixty-nine years. His widow survives him and
lives with a daughter at Woodstock. The old Tanner home has since
been sold. The children of Peter L. Martin were as follows: Carrie B.,
who is Mrs. E. J. Mansfield of Woodstock. Frank E., whose name
heads this review; Cora M., who married E. E. Bassett of McHenry,
a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Edward L., who lives
at Woodstock.

Frank E. Martin was reared on the homestead, and attended the
district schools, and the village school of Ringwood. On January 20,
1887, when he was twenty-three years old, he was married to Abbie L.
Whiting, and went to Chicago, and was engaged in railroad work for
two and one-half years. Returning then to McHenry County he con-
ducted his wife's father's farm on shares for four years, at the expiration
of which time, Mr. Whiting gave his daughter 160 acres, which con-
stitutes the present home of the Martins.

On this farm Mr. Martin has erected a fine set of buildings, and has
one of the finest r-ural homes in the county, his residence being equipped
with steam heat, electric light and all modern improvements. This
house was built in 1902, but has been further improved since that date.
The barn, built in 1898, is equally modern, and fitted for dairy purposes,
and he milks from twenty to twenty-five cows of the Holstein strain.
A Republican, Mr. Martin has never cared to hold office. He belongs
to the Masons and the Royal Neighbors, and Mrs. Martin is a member
of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and the Red Cross.
For some years Mr. Martin ran his own threshing outfit, but is now
confining his efforts to farming.

Freeman Whiting, the father of Mrs. Martin, was born January
8, 1822, and he died September 13, 1915, his wife dying September 2G,
1912. From 1880, Freeman Whiting lived on the second farm he owned
which he bought from William Mead, renting his original farm. Mr.
and Mrs. Whiting had the following children: Delbert A., who resides
on a portion of his father's farm, married Ellen Dutton; Laura L., who
married Richard Thompson, lives in Nunda Township, one and one-
half miles south of McHenry; Lillian C, who is Mrs. C. W. Harrison,
lives at North Crystal Lake, and Abbie who is Mrs. Frank E. Martin.
Mr. and Mrs. Martin have two children, namely: Clinton E., and
Loren O., both of whom are on the farm, now known as the Oak Wood
Farm, which was originally the property of their grandfather, Freeman
Whiting. Both the Martin and Whiting families are old and honored
ones in McHenry County.

722 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

FRED A. MAXON.

Fred A. Maxon, one of the prosperous farmers of Dunham Township,
is located five miles southwest of Harvard. He is a son of William
J. and Jennie (Sinton) Maxon, he born in Rensselaer County, N. Y.,
December II, 1843, died January 11, 1017. He was married December
4, 1867, having come to Illinois in 1804, after being twice rejected for
service during the Civil War, and secured land in Dunham Township,
which he cleared, building on it a log house, which he later replaced
with the one now standing on the farm, for which he quarried the stone.
A brother of his built a stone house on his farm about the same time.
For eight years he served the township as assessor, and was a man of
prominence in his community. His widow survives him and lives in
the village of Chemung. Their children were as follows: Fred, whose
name heads this review; Frank, who lives in Chemung Township; and
Myrtle, who is Mrs. Harry Paul of Chemung Township.

Fred Maxon was born June 29, 1871, and reared on his father's
homestead, of which he took charge in 1896. Since then he has made a
number of improvements, erecting a fine silo and outbuildings, and has
brought his land into a high state of fertility. Specializing on dairying,
he has from twelve to fifteen cows, and he also carries on general farming.

On November 22, 1899, he was married to Clara Lee, a daughter of
David and Mary (Craig) Lee, both natives of County Tyrone, Ireland,
who came to the United States when young. They were married in
McHenry County in 1868. Mr. Lee was a farmer of Dunham Town-
ship, and their son, Charlie, has the old farm near the village of Chemung,
both of them being deceased. Mrs. Maxon was born near her present
home, April 14, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Maxon have the following children:
William, who is attending the Harvard High School; and David and
Charles, all of whom are at home. The whole family belong to the
.Methodist Episcopal Church of Chemung, in which they take an active
part. Mr. Maxon not only belongs to an old and honored family of
McHenry County, but he is an important factor in the agricultural
life of his community, and he takes an interest in improving the roads
and securing for this section all the advantages possible.

EDWIN LEWIS McAULIFFE.

Edwin Lewis McAuliffe, M. D., one of the leading men of Seneca
Township, is prominent both as a physician and a farmer. He was

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 723

born two and one-half miles west of his present farm in Seneca Township,
September 20, 1856, a son of Jeremiah and Mary (O'Brien) McAuliffe,
both born in County Limerick, Ireland. Not long after their marriage
the parents came, during the early thirties, to the United States, and
secured forty acres of land in Seneca Township, and after they had cut
off the timber, sold that land and bought the farm now owned by William
Henry, one mile west of the farm of Doctor McAuliffe, which was 160
acres of timbered land lying on the Kishwaukee Creek. Later Jeremiah
McAuliffe sold a part of this farm to his brother-in-law, James O'Brien,
who with his brother Patrick, served as soldiers during the Civil War,
the latter settling in Wisconsin. James O'Brien spent the remainder of
his life on his farm, where he died at the age of seventy-five years.
Jeremiah McAuliffe had a brother who served in the Confederate army
during the same conflict. When he was about seventy-five years old,
Jeremiah McAuliffe passed away, his widow surviving him until July 12,
1896, when she died at the age of ninety-three years. Their children
were as follows: Michael, who served as a member of the Eighth Illinois
Cavalry throughout the Civil War, now lives at Milwaukee, Wis.;
William H., who lives on the old homestead; Doctor McAuliffe, whose
name heads this review; Alfred James, who went in young manhood to
California, there died; Francis George, who died at the age of twenty-two
years while studying medicine with his brother, Doctor McAuliffe;
Winfield John, who went to California, but returned and three days later
was drowned in Lake Geneva, and his companion, a young man, met the
same fate; and Mary Louise, who is Mrs. John Chestnut, of Seneca
Township.

Edwin Lewis McAuliffe learned the saddler and harness making trade
at Marengo and worked at it for four years, and at the same time read
medicine, and then became a student at Rush Medical College, from
which he was graduated in 1882, Dr. Arthur Bevan being one of his
classmates. He was then an interne of Michael Reese Hospital, of
Chicago, for two and one-half years. From then until 1896 he engaged
in an active practice at Chicago, and was very successful. In the latter
year he retired, and having in the meanwhile invested in 250 acres of
land in McHenry County, has since then lived practically on his farm,
which is one of the finest in this part of the state. Doctor McAuliffe
has a tenant on his farm, but supervises its general conduct, specializing
on dairying. He is still very much interested in medical matters, but
while he has some office practice he prefers to devote his time to study.
He is interested in the development of medical societies, of which at one

724 HISTORY OK .M.IIK.NUV COUNTY

time he was an important factor, being a delegate to the convention of

the American Medical Association at St. Louis. Strictly a temperance
man, lie is delighted with recent events with relation to prohibition,
although in politics he has voted the Republican ticket. Always busy,
he has found but little time for vacations.

Doctor McAuliffe was married to Lillian Madden at Sarnia, Ontario,
Canada, and they became the parents of the following children: Edwin,
who died at the age of nineteen years; YVinfield Davenport, who was a
mechanic in the shipyards at Hog Island, Pa., during the great war, is
now in the Philippine Islands in Medical Corps of United States Service;
Elmo Norton, who is assisting with the farm; Courtland Michael, who
died August 10, 1920; and Aland, who is named for the Aland Island in
the Baltic Sea.

Doctor McAuliffe is intensely American, and is not willing to see
any of the rights of the people compromised. Prior to the sinking of
the Lusitania, he had seen much to admire in the Germans, but became
convinced that as a monarchial nation they were a menace to humanity,
and the progress of Christian civilization.

daniel j. McCaffrey.

Daniel J. McCaffrey, formerly pastor of the parish of the Church of
the Sacred Heart of Marengo, is one of the scholarly men and beloved
priests of the Roman Catholic church. He was born at Chicago, 111.,
September 15, 1866, one of the eleven children of James E. and Catherine
M. (Dunn) McCaffrey. James E. McCaffrey was born in Ireland,
but came to the United States in 1849, locating at Chicago, where he
became prominent in the business world as a commission merchant
and stock dealer. His death occurred June 24, 1884, his widow sur-
viving him until April 23, 1899.

Rev. Daniel J. McCaffrey attended Niagara University and was
ordained to the priesthood in 1889 by Very Rev. Archbishop Patrick
A. Feehan of Chicago. His first charge was in Chicago, wThere he was
an assistant, and he was sent to Marengo, October 6, 1907. At present
there are 110 families in the parish at Marengo. The affairs of the parish
are in a very flourishing condition, and the present church edifice begun
in May, 1908, was completed July 12, 1909, at a cost of §30,000. A
hall was erected in connection with the church at a cost of 87,000.

HISTORY OP McIIENRY COUNTY 725

Father McCaffrey is a very efficient worker in his church, and the
parish at Marengo increased in importance very materially, as well as
spiritually, under his charge. His qualifications as a man and a citizen
are such as to make him an important factor in his community, outside
of his church as well as in it, and his advice has been sought and followed
in many cases where sound judgment and a knowledge of human nature
are needed to bring about a logical conclusion on public matters.

Father McCaffrey is now located at Elburn, Kane County, Illinois.

CHARLES McCLURE.
Page 136.

ABRAM B. McCONNELL.

Abrain B. McConnell, now deceased, was formerly one of the success-
ful agriculturalists of McHenry County, and a man who stood very
high in public esteem. He was born in the original log cabin on his
father's farm near Richmond, February 3, 1839, being the eldest son of
the Hon. William A. and Elizabeth (Bodine) McConnell, natives of
Pennsylvania, who were the earliest settlers of Richmond Township,
coming here in 1837.

Abram B. McConnell was reared in Richmond Township, and
attended the schools of his district. From boyhood, he devoted himself
to farming, receiving a practical training in the work from his father,
and when he began farming on his own account, he located on a farm
owned by his father, in the vicinity of Woodstock. He farmed here
successfully until 1894, when his health failed and he built a home and
moved to Woodstock in November, 1894. Abram B. McConnell was
married February 28, 1861, to Harriet S. Potter, born in Washington
County, N. Y., July 12, 1839, a daughter of Stephen A. and Charity
(Barker) Potter, and they became the parents of the following children:
Libby, deceased; Lena, deceased; Ida, Mrs. Arthur Southworth, of
Willamette; William S.; Fred B., farming; and Roy, deceased. Abram B.
McConnell died on February 15, 1895. His wife died September 20,
1912. Like his father, William A. McConnell, Abram B. McConnell
was devoted to the advancement of his community, and in his quiet,
unostentatious way, did all in his power to bring about such a result.

726 BISTORT OF McHENRY COUNTY

FRANK B. McCONNELL.

Frank B. McConnell, president of the State Hank of Richmond, is
one of the sound, reliable and experienced men of McHenry County.
He was horn in Richmond Township, March 29, 1875, one of the four
children now living of his parents, George and Susan (Cushman) McCon-
nell. George McConnell, who is now deceased, was one of the pioneer
hankers of Richmond, and organized the hank known as the Bank of
Richmond, in 1890.

Frank B. McConnell attended the common and high schools of his
locality and later the Northwestern University of Evanston and the
Bryant & Stratton Business College of Chicago. In 1S95 he hecame con-
nected with his father's hank, the Bank of Richmond, as bookkeeper
and in 1902, was promoted to the position of cashier, which position he
held until the reorganization of the Bank of Richmond into the State
Bank of Richmond, which he promoted and accomplished January 1,
1921, and became president of that corporation, which organized with
a capital stock of §50,000. Mr. McConnell's long connection with the
hanking husiness puts weight and strength back of the organization
which is one of the stable financial institutions of the County.

Mr. McConnell was married in 1897 to Miss Mae Dennison, a daugh-
ter of Daniel Dennison, and a member of one of the old families of
McHenry County. Mr. and Mrs. McConnell have four children, namely:
Marjory L., Beatrice M., George D., and Frank B., Jr. The family all
belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. Air. McConnell is a Repub-
lican. A man of high principles, he has lived up to his ideals, and is
held in proper esteem by all who know him.

FRED B. McCONNELL.

Fred B. McConnell, one of the prosperous farmers of Dorr Township,
belongs to one of the most representative families of McHenry County,
for its members have been associated with some of the best interests
of this locality ever since the McConnells came here during the pioneer
period of its history. Fred B. McConnell was born in the house he now
occupies, April 9, 1874, and has devoted his useful life to agricultural
labors. He has received more than ordinary educational advantages,
for after he had been a student in the local schools, he took a course at

HISTORY OP McIIENRY COUNTY 727

the Northwestern University, at Evanston, 111. Returning to his
father's farm, Fred B. McConnell assisted the latter in conducting it
until 1897, when he took charge of the homestead, and operated the
350 acres comprising it. When the farm was divided in 1907, Fred B.
McConnell received 167 acres, on which was the old residence. Since
then he has rebuilt and modernized it, and here he carries on general
farming and dairying. For the past five or six years he has been a
breeder of high-grade Holstein cattle. His buildings are equipped for
dairy purposes. While his efforts are centralized on the farm, he is a
stockholder and director of the State Bank of Woodstock, founded by
his father, who continued on the directorate for many years. For
twenty years Fred B. McConnell has been upon the school board. While
in a general way he is a Republican, he does not feel bound down by any
particular party ties, but reserves to himself the right to vote as his
judgment dictates.

On January 20, 1897, Mr. McConnell was united in marriage with
Rose Barden, a daughter of John and Bessie (Coatman) Barden, who
had come to McHenry County, from Nebraska, to which state they
had been taken when young, and where they were married. Mr. and
Mrs. Barden survive and live near their daughter, Mrs. McConnell.
Mr. and Mrs. McConnell have the following living children: Bessie
Harriet, who is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and a business
college; Abram Bodine, who attended the State University at Cham-
pagne, Class 1919; and Ralph Allen, who is the youngest. Ida Marian,
the fourth child, died in infancy. Mrs. McConnell belongs to the
Royal Neighbors, and is active in the local improvement society.

Mr. McConnelFs mother possessed considerable poetical talent, and
a souvenir book of her poems has been published for the intimate
family circle. These poems breathe the freshness of country, and indi-
cate not only careful observation of nature's works, but bring out many
of the moral lessons that are only to be found in contemplation of the
Divine handiwork.

george McConnell.

George McConnell, now deceased, was a representative citizen and
leading banker of McHenry County, where his memory is held in the
highest veneration. He was born in Richmond Township, west of the
village of Richmond, in the log cabin of his father, William A. McConnell,

728 HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY

March 3, 1845, being the youngesl son of three born to William and
Elizabeth (Bodine) McConnell, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere

in (his work.

George McConnell attended the local schools and for a year was a
student of Mt. Morris College. He was then engaged in educational
work in Burton Township for a period. Following this he was engaged
in operating the farm located south of the homestead, his father giving
him his 250-acre farm, and he further improved it, and made it one of
the most valuable in Richmond Township.

In 1866 William A. McConnell erected a cheese factory at Rich-
mond and George McConnell hauled the lumber used in its construction
from Hebron and Genoa. It was a two-story building, 30x112 feet, and
was the first of its kind erected in McIIcnry County. The first cheese
made in it was manufactured May 18, 1866. The following year this
factory manufactured 19,000 pounds more cheese than any other fac-
tory in the county, several others having by this time come into exis-
tence, or a total of 184,471 pounds.

In 1890 George McConnell and his brother, John, organized a private
bank at Richmond, of which he was president and his brother vice
president, they associating with them John W. Haythorn as cashier.
Later Frank B. McConnell, son of George McConnell, became cashier,
and Charles D. McConnell, son of John McConnell, assistant cashier.
This bank was known as the Bank of Richmond until it was reorganized
into the State Bank of Richmond, January 1, 1921, with Frank B.
McConnell as president.

On November 15, 1865, George McConnell was married to Susan
( ushman, a daughter of Darius and Mary Cushman, who was born in
Vermont, May 26, 1847, and they became the parents of the following
children: Cora II., who was born November 15, 1866; Mary May, who
was born June 12, 1869; Agnes Leona, who was born January 24, 1873,
died September 25, 1874; Frank Bodine, who was born March 29, 1875,
a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Harry J., who was
born July 16, 1879, died December 26, 1889; and William A., who was
born July 25, 1881, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this
work.

(Jeorge McConnell was a supervisor and justice of the peace for
many years, and was also on the school board, which he served as chair-
man for four years. He was a Mason and was treasurer of his lodge for

a long period. On October 7, 1877, O ge McConnell and his wile

united with the Methodist Episcopal church at Richmond, and he

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 729

served it as a trustee and treasurer until his death. He and his brother
John contributed one-half of the amount required for the erection of
a new church edifice, and he built the present Methodist parsonage and
gave it to the church. George McConnell died at Los Angeles, Cal.,
March 29, 1908, and in his passing Richmond, as well as all of McHenry
County, lost one of the best of men and most loyal of citizens.

JOHN McCONNELL.

John McConnell, now deceased, was one of the influential men of
McHenry County, and for years was connected as vice president with
the Bank of Richmond, and the McConnell Cheese Factory, the latter,
the first of its kind to be established in McHenry County. He was born
1842, in the little log cabin on his father's farm, which served the family
as a home for fifteen years, a son of William A. and Elizabeth (Bodine)
McConnell, natives of Pennsylvania, a sketch of whom appears else-
where in this work.

Growing up in Richmond Township, John McConnell early dis-
played those sterling traits of character which distinguished him through
life, and was a favorite in the district schools and Mt. Morris Academy,
which he attended. All of his life he was interested in agricultural
matters, but in later years specialized on the conduct of the creamery
established by his father, which he later bought. In 1890, he assisted
in the establishment of the Bank of Richmond, and served it as vice
president until his death, and he was also a director in the State Bank
of Woodstock. In 1864, he went overland to California, and spent four
years in that state, and then returned by the way of the Isthmus of
Panama. Landing at New York City, he came thence to Richmond,
where he rounded out his useful life, dying in 1900.

In 1868, John McConnell was married to Mary Frothingham, and
they became the parents of the following children: Bertha L. and
Charles D.

WILLIAM A. McCONNELL.

Since the early days of McHenry County, the name of McConnell
has been an important one in this region, and a number of its members

730 HISTORY OK McHENRY COUNTY

have been closely associated with the establishment and growth of its

banking interests. One bearing this honored name is William A. McCon-
nell, assistant cashier of the Bank of Richmond, who, with his brother,
Prank B. McConnell, and sisters own the institution. William A.
McConnell is the grandson and namesake of the late William A. McCon-
nell, a sketch of whose life is to be found elsewhere in this work, together
with that dl' ( leorge McCoimell, son of one and father of the other
William A. Mc< lonnell.

William A. McConnell, whose name heads this review, was born
in McHenry County, July 25, 1881, a son of George and Susan (Cush-
man) McConnell. and there were three others in the family of the
parents. George McConnell, now deceased, was undoubtedly one of
the distinguished men of the county', and a man to whom is due much
of the constructive work of his day, especially in banking circles. He
founded the Bank of Richmond, inaugurating the present policies and
placing the institution upon a solid and reliable basis, his sons following
the example of their father in its conduct after the}' assumed charge.
The bank has a capital stock of §10,000 and a surplus of 847,000, and
the cashier is Frank B. McConnell, William A. McConnell being as
stated above, the assistant cashier. In addition to his banking interests,
Mr. McConnell is the local representative for the Security Insurance
Company of Connecticut, the Dubuque Fire Marine Insurance Com-
pany, the Milwaukee Mechanic Insurance Company, and the American
Security Company.

On October 25, 1905, Mr. McConnell was united in marriage with
Lena Gollman, a daughter of George J. Golhnan, and they have three
children, namely: Fred W., Virginia E. and John A. The family are
consistent members of the Congregational church, and give it an earnest
and efficient support. Mr. McConnell is not only a supporter of Repub-
lican principles and candidates, but his work in behalf of his community
has been of so important a nature that he has been brought into public
notice, and he was the successful candidate of his party for the office of
village treasurer upon several occasions, bringing to bear upon the con-
duct of the affairs of that office a ripened experience gained during his
years of association with financial matters. He maintains his residence
in the beautiful homestead of his family at Richmond. Mr. McConnell
is a Mason, and his wife is a member of the Eastern Star. They are
among the social leaders of their community, and a credit to their name
and county.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 731

WILLIAM A. McCONNELL.

William A. McConnell, now deceased, was one of the pioneers of
McHenry County, became a heavy landowner of Richmond Township,
and was intimately associated with its progress. He was born in Penn-
sylvania, was there reared, and came to McHenry County in 1837.
The first settler to locate a claim in Richmond Township, he secured
one on section 8, on which he erected a log cabin, 10x18 feet-
Having thus provided a home for his bride, Mr. McConnell returned
to Pennsylvania, and was married there in 1838, to Elizabeth Bodine.
Returning with his wife, Mr. McConnell began to improve his land.
For fifteen years the primitive log cabin served as a home, but it was
then replaced by a frame residence, located across the street' from the
cabin. In 1872, a more commodious residence was erected on the site
of the cabin, and there William McConnell died October 9, 1887, his
wife passing away six months later. They were survived by three sons,
namely: Abraham B., John and George, sketches of whom appear else-
where in this work.

William A. McConnell was one of the most influential men of his
generation. During the administration of President Van Buren, he
was appointed postmaster of Richmond, and served for six years, the
post office being in the log cabin on his farm. He was associate judge
of McHenry County for sixteen years and in 1844, he was elected county
commissioner and served in that office until the adoption of township
organization, when he was made a justice of the peace for Richmond
Township and held that office for thirty-five years. He was appointed
a judge of election in 1840 and served as such for several years. Mr.
McConnell was a member of the first state legislature convened under
the new constitution, and served as a member of the board of equali-
zation one term, and as supervisor of Richmond Township for several
years, and for one term was chairman of the board. He was a member
of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was one of the organizers of
the church of that denomination in Richmond. Not only did he serve
faithfully and well in every office, but he reared his three sons to be
as upright and capable as he, and they, too, have made their influence
felt in the history of McHenry County, so that today the name of
McConnell stands for the highest standards of American manhood and
good citizenship.

732 HISTORY OF Me II FN UY COUNTY

WILLIAM S. McCONNELL.

William S. McConnell, vice-president of the Woodstock State Bank,
and owner of considerable McHenry County farm land, has long been
one fif the leading residents of Woodstock, which he has served in
several official capacities. He was born in McHenry ( !ounty, 111., August
1, 1870, a son of Abram B. and Harriet S. (Potter) McConnell, who had
six children, three of whom grew to maturity. Abram B. McConnell
was born at Richmond, 111. He moved to Dorr Township in 18G2, and
died February 13, 1905, in Woodstock.

After going to the schools of his native county, McConnell attended
the University of Michigan, and was graduated from its legal department
in 1894 with the degree of LL. B., and was admitted to the bar soon
thereafter. Since attaining to maturity, he has been interested in
agricultural matters, and owns 300 acres of valuable land. A Republican,
he has served as treasurer of McHenry County from 1906 to 1910,
has been township supervisor, and in March, 1911, he was appointed by
President Taft. postmaster of Woodstock, and held that office until
November, 1915. On November, 1918, he was again elected County
Treasurer.

On June 15, 1897, Mr. McConnell was married to Miss Susan St.
Clair, a daughter of Israel St. Clair, and they have six children, namely:
Harold S., Margaret, John W., Robert, William S., Jr., and Mary.
Harold S., who served during the Great War in the Thirty-third Division,
enlisted on June 22, 1916, before he was eighteen years of age. He was
honorably discharged April 25, 1919. Mr. McConnell and his family
belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a Mason, Odd Fellow
and Elk, and is active in all these orders. Few men stand any higher
in public esteem than does Mr. McConnell, and his success has been
earned through honorable actions and praiseworthy industry.

THEODORE B. McCORMICK.

Rev. Theodore B. McCormick, administrator of St. Mary's Catholic
Church at Huntley, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., October 1, 1865.
He was graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1882, and
from Niagara University in 1884, and was ordained in St. Vincent's
Seminary, Germantown, Philadelphia, June 28, 1891. For some years

HISTORY OF McHENEY COUNTY 733

he was professor in St. John's College of Brooklyn, N. Y., and Niagara
University. For four years he labored in the pine forests of New Jersey,
Trenton Diocese, and then came to the Rockford Diocese, November
17, 1909, where he continues to work in the smaller towns.

REV. MARTIN J. McEVOY.

Rev. Martin J. McEvoy, pastor of St. Patrick's parish, McHenry,
and of St. Joseph's Catholic church of Richmond, is one of the scholarly
men of his faith stationed in McHenry County. He was born at Joliet,
111., April 12, 1880, one of the seven children of John and Johanna
(Bolgar) McEvoy, the former of whom was also born at Joliet, and was
a steam fitter by trade. He and his wife reside with their son at the
parish house at McHenry. The paternal grandfather at one time served
as circuit clerk of Will County, 111., and with his brothers built and
managed the old woolen mill in Joliet, which supplied the government
during the Civil War with army blankets and woolen cloth of all kinds.
They were among the most prominent business men in Joliet in those
days. The maternal great-grand-uncle was ordained a priest in 1817,
and was the first priest of the Catholic faith to be so ordained in what
was then the diocese of Boston.

Rev. Father McEvoy attended the common and high schools of
Joliet, and the Jesuit College at Chicago, from which he was graduated
in 1902 with the degree of A. B. In September, 1902, he entered St.
Mary's Seminary at Baltimore, Md., and a year later the degree of
A. M. was conferred upon him by the Chicago College. In 1906 he was
graduated from Saint Mary's Seminary with the degree of S. T. B., and
he was ordained to the priesthood on December 15 of that year at the
Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago, 111., by the Most Rev. James E. Quigley,
Bishop of Chicago. Father McEvoy was first stationed as assistant
priest at St. Mary's church at Rockford, 111., from whence he went to
take charge of St. Peter's church at South Beloit, 111., leaving it for his
present parish, August 1, 1915. The present church edifice was erected
in 1865 at a cost of $8,000, and the affairs are in a flourishing condition.
Plans are under way for the erection of a new church at an estimated
cost of $75,000, W. B. Vander Mecr of Rockford, architect. Father
McEvoy is a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

734 HISTORY OP McHENBY COUNTY

HENRY McLEAN.

Page 136.

JAMES E. McKAY.

James E. McKay, one of the substantial business men of Algonquin,
formerly owned and operated a machine shop, under the firm name of
McKay & Kruschcl, but is now connected with the American Ironing
Machine Company. Mr. McKay was born in Wyoming, on Decem-
ber 27, 1878, a son of James F. and Minnie (Dahn) McKay, the former
of whom is deceased. A sketch of James F. McKay appears elsewhere
in this work.

James E. McKay attended the common schools of his native place,
and learned the trade of a blacksmith, following it until 1908, when he
established his present business, conducting it alone until 1917, at which
time he organized the firm of McKay & Kruschel.

Mr. McKay was married to Miss Charlotte Danielson, a daughter
of Frank Danielson. Mr. and Mrs. McKay have the following children:
Lura, who was born in 1907; Frank D., who was born in 1910; and James
E., who was born in 1912. Mr. McKay belongs to the Masonic order, the
Woodmen of the World and the Royal Neighbors. In politics he is a
Republican. Having a practical knowledge of his work, Air. McKay
is able to render expert service, and his trade is a large one which shows
a healthy annual increase. Several years ago Mr. McKay met with an
automobile accident and his injuries were such as to forbid his continuing
his heavy work, so he sold his interest in his machine shop and went with
his present company.

JAMES F. McKAY.

James F. McKay, now deceased, formerly one of the honored resi-
dents of Algonquin, was for many years engaged in operating a loco-
motive as engineer, and was also president of the Algonquin Mutual
Insurance Company. He was born in Scotland, November 29, 1845,
and died at Algonquin, April 13, 1916. Coming to Algonquin in 1866,

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 735

for the subsequent hall a century, he made that village his home with
the exception of a period when he was a locomotive engineer on the
Union Pacific Railroad, operating out of Laramie, Wyo.

On October 16, 1874, Mr. McKay was married to Minnie Dahn,
who survives him and lives on North Main Street, Algonquin. Mr. and
Mrs. McKay became the parents of four children, three of whom survive,
namely: Thomas and Andrew, both of whom live at Chicago, 111.;
James Edward, who lives at Algonquin; and George, who died at Lara-
mie, Wyo., in 1887. Mr. McKay left two sisters, namely: Mrs.
Bart els, who lives at Woodstock; and Mrs. Brough, who lives at Chicago;
and two brothers, Thomas and Andrew, both of whom live at Chicago.
Mr. McKay belonged to Algonquin Camp No. 490, Modern Woodmen
of America, and was an honorary member of the Brotherhood of Loco-
motive Engineers. During the many years he served as engineer, Mr.
McKay proved his worth, and was recognized as one of the most faithful
and reliable men on the road.

john f. Mclaughlin.

John F. McLaughlin, manager of the Ringwood Branch of the
Bowman Dairy Company, is one of the progressive business men of
McHenry County. He was born in this county, in 1870, one of the
eight children of Thomas McLaughlin and his wife. Thomas McLaugh-
lin was born in Ireland, but came to the United States in young man-
hood, locating in McHenry County, where he died in 1870.

John F. McLaughlin was reared upon a farm, and attended the
common and high schools of his locality. He was engaged in farming
until he was eighteen years old, when he became interested in a milk
and dairy products business, and in 1890 became connected with his
present company, with which he rose until he is now in charge of its
Ringwood plant, which has a daily capacity of 60,000 pounds of milk.
The officers of the company are as follows: Johnston R. Bowman,
president; D. B. Peck, vice-president; Robert A. Bowman, treasurer;
and E. M. Bowman, secretary. The main offices of the company are
at Nos. 140-158 W. Ontario Street, Chicago, 111. The Ringwood plant
gives employment to twenty-seven people. It was organized in 1907,
when the Bowman Dairy Company bought the co-operative Farmers'
Company.

736 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

In 1904, Mr. McLaughlin was married to Miss Julia A. Noble, a
daughter of Major Noble, ami a member of one of the oldest families
of McHenry County. Mr. and Mrs. Laughlin have had (wo daughters:

Mary, who died aged four years, and Julia E., who was horn January
20, 1913. Mr. McLaughlin is a Catholic. He is a Democrat hut has
never entered public life, confining his efforts in that direction to giving
his hearty and unqualified support to all measures calculated to prove
beneficial to his community.

HENRY McMILLAX.

Henry McMillan, one of the native sons of McHenry County, and
a successful farmer of Nunda Township, was horn on the old McMillan
farm, in Nunda Township, just east of the one he now owns, March 21,
1882. His father, Andrew T. McMillan, was also born in Nunda Town-
ship, a son of Samuel McMillan. Samuel McMillan was born in the
state of New York, where he was married to Jane Ann Wilson, and in
1836 they came to Illinois, settling in Nunda Township, and entering
160 acres of land. There they both died.

Andrew T. McMillan was reared in Nunda Township, where he
was married to Marian A. Wicker, a native of Vermont, a daughter of
Benjamin Wicker. They had the following children: Emma, Charles
and Benny, deceased; Henry, Frank Ray; and Earl. Andrew T. Mc-
Millan was a farmer and owned eighty acres of land, on which Henry
McMillan now lives, and sixty-eight acres across the road which was the
homestead. He was a Republican, but not active in politics. His death
occurred when he was sixty-eight years old.

Henry McMillan attended the district schools and learned to be a
practical farmer under his father's instruction. On July 2, 1903, Mr.
McMillan was married to Bessie C. Hoffman, who died May 29, 1916,
leaving her family desolate, for hers was a noble, Christian character,
and she was beloved by them and the whole neighborhood. Mr. and
Mrs. McMillan had the following children: Eva and Neva, twins;
Mark; Glenn; Vera and Nellie, all of whom are at home. Mr. McMillan
belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and his wife belonged to
the Royal Neighbors.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 737

CYRUS L. MEAD.

Cyrus L. Mead, now deceased, was one of the retired farmers of
Hebron, and at his death, owned a fine farm of eighty-six acres of 'and
within the corporate limits of the city. At one time he was prominent
in the agricultural circles of the county. He was born in Oswego Coun-
ty, N. Y, August 13, 1827, one of the ten children of Jeremiah and
Anna (Cline) Mead. Jeremiah Mead was born in Massachusetts, but
moved to Oswego County, N. Y. in 1814, and lived there until his
death in the early seventies, being engaged all of his active life in farming.

Cyrus L. Mead moved to Wayne County, N. Y., in 1848, and from
there to McHcnry County, 111., in 1853, and unt 1 his retirement in
1882, was actively engaged in cultivating his farm land. He was a
Republican, and served as a member of the school board for twenty-two
years, and for five years was a member of the board of commissioners.

January 25, 1856, Mr. Mead was married to Miss Finette A. Carmen,
a daughter of Sidney Carmen of New York, a Quaker in his religious
belief. Mr. and Mrs. Mead had five children, namely: Anna A., who is
mentioned below; Charles, Henry, Darwin and Luella, all of whom are
deceased.

Anna C. Mead was married first to George P. Goddard, who is
deceased, and they had a son, Henry A., who was born August 10, 1880,
and died January 6, 1918, having married in 1910, Miss Nellie Peele,
who bore him a son, Henry A. Goddard. Mrs. Anna C. Goddard was
later married to Ellis F. Hewes who was born in Cook County, 111.,
July 12, 1851. Henry Mead, son of Cyrus L. Mead, married Mary
McCau'ey and had one daughter, Luella A. Mead, and she married
Harry Behnke, now deceased, and they had one daughter, Luella M.
Behnke. The Mead and Hewes families belong to the Methodist Epis-
copal church, and are well known in it and in other circles throughout
the county, where Mr. Mead was recognized as one of the most repre-
sentative of its pioneers. During his long residence here he saw many
changes take place, and bore his part in many of them, his influence
being always directed toward those which promised to prove beneficial
to his community.

Cyrus L. Mead died May 8, 1920, after an illness of five months,
his daughter, Mrs. Anna C. Hewes, caring for him. He was buried in
the Hebron Cemetery beside his wife and children. The daughter
retains the house in which he died, which is on the site of the original
farm house.

738 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

EDWIN A. MEAD.

Edwin A. Mead, D. D. S., one of the leading dental surgeons of
McHenry County, is conducting a general practice at Hebron, but draws
his patronage from all parts of the county. He was born at Richmond,
111., June 15, 1877, one of the six children of Isaac N. and Marie (Benson)
Mead. Isaac M. Mead was born in New York state, but came to
McHenry County in 1840, and located in Richmond, where he followed
farming until his retirement, at which time he moved to Janesville, Wis.,
and is still residing there. During the Civil War, he served in the
Union army for four years.

Doctor Mead attended the schools of Janesville, Wis., and then
entered the College of Dental Surgery at Chicago, from which he was
graduated in 1901. Immediately thereafter, he established himself in
practice at Genoa Junction, where he remained a year, and then came
to Hebron, and finding conditions to suit him, has since remained, build-
ing up a very desirable trade. Doctor Mead owns the building in which
his office is located, and which bears his name, he having erected it at a
cost of $10,000, and he owns his residence at Hebron, and a summer
home at Lake Geneva. His office is equipped with all modern appli-
ances for the proper conduct of his work. For a period of five years,
Doctor Mead served Hebron as postmaster, and also as a member of the
village board, and he is a leader in the Republican party. In 1903,
Doctor Mead was united in marriage with Miss Lora C. Hyde, a daugh-
ter of William Hyde, and a member of a prominent family of Hebron.
Doctor and Mrs. Mead are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
A Mason, Doctor Mead belongs to both the Blue Lodge and Chapter
of that order. An excellent citizen, Doctor Mead has lived up to the
highest conceptions of American manhood, and is recognized as a very
valuable adjunct to his community.

OWEN G. MEAD.

Owen G. Mead, senior member of the popular grocery establishment
of Mead & Charles, of Woodstock, is one of the city's enterprising busi-
ness men, and a director of the Farmers' Exchange State Bank of Wood-
stock. He was born at Woodstock, September 4, 1865, one of the five
children of Charles and Rosina (Woodard) Mead, the former of whom
was a carpenter and responsible man of Woodstock, who died in 1893.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 739

Owen G. Mead attended the common and high schools of Woodstock,
and his first business experience was gained as a clerk. For ten years
he was engaged with several firms at Woodstock, and then in 1897, he
formed his present partnership, and established the business, the firm
has since continued. A full and complete line of fancy and staple
groceries, to the amount of $12,000, is carried, and a very large annual
business is done. In 1900, Mr. Mead was married to Miss Ida Eppel,
a daughter of Frederick Eppel. Mr. and Mrs. Mead became the parents
of twin sons, Fred L. and Edwin C, who were born in September,
1903. The family residence is at No. 446 Judd street, Woodstock.
Mr. Mead is a Mason and also belongs to the Odd Fellows and Modern
Woodmen of the America. His social connections are with the County
and Golf clubs. Not only did he serve as a member of the school board,
but he has also been town clerk of Woodstock, and has been very capable
in both offices. In 1915 he was made a director of the Farmers' Exchange
State Bank of Woodstock, one of the sound financial institutions of the
county. Mr. Mead and his family belong to the Presbyterian church,
and he is prominent in it, as he is in every organization with which
he is connected.

LUNA E. MENTCH.

Luna E. Mentch, of Gary, has had more to do with the political life
and business activity of Gary than any other one man, being almost
continuously in an official position of one kind or another, and at times
filling several. For fourteen years he has been the local banker, and for
twenty-eight years, proprietor of the flourishing pickle factory of this
place.

Mr. Mentch was born at Oshkosh, Wis., in 1860, a son of Jacob and
Sarah (James) Mentch, natives of Germany and Holland. The parents
were married at Algonquin, to which she had come from New York
when sixteen years old, with Silas Jaynes and family. The Jaynes
family was one of the early ones to settle in Algonquin Township, its
members becoming heavy landowners. Silas Jaynes continued to live
here until 1900, when he moved to Barrington, and died when nearly
ninety. Sarah James continued to live in the Jaynes family until her
marriage. Jacob Mentch had come from Germany to the United States
in young manhood, first settling at Cuba, Kane County, 111., and worked
on a farm there and in McHenry County until his marriage, which

740 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

took place December 20, 1848, the ceremony being performed by Rev.
W. E. Manley. Following his marriage, Mr. Mentch went to Oshkosh,
\Yis., and there enlisted in response to President Lincoln's first call for
troops for the Civil War, in 1861, under Captain Sawyer, later United
States senator from Wisconsin. He was honorably discharged a year
later on account of disability, and returning home died three months
later from disability incurred in the service, leaving a widow and seven
children. She remained at Oshkosh, Wis., for a year, and then returned
to Algonquin Township.

This brave mother kept her family together, with the exception of
the eldest, who struck out for himself, and supported them by working
among the families of Algonquin Township. These children were as
follows: Morania, who served in the Civil War, enlisting from Wisconsin,
later became a marine engineer on the Great Lakes, and died at the
age of forty-five years; Abraham, who was also a marine engineer on
the Great Lakes, died at Oshkosh, Wis., in 1916, aged forty-eight years;
George, who died in young manhood; Isaac, who lives at Woodstock;
Hiram, who left McHenry County twenty-five years ago, died at Chi-
cago, where he was a merchant; Luna E., whose name appears at the
head of this review; and Lineys, who is foreman of the foundry] depart-
ment of the James A. Brady Foundry Company of Chicago. The de-
voted mother of this family spent her last days at the home of her
son Lineys at Chicago, where she died when fifty-two years old, deeply
mourned by the family for whom she had done so much.

When Luna E. Mentch was eleven years old he went to live in the
family of G. S. Frary and remained there until after he reached his
majority, during that period attending the district school and the
Dundee High School. Subsequently he took a teacher's course at the
Illinois State Normal School at DeKalb, 111., and was engaged in teach-
ing for twelve years, first in the country schools, and later at Gary and
Crystal Lake, and was very successful in the educational field, never
lacking a school, and when he abandoned that calling, his action caused
regret, for parents knew that under his capable and inspiring care their
children were certain to develop in no slight degree.

Mr. Mentch was not satisfied with the opportunities of the school-
room, and branched out into a commercial life, and his success has
proven that he was right in taking this step. He opened the first meat
market at Cary in 1880, at a time when there were only five or six
houses in the place, his first location being in a small building east of
the post office, now used as a paint shop, aad-eenducted it for two years,

HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 741

when he disposed of it to M. B. Weaver. Beginning to handle realty,
Mr. Mentch opened a real-estate office, and secured the agency of some
of the leading insurance companies. In 1900 he opened the first bank
of Cary, known as the Gary Exchange Bank, in the store now occupied
by Hubka Bros., later on erecting the present bank building. When
the Carey State Bank was organized, Mr. Mentch liquidated the Ex-
change Bank, selling his building to the new institution, and devoting
his time and attention to his real-estate and insurance business, which
had assumed large proportions. Later he diverted some of his attention
to his pickle factory, which he had bought in 1889 from Goodwin &
Frary. Mr. Mentch has handled a large amount of real estate, both
rural and city, and at times owned several farms, operated for him by
tenants. In the village of Cary he has erected more than one building,
which he later sold at a good figure.

A man of unusual capabilities, Mr. Mentch has always taken a
very active part in civic affairs, being active in bringing about the incor-
poration of the village of Cary, January 9, 1893, was its first president,
and was re-elected to that office. Later he served in the same capacity
for two terms more. For sixteen years he was supervisor of Algonquin
Township, and for three years of that period presided over the board.
For one term he was township collector, and member of the county
board of review for four years. For thirty years he has been a member
of the school board, his experience as an educator making his services
of special value. He was village treasurer for two terms, served for
the same length of time as police magistrate and is now a justice of
the peace.

When Mr. Mentch was twenty-three years old he was married to
Lila Kendrew of Algonquin Township, a daughter of William and
Ellen Kendrew, farming people of Algonquin Township, both of whom
are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Mentch have two children, namely: Vera,
who married Charles T. Allen, assistant states attorney; a sketch of
whom appears elsewhere in this work, has two children, Russell and
Robert Allen; and Foy L., who is proprietor of the Cary Garage, married
Pearl Lindsey, and has one son, Elburn. Mr. Mentch is an Odd Fellow,
and has been very active in the local lodge for a quarter of a century,
and for nine times has been sent by his lodge as a representative to
the Grand Lodge. He is also a Mason, belonging to Crystal Lake Lodge,
A. F. & A. M.; Woodstock Chapter, R. A. M.; Woodstock Commandery,
K. T., and Medinah Temple, Mystic Shrine, of Chicago. Mr. Mentch
is one of the most representative men of McHenry County, and his

742 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

remarkable success in life has come entirely through his own efforts
as he is decidedly a self-made man.

MELVILLE W. MERRY.

Melville W. Merry, proprietor of the Nyal Store at Hebron, is one
of the leading druggists of that city and is a director of the Bank of
Hebron. He was born in this county, January 6, 1862, one of the five
children of Waterman S. and Pleiades (Wilkinson) Merry. Waterman
S. Merry was born in New York state, but came to Mclienry County,
where he was extensively engaged in farming, and where he lived until
his death.

Melville W. Merry attended the Harvard High School and the
Aurora Business College, after which he became a clerk in the drug
store of Gresbeck & Wilkinson of Harvard, with whom he remained
for ten years, and then in 1885, he located at Hebron, where he has
since remained. He carries a full and varied stock of drugs, books and
jewelry amounting to $20,000, and he owns the building in which his
store is located. In 1916, Mr. Merry became a director of the Bank
of Hebron, and still maintains that connection. He is secretary of the
Milk Producers Association of Hebron. During the administration of
Presidents Roosevelt and Taft, Mr. Merry served as postmaster of
Hebron, receiving his last appointment, August 28, 1907, and he is a
staunch Republican. He was also interested in farming for ten years,
and still owns 400 acres of land in Hebron Township. Fraternally he
belongs to the Masons, Odd Fellows and Woodmen of the World.

In 1888, Mr. Merry was united in marriage with Miss Emma C.
Mead, a daughter of Henry W. Mead. Mr. and Mrs. Merry have three
children, namely: Nina A., who is a graduate of Lake Forest University,
is at home; Clifton H., who was born February 13, 1892, was grad-
uated from the Northwestern University in 1916, enlisted September 4,
1917 in Company F, Three Hundred and Forty-second Infantry, was
mustered out of the service December 16, 1918, and is now serving as
assistant cashier of the Bank of Hebron; and Celia F., who is attending
the Northwestern University. Mr. Merry has been active in many
movements at Hebron, and is recognized as one of its most prominent
and influential citizens.

CHARLES H. TRYOX

'if

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 743

EDWARD W. MEYER.

Edward W. Meyer, one of the leading business men of Cary, is held
in high esteem by the people of McHenry County. He was born at
Desplaines, 111., May 3, 1889, one of the four children of Edward J. and
Augusta (Geils) Meyer. Edward J. Meyer was born at Albany, N. Y.,
but came to Des Plaines, 111., at an early day, is now retired and lives
at Crystal Lake. His wife died in 1905.

Edward W. Meyer attended Maine Township High School, and the
Northwestern College of Pharmacy. In 1912, he opened his present
drug store, and gave it his personal attention until June 10, 1918, when
he was made assistant cashier of the Cary State Bank. Almost imme-
diately thereafter, he was called upon to discharge the duties of cashier.
While serving in the latter capacity he went into the government service
as a soldier.

In 1916, Mr. Meyer was married to Miss Fern Hutchinson, a daugh-
ter of Chester Hutchinson of Barrington, 111., and they have a daughter,
Marjorie. Mr. Meyer is a Mason and Odd Fellow. In politics, he is a
Republican. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church.
Both as a druggist and banker, Mr. Meyer has proven his worth and
capability, and he is perhaps as well known throughout the country as
any man now living in it.

CHARLES C. MILLER, M. D.

Charles C. Miller, M. D., is one of the residents of Marengo who
has attained to a world-wide reputation as a writer upon subjects of
interest to apiarists, and as a naturalist of more than average ability.
Doctor Miller was born in Pennsylvania, June 10, 1831, and his father,
Johnson J. Miller, was a member of the medical profession. The mother
of Charles C. Miller bore the maiden name of Phebe Roadman.

After securing his degree of A. B. from Union College of Schenectady,
N. Y., Doctor Miller studied medicine in the University of Michigan,
being graduated therefrom in 1856, and for a time was engaged in the
practice of his profession. In 1861 his lifelong interest in bees found
expression with his entrance into the bee industry at Marengo, and he
increased his business until at one time he had over 400 colonies. Carry-
ing on his work in a scientific manner, he made experiments which were

744 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

of such value that his constructive contributions to bee journals met
with instant attention, and he was thus encouraged to place the results
of his observation in book form. Since 1S94 he has conducted a depart-
ment of questions and answers in the American Bee Journal and has
been department editor of Gleanings in Bee Culture since 1890; and is
a member of the National Beekeepers Association, which he twice
served as president. He also is the author of "A Book by P. Benson,
Sr.," "A Year Among the Bees," "Fifty Years Among the Bees," and is
editor of the apiary terms in the Standard Dictionary. For many years
he was secretary and later president of the Mc Henry County Sunday
School Association, and president of the Second District of Illinois,
comprising six counties. He has been an elder in the Presbyterian
church for more than sixty years. Doctor Miller has also been head
of the local Sunday school, and chairman of the Synodical committee
for the Synod of Illinois for several years. He attended the conven-
tion of the International Association of Sunday School Work held at
St. Louis, and was a delegate to the General Assembly of the Presby-
terian church at Saratoga Springs.

In the line of his bee industry, Doctor Miller produced honey for
the market and took first premium at the World's Fair in 1893. At
the convention of Bee Keepers at Chicago in February, 1919, he was
hailed by Dr. E. F. Phillips, head of the Government Department of
Bee Keeping, at his appearance before the convention, as the "greatest
bee keeper in the world."

On August 12, 1857, Doctor Miller was united in marriage with
Mrs. Helen M. White, of Marengo, who died in 1880. On November
15, 1881, Doctor Miller was married (second) to Miss Sidney J. Wilson,
of Marengo. Doctor Miller has one son, Charles Clinton Miller, who
is a clerk in the adjutant-general's office, in the War Department at
Washington, D. C. At the outbreak of the Spanish-American War he
resigned to serve in that campaign, but resumed the duties connected
with his position after peace was declared.

Doctor Miller has endeavored to interest others in growing flowers,
especially the gladioli, and has sought to have instruction relative to
its culture introduced in the public schools. He is a member of the
National Plant and Flower Guild, which arranges with express com-
panies to carry flowers for distribution in the slums of cities. As is but
natural in a man of his mentality and inclinations, Doctor Miller has
always been a strong advocate of the Prohibition movement, and no
one is better satisfied than he at the successful passage and ratification
of the Prohibition Amendment.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 745

*

JOHN C. MILLER.

John C. Miller, proprietor of the Princess Theatre, is one of the most
representative men of this part of the country. He was born on a farm
near Dundee, in Kane County, 111., February 14, 1879, a son of John
and Rachel (Salow) Miller, who had seven children, six of whom survive.
The parents were born in Germany, but came to the United States in
1871, and located in Kane County, 111. The father died in September,
1916, but the mother survives and lives at Marengo.

John C. Miller attended the common schools of his native county,
and early in life lived with his parents on a farm, but on March 19, 1907,
came to Woodstock, 111., and was employed in the Oliver Typewriter
Co., and on February 1, 1909, engaged in the motion picture exhibition
business. He is a staunch Republican, and was elected alderman from
the third ward in 1917.

Mr. Miller was united in marriage on June 4, 1902, with Miss Lena
Trebes, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Trebes, and they have one
daughter, Helen L., who was born June 18, 1905. The family belong to
the Grace Lutheran Church. Mr. Miller is a member of the Benevolent
and Protective Order of Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose, and the Country
Club, and is the vice-president and a director of the Commercial and
Community Club. He is a man widely known and is justly popular.

JOHN F. MILLER.

John F. Miller, proprietor of the Rosedale Greenhouses of McHenry,
is a native of Denmark, where he was born August 26, 1876, and learned
the business in which he has always been engaged. In 1896 he came
to the United States and spent three years at Morton Grove with the
Pullman Company, and then came to McHenry and rented his present
property for a year. The greenhouses were established in 1903, and are
located on the Fox River adjoining the village of McHenry. There are
nine and one-half acres of land surrounding the houses, which are in
the highest state of fertility. Mr. Miller has 40,000 feet of glass, and
his houses are heated by a steam plant. While in Denmark his specialty
was rose growing, but he finds that here there is a greater demand for
carnations, chrysanthemums and sweet peas, which he sells at wholesale
in Chicago. When he took over this business he and his wife had between

746 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

them just 81,000, which they paid down, and went into debt for the
remaining $13,000. In the years which have followed they have done
so well that they have cleared off this debt and made many improve-
ments, having one of the finest plants of its kind in this part of the state.
Mr. Miller was married to Minnie Stevensen, also born in Denmark,
but a resident of New Y'ork for some years prior to her marriage. They
have two children, namely: Alice Rose and Theodore S., both of whom
are at home. Mr. Miller belongs to McHenry Lodge, A. F. & A. M.,
and Woodstock Chapter, R. A. M., and both belong to the Eastern
Star, in which Mrs. Miller is an official. They have succeeded beyond
all expectations, but theirs has not been an easy way. They were
only able to meet their obligations and get ahead, because they were
willing to work early and late, and save every penny not needed for the
absolute necessities of life. As a result of this industry and thrift,
they have today a fine business and are numbered among the prosperous
people of their locality, in which they are highly appreciated and
respected.

ANDREW MORITZ.

Andrew Moritz, one of the thrifty and prosperous agriculturalists
of McHenry County, is located on his farm five miles north of Union
in Seneca Township. He was born in Hanover, Germany, April 1,
1855, and reared on a farm. In 1880 he came to the United States,
landing in New York City, from whence he came to Illinois and for a
time worked by the month, for farmers in Du Page County, and then
in 1881 located in Coral Township. In 1883 he bought his present farm
of 140 acres for which he paid $50 per acre, and on it he erected all the
buildings, and has now a very valuable property. He has always been
a hard worker and is regarded as one of the first-class farmers of the
township. Independent in his political views, he votes for the man
he thinks best fitted for the office.

In 18S2 Mr. Moritz was married in Seneca Township to Marie
Dunker. She is a daughter of Henry and Dora Dunker, all born in
Hanover, Germany, who came to the United States in 1876, and settled
in Coral Township. Mr. Dunker died when seventy years old. His
widow survives him and is living at Marengo, being now a very aged
lady. Mr. and Mrs. Moritz became the parents of the following chil-
dren: Christ, who is a rancher of Montana; Dora, who is at home;

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 747

Treda, who lives at Delavan, Wis. ; Louis, who is living on a portion of
his father's farm; Henry, who is a partner of Louis, was in France as
a member of the Twenty-first Engineers, being sent over in October,
1918; Mina, who also lives at Delavan, Wis.; Charlotte, who has been
teaching in Seneca Township for six years, lives at home; Elizabeth,
who has been teaching for two years, also lives at home; George, who
is also on the homestead; and Carl and Mary, both of whom are at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Moritz and their children belong to the German
Evangelical church at Union, and Mr. Moritz is a generous supporter
of its good work. They are very estimable people, and have the esteem
of their neighbors.

WILLIAM MUNSHAW.

William Munshaw, a representative man, has been for years one of
the substantial farmers of McHenry County, and owns and operates
together with his brother, Lambert, a fine farm in Algonquin Township,
three miles southeast of Crystal Lake and three miles north of Algon-
quin. He was born on this farm, October 24, 1871, a son of William
and Maria (Wiles) Munshaw. The elder William Munshaw was born
March 16, 1817, in Ontario, Canada, where he was married, and where
four of his children were born. In 1869, he came to McHenry County,
111., and buying 102 acres of land in Algonquin Township, located in
the oak openings, and here he died July 24, 1888, aged seventy-one
years. His widow survived him for fifteen years, dying at Crystal
Lake. She was much younger than he. In addition to his farm in
Algonquin Township, he owned another one near Crystal Lake, but
made his first one his home, and lived in the house now standing on it.
His life was devoted to general farming and he had no taste for politics,
although he voted the Republican ticket.

A brother of the elder William Munshaw, John Munshaw, who was
born in Ontario, Canada, June 24, 1818, came to McHenry County,
111., in 1871, and died here August 28, 1891, aged seventy-three years.
His children were as follows: Mrs. D. E. Green, who lives at Lincoln,
Neb.; Mrs. Fayette Thomas, who lives at Crystal Lake, III.; Mrs. Z.
B. Udall, who lives at Columbus, Neb.; Miss Louise, who lives at Elgin,
111.; E. D., who lives at Evanston, Wyo.; T. A., who lives at Elgin, 111.;
and F. A., who lives at Eau Claire, Wis.

William Munshaw and his wife had the following children: Louise,

748 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

who is Mrs. William Huffman, lives at Crystal Lake; Anna, who is
Mrs. Fred Goodman, lives al Crystal Lake; Carrie and Sophronia, who
do not live in McHenry County; John Robert, who died when about
fifty years old, left three children, Hazel, Jennie and Ralph; William,
whose name heads this review; and Lambert, who is a chemist in the
Terra Cotta Works, is in partnership with William, in the ownership
of the old home, which William operates, and where Lambert also lives.

William Munshaw, the younger, attended the local schools, and
remained at home until his father's death, and in addition to farming,
learned the blacksmithing trade at Carey, and then ran a blacksmith] ng
shop of his own for eleven years. For the subsequent one year he
was with the Oliver Typewriter Company at Woodstock, and then in
1907, took charge of the farm, in partnership with his brother, Lambert.
They have bought the interests of the other heirs, and operate the
farm under the style of Munshaw Bros., general farmers, stockraisers
and dairymen. Each year Mr. Munshaw grows and fattens a fine drove
of Duroc swine of pure breed, and his herd of twenty-five cows are of
a high-grade Holstein strain. The farm is well drained naturally, and
all of it is under cultivation. The basement of the barn is used for
stabling purposes, and the equipment is thoroughly modern.

Lambert Munshaw was married to Myrtle Prickett, but William
Munshaw is unmarried. Lambert Munshaw attended the schools of
Crystal Lake, and for the past fifteen years has been the chemist of the
Terra Cotta Works at Terra Cotta, this county. These young men are
typical of the best class of McHenry people. They were born on their
present farm, and have spent their lives within the confines of their
native county, so that their interests are centered here and they take
great pride in its development, and are favorably inclined toward all
movements looking to further advancement of their locality.

GEORGE L. MURPHY.

George L. Murphy, president of the American National Bank of
Woodstock, and senior member of the well-known mercantile house of
Murphy & Doering, of Woodstock, is one of the leading business men
of McHenry County. He was born at Woodstock, November 19, 1878,
a son of John J. and Elizabeth A. (Donnelly) Murphy, being one of
seven children, of whom four survive.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 749

After attending; the schools of Woodstock and the University of
Chicago, Mr. Murphy returned to Woodstock, and formed a partnership
in the mercantile business, under the style of Murphy & Mullen, which
firm was in 1910 succeeded by the firm of Murphy & Doering, which
now controls a large and profitable trade. In 1901 Mr. Murphy
embarked in the banking business, and in 1903 was made president
of his present bank, it being then organized by some of the leading
men of the county. This bank is one of the most substantial in this
section, and under Mr. Murphy's sane and conservative policies, it is
in a most excellent condition, and largely patronized. Mr. Murphy is
deeply interested in agriculture and is one of the largest owners of farm
land in McHenry County.

In 1906 Mr. Murphy was married to Miss Gabriella Casamave,
a daughter of Francis D. Casamave, formerly chief engineer of the
motive department of the Pennsylvania Railroad System. Mr. and
Mrs. Murphy have three children, namely: John J., Elizabeth C. and
Frances Delphine. The family all belong to the Catholic church, and
he is a member of the Knights of Columbus Council of his parish. In
politics Mr. Murphy is a Republican, but he has not entered public
life, his time and attention being fully occupied with his private affairs.

JOHN J. MURPHY.

John J. Murphy was long one of Woodstock's leading bankers and
business men, and this was but one phase of a busy life that reached
out in continuous usefulness and sympathy to all with whom he came
in contact. He always judged his fellowmen not by wealth, birth or
position, but by innate worth of character, and himself measured by
this standard, shows a record which places him high on the roll of
Woodstock's most valued and honored citizens. He was seventy-six
years of age when he passed away, for his birth occurred in County
Cork, Ireland, on May 8, 1832. His parents, Edward and Elizabeth
(Healey) Murphy, were also natives of that county and the father
there followed the occupation of farming until about 1838, when he
brought his family to the United States, settling in New York city,
where he was employed as an overseer in an oil mill and there remained
until about 1844, when he came to Illinois, taking up his abode on
a farm in Hartland Township, McHenry County, there remaining until

750 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

the death of his wife, about 18G2. The father afterward removed to
Woodstock, where he spent his remaining days in retirement from
business, "living with his daughter until his death in 1884, when he
was in his eighty-fourth year. In the family were seven children.

John J. Murphy, the third in order of birth, attended a brothers'
school in New York. He was reared in the faith of the Roman Catholic
church, to which he always adhered, and he was liberal in his views
and did not seek to influence the opinions of others on religious matters.
In his boyhood days he was studious and was well posted even in his
youth on current events. He ever remained a well-informed man,
capable of discussing intelligently the vital problems and questions of
the day.

When fourteen years of age he went to Chicago, where he clerked
in a general store and also attended night school. In 1850, when
eighteen years of age, he went overland to California and was engaged
in mining near Sacramento and at Hangtown, now Placerville. He
opened the mine at Gold Hill, near Marysville, and after about two
years spent on the Pacific Coast returned to Illinois to visit his parents.
A few months were passed in this state and he then again went to Cali-
fornia, accompanied by a number of people from his locality. The
second time his sojourn covered about three to four years, and following
his return to Woodstock he established a general store, being connected
with commercial interests of the city throughout the remainder of his
life. He was perhaps even more widely known as a banker. A few
years after starting in business in Woodstock he became cashier of the
First National Bank, of which his father-in-law was president, and
continued in active connection with the institution until he liquidated
the bank because of his failing health. In 1892 he with his family spent
a year in traveling through France, Italy, Germany, Austria, and the
British Isles. About 1894 Mr. Murphy founded the bank which
became known as the McHenry County State Bank, of which his son,
G. L. Murphy, was elected president, but subsequently both with-
drew. Later he established the American National Bank of Woodstock,
of which his son is now the president, and continued in active association
with the institution until his death. He did more to place on a sub-
stantial footing the leading financial institutions of McHenry County
than any other one man. Moreover, he was an extensive landowner,
conducting his real-estate dealings in North Dakota, Minnesota and
Wisconsin, besides owning many valuable farms in McHenry County
and city property in Woodstock. In the early days of his connection

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 751

with mercantile interests of Woodstock he engaged in the grain and
lumber business very extensively and met with substantial success in
that way. At the time of his death his entire attention was taken up
by the management of his estate. He was a man of excellent business
ability, whose efforts were carefully directed by sound judgment, and
at all times his business career was characterized by keen sagacity,
unfaltering energy, straightforward purpose and laudable ambition.

On July 13, 1859, Mr. Murphy was united in marriage to Miss
Elizabeth A. Donnelly, who was born in Greenwood, McHenry County,
111., a daughter of Ncill and Mary (McElroy) Donnelly, both of whom
were natives of Ireland, the former born in County Derry and the latter
in County Fermaugh. Mrs. Donnelly was brought to America by her
parents in infancy and Neill Donnelly came when a youth of fifteen
years, settling first at Lowell, Mass., where he worked in a wholesale
carpet store until his marriage in 1838. He then came to Illinois,
settling in Greenwood Township, McHenry County, where he purchased
a farm and resided for several years. He was then elected sheriff of
the county and removed to Woodstock. On his retirement from office
he engaged in general merchandising, in which he continued until his
death, about 1889. His wife passed away about 1895. Mr. Donnelly
was not only well known as one of the foremost representatives of trade
interests in Woodstock, but also served as mayor of the city for two
or three terms and filled other municipal offices. He was admitted
to the bar but never practiced. The community recognized in him
a public-spirited man, whose unselfish devotion to the public welfare
was above question. His business activity was also a strong element
in the city's growth, and in the early days he was president of the First
National Bank of Woodstock and was also the owner of considerable
stock in the Northwestern Railroad.

Mrs. Murphy, who died April 22, 1919, was the second in a family
of ten children and by her marriage became the mother of seven chil-
dren, namely: Julia, who died at the age of nineteen years while a
student in the Boston Conservatory of Music; Charles F., who died at
the age of two years; Mary F., who is the wife of Dr. George S. Thomas,
formerly Dean of the University of N. D., but now a resident of Rich-
mond, Va.; Eleanor G., who is the wife of J. N. Kelly, superintendent
of the schools of Grand Forks, N. D.; Henry C, who is editor and
manager of the Courier, a paper published at Evansville, Ind., married
Miss Katherine Speed, of Memphis, Tenn., and they have one son,
John S.; Evelyn C, who died April 26, 1908; George L., who is presi-

752 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

dent of the American National Bank of Woodstock, married Miss
Gabrielle Casanave of Philadelphia, Pa., and they have three children,
Elizabeth, John J. and Frances Delphine.

At one time Mr. Murphy became a member of the Masonic lodge
but later withdrew. His political belief was that of an independent
Democrat. For one term he served as mayor of Woodstock and he
also was a member of the school board. Before advanced years came
upon him he took an active interest in the social and political life of the
city. He was a man fearless in expressing his opinions and yet did not
arouse antagonism. He gave generously where aid was needed, yet
no one knew the full extent of his charities or heard him speak of his
benevolences; and was identified with practically every public improve-
ment that tended to advance the material welfare and upbuilding of
Woodstock, and his worth as a citizen cannot be overestimated. In
the funeral service the priest of St. Mary's Catholic church, Father
Gilmartin, said:

"This day a great man has been called from our midst, a highly
respected citizen of the community, one upon whom this city conferred
the highest office in its trust, the duties of which office he discharged
faithfully and honorably. He was a man of great executive powers
and possessed of wonderful business ability. As a financier he had
few equals and no superior in this section of the country. Nature
endowed him with a strong indomitable will and magnificent intellect.
He had a keen insight into human nature and a phenomenal grasp on
business principles. John J. Murphy would have made a name for him-
self in any walk of life and would be an honor to any profession.

"About seventy years ago he came to our shores. Then he was a
poor boy, six years old, without friends and without influence, yet by
the sheer power of his innate faculties he overcame all obstacles and
rose gradually until he stood in the very front rank of the business
life of our community and was a recognized leader in the financial life
of this city and of this county.

"In his home the visitor always found in him the polished, refined,
cultured, dignified, intelligent gentleman — man of affairs and man of
letters. He had a great fund of information, gleaned alike from extensive
reading and wide travels. He could speak intelligently and profoundly
on almost any subject.

"The deceased had many good qualities of mind and heart and
surely the least of them was not his kindness and generosity. He
gave much to charity, but his charity was for the most part unknown

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 753

to the world. That he gave quietly and unostentatiously, without any
noise of publicity."

Such is the history of one whom Woodstock long honored as among
her most prominent citizens, one whose life work was of signal value
and usefulness to his community, while his memory remained as a bene-
diction to all who knew him.

THEODORE D. MURPHY.
Page 135.

JOHN S. MYERS.

John S. Myers, one of the progressive farmers of McHenry County,
lives two miles west of Richmond village, in Richmond Township.
He was born in his present house, August 26, 1864, a son of the late
George H. Myers. George H. Myers was born at Utica, N. Y., January
28, 1825, and died January 27, 1909. In 1844 he came with his parents,
John D. and Eva D. Myers, natives of New York, to Kenosha, Wis.
Soon thereafter the brother moved to the farm owned by his son, John
S. Myers, which had been secured the year previously. It was wild
prairie land, and comprised 220 acres, as it does now. On it John D.
Myers and his wife passed away when quite aged. Early in life he was
a strong Whig in his political sentiments, later becoming a Republican.
In addition to his son, George H. Myers, John D. Myers had another
son, Joseph, who was younger.

George H. Myers remained on the farm and married Miranda Ladd,
and they lived on this farm for years, but he later retired to another
farm two miles away and there died when over eighty, and his widow,
surviving him, lives at Richmond. The old farm buildings erected by
him still stand, although John D. Myers has remodeled them. The
children of George H. Myers were as follows: Alberta, who is Mrs. C.
W. Radcliffe of Chicago; Emily, who is Mrs. W. M. Radcliffe of San
Diego, Cal. ; Margaret, who is Mrs. J. J. Jewell of San Diego, Cal. ; and
John S., whose name heads this review.

Like his father, John S. Myers has made farming his life work, and

754 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

pays special attention to dairying, keeping about thirty-five cows, the
farm being well adapted to this class of agricultural activity. Having
always lived on this property, Mr. Myers is very much attached to it,
and takes a pride in following the example of efficiency and good citizen-
ship set him by his father.

On June 8, 1887, Mr. Myers was married to Alida Buchanan of Lodi,
Wis., and their children are as follows: George, who married Kessie
Hackett, has one daughter, Avis; and Alberta, who, after being grad-
uated from the School of Expression of Columbia College and the Sisters'
School at Kalamazoo, Mich., is now engaged in teaching in the Chicago
public schools, being a very intelligent and efficient lady, well known in
educational circles. Mr. Myers has never cared for politics, and will
not accept of office, his time and interest being fully absorbed by his
farming. His family is one of the old and honored ones in this neighbor-
hood, and his long connection with the farming activities of Richmond
Township have brought him to the notice of his fellow citizens in a very
favorable light. It is such men as he, substantial, able and upright,
who form the great backbone of American citizenship.

WILLIAM ABBOTT NASON, M. D.

William Abbott Nason, M. D., who is now deceased, was for twenty-
five years the only physician and surgeon of Algonquin, and was a well-
known figure to all of McHenry County. He was born at Hallowell,
Maine, June 21, 1841, and he died at Algonquin, June 10, 1918, aged
seventy-six years, eleven months and twenty days.

After attending the Boston public schools, and the Buffalo High
School, he took his medical training at Bellevue Hospital of New York
City anil the Chicago Medical College, being graduated from the latter
in 1866. The following year he located at Chicago, but being appointed
assistant surgeon for the United States government, he went to Gordons-
ville Hospital, Va., and later to the government hospital at Yorktown,
Va. In 1868, he came to Algonquin and continued in active practice
here for fifty years. During that period he took an active part in
many movements, and was president of the Fox River Medical Society
for one year, having assisted in founding it. For a number of years
he was president of the school board, and had the betterment of the
schools deeply at heart all his life. A scholarly man, he branched out

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 755

along scientific lines, and was one of the founders of the Chicago Academy
of Sciences, and a member of the American Entomological Society of
Philadelphia, Pa. Many of his pamphlets and articles on special sub-
jects have been published, and he was an authority on botany and the
fauna of his state. His collection of flowers and insects was one of the
finest in the state, and is now preserved under his name at the University
of Illinois.

On June 29, 1874, Doctor Nason was married to Miss Anna Goodson
of Algonquin, who survives him. They had the following children:
William Edward, who is superintendent of the Borden Condensed
Milk Company at Algonquin, has a daughter, Wilma Margaret; Mrs.
Mary Elizabeth Raedel, who has two children, Marion Nason, and
Paul Nason; and Charles Craig, who is of Algonquin. Doctor Nason
was a Mason and a member of 'the Modern Woodmen and of the
Maccabees.

WILLIAM E. NASON.

William E. Nason, superintendent of the Algonquin plant of Borden's
Condensed Milk Company, is one of the thoroughly competent and
practical men of McHenry County, who has rendered valuable service
to his company and community in his present capacity. He was born
at Algonquin, on the site now occupied by the Algonquin Bank building,
October 28, 1881, a son of the venerated Dr. W. A. Nason, a sketch
of whom appears elsewhere in this work.

After attending the public schools of Algonquin, he completed his
studies at the Elgin Academy and then entered the employ of the
Northwestern Railroad Company, where he remained until 1903, in
February of that year engaging with his present company, first as
shipping clerk, then as bookkeeper, and on October 1, 1914, he was
promoted to his present position.

On October 21, 1914, Mr. Nason was married to Miss Margaret
Wahlen, a daughter of Joseph Wahlen of Algonquin. They have
one daughter, Wilma M., who was born February 23, 1916. Mr. and
Mrs. Nason attend the Congregational Church. Mr. Nason belongs
to Algonquin Lodge No. 960, A. F. & A. M., and has the distinction
of being the first member raised. Mr. Nason has been the Republican
candidate for precinct committeeman and alderman, and elected by
a large majority.

756 HISTORY OP McHENBY COUNTY

GEORGE H. NICKELS.

George H. Nickels, manager of the J. H. Patterson Lumber Com-
pany of Huntley, is one of the enterprising business men of McHenry
County. He was born at West McHenry, March 31, 1880, a son of
Christopher and Dena (Tunion) Nickels. The former was a mason by
trade, and worked as such until his death. He and his wife had nine
children born to them.

George H. Nickels attended the common and high schools of McHenry
County, and then began working with his present firm, having secured
all of his business experience with them, rising from subordinate posi-
tions to his present one through merit. The J. H. Patterson Lumber
Company does a large business, its annual sales amounting to $25,000.00.

On September 27, 1912, Mr. Nickels was married to Miss Emma
Felschow, a daughter of Frank Felschow, prominent in the mercantile
circles of Dundee, 111. Mr. and Mrs. Nickels have one son, Harold H.,
who was born July 18, 1912. Mr. Nickels is a Republican, but has not
been active in politics. He and his wife belong to the Lutheran church.
In his case faithful endeavor and intelligent application have resulted
in deserved reward, and he stands as well in his community as he does
with his company.

CHARLES LUMAN NICHOLS.

Charles Luman Nichols, now living retired on his farm two miles
west of Hebron, in Hebron Township, was born February 17, 1852,
a son of Samuel John and Mary (Adams) Nichols, who came to Wis-
consin in 1854, buying land in Lynn Township, Walworth County, that
state, four miles north of the present home of Charles L. Nichols. Two
cousins of Mrs. Nichols, John and Charles Adams, had located there
previously, in company with Whitney Brigham and Josiah Giddings,
all of whom secured land, adjoining. John Nichols and his wife had the
following family: Levi Adams, who is president of the First National
Bank of Lake Geneva, Wis.; Charles L., whose name heads this review;
Frances E., who married John J. Stewart of Hebron; Mary, who mar-
ried Wilbur Adams of Morristown, Minn.; and James G., who is living
on the old farm in Lynn Township, Walworth County, Wis.

Charles L. Nichols was reared on his father's farm, attending the
district schools until eighteen years old, and was also a student during

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 757

portions of two years at the Whitewater Normal School. During the
winter months of five years he taught school in Lynn Township. When
he was twenty years old, his uncle John Adams died, and he and his
sister Mary came to live with their aunt, and he conducted the farm
for her during the first year and then leased it for three years. Mrs.
Adams then moved to Oshkosh, Wis., and another tenant took the
farm. During the winter months Mr. Nichols continued to teach
school, but in the summer months farmed. Eventually he bought the
John Adams farm of 155 acres, and still later the adjoining farm of
120 acres of Charles Adams. Both John and Charles Adams were
survived by their widows, but neither left any children.

Mr. Nichols has fed hogs, cattle of the Shorthorn strain, and carried
on dairying, making of it in later years his main feature. He improved
his farms and has a very fine property. It was his intention for some
years to retire from active participation when he became fifty years
old, and this he did in 1901, moving into a new house he had just erected.
Since then he has not over-exerted himself, feeling that he has earned
his leisure. While a Republican, Mr. Nichols supports the policies of
President Wilson.

On September 24, 1888, Mr. Nichols was married to Ida Frances
Anderson, a daughter of James Lee and Solinda (Thompson) Anderson
of Lawrence, Chemung Township, where Mrs. Nichols was born July 7,
18G4. Mrs. Anderson died October 25, 1915, and Mr. Anderson lives
with Mr. and Mrs. Nichols. The children in the Nichols family are as
follows: Mary Anderson, who is a professional librarian; and Charles
Henry, Louise Lydia and Ralph Levi, who are all at home. Mr. Nichols
is one of the representative men of the county, and is held in exceeding
high esteem.

DAVID B. NICHOLS.

David B. Nichols, one of the most prominent men of Woodstock, is
engaged in conducting the leading plumbing establishment at the county
seat. He is a native of Illinois, and was born April 7, 1871, one of the
three children of Alexander M. and Mary Ann (McElroy) Nichols.
Alexander M. Nichols was also born in Illinois, and he was an engineer
by trade, working both on railroad and stationary engines until his
death in November, 1889.

David B. Nichols attended both the common and high schools,

758 HISTORY OF McIIEXRY col'NTV

and in 1S88 became apprenticed to the plumbing trade, which he com-
pleted in 1895. In 1901 he came to Woodstock and organized his present
business, and carries a full and varied line of plumbing and heating
apparatus and equipment valued at about $5,000, and does the largest
amount of business in this part of the county.

Mr. Nichols was united in marriage with Miss Mary H. Hansen,
a daughter of John Hansch, and they have one son, Leslie A. Politically
Mr. Nichols is a Republican, but he has held no offices. His fraternal
connections are with the Masons and Elks. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols are
consistent members of the Presbyterian church. Their residence is
at No. 532 Austin avenue, Woodstock, where their many friends are
always made cordially welcome.

HAMILTON NIXON.
Page 136.

LESTER C. NOGLE.

Lester C. Nogle, secretary, treasurer and manager of the popular
dry-goods establishment known as the Woodstock Dry Goods Company,
is one of the leading and alert business men of Woodstock. He was
born in Wisconsin, April 28, 1880, the only child of William B. and
Emma C. (Gaylord) Nogle. William B. Nogle was also born in Wiscon-
sin, but later came to Woodstock, where he now resides, being an expert
carpenter.

Lester C. Nogle attended both the common and high schools, and
his first business experience was gained with his present firm. He
entered the establishment as a clerk and gradually was advanced until
in 1915, he was made its manager, and has since capably and satis-
factorily discharged the duties of that position. Subsequently he was
elected secretary and treasurer, and is now a stockholder. He has under
his direct supervision several employes, and the annual business trans-
acted by the firm is very satisfactory to stockholders. This firm has
been in existence since 1902, and a full line of dry goods, cloaks, suits
and notions is always carried.

.

'jAA^U I

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 759

In 1902 Mr. Nogle was united in marriage with Miss Emily C. Neil,
a daughter of Charles Neil. Mr. and Mrs. Nogle have one daughter, Joye
M. Both he and Mrs. Nogle belong to the Baptist church. In politics
he is a Republican. Fraternally he belongs to the Odd Fellows, and
Elks. A man of unusual ability, he has risen through his own efforts,
and is justly regarded as one of the representative men of McHenry
County.

CORNELIUS NOLAN.

Cornelius Nolan, former assessor of Hartland Township, and one
of the thoroughly representative men of McHenry County, owns and
operates a fine farm seven miles northwest of Woodstock. He was born
on his present farm, January 8, 18.50, a son of Thomas B. and Margaret
(Nolan) Nolan. Although the parents were both natives of County
Fermsuagh, Ireland, and bore the same name, no relationship existed
between them. They were married in their native county, which they
left in 1837, for the United States to join a brother who had become a
contractor at Holyoke, Mass. After his arrival, Thomas B. Nolan be-
came a boss of a gang on railroad construction and kept a boarding house.
In 1842, he came to McHenry County and secured the present farm of
his son as a pre-emption claim, not then surveyed. About the same time,
a brother of his, Patrick Nolan, settled near the present site of St.
Patrick's church, as did a Mr. McCaffrey, a friend of the brothers in
their native land, but he later left McHenry County for California.
Thomas B. Nolan lived on his farm until his death, January 8, 1889,
when he was ninety-seven years of age. His wife died two years before
him, aged eighty-four years.

Cornelius Nolan is devoting the greater part of his attention to
dairying, and keeps from fifteen to twenty high-grade Holstein cows,
the greater number of which he has raised. For over thirty-four years
he served continuously as assessor of Hartland Township, but made his
last assessment in 1918. Always a Democrat, he has taken an active
part in his party. Mr. Nolan's parents were among the original mem-
bers of St. Patrick's Catholic church, which is two miles distant from
his farm. Probably no other man knows as well as he the values of real
estate in Hartland Township and certainly no man has more or warmer
friends.

When Mr. Nolan was thirty-four years old he was married to Mary

760 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

Ann McCabc, :i daughter of Patrick McCabe, a neighboring farmer,
and after twenty-two years of married life together, they were separated
by her death. They had eight children, as follows: Thomas Francis,
who is located at Chicago, is a member of the Pinkerton Detective
Agency; Joseph Charles, who is engaged in farming two miles west of
his father; W. Cornelius, who resides at Woodstock; Patrick Henry,
who served during the Great War; Albert Michael, who is assisting his
father on the farm; and Margaret Ann, Susan Mary and Winifred Cath-
erine, all of whom are at home. The last named was only two years
old when Mrs. Nolan died. The Nolan home is one of the most popular
in the township, and a center of social activity, the young people and
their estimable father welcoming here their many friends.

EDWARD E. NOWAK.

Edward E. Nowak, proprietor of the Nowak Machine Works of
Union, and agent for the Dort, Empire and Jackson cars, also owns a
well-equipped garage, and is one of the progressive men of McHenry
County. He was born in Cook County, 111., August 16, 1881, a son of
John and Tena (Guse) Nowak.

Edward E. Nowak attended both the common and high schools of
his locality, and learned the carpenter trade, working at that before
he entered the real estate business at Chicago. In 1917 Mr. Nowak
came to Union and established his present business, which he has con-
tinued to expand until he has one of the best of its kind in his locality.

On June 6, 1906, he was married to Miss Mary Steinke, born Decem-
ber 18, 1885, a daughter of William Steinke and Emeline Dittbenner,
and member of one of the old families of McHenry County. Mr.
Steinke was a successful farmer of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Nowak
have two children, namely: Elwood B., who was born February 13,
1907; and Ralph E., who was horn January 11, 1911. Mr. Nowak
is a Republican. He and his family belong to the Lutheran Church.

ALBERT E. NYE.

Albert E. Nye, formerly superintendent of the schools of McHenry,
is one of the learned and scholarly men produced by McHenry County,

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 761

and one whose efforts in behalf of the children of this section, met with
deserved appreciation. He was born in Ohio, October 2, 1884, one of
the fourteen children born to Frank and Mary (LaFountain) Nye.
Frank Nye was a farmer and miller in Ohio.

After attending the district schools of Alveda, Ohio, Professor Nye
entered the preparatory school at Ada, Ohio, and then for several years
was engaged in teaching in the rural districts of Ohio. After he had
further prepared himself for his selected profession, by taking a scientific
course at the University of Valparaiso, Ind., he accepted a position at
Aberdeen, S. D., and later was made superintendent of schools of
Gettysburg, S. D. Four years afterwards he attended the University
of Wisconsin to take a course in manual training and in other special
work, and in 1910, he came to McHenry County to assume charge of
the city schools of McHenry. The pupils under his charge numbered
about 260, and he had eight teachers working with him. The present
modern school building was erected under his supervision in 1914.
He is now superintendent of the Community High School at Coal City,
111.

Mr. Nye was married to Lucile Gutzwiler, a daughter of George
Gutzwiler, and they have three children, namely: Roseline L., who
was born November 1, 1911; Lowell W., who was born July 28, 1914;
and Ruth E., who was born September 13, 1916.- Mr. Nye is inde-
pendent in his political views.

NICHOLAS J. NYE, M. D.

Nicholas J. Nye, M. D., one of the most prominent physicians and
surgeons of McHenry County, is engaged in a general practice at Mc-
Henry, where his skill is duly recognized. He was born in Ohio, October
15, 1871, a son of Frank and Mary (LaFountain) Nye, also natives of
Ohio, where the father was a farmer and miller. He died in 1913, but
the mother survives.

After attending the local schools, Nicholas J. Nye entered the
Starling School of Medicine at Columbus, Ohio, from which he was
graduated, and he took post-graduate courses at Chicago, and the
Memphis Medical College, of Memphis, Tenn. In 1910, Dr. Nye
came to McHenry to succeed Dr. Fegers, having previously been engaged
in practice at Johnsburg, and he still retains his very valuable farm of
160 acres in Richmond Township.

762 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

Dr. Nye was married to Miss Katherine C. Hoffbauer, a daughter
of Joseph Hoffbauer. Dr. and Mrs. Nye became the parents of the
following children: Harvey E., Rose Mary, Herman T., William and
Eugene. The family belong to the Catholic church. Dr. Nye is a mem-
ber of the McHenry County Medical Society and the State Medical
Society and the American Medical Association. He is a carefully trained
and experienced man, and his success in his practice comes of his natural
skill and proficiency.

WILLIAM H. O'BRIEN.

William H. O'Brien owns and conducts one of the finest drug stores
in McHenry County, and is one of the leading business men of Richmond.
He was born at Clinton Junction, Wis., April 9, 1872, one of the two
children born to James and Anna (Simpson) O'Brien. James O'Brien
became well known to the traveling public through his hotel which he
conducted at Pecatonica, 111., until his death in 1887. His widow sur-
vived him until 1900, when she, too, passed away.

William H. O'Brien attended the common and high schools of
Pecatonica, and the Northwestern University, School of Pharmacy in
1894. He then went to Winnebago, 111., and for four years clerked in
drug store of U. G. Dennison, located at Chicago, and foreightyears
operated a drug store under the firm name of Kask & O'Brien. Leaving
Chicago, he went to Woodstock, and spent four years in the pharmacy
of L. T. Hoy, coming then to Richmond, where he has built up a mag-
nificent business. He not only carries a full line of drugs, but also of
stationery, kodaks and photographic supplies, toilet articles and kindred
articles, his stock being valued at $10,000.

Mr. O'Brien belongs to Woodstock Chapter No. 143, R. A. M. In
politics he is a Republican. His services during the late war were very
valuable, and he proved his patriotism and support of the administration
in his effective work in the various campaigns to raise funds and sell
Liberty Loans. It would be difficult to find a man more universally
liked and respected than he.

MICHAEL F. O'CONNOR.

Michael F. O'Connor, postmaster of Harvard, is one of the men in
the government service who deserves the position he now holds, having

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 763

worked up to it and rendered faithful and efficient returns for the con-
fidence reposed in him. He was born in McHenry County, July 20, 1856,
one of the seven children of Daniel and Mary (Fogerty) O'Connor,
natives of Ireland, who came to the United States in 1846, first locating
in Ohio, from whence in 1852, they came to McHenry County, 111.,
which continued their home until death claimed them, he passing away
in 1891, she surviving him until 1906. They were farming people, and
very highly esteemed.

Michael F. O'Connor attended the common schools of McHenry
County, and worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-five years
old. He then went upon the road as a salesman, and in 1884, he became
a mail clerk on the railroad. In 1913, President Wilson appointed him
postmaster of Harvard, and he now has fourteen people under him, among
them being his assistant, Miss Elizabeth Sweeney.

Mr. O'Connor was married to Miss Elizabeth Young, a daughter
of James Young, and they have two children, namely: Mary Frances,
and Eugene M. Mr. O'Connor and his family all belong to the Roman
Catholic church. In politics he is a strong Democrat. For some years
he has belonged to the Illinois Commercial Travelers Association. A
painstaking public official, Mr. O'Connor gives universal satisfaction
to the people of Harvard, and as a result of his able management, the
affairs of his office are in prime condition.

JACOB OLBRICH.

Jacob Olbrich, now deceased, was formerly one of the most pros-
perous farmers of Chemung, and a man who held the respect of his
neighbors by reason of his sturdy honesty and upright character. He
was born at Wetzlar, Germany, July 25, 1838, and came to the United
States in August, 185S, locating at once in McHenry County. He
secured fifty acres of land on section 9, of Chemung Township. After
coming here he was married to Katherine Weitzel, born in Germany
in 1847, and she died leaving five children. On January 17, 1871, he
was married (second) to Mary E. Weitzel, younger sister of the first
wife. She was also born in Germany. By his first marriage Jacob
Olbrich had the following children: William, who was born June 26,
1859, lives at Harvard; Elizabeth, who was born January 18, 1861,
married George Fanning, and is now deceased; Mary, who was born

764 HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNTY

October 19, 1862, married Charles Tooker of Edgar, Nebr.; Augusta,
who was born April 22, 1865, married Fred Parent, and died leaving
three children; and Otelia, who was born May 12, 1868, is Mrs. Frank
Amnion of Sterling, 111. By his second marriage he had the following
children: John, who was born June 8, 1873, lives in Marengo Town-
ship; Jacob, who was born June 8, 1876, is mentioned below; Frank,
who died in Colorado when about thirty years of age; Michael, who is
now deputy attorney general of Wisconsin, resides at Madison, Wis.,
and was graduated from the law department of the University of Wis-
consin; and Emi1, who was drowned while bathing in Lake Mendota,
Madison, Wis. He had just been graduated from the State University
at the age of twenty-three years, and had a brilliant future before him.
The' father of these children, Jacob Olbrich, was killed on the railroad
crossing at Lawrence in 1897, while trying to cross the tracks. His
horses became uncontrollable and they, too, were killed. At that time,
Mr. Olbrich was fifty-nine years of age. His widow died about seven
years ago. Both are buried in Bigfoot Cemetery. Mr. Olbrich spent
his entire life on a farm and was an excellent business man. The German
Evangelical church had in him a most devout member, and he was held
in high esteem in the congregation. Mrs. Olbrich was a daughter of
Frederick Weitzel, a neighbor of Mr. Olbrich, born in German}- in
January, 1810. In 1852 he came to the United States brining with him
his wife whom he had married in 1835. Her maiden name was Amarilla
Gabriel, and she was born in German}' in 1813. The three children of
the Weitzel family were as follows: Katherine, who is deceased, was the
wife of Jacob Olbrich; Christina, who resides in Wisconsin, is the widow
of John Mueller; and Amarilla, who was born September 10, 1845, be-
came the second Mrs. Olbrich. Mr. Weitzel died about 1895, aged
eighty-six years, his widow surviving him until she was ninety-five
years old. This is a long-lived family.

Jacob Olbrich, the younger, owns 124 acres of land formerly the
Weitzel farm, to which he has added thirty acres, all in Chemung Town-
ship. This farm is well developed and on it Mr. Olbrich carries on
dairying, having thirty cows, and he also raises horses, hogs and other
stock. He is not married, his home being cared for by Mrs. Flora Wood,
widow of James E. Wood, who was born and reared in Chemung. He
was an inventor among his other products being a corn husker, on
which patents were granted. While working as a millwright mechanic
at Aurora, lie was killed on October 12, 1910, his clothing catching in
the machinery. Mrs. Wood has a daughter, Grace A. Wood who is the

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 765

wife of Randall Weitzel of Harvard. They have no children. Mr.
Weitzel is engaged in a real-estate business and is a rising young man.
Both the Olbrich and Weitzel families are old ones of McHenry County,
and they are associated by ties of friendship and intermarriage.

SOREN P. OLESEN.

Soren P. Olesen, city assessor of Marengo, owns some valuable rural
property in McHenry County, and was formerly one of its progressive
agriculturalists. He was born in Denmark, April 3, 1861. In 1883 he
came to the United States, and for a while divided his time between
working on a farm in the vicinity of Petersburg, 111., and labor in Moline,
111. In the spring of 1884, he went to South Dakota, homesteaded at
Charles, Mix County, proved up his farm and lived on it for about five
years, in all spending eleven years in South Dakota. He then returned
to Illinois, settling near Capron, Boone County, where his wife was
born and had lived until nine years of age, and in March, 1901, came to
McHenry County, buying a farm at the Seven Bridges, five and one-
half miles west of Marengo. This farm comprised 292}^ acres of land
and was then known as the Delos Poyer farm, but is now named The
Highland Farm. For the subsequent fifteen years, Mr. Olesen lived
upon this property, making many improvements, including the erection
of a large dairy barn, the remodeling of all the buildings, and the putting
in of a silo, forty-eight feet high. His new barn stands on the site of
the old one. This farm is a very good one, comparing favorably with
any other in the township. On it dairying and hog raising are carried
on very profitably. He sold this farm in 1916, and in this transaction
obtained his present 120-acre farm in Coral Township, where he has
built a silo similar to the one on his original farm, and this is rented
to a tenant. In June, 1919, he bought another 120-acre farm in Riley
Township. About three years ago Mr. Olesen moved to Marengo.
While not a strong partisan, he generally votes the Republican ticket,
and is thoroughly Americanized. Prior to his election as city assessor,
he had served acceptably on the district school board, and is a man of
sterling character and unflinching honesty. He was reared in the faith
of the Lutheran church, but since coming to this country has been
identified with the Presbyterian church, of which he is an elder, and
clerk of the sessions.

766 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

On April 2, 1893, Mr. Olesen was married in South Dakota to Maude
M. Carroll, born August 10, 1874, which in that year fell upon Easter
Sunday, but it has not since occurred. Mrs. Olesen was born at Capron,
111., a daughter of H. M. and Climena (Blodgett) Carroll, who brought
her to South Dakota in 1883. Mrs. Carroll died in South Dakota,
and Mr. Carroll spent his last years with his daughter, Mrs. Olesen in
McHenry County, although for several years he was a hardware dealer
at Capron, 111. He was a highly respected man, and a Thirty-second
Degree Mason, and had organized several lodges during the twenty-one
years he lived in South Dakota, for which he was awarded a medal, now
in the possession of Mrs. Olesen. He was buried at Platte, S. D., by
members of his lodge. Mr. and Mrs. Olesen have had the following
children: Metta, who married Roy Stock, lives near Seven Bridges,
Marengo Township; Ralph C, who was in the service during the Great
War as an aviation mechanic, spent six months in England, after having
been in training at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., San Antonio, Tex., and
Long Island for fourteen months, and was discharged with creditable
mention; Lyle D., who is in the employ of the Oliver Typewriter Com-
pany at Woodstock; Muriel V., who is attending the Marengo High
School; and Erving B., who died in infancy.

SILAS E. OLMSTEAD.

Silas E. Olmstead, ex-mayor of Woodstock, owns and operates a
fine farm of 270 acres of choice land in the vicinity of the county seat.
He was born in New York state, November 29, 1851, a son of Edwin
S. and Maria (Marshall) Olmstead, who had four children, two of
whom survive. Edwin S. Olmstead was also born in New York state,
died in Ridgefield, 111., July 15, 1913.

Mr. Olmstead attended the schools of McHenry County, where he
was brought when one year old, and was reared on a farm. Having
learned the principles of farming from boyhood, when he attained to
mature years, he naturally adopted farming as his life work, and has
always been engaged in that calling, and stock raising, with marked
success.

In 1874 Mr. Olmstead was united in marriage with Miss Mary Scott,
a daughter of Andrew Scott, and they have had two children: Winnifred
D., and Delbert J. Mr. and Mrs. Olmstead are consistent members

e.M^u

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 767

of the Presbyterian church. Very prominent as a Republican, he was
elected on his ticket for alderman, and in 1917 was elected mayor of
Woodstock, and while in office gave the city a fine and businesslike
administration, and he takes a deep interest in public matters. His
fraternal affiliations are with the Woodmen of the World and the Court
of Honor. A man of high principles, he has always lived up to them,
and is a citizen of whom his county may well feel proud.

KNUTE OLSON.

Knute Olson, one of the younger agriculturalists of Grafton Town-
ship, and a leader among those who claim Sweden as their place of
birth, was born in Sweden, January 17, 1878, a son of Jons and Anna
Olson, farming people. Knute Olson was well educated before he left
Sweden, and taught to be a practical farmer under the wise guidance
of his father. In 1897, when he was nineteen years old, he came to the
United States, and located at Huntley, working on a farm in its vicinity
for four years. He then spent a year in Chicago, but returned to Grafton
Township, where he rented land, until be bought his present farm.
This property of 200 acres was the old J. J. Schuyler farm, and here
he carries on general farming and dairying, and has been very successful.

In 1905 Knute Olson was married to Clara Holmgreev, also born in
Sweden, and they have four children, namely: Russell, Arthur, Knute
and Garnet. Mr. Olson is a Republican. Probably he is one of the best
examples of what can be accomplished through a man's industry and
thrift in the county. Coming to this country without means, he has
in a little over twenty years become the owner of one of the finest farms
in Grafton Township, and won confidence and respect of his fellow
citizens.

SAMUEL L. ORVIS.

Samuel L. Orvis, now living retired at Spring Grove, is one of the
veterans of the Civil War, and a man whose usefulness to his country
in both war and peace has been clearly proven. He was born at Battle-
boro, Vt,, January 1, 1840, a son of Simeon V. and Derexey (Campbell)
Orvis, and grandson of David C. Orvis, who was a Revolutionary

768 HISTORY OF McllENRY COUNTY

soldier and officer. In 1840 the family moved to New York, and in
1853, to Illinois, and after three years in this state, went to Wilmot,
Wis. Still later, Simeon V. Orvis went to Iowa, but he and his wife
spent their last days with their children, of whom there were four grow-
ing to maturity and marrying.

Samuel L. Orvis enlisted for service during the Civil War, in Novem-
ber, 1861, in the First Wisconsin Cavalry, and re-enlisted in the same
regiment in 1864, continuing with it until after peace was declared.
During the last year he was commanding sergeant, and was detailed
to capture Jefferson Davis. Succeeding in the undertaking, he with
his comrades shared the reward. During his long and dangerous service
he was not wounded or captured. Mr. Orvis received his honorable
discharge in July, 1865, after three and one-half years of service.

Mr. Orvis was married (first) to Miss Lavina Sanborn, at Wilmot,
Wis., November 4, 1866. A sketch of the Sanborn family is given
elsewhere* in this work. Mr. Orvis was a farmer of Richmond Township
until 1888, but in that year moved on the old Sanborn homestead that
originally belonged to Grandmother Sanborn. During recent years
he has lived retired at Spring Grove. He and his wife had the follow-
ing children born to them: Clarence C, who is an attorney of Oskaloosa,
Iowa; Rose, who married James Madden, has six children and is now
housekeeper for her father, her children being, Mary, James, Catherine,
Samuel and Margaret P.; Bryon, who lives at Waukegan, 111., is a city
employe; Elmer, who is city attorney of Waukegan; and Frank, who was
killed in 1909 on the railroad at Shernierville, 111., was a railroad
employe; and Everett, who is a farmer of Lake County, 111. Mr. Orvis
is one of the most highly respected men of the county, and deserves the
leisure he is now enjoying for he has worked hard in previous years.

ADDISON D. OSBORN.

Addison D. Osborn, one of the prominent residents and leading
merchants of Woodstock, carries a select line of hardware, china and
auto supplies, and is regarded as one of the most successful men of
McHenry County. He was born in Delaware County, N. Y., January
29, 1860, one of the three children born to Ogden A. and Susan (Multer)
Osborn. Ogden A. Osborn was born in New York state, and came to

HISTORY OF McHENRY ColXTV 769

McHenry County, 111., in 1873, where he was engaged in farming until
his death in 1S86. His widow survived him until 1909.

Addison D. Osborn attended both the common and high schools,
completing his studies at Woodstock. His first business experience
was gained in the store of E. A. Purphy and Company, dry goods mer-
chants, with whom he remained until 1886, when he went to Chicago,
remaining there until 1897, when he returned to Woodstock, and bought
his present business from George Eckert and L. J. Young and has since
conducted it. His stock which is a very fine one, and his store, is
located on the public square, fronting Cass street, and adjoining the
Farmers Exchange State Bank.

In 1888 Mr. Osborn was married to Miss Bessie Delamere, a daugh-
ter of Charles Delamere of Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Osborn have one
daughter, namely: Ada Doris, who was born May 23, 1890. She was
married to Fred J. Mershon, residing at Bay City, Mich., and they have
one son, John Osborn Mershon. The family residence of the Osborns
is No. 515 Jackson street, Woodstock. Both he and Mrs. Osborn belong
to the Presbyterian church of Woodstock. Mr. Osborn is a Republican,
and for four years he was a member of the city council, and proved
himself a very capable man in office. An excellent business man, he has
known how to meet the requirements of the public, and his prosperity
is well deserved.

WILLIAM J. OVERTON.

William J. Overton, one of the substantial men of Richmond Town-
ship, is located at Solon Mills, where he was born June 6, 1854, a son of
James and Harriet (Rowson) Overton, both born in the same parish in
Lincolnshire, England. They came to the United States at different
times, and in 1832 were married in New York, coming later to Solon
Mills, where he first conducted a cheese factory, and later a farm. At
the time he bought it the land was covered by timber, and he sold a
good deal of it to the railroads, clearing off at least 200 acres, for which
he had paid $25 per acre. He and his wife had four children, as follows:
William J.; Richard; Addie, who died at the age of twenty-five years;
and Ruth, who died at the age of sixteen years. Richard married
Fannie Killey, who survives him and lives at McHenry. They had two
children, who also survive. He operated his father's homestead until
his death in 1900, when he was fifty-four years old.

770 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

William J. Overton was engaged in buying and selling stock in part-
nership with his father for some years, and later handled cattle for dairy
use. When the railroad was built, he established a lumber yard and.
operated it for five years. For a number of years he has been engaged in
farming, carrying forty pure Holstein cows in his herd. His son, Lyn-
ford, is breeding full-blood Holstein cattle with marked success, and
his son Duane was operating the homestead and carrying on dairying,
until the farm was sold in 1920 to Willis Gardner.

In 1878 William J. Overton was united in marriage with Eliza
Richardson, a daughter of Robert Richardson, a sketch of whom appears
elsewhere in this work. Mr. Richardson was an honored resident of
Burton Township. Mr. and Mrs. Overton have had the following
children, namely: James, who married Mamie Cary, had one son James;
Lynford, who married Ada Coddington of Milwaukee, Wis., has two
children, Avis and Virginia; Duane, who married Lotis McCloon of
Minneapolis, Minn., has four children, William, Bertha, Evelyn and
Lotis Lillian; and Addie, who is Mrs.- Willis H. Gardner of Richmond
Township, has four children, William Robert, Eunice and Ruth, and
Sydney, who died aged seventeen years.

The present residence of Mr. Overton was built by his father, who
lived in a portion of it. While Mr. Overton has always been a stanch
Republican and a hard worker for his party, it has been because he
believed it his duty to do so, and not for any material benefits, for he is
not an office seeker, although he has served on the school board. Fra-
ternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and is inter-
ested in success as he is in everything with which he is connected. He
is a man whose personal probity is unquestioned, and one who has
brought considerable business to his locality by his extensive operations.

CHARLES L. PAGE.

Charles L. Page, one of the representative men of McHenry Town-
ship, was born on the opposite side of the road from his present farm
that is located one and one-half miles south of McHenry. The date
of his birth is January 15, 1865, and he is a son of William and Jane
(Harrison) Page, the former of whom was born in County Kent, England,
and the latter in Lincolnshire, England. The paternal grandfather,
Joseph Page, came to the United States when his son William was eight

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 771

years old, locating in New York state, where he remained until the son
migrated to Illinois, and bought a farm east of McHenry, in McHenry
County. The maternal grandfather brought his daughter, Jane Harri-
son to the United States when she was six years old.

After securing land in McHenry County, William Page returned
to New York state and remained two years, but then came back to
McHenry County, and for two years rented land in Nunda Township.
About I860 he bought the farm in McHenry Township on which his
son, Charles L. was born, and where his father, Joseph Page spent his
last days. William Page lived for thirty years upon this farm, and then
in 1890 went to Chicago to reside with his daughters, with whom he
died in 1895, aged sixty-seven years. His farm originally contained
104 acres, and he conducted it, although he was a butcher by trade and
followed that calling in New York state. The residence now standing
was erected by him, and he put in other improvements. Never desiring
public honors, he devoted the time others usually give to politics to
work in connection with the Methodist Episcopal church of which he
was an active and useful member. William Page and his wife had the
following children: Franklin, who went to Slayton, Minn., in young
manhood, died there; Charles L., whose name heads this review; Ella,
who is deceased, was the wife of Murray Terrill of Minnesota; Emma,
who is the widow of De Forest Feullington, lives with her brother,
Charles L. Page; Nettie, who is the widow of E. B. Webster, lives at
Washington, D. C. ; and Cora, who died unmarried, at the age of twenty-
four years.

Charles L. Page remained with his father until the latter moved
to Chicago in 1890, when he took charge of the homestead, and when
his father died inherited a portion of it. He bought the interests of
the other heirs, and continued to live there until about 1914 when he
bought eighty-six acres across the road from J. C. Ralston. The build-
ings were already erected, but he remodelled them and made a number
of improvements. Later he added to this farm until it now contains
291 acres, and he operates both it and his other farm. On the old
homestead he has erected a new barn, remodelled the old one and put
up two silos. For a number of years Mr. Page has specialized in dairy-
ing and now keeps a herd of thirty-five cows known as the "'Sunnyside
Herd," all being thoroughbred Holstein cattle, and twenty-one of them
are pure bred. He is not an exhibitor but sells his products at auctions.
Mr. Page, has several fine Holstein bulls and breeds extensively. For
fourteen years he has operated a threshing outfit, and owns and uses

772 HISTORY OF McHENBT COUNTY

gas and oil tractors for his machines which include a shredder, thresher
and similar implements, his equipment being one of the most complete
and modern in the county. He is still threshing for the same patrons
he gained at the beginning of his career, and has all the contracts he can
fill. Aside from serving as a school trustee for a number of years, Mr.
Page has not found time to enter public life, but always votes the Repub-
lican ticket.

When he was twenty-four years old. Mr. Page was married to Julia
A. Fryer of Woodstock, who died eleven years later leaving him with
the following children: Charles R.. who served during the World War
in France; Roy, who was killed by accident at the age of fifteen years;
Letah, who is Mrs. Earl Thomas of Elgin, 111.; and Lester, who is at
home. Mr. Page was married (second) to Martha Rossmann of Mc-
Henry, and they have one son, Frank Chance.

LEWIS B. PALMER.

Lewis B. Palmer, one of the leading members of the McHenry County
bar, is engaged in the practice of his profession at Harvard. He was born
in Chemung Township, August 13, 1879. being one of a family of four
children of his parents, Elbert and Frances M. (Gilbert ) Palmer. Elbert
Palmer was born in Bradford County, Pa., and in 1878 came to McHenry
County, buying land in Chemung Township. A blacksmith by trade he
operated a shop at Lawrence for a time, but for some years past has
devoted himself to farming. He has been highway commissioner and
a school director and is one of the leading men of his township.

Lewis B. Palmer was reared in Chemung Township, and attended
the common and high schools of Harvard, and then read law with Calren
J. Hendricks of Harvard, who died November 27, 1918, just after he was
nominated for county judge. Mr. Palmer completed his legal training
in the Xorthwestern Indiana University, and was admitted to the bar
of Indiana September 11, 1911, and to the Superior and Supreme courts
June 19, 1912, and the following day, to practice in the United States
district courts. He was admitted to the Illinois bar June 5, 1918.
Fraternally he is a Mason.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 77:1

JOHN A. PARRISH.
Page 139.

ERNEST D. PATRICK.

Ernest D. Patrick, president of the First National Bank of Marengo,
and one of the sound and reliable men of McHenry County, has the
distinction of being at the head of the finest banking establishment,
outside of Chicago, in this part of the state. He was born at Marengo,
January 31, 1869, a son of Richard Montgomery Patrick, a sketch of
whom appears elsewhere in this work.

After attending the common and high schools of Marengo, being
graduated from the latter in 1886, he went to Lake Forest, and Phillips
Academy of New Hampshire, from which he was graduated in 1890.
Returning to Marengo, he became a messenger for the First National
Bank, which his father had founded, and which is the oldest bank in
McHenry County, and was successively promoted until he became its
cashier, holding that position for twenty years. In 1916, when the
office of president was vacated through the death of his father, Mr.
Patrick was made its chief executive, having associated with him, A. C.
Smith, cashier; C. B. Whittemore, first vice president; E. C. Robb, sec-
ond vice president, and Charles Schofield, who, with the others, is on
the board of directors. A stanch Republican . Mr. Patrick was elected
mayor of Marengo, and supervisor of Marengo Township, his record
in both offices being excellently creditable.

In 1892 Mr. Patrick was married to Miss Leone Vail, a daughter of
Elisha J. Vail, now deceased, a very prominent man of Marengo. Mr.
and Mrs. Patrick have the following children: Martha L., who is Mrs.
G. Petritz of Rockford, 111.; Frances D., who is the wife of Byron B.
Brown of Belvidere, 111.; and Richard M., who was born January 12,
1904. Mr. Patrick has served as president of the McHenry County
Bankers Association, and is very active in that organization. He and
his family belong to the Presbyterian church. His fraternal affiliations
are with the Elks. A man of more than usual ability, he has been able
to make a record of which anyone might well be proud, and render
to his community a service that places its banking interests among the
foremost in the countv.

774 HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNTY

HOWARD V. PATRICK.

Howard V. Patrick, senior member of the prosperous grocery firm of
Patrick Bros, of Marengo, is one of the leading business men of his
city, and he and his brother own and conduct the finest equipped grocery
establishment in the county. He was born at Marengo, September 12,
1887, one of the six children of Francis W. and Harriet (Yandevere)
Patrick. Francis W. Patrick was engaged in merchandising until his
death which occurred in November, 1906, but his widow survives him
and makes her home at Marengo.

Howard V. Patrick attended the common and high schools of Maren-
go, being graduated from the latter institution in 1904. Immediately
thereafter he embarked in a grocery business, and when his father
died, he and his brother, Harry C. Patrick, formed their present partner-
ship. The brothers built their present building in 1915 at a cost of
$10,000, the store they occupy being 40x80 feet. It is handsomely
equipped, and here is carried a full and complete line of staple and fancy
groceries aggregating $10,000. The store is at the corner of State and
Washington streets, in the center of Marengo. Harry C. Patrick served
in the ambulance division during the World War, in which he enlisted
in July, 1917.

In July, 1913, Howard V. Patrick was married to Miss Mildred
Jackson, a daughter of William Jackson of Terre Haute, Ind. Mr.
and Mrs. Patrick have two children, namely: Phyllis M., who was
born May 22, 1914; and Susanne, who was born April 12, 1916. Mr.
Patrick belongs to the Baptist church. In politics he is a Republican,
but he has never cared for office, preferring to devote his time to his
business affairs in which he has been so eminently successful.

RICHARD MONTGOMERY PATRICK.

Richard Montgomery Patrick, now deceased, was born near Tructon,
Courtland County, N. Y., May 5, 1831, a son of Nathaniel and Penelope
(Potter) Patrick. Both grandparents of Mr. Patrick were soldiers in
the American Revolution and later became early settlers of Courtland
County, N. Y. The maternal grandfather was the first settler of Cuyler,
N. Y., the land he took up as a homestead having descended from him
to the oldest son, and is still held in the family.

I

■-

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 775

Richard M. Patrick attended the Homer Academy which has had
as pupils such men as Lyman J. Gage, later secretary of the United
States treasury. Very early in life Mr. Patrick began to be self-sup-
porting, his capital being a yoke of oxen. By 1851 he had acquired
enough to go to Iowa and take up government land. On his way, he
stopped at Chicago, but decided that the muddy little village would
never develop sufficiently to satisfy his ambition. Later he reversed
his decision and invested in land there that is still a part of his estate.
Having spent a night at Marengo, on his overland trip, he decided to
make it his permanent home, and in 1852 settled here, going into a
drug business with his brother-in-law, Charles Angle. Subsequently
he established himself in a general merchandise business, in which he
was later joined by his brother Elias, and two nephews, F. W. and H. E.
Patrick. From this original venture have grown the stores of Woleben's
Dry Goods Co. and the grocery firm of Patrick Bros. During the Civil
War, he conducted a small exchange and banking business which in
1867 was expanded into the banking house of R. M. Patrick, and in
1871 became the First National Bank of Marengo, in which he held
four-fifths of the capital stock. For some years prior to his death, he
was accepted as the clean of the banking business of McHenry County.

In 1856, Mr. Patrick was married to Miss Emma Hotchkiss Page, a
daughter of Rev. William Page of Rockford, 111. Mr. and Mrs. Patrick
celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1906, at which time
all of the living children and grandchildren were present, the festivities
lasting several days. Mrs. Patrick died September 19, 1913. Seven
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Patrick, four of whom survive,
namely: Frederick A., who lives at Duluth, Minn.; Mrs. Newell Dwight
Hillis, who lives at Brooklyn, N. Y.; Ernest Durand, who lives at
Marengo; and Mrs. C. W. Moyer, who lives at Rockford, 111. Mr.
Patrick early joined the Presbyterian church, to which he always gave
a generous support. He was deeply interested in civic matters, and
rendered efficient aid in promoting public movements of merit. His
death occurred November 2, 1915.

CLINTON C. PATTERSON.

Clinton C. Patterson, now deceased, was one of the prominent and
highly-regarded young business men of Marengo, and treasurer and

776 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

general manager of the J. H. Patterson Lumber Company, extensive
lumber, fuel and feed dealers, with home offices at Marengo, and branch
offices at Union, Huntley, Gilberts, Roscoe, Wauconda, Rochelle and
Freeport, 111. Associated with him were: J. H. Patterson, president;
G. H. Perkins, vice president; and W. C. Linderman, secretary.

Clinton C. Patterson was born at Marengo, September 16, 1889, one
of the three children of Joseph H. and Viola (Crissy) Patterson. Clinton
C. Patterson attended the common and high schools of Marengo, and
the Northwestern University, where he was made a member of Beta
Theta Phi. After completing his studies he entered his father's business,
and continued with him until his death. The company was founded
in 1886 by Nelson Buck, who sold the business to Mr. Patterson in 1891.
This concern owns an elevator with a capacity of 20,000 bushels. The
home offices are located in the Community Building at Marengo.

Clinton C. Patterson was married September 4, 1912, at Marengo,
to Miss Mabel Joslyn, born October 30, 1889, a daughter of E. O.
Joslyn, a very prominent resident of McHenry County. Mr. and Mrs.
Patterson had two children, namely: Kenrick W., and Burritt G, who
died February 14, 1919. Mr. Patterson was a Mason, and she belongs
to the Eastern Star. For several years he has served on the school
board. He belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church, and was
deservedly popular in it as elsewhere. Mr. Patterson died October 18,
1918, and is buried in the Marengo cemetery. In his death his family
and community sustained a heavy loss. Mrs. Patterson is also a mem-
ber of this church.

ALONZO S. PEAK.

Alonzo S. Peak, now retired, is one of the substantial men of McHenry
County, who is residing in Coral Township, near the village of the same
name. He was born in Wayne County, Ohio, near Wooster, March
22, 1845, a son of Christopher and Elizabeth (Colgrove) Peak, both
of whom were born at Schoharie, N. Y., and were there married, going
afterwards to Ohio about 1840. In 1848 the family migrated to
McHenry County, settling in Coral Township, two and one-half miles
west of Huntley, on wild land, that had on it a small log house.

Christopher Peak went to work at once to clear off his land. He
moved three times, his permanent home being west of Harmony where
he lived until his death at the age of eighty-five years, having been

HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNTY 777

retired for some years prior to his passing away. His wife died at the
age of seventy-two years. He was a Republican and a very public-
spirited man, and one of the organizers of the Harmony Methodist
church. Prices in the early days were not what they are today, and
A. S. Peak distinctly remembers operating the churn for his mother's
butter which was sold about 1855, at eight and ten cents per pound
to pay the family's subscription to the church. The Peak family hate
continued to attend this church ever since, but their subscription totals
up a much larger amount than it did in 1855. At one time this church
had a very large congregation. The parents of A. S. Peak are buried
in the old Harmony Cemetery, kept in fine condition by the present
members of the church. Christopher Peak and his wife had the follow-
ing family: A. S., whose name heads this review; Eleanor, who is the
wife of Albert Shapley of Logan, Kan.; George D., who lives at Logan,
Kan.; William J., who lives at Colorado Springs, Colo., who are living,
and seven who are deceased, three of the seven having passed away in
childhood. Ursula, who became Mrs. N. Van Vleet, died at the age
of twenty-seven years; Mindel died in young womanhood; Charles
\Y. Peak died in childhood; and Arvilla, who also died in young woman-
hood.

Alonzo S. Peak remained at home until he enlisted oh September 1 7,
1863, for service during the Civil War, in Company B, Seventeenth
Illinois Cavalry, under Colonel Bevcridge and Captain McReynolds,
and was sent to Alton, 111., to guard prisoners, from there being trans-
ferred to Missouri at the time General Price made his great raid. The
company divided, a portion going to Kansas, but his command pur-
suing the bushwhackers in Missouri. He received his honorable dis-
charge at the end of a year, and was not wounded or captured, and came
out as a high private. A portion of his service consisted in the carrying
of dispatches in which he ran considerable risk, but was not captured.

Returning home A. S. Peak conducted his father's farm until the
hitter's death when he bought the homestead and continued his farming
until his retirement, after which he rented the farm, and moved to a
small property near the village of Coral. He is secretary and treasurer
of the Harmony Cemetery Association, and was on the school board
for twenty-five years, and for forty-three years was township collector.
At first his collections amounted to about $4,000, advancing to $10,000
after the Civil War. In 1916 the taxes amounted to $150,000, the last
year he held office. A strong Republican, for thirty-five years he has
served his party as county committeeman, and still holds that office

77S HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

from Coral Township. For thirty years a justice of the peace, a school
director for twenty-two years, and judge of election for fifty years, he
is a well-known man in this region.

On June 4, 1871, Mr. Peak was married to Emily E. Stevens, a sister
of Frank Stevens, whose biography appears elsewhere, and they became
the parents of these children: Esther Almira, who died in infancy;
Charles N., unmarried, who lives in Coral Township; and Ernest G.,
who was struck by lightning August 15, 1919, owned the Peak home-
stead bought by his grandfather, just prior to the Civil War, and which
has been in the family for over sixty years. On June 3, 1921, Mr.
and Mrs. Peak celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Con-
gratulations and good wishes arrived from distant friends; many beauti-
ful and useful gifts were received, including a shower of gold pieces
to the amount of $325. The occasion was a very happy and memorable
one.

ERNEST G. PEAK.

Death comes as a shock to the survivors no matter in what form
it terminates a useful life, but fortitude is indeed demanded when
the blow comes from some convulsion of nature and smites down
one in the full vigor of young manhood. Not only were the family
and immediate friends of the late Ernest G. Peak horrified at the tragedy
of his death, but the entire state, for seldom does such a tragedy occur.
This most estimable young man was quietly carrying on his work as an
agriculturalist, August 15, 1919, when he was struck by a bolt of lightning
and instantly killed. While he and his fellow workers in a threshing
outfit on the farm of C. A. Thompson, were aware a storm was approach-
ing, they, as is the custom of dependable farmers, endeavored to finish
their loading before it reached them. The horses attached to the
wagon he was loading were also killed, but his fellow-workers were
spared. The loss to the community was all the more deeply felt because
of the high character of the young man, and the work he had accom-
plished in behalf of war activities, and moral uplift. It will be a long
time before he will be forgotten, or his useful life fail to influence for
good those with whom he was associated while living.

Ernest G. Peak is a native son of McHenry County as he was born
in Coral Township, December 29, 1882. His father, Alonzo S. Peak
is one of the leading men of the county, and the family one of the pioneer

EISTORY OP McHENRY COUNT"? 779

ones of this part of the state. A complete history of the Peak family is
given elsewhere in (his work.

After attending the graded schools of West Harmony, Ernest G.
Peak took the high-school course at Marengo, from which he was grad-
uated in June, 1901, and winning a scholarship in Beloit College, he
al tended that institution for a year. He then taught school for some
time, but feeling the urge of the soil, began farming on his own account,
and developed into one of the progressive agriculturalists of Coral
Township.

On March 26, 1910, Mr. Peak was married to Miss Louise Beck-
linger, who survives him. Their only child died in infancy. Mr.
Peak was a young man of exemplary character and extremely active
in reform work. It was mainly through his efforts that Coral Township
went dry in the spring election of 1919, and he was equally zealous in
church and Sunday school work. About twenty years ago he joined the
Methodist Episcopal church and served as trustee, steward, treasurer,
minuteman, Sunday school superintendent and teacher. Not long
before his death he was elected delegate to the lay conference held at
Chicago in the fall of 1919.

During the late war Mr. Peak found expression for his intense
patriotism by working steadfastly and unremittingly in behalf of the
Red Cross, Y. M. C. A., Salvation Army and the Liberty bonds. He
was keyman in helping to lead his church to victory in the late centenary
movement. As a faithful and dutiful son, a loving and devoted husband,
splendid neighbor and patriotic citizen, Ernest G. Peak measured up
to the highest standards of American manhood, and was never found
lacking in any of the Christian virtues.

WALLACE B. PEATT.

Wallace B. Peatt, one of the successful general farmers of McHenry
County, owns and operates 120 acres of valuable land on section 14,
Greenwood Township. Mr. Peatt was born in McHenry County,
September 29, 1862, a son of Lewis B. Peatt, who owned a farm of 240
acres of land in Greenwood Township, and was one of the highly esteemed
men of his community.

Wallace B. Peatt was reared in his native county and attended its
schools. He was married to Nellie McDonald, born in Richmond

780 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

Township, a daughter of James McDonald, a native of Scotland, who
came to the United States with his parents when he was seven years
old. The McDonald family first located at Chicago, but later came to
McHenry County, and became farmers of Richmond Township. During
the Civil War, James McDonald served his adopted country as a soldier.
He was married to Rose A. Brady. Mr. and Mrs. Peatt have two
children, namely: Floyd and Blanch. After his marriage, Mr. Peatt
located on his present farm, and he has developed it and made it a
valuable property.

CHARLES C. PECK, M. D.

Charles C. Peck, M. D., one of the leading physicians and surgeons
of Harvard', is a man whose reputation in his profession is firmly estab-
lished and maintained. He was born in Marengo, this county, Decem-
ber 19, 1870, a son of Daniel E. and Eliza J. (Crego) Peck, who had
four children. Daniel C. Peck was one of the earlier physicians of
Marengo, where he was in active practice until his death.

Charles C. Peck attended the common and high schools of Marengo,
and entering the Hahnemann College and Hospital of Chicago, III.,
was graduated therefrom, after taking the full medical course, in 1895.
Immediately thereafter he located at Marengo, leaving it for Harvard.
He was elected coroner of McHenry County to fill the unexpired term
of Dr. J. S. Maxon, upon the Republican ticket. Doctor Peck belongs
to the McHenry County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical
Society and the American Medical Association, and also to the Western
Roentgen X-Ray Society. His fraternal associations are with the
Masons and Odd Fellows.

Doctor Peck was married to Miss Clara A. Morse, who died in
1915, leaving one daughter, Charlotte C. On February 6, 1919, he
married Genevieve Lake, a daughter of Monroe W. and Margaret
Lake, of Harvard. Doctor Peck and his daughter belong to the Metho-
dist Episcopal church. He is an efficient and experienced physician,
and his practice is a large and valuable one. As coroner he has rendered
a very capable service to his county, being fearless in his investigations
and wise in his decisions.

GEORGE H. PERKINS.

George H. Perkins, vice president and general manager of the
J. H. Patterson Lumber Company of Marengo, dealers in lumber,

- B Bra IT\'

A-* A fcUL^

HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNTY 781

building materials, fuel, grain and feed, is one of the leading business
men of tliis part of McHenry County. He was born at Marengo,
July 20, 1866, one of the three children of Samuel J. and Mary E.
(Rodgers) Perkins. Samuel J. Perkins, who was horn in Vermont,
came to Marengo at an early day, and there died in 1887, his wife
having died in 18S4. They were farming people, and very highly
respected.

George H. Perkins attended the common and high schools of Marengo,
and has been identified with the lumber business throughout his busi-
ness career, rising through merit to his present position. Mr. Perkins
was married to Miss Ada Fry, a daughter of Robert Fry, a native of
England. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins have the following children: Robert
H., Mary S., Lawrence I., and Isabel L. The family all belong to the
Methodist Episcopal church, and are very active in promoting its good
work. A stanch Republican, Mr. Perkins served Marengo as a member
of its city council for two years, and was capable in every respect.

HARVEY R. PERKINS.

Harvey R. Perkins, who is living retired on his farm in Chemung
Township, was formerly actively engaged in agricultural operations,
and is a man well and favorably known throughout McHenry County.
His farm is located seven miles north of Harvard, and four miles east
of Sharon. He was born on his present farm, September 5, 1860, a son
of Royal and Helen (Burton) Perkins. Royal Perkins was born in
Rutland County, Vt., December 7, 1824, and died July 8, 1899, aged
seventy-two years. He came to Illinois about 1845 with his parents,
and acquired a farm at the time of his marriage. There was a small
clearing with a log house on the south side of the road, and in it Harvey
R. Perkins was born. Mrs. Perkins was a daughter of Philip Burton
who lived on an adjoining farm. She died in young womanhood,
leaving four children, namely: Emma, who married Robert Andrews,
died when past sixty years of age; Mary, who married Frank Maybury,
lives at Lockwood, Mo.; Harvey R., whose name heads this review;
and Jay, who is a stockman of Sharon, Wis. In 1874 the father was
married (second) to Mrs. Jane Arnold, widow of Fayette Arnold. Her
maiden name was Willis.

Harvey R. Perkins took possession of the homestead in 1883, and

782 EISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

had added to it until he now has 152 acres, forty being a portion of the
old Burton estate, and he has rebuilt and enlarged the barn, it now
being 100 x 30 feet instead of the old dimensions of 30 x 56 feet. With
the exception of several years spent in the Sharon cheese factory, Mr.
Perkins has spent practically all of his life upon his farm, and takes
great pride in it. He bought out the interest of the other heirs so as
to own it.

On September 5, 1881, on his twenty-first birthday, Mr. Perkins
was married to Sarah Snowden Dean, a daughter of Archibald and
Mary (Snowden) Dean, born in LeRoy Township, Boone County, 111.,
November 27, 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Perkins have three children, namely:
Mary, who married Frank Barth; Grace, who married August Peterson,
the man who is managing Mr. Perkins' farm and is in partnership with
him, has two children, Eleanor and Gerald; and Royal, who married
Alma Keller, a daughter of Conrad Keller, have one child, Howard.

There are two houses on the farm, and for three years Mr. Perkins
has lived retired in one of them, his daughter and her husband, Mr.
Peterson, occupying the other. There are two silos, and a fine dairy
barn for the forty-eight head of cattle of good strains. Mr. Perkins
has one of the best rural homes in the county, and it will compare
favorably with any city residence. This was built in 1910 and is of
stucco, with a furnace, gas, hot and cold water, and all other modern
conveniences. A Republican, Mr. Perkins has served as commissioner
of the township for four years, and was on the school board for sixteen
years. He is a man who has the courage to live up to his convictions,
and is not afraid to let everyone know exactly how he stands with refer-
ence to matters of public moment. The Sharon Camp, M. W. A.,
provides him with fraternal affiliations. There are few men in this
part of the county who are held in as high esteem as he and he deserves
the confidence he inspires.

ALFRED C. PERRY.

Alfred C. Perry, member of the automobile firm of Perry Bros, of
Hebron, is recognized as one of the live and progressive men of McHenry
County. He was born at Hebron March 17, 1863, one of the three
children of Alfred G. and Mary C. (Fox) Perry. Alfred G. Perry was
born in Canada, where he learned the trade of a carpenter, and after

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 7s:i

coming to the United States, he located at Hebron, where he continued
to work at his trade until his retirement. At present he is one of the
highly respected men of Hebron.

Alfred ('. Perry attended the common and high schools of Hebron,
anil then learned the trade of a carpenter, working at it until he branched
out as a contractor. In June; 1916, he and his brother, William E.
Perry, formed their present firm, and now conduct a garage, and handle
all kinds of automobile accessories and supplies. Their stock average
about $5,000, and they do a large business, that shows a healthy increase.

Fraternally Mr. Perry is an Odd Fellow. His political sentiments
make him a Republican, but he has confined his public service to casting
his vote for the candidate of his party.

WILLIAM E. PERRY.

William E. Perry, junior member of the firm of Perry Bros., owners
of a garage at Hebron, and dealers in automobile accessories, is one of
the rising young business men of this part of the county. He was born
at Hebron, March 21, 1890, one of the three children of Alfred G. and
Mary C. (Fox) Perry. Alfred G. Perry was born in Canada, but later
came to the United States, and located at Hebron, where he followed
the trade of a carpenter. He retired several years ago, and is still
residing at Hebron.

William E. Perry attended the common and high schools of Hebron.
After leaving school he became a chauffeur, and after having learned
thoroughly all about automobiles, in June, 1916, he and his brother,
Alfred C. Perry, organized their present business. The firm carries
a full assortment of automobile supplies, vulcanizes tires and tubes,
and handles gasoline, oils and greases, the stock carried aggregating
$5,000. Both young men are experienced, and their work commends
them to the trade.

On January 23, 1914, Mr. Perry was united in marriage with Florence
C. Bigelow, a daughter of Seneca Bigelow. Mr. and Mrs. Perry have
one son, William S.,' who was born August 10, 1916. Mr. and Mrs.
Perry belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is
a Republican.

784 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

JOHN PETER.

John Peter, deceased, formerly vice president of the Algonquin
State Bank, and a heavy stockholder in the Peter Bros. Manufacturing
Company, both members of which are his sons, was one of the leading
men of Algonquin. He was born in New York State, August 21, 1842,
a son of John and Margaret (Turnbull) Peter. John Peter was born
in Scotland, and there learned the trade of stone mason. In 1842, he
came to the United States, and for a time followed his trade, but later
became a farmer. He died in 1876.

In 1869, John Peter came to McHenry County, and embarked in
a hardware business at Algonquin, continuing it for many years. He
was interested with other business concerns upon an extensive scale,
until 1912, when he retired from active participation in business life,
although he retained his stock in the Algonquin State Bank, which he
continued to serve as vice president, and in the Peter Bros. Manu-
facturing concern. The latter manufacture the Simplex Ironer and
other laundry equipment, the Woodstock safety tapping chucks, auto-
matic reversing attachments and tapping machines, and abrasive metal
cutters. The senior member of the firm is E. C. Peter, and the junior
is W. T. Peter, who with their sister, Grace H., are the children born
of the marriage of John Peter and Lida M. Helm, a daughter of John
Helm. John Helm was born in Scotland, and came to the United
States in 1833. The Peter family belong to the Presbyterian church.

Mr. Peter was a Republican and for twenty-seven years served
Algonquin Township school as treasurer, and for seven years was presi-
dent of the village board. For fifty-two years he had been a Blue
Lodge Mason, and he also belonged to the Modern Woodmen of America.
In 1862, Mr. Peter enlisted in defense of his country, in the Eighty-
eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served during the Civil War
until he was honorably discharged in July, 1865. Since the organization
of the local Grand Army Post, he had been one of its faithful members.
There are few men who are more representative of their community's
best interests, than Mr. Peter was, and Algonquin recognizes that it
owes much to him. He died April 12, 1919.

JOHN PETERS.

John Peters, one of the substantial men of McHenry County, is
located in Coral Township one and one-half miles south of the village

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 785

of Coral. He was born in Pommerania, Germany, August 2, 1852,
and was brought to the United States in 1867 by his parents, Christ
and Elizabeth Peters. Christ Peters was a day laborer, and locating
at Huntley, worked for others until 1874, when John Peters secured
a farm, after which he made his home with his son until his death which
occurred when he was seventy-two years of age, his widow dying a little
later, at the same age.

The only opportunities for securing an education John Peters had
were those offered by the German public schools as he had to work
after the family came to the United States, and or eight years was
employed by farmers in the vicinity of Harmony, one of them being
S. K. Williams, with whom he remained for four years. His wages
ranged from $18 to $22 per month. By 1874, through close economy
he had saved $1,600 from his wages, and invested it in 170 acres of land
in Coral Township, for which he paid $30 per acre. There were some
buildings on the farm, but only twenty-seven acres were under culti-
vation, the balance being covered with stumps, brush and stones, and
in the lower portions there were ponds. Since then he has drained
the swamp, putting in five cars of tile during one season, and a lot
more later on, redeeming in all sixty-five acres which are now the best
he possesses. He has erected a comfortable residence, two barns, one
36 x 80, and the other 34 x 72, with an el, and two concrete silos. Dairy-
ing is his principal feature, he milking about thirty cows and having an
average of twelve cans of milk each day. All in all Mr. Peters has one
of the best improved and managed farms in McHenry County. For
the past seven or eight years he has been handling partly thoroughbred
Holstein cattle, and his hogs are of a high grade, he believing in good
stock. His farm comprises the same number of acres as originally, it
being his belief that it was better to improve what land he possessed,
than to neglect it to add to his acreage. In politics he is a Republican,
and has served for several terms as a road commissioner. The German
Evangelical church at Harmony has in him one of its members, and he
has been active in it since its organization.

On September 17, 1874, Mr. Peters was married to Fredricks Sass,
born in Mecklenberg, Germany, and died September 16, 1916. Mr.
and Mrs. Peters became the parents of the following children: Bertha,
who married Bernie Benjamin, a merchant of Coral village; Mary, who
is at home; Minnie, who is Mrs. Charles Johns, of Coral; Alvina, who
is Mrs. Clarence Lowdenbech, of Seneca Township; John, who is the
junior member of the firm of Shutleff & Peters, of Marengo; Emma,

786 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

who is at home; Florentine, who is a teacher at Chicago Heights, has
been there for five or six years, but has taught in the Coral schools;
George, who is at home; Walter, who is assisting in operating the home
farm; and Dorothy, who died in infancy.

JOHN C. PETERS.

John C. Peters, junior member of the well known firm of Shurtleff
& Peters, dealers in lumber, coal and feed at Hartland, is one of the pros-
perous business men of Hartland. He was born in Coral Township,
September 1, 1881, and is one of the nine children' of his parents, John
and Rachel Peters. John Peters was born in Germany in 1852, and
came to the United States at the age of sixteen years. He came direct
to McHenry County, and worked for a short time on the farm of S. K.
Williams of Huntley, and then located in Coral Township, where he
is still engaged in farming.

John C. Peters was reared in Coral Township and attended its
schools. He remained at home until he was twenty-three years old,
when he entered the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad
Company as fireman, and remained with it until 1908. He then entered
the employ of F. G. Jancke, and continued with him for two years.
In 1911, he and Mr. Edward Shurtleff formed their present company.
Mr. Peters being in charge of the lumber department at Hartland, and
Mr. Shurtleff of the business at Marengo, and he is a resident of Wood-
stock. Mr. Shurtleff is a resident of Marengo.

Mr. Peters was married September 21, 1910, to Miss Edith A. Koch,
a daughter of William Koch, and they have a son, John Peters, the third
to bear that name in the Peters family. The Kochs are numbered
among the pioneers of Coral Township, and both they and the Peters
family are well known in this part of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Peters
are Protestants. He is a Republican. He is justly numbered among
the successful men of this part of McHenry County.

KNUDE L. PETERSEN.

Knude L. Petersen, now deceased, was formerly one of the enter-
prising agriculturalists of McHenry County, and operated a fine farm in

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 787

Dunham Township, five miles south of Harvard, that is the properly of
Mrs. Peterson, and where she still resides. He was born in Norway,
July 15, 1808, and he died on May 5, 1918. When he was sixteen years
old he came to the United States, and went to Nebraska, where he was
united in marriage with Margaret McMullen, who had been reared in
the vicinity of Woodstock. She died at Whitewater, Wis., about 1906.

After his marriage, Mr. Petersen went to Milwaukee, Wis., where he
worked at his trade as a carpenter until after his wife's death, when
he came to Woodstock, and was married (second) on May 28, 1913, to
Anna Chase, and took charge of her farm. Owing to an accident when
he fell from a building he was helping to construct at Kearney, Neb.,
Mr. Petersen was never very strong, and his death occurred while he
was still in the prime of life. His children were as follows: Alva, who
died at the age of twenty-two years; Fred L., who is a veteran of the
World War; Mary Bauke, who lives at Marengo; Mabel, who was ten
years old at the time of her father's second marriage, is now attending
the Harvard High School, and living with Mrs. Petersen; and Jessie,
who died at the age of seven years.

Mrs. Petersen is the daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Thomas)
Chase, and granddaughter of Alva Chase of St. Lawrence County,
N. Y., where both he and his wife were born. Samuel Chase was
twelve years old when his parents came to Illinois in 1842, and the
grandparents also came to McHenry County, and the Wells family
were also of the party. They all secured government land, and the pres-
ent farm of Mrs. Petersen was a part of what the Chase family took
up. At that time it was all covered with heavy timber and great,
stones were found below the surface so that it was a heavy task to
clear off the farm and make possible the putting in of crops. Alva Chase
died on this farm in 1885, aged eighty-three years, having been born
in 1802, surviving his wife, whose maiden name had been Minerva
Thompson, for nine years. Their only child was Samuel Chase, who
was born May 6, 1830, and he died in September, 1912. His wife was
also born in Lawrence County, N. Y., and she was eleven years old when
brought by her aunt, Mrs. Jonathan Wells to McHenry County. Her
father died when she was five years old. Mrs. Chase lived with her
aunt until her marriage. Her mother later joined the Wells family,
having in the meantime married (second) William Gray, and later
moved to Kansas, leaving her daughter behind her. After his marriage
Samuel Chase settled on his farm in the house he had provided for his
bride, which still stands, although enlarged, and remodeled. Although
he carried on farming all his life, Samuel Chase also operated a black-

788 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

smith shop for Cyrus Allen, about one-quarter of a mile away from
his home. Samuel Chase and his wife had two children, namely:
Hartson, who died in 1914, on a farm adjoining that of Mrs. Petersen,
which his family has later so'd; and Mrs. Petersen. She was born on
her present farm, December 8, 1858, and has spent her entire life here.
She rents her farm, and lives alone, keeping several cows, three horses
and five varieties of chickens, Light Brahmas, White Orpingtons,
Rhode Island Red, Buff Rock and Plymouth Rock, and White and
Buff Leghorns. She is very fond of animals. There is quite a lot of
fruit on her place. While she is not a member of any of the neighbor-
hood clubs, she is very well informed, keeping herself posted through
the papers to which she subscribes and finds interest and enjoyment in
her home and surroundings.

LOUIS PETERSON.

Louis Peterson, one of the enterprising farmers of Dunham Town-
ship, is located on the old Jerome farm, which his wife inherited from
her grandfather. The founder of the Jerome family in McHenry
County was Jason N. Jerome, a native of Vermont, who came to
McHemy County in 1836, entering land from the government in Dun-
ham Township, and here Jason N. Jerome died in 1892. He and his
wife had one son, Nelson C. Jerome, who was born April 8, 1831, in
Vermont, and he died September 18, 1889, on the old homestead, having
spent his life in farming.

On December 25, 1852, Nelson C. Jerome was united in marriage
with Harriet E. Blodgett, born November 14, 1833, a daughter of
Abiel D. Blodgett, who was born near Concord, Massachusetts, April
24, 1794, and he was married November 16, 1820, to Susan Richmond,
born at Lenox, Mass., October 19, 1795. He died September 14, 1861,
and she October 21, 1866. The Blodgett home in Alden Township,
two miles east of Harvard, is the one bought when the family came to
McHenry County in 1845. One of the sons of Abiel Blodgett, Delos
Blodgett, left McHenry County in young manhood, and going to the
lumber woods worked his way up until he became one of the millionaires
of Grand Rapids, Mich. At one time he was one of the pine landowners
and lumbermen of Michigan, and associated with him was Delos Diggins,
who also made a fortune. The Delos Diggins Library at Harvard is
named in honor of the latter.

>]

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 789

Nelson C. Jerome bought a farm adjoining the Blodgetl homestead,

and divided his time between it and his father's farm, but his death
occurred on the latter. His wife survived him until February 10,
1901, when she passed away at the home of her daughter. There
were three children in the Jerome family, namely: Howell Richmond,
who is a retired farmer of Walworth, Wis.; Helen C, who is a" maiden
lady living at Harvard; and Katie C, who is Mrs. Louis Peterson.

Katie C. Jerome was born on the old Jerome farm, January 19,
1856, and she was married July 5, 1887, to Louis Peterson. He was
born July 2, 1864, in Denmark, and at the age of sixteen years came to
the United States with his parents, who stopped a time at Chicago,
and then went to Monroe County, Wis., where several of their children
still reside. Louis Peterson came to McHenry County in 1882, and
worked at his trade as a mason for one or two years, and then went on
the farm of Jason N. Jerome as a tenant. Still later he went to Chicago
and was engaged there in contracting for mason work for fifteen years.
Since 1901 he has lived on the old Jerome farm, buying out some of the
other heirs in 1908, although Mrs. Peterson's sister still retains an
interest in it. The Jerome farm comprises 271 acres of land, 231 in
Dunham Township, just south of Harvard, and forty acres in TIartland
Township. Dairying is the principal industry, thirty cows being
milked. Mr. Peterson has recently built a silo and large barn, and has
made other improvements, having everything in fine condition. •

Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have one child: Eva, who married Ralph
Marshall, a member of the firm of Marshall Bros, of Harvard, has one
daughter, *' >na Katherine. Prior to her marriage Eva Peterson was
a vocal music teacher and for a number of years has been the leading
soprano singer in the Presbyterian church of Harvard. She takes
great pride in being connected with two such old and honored families
as the Jeromes and Blodgetts, and has every reason for it, as they are
justly numbered among the most representative of those who have made
McHenry County what it is today.

JOSEPH F. PICHEN.

Joseph F. Pichen, one of the most public-spirited men of Cary
Station, is extensively interested in agriculture. He was born in
McHenry County, March 18, 1872, one of the seven children of his
parents. Frank and Antonia (Janek) Pichen. Frank Pichen was a

790 HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNTY

Bohemian by birth, but came to the United States in young manhood
and lived at < Ihicago and in Kane County, prior to locating in McHenry
County, where he was engaged in farming until his death which occurred
in 1882. His widow survived him, dying in McHenry County in 1918.

Joseph F. Pichen attended the common and high schools of McHenry
County, and learned the trade of a blacksmith, and he also learned that
of a butcher. For the past twenty-five years he has been engaged
in raising cattle, his fine farm being located on the outskirts of Cary,
and his stock transactions amount to about $20,000 annually.

In 1900 Mr. Pichen was married to Miss Celia Kutbla, a daughter
of James Kutbla of McHenry County, and they have the following
children: Stanley, Lillian, Elmer and Joseph. The family all belong
to the Catholic church. Mr. Pichen is a Republican, and was first
elected mayor of Cary Station in 1914, and re-elected in 1916. He
built for the city the substantial town hall in 1917, at a cost of $5,100,
and bought the property adjoining the hall for a city park. Mr. Pichen
has been instrumental in securing many improvements for the city, and
owns a large amount of property, and deals quite extensively in city
real estate and farms. His fraternal connections are with the Odd
Fellows and Woodmen of the World. A man of unusual energy and
business ability, he has not only conducted his own affairs in such a
manner as to win a comfortable fortune, but he has given to his city the
benefit of his knowledge and experience, and under his wise administra-
tion. Cary Station made remarkable progress in every respect.

ELLEN HYDE PIERCK.

Ellen Hyde Pierce, widow of John Pierce, is the last survivor of the
nine children born to David W. and Dolly (Church) Hyde, natives of
Yermont and New York, respectively, who were married in the latter
state. Mrs. Pierce was born at Hampton, Washington County, N. Y.,
March 19, 1832, and when she was thirteen years of age, her parents
came to Illinois by way of the Erie Canal and the Great Lakes, landing
first at Racine, Wis., from whence they came to Kenosha. Her father
had previously visited McHenry County, and later secured government
land near Lake Geneva, in Walworth County, which was covered with
timber. At that time there were only three families in the neighbor-
hood. Still later the Hyde family came to Hebron Township; and the

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 791

parents spent their last years with their youngest son who lived west
of Hebron.

Ellen Hyde was married April 26, 1857, to John Pierce, horn May
10, 1833, in Herkimer County, N. Y., but in an early day was brought
to McHenry County by his parents who settled on a farm west of
Hebron, Mrs. Pierce's house being located on a part of this farm. It
was on this farm that John Pierce died December 4, 1884, having just
completed a fine barn that is still standing, as is the house he built two
years previously. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce had two sons, namely: Lyman
Zenar, who was born November 13, 1864, lives at Hebron, married
Delia Conn, a daughter of George Conn, has one son, Howard; and
Perry Oliver, who was born April 7, 1867, is a conductor on the Chicago
& North Western Railroad at Chicago, for which he has worked since
he was seventeen years old. He has been a conductor for twenty-three
years and his run is now between Chicago and Clinton, Iowa. His
residence is No. 3112 Washington Boulevard, Chicago. On April 26,
1893, Perry Oliver Pierce was married to Mamie Burns of Belvidere,
111. There are no children.

JOHN PIERCE, SR.

John Pierce, Sr., one of the oldest farmers of McHenry County,
and a man widely and favorably known, owns and operates 120 acres
on section 24, Greenwood Township. He was born in Litchfield County,
Conn., June 5, 1828, a son of Bethel B., also born in Connecticut, as
was his father before him. The paternal grandfather of John Pierce,
Si., served his country as a soldier in the War of 1812.

Growing up in his native state, John Pierce, Sr., attended its schools
and there learned to be a practical farmer. He was married in New
York state, to Electa Hinman, bom in New York, April 27, 1829,
a daughter of Elijah Hinman, who was born in Connecticut. After their
marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Pierce spent three years in Connecticut, five
years in Pennsylvania, and then went to New York state. In 186S,
they came to Illinois, settling on their present farm in Greenwood
Township. They had nine children born to them, of whom the follow-
ing six survive: Nellie M., who is Mrs. William Allen; John W.; Mattie,
who is Mrs. Charles Abbott; Arthur C; Edgar H.; Rena, who is Mrs.
Francis Abbott; while those who died are as follows: Hattie, who was

792 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

Mrs. Henry Howard, died at the age of forty years; Arthur, who died
at the age of five years; and Adgar, who died at the age of three years.
Mr. Pierce has been a life long Democrat. During his long and active
life in McHenry County, Mr. Pierce has been associated with much
of its material development, and has won and retains the confidence
and respect of his neighbors.

LYMAN PIERCE.

Lyman Pierce, now deceased, was probably one of the best known
men in this section of Illinois, and also in Wisconsin, where he spent
sixty-five years of his useful life engaged in farming. He owned a fine
farm in Hebron Township on the state line between Illinois and Wis-
consin, two miles north of the village of Hebron, but he died September
30, 1911, at Hebron to which village he had moved in 1889. He erected
the house now occupied by his daughter, Mrs. John P. Wickham, in
1904. His wife, Maria, died at Hebron, January 30, 1911. When he
went to the village he lived in the old house built by his father, who
had died in it.

Lyman and Maria Pierce became the parents of the following chil-
dren: Hattie, who is Mrs. John P. Wickham of Hebron, owns a portion
of her father's farm, now included in the village of Hebron, on which
she was reared, although she was born in Lynn Township, Walworth
County, Wis.; John, who died in June, 1900, aged thirty-three years,
had gone to Montana, and from there to Mariposa, Cal., in search of
a climate that would agree with him, but in vain, and he died there,
unmarried; and May, who died in infancy. The Pierce family is con-
nected by marriage with a number of the other important families of
McHenry County, all of whom played their part in the development
of this section of the state.

SILAS W. PIERCE.

Silas W. Pierce, a skillful blacksmith and carpenter, and one of the
substantial men of Spring Grove, was born in Burton Township, two
miles east of Spring Grove, March 22, 1849, a son of Marvel N. and
Eleanor (White) Pierce, natives of Susquehanna County, Pa., and
Tioga County, N. Y., respectively. After their marriage, in 1838,
Marvel N. Pierce and his wife came to La Salle County, 111., and after

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 793

two years spent there, located in Burton Township, which he had pre-
viously visited. Job Pierce, a brother of Marvel N. Pierce, went to
( 'alifornia in 1854, and died there.

Marvel N. Pierce was a fanner and spent his life on his farm with
the exception of his military service during the Civil War, he enlisting
in the Ninety-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, from which he was trans-
ferred to the Veteran Reserve Corps on account of disability, and after
three years was discharged. His death resulted from the effects of his
service, he passing away in May, 1878, aged sixty-four years. His
widow survived him until she was sixty-nine. Their children were as
follows: William; Hiram, who was killed in the Civil War; Perlina,
who lives at Hebron; and Silas W., whose name heads this review.
The remaining children are deceased. The old farm is now owned by
11. ('. Sweet.

Silas W. Pierce remained at home until thirty years old and then,
in 1877, he was married to Lizzie M. Rix, of Volo, Lake County, 111.,
but living in Nunda Township, a daughter of Samuel and Marian
Rix, who was nineteen years old at the time of her marriage. Follow-
ing his marriage, Silas* W. Pierce conducted the homestead for a time,
then rented land. Still later he opened a carpenter and blacksmith
shop at Spring Grove, and has since operated it with the exception of
two years spent in Marinette County, Wis., to which he went in 1908.
In 1911 Mr. Pierce was married (second) to Mrs. Mary Potter, nee
Barrus, widow of Charles Potter, a farmer of Volo, III. By his first
marriage Mr. Pierce had the following children: Edna, who is Mrs. •
H. A. Colby of Waukegan, 111., has three children, Mildred, Elsie and
Arthur; James, who is a farmer of Wheeling, 111., married Clara Ander-
son, who died and left two children, Edwin and Emily, and then lie
married (second) Mrs. Martha Blanchard, and they have one daughter,
Reta Marie; and Mark, who is a farmer of Burton Township, married
Minnie Seigslaugh, and has two sons, Clarence and Allen. Mr. Pierce
holds no offices, never having entered politics. Fraternally he belongs
to the Modern Woodmen of America. A man of high character, Mr.
Pierce enjoys the respect of his neighbors, and is a representative citizen.

CHARLES C. PINGRY.

Charles C. Pingry, now deceased, was for many years a man of
importance in Algonquin and Coral townships, and is remembered

794 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

with great respect by those who had the honor of his acquaintance.
He was born at Danbury, N. H., September 7, 1818, and he died at
Crystal Lake, 111., April 3, 1904. He was a son of True Pingry, a native
of New Hampshire, who was married to a Miss White, also of New
Hampshire. As a lad Charles C. Pingry was taken to Erie County,
N. Y., where he attended school, and in 1858 was brought to Illinois,
his parents settling two miles northeast of Nunda, in Nunda Township,
on land entered from the government. Here the mother died while
still a young woman, but the father survived her many years, passing
away at the age of ninety-three years, having sold his farm and moved
to Wisconsin where his last years were spent. Charles C. Pingry was
the only one of his sons to remain in McHenry County, the others
going to Wisconsin with their father.

On April 28, 1845, C. C. Pingry was married to Eunice Johnson,
born June 2, 1825, at Concord, N. H. When only fifteen years old
she became a teacher, and in 1841 went to Lapeer County, Mich., to
teach school, joining a sister at that point. The following year this
sister, Martha, with her husband, Charles Warner, brought her to
Nunda Township, and there she continued teaching school until her
marriage.

Mr. and Mrs. Pingry settled, after their marriage, on the farm
now owned by their son, John, two miles east of Crystal Lake, in Algon-
quin Township. In 1889 they went to the village of Nunda, now
Crystal Lake, where Mr. Pingry operated a hotel that is now conducted
by their son, Sumner, which was then known as the Pingry Hotel.
In 1900 Mr. Pingry retired, and he died four years later, his wife sur-
viving him until October 27, 1906. The operation of the hotel at Nunda
was not his first venture in this line of business for during the Civil War
he conducted what had been the Algonquin Hotel at the village of Algon-
quin, giving it his own name, and he operated it for twenty years.
A strong temperance man, he would not permit the selling of any liquor
in a day when this branch of the hotel business was an important feature,
:i ml a bar was to be found in almost every hostelry. All his life he fought
to secure prohibition, and although a Republican, he voted the Pro-
hibition ticket. It was the initial work of such men as he, carried on
under the worst of discouragements, which made possible the late legis-
lation which closed the saloons of the country.

When he and his bride settled on their farm, their first house was
built of logs, but later they erected one of cobblestones, secured princi-
pally from the shore of Lake Michigan, and it stands and is a landmark

HISTORY OF McIIFXRY COUNTY 795

for the surrounding country. This remarkable house is in a magnificent
stale of preservation and is occupied by John Pingry.

Mr. and Mrs. Pingry had the following children: Ellen, who married
.lames Kee, died November (i, 1017, in the village of Crystal Lake;
Mary, who is Mrs. Henry A. Rowley, lives at Crystal Lake; Sumner,
who is proprietor of the Pingry Hotel at Crystal Lake; John, who is
operating the old farm; and Frank, who was a resident of Crystal Lake,
died at the age of thirty-five years. Travelers through McHenry
County between 1860 and 1900 became well acquainted with the excel-
lent service given by the Pingrys, and sought to so regulate their trips so
as to make their stopovers at the hotel conducted by Mr. and Mrs.
Pingry, where they knew they would find comfortable beds, delicious
meals and a genial hospitality that made them guests, rather than mere
inmates of the house.

JOHN PINGRY'.

John Pingry, one of the successful farmers and representative citizens
of McHenry County, is engaged in farming two and one-half miles east
of Crystal Lake, in Algonquin Township, this being the old homestead
of his father, Charles Christian Pingry, a sketch of whom appears else-
where in this work. John Pingry was born on his present farm, and in
the house he now occupies, January 11, 1861. This house which is
one of the oldest in the township, is built of cobblestones and is today
a monument to the skill of the masons of sixty years ago. It was about
a year old when John Pingry was born, and he is very much attached
to it as it has sheltered him all his life. His father operated a hotel
and also lived at Crystal Lake, but continued his farm until his retire-
ment over sixteen years ago, when he settled permanently at Crystal
Lake, and there he and his wife passed away, he dying at eighty-six
years of age, and she surviving him for several years. One of their
sons, Sumner Pingry, now operates the National Hotel at Crystal Lake.
The two sons and a daughter, Mary, who is Mrs. Henry Rowley of
( rystal Lake, are the only survivors of the family of C. C. Pingry.

John Pingry grew up on the farm, and as he displayed an agricultural
bent, his father deeded to him forty acres of it before his death, and since
then John Pingry bought the balance, now having 100 acres, all of
which his father had entered from the government. Originally it was
covered with timber. It is now all cleared and well drained, and here

796 -HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNTY

Mr. Pingry carries on dairying, keeping about twenty, cows of^the
Holstein strain. His barn was built in 1910 by him, and is 34 x 80
feet, twenty-four feet in height, with a full basement, all cemented,
which is used for dairy purposes. His thirty-six foot well is never
pumped dry. The entire premises show the effect of careful manage-
ment and hard work, and Mr. Pingry has every reason to be proud of
it and the results of his efforts.

When he was thirty-three years old, Mr. Pingry was married to
Mary A. Anderson, of Wauconda, Lake County, 111. They have two
children, namely: George Clinton, who is assisting his father with the
farm; and Grace Hazel, who married Paul E. Slotman, has no children,
and lives in Crystal Lake. Mr. Pingry belongs to the Modern Wood-
men of America and the Mystic Workers of the World, and is popular
in both organizations, as he is in his community, for he is a man whose
characteristics command friendship and esteem.

WILLIAM PINNOW.

William Pinnow, president of the Home State Bank of Crystal
Lake, is one of the sound, conservative and reliable men of McHenry
County, and one upon whose judgment the utmost confidence is placed.
He was born in Germany, November 12, 1857, one of the seven children
of Charles and Fredericka (Engel) Pinnow, also natives of Germany,
who came to the United States when William Pinnow was sixteen years
old. They were farming people.

William Pinnow began farming in McHenry County in 1873, and
continued along that line with marked success until 1896, when he
embarked in a mercantile business at Crystal Lake, and continued it
for nine years, then selling to become a banker. His first entry into the
banking world was in connection with the old Citizens' Bank, but in
1915, he, with others organized the Home State Bank of Crystal Lake,
of which he was made president, and he has since continued to hold
that office. The building which houses this bank was erected in 1915,
and is thoroughly modern in every respect.

In 1878, Mr. Pinnow was married to Miss Fredericka Reddersdorf,
a daughter of Joseph Reddersdorf, who came to the United States in
1868. The family all belong to the Lutheran church. In politics he
is a Republican. A man of the highest standing in his community,

HISTORY OK McHENRY COUNTY 797

his connection with his bank is additional guarantee of its financial
soundness and that the interests of the depositors will he safeguarded
in every respect.

ALONZO PLATT.
Page 137.

PHINEAS W. PLATT.
Page 136.

ELEAZAR L. POMEROY.

Eleazar L. Pomeroy, now deceased, was one of the early settlers of
Algonquin Township and one of the very prominent men of his time
and locality. He was born at Granville, Mass., October 19, 1825, and
in 1837 came with his family to Lacon, 111., where he learned the cooper-
ing trade. At the age of twenty-five years he went to Chicago where
he and his brother established the house of S. B. Pomeroy & Co. They
owned two large grain elevators and a fleet of ships carrying grain
between Chicago and Buffalo. Both were charter members of the
( liicago Board of Trade and active in that body.

In 1869 Mr. Pomeroy moved to Crystal Lake and bought from Mr.
Baldwin, what is now the "Clow Farm." In 1871 he purchased of
James T. Pierson a large acreage in the center of Crystal Lake, on which
he specialized in dairying. Prior to his death in 1899, this farm was
divided into city lots, but the home place including about seven acres
was retained and is now the property of his only surviving son, Edward.

Mr. Pomeroy was married December 22, 1863, at Salem, N. Y.,
to Mary Frances Hastings, the daughter of David and Clymenda
(Weston) Hastings. They were the parents of the following children:
Frank Hastings, Louise and Edward Dwight. Mr. Pomeroy was a
Congregationalist, and a strong Republican. In every relation of life
he lived up to his ideals of good citizenship and earned and held the
■vspect and regard of all who knew him.

798 HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY

EMMETT D. POYER,

Emmett D. Poycr, now deceased, was for a number of years a pros-
perous farmer of McHenry County, but for some time prior to his death
was living at Marengo, and there discharging the duties of tax collector.
He was the eldest son of Delos and Lydia (Merriman) Poyer, and
grandson of John Poyer, of New York, who brought his family to Mc-
Henry County. He located on the farm now owned by Frank Curtis,
and later acquired two other farms, owning in all about 800 acres in a
body, all of which he entered from the government at $6 per acre.

Emmett D. Poyer was born February 4, 1861, on the homestead of
his grandfather, John Poyer, and remained on it until his marriage, April
13, 1888, to Viva Wright, a daughter of C. P. and Mary (Lyon) Wright,
natives of Jo Daviess County, 111., who came to McHenry County in
1872 and located on a farm adjoining that owned by the Poyers, so that
Emmett D. Poyer and Viva Wright were neighbors. For several years
after his marriage Mr. Poyer worked for his father, and then bought
the 100-acre Walter Parker farm on which he lived for seventeen years,
later adding to it the Hereley farm, so that he had 280 acres for which
he paid $50 per acre. He rebuilt the house, erected a new barn and
silo, and put his property in fine condition in every respect. With the
exception of $2,000 he inherited, Mr. Poyer made all he owned, and
was a very successful man. For some years he devoted himself to
dairying and kept a herd of twenty-five cows. His death occurred
when he was in the very prime of life, March 22, 1917. He had come
to Marengo in March, 1910, and was here discharging the duties per-
taining to the office of tax collector when his health failed, he took to
his bed, and passed away a week later, just one day before his youngest
daughter was eighteen years old. His farm is now operated by his son.
Mr. and Mrs. Poyer had the following family: Clarence Wright, who
is operating the farm, married Mary Sheahan, and their children arc,
Dorothy and Helen; and Mildred, Evelyn, and Mabel A., who are
graduates of the Marengo High School. Mabel A. studied at Miami
University, at Miami, Ohio, and both sisters are now engaged in teaching
at Belvidere. Mr. Poyer served on the school board in his home dis-
trict, and was active in community matters, and always supported the
candidates and principles of the Republican party. For many years
he was a leading factor and earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal
church at Marengo, and Mrs. Poyer is still connected with it, and is a
teacher in the Sunday school and on the official board, and has been a

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 799

member of the Home Missionary Society for seven years, as well as of
other clubs connected with her church and community. During the
late war, Mrs. Poyer devoted her energies to Red Cross work, and
accomplished much in behalf of the cause. Mr. Poyer belonged to the
Knights of Pythias, was keeper of the records and seals of that order,
and was honored by his brethren. Mrs. Poyer belongs to the Eastern
Star.

C. W. PRESCOTT.

C. W. Prescott, one of the substantial business men of Marengo,
is one of the leading nurserymen of McHenry County, and a man
widely known outside of his local region. He was born at Naperville,
DuPage County, 111., September 26, 1851, a son of Horace Prescott,
who was born in Orleans County, Vt., and came to Illinois in 1847,
settling on a farm near Downer's Grove, in DuPage County. His
mother later was married (second) to B. Cad}', and in 1865 the family
moved to Coral Township, McHenry County, locating on a farm a few
miles east of Marengo.

When he was sixteen years old G. W. Prescott began working for
E. H. Skinner of Marengo, and gradually worked up in the nursery busi-
ness until he now has one of the leading establishments of its kind in
the count.y. He has been called upon to serve the public in several
official capacities, and was ten years a member of the city council of
Marengo, and for sixteen years was on the school board.

On December 22, 1872, C. W. Prescott was united in marriage with
Anna Rogers, a daughter of one of his old partners, and she bore him
two children, namely: William Horace, and Orson Raymond, a mechani-
cal engineer of Chicago. On October 3, 1901, Mr. Prescott was married
to Mrs. Lottie (Winslow) Halcomb, a native of New York, who had
come to Marengo with her parents Abraham and Martha Winslow,
and her first husband, the latter dying a few weeks after the arrival
of the party at Marengo. Mrs. Halcomb was a music teacher and for
several years served as organist in the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. and Mrs. Winslow's last years were passed with Mr. and Mrs.
Prescott.

Mr. Prescott is one of the most popular men in McHenry County.
He has learned the secret of successful dealing. His affable nature

800 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

emphasizes the training he has received during his long contact with
the public, and he makes friends readily and retains them to the end.
He adheres to the policy of honest dealing and true representation of
facts, and has a clientele that no blandishments of volatile agents have
drawn from him. His customers know that from him they can always
be sure of receiving the right kind of a deal, and that he will not repre-
sent his goods as other than the.y are. In public life he enjoys the
same confidence from his constituents, and naturally is proud of the
record he has made in having been returned to office so many times.
Voters do not support men time after time in whom they have not
explicit confidence.

JOHN D. PRINGLE.

John D. Pringle, a stock dealer of Marengo, and one of the enter-
prising men of McHenry County, was born two and one-half miles
northwest of Marengo, on the river road, February 3, 1855, a son of
Patterson and Isabel (Donaldson) Pringle, who came to McHenry County
in 1848. A sketch of Patterson Pringle appears elsewhere in this work.

Until he was twenty-six years old, John D. Pringle remained on his
father's farm, and was then married to Nellie O. Watson of Greenwood
Township. At that time Mr. Pringle bought a farm adjoining that of
his father, and lived there until his first wife died. He was married
(second) to Mrs. Margaret (Swanson) Livingston, an orphan, and
moved to Marengo. For forty years Mr. Pringle has been a stock
shipper, working in partnership with his father, and practically confines
his shipments to stock for Chicago markets for feeding purposes. He
does not breed stock, using his farm only for feeding. Aside from
serving on the school board, he has not taken any part in politics.
For thirty years Mr. Pringle has been a Woodman.

By his first marriage Mr. Pringle had the following children: Madge,
who was graduated from the Northwestern School of Pharmacy, mar-
ried Bert Moore of Los Angeles, Cal., took a course as an optometrist
at Chicago, and for some time carried on her calling in a drug store
at Marengo, but is now practicing at Los Angeles, her husband also
being an optometrist; Gretchen, who was graduated from the State
Normal School of California, was a teacher in California and Arizona,
and prior to going west had taught in McHenry County, but she is

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 801

now Mrs. Ralph Jaycox and lives at Phoenix, Ariz.; Dorothy, who
was graduated from the University of Wisconsin, taught in McHenry
County, and is now a resident of San Francisco, Cal.; and Jeannette,
who was graduated from the State Normal School at DeKalb, III.,
was a teacher at Missoula, Mont., married C. L. Busher, and lives
near Boston, Mass., all of whom are living and two sons who are deceased,
namely: Harold and Patterson, who died in childhood. By his second
marriage there were two children: Margaret, who studied music at
Stuart's Hall at Staunton, Va., is now at La Salle Seminary; and John
D., Jr., who is in the Marengo High School.

The present residence of the Pringle family was erected by Doctor
Mesick about 1860, and occupied it until his death. It is a very comfort-
able house and has long been a social center for a delightful circle
gathered from the best people of the county. Mrs. Pringle made a
tour of Europe in 1910, visiting the leading points of interest, including
Rome, Venice, Berlin, London and Paris, and was in the Mirror Room
at Versailles in which was held the Peace Conference in 1919.

PATTERSON PRINGLE.

Patterson Pringle, now deceased, who was for years one of the
leading farmers and stockmen of McHenry County, owned a large
amount of land in the vicinity of Marengo, and played an important
part in the history of that village. He was born in Scotland, and when
he was sixteen years old came to the United States from Glasgow,
accompanied by his brother George, with whom he was long associated
in business. On reaching New York City, Patterson Pringle set out
for Kentucky. At that time the water in the Ohio River was so low
that no steamer could operate, so the brothers hired a flatboat and
poled their way to Maysville, Ky., and there spent four years, leaving
it for the lead mines near Galena, 111., where Patterson Pringle made
enough to pay for his land.

In the meanwhile, when he was twenty-eight 3'ears old, he was mar-
ried at Polo, 111., to Isabel Donaldson, born in Canada, and in 1848
they came to McHenry County. His sister Margaret, then Mrs. John
Wilson, had located near Marengo in 1840, and Patterson and George
Pringle bought land on the river road. George Pringle lived on his

802 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

farm practically the remainder of his life, and only left it late in life
to live at Marengo, where he died when about eighty. None of George
Pringle's children now live in McHenry County. A brother-in-law of
Patterson Pringle went to California in 1849, leaving his wife and
children in the care of Patterson Pringle, but made nothing. After his
return, however, he went into a mercantile business and developed
into a prosperous merchant.

Upon coming to McHenry County Patterson Pringle bought 132
acres, and entered forty acres, and after the close of the Civil War
he bought 100 acres more, making 272 acres in all, his farm extending
from the Kiswaukee River to beyond the River road, and this property
was sold about 1911. On it he erected good buildings, and made suit-
able improvements. In addition to carrying on dairying, he fed live
stock, and bought the first Poland-China hogs in the county, and bred
them for many years. While he was not an exhibitor, he produced
some very fine animals which were exhibited by others. Mr. Pringle
was also a buyer and shipper of stock, doing a larger business than
any other man in his line in McHenry County. His shipments covered
a wide area and included Capron and Darlington, Wis. For ten years
prior to his demise, he was retired, but he continued to live on his
farm. For twenty-four years he was commissioner of highways, and
at last refused to hold the office any longer on account of his age. A
charter member of the Presbyterian church, he served it as an elder
for many years. His death occurred September 7, 1910, when he was
eighty-eight years old having been born October 30, 1S22. His wife,
born March 28, 1830, died November 15, 1910. In his family he was
a strict disciplinarian, and carried his views as to Sabbath breaking
to such lengths as to refuse to read a Sunday paper. His oldest daughter,
Isabella Jane, is the widow of Frank N. Elliott, who died August 6,
1907, as the result of a breakdown superinduced by a railroad wreck.
She had no children, and is now living with her sister Mrs. Echternach,
the two using their share of the father's estate to purchase fifty acres
bordering Marengo, three blocks from Main Street. Mrs. Echternach
is the wife of Daniel E. Echternach, of Marengo, a rural free delivery
carrier, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work, as does that of
John D. Pringle, the son, and former partner of Patterson Pringle.
Another daughter of Patterson Pringle, Rachel Elizabeth, was the first
wife of Doctor Casely.

HISTORY OF McIIFA'RY COUNTY 803

HORACE M. PROUTY.

Horace M. Prouty, a retired farmer of Hebron, was formerly one of
the enterprising and highly successful agriculturalists of McHenry
County, and he is now one of t ho oldest residents of the community in
which he lives. He was horn in Vermont, January 22, 1837, a son of
Louis and Sarah (Werner) Prouty. Louis Prouty was also born in
Vermont, where he owned a large farm, and was engaged in conducting
it all of Iris active life. His death occurred in Vermont in 18(50. He
had twelve children born to him.

Horace M. Prouty attended the common schools of his native stale,
and in 18G3 came to McHenry County, locating in Hebron Township,
where for a number of years he was actively engaged in farming. Later
lie began the manufacture of cheese, and carried on that line of business
until his retirement from active life, at which time he sold his cheese
factory, and located at Hebron.

On April 7, 1857, Mr. Prouty was united in marriage to Miss Marie
Jane Coon, a daughter of Emory Coon, and a member of an old and highly
respected family of Albany, N. Y., where the marriage ceremony was
performed. Mr. and Mrs. Prouty became the parents of fourteen
children. Mr. Prouty and his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal
church. Politically Mr. Prouty is a Republican, but he has not cared
to go before the public as a candidate for office. A high-principled
man, Mr. Prouty has lived up to what he believed was right and just,
and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

JOHN E. PUFAHL.

John E. Pufahl, manager of the West McHenry plant of the Borden
Company, is one of the substantial business men of McHenry County,
and is held in the highest respect by all who know him. He was born in
Wisconsin, October 11, 1880, one of the eight children of August and
Kate (Eckes) Pufahl. August Pufahl was born in Germany, but came
to the United States in young manhood, and located in Wisconsin.

John E. Pufahl attended the common and high schools of his native
state, and then learned telegraphy, and was engaged with various rail-
roads until 1920, when he was made one of the employes of the Borden
plant at West McHenry. So efficient did he prove that in 1911 he was

804 HISTORY OF McHENEY COUNTY

promoted to be manager, and has held that important position ever
since. The capacity of the plant is 40,000 pounds per day.

On September 21, 1904, Mr. Pufahl was united in marriage with
Miss Bertha Leech, a daughter of Edward Leech. Mr. and Mrs. Pufahl
have two children, namely: Pauline K., who was born September 16,
1906; and Adell H., who was born July 16, 1908. Mr. Pufahl is a
Republican, but has not had the time to enter into public life, although
he gives the principles and candidates of his party an intelligent and
hearty support. Both he and Mrs. Pufahl are consistent members of
the Catholic church.

CHARLES QUACKENBUSH.

Charles Quackenbush, one of the enterprising farmers of Chemung
Township, lives on the old Philip Burton farm, seven miles northwest
of Harvard, where he is achieving a deserved success as an agriculturalist.
Philip Burton was the father of Billings Burton, and he died in 1879 or
1S80 at the age of seventy-five years. His wife, whose maiden name was
Nancy Quackenbush, survived him until 1893, when she passed away at
the age of ninety-three years, having lived on the old farm from 1841
until her death. After his father's death, Billings Burton, renting his
own farm, moved on that of his mother to take care of her, and he
erected a portion of the present buildings. Later he sold his own farm
to a son, George, who is now a stock dealer of Sharon. Another son.
Charles, also lives at Sharon. They are the only survivors of their
father's family. Billings Burton later divided the 300-acre farm and
built a new set of buildings, but finally sold the property and retired
to Sharon. The old farm of Philip Burton remained in the family,
Mrs. Charles Quackenbush inheriting it about 1901. To this farm
Mr. Quackenbush has added forty acres, erected a house, and made
other improvements, and is carrying on dairying.

Mrs. Quackenbush was.Nora Burton prior to her marriage, and the
youngest of the twelve children of Billings Burton, being born November
29, 1874, on her father's farm. On June 15, 1892, she was married to
Charles Quackenbush, who was born in the village of Sharon, four miles
away from her birthplace, April 20, 1870, a son of Luke and Sarah
Quackenbush, natives of New York, who came to McHenry County
about 1845, and located near Sharon. There he died at the age of
seventy-two years, and she at the age of seventy-five years. Until his

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 805

marriage, Charles Quackenbush lived among the neighboring fanners,
working by the month, but afterwards was engaged in teaming for a
year, and then for two years was manager of a summer resort at Lake
Geneva. In 1898, Mr. and Mrs. Quackenbush returned to the Burton
home. Mr. and Mrs. Quackenbush have no children, but adopted
Frank Rice, a boy of three years, whom they reared. He married
Eunice Woodward, and is operating a portion of the farm owned by
Mr. Quackenbush. Mr. and Mrs. Rice have three children, namely:
Lyle, Floyd and Helen Irene. Mr. Quackenbush served as road com-
missioner for one year. He is an excellent farmer and keeps his property
up to a high standard. Mrs. Quackenbush is one of the best-known
ladies in the county, coming as she does of such old pioneer families,
and enjoys a pleasant social life among her neighbors.

.JAMES RAINEY.

James Rainey, local manager at Ringwood for the Alexander Lumber
Company, extensive dealers in lumber and all kinds of building material,
is one of the representative business men of McHenry County. He was
born in Michigan, November 25, 1872, one of the seven children of James
and Mary (Cochrain) Rainey. James Rainey, the father, was born in
Ireland, where he learned the trade of a carpenter. In young manhood
he came to Canada, and thence to the United States, locating for a time
in Michigan, but later returned to Canada, where he now resides.

James Rainey, the younger, attended the schools of Michigan, but
caily was forced to become self-supporting, and was employed at various
kinds of work until 1916, when he became connected with his present
firm, later becoming the manager of its Ringwood plant, which was
organized in 1914. This plant does a business of $40,000 annually.

In 1906 Mr. Rainey was married to Miss Callie Thomas, a daughter
of George Thomas, one of the leading men of McHenry County. Mr.
and Mrs. Rainey are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr.
Rainey belongs to Ringwood Lodge No. 158, A. F. & A. M., and also to
the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically he is a staunch Repub-
lican. Mr. Rainey's rise in the world has come through his own effort,.-;.
His success is therefore all the more commendable, and his methods of
doing business are such as to win him the approval and respect of his
associates.

806 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

GRANT S. RANDALL.

Grant S. Randall, one of the prosperous business men of Hebron, and
enterprising farmers of Hebron Township, is recognized as one of the
leading men of McHenry County. He was born in Jo Daviess County,
111., September 23, 1868, one of the four children of Aaron and Caroline
(Fowler) Randall. Born in England, Aaron Randall was brought to
the United States when he was nine \rears old, and he lived in Jo Daviess
County, 111., for some years, being there engaged in farming. Later he
entered the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, and
remained with it the rest of his life, dying in 1894.

The educational training of Grant S. Randall was received in the
grammar and high schools of Illinois, and his first practical experience
was gained in butter and cheese manufacturing, which business he con-
ducted for ten years. In 1898 he bought ninety acres of valuable land
in Hebron Township, and has conducted it ever since, and been quite
active in dairying as well. In 1918, he and Messrs. Slavin and Aylward
formed the firm of Slavin, Randall & Aylward, grain merchants of
Hebron, and it has built up an extensive trade.

In 1890 Mr. Randall was united in marriage with Miss Florence
Brass, a daughter of Orson N. Brass, and they have two children,
namely: Hettie M. and Florence R. Mr. Randall is a Republican.
Both as a farmer and business man Mr. Randall has displayed unusual
abilities, and his prosperity is all the more deserved in that he has gained
it through his own efforts, and through methods which are strictly
honorable.

THOMAS H. RATFIELD.

Thomas H. Rat field, who is now living retired one mile south of
Marengo, was formerly one of the leading farmers of this region, and is
a man widely known and universally respected. He was born in Virgil
Township, Kane County, 111., February 27, 1852, a son of William and
Betsy (Parker) Ratfield, of Brainard, County Essex, England. William
Ratfield lost his father when a child, and at the age of ten years he
shipped on a vessel as a cabin boy, later becoming a sailor, and was on
the water for twelve years, and among other countries visiting the
United States, and liking conditions here so well, he decided to remain.

In 1834 he came to Illinois, having been married in New York. He

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 807

lived in Virgil Township for a few years, then moved to Riley Township,
McHenry County, where he died at the age of sixty-five years. Some
years prior to that event, he was seriously injured by lightning, which
struck his house. His wife assumed the management of the farm after
his accident, and brought up the ten children, who were as follows:
William Nelson, who served during the Civil War in Company B,
Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry, died in Polk County, Minn.; Mary
Margaret, who married Frank Allen, died at the age of sixty-five;
Harriet Ann, who married John Solomon, lives at Sycamore, 111.;
Thomas H., whose name heads this review; Elizabeth, who married
George Trout, died at Chicago in 1918; Rosetta, who is married, lives at
Sycamore, 111.; Cyrillus, who is a contracting carpenter, lives at Minn-
eapolis, Minn.; George, is a railroad engineer, who has been working in
the western states, but is now a resident of Canada; Edward, who is a
farmer of Sumas, Wash.; Eldora, who married Fred King, lives in
Montana.

Thomas H. Ratfield acted as conservator of the estate, until his
father's death and cleared off the indebtedness, and following his father's
demise he was made administrator. By buying the interests of the
other heirs, he secured the old farm and was on it until he turned it over
to his son, Alva J., and when this son went to Texas, another son,
William L., took charge. Another farm owned by Mr. Ratfield s
operated by his son Charles T. For the past five years Mr. Ratfield has
been living on his farm of twenty acres, on which he erected his present
residence.

On March 1, 1877, Mr. Ratfield was married to Emeline Eliza Collins,
of Burlington, Kane County, 111., a daughter of Leander and Jerusha
Collins, of New York, who were married in Kane County. Later they
went to Elgin, 111., and their old home, a picture of which is in Mrs.
Ratfield's possession, was later used as a school, a church and post office.
The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Ratfield have been as follows:
Charles T., who is on the eighty-acre farm in Riley Township; Alva J.,
who is in Relotis, Tex., was a teacher at one time in De Kalb County,
111.; William L., who is on the old homestead; Jesse James, who was a
carpenter, died at the age of thirty-two years; Louis Seymour, served in
the navy during the Great War, being one of the first to enlist from this
region, was discharged and is now living at Gloucester, Mass.; and
Merritt Irvin, who is at home. He possesses a mechanical talent and
has taken a commercial course at the Elgin Business College. Mr.
Ratfield has served as road commissioner for four terms, and as a

808 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

justice of the peace. While a Republican in sentiment, for the past
twenty-one years, he has voted the Prohibition ticket, one of three to
support it in his township. His first vote was for a Greenback candidate.
Mrs. Ratfield is a Republican, and she is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church. Mr. Ratfield, while not a member of this church,
attends its services and gives it a generous support. He belongs to the
Court of Honor, and he is also a member of the Community Club.

JOHN W. RAYCRAFT.

John W. Raycraft, one of the prosperous farmers of Greenwood
Township, and one who stands very well in public esteem, owns 548
acres of land, 400 acres of which comprise his homestead. He was born
in Greenwood Township, October 27, 1847, a son of Wi liam and Mary
(Flemming) Raycraft, natives of County Cork and the nlorth of Ireland,
respectively. In young manhood William Raycraft came to the United
States, and after some time spent in different portions of Illinois, located
in McHenry County, where he entered 240 acres of land from the
government. He died in California at the age of forty-four years, his
wife surviving him until she was seventy-five years old. They had three
children, but John W. Raycraft is the only survivor.

John W. Raycraft was reared in Greenwood Township and attended
its schools, and learned to be a farmer. He was married to Johanna
Ryan, who was born at Woodstock, a daughter of John and Mary Ryan.
Mr. and Mrs. Raycraft became the parents of nine children, three of
whom died in infancy. Those surviving are as follows: Lizzie, who is
Mrs. S. J. Ogle; William F. ; John; Joseph; Maude; and Robert. In
addition to his 400 acre homestead, Mr. Raycraft owns 148 acres in
Hartland Township and carries on general farming upon an extensive
scale. A Democrat, he has served as road commissioner for one year.
He is a member of the Catholic church. A thoroughly experienced
farmer, he is regarded as a model agriculturalist, and his advice is often
sought by those who aim to conduct their farms in the best and latest
manner.

MISS HATTIE READ.

Miss Hattie Read, one of the notable educators of McHenry County,
under whose wise care and capable instruction many of the children of

HISTORY OF McHENRT? COUNTY SO!)

an older generation learned the fundamentals of English, and hold her
memory close to their hearts. She devoted her life to her chosen
vocation, and remained in the educational field until failing eyesight
forced her to retire after half a century of strenuous effort. Her mind
remained clear to the end of her life, and she lived happily at her home
in Hebron.

Miss Read taught in a number of the schools of McHenry County,
and then was called to Wisconsin, where she taught in Lynn Township
and at Lake Geneva, and also at Madison. Always ahead of her times,
she used many of the methods in her work which then were an innovation,
but now are accepted as essentials. Her old pupils took pleasure in
visiting her and giving her little attentions that in a measure paid back
her devotion to them in days gone by.

DAVID REDPATH.

David Redpath, one of the honored residents of Woodstock, and a
man widely and favorably known, was born at Elizabeth, Jo Daviess
County, 111., February 15, 1845, a son of Alexander and Ann (Pringle)
Redpath, both born near Pinkey, Scotland. Coming to the United
States in young manhood, Alexander Redpath met a brother of Ann
Pringle, and with him, joined Mr. and Mrs. Pringle who had already
located in Jo Daviess County, 111., attracted thereto by the opening of the
lead mines. Another member of the Pringle family formed a partnership
with his future brother-in-law, Alexander Redpath, and the two re-
mained together for eight years operating a lead mine.

In the meanwhile Alexander Redpath and Ann Pringle were married,
and subsequently located on a farm near Marengo, near that of his
brother-in-law, Patterson Pringle, which was about two miles north of
the city. Here Alexander Redpath died in 1872, aged sixty-six years.
His widow survived him for some years, dying when eighty-four years
old, at Marengo. Alexander Redpath was not desirous of public honors,
and devoted himself untiringly to his own affairs.

David Redpath attended the schools of Marengo, and the Jennings
Seminary at Aurora. He was married (first) to Janet Purves, who died
after bearing him three children, namely: Lizzie, who is Mrs. Wallace
D. Echternach of De Kalb County, 111.; Grace, who owns and operates
a portion of the old Purves homestead in Seneca Township; and William
P., who was an infant at his mother's death, is a leading farmer of

810 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

Seneca Township, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. In
1879 David Redpath was married (second) to Mary A. Lindsay, who
died after twenty-five years of married life, leaving three children,
namely: Charles L., who is on the old Alexander Redpath homestead
in Marengo Township; Margaret, who is with her father; and Frances
M., who is Mrs. D. B. Boyle, Jr., lives at Marengo. The present wife
of David Redpath was Mrs. Marian Cassel, widow of James Cassel,
and a daughter of William and Janet (Lindsay) Scott, and she is a niece
of the second wife of Mr. Redpath. There are no children of this
marriage.

Until recent years David Redpath was engaged in farming in Mc-
Henry County, but realizing that he had reached the time of life when
it was expedient for him to the comforts of life, he retired to Woodstock,
although he spends his winters at Zephyr Hill, near Tampa, Fla. During
the Civil War Mr. Redpath served his country as a soldier, being in
the One Hundred and Forty-first Illinois Infantry, and a portion of the
time was in Kentucky guarding the forts from attacks by guerrilla bands.
The Redpath family is one of the old ones of McHenry County and its
history is interwoven with that of the section in which its representatives
have lived for so many years.

GEORGE W. REDPATH.

George W. Redpath, who is now living retired at Marengo, was
formerly one of the successful agriculturalists of his township, and is
:i man widely known and universally respected. He was born May 12,
1859, on the old Redpath homestead two and one-half miles northeast
of Marengo, and is the youngest of his father's family. He was reared
on this farm and sent to the local schools until he was eighteen years old,
at which time he had the misfortune to lose his father. Then, in com-
pany with his brother, Robert, who was seven years his senior, he bought
an eighty-acre tract directly north of Marengo, and this partnership
continued for nine years, the two carrying on dairying and farming.
About 1880, they bought the Hutchinson farm of 232 acres, and re-
moved from the old home in which they had been living, to it. This
second farm was near their first one. In 1885, George W. Redpath
sold his interests to his brother, who six years later, losing his health,
retired to Marengo, and died there in the fall of 1918. His widow and
one son, Thomas, still live at Marengo.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 811

George M. Redpath bought 200 acres of land in Riley Township,
six miles south of Marengo, known as the Seniles farm, and lived there
until he lost his wife through an accident, and he then rented the farm
and located at Marengo, where for ten years he was engaged in buying
stock, and also for three years handled lumber and coal in partnership
with E. E. Seward. Selling his interests, Mr. Redpath then returned
to the farm, and spent five years on it, but when his son married, he
was able to relieve his father of the duties of management, and Mr.
Redpath once more located at Marengo. For thirty years he has been
interested in fire and life insurance in partnership with J. C. Tanner,
they purchasing the Mead Insurance Agency. Mr. Redpath still owns
140 acres in Riley Township, one and one-half miles southwest of his
homestead, as well as the latter property, and is in very comfortable
circumstances. While engaged in farming he paid special attention
to dairying during his earlier years, but later raised more cattle and
hogs, shipping them in large quantities to the Chicago markets. While
voting the Republican ticket, he is not a public man.

When he was twenty-nine years old, Mr. Redpath was married to
Nellie Albee of Seneca Township. Her death was a tragedy, which
plunged the whole community in mourning, and she left a six-months
old son, Harold Everett, who is now conducting the homestead. He
was married to Eda Keeney, and they have one son, George Germaine.
Harold E. Redpath now owns 120 acres of his own.

George M. Redpath was married (second) to Ruth McKinney of
Marengo, a daughter of E. F. McKinney, an old merchant of that city.
Mr. and Mrs. Redpath have one daughter, Frances A., who is attending
the Marengo High School. Mr. Redpath is an elder in the Presbyterian
church, and has held that office for five years. His recreations are
automobiling and fishing.

WILLIAM REDPATH.

William Redpath, one of the most progressive young farmers of
Seneca Township, was born November 17, 1875, a son of David and
Janet (Purvis) Redpath, mention of whom is made elsewhere in this
work. William Redpath was with his father's people until he was
eight years old, and then joined his father, with whom he remained until
seventeen years of age, at which time he began working for neighboring
farmers, for three years being with August Swager of Marengo, who

812 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

paid him -117 per month. Then, for a year, he was in partnership with
his brother-in-law, when once more he worked by the month. Subse-
quently he became his father's tenant and as such conducted the home-
stead. Then, on November 22, 1899, he was married to Emma A.
Wilcox, a daughter of John Q. and Arilla Wilcox, whose farm is located
one-half mile west of Mr. Redpath's farm. She was born April 4,
1875, so is about the same age as her husband. Following his marriage,
Mr. Redpath rented a farm owned by his uncle, and then in 1902, bought
his present farm of 160 acres, paying $64 per acre for it. This land
has a branch of the Kiswaukee running through it, and it is admirably
adapted for dairying. In 1916 Mr. Redpath rebuilt his house, and
invested $4,000 in new buildings, now having silos, a barn with base-
ment 40x60, with twenty-four feet posts, and an addition 32x36 feet.
He has a fine supply of water, which is piped to all the buildings. There
are stabling accommodations for 100 head of cattle. His herd runs
from ten to fort}' head and his cattle are high grade, as he breeds from
a thoroughbred bull. Each spring he sells cattle and running horses,
brood sows, and other stock, although he caters to the needs of dairy-
men. He also feeds hogs. For the past three years his residence has
been at Marengo, but he supervises all the farming operations.

Mr. and Mrs. Redpath are the parents of five children, Ira, Irma,
lone, Irlene and Ina, all of whom are at home. He does not take any
active part in politics. Without question Mr. Redpath is one of the
most progressive men of this section and one who is thoroughly alive
to public interests.

HENRY REHORST.

Henry Rehorst, now deceased, was an able farmer, excellent business
man and respected citizen, whose operations were mainly centered in
Richmond Township. He was born at Munster, Westphalia, Germany,
December 24, 1845, and died at Richmond January 24, 1895. In 1862
he came to the United States and went alone to Bassetts Station, Kenosha
County, Wis., spending the subsequent winter in farm work, and in the
spring he came to McHenry County. In 1865 he was married to Mrs.
Christina Elfers, and lived on her 160-acre farm located on the state line
until her death in 1870. They had three daughters, namely: Lydia

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 813

Rehorst, who is of Richmond; Mary, who is Mrs. Peter Olsen of Salem,
Wis.: ami Anna K., who is Mrs. Edwin Haldeman of Spring Grove, 111.
By her fonnei' marriage, Mrs. Rehorst had four children, namely: Lena,
who married John Kolthoff of New Hampton, Iowa, where she died;
William Elfers, who lives at Richmond; Christina, who married Frank
Rosencrans, died at New Hampton, Iowa; and George Elfers, who lives
in Richmond Township.

After his wife's death, Mr. Rehorst rented the Elfers farm for five
or six years. On February 11, 1873, he was married (second) to Mary
E. Kasken of Wheatland, Wis., a daughter of Herman and Elizabeth
(Burner) Kasken, both natives of Westphalia, Germany, and early
settlers in Wisconsin. In 1879 Mr. Rehorst bought the Robert Turner
farm of 200 acres, two and one-half miles east of Richmond, and two
miles north of Solon Mills, to which he later added until he had 260
acres. This farm is still owned by his widow. After buying the property
he improved the buildings, doing something each year. He had other
interests, forming a partnership with James Westlake to operate the
Washington Cheese Factory, one mile away from his farm, but later
sold his share in it. While he did handle sheep, he made milk his leading-
feature. Two years prior to his death he retired to Richmond. Prior
to leaving his native land he connected himself with the Presbyterian
church, and ever continued a faithful member of it; and helped to build
the church of that denomination, in his neighborhood. For years he
served on the school board.

By his second marriage Mr. Rehorst had the following children:
Sylvia, who married Henry Vbgel, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere
in this work; Nellie L., who was a teacher in the home school, is living
with her mother; and Edith, who is Mrs. Clyde Wilson of Richmond.
Mrs. Rehorst is a Presbyterian, but her daughters belong to the Con-
gregational church. Mr. Rehorst was both a Chapter Mason and
Woodman, and was charter member of the local camp of the latter,
and his was the first death in that organization. He was buried with
Masonic honors in the cemetery at Richmond. Mrs. Rehorst and her
daughters are charter members of the Richmond Chapter, O. E. S., and
Miss Nellie is secretary of the local chapter. After the death of Mr.
Rehorst, Mrs. Rehorst erected her present decidedly modern residence
on the site of the old one, in which Mr. Rehorst 's last days were spent,
and it is a credit to her ability and good taste as well as an ornament to
the village of Richmond.

814 HISTORY OF McHEXRY COUNTY

CHARLES J. REIHANSPERGER.

Charles J. Reihansperger is one of the prosperous business men of
West McHenry, whose efforts have been successfully directed toward
conducting a hardware store, as the junior member of the firm of Donavin
& Reihansperger. Charles J. Reihansperger was born at Chicago,
April 21, 1891, one of the two children of John and Sarah (McConley)
Reihansperger, native of Illinois, the former of whom has for a number
of years been a railroad engineer.

After attending the common and high schools of Chicago, Charles
J. Reihansperger learned the trade of a tinner, completing his apprentice-
ship in 1913. Two years later he formed his present partnership, and
the firm carry a full and complete line of light and heavy hardware and
plumbing supplies, and have a fine trade. Their stock averages about
$8,000, and is thoroughly up-to-date, while their work is excellent in
every respect .

In 1917 Mr. Reihansperger was married to Miss Julia Stuffell, a
daughter of Simon Stuffell, one of the leading bankers of West McHenry,
a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Reihan-
sperger are members of the Catholic church. Fraternally he belongs to
the Knights of Columbus. Politically he is a Republican.

ERNEST C. REIMER.

Ernest C. Reimer, senior member of the firm of Reimer & Lace,
proprietors of the Algonquin garage and general repairing and machine
shop, is one of the alert young business men of Algonquin, and comes of an
old and respected family of McHenry County. He was born at Huntley,
this county, December 1, 1888, a son of Frederick and Reka (Albright)
Reimer, natives of Germany, who came to the United States in 1882,
first stopping at Chicago, from where they came to Huntley, 111., where
the father was engaged in farming. They now reside in Algonquin.
Thejr became the parents of six children.

Ernest C. Reimer attended the common and high schools of his native
place, and after learning to farm, took up the machinist's trade, and
having mastered it, in December, 1914, formed his present connection
with Claude C. Lace, the two doing a fine business in all branches of their
business. Thev carry a stock valued at $7,000.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 815

In 1917 Mr. Reimer was married to Miss Irene Schuette. They have
one son, Edward C. Reimer. Mr. and Mrs. Reimer belong to tin-
Lutheran church. In politics he is a Republican. Enterprising and
skilled, Mr. Reimer has forged ahead, and rightly deserves the pros-
perity which has attended his efforts.

CHARLES F. RENICH.

Charles F. Renich, president, treasurer and controlling stockholder
in the corporation owning the Woodstock Sentinel, of which he is also
editor, is one of the representative men of McHenry County. He was
born at Woodstock, December 19, 1871, a son of Frederick and Katherine
(Stein) Renich, the former of whom was born in the Alpine republic of
Switzerland. His parents were natives of Bern, Switzerland, and they
had three sons, namely: Emil, Frederick and Edward. After the death
of his wife, the paternal grandfather came to the United States to join his
sons who had already readied this haven for so many foreign-born, but
after he reached Pittsburgh, Pa., he disappeared and nothing was ever
heard of him again.

His eldest son, Emil, who had received a university education, served
in the Civil War, in a New York regiment, was wounded and confined in
Libby prison. After the close of the war he went to Chicago, where he
was married and there reared a family. For eighteen years prior to his
death he was a Chicago letter carrier. His death occurred in 1896.

Frederick Renich, father of Editor Renich, was born in Bern,
Switzerland, March 19, 1842. During his boyhood he attended the
Industrial School at Bern, and there learned the trade of a confectioner,
which he followed in different cities of his native land. In 1864 he left
Switzerland for the United States, and came direct to Chicago after
landing in this country. From that city he enlisted in the Ninth
Illinois Cavalry, and was mustered out from that service several months
later, in 1865, at the close of the war. Returning to Chicago he em-
barked in the manufacture of cigars. On August 26, 1866, he was
married to Elizabeth Stein of Chicago, and the following year he moved
to Woodstock, where he continued to manufacture cigars. His wife
died in the fall of the same year of his settlement at Woodstock, and he
later married Katherine Stein.

Katherine Stein was born in Chicago March 14, 1846, a daughter of

816 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

Charles Stein, who came to Chicago from Hesse Darmstadt, Germany,
in 1834, and has the distinction of being the first German born
pioneer resident of Chicago, which at that time was but a village of a
few hundred people. Charles Stein was a successful business man, he
and his family conducting one of the first hotels in Chicago, where
thousands of pioneer settlers, coming into the Western country from
France and Germany, many of them locating in McHenry County,
found their first stopping place after the long and wearisome trip in
sailing vessels over the ocean, and from New York through the Erie
Canal and the Great Lakes to Chicago. The name of Stein was a house-
hold word among many of the pioneer settlers of Queen Anne prairie
and other parts of McHenry County and in the latter days of Mr.
Stein's life he spent many happy days visiting these pioneers of McHenry
County, who had received their first welcome in this new country
at his hostelry in Chicago.

Frederick Renich's death occurred February 22, 1890, when he was
forty-eight years of age, and he was survived by his widow and seven
children, namely: Charles F., whose name heads this review; Charlotte,
who is Mrs. P. Benjamin Anderson; Frederick L.; Mary E. ; Edward A.;
Amanda E., who is Mrs. D. Arthur Daly; and Katharine.

Charles F. Renich attended the public schools of Woodstock, and
when he was sixteen years old he was taken into the newspaper office
his father had acquired, and there learned the newspaper business,
beginning from the bottom. His father dying when he was only a little
over eighteen years of age, he succeeded to the management of the paper,
then issued under the name of Das Volksblatt, and later his brother
Frederick came into the business. In May, 1895, Mr. Renich formed a
partnership with Benedict Stupfel of Woodstock, under the name of
Stupfel & Renich, for the purpose of conducting a grocery business,
but in a few years Mr. Stupfel retired, and Mr. Renich continued alone
for a year, and then took as his partner Stark L. Hart.

In December, 1899, Mr. Renich was appointed postmaster of Wood-
stock by President William McKinley, and he held it from 1900 until
1911, when he retired in order to devote himself to his newspaper work.
He was twice reappointed by President Roosevelt. In January, 1906,
he acquired an interest in and became manager and editor of the Wood-
stock Sentinel, McHenry County's oldest newspaper. Later he pur-
chased the stock of others until he is now almost the sole owner of the
company, serving as president and treasurer of the corporation. During
the period of the World War he served as chairman in three of the Liberty

1I1STOKY OF McIIKXRY COl'NTY 817

Loan sales drives in Woodstock, I he people of which community pur-
chased aliout 81, 000,000 worth of bonds under his leadership. He also
was an active participant in every other patriotic movement during the
war, both through his newspaper and personally.

On November 14, 1894, Mr. Renich was married to Miss Lucy II.
Hennings at Barrington, 111. Mrs. Henich is a daughter of Charles C.
and Caroline (Mundhenk) Hennings, and she was born at Palatine, 111.,
September 30, 1S75. For nearly twenty years Mrs. Renich has held
a responsible position at the Woodstock post office, entering her duties
there first to assist her husband as postmaster at a time when the office
was small and the pay of the clerks came out of the postmaster's salary.
She has continued following her husband's retirement as postmaster and
served through the administrations of Postmasters W. S. McConnell and
( }. W. Frame, the latter being the present incumbent. Mrs. Renich has
been active in social work, especially in the Women's Relief Corps and
Eastern Star. In the former organization, besides being president
several terms, she served three and one-half years as treasurer for the
department of Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Renich have a daughter, Florence,
who was born March 14, 1896. She was a graduate of Wisconsin Univer-
sity at Madison, and for the past four years has been employed as a
chemist at the Victor Chemical works at Chicago Heights, 111. Mr.
Renich belongs to St. Mark's Lodge No. 63, A. F. & A. M., and several
other fraternal orders. In politics he is a zealous Republican, and has
always been interested in public matters.

PHINEAS A. RENIE.

Phineas A. Renie, M. D., one of the leading physicians and surgeons
of McHenry County, owns and conducts the only drug store at Union,
and is recognized as one of the representative men of this region. He
was born in Riley Township, McHenry County, February 10, 1867,
one of the seven children of John A. and Malinda (Miller) Renie. John
A. Renie was a farmer, but later became a blacksmith, but continued
his farming, carrying both lines of business after he and his family
located in Riley Township, McHenry County, in 1840. His wife sur-
vived her husband until May 30, 1919, when she passed away at Marengo,
then being over eighty years of age.

After attending the common and high schools of his locality, Doctor

818 HISTORY OF McHENRT COUNTY

Rome took a medical course at Hahnemann College, from which he was
graduated in 1891. Immediately thereafter he located at Marengo,
and remained there in active practice until 1898, when he came to Union,
where he has since remained. His drug store contains a stock valued
at $2,000, and he owns his residence, store building and four lots at
Union. Doctor and Mrs. Renie also own a fine farm of sixty acres of
land in Seneca Township.

On June 4, 1891, Doctor Renie was united in marriage with Miss
Mamie Wallace, a daughter of Amos Wallace, and a member of one of
the pioneer families of McHenry County, who originated in New York
state. Doctor and Mrs. Renie have two children, namely: Lota M.,
who is attending the Elgin Academy; and Francis W., who is attending
the Union School.

Doctor Renie is a member of Orion Lodge No. 358, A. F. & A. M.,
of which he is past master, and Oriental Consistory of Chicago. He
also belongs to the Mystic Workers of Union; the Odd Fellows of which
he is past grand; Woodmen of the World; and the Volunteer Surgeons
of America, and the county, state and national medical societies.

A Republican, Doctor Renie has been locally active, and has served
as a member and president of the local school board, president of the
village board for ten years, and supervisor of Coral Township for one
term. A man of unusual ability and scholarly attainments, he has
known how to bring about satisfactory results along all lines, and during
the late war was very active in his support of the administration and his
advocacy of patriotic measures.

ERASTUS EMERY RICHARDS.

Erastus Emery Richards, one of the most representative men of
McHenry County, and an honored resident of Woodstock, has for many
years conducted an abstract of title business under the name of Richards,
Jewett and Wright Abstract Company, of which he is now president.
Mr. Richards was born in Sharon, Norfolk County, Mass., February 12,
1838, a son of Erastus and Rowena Caroline (Johnson) Richards. The
fathci' was a tanner and conducted a meat market for many years. He
served as town clerk and assessor, and was long a police magistrate,

HISTORY OK M< IIKXRY OOCNTY 819

which office he was holding at the time of his death, which occurred when
he was eighty years and seven months old.

Erastus Emery Richards attended the common, parish, and high
schools of his neighborhood, and read law for two years in the offices of
M. C. Johnson and H. S. Hanchett. On June 10, 1852, he came to
Woodstock, and since his arrival has taken an important part in its
public life and development. When his country had need of him, he
enlisted in Company A, Fifteenth Illinois Infantry, and served bravely
and well during the Civil War, participating, among other engagements,
in the battle of Shiloh. After his honorable discharge, he returned to
Woodstock, and resumed his peaceful occupations. For one year he
served as deputy circuit clerk; was deputy county clerk under E. M.
Lamb, William H. Stewart, for four years, and M. D. Hoy for eight
years. He was clerk of the circuit court and recorder of deeds for twelve
successive years; he served as mayor of Woodstock for three full terms
and to fill a vacancy; was alderman of Woodstock for one term; and was
city and town clerk. For ten years he was president of the school
board, and for seventeen years he was president of the board of directors
of the public library. For over twenty-six years he was president of
the State Rank of Woodstock, of which he is now a director, and was
president of the Citizens' State Bank of Nunda.

On July 19, 1864, Mr. Richards was married at Woodstock, 111., to
Frances A. Wait, a daughter of Henry M. and Narina (King) Wait.
Mrs. Richards died December 13, 1920. Mr. and Mrs. Richards had
no children. Mr. Richards is a Mason and belongs to St. Mark's
Lodge No. 63, A. F. & A. M., which he served as master for one year;
Woodstock Chapter, No. 36, R. A. M.; Calvary Commandery No.
25, K. T., of which he was eminent commander for six successive years,
and he is treasurer of it at present.

A man of his standing naturally has weight in his community, and
Mr. Richards has always exerted himself to bring about improvements,
and to raise the standards in every way possible. While mayor, he set
in motion a number of movements which ultimately resulted in addi-
tional elaboration of the plans of those who had the best interests of the
county seat at heart. His wide experience as a public official, and his
know-ledge of the law, especially as related to property rights, have
made him an invaluable man in his firm, and in his banking connections.
Mr. Richards has taken a considerable interest in music for years, being
a talented musician himself; and he has himself written several operas
and produced one.

820 BISTORT OF McHENRY COUNTY

LYNN W. RICHARDS.

Lynn W. Richards, county treasurer of McHenry County, and one
of the best-known men of this section, having been associated with finan-
cial matters for many years, both in a private and public capacity. He
was born at Rowley, Iowa, September 9, 1876, one of the nine children
of George B. and Ida (Chase) Richards. George B. Richards was one
of the prominent men of McHenry County and in addition to owning
and operating a fine farm in the county, he was circuit clerk and recorder
for many years. His death occurred in 1907.

Lynn W. Richards attended the public schools of McHenry County,
to which his father moved when he was a child. Always prominent?
as a Republican, he served as deputy circuit clerk and recorder for
fifteen years, and in 1914, was elected on his party ticket for county
treasurer. In the meanwhile he became connected with the State
Bank of Crystal Lake as cashier, holding that position from 1911 to
1916, when that institution was consolidated with the United States
Bank, of which he is now cashier.

In 1901, Mr. Richards was married to Miss Erma Phelps, a daughter
of Benjamin Phelps of Harvard, 111. Mr. and Mrs. Richards have one
daughter, Virginia. He is a Mason and Odd Fellow. A man of unusual
force of character, he naturally dominates in his community, and it
profits from his association with it.

GEORGE JAMES RICHARDSON.

George James Richardson, who is living on the family homestead
five miles east of Richmond, and one and one-half miles north of Spring
Grove in Burton Township, is one of the representative farmers of
McHenry Count}'. He was born in his present house August 8, 1890,
a son of J. B. Richardson, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this
work.

Growing up on the farm, George James Richardson attended the
Richmond High School, from which he was graduated in 1908, following
which he took a short agricultural course in the agricultural department
of the State University at Madison, Wisconsin. He was with his father
until October 21, 1915, when he was married to Stella Price, born near
Bristol, Wis., who had been a teacher for four years, and is well educated,

&

fc

^

j^p

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 821

having taken English and commercial courses at Kenosha, Wis. He
and his wife have two children, namely: Francis H. and Delia Edith.
Since 1915, Mr. Richardson lias been operating 207 acres, owned by his
father, as a general fanner and dairyman, and he breeds pure-bred
cattle. He is independent in his political views, and for the past four
years has been township treasurer. Mr. Richardson is a member of
Richmond Lodge, A. F. & A. M.

JESSE B. RICHARDSON.

Jesse B. Richardson, one of the retired farmers of Richmond, was
formerly extensively engaged in farming in Burton Township, where
he still owns 207 acres of land. He was born in Burton Township,
September 18, 1862, one of the thirteen children born to Robert and
Eleanor (James) Richardson. Robert Richardson was born in England,
but came to the United States in 1831, and after a stop at Milwaukee,
Wis., came to McHenry County and entered land from the government
in Burton Township, that is now owned by his son, Jesse B. He con-
tinued to live in McHenry County until his death which occurred in
1878. His widow survived him until 1894.

Jesse B. Richardson was reared on the homestead, and sent to local
schools. WTien he attained to mature years, he took charge of the old
farm and became its owner, conducting it until his retirement in 1916,
when he moved to Richmond. In 1904 he was elected supervisor of
Burton Township and served as such until 1915, having been elected
on the Democratic ticket. Mr. Richardson belongs to the Masons,
having been advanced to the Knight-Templar degree, and is also a
member of Richmond Lodge No. 267, O. E. S., and the Modern Wood-
men of America. Mrs. Richardson also belongs to the Eastern Star.

On February 4, 1886, Mr. Richardson was married to Miss Cora
Belle Turner, a daughter of George E. Turner, well known in former
days in McHenry County, where he died in 1872, his widow surviving
him until 1903. They had five children. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson
became the parents of the following children: Ella J., who is the wife
of Louis Sweet, a prominent farmer of Richmond; Eaa Bell, who is the
wife of Oliver R. Cubbon, employed by the Waukegan, 111., GasCompany;
George J., who married Stella Price, is on the home place; Richard G.,
who was in the World War; and Amy E., who is at home. Mr. Richard-

822 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

son and his family all attend the Methodist Episcopal church. He is
one of the highly esteemed men of his locality, and deserves the comforts
of life he is now enjoying, for he earned them through hard work and
thrifty saving.

JOSEPH HERBERT RICHARDSON.

Joseph Herbert Richardson, one of the retired farmers of Richmond,
belongs to one of the old and representative families of McHenry County.
He was born in Burton Township, September 27, 1846, a son of Robert
and Eleanor (James) Richardson, who had thirteen children. Robert
Richardson was born in England, but in 1832 he came to the United
States, locating first at Milwaukee, Wis., but in 1836, he came to Mc-
Henry County and entered land from the government in Burton Town-
ship, where he resided until his death in 1888. His widow survived
him until 1899.

Joseph Herbert Richardson was reared upon his father's homestead
and attended the district schools. He began farming when he attained
his majority, and eventually became the owner of 240 acres of choice
land in Richmond Township, but sold a portion of it, now owning 120
acres. He served as road commissioner for a number of years, was
school trustee for ten years, and has always been a staunch Democrat.

Oln March 6, 1889, Mr. Richardson was married to Miss Clarissa
M otey, a daughter of Robert Motley, and a member of an old McHenry
County family. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson have two children, namely:
Ida J., who is the widow of Dr. William H. Strange, who was killed in
an automobile accident in 1917; and Iva A., who is one of the popular
school teachers of Evanston, 111. Mr. Richardson and his family belong
to the Methodist Episcopal church. He belongs to Oriental Lodge No.
143, A. F. & A. M., and she to the Eastern Star. Like the other mem-
bers of his family, Mr. Richardson measures up to the highest
standards of American citizenship, and his standing in his neighborhood
is very gratifying.

ROBERT H. RICHARDSON.

Robert H. Richardson, one of the progressive agriculturalists of
McHenry County, is on the old Richardson homestead in McHenry

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 823

Township, three miles west of the city of McHcnry and seven miles east
of Woodstock. He was born at Sparta, Wis., December 21, 1870, a son
of Robert and Isobel (Lindsay) Richardson. Robert Richardson was
born in Ohio in 1812, and died in July, 1888. In 1840 he left Ohio and
came to visit relatives living in McHenry County, one of whom was
Ashael Thompson, of Greenwood Township. Robert Richardson
bought the farm of 100 acres, now known as the Richardson homestead.
At that time there was a small log house on the property, but he improved
the farm and lived on it until he was fifty years old. Prior to his mar-
riage, his sister, Fidelia, kept house for him. Isobel Lindsay was born
two miles south of Woodstock in Dorr Township, a sketch of her family
being given elsewhere in this work. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs.
Robert Richardson went to Sparta, Wis., and spent a number of years,
but eventually returned to their farm in McHenry County. Mr.
Richardson kept on adding to his farm until he owned 320 acres, the
greater part of which he secured at a low price. When he was seventy
years old, his son, Robert H., took charge of the farm, but he con-
tinued to live on it until his death in July, 1888. For a year there-
after, his widow continued to live with Robert H. Richardson, and
then erected a second house and barn on the farm and with a son,
Paul, undertook to conduct a portion of the property, but her plans
were disarranged by the death of Paul, who was thrown from a horse
and killed when only eighteen years of age. Mrs. Richardson then
moved to Woodstock, where she died in July, 1915, aged seventy-three
years. She and her husband had the following children who reached
maturity: Robert H., whose name heads this review; Mary B., who is
Mrs. L. W. Thompson of Chicago; Sylvia, who was Mrs. Frank Thomp-
son, died in 1916 near her old home; Jessie, who is Mrs. Guy Harrison
of Anacortes, Wash.; Paul, who died at the age of eighteen years; and
Nellie, who is Mrs. Arthur Dimon of Isabel, So. Dak.

On January 1, 1892, Robert H. Richardson was married to Tillie A.
Jacks, a daughter of Isaac and Mary Jacks, who lived on the farm
adjoining the Richardson homestead. She died in 1909, leaving the
following children: Seth, who is at home; Alice, who is also at home;
Alfred, who was a member of the Sixth Marine Corps during the Greal
War, had the honor of being one of the heroes of Chateau Thierry, and
lost a foot in the defense of his country; and Sylvia, who is at home.
On October 22, 1912, Mr. Richardson was married (second) to Jessie
Ben well, reared in Lake County, 111. There are no children of this
marriage. Mr. Richardson operated the entire homestead for some

824 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

time, and now owns 139 acres of it. He has erected a large cow barn,
34 x 80 feet, with a full basement and stabling facilities, and a silo, and
keeps a herd of twenty cows. He is a Republican, but has never entered
public life aside from serving on the school board, where he has held
office for ten or a dozen years, and rendered valuable assistance in pro-
tecting the interests of the children and providing them with proper
educational advantages.

CLIFFORD W. RICE.

Clifford W. Rice, formerly superintendent of schools at Gary Station,
now assistant principal at Harvard, has proven his ability as an educator
and his worth as a man. He was born in DeKalb County, 111., June
24, 1898, one of the two children of Frank P. and Hulda (Wickstrom)
Rice, natives of New York state and Illinois, respectively. Frank P.
Rice is extensively engaged in a contracting business, and both he and
his wife are still living.

Clifford W. Rice attended the common and high schools of DeKalb
County, and completed his studies in the DeKalb Normal Schoo', from
which he was graduated in 1918. Immediately thereafter he begin
teaching, and has followed that calling with marked success ever since.
In June, 1918, he became superintendent of the schools of Cary Station,
and had six teachers under his supervision, the average attendance being
about 180 pupils. Professor Rice is a scholarly man, and keeps him-
self abreast, not only of the advances made in his own profession, but
along all lines and possessing, as he does, the faculty of imparting knowl-
edge to others, sends forth his pupils well fitted for any walk in life.
-At Cary Station he inaugurated many changes in the school. He
commands the respect and confidence of all with whom he is associated.

MRS. MARTHA E. ROSE.

Mis. Martha E. Rose, widow of John \V. Rose, and a daughter of
the late Thomas Burnside, one of the pioneers of Seneca Township, is
now an honored resident of Marengo, where she is the center of a de-
lightful circle of friends. Her father, Thomas Burnside was born in

HISTORY OF McIIEXRY COUNTY

\cw York in 1816, and came west from Otsego County, tlial stale, to
McHenry County, in 1839, locating one mile south of Franklinville, in
Seneca Township After securing his land, Mr. Burnside returned to
his old home, was married, and in the spring of 1840 came hack to
McHenry County, bringing with him his wife and his brother, George,
who lived for a time near Woodstock, but died at Poplar Grove, Boone
County, 111. Once more Thomas Burnside went back to his New York
home, but returned to his western farm, and died at Franklinville,
which was named for Frank Stringer, who taught school and resided
with Mr. Burnside. On the last day of school he sent up a silk balloon
and named the locality Franklinville. The wife of Mr. Stringer bore
the maiden name of Charlotte Frettenberg, and lived at Aurora, 111.
for some time prior to his demise. Mrs. Burnside survived her husband,
who passed away October 17, 1872, aged fift3r-six years, and lived until
1878, when she too died, being then sixty-four years old. Both were
charter members of the Methodist society that held prayer meetings in
their home at Franklinville, until in 1855 when a church was built. Mr.
Burnside was a consistent Republican. He and his wife had two chil-
dren, namely: Francis Harley, who served during the Civil War in
Company E, Ninety-fifth Illinois Infantry, contracted disease and was
brought home only to die before he was twenty-one years old; and
Martha Elizabeth, who was born at Colliersville, Otsego County, N. Y.,
November 2, 1851.

Mrs. Rose was reared on the farm in McHenry County, and on
November 8, 1876, when twenty-five years old, she was married to
John W. Rose who was from Pennsylvania. He also served as a soldier
during the Civil War in the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry, and veteranized in the Second Pennsylvania Cavalry,
in which he remained until peace was declared. Returning to his home
in Tioga County, Pa., he cared for his father until 1874. After his
marriage, took charge of the Burnside farm and conducted it until he
retired to Franklinvillle, where he died on May 30, 1903, Decoration
Day. He had long been a member of the G. A. R. Post at Woodstock,
and his old comrades used to visit him during his last days. The Metho-
dist Episcopal church at Franklinville held his membership. After his
death Mrs. Rose went to Woodstock and spent three years there, but
then moved to Marengo, which is now her home. She is very active in
the Methodist church, the Woman's Relief Corps, and was its president.
During the building of tin' soldiers' monument in the park, she was
president of the Woodstock Corps, and it was through their efforts that

826 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

the sum necessary to complete the fund for building, was raised. Mrs.
Rose is also much interested in the Seneca Ladies' Literary Society,
and has studied its early history with the result that she furnished the
following very valuable and interesting article at one of the meetings:

"It may not be known by a majority of the present membership of
the S. L. L. S. that the organization was christened at the beginning
'The Franklinville Ladies' Literary Society.' This was the name before
the Civil War, while working in a humble way in conjunction with the
National Mt. Vernon association, to preserve the tomb of George Wash-
ington to the American nation. This was not the primary object of this
society but was soon taken up by it. That we may understand what
the work of the Mt. Vernon association was I will quote from a paper
given into my care by one of the early members, our loved and honored
Mrs. Parsons. 'In the year 1855 John Augustine Washington being
without means to maintain the estate (the estate of George Washington)
offered it for sale. A patriotic daughter of South Carolina, Ann Pamela
Cunningham, resolved to save the Washington home to the country as a
national possession, and devoted herself to the tremendous task of rais-
ing the sum required, $200,000. In the year 1858 "the Mount Vernon
Ladies' association of the Union" was organized with Miss Cunningham
as regent, with vice regents representing different states, contributions
were solicited and popular support given. Edward Everett and Wash-
ington Irving gave the proceeds of certain writings and lectures, and
thousands upon thousands of school children gave five cents each.' We
are proud to know that our society in its earliest years helped in this
patriotic work of such great magnitude.

We can only know of the work of the society in its earliest years
through tradition as the records were lost, but it has been established
beyond a doubt that it was organized in April, 1855, at the home of
Garret W. Dietz, J. P. of the township, also that Mrs. Daniel Wayne
was the first president.

Among the little incidents gleaned through a number of years' re-
search of its early history we have the following related by a daughter
of one of the earliest members:

During the presidential campaign, when James Buchanan was the
Democratic nominee for that high office, a Buchanan rally flag was
made and exhibited at a meeting of the society. This caused such a
commotion that the society very wisely resolved that in the future no
part would be taken in politics by the ladies until after election when as
good citizens all should participate. This incident was impressed upon
the mind of the one relating it because her elder sisters made the flag.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 827

The non-partisan resolution has been well regarded in the past.
What 'future development' may bring to our society now that women
are numbered among those supposed to be competent to cast a ballot
only time can reveal.

In those early days every lady present at a meeting was counted a
member and so recorded, in fact, about all of the secretary's business
was a record running like this: Nov. 28th, society met at Mrs. Benson's
members present, Mrs. King, Bigelow, Moiser, Anderson, Heaton, Par-
sons, Hammond, Randolph, Jones, and then signed secretary. This is
an exact copy of a society record of an early day.

During the days of the Civil War the Literary society turned its
attention where all loyal eyes were centered, 'to the front,' and worked
devoting all their time to preparing necessary help to send to our soldier
boys. At the close of the war they resumed their regular routine, assist-
ing the entertaining hostess with her sewing while a member appointed
as reader for the day, read from some book, occasionally they enjoyed
an essay written by a member and sometimes by a husband. The
world did not seem so rushed with work but what the men turned out
to the meetings of the Ladies' Literary society.

At the annual meeting, 1872, occurred the incident or culmination
of incidents, now known as the only quarrel the ladies have indulged in,
the contention being for restriction of membership, that the society
might shine as the social elite. This would be ignoring the aim the
constitution set forth, and when brought to the test was promptly voted
down, resulting in the withdrawal of five prominent members, who
immediately started a society of their own, but without the sanction of
the society or share in the books they had demanded. They named
their society the South Seneca Ladies' Literary society, and for a time
kept their library books at Union. Just when the society divorced
Franklinville and annexed Seneca to its cognomen I am unable to state.
But we are the same old society founded by our pioneer fore-mothers of
whom we are rightfully proud. Without the Seneca Ladies' Literary
society the history of Seneca township can never be correctly written.
It is hard to estimate the uplift socially and intellectually given to
women and through them the benefit received by the families and the
community in general. We have only to study its history to realize in
a measure what it has been to women. The society was advanced
slowly but surely in its management, always conservative, cautious, and
jealous of any change from old time tradition.

Some of our present members will recollect the criticism given when

HISTORY OF Mc HENRY COUNTY

the president of the year 1896 at its close, in response to a prevailing
motion appointed a committee to revise the constitution and by-laws.
Some of the older members felt almost as though the Heavens were
about to fall; but those same dear old-time members later took pains
to congratulate the committee and the society on a constitution and
by-laws that can be read with confidence before any visitor without
fear of criticism. Our manner of bookkeeping has greatly improved
with years. All officer's duties are better defined and discharged.
While we have not reached perfection, we are at least conscious of defi-
ciencies and are reaching after better things.

You ask about future developments of the Seneca Ladies' Literary
society? Please do not expect me to foretell what they may be. It is
generally conceded hard to tell what women will do. Just at present
the younger organized women's clubs of the county are coquetting with
the 'old girl' trying to persuade her that along their pathway lies the
attainment of greater good to women, admitting that to walk the way
would mean death to the old Seneca Literary, but maintaining that out
of the chrysalis would emerge a more perfect body. Will the old dame
listening yield'? Or will she, conscious of her own shortcomings, con-
serve her strength for improvement along her own chosen lines, going
forward judiciously as time changes, seeking to get all the good she can
do all the good she can, and keep sweet! Wait and sec"

All her life Mrs. Rose has revered her father, and it has been her
aim to so order her life that she might live up to his ideals and follow
the example set by his upright, godly life, and the many who have bene-
fited by her generosity, Christian charity and kindness of heart, claim
that she is a worthy daughter of an honored father and mother.

Mr. and Mrs. Rose had no children of their own, but they took a
little lad of six years, Eugene Pettett, into their hearts and home, and
brought him up to useful manhood. He is now a resident of Hebron,
McHenry County.

GEORGE F. RUSHTON.

George F. Rushton, vice-president of the American National Bank of
Woodstock, is extensively interested in the real estate development of
this section, and is a member of the firm of Rushton, Tappan and
Rushton, heavy realty operators, with headquarters at Woodstock.
Mr. Rushton was born in Wisconsin, September 27, 1853, a son of

2

CO

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 829

Charles and Susan (Mabbot) Rushton, who had five children. Charles
Rushton was born in England, and came to the United States in an early
day, locating in Wisconsin, where for a number of years he was engaged

in farming.

George F. Rushton was reared in his native state, and attended its
public schools. Until 1872 he was engaged in farming in Wisconsin,
but in that year he came to McHenry County, with his parents, who
settled in the town of Alden, and engaged in farming. While on the
farm Mr. Rushton entered the railway mail service, and remained in it
for seven years, when he resigned on account of poor health, and again
gave his time to farming. A Republican, in 1890 he was elected super-
visor of his township, serving four years. In 1894 he was elected county
clerk of McHenry County, and served for sixteen years in that capacity,
retiring to engage in the real estate business. He was one of the original
stockholders at the organization of the American National Bank of
Woodstock, and served as one of the directors from the beginning, later
being chosen vice-president, a position he still holds.

In 1905 Mr. Rushton married Joan M. Berger, a daughter of Peter
Berger, and she died June 30, 1913. A dignified, capable and widely-
known man, Mr. Rushton exemplifies the best interests of his community,
and is held in the highest regard by all who know him.

JOHN WINTHROP SANBORN.

John Winthrop Sanborn, now deceased, was one of the retired farmers
of Burton Township. Not long before his death he disposed of his fine
farm in this township, which was located one and one-half miles north-
east of Spring Grove. He was born on this farm December 28, 1842, a
son of John and Mehitabel (Sanborn) Sanborn, and grandson of Winthrop
Sanborn, both natives of Salisburg, N. H. Originally there were three
brothers in the Sanborn family who came to the American Colonies from
England, and from them have come three distinct branches. In
England the family is traced back for seven hundred years and a gene-
alogy of it was published, giving these branches and all the descendants.
The name was originally spelled Sanborne, but the final letter has since
been eliminated.

John Sanborn was married at Salisburg, his wife being a cousin.
They came west in 1830, to Michigan, and in 1837 to Illinois, securing

830 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

the tract of land recently sold by John W. Sanborn, from the govern-
ment. Winthrop Sanborn came with his son to the west, his wife having
died in New Hampshire, and he died in McHenry County in the spring
of 1842, being then eighty-two years old. At the time of his demise,
his grandson, J. W. Sanborn, was six weeks old. The old militia coat he
wore in the service is still a cherished possession of Mr. Sanborn. John
Sanborn served during the War of 1812 at Portsmouth, N. H., as
gunner of the fort, and his shots fore, aft and direct, caused the flag of
surrender to be raised on a British vessel loaded with clothing that had
been driven by storm into that port. In 1836, while still in Michigan,
John Sanborn was called into service to quell old Black Hawk, who came
as far as Fort Dearborn, Chicago. After coming to McHenry County
he had to contend with the claims of English settlers, and assisted other
Americans on English Prairie to maintain and retain their rights, includ-
ing the Stevens family. He was one of the organizers of the township,
served it as supervisor, and was a staunch Democrat. At first he used
to go to Michigan City, Mich., one hundred miles away, with a cart
hauled by four yoke of oxen, in which he could carry one hundred bushels
of wheat to be ground at the mill there, bringing back flour for the
neighborhood. This trip made in this way took a month. Later he
was one of the founders of the Blivins mill at Spring Grove, and he
displayed his public spirit in many other ways.

John Sanborn had a family as follows: Levina, who married S. P.
Orvis, died on the old farm in 1918, but Mr. Orvis survives and a sketch
of him appears elsewhere in this work; John W., whose name heads this
review; Clorinda, who died at the age of twelve years; B. F., lives at
Nice, Ore., having left McHenry County thirty-six years ago; Minerva,
who died at the age of twelve years.

When his father died in 1866 John W. Sanborn took charge of the
old homestead of 269 acres which he recently sold. Here, until his
retirement, he carried on general farming and dairying, breeding Holstein
cattle. While a Democrat, he worked with the Prohibitionists, and
fought the saloon element. Unlike some reformers, he was spared to
see some results from his work in this direction, and no one was more
pleased with the new amendment than he. For forty years he held
office, having been township collector, road commissioner and school
director. Pie was a charter member of the Richmond Post, but later
became a member of the Kenosha Post, and kept in touch with the
members of his old regiment.

On May 22, 1869, Mr. Sanborn was married to Olive Walker, who

HISTORY OF MeHENRY COUNTY 831

died December 20, 1902. On August 25, 1905, he was married (second)
to Mrs. Kate (Patterson) Shotliff, widow of William Shotliff, of Burton
Township, and a daughter of Robert and Nancy (Shaw) Patterson,
who lived at Harvard, and later at Woodstock. Mrs. Sanborn was born
in County Tyrone, Ireland, and was but a child when brought to the
United States. Mr. Shotliff was a blacksmith of Spring Grove for
twenty-six years, and died December 18, 1900. By his first marriage
John W. Sanborn had the following children: Clyde Walker, who died
in 1913, aged forty-four years, having lived in Richmond Township;
Harry Winthrop, who is a. carpenter of Lake Geneva, Wis.; Flora Mabel,
who married C. C. Orvis, attorney at Oskaloosa, Iowa; Guy Chelsea,
who is a farmer of Oklahoma; Lillian, who is now a Chicago school
teacher, was formerly a teacher of Mcllenry County; and Wade Hamp-
ton, who is a farmer of Burton Township. By his second marriage Mr.
Sanborn has one son, John B., who is attending school. Mrs. Sanborn
had five children b3r her first marriage, namely: Walter E., who lives at
Spring Grove; Alice M., who married Joseph Wagner, a confectioner of
Spring Grove; Fred V., who is on the Sanborn farm; William H., who
lives at Spring Grove; and Mabel Helen, who is Mrs. Leonard Franzen
of Spring Grove. On January 16, 1920, Mr. Sanborn died, and in his
passing Burton Township suffered a distinct loss. His memory is
cherished by a wide circle to whom he had endeared himself by his many
admirable traits of character.

FREDERICK W. SANFORD.

Frederick W. Sanford, manager of the Richmond yards of the Barker
Lumber Company, is an experienced man in his line, and a prominent
resident of McHenry County. He was born in New York state, March
22, 1859, one of six children born to William H. and Mary E. (Jackson)
Sanford. William H. Sanford was born in Connecticut, and was a
hatter and merchant tailor. Both he and his wife are now deceased.

Frederick W. Sanford was brought to McHenry County by his
parents and attended its common and high schools. After a stay at
Woodstock, the family came to Richmond. Frederick W. Sanford
learned the trade of a painter and paperhanger, and worked at both
until 1898, when he became identified with the Barker Lumber Company,
one of the largest concerns of McHenry County, with headquarters in

>::•_' HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

Wisconsin. He was first superintendent of the Richmond yards, and
was then promoted to be manager and has held this position for sixteen
.years.

In February, 1896, Mr. Sanford was married to Miss Emma C.
Stewart, a daughter of Charles Stewart, of McHenry County. Mr. and
Mrs. Sanford became the parents of the following children: Cyrus H.,
who is a veteran of the World War, in which he served as an enlisted
man; Helen M., who is a popular teacher of Evanston, 111.; Leslie B.,
who also enlisted for service in the World's War, was wounded in France;
Jessie C, who is holding an office position in Chicago; and Eugene C.
and Dorothy M., both of whom are at home. Mr. Sanford is a Repub-
lican, and is now a trustee of the village board. He served as chief of
police of Woodstock and deputy sheriff of McHenry County. His
fraternal connections are with Richmond Lodge No. 143, A. F. & A. M.
A man of wide experience and natural ability, he has risen steadily and
deserves the prosperity which has attended his efforts.

ANTON SCHAEFER.

Anton Schaefer, one of the most representative men of Spring Grove
occupies his talents in a diversity of interests, carrying on a high-class
undertaking and furniture business, a bank and a farm. He was born
in Rhein Bezirh Coblenz, Kreis Maiern, Germany, August 3, 1871.
When he was three years old he was brought to the United States by
his parents, Mathias and Kathern Schaefer, who located in McHenry
County where relatives had already settled. Mathias Schaefer secured
a farm from the United States government and went to work to develop
it. He was one of the most thorough of farmers, who made experiments
in order to find out what kind of crops were best fitted for his land.
Among others he tried raising alfalfa and the results were such that he
continued to produce it for many years, being the first to grow it in this
region. He remained on his farm until his death in 1900, when he was
about seventy-five years old, his widow surviving him, and living on the
farm near Johnsburg. They wen; devout members of St. John's Catholic
church of Johnstown.

Anton Schaefer remained fit home until he was seventeen years
old, at which time he learned to be a carpenter and house mover,
working at Johnstown for ten years. In 1901 he came to Spring Grove

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY s.'i:;

where he stalled in the furniture and undertaking business, which he

still conducts. Ho, John II. Gerbracht and J. H. Meredith founded
the Spring drove Bank in 1905, as a private financial institution, of
which he became sole owner, Mr. Meredith having moved to Pennsyl-
vania, and Mr. Gerbracht to Dakota. There are about $50,000 in
deposits. The business is strictly a banking one, and is a great accom-
modation to tlie community. It is now a state bank, having been re-
organized. Mr. Schaefer has a forty-eight acre farm near Spring Grove,
and rents other lands, his farming being principally done by others.
He carries on dairying and has a flock of Cotswold sheep. Mr. Schaefer
was the first president of Spring Grove and is still on the village board.

In 1894, when he was twenty-three years old, Mr. Schaefer was
married to Kate Frcund, a daughter of John F. Freund of Johnstown,
and they became the parents of the following children: Mary, who is
assistant cashier of the bank, Nicholas, Christina, Anna, William,
Mathew, and Paulina and Alvina, twins, Anton and George, all of whom
are at home. The family all belongs to St. Peter's Catholic church of
Spring Grove. Through persistent effort Mr. Schaefer has steadily
risen, giving to each line of endeavor due attention, and is justly re-
garded as one of the men of substance in the county, and one in whom
implicit confidence may be placed.

HENRY J. SCHMID, M. D.

i

Henry J. Schmid, M. D., one of the eminent physicians and surgeons
of McHenry County, is engaged in an active practice at Harvard,
where he has won the confidence of his community. He was born at
Racine, Wis., December 25, 1875, one of the nine children of Simon and
Mary (Smith) Schmid. Simon Schmid was born in Switzerland, but
came to the United States in 1865, and, locating at Racine, Wis., he
became interested in a manufacturing line, and continued a resident of
(his county until his death, which occurred in 1904.

Doctor Schmid attended the common and high schools of his native
city and then entered Leola University, from which he was graduated
in 1900, following which he took a medical course at Bennett Medical
and Surgical Institute, from which he was graduated in 1909, following
which he commenced practicing his profession. In 1910 he came to
Harvard, where he has since remained. Doctor Schmid belongs to the

834 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

McHenry County Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society
and the American Medical Association.

On April 18, 1901, Doctor Schmid was married to Miss Mayme
Summers, a daughter of John Summers of Richfield, Wis. They have
had the following children: Winnifred J., Grace M., Ruth M. and Henry
N., who died January 11, 1919. Doctor and Mrs. Schmid are members
of the Catholic church. Politically he is a Republican. A scholarly
man, he keeps thoroughly abreast of the times in his profession, and his
skill, augmented by his learning, makes him one of the most able prac-
titioners of the county.

ANTON M. SCHMITT.

Anton M. Schmitt, one of the prosperous farmers of McHenry
Township, is located on the old homestead of his father, three miles
northeast of McHenry and bordering on the Fox River. He was born
on this farm, October 30, 1882, the youngest son of Stephen and Maria
(Clapprich) Schmitt. Stephen Schmitt was ten years old when his
father, Martin Schmitt brought him to McHenry County, and he be-
came one of its leading men and heavy landowners. A complete sketch
of this excellent man and good citizen is to be found elsewhere in this
work.

Anton M. Schmitt was reared on the homestead and attended the
schools of the district. His life work has been farming and he under-
stands it in all its branches. For some years he has made dairying his
chief work, and milks about thirty cows. His place is in prime condi-
tion, having been thoroughly improved. In 1920 he erected his present
house. On May 5, 1920 Mr. Schmitt was married to Kathrine Lay
Freund.

Anton M. Schmitt belongs to St. John's Catholic church at Johns-
burg, of which his father was a leading member. He has never taken
any part in politics. Although his fine farm is located on the Fox-
River and only three-quarters of a mile from Pistakee Bay, noted for
its excellent fishing, Mr. Schmitt does not care for the sport, preferring
to devote himself to increasing its already high state of fertility, and
bringing about a still higher rate of efficiency in the conduct of the affairs
of his property. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and
Catholic Order of Forresters.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 835

JOHN M. SCHMITT.

John M. Schmitt, one of the substantial men of McHenry County,
and one who has taken active part in its agricultural operations, lives
one mile north of Johnsburg, and three and one-half miles north of
McHenry. He was born May 11, 1872, on the old Schmitt homestead,
now occupied by his brother Anton, which is located three miles northeast
of McHenry, and bordering on the Fox River, a son of Stephen and
Maria (Klapprich) Schmitt. Stephen Schmitt was born in Bavaria,
Germany, May 25, 1832, and came to the United States in 1842, with
his parents, who settled on the south side of the Fox River, at the point
now crossed by the bridge, and there Martin Schmitt lived until his
death, when he was over ninety years of age. His wife, Gertie, died
when she was about sixty years old. In addition to his son Stephen,
Martin Schmitt had the following children: Anna, who married Jacob
Freund, lived in McHenry County; Mary, who married John F. Schmitt
and also lived in McHenry County; Mary Ann, who married Anton
Meyer; and Frederick. All are now deceased.

At the time of his marriage Stephen Schmitt located on the farm
now owned by Anton Schmitt, and at that time the land was all covered
with heavy timber. He cleared off the land, made it into a fine farm,
and built the present house in 1872, and the barns at different periods.
His death occurred on his farm September 17, 1917. He lost his wife
July 2, 1914. Although he lived on the farm until his death, he had
been retired for seven years prior to that event. He added to his
original farm until he had 150 acres, and he owned another farm of 134
acres near Ringwood, and 169 acres now the property of his son, John M.,
which was two miles from his homestead. His land cost him different
prices, the highest being $65, but he bought his original tract for $27
per acre. During the time he was engaged in farming, he produced
sheep as his leading feature. A Democrat, he upheld the principles of
that party with his vote, but did not desire office. A charter member
of St. John's Catholic Church, he assisted in building four church
edifices, and was one of the most active workers in the parish.

Stephen Schmitt was married to Catherine Kaut, who died two years
later, leaving one daughter, Elizabeth, who married Matt Miller, a
farmer in the vicinity of Johnsburg. Mr. Schmitt was married (second)
to Maria Klapprich, and their children were as follows: Susie, who is
unmarried; Maggie, who is Mrs. John J. Schmitt, lives on the farm
adjoining her father's homestead; John M., whose name heads this

836 HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNTY

review; Mary M., who married .Jacob M. Diedrich, died when she was
twenty-four years old; Ann, who is Mrs. J. P. Schaefer, of Johnsburg;
and Anton, who is on the old homestead, married Mrs. Kathrine Freund.

John M. Schmitt remained at home until he was twenty-four years
old, at which time he was married to Elizabeth Thelen, of Johnsburg.
Following his marriage, John M. Schmitt bought his present farm, since
which time he has erected a silo, the house, barns and other buildings
having been put up by his father, who had been the former owner. Mr.
Schmitt carries on dairying, and keeps about thirty cows, nearly all of
which are registered Holsteins. For the past eighteen years he has
operated a threshing machine, and is acknowledged to be one of the best
threshers in the county. In addition to this work, he fills silos, hulls
clover and shreds corn, doing this work for the same customers year
after year.

Mr. and Mrs. Schmitt became the parents of the following children:
Susie, Anton, Joseph, George, Albert, Louis, Henry, Emil, Mary, Eva,
Alma and Steve. All of the Schmitt family, in its several branches, are
held in high esteem and respect, and they are generally to be found
tilling the soil and helping to maintain the country's prestige as the
greatest dairy section in the state, for this is a line of business they like
and understand. The farms under the Schmitt management are well
developed and finely improved, and a credit to the township and county
in which they are located.

STEPHEN F. SCHMITT.

Stephen F. Schmitt, one of the honored residents of McHenry
County, is now living in retirement from the activities of life at Johns-
burg. He was born on the Fox River, one and one-half miles from
Johnsburg, February 28, 1856, a son of John and Mary Schmitt. who
were born at Munich, Bavaria, Germany, and brought to the United
States in childhood. They were married at Johnsburg. John Schmitt
was a son of Frederick Schmitt, and his wife was a daughter of Martin
Schmitt, both of Munich, who came to the United States at the same
time.

Stephen F. Schmitt was reared on his father's farm near Johnsburg,
where he remained until he was married at the age of twenty-one years,
to Catherine Freund, a daughter of Nicholas Freund. Mrs. Schmitt

Q*Jb~® (h^&±^.

HISTORY OF MeHENRY COUNTY 837

was bom near Johnsburg, and was eighteen years old at the time of her
marriage. The young couple rented the farm owned by his grand-
father, Martin Schmitt, but after five years they moved to the farm
owned by Nicholas Freund, two miles north of Johnsburg, where they
spent three or four years. They then bought a farm one and one-half
miles north of Ringwood, consisting of eighty acres of improved land,
(in which there was a new barn. After some years on it, Mr. Schmitt
rented that farm, and moved on his father's farm, which he operated
for twenty years, and finally bought it for $67 per acre. The farm con-
tained 198 acres, and he still owns it, his son, Matt conducting it at
present. Mr. Schmitt owns valuable property at Spring Grove and
his pleasant home at Johnsburg, where he has resided for two years.

Mr. and Mrs. Schmitt became the parents of the following children:
Matt, who is on the homestead; John, who is in the employ of the United
States government as inspector of fishing at Spring Grove; Joseph, who
is on the farm with Matt; Mary, who is the next in order of birth; Anna,
,vho is Mis. Matt Lay, lives at Spring Grove; Emma, who is Mrs. John
Lay, of Spring Grove; Christina, who is Mrs. Peter Miller of Spring
Grove; and Agnes, who is at home. Mr. Schmitt has done considerable
road work, and has long been a friend to the "Good Roads" movement.
He and his family belong to St. John's Catholic church of Johnsburg.

FRED H. SCHROEDER.

Fred H. Schroedcr, proprietor of the Crystal Lake Garage, agent for
the Dodge and Oakland motor cars and a director of the United State
Bank of Crystal Lake, is one of the foremost business men of his part
of the county. He was born at Crystal Lake, July 31, 1874, a son of
Chailcs YV. and Fredcricka (Oerkfitz) Schroeder. Charles W. Schroeder
was born in Germany, but came to the United States in 1870, landing
in New York City, from whence he came to Crystal Lake. He took
out citizen papers and was loyal to his adopted country until his death,
which occurred January 9, 1918. Until 1904, he was extensively en-
gaged in farming, but in that year retired. His wife died in 1903.

Fred H. Schroeder attended the common and high schools of
McHenry Count}', and then, until 1913, was engaged in farming, having
learned the practical details of his calling from his father. In 1913 he
bought his present business from William J. Mayers for $3,500. Mr.

838 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

Schroeder immediately added to the stock on hand, and now carries a
full and complete line of auto tires and accessories, as well as of the
International Harvester Company farm machines, and he has the
agencies for the Dodge, Oakland cars. His business is a very large one,
and is steadily increasing. When the United State Bank of Crystal
Lake was organized, Mr. Schroeder was placed on the directorate and
has continued a member of that board ever since.

In 1893 Mr. Schroeder was married to Miss Matilda Wokersin, a
daughter of William Wokersin, and a member of one of the well-known
families of Crystal Lake. Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder have two children:
Alfred W. and Walter W. Alfred W. is working for his father. He
was married to Anna Schroeder. The family belong to the Lutheran
Church of Crystal Lake. In politics, Mr. Schroeder is a Republican.

OTTO H. SCHULDT.

Otto H. Schuldt, manager of the Bowman Dairy plant of Carey, is
one of the men who is eminently fitted for his work. He was born at
Crystal Lake, 111., May 2, 1892, and has spent his life in McHenry
County, where his father is very well and favorably known. He is one
of eight children born to his parents, William and Sophia (Peters)
Schuldt, natives of Germany, who came to the United States in 1890,
and located at Crystal Lake, where they still reside, being farming
people.

Otto H. Schuldt attended the public schools of Crystal Lake, and
then learned the carpenter trade, following it until 1913, when he went
with the Oatman Milk Company, leaving that concern in November,
1918, to assume the duties of his present position. His plant has a
capacity of 18,000 pounds of milk per day, and employment is given to
five people.

In 1913 Mr. Schuldt was united in marriage with Miss Clara Fanter,
a daughter of William Fanter, one of the prominent men of Crystal
Lake. Mr. and Mrs. Schuldt have two children, namely: Gladys and
Mildred. Politically, Mr. Schuldt is a Republican. An aggressive
worker, Mr. Schuldt not only is able to accomplish much himself, but
can get the best results from his associates, and during the time he has
been in charge of his present plant has demonstrated his fitness for his
position, and inspired confidence in his community.

HISTORY OF McHENEY COUNTY 839

ROBERT H. SCHUETT.

]\ol)ert H. Schuett, senior member of the well-known and reliable
grocery and hardware firm of Schuett & Ferris of Woodstock, is one of the
substantial men of McHenry County. He was born February 7, 1890,
in McHenry County, one of the eight children of John C. and Matilda
(Eherke) Schuett. John C. Schuett was born in Germany, but came
to the United States in 1870, and the following year, to McHenry County,
where he has since resided, becoming one of the prosperous farmers of
Dorr Township.

Robert II. Schuett attended the common and high schools of Mc-
Henry County, and grew up amid rural surroundings learning farm
work under his father. Later he entered the employ of A. K. Bunker,
and after remaining with him for five years, in April, 1918, he and his
present associate formed their partnership under the style of Schuett
& Ferris. The young men have a wide acquaintance throughout the
county, and their business shows a steady and healthy expansion.

On June 6, 1917, Mr. Schuett was married to Miss Mabel Grover.
Mr. Schuett belongs to the Odd Fellows. A young man of steady
habits and great industry, he has risen through his own efforts and de-
serves his present prosperity.

JAMES SCOTT.

James Scott, one of the men who has attained to considerable prestige
as a successful farmer of Seneca Township, was born at Woodstock, .
April 28, 1857, a son of William and Jeanette (Lindsay) Scott, both
born near Glasgow at Strathwell, Scotland. When he was twenty
years old he came to the United, States, and she was brought here when
about five years old by her parents, Thomas and Mary Lindsay, who
settled two miles south of Woodstock, in Dorr Township, where they
spent their lives, he being killed by a blast of powder.

James Scott grew up on the farm owned by his father, and lived
there until his marriage on February 15, 1882, when he was twenty-five
years old, to Emma Andrews, a daughter of Dwight and Emma M.
(Sears) Andrews, who came to Seneca Township many years ago, locat-
ing on a farm there about 1854. During the Civil War Mr. Andrews
enlisted for service in Company E, Ninety-fifth Illinois Volunteer In-

840 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

fantry at Franklinville, and served until the close of the war, during
which period he was for one year one of the Bharp-shooters. He died
two years after his discharge as a result of injuries received in the service,
and is buried in the pioneer cemetery of the township. His widow
survived him until about 1903, living in Seneca. The Andrews family
numbered the following children: Chester L., who lives at Elgin, 111.;
Ella, who is Mrs. William Wheeler of Los Angeles, Cal.; and Mrs.
Scott, who was born in Seneca Township, May 19, 1859, where she was
reared.

In 1S93 Mr. and Mrs. Scott moved on their present farm of 163
acres, once known as the Albee farm, from which the pioneer cemetery
and site for the school were taken some years ago. Mr. Scott has made
all of the present improvements, and has a comfortable residence and
suitable barn and outbuildings. He is carrying on dairy farming, and
milks about twenty-five cows of the Holstein strain. He is a strong
Republican and has served as road commissioner for six years. Mr.
and Mrs. Scott became the parents of the following children: William
R., who lives at Fond du Lac, Wis., is foreman of a factory; Harold C,
who is at home; and James Earl, who is now at home, was in the service
dining the World War, from June 3, 1918, until his honorable discharge,
March 21, 1919, during that period being in the Great Lakes Training
School. The Scott family attend the Presbyterian church at Wood-
stock. Mr. Scott and his wife are connected with some of the old and
best-known families of McHenry County, and having been born in the
county, and spent their lives here, their interests are naturally centered
in it and they take an intelligent pride in its development.

GEORGE W. SEAMAN.

George W. Seaman, one of the most interesting men of McHenry
( ounty, who has been spared to live to an age far exceeding the ordinary
span of life, is living retired on a farm two miles northeast of Hebron, in
Hebron Township. He is remarkable, and although ninety-five years
old, is better preserved than most men fifteen years younger. Iiis
mind is keen, his recollection is clear, eyesight fairly good, and his
hearing perfect. Upright as a pine, he gives no indication of approaching
the century milestone. On his ninety-fifth birthday a party was given
him, a half a dozen of his old friends being invited to the house, and as

HISTORY OF McIIENRY COt'NTY 841

though pre-arranged, an airplane passed over as though in honor of the
event. His span of life covers the greatest period in the world's history,
and his mentality has been .such that he has been able to appreciate the
wonderful development of this age. He was born in Madison County,
N. Y.

His early efforts at fanning were with the primitive implements that
showed but little improvement over those of the stone age. He used
the first machine that took the place of the flail in threshing grain, and
consisted of a cylinder made of a log, with spikes driven into it for teeth
in a frame that also carried a converse similarly made. The power was
a one-horse tread mill. The grain, straw and chaff all fell in a head,
from which the straw was raked off by hand and the final separation of
the grain from the chaff was made with a hand windmill. Mr. Seaman
operated this machine in this region during 1845. The owner was
Vunar Potter, a brother-in-law of Jackson Case, of Racine, Wis., brother
of J. J. Case, renowned maker of threshing machines. Jackson Case
had brought eight of these tread power machines from Oswego, N. Y.,
in 1S44. In 1846 Mr. Seaman operated the first separator ever brought
to Illinois, and it was also a tread power contrivance. The first experi-
ment with it was made at Solon Mills, with 150 bushels of wheat as the
result of the first operation. Later, in company with his brother
Leonard and brother-in-law A. C. Cleary, Mr* Seaman operated a short
sweep power machine for six years, and during that period it came into
universal use, onljr to be superseded by the steam power machine.
About this time a company at Geneva, 111., commenced manufacturing
various kinds of machinery and he became a salesman for it in northern
Illinois, continuing with the concern for sixteen years, and later selling
grain binders in Nebraska.

In 1S44 his father, Leonard Seaman, came to McHenry and entered
land to the extent of forty acres, one mile east of Hebron, and the next
year brought his family to this new home, including George, Leonard B.,
and Thomas J. A daughter, Betsy, and her husband, A. C. Cleary,
also accompanied the party. Later removal was made to Vernon
County, Wis., the original farm being sold. Still later, Leonard Seaman
and his sons bought 240 acres of land further north and on it he made
his permanent home. This farm was fenced with rails made in the
Geneva woods, eight miles distant. On this farm Leonard Seaman
died in 1855, but his widow survived him until she was over seventy.
Leonard B. Seaman continued to live on his father's farm and died there.

842 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

Thomas J. Seaman sold his share to his brothers and went to Vernon
County, Wis., and is now deceased.

The coming of the Seaman family to McHenry County resulted in
the settling here of several other families from Oswego, N. Y. George
Brown, a cousin of George Seaman, came here in 1844, but soon returned
to New York. His four brothers, Edmond, Jacob, Isaac and Thomas,
and a sister, Lucretia, who later married F. A. Stewart, also came here.
Mrs. Stewart survives and lives in Howard County, Nebr., where Jacob
Brown died. Thomas died in Colorado, and Isaac died near Seattle,
Wash. Edmond died soon after coming to Hebron. John A. Rotnaur,
another neighbor of New York, who followed the Seamans to McHenry
County, bought the original farm of forty acres from Leonard Seaman,
and he died in Richmond Township. Alphonso Tyler and his wife
settled in the neighborhood of the Seamans and died here. F. A.
Stewart and Lorenzo Stewart came to Lake County, 111., about 1855,
and died there. A son of Lorenzo Stewart, R. P. Stewart, left McHenry
County in 1880 and now lives in Hull County, Nebr. During the Civil
War he served in the Sixty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and as a
result of that service later lost his right arm. He is now over eighty
years old and makes frequent visits to Hebron.

George W. Seaman has lived on his present farm since 1863, as he
lost his former farm through mortgaging it to invest in a "Blue Sky"
project with relation to a proposed railroad, out of which he only
managed to save $1,000, which he immediately put on his present farm
of 160 acres as a first payment. Since he took possession of it the farm
has been handsomely improved and is well adapted for dairy purposes.
There are two silos and all the necessary conveniences. Mr. Seaman
is by several years the oldest resident of Hebron Township, and is the
only one now living who was here when the township was organized in
1847. When his brother Thomas J. Seaman was elected tax collector,
he refused to serve, and George W. Seaman took his place and made the
first actual tax collection for the township, amounting to about $500,
and he was reelected for a second term. In those days the collector was
required to call personally on every taxpaper, a job few men cared for.
Mr. Seaman served for many years as road commissioner, and there are
few roads in this township that he has not assisted in improving. The
township was named by Mrs. Belia H. Tryon, who selected it on account
of its biblical associations. The John Sawyer district west of Hebron
village, and the Alvin H. Parker district, were both organized about the

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 843

same time as the township, and Mr. Seaman recalls that Miss Archibald
and Elizabeth Ellsworth were among the earliest teachers.

George W. Seaman was married September 30, 1849, to Jane Currier,
a daughter of Abner Currier, who came to McIIenry County from
Pennsylvania in 1847, and became a neighbor of the Seamans. Later
the Curriers moved to Vernon County, Wis.; Mrs. Seaman died Septem-
ber 20, 1914, within ten days of the sixty-fifth anniversary of her wedding,
an event the children were preparing to celebrate as they had the one of
the golden anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Seaman had five children,
namely: Helen, who died young; Susie, who was the widow of Neverson
Gookin, died at the age of seventy-three; Charles H., who is agent for
the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad at Salem, Wis.; George Fr., who
with his brother, William G., operates the homestead, although they live
in separate houses. George E. married Jennie Reynolds, and their
children are as follows: Jay, Cora, Clifford, Clarence and Dene. William
G. married Mabel Critchett and they have two sons, Kenneth and Lyle.
Myra Stamper, five years old, is also a member of the family, and no one
is fonder of the children than Mr. Seaman, who in their companionship
forgets the loss of his former acquaintances now deceased. He keeps in
touch with the world's events, and is especially interested in the progress
made in mechanics. During the St. Louis Exposition he spent some
time there, and enjoyed the exhibits in Machinery Hall more than any
of the others.

CALVIN SEARLE.
Page 136.

GUSTAVE F. SEEFELDT.

Gustave F. Seefeldt, member of the well known dry goods establish-
ment of Mutchow Bros. & Co., of Harvard, and president of the Com-
munity Club, is one of the representative business men of McHenry
County. He was born in Alsace-Lorraine, February 22, 1879, one of
the eleven children of Charles C. and Elvina (Vouwangerin) Seefeldt.
Charles C. Seefeldt was born in France, but came to the United States
and located at Milwaukee, Wis., with his family. He died in 1885, his
widow surviving him until 1900.

M! HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

Gustave F. Seefelt attended the parochial schools of Milwaukee,
Wis., and was reared on his brother's farm on the outskirts of that city.
For a time Gustave F. Seefeldt was engaged in farming, but then became
associated with the Milwaukee Electric plant, and remained with it
until 1903, when he went to Chicago, 111., and was there connected with
the mercantile trade. In October, 1910, Mr. Seefeldt came to Harvard
and was associated with the sales force of Mutchow Bros, until 1916,
when he was admitted to partnership. This concern is the leading dry-
goods house at Harvard, and a full and varied line of timely goods is
carried to the amount of $20,000. Employment is given to seven
salespersons, and the service is excellent.

In 1904 Mr. Seefeldt was married to Miss Freda Demien, a daughter
of John Demien, well known people of Chicago, 111. Mr. and Mrs.
Seefeldt have two children, namely: Clarence W. and Earl F. In
politics Mr. Seefeldt is a Republican. In January, 1919, he was elected
president of the Community Club, and has extended the scope of its
usefulness. In every capacity Mr. Seefeldt measures up to the highest
standards of efficiency and good citizenship, and is rightly numbered
among the representative men of his locality.

ELLSWORTH E. SEWARD.

Ellsworth E. Seward, president of the Dairyman's State Bank of
Marengo, and treasurer of the Coon Creek Drainage District, is one of
the leading men of McHenry County, and one who has long been ac-
tively engaged in promoting its best interests. He was born in Mc-
Henry County, 111., May 27, 1861, a son of Ephraim H. and Mary L.
(Rogers) Seward, who had eleven children, four of whom survive.
Ephraim H. Seward was born in Vermont, but later came to McHenry
County, where he was engaged in farming until his death. His wife
is also deceased.

Ellsworth E. Seward attended the common and high schools of his
native county, and after studying law, was admitted to the bar of South
Dakota, to which state he had gone in 1885. He was successively
engaged in the newspaper business, a real-estate business, and then
with the Shurtleff Lumber Company. This concern later became the
Seward & Rcdpath Lumber Company, with which Mr. Seward remained
until 1908. In that year he was made a director and also vice president

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 845

of the Dairyman's State Hank of Marengo. In 1910 was made its presi-
dent. J. E. Williams being now vice president and A. S. Norton, cashier.
Mr. Seward owns 400 acres of valuable farm land in Riley Township.

On May 19, 1898, Mr. Seward was married to Miss Caroline Metcalf,
a daughter of Martin Metcalf. Mr. and Mrs. Seward have two children,
namely: Eunice L., who was born in 1905; and Martin, who was born
in 1910. The family all belong to the Presbyterian church. He is a
Republican. His fraternal relations are with the Masons and Knights
of Pythias. Mr. Seward is a Shriner and Thirty-Second degree Mason.
For some time he has been vice president of the McHenry County
Bankers Association, and is recognized as one of the leading men of
his calling in the county. Under his sound administration, his bank
lias tided over the stringency of the war and reconstruction period, and
its affairs are in excellent condition.

ADDISON M. SHELTON.

The day of the little red schoolhouse has passed, and with it the
type of schoolmaster who used to preside over the destinies of the pupils
gathered in it. While this little red schoolhouse has been replaced by
modern sanitary buildings, amply provided with every convenience
and appliance known to present-day methods, the schoolmaster also,
has gone through a period of transition. He has developed into a
member of one of the honored and learned professions; a man who
comes to his work only after years of special preparation, and who, no
matter what his qualifications may be, never ceases to be a close student,
not alone of books, but of human nature as well. Because of the great
progress made in educational matters many men of exceptional talents
have been attracted to the profession, and they in turn are exerting them-
selves to achieve still better results, and succeeding in a manner to call
forth commendation and appreciation. One of these alert, scholarly
and carefully trained men of brilliant minds whose capabilities are
centered in educational work is Addison M. Shelton, of Crystal Lake,
county superintendent of schools of McHenry County.

The birth of Addison M. Shelton occurred at Chatham, 111., Novem-
ber 11, 1875, and he is a son of Martin Shelton, who was born at
Chatham, 111., February 25, 1844, and Sarah (Dill) Shelton, who was
born at Chatham, HI., January 25, 1849, the former of whom was a

846 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

farmer. The ancestors of the Sheltons came to the American Colonies
at a very early date. Records of the family history show that members
of it participated in the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary
War, the War of 1812, and Martin Shelton volunteered for service in
the Civil War and served until its close.

After his graduation from the local high school, Addison M. Shelton
spent one year at the State Normal School at Carbondale, 111., and then
later became a student of the University of Illinois, from which he was
graduated in 1903 from the Political Science group with the degree of
Bachelor of Arts. Immediately following his graduation Mr. Shelton
came to Crystal Lake as city superintendent of its schools, and held
that office with dignified capability until he was elected county super-
intendent of schools of McHenry County, which office he has held since
1910.

For a number of years Mr. Shelton has been identified with the
State Teachers Association, and other educational organizations; for
a long period he has been interested in school legislation, lepresenting
various teachers' organizations before the legislature. Because of this
work, and in recognition of work accomplished while he was at Spring-
field, the presidency of the Illinois Educational Commission was given
him by Governor Small, in September, 1921. The purpose of this
commission is to revamp the school laws of Illinois, and to report to
lie next General Assembly of the state, recommendations fo ■ consider-
ation. Other members of the commission are: Mrs. M. H. Leber,
chairman, App ied Education State Federation Woman's Clubs, of
Winnetka; William Scott Gray, member of the Senate, of Coatsburg;
Len Small, governor of Illinois; C. M. Thompson, dean, College of Com-
merce and Business Administration, of Urbana; and Harry Wilson,
member House of Representatives, of Pinckneyvillc.

Prominent as has been the part Mr. Shelton has always taken in
educational matters, he has not confined himself to them, but has
accomplished much in behalf of other worthy measures He was
intimately connected with the early organization of the McHenry
County Soil Improvement Association, was its first secretary, and con-
tinued to hold that office for several years. While this country was at
war he was one of the effective workers, serv ng as one of the county
Four Minute Men, and as chairman for McHenry County in the Thrift
Organization during the life of that body, and he was very active in all
of the Liberty Loan drives. Ever since he cast his first vote he has been
a republican. He maintains membership with the Modern Woodmen

HISTORY OF M, IIKXKY COUNTS 847

of America, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. During 1903 he represented the
University of Illinois in the debating team in the Illinois-M ssouri
debate; was class poet, and was otherwise connected in an important
degree with his class while at the university. In later years he has
contributed some very valuable articles to educational magazines on
timely topics.

Mr. Shelton was married at St. Louis, Mo., in June, 1899, to Miss
Wanda Schember, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William R. Schember,
No. 2815 Russell avenue, St. Louis, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Shelton have
the following children: Robert Schember, who was born November
2, 1906; Wanda Schember, who was born August 9, 1908; and Richard
Martin, who was born in 1914.

In an able address delivered before the annual conference of the
Illinois School Board and City Superintendents Association held at
Springfield, October 27, 1921, Mr. Shelton outlines his stand with
reference to the work to be done by the newly-created commission of
which he is the chairman, under the following heads: separation from
state politics of the school tax, the advocation of taxing tangible prop-
erty to help support the schools and the increasing of the local unit
of the taxable area of each school district. Not only the people of
McHenry County but the entire State are anxiously awaiting the re-
sults of Mr. Shelton's efforts on the commission. This appointment is
the just reward to an able man for services faithfully performed and is
also a great opportunity for him to give to the people the benefit of his
years of thought and study upon the subjects so dear to their heart,
and awaken in all an appreciation of the necessity for greatly increased
educational facilities.

VERNON D. SHERBURNE.

Vernon D. Sherburne, owner of the well-equipped garage at Wood-
stock operated under his name, is one of the substantial men of McHenry
County, and one who is held in high esteem. He was born in Michigan,
January 28, 1871, one of three children of Albert and Jane (Pixley)
Sherburne. Albert Sherburne was born in Canada, but came to the
United States, first being in Michigan, and later in Wisconsin, from
whence he came to Hebron, where he died in 1916, having spent his life
in farming.

848 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

Vernon D. Sherburne attended the common and high schools, and
was graduated from the latter in 1888. For the subsequent three years
he was engaged in school teaching. He then began assisting his father
with the farm work until 1901, when he bought a farm of 180 acres, which
he still owns. He farmed until 1904, and then rented his farm and
embarked in a livestock business. This business he sold in 1911 and
opened a garage at Hebron, moving to Woodstock in December of that
year. In February, 1916, he bought his present property for 120,000,
and added improvements until now his investment is worth $32,000.
He carries a stock of $30,000, and gives employment to ten people. His
is the largest and best-equipped garage at Woodstock, and he is sole
agent for Ford cars, accessories and supplies.

In 1895 Mr. Sherburne was married to Miss Anna J. Jones, a daughter
of Jay W. Jones, of Clinton, Wis., and they have the following children:
Clarence L., who is in business with his father; and El wood G. and
Carroll W., who are both at home. Mr. Sherburne belongs to the Odd
Fellows and Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. The family are
identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. The amount of business
transacted by Mr. Sherburne reflects credit upon his ability as a business
man, and upon his standing in his community. He richly deserves his
prosperity, for it has come to him through his own unaided efforts.

CLIFFORD E. SHERMAN.

Clifford E. Sherman, proprietor of the Sherman Hill Farm, is located
two miles west of McHenry, and he was born on this farm, February 8,
1870, a son of Samuel S. and Abigail (Fellows) Sherman. Samuel S.
Sherman was born in New York, a son of Benson and Wealthy (Gates)
Sherman. In 1840 the Sherman family, together with that of Andrew
Hanna, drove to McHenry County, and Benson Sherman secured quite
a large acreage, Sherman Hill, a well-known landmark, being part of
his property. His homestead contained over 300 acres, and his original
log house stood about the same place as the present house. Benson
Sherman died when but a little over fifty years of age, his widow living
on the homestead survived him until she was eighty-six years old. His
two sons, Jeremiah and Samuel S. received the homestead, the former
having 150 acres, and the latter 180 acres, on which was the house.

Samuel S. Sherman was eight vears old when his father came to

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 849

Sherman Hill, and he was reared on this farm. After the death of his
wife, he gradually turned matters over to his son, Clifford E. Sherman.
Samuel S. Sherman 1 mil t a part of the present barn, to which his son
has since made additions, it now being 30x84 feet, with an el 32x28

feel.

Clifford E. Sherman attended the local schools and was reared on
the farm. When he was twenty-one years old, he had to assume the
responsibilities of conducting the farm. Since then he has made ex-
tensive improvements* At his father's death he inherited eighty acres,
and later bought the shares of the other heirs, and made the farm into
a dairy one. Still later, he sold some of his original farm, added his
uncle's farm of 120 acres, and now has about 250 acres, all in one body.
The original farm of his uncle is now operated by a tenant, Mr. Sherman
being a partner in the stock business the tenant carries on, for the second
farm is also a dairy one. Mr. Sherman has concentrated on farming,
but in the midst of his other duties has found time to serve as a director
of the Sherman School district.

Mr. Sherman was united in marriage with Laura Grace Thomas, a
daughter of Julius and Lucy (Hobart) Thomas, of Greenwood Town-
ship, where Mrs. Sherman was reared. Mrs. Thomas, now a widow,
lives at Woodstock. Mr. and Mrs. Sherman have two sons, namely:
Lester Thomas Sherman, who was born November 2, 189G; and Edwin
Earl, who was born November 2, 1913. Lester was graduated from the
McHenry High School, and is now assisting his father with the farm.
Mr. Sherman is a Universalist. He supports the Free Soil Improve-
ment Association to which he belongs.

EDWARD D. SHURTLEFF.

Edward D. Shurtleff, member of the lower house of the State
Assembly, and one of the leading attorneys of McHenry County, has
long been engaged in practice at Marengo. He was born in DeKalb
County, 111., September 19, 1863, a son of Alfred J. and Mary F. (Higby)
Shurtleff, who had three children. Alfred J. Shurtleff was born in
Stanstead, Quebec, Canada, October 14, 1827, and when he was eleven
years old he came to DeKalb County, 111., leaving it for Marengo in 1870,
and he resided in the latter city until his death, June 8, 1895.

Edward D. Shurtleff attended the schools of DeKalb County and the

850 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

Marengo High School, and later Oberlin College, and after three years
in the latter institution, entered the office of A. B. Coon, of Marengo,
where he studied law. Going to South Dakota, he was admitted to the
bar of that state in 1885, and upon his return to Illinois was admitted to
the Illinois bar in 1894, immediately thereafter entering upon a practice
at Marengo. A strong Republican, he has been very active in politics,
serving Marengo as mayor from 1894 to 1896, and again from 1899 to
1901, and from 1895 up to and including 1899 he was supervisor of
Marengo Township. From 1901 he has been the representative of his
district in the lower house of the State Assembly, and has taken an
active part in securing some very excellent legislation. Fraternally he
is a Mason, an Odd Fellow, Knight of Pythias and a Woodman, and has
advanced to the Knight Templar degree in the first-named order.

On June 25, 1890, Mr. Shurtleff was married to Miss Elizabeth H.
Sisson, a daughter of Allan Sisson, and a member of a prominent pioneer
family of McHenry County. Mr. and Mrs. Shurtleff have the following
children: Maurice E., who was born September 16, 1892; and Helen E.,
who was born August 11, 1899. The family all attend the Presbyterian
church. Both as an attorney and public official, Mr. Shurtleff has made
an enviable record, and his fellow citizens are proud of him and of what
he has accomplished.

ROSS D. SILL.

Ross D. Sill, representative of the Standard Oil Company at
Hebron, and one of the successful men of McHenry County, owns 180
acres of very valuable land in Hebron Township. He was born at
Richmond, 111., in July, 1864, one of the five children of John and Mary
( Reed) Sill. John Sill was born in England in 1840, and in young man-
hood came to the United States, and after a stop at Chicago came to
McHenry County, locating at Richmond, where he rounded out his
useful life, being actively engaged in farming for many years. His
death occurred in 1909, and his widow died that same year.

Ross D. Sill was reared at Richmond, and attended its schools. After
reaching his majority he learned butterniaking, and for sixteen years
was engaged in manufacturing butter. He then moved to Hebron,
where for some years he was superintendent of the pumping station,
resigning to accept his present position with the Standard Oil Company.

In 1889 Mr. Sill was united in marriage to Miss Nellie A. Andrews,

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 851

a daughter of Steven J. Andrews, of Hebron. Mr. and Mrs. Sill have a
daughter, Sybil A., who was born August 17, 1899. Their other daughter,
Beulah, is deceased. The family belong to the Baptist church. Mr. Sill
belongs to Waupin (Wis.) Lodge, A. F. & A. M. In 1918 Mr. Sill was
elected a trustee of Hebron Township. The beautiful family residence
at Hebron is owned by Mr. Sill, and hen- the family welcome their many
friends, and are the center of a charming social circle.

FRANK SILLIMAN.

Frank Silliman, one of the representative men of Seneca Township,
was born in this township, two miles east of Franklinville, September
18, 1856, a son of Stiles and Martha (Burnside) Silliman, natives of
Otsego County, N. Y., where they were married. In 1848 they came
to Illinois to join her brother, Thomas Burnside, who had located in
Seneca Township, some four or five years previously, and rounded out
his life on the farm he had secured. Stiles Silliman bought a farm in
Seneca Township about 1S52, and died on it at the age of eighty-two
years, on December 3, 1906, his wife having passed away October 4,
1905, aged eighty-seven years. The Silliman family originated in Con-
necticut. On the maternal side of the house, Stiles Silliman was con-
nected with the Brewer family, of Holland origin. The Burnside family
traces back to English and Scotch stock. Stiles Silliman was a road
commissioner and a school director, being elected on the Democratic
ticket. He was one of the original members of the Woodstock Camp,
M. W. A. The children of Stiles Silliman and his wife were as follows:
Ella, who married Charles Foote, removed to Nebraska, where she died
at the'age of thirty-seven years; Irene, who is Mrs. A. L. Beam of Don-
Township; Frank, whose name heads this review; and George, who left
the farm twenty-five years ago, is a wholesale grocer of Elgin, 111.

Frank Silliman grew up on the farm, helping to dig stones and perform
all the tedious work incident to developing a wild farm. On January
30, 1883 Mr. Silliman was married to Allene Foote, a daughter of Hooker
and Emeline (Eastman) Foote, who was brought to Seneca Township
at the age of ten years, from Pleasant Prairie, Wis. Mr Foote was born
in Madison County, N. Y., and Mrs. Foote in Otsego County, N. Y.
The Foote family was founded in the New World during the Colonial
period, representatives of it first locating in Connecticut, and going

852 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

thence to New York. Both Mr. and Mrs. Foote were taken by their
parents to Kenosha, Wis., when small, and were reared in that state.
After their marriage, they kept a hotel at Pleasant Prairie for some
years.

Frank Silliman and his wife became the parents of the following
children: Harry, who is on the old farm, married Ora Jackett, and has
three children, Stanley, Mildred and Ethel; Eva, who is Mrs. Fred
Eppel, lives near McHenry; and Vellie, who is at home, was graduated
from the Woodstock High School and then engaged for some years in
teaching school in Seneca Township. For four years she was secretary
of the McHenry County Sunday School Association, which was organized
sixty years ago. In 1905 Mr. Silliman became interested in the teach-
ings of Dr. Alexander Dowie, but now attends the Methodist Episcopal
church at Franklinville. Mrs. Silliman has been a member of the
Ladies' Aid Society of Seneca Township for thirty-five years. For
fifteen years Mr. Silliman served as school treasurer and was township
collector for many years, handling between $7,500 to $8,000 annually.

WILLIAM S. SINCERBOX.

William S. Sincerbox, superintendent of the Bowman Dairy Company
plant at Hartland, is a member of a prominent New York family, and a
man widely and favorably known. He was born in Dutchess County,
N. Y., December 7, 1866, one of the six children of Egbert and Sarah
(Pierce) Sincerbox. Egbert Sincerbox was a native of New York state,
and was a carpenter by trade. His death occurred when William S.
Sincerbox was eleven years old.

William S. Sincerbox attended the local schools of his native county,
and, when he was seventeen years old, he entered the milk and dairy
business, and has devoted his life to it. In 188S he located at Carpenter-
ville, 111., to work in the Borden Condensed Milk plant, as pan operator,
and remained there until 1893. In the latter year he was offered a
position as manager of the Chemung plant, owned at that time by the
Great Western Condensed Milk Company, and accepted, and worked
there for two years. In 1902 he went back to the Borden Company,
and assisted in building their Woodstock plant, of which he was superin-
tendent for twelve years. In 1914 he went to work for the Bowman
Dairy Company, assisting in the building of the Gary Station, Lake

M

p

SISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 853

Geneva and Hartland plants. He is stationed at this time as superin-
tendent of the Bowman plant at Hartland. The capacity of the latter
plant is 45,000 pounds of milk daily, and it is recognized by the state
inspectors as being the best equipped in the country, the percentage
given by them being 98^%.

On April 8, 1894, Mr. Sincerbox was married to Miss Hattie Belshaw,
born June 18, 1873, at Clifton, 111. She is a daughter of Ilobart and
Angelene (Davis) Belshaw, of Kane County. Mr. and Mrs. Sincerbox
have two children, namely: Elva A., who was born December 3, 1898;
and Hobart I., who was born June 21, 1902. The family belong to the
Congregational church. He politically is a Republican and fraternally
maintains connections with Bclvidere Lodge No. 28, I. O. 0. F., and the
Woodmen of the World. An experienced dairyman, he is giving his
company and the people of this district expert service, and this is proven
by the high standing of his plant. Mrs. Sincerbox is a member of the
Daughters of Rebecca and the Woman's Relief Corps.

JAMES H. SLATER.

James H. Slater, manager of the Borden's Farm Products Company,
Inc., at Ridgefield, is one of the leading dairymen of McHenry County,
and one who thoroughly understands his business from start to finish.
He was born in New York state, January 4, 1856, one of the six children
of William H. and Evelyn (Sharp) Slater. William H. Slater was a
native of New York state, but is now living at Allentown, Pa. By trade
he is a harnessmaker.

Growing up in his native state, James H. Slater attended its common
schools, and learned the trade of a harnessmaker from his father, but
after working at it until 1882, he left it to become connected with his
present company, first as an inspector and then, in 1907, he was made
manager of the Hampshire plant, which he built and installed in that
same year, and he remained in charge of it until 1913, when he was
placed in charge of the plant at Ridgefield. The Ridgefield plant was
built in 1907, and has a capacity of 30,000 pounds daily. Mr. Slater is
ably assisted by his bookkeeper, Daniel W. Fitzgerald. In politics Mr.
Slater is a Republican, but he has never desired public honors. Frater-
nally, he is a Knight of Pythias. Energetic, experienced and capable,
Mr. Slater has brought his plant up to a high state of efficiency and at

854 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

the same time won for himself a personal regard which is sincere and
widespread.

FRANK C. SLAVIN.

Frank G. Slavin, mayor of Hebron, and vice-president of the Hebron
Bank, has done much to promote the welfare of his community, and add
to the prestige of the financial institution with which he is connected.
He was born at Lake Geneva, Wis., January 19, 1868, one of nine
children born to Matthew A. and Anna (Coffee) Slavin. Matthew A.
Slavin was born in Ireland, but came to the United States in 1849, and
for seven years thereafter was engaged in farming in the vicinity of
Albany, N. Y. He then came West and was at Lake Geneva, Wis.,
until 1887, at which time he moved to Hebron Township, remaining
here until his death in 1905.

Frank C. Slavin was brought to Hebron Township by his parents,
and was here taught farming and completed his schooling. All of his
mature years he has been interested in farming, and owns 653 acres of
land in Hebron Township, and 444 acres in another part of the county.
In addition to carrying on these extensive agricultural operations, Mr.
Slavin is a member of the grain firm of Slavin, Aylward and Randall, of
Hebron; of the furniture firm of Slavin, Eastman & Pierce, of Woodstock;
and for the past fifteen years he has been president and manager of the
Grove Creamery Company. For some years he has been a member of
the Elgin Board of Trade. As a Republican he has taken an active
part in politics, and in 1910 he was appointed to fill out the term of
Levi Nichols, mayor of Hebron. In the fall of that year he was elected
to the office and has since been re-elected several times. Under his
businesslike administration Hebron has greatly prospered and many
improvements have been inaugurated and carried out.

Mr. Slavin was married to Miss Nellie Powers, a daughter of Michael
Powers, of Troy, Wis., and she died in 1910, leaving two children,
namely: Florence E. and Francis J., both of whom are at home. Mr.
Slavin was married (second) to Mrs. Helen (Stratton) Watkins, and
they have one son, Jean M., and one daughter, Helen Elaine. The
family belong to the Catholic church. It is but seldom that any man is
successful along so many lines, but Mr. Slavin has never known failure,
and he is not only prosperous in a marked degree but he is popular as

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 855

well, and is held in the highest esteem all over the county where he is
exceptionally well known.

JAMES H. SLAVIN.
Page 40.

JOHN G. SLAVIN.

John G. Slavin, now deceased, was one of the best farmers Hebron
Township ever produced, and his widow still lives on the farm which is
located two miles south of Hebron. He was born March 23, 1851, and
died September 8, 1892, when but forty-one years of age. On April 23,
1884, he was married at Hartland, to Mary Halloran, a daughter of
Patrick and Joannah (McGrath) Halloran, natives of County Clare and
County Kilkenny, Ireland, and came to Alden in 1853 and 1855 respec-
tively, and were married in 1S56, living in Alden Township the rest of
their lives, he passing away at the age of sixty-seven, and she at the age
of sixty-three, although she survived him. Their old farm is owned by
their son, Thomas Halloran. They were devout members of St. Patrick's
Catholic Church of Hartland Township.

Mary Halloran was born on her parents' farm, and for six years prior
to her marriage was engaged in teaching, being for four years iii charge
of one school, and for the other two years at the Hartland school. John
G. Slavin came to McHenry County in company with his brother Matt
and a sister, Anna, now Mrs. E. Vanderharr, and they went into partner-
ship and conducted the farm now owned by Mrs. Slavin. After four
years Matt Slavin moved on an adjoining farm, and he died in April,
1S93, when less than forty.

There are 240 acres in the farm owned by John G. Slavin, and here
he carried on dairying, which is continued by Mrs. Slavin's sons. They
have rebuilt and enlarged the house, built a barn and two silos, and have
every equipment necessary for dairy farming. Some sixty acres of the
farm have been redeemed by the construction of the drainage district,
and Mrs. Slavin has kept all of the original acreage. This farm is one
of the best on the road between Hebron and Woodstock, and it is operated

856 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

with skill and profit. Mrs. Slavin continues her connection with St.
Patrick's Catholic church of Hartland Township, some seven miles from
her home, where the remains of her father lie buried.

Mr. and Mrs. Slavin were the parents of the following children:
Matthew; Mary, who is Mrs. Daniel Shields, lives on their farm in
Hebron Township; Howard, who lives on the home farm; John, who also
lives on the home farm. Matthew, who owns 200 acres adjoining the
homestead, is operating it. He married Mary Moren, of Chicago, and
their children are as follows: James, Marian, Ruth, Matthew and
Edward. Howard married Agnes Gleason and they have one daughter,
Helen. Mary has three sons, John, Edward and Daniel.

JOHN C. SMALL.

John C. Small, formerly one of the successful general farmers and
dairymen of Nunda Township, owns his farm of eighty acres of land on
section 17, and since April, 1920, has been a resident of Crystal Lake.
He was born in Franklin County, Pa., January 18, 1861, a son of Daniel
and Catherine (Clingston) Small, natives of Penns3dvania. Daniel
Small was a farmer of Pennsylvania, who lived to be seventy-seven
years old, and his wife lived to be seventy-eight years old.

John C. Small was reared on his father's farm and attended the
common schools of Pennsylvania. When he was sixteen years old he
came to Illinois and settled at Sterling, where for twenty years he was
engaged 'in a stock business, shipping from that point and Dixon, 111.
In 1913 he came to McHenry County and bought the Charles Daggert
farm in Algonquin Township, but after a year moved to Crystal Lake,
and with W. G. Sparawk conducted an auto and implement business for
two years. In 1916 he bought his farm in Nunda Township, and carried
on general farming and dairying, and his is a very well improved place.
This farm is located about three and one-half miles north of Crystal
Lake.

John C. Small was married (first) to Pcrdeda Butler, and they had
two children, namely: Forrest and Glenn. After her death, Mr. Small
\\:is married (second) to Mrs. Grace (Weygert) Veith, now deceased, a
widow with one daughter, Margaret. Mr. Veith came to Illinois when
young and became a prosperous farmer of Lee County. Mr. Small
married (third) Mrs. Maude Smith, who has one daughter, Verna.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNT? 857

DAVID T. SMILEY.

David T. Smiley, former county judge1 of McHenry County, is one
of the most prominent members of the bench of this part of the state of
Illinois, and has served in several capacities. He was born in Ireland,
February 10, 1860, one of the ten children of Robert and Mary (Temple-
ton) Smiley, of whom five survive. Robert Smiley was born in Ireland,
and came to the United States in April, 1873, locating in McHenry
County, and there he resided until 1875, when he returned to Ireland
and died in 1881. His wife survived him until 1895, when she too died.

David T. Smiley was reared in McHenry County, and after studying
in the public schools, took a course in the university at Valparaiso,
Ind., from which he was graduated in 1887. Returning to McHenry
County, he entered the office of Charles P. Barnes at Woodstock, and
there completed his legal studies, and was admitted to the bar in 1888,
following which he entered upon a general practice in that city, forming
a partnership with his preceptor, which continued for fifteen months.
Upon its dissolution, he began practicing alone, so continuing until
his election to the bench as county judge in November, 190G, to which
office he declined a renomination in 1918, as he preferred to return to
the practice of the law. While on the bench he also discharged the duties
of probate judge.

Judge Smiley was married to Miss Elizabeth C. Hendricks, a daughter
of John Hendricks. The only son of Judge and Mrs. Smiley, Lionel D.,
was graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana, 111., and in
1917, he enlisted in the United States army, for service during the World
War. Judge Smiley belongs to the Masons, Odd Fellows, and the
Eastern Star, and has held office in all these fraternities. He and his
family belong to the Presbyterian church, in which he is an elder. In
addition to the services rendered as a member of the bench, Judge
Smiley has distinguished himself as an attorney, and for twenty-two
years was counsel for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, and for
eighteen years held the same office with the Chicago, Milwaukee and
St. Paul Railroad.

ADOLPH B. SMITH, M. D.

Adolph B. Smith, M. D., formerly of Woodstock, now a resident of
Rockford, 111., was one of the leading physicians of McHenry County.

858 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

Ho was born at Oregon, Wis., February 13, 1879, one of two children of
his parents, Eugene A. and Emma C. (Zook) Smith, the former of
whom is a prosperous merchant of Brooklyn, Wis.

After graduating at the Oregon High School, and the University of
Wisconsin, Dr. Smith matriculated at Rush Medical College, Chicago,
from which he was graduated in 1908, following which he was an interne
at the Cook County Hospital. He then established himself in practice
at Chicago, and remained at that city until 1909, during that period
being an assistant of Dr. C. W. Barrett. In 1909 he removed to Wood-
stock, where he built up a large and valuable practice. He was a member
of the McHenry County Medical Society, and is a member of the Illinois
State Medical Society, the Tri-State Medical Society, and the American
Medical Association. For five years he served the city of Woodstock
as city physician, and was always interested in improving the general
sanitary conditions of his community. In politics he is a Republican.

In 1909 Doctor Smith was married to Olive B. Alexander, a daughter
of John Alexander of Franklin, Ind., and a graduate of the Illinois Train-
ing School for Nurses. Doctor and Mrs. Smith have two children,
namely: Marjorie and Richard E. Fraternally Doctor Smith belonged
to St. Marks Lodge, A. F. and A. M., Woodstock Chapter, R. A. M. and
to Calvary Commandery, Knights Templar. He and Mrs. Smith are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

ALFRED C. SMITH.

Alfred C. Smith, cashier of the First National Bank of Marengo, and
one of the leading financiers and business men of McHenry County,
was born at Hampshire, 111., January 20, 1883, one of the twelve children
born to Vincent and Mary Smith. Vincent Smith was born in Germany,
but came to the United States when eighteen years old, and here worked
at the trade of blacksmithing he had learned in his own land. In 1861
he enlisted in the Union army in defense of his adopted country, and
served throughout the Civil War, or until he was discharged in 1865.
His death occurred in 1892.

Alfred C. Smith attended the common and high schools of his locality
and then took a pharmaceutical course at the Northwestern University,
from which he was graduated. For the subsequent six years he was
engaged in the drug business at DeKalb, 111., and then came to Marengo,

HISTORY OF McHBNRY COUNTY 859

where for two and one-half years he continued his drug business, and
then, in 1911, he became identified with the First National Bank of
Marengo as teller and bookkeeper, being promoted to be assistant
cashier and later cashier. This bank is recognized to be the finest bank
in Illinois outside of Chicago, and some of this prestige is due to the
efforts of Mr. Smith and the carrying out of his policies.

In 1907 he was married to Miss Melissa Ditch, a daughter of Jacob
and Elizabeth Ditch, of Polo, 111. Mrs. Smith is librarian of the
Marengo Free Library. In politics he is a Republican, and is now
serving his second term as treasurer of the City of Marengo, and he is
also on the school board.

BENJAMIN N. SMITH.
Page 139.

FRED NEWTON SMITH.

Fred Newton Smith, one of the enterprising farmers of Chemung
Township, was born in the house he now occupies, May 27, 1867, a son
of Seth P. Smith, and grandson of Shubal and Urania (Monroe) Smith.
In the fall of 1844 the grandparents came to Illinois, and entered land
from the government in Chemung Township, McHenry County, now
owned by his grandson, Fred N. His son, Seth P., took the adjoining
tract, and both engaged in farming. Shubal Smith died there August
24, 1858, having been born February 23, 1792, and his wife, born January
23, 1796, survived him and died February 15, 1871. Their children
were as follows: Samuel P., who died in New York state in young man-
hood; Seth P., who was born January 26, 1825, died September 1, 1872;
James P., who died in Wisconsin; Sanford Zenus, who also died in Wis-
consin; Chester C; Selby K., who is a resident of Council Bluffs, Iowa;
and Bradley Monroe, who was the youngest.

After the death of his father in 1858, Seth P. Smith bought the
interest of his mother and the other heirs to the homestead, and she and
her sons moved to Wisconsin, where all died. Shubal Smith was a
Universalist and he organized a society and services were held at his

860 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

homo. Chester Smith, one of his sons, was one of the first teachers of
the home district, but he was also a farmer. Later he and his brother,
Bradley, went overland to California and later to Pike's Peak, and were
partners in a grain and lumber business at Avoca, Iowa. Later he and
his brother Selby became partners in an extensive farming enterprise in
Iowa.

On March 18, 1858, Seth P. Smith was married to Caroline Landon,
born in Oneida County, N. Y., April 17, 1833, a daughter of Richard
and Sarah (Myers) Landon. In 1857 Mrs. Smith, who was then un-
married, came to McHenry County to visit her aunt, Mrs. Daniel
Hutchinson, and it was during this trip that she met and was married to
Mr. Smith. Her aunt and her husband had located here in 1844 from
Oneida County, N. Y., and continued to live upon their farm until death
claimed them, Mr. Hutchinson being at the time of his demise over
eighty years old.

Mr. and Mrs. Seth P. Smith began housekeeping in an old log house,
in which they lived until the present residence was built during the
summer of 1866, and he also erected a part of the barn now standing,
his father having built a horse stable of hewed oak timber, which is still
in use. Seth P. Smith died September 1, 1871. He was a Republican,
but not an office seeker, although he had served on the school board.
Although a believer in the efficacy of church work he did not belong to
any religious organization, nor did he affiliate with fraternities. He and
his wife had the following children: Sarah, who is Mrs. Edson Cash of
Chemung Township; Edgar Landon, who is now a resident of Woodstock,
is a retired farmer and still owns the farm adjoining the homestead; and
Fred Newton, who is the youngest.

He was born not long after the present house was completed, and
the old homestead belongs to him. Until 1894 he and his brother were
in partnership in their farming operations, but since then have con-
ducted their own farms. Fred N. Smith rebuilt the barn in 1915,
making it 42 x 88 feet, and also erected a cement silo. He carries on
general farming and dairying, and breeds pure-bred Percheron horses,
having a registered stallion, and his horses command high prices. He
and his brother also own 160 acres in Seneca Township.

On October 24, 1906, Fred N. Smith was united in marriage with
Miss Henriette Person, of Buffalo, N. Y., born February 20, 1876, who
had come on a visit with her mother to the family of Jacob Barth in
McHenry County. When she returned to Buffalo Mr. Smith followed
her home, and they were married at the home of her parents. Mr. and

EISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 8G1

Mrs. Smith have no children, but two years ago they adopted a boy of

eleven years, and are rearing him in a good home. In addition to all
his other holdings, Mr. Smith owns 120 acres of land near Janesville,
Wis., on which he has a tenant, and he is also keeping up the improve-
ment on it as he does on his other properties, for he believes there is no
better investment than farm land, provided it is kept in good shape.

FRED S. SMITH.

Fred S. Smith, proprietor of the leading general mercantile store of
Alden, is one of the substantial men of the county, and one who stands
high in public esteem. He was born at Harvard, 111., August 15, 1871,
one of the four children of Ezra and Adeline (Story) Smith. Ezra Smith
was born in New York state, but came to Harvard, and there carried
on blacksmithing the remainder of his active life, dying in 1914, his wife
having died in 1910.

Fred S. Smith attended the common and high schools of Harvard,
and his first business venture was as a clerk in a mercantile establish-
ment, owned by his brother, Edgar S., located on its present site at
Alden. Edgar S. Smith is a prominent merchant and banker of Harvard,
and also owns valuable farm land in McHenry County. In 1893, Fred
S. Smith went into business for himself at Alden, and carries a full and
varied line of general merchandise, the stock being valued at $50,000.
Employment is afforded two salespersons in the store, and a very exten-
sive trade is enjoyed.

On November 9, 1893, Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Miss
Eleanor Gates, a daughter of Frank P. and Perlina (Pierce) Gates. Mr.
and Mrs. Smith have one son, Earl G., who was born April 8, 1903.
The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. A Republican,
Mr. Smith was appointed postmaster of Alden June 8, 1907. Frater-
nally he belongs to the Mystic Workers of the World and also to the
Modern Woodmen of America. He is a very energetic man, experienced
and alert, and deserves the prosperity which has attended his efforts.

GEORGE C. SMITH.

George C. Smith, D. D. S., one of the successful dental surgeons of
McHenry County, is carrying on a general practice at Richmond, and is

862 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

recognized as an expert in his profession. He was born in Endeavor,
Wis., September 5, 1888, one of the three living children born to Clifford
C. and Ida Elizabeth (Bain) Smith. Clifford C. Smith was born at
Oxford, Wis., and was a prosperous farmer. He died March 23, 1913.

Doctor Smith attended the public schools of his native place, the
academy at Endeavor, Wis., and the dental department of the North-
western University, from which he was graduated in 1911. Immediately
thereafter he located at Richmond, where he has carried on a practice
ever since, and his skill and ability have received gratifying recognition.

On September 23, 1911, Doctor Smith was married to Miss Gertrude
Vlassalear, formerly of Seymour, Wis., a daughter of Dr. J. F. Vlassalear,
a noted Divine Science teacher. Doctor and Mrs. Smith have two
children, namely: Clifford V., and Gerald F. They attend the Con-
gregational church. Doctor Smith is a Mason, and he and his wife
belong to the Eastern Star..

JOHN J. SMITH.

John J. Smith, one of the substantial men of McHenry County, is
now living retired at Gary Station, after many years of fruitful efforts.
He was born at Pommersi, Germany, December 27, 1848, a son of John
and Frederika (Buhrmann) Smith, both born in the same village as their
son. John J. Smith learned the wagon-making trade, and then went
into the German army, and was a member of the Empire Guards,
participating in the Franco-Prussian War. After peace was signed,
he returned to Berlin, and in the spring of 1872 he came to the United
States to join an uncle, D. F. Smith, who had located at Crystal Lake,
111. Mr. Smith worked for C. Pettibone in Nunda Township, and also
for Lon Walkup until he and Robert Radke, who had married his sister,
formed a partnership and for three years operated the G. S. Frary farm.
On June 19, 1878, John J. Smith was married to Barbara Smith, a
daughter of John George and Barbara (Lang) Smith, also of German
birth, who had come to this country in 1852, locating soon thereafter
at Cary Station where Mrs. Smith was born December 16, 1857. Follow-
ing his marriage Mr. Smith bought his farm of 155 acres, two miles
north of Cary, for which he paid $60 per acre. The land has been
developed, but the buildings were poor. Mr. Smith erected new build-
ings to some extent and remodeled the house. His dairy barn is one of

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 863

the best in the township. Where necessary, he put in tiling. Dairying
was his principal feature, and he kept from forty to fifty cows of good
dairy stock. In 1903 he retired from the farm to Gary Station, and
about five years ago, he sold his farm for about double what he paid for
it. In order to buy bis farm, Mr. Smith went into debt $5,000, and
for years worked untiringly. When he had completed milking; thirty-
five cows, he used to stack grain until midnight. In the early days
the prices for produce were low and he sold hogs for as little as .$2.50
per hundred weight, and other things in proportion. His present
residence at Gary Station is a pleasantly located one, and he here enjoys
the comforts his long toil entitles him to. A strong Republican, he
contents himself with voting the ticket of his party, for he does not
desire office. Mr. Smith belongs to Nunda Lodge A. F. & A. M.;
Woodstock Chapter, R. A. M. and to Crystal Lodge, I. O. O. F., in
which he has passed all the chairs. He has served as representative
to the Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows many times. Mrs. Smith belongs
to the Eastern Star, the Rebekahs and the Woman's Relief Corps.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith have three children: Alvina, Arthur and Laura.
Alvina Smith married Herman Menlahn and they have the following
children: Vera, Freddie, Elsie, Etta, Margaret, Doris and Robert. Arthur
Smith is a fireman on the Illinois Central Railroad and lives at, Free-
port. He married Edith Smith who died in 1919, leaving three children,
Viola, Laverne and Leroy. These children now live with their grand-
parents. Laura Smith married Louis Johnson, a machinist of Chicago.

JOHN WILDER SMITH.

John Wilder Smith, whose lumber interests are extensive, and his
business acumen unsurpassed, is manager of the Hebron Lumber Com-
pany. He was born in Hebron Township, February 11, 1879, one of
the three children of Charles F. and Sophronia (Alexander) Smith,
natives of Hebron Township, and prominent farming people.

John Wilder Smith was reared on his father's farm, and attended the
local schools, and the Dixon Business College. Returning to his old
home, Mr. Smith entered the lumber house of Mead & Chandler, witli
which he continued for one year, when, in 1903, the business was bought
by N. A. Chandler. Later Mr. Chandler sold to the Hebron Lumber
Company, and Mr. Smith was made manager of tin- Hebron branch, the

864 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

headquarters of the company being at Milwaukee, Wis., where the firm
operates under the name of the Tibbitts-Cameron Lumber Company.
The annual business of the Hebron branch aggregates 160,000. In
connection with the lumber plant, this company operates a large feed
warehouse at Hebron, and Mr. Smith was placed in charge of it. A
stanch Republican, Mr. Smith has always been active in politics and
has served as a member of the school board and township clerk. His
long experience in the lumber business has given him a knowledge of it
that is thorough and intimate, and he is recognized as an authority on all
matters pertaining to it. On December 1, 1919, Mr. Smith became
cashier of the Bank of Hebron.

WARREN D. SMITH.

Warren D. Smith, now living retired at Marengo, was formerly one
of the enterprising farmers of McHenry County. He was born at
Warrenville, DuPage County, 111., October 10, 1849, a son of Joel and
Amy (Bartholomew) Smith, both born in Vermont, where they were
married, coming thence immediately thereafter, in 1836, to Illinois, by
way of the Erie Canal and overland in wagons to Naperville, where they
joined friends. Joel Smith became well-to-do, and was a farmer at
Warrenville until the fall of 1865, when he came to McHenry County
to secure more land, although he had already acquired an excellent
farm in DuPage County. He bought 20o}4 acres, three and one-half
miles northwest of Marengo, on the River Road, for $31 per acre. Here
he lived until 1877, and retired to Marengo, leaving it for Elgin, where
he lived retired until his death, in 1891, when he was seventy-five years
old. His first wife died soon after the birth of his son, Warren D., and
he later married (second) Emeline Brown, a teacher of Naperville, who
died some five or six years ago. By his first marriage Joel Smith had in
addition to his son, Warren D., a daughter, Clara, who married Edwin
Bird, a harnessmaker of Woodstock, but both are now deceased. By
his second marriage, Joel Smith had the following children: Ernest H.,
who died at the age of twenty-eight years, was a graduate of Cornell
College, and editor of a Republican newspaper in Iowa; and Edith, who
was a teacher of McHenry County, is now the widow of Dr. Howard L.
Pratt of Elgin, 111.

HISTORY OF McHBNRY COUNTY 865

Warren D. Smith was fifteen or sixteen years old when he came
with his parents to this county, and he attended its district schools
and the Marengo High School. He assisted his father as long as he
remained on the farm, and then rented the property when the former
retired. Subsequently he bought the farm from his father, acquiring
possession in 1893. Hon- he lived until 1903, when he retired and
moved to Marengo, but maintains a partnership with his tenant, and
keeps up the improvements. He has a barn 32 x 100 feet, fitted for
dairying, a silo and other modern buildings. The house, which is the
oldest frame one in Marengo Township, was built about 1840, and the
sills were hewed from oak, and are 8 x 8 in thickness. It was built to
withstand any action of wind or weather, and it has done so with the
exception of the roof, which has been replaced. This old landmark
was erected by former owner Mr. McLamara. No such work is done
today as is to be found in this residence, and Mr. Smith has always
been proud of owning it. His farm contains the same acreage as in
his father's day. From twelve to thirty cows are kept in the herd for
dairy purposes, and at one time Mr. Smith owned stock in two creameries.
He prefers Shorthorn cattle for dairy purposes. As a school trustee
for District No. 7, he safeguarded the educational interests of his com-
munity, and like his honored father, he has always voted the Republican
ticket.

On September 5, 1877, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Ellen
M. Adams, a daughter of John and Lucy (Hardy) Adams. She had
been reared in McHenry County, but at the time of her marriage she
was a resident of Evanston, 111., whence her parents had moved, after
fifteen years' residence at Marengo, where he had carried on a successful
business as a contractor and builder. Mr. Adams was assistant post-
master and druggist for Dr. O. S. Janks, and later for W. C. Stewart,
spending seven years in these positions. Mr. and Mrs. Smith became
the parents of the following children: Lee A., who is connected with
the wholesale paper trade of Omaha, Neb.; Gertrude L., who was
bookkeeper for the J. H. Patterson Lumber Company, died four years
ago when thirty-three years old; and Ralph L., who is connected with
the Carpenter Paper Co. of Omaha, Neb. Mrs. Smith is a member
of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Smith has long been a member
of the Modern Woodmen of America. They are fine people in every
sense of the word, and their standing in their community has been
honorably earned and is well merited.

866 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

CHARLES HAPGOOD SNYDER.

Charles Hapgood Snyder, one of the retired farmers of Woodstock
and a highly esteemed resident of McHenry County, was born, June 3,
1859, on the farm he still owns in Bull Valley, four miles east of Wood-
stock. He is a son of Jacob and Sarah Sophia (Parks) Snyder, the
former of whom was born in Northumberland County, Pa., November
4, 1825, and died December 7, 1908. The latter was brought to McHenry
County by her parents, Jonathan Hapgood and Sophronia Parks, both
of whom died in McHenry County, he at the age of fifty-five years,
and she at the age of eighty-eight years. The last survivor of their
family, Charles Parks, died at McHenry, in 1918, aged seventy-seven
years. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Snyder were married at McHenry January
1, 1847, and for forty years they lived on the farm now owned by their
son, Charles H., which Jacob Snyder acquired when as a young man he
came to McHenry County with his widowed mother. He was a Repub-
lican and served as road commissioner, and held other offices. A man
of high character, he was universally esteemed, and he and his excellent
wife brought up their only son, Charles H. Snyder, to be a credit to them
and his community.

Growing up on the homestead in Bull Valley, Charles H. Snyder
acquired a first-hand knowledge of farming fron his father, and when
he was twenty-five years old, was married to Rosetta Sherman, a daughter
of Jeremiah and Mary (Roane) Sherman. The well known "Sherman
Hill," two miles west of McHenry, was named for them, and the home-
stead of the Shermans is now owned by a cousin of Mrs. Snyder, Clifford
Sherman. A sister of Mrs. Snyder, Hattie, widow of Nathan Stephens,
lives at Ringwood. Mr. and Mrs. Sherman died on the same day in
March, 1913, and are buried in one grave after spending over fifty years
together in happy marriage. Until 1915, Charles H. Snyder lived on
the homestead of his family, but at that time retired, and moved to
Woodstock, but retains the farm of 240 acres of land. On it he has new
buildings erected by him, and the property has long been used especially
for milk production, the equipment being of the best of its kind for this
purpose. Mr. Snyder now has a tenant on his farm. He is a Repub-
lican, but has never cared for office, preferring to do his duty to his
community as a private citizen. Mr. and Mrs. Snyder have two living
children, the second one, Alta, born May 28, 1889, having died at the
age of cloven years; Nina, born January 6, 1886, is Mrs. Pearl Haviland,
married June 30, 1907, has one daughter, Mildred Marion, Mr. Haviland

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 867

being connected with the Woodstock Typewriter Company; and Leona,
born December 26, 1902, is at home. During the many years he was
connected with agricultural matters, Mr. Snyder displayed his know-
ledge of his work, and his advice is oftentimes now sought by those who
appreciate the value of his practical knowledge.

JOHN M. SOUTHWORTH.
Page 140.

WALTER J. SPARAWK.

Walter J. Sparawk, one of the prominent business men of Crystal
Lake, is extensively engaged in handling automobiles and a general line
of implements. He was born in McHenry County, in December, 1870,
a son of Beamon K. and Elizabeth Z. (Hamilton) Sparawk, the former
of whom was born in Massachusetts, but came to Illinois at an early
day and became one of the leading farmers of McHenry County, where
he died in April, 1916. He and his wife had three children.

Walter J. Sparawk was reared on a farm, and attended the local
schools. In September, 1896, he entered the business world, establishing
his present business, with J. C. Small as a junior member. In January,
1917, he bought out his partner, and has since continued alone. He
carries a stock valued at $12,000, and gives constant employment to
two men.

In politics he is a Republican, and has served for four years as a
member of the city council of Crystal Lake. His fraternal connections
are with the Masonic order. A fine business man, he understands the
requirements of his trade, and as agent for the Empire car, renders an
appreciated service to his community and the manufacturers of this
standard make.

TENNYSON H. SPEAKER.

Tennyson H. Speaker, proprietor of the Richmond Mills, and senior
member of the firm of T. H. Speaker & Son, is one of the worthwhile

868 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

men of McHcnry County, and a man who stands very high in public
esteem. He was born in Wisconsin, December 16, 1858, one in a family
of twelve children born to Wion M. and Margaret J. (David) Speaker.
Wion M. Speaker was born in New York, but came west to Wisconsin
in young manhood. He served during the Civil War for four years,
enlisting in the Twenty-eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. His
death occurred in 1908.

Tennyson H. Speaker attended the local schools of Wisconsin, and
learned the milling trade, and has been engaged in this line of endeavor
all his life. In 1895, he came to McHenry County, and bought his
present plant which was built in 1844, but later enlarged until it now
has a daily capacity of 500 bushels. His son, David S., is associated
with him in business.

On May 6, 1885, Mr. Speaker was married to Miss Susan Ledger, a
daughter of Thomas Ledger of Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Speaker
have seven children, namely: Wion L., Helen L., Edna L., Myra A.,
David S., Frances M., and Susan I. The family belong to the Con-
gregational church. Mr. Speaker understands every detail of his
business and so is able to operate it intelligently and profitably, and to
render a valuable service to his patrons.

CALVIN SPENCER.

Calvin Spencer, now deceased, belonged to one of the oldest and
most important families of McHenry County, and was for many years
a forceful factor in the life of Chemung Township. He was born in
Cayuga County, N. Y., October 6, 1807, and he died April 17, 1898,
when in his ninety-first year. He was a son of Moses and Esther (x\lbee)
Spencer, who came with him to Illinois, and settled at what is now
Marengo, November 27, 1835. Mrs. Spencer was ill at that time, and
she died November 27, 1835. Pioneer conditions prevailed at that
time, and it was necessary to go beyond Belvidere to Big Thunder Mill,
some fifteen miles in order to get grain ground into flour. The first
summer the Spencers cut hay from their claim, which had been entered
in 1834 by Moses Spencer who had made a trip to McHenry County
for the purpose of entering his land from the government, going back
for his family after doing so.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 869

Calvin Spencer was a foresight e<l man, and early realized that the
land entered by his father was more valuable for building lots than
farming, so divided his share of the estate into them, but continued to
be a farmer. Until long after he was eighty years old he was active in
business, and was well preserved until his death. I lis wife, bom in
1810, died in 1875. Both were very active in the Baptist church and
Sunday school, and the first services of that denomination were held
for some time at their home. Mr. Spencer served as president of the
village board of Marengo for several terms and was on the board for
many years. First a Whig and later a Republican, he was one of the
strongest adherents of both parties. He cast his first presidential vote
in 1S2S, and never missed an election thereafter. In 185S he had the
privilege of hearing the debate between Lincoln and Douglas, at Chicago,
and used to refer to that experience as long as he lived.

Calvin Silencer was married and he and his wife became the parents
of the following children: Phoebe, who married George Walkup, died
at the age of seventy-seven years; Sally, who married Henry Paynter,
died at the age of seventy-five years; LeRoy, who died at the age of
seventy-three years, lived at the old home with his sister, Edna S.,
never married, was a physician, a strong Republican, and held local
offices; Edwin, who was a farmer, died at the age of sixty-three, had
lived in Iowa, Dakota and Texas, and died in the latter state; Mary,
who is the widow of John Lambden, was born February 25, 1841, and
lives in the old home; Orson, who lives in Washington County, 111.; and
Edna Sophronia, who was born in the present house, May 27, 1849, and
has remained in the home of her parents all her life. Miss Spencer has
with her in addition to Mrs. Lambden, a niece, Helen Spencer, whom
she has reared. The Spencer family has always been patriotic, from
the days of the War of 1812, when Moses Spencer took the place of
another man and served during that conflict. The Spencer ladies fur-
nished the clothing for the Marengo company of the Fifteenth Illinois
Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War, and during the World War,
they were generous in their contributions to that cause.

ANSON SPERRY.
Page 13,7.

870 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

CHARLES STANFORD.

Charles Stanford, now deceased, formerly owned the Fair Light
Farm, located one mile south of Marengo, and was one of the prosperous
farmers of his township. Mr. Stanford was born at Marengo, November
15, 1872, and was there reared, and attended the local schools. On
October 18, 1889, he was married to Edna M. Boies, born at Byron,
Ogle County, 111., February 15, 1878. When she was nine years old,
she lost her mother and came to live with her uncle, William A. Boies, a
sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. After they were mar-
ried, Mr. and Mrs. Stanford lived for eight years on the old Stanford
farm, and he also conducted an ice business, supplying a number of
patrons. He secured his ice from a fine pond, fed by a spring, which
was on his farm, but after he had operated this business for some years,
he sold it. In his farming Mr. Stanford made dairying his main feature,
and had one of the best herds of Jersey and Guernsey cows in the
county. At first he shipped his milk to Chicago, but later delivered it
to Borden's milk plant. The name of Fair Light was given to the farm
because of the surrounding country. Mr. Stanford died on this farm,
Januar}' 19, 1907, having been one of the hardest workers in his neighbor-
hood. Probably this devotion to his work shortened his life, for he died
when only thirty-five years of age. He was regular in his attendance
upon the services of the Presbyterian church, of which he was a member,
and very active in its good work. Mr. and Mrs. Stanford had the follow-
ing family: Elizabeth, who is teaching school at Elmhurst, 111., having
been graduated from the Marengo High School in 1918; Charles Edward,
who was graduated from the Marengo High School; and Mary and Ruth
Boies, both of whom are at home. Mrs. Stanford is a very capable
woman, superintending the operation of the farm, with the assistance
of her son. She belongs to the Presbyterian church, and social clubs
of the neighborhood, and whatever she undertakes, she carries through
in characteristic manner. Mr. Stanford was a charter member in the
Mystic Workers of the World, and she is also a member of this fraternity.

GEORGE STANFORD.

George Stanford, now deceased, was one of the most important lay
members of the Presbyterian Church in McHenry County, having served

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 871

as Sunday-school teacher and superintendent, trustee and elder, and as
a representative of the church at presbytery, synod and general assembly.
He was a strict observer of church discipline and exacted the same
observance from his family. No levity was permitted in his household,
especially on Sunday. He was thoroughly posted on religious matters,
knew the bible as few men do today, and was a fearless advocate of its
truths as he translated them.

George Stanford was born at Uckfield, England, January 2, 1833.
On October 14, 1S55, he was married at London, England, to Sarah
Elphick, and in 1868 they came to the United States, and after spending
a couple of years at Chicago, moved to Marengo, after the Chicago fire
in October, 1871. Mrs. Stanford died April 14, 1902, aged sixty-five
years. Their children were as follows: Susan Maria, who married Frank
Rowe of Lee Park, Nebr., is deceased; Frederick, who was a traveling
salesman, died at Chicago; Fannie, who was her father's housekeeper,
died unmarried; Arthur Henry, who was a tailor of Warsaw, Ind.; Kate
Helen, who was in a store for ten years; Jane, who was a teacher for
ten years at Marengo, and twelve years at Woodstock, became very
well-known as an educator in primary work, and used to be called upon
to demonstrate her methods before county institutes, but gave up her
calling to return and minister to her father; George, who is a farmer
of Naper, Nebr.; Charles, who is deceased, is written of at length else-
where in this work; Richard V., who lives at home, is an operator of the
interurban railroad; and Elizabeth Beatrice, who married F. H. Rehbock
of Fort Worth, Tex.

While living at Chicago, George Stanford worked at the tailor trade,
and when he came to Marengo, it was with the intention of opening
a tailor shop, but was astonished to find already here his wife's people,
who had left Chicago on account of the fire, and so he and R. M. Patrick
joined forces, and Mr. Stanford established a tailoring department in
Mr. Patrick's store. Some years later Mr. Stanford bought a store of
his own and conducted it until his health compelled him to dispose of it.
In the meanwhile he had bought a farm one mile south of Marengo, and
for some time used to walk back and forth to his work. After his
retirement, he and Mrs. Stanford returned to England to visit their old
home, but he found that his residence in America had made it impossible
for him to endure the restrictions abroad, and he returned glad of his
citizenship in the New World. He became a Democrat, but never
sought official recognition. Although reared in the Church of England,
he connected himself, while at Chicago with Rev. Dr. Goodwin's church

872 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

and ho thenceforward was firm in the creed of the Presbyterian faith.
Mi'. Stanford and Rev. John Hutchinson were warm friends and earnest
in their discussion of the bible, the latter appreciating Mr. Stanford's
deep knowledge of religious truths, which was more profound than that
of many clergymen. Mr. Stanford died in 1912, and the funeral services
were held in the Presbyterian Church.

As a contemporary writing of him said in part: "He was most cour-
teous in manner, dignified and commanding in personal appearance. A
noble type of a perfect gentleman. A man of surpassing strength of
character and of wide influence in and around our citj\ A wise, gifted,
noble-hearted man. A father worshipped, a wise counsellor, a leader
moving toward the right under God's guidance, a wonderful biblical
student, knowing the bible from Genesis to Revelations and teaching
the very secret of God's truths was his joy and scope of vision. Such a
mighty oak has fallen and all his church and city are in mourning for
they loved him."

CARL W. STENGER.

Carl W. Stenger, cashier of the West McHenry State Bank, and vice
president and director of the Gary State Bank, is one of the leading
financiers of McHenry County, and a man widely known and universally
respected. He was born at Stevens Point, Wis., April 16, 1883, one of
the nine children of George and Margaret (July) Stenger. George
Stenger was born in New York state, where he learned the trade of a
butcher. He later moved to Stevens Point, Wis., and still later to
Green Bay, Wis., where he still resides.

( ail W. Stenger attended the schools of his native place, and after
being graduated from its high school, he took a commercial course at
the Green Bay (Wis.) Business College. When only seventeen years
old he entered the employ of the Citizens National Bank of Green Bay,
Wis., as collector, remaining there for five years, during which time he
rose to be paying teller. Mr. Stenger was then offered his present
position, which he accepted, and has since made West McHenry his
place of residence. When the Cary State Bank of Gary, 111., was organ-
ized, Mr. Stenger was one of its promoters, and he has since continued
its vice president, and one of its directors. He was state treasurer of
the Illinois State Council of the Knights of Columbus, representing
50,000 members for a two-year term from May 10, 1910, to May 10,

HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNTY 873

1918. During the Liberty Loan drives, Mr. Stenger was county chair-
man for the first, second, third, and fourth ones, and was very active
in putting McHenry County "over the top." His politics are Demo-
cratic.

September 6, 1905, Mr. Stenger was married to Miss Sadie M.
Richards, a daughter of Mrs. Mary Richards of Iron Mountain, Mich-
igan, and they have the following children: Margaret M., Richard Carl,
George F., Lucile M., Carl W., Jr., and Grace L. The family all belong
to the Catholic Church. In addition to being a Knight of Columbus,
Mr. Stenger belongs to the Modern Woodmen, Catholic Order of Forest-
ers, and the Mystic Workers of the World. He is rightly numbered
among the leading men of McHenry County, and is very prominent in
every respect.

L. CLATES STEPHENS.

L. Clates Stephens, superintendent of Division E, of the Public
Service Company of Northern Illinois, is one of the most capable and
efficient men in the service of this concern, whose personal popularity
is even greater than his position, so that he is able to obtain results
through friendship that might otherwise be difficult to secure. He was
born at Galesburg, 111., September 1, 1881, one of the two children of
his parents, Lorenzo and May (Cast) Stephens. Lorenzo Stephens
was born in Knox County, 111., and he became a successful building
contractor. His death occurred in 1898.

L. Clates Stephens attended the common and high schools and was
graduated from both. Deciding upon a business career, he was con-
nected with the mercantile line for a time, and then entered the employ
of his present company as a solicitor in the Oak Park district. So
capable did he prove himself that he was made superintendent for his
company at Park Ridge, and in February, 1910, was sent to Crystal
Lake as superintendent of a district covering seventeen towns and
one sub-branch office, the latter being at Barrington, 111. He has forty-
five persons under his supervision.

On June 6, 1910, Mr. Stephens was married to Miss Josephine
Fricke, a daughter of Dr. G. H. Fricke of Park Ridge, one of the eminent
men of his locality. Mr. and Mrs. Stephens have two children, namely:
Catherine M. and John W. The family belong to the Congregational
church.

874 HISTORY OK McTIENRY COUNTY

BURTON A. STEVENS.

Burton A. Stevens, of Burton Township, was born on part of his
present farm in this township, which was named in his honor by his
father, who served the township for two years as supervisor, and was one
of the influential men of McHenry County and prominent in the early
history of this section. The mother of Burton A. Stevens survived her
husband and died at Lodi, Wis., aged eighty-six years. Their children
were as follows: Oscar, who died in Iowa when eighty-two years of
age; Warren, who died in California, was a wealthy wheat grower; Azor,
who is now living in California; Clara, who died at Lodi, Wis.; Henry,
who is living in Oregon; Marion, who died in Washington; Lafayette,
who was a miner and explorer, was married, had a family, and died in
the state of Washington; and Harriet Cordelia, who is Mrs. Henry
Walter, lives at Murray, Iowa.

Burton A. Stevens owns the homestead comprising 412 acres, a
portion of which is over the line in Lake County, but his buildings lie
in McHenry County. For fifty years he has lived in his present loca-
tion, his farm extending in one direction for two and one-quarter miles.
An oak tree standing in the yard where he was born was about to be
sold some years ago. He entered protest, offering to pay two or three
times the offered price, but the owner refused to sell. This old landmark
was later struck by lightning and is now destroyed. Mr. Stevens'
buildings are nearly one-half a mile from the public road. The barn,
32x96 feet, with 26 feet posts, is well suited to the dairying purposes for
which it is used. The full basement is arranged for stabling. This
farm is one of the best for all-around general farming in northern Illinois.

On November 24, 1869, Mr. Stevens was married to Frances Stevens,
a daughter of Peter Stevens, a sketch of whom is given elsewhere in
this work. Mr. and Mrs. Burton A. Stevens have three children,
namely: Clara, who for some years was a teacher in McHenry County;
Chester, who operates the home farm, located in Burton Township; and
Cora, who was a teacher in Wisconsin, died at the end of her first term.
She was a remarkably intelligent girl, and her loss was deeply deplored.
Chester Stevens married Alice Thompson, born in McHenry County,
their children being, Lucy and Burton A. For two years Chester has
been operating the farm, and carries on dairying extensively, turning
out during 1919, 700 pounds of milk daily from his fine herd of Holstein
cattle of high grade. In former years his father handled sheep exten-
sively. Burton A. Stevens is a Republican and a strong temperance

HISTORY OK McIIENRY COUNTY 875

man. For seventeen years he assessed Burton Township. lie is one
of the olilest members of Richmond Lodge, A. F. & A. M., which he
joined over fifty years ago. For a number of years he has also been
connected with the local Woodman camp. For three years Mr. Stevens
was secretary of the Spring Grove Butter factory. He also taught
school, and for one term taught the school at Spring Grove. Mr.
Stevens is one of the best-known men in this locality, and his family is
one which has clone more than its share in the development of the region
in and about McHenry County.

FRANK E. STEVENS.

Frank E. Stevens, proprietor of the Steven Acre Farm of Coral
Township, resides on his fine property six miles west of Huntley. He
was born in Allegheny County, N. Y., April 27, 1852, a son of Chauncey
and Esther A. (Crossman) Stevens, both of whom were born in New
York, where the father died. His father, grandfather of Frank A.
Stevens, was a soldier in the American Revolution. In 1850 Chauncey
Stevens came to Illinois, and remained until after the close of the Civil
War on a farm in DeKalb County, then going to Bremer County, Iowa,
and spent about four years on a farm. In 1870 he located in McHenry
County, buying the farm of 181 acres now owned by his son, Frank E.,
which had been entered from the government by Walter Warner. He
conducted it for about eight years and then retired, dying in 1882, aged
seventy years. His widow survived him for some years. Their children
were as follows: Wells J., who enlisted for service during the Civil War
in the Illinois Light Artillery, became a sergeant and was honorably
discharged, following which he went to California, and is now living
retired in San Benito County, although for years was a ranchman and
owned 1,000 acres of land; Lucretia, who is Mrs. William Ward, also
resides in San Benito County, Cal.; Emily, who married Alonzo Peak,
lives in the vicinity of Coral village; and Frank E.

Frank E. Stevens was reared on the home place, and in 1878 took
over the homestead, which he now owns. It now contains 201 acres of
land, and on it he has erected a fine barn, 34x168 feet, of which the base-
ment is devoted to stabling, and a wood stave silo. The house has been
added to and rebuilt several times, and is comfortable and commodious.
Mr. Stevens carries on dairying, milking thirty cows of the Holstein

876 HISTORY OF McHENEY COUNTY

strain. Some years ago he named his property the Steven Acre Farm.
When he first came into possession of this farm there were a number of
ponds upon it, but with commendable foresight Mr. Stevens began to
drain these waste spaces, and now has redeemed land which hitherto
was worthless, the crops from these fields being exceptionally heavy.
A Republican, Mr. Stevens has served Coral Township for fifteen years
as supervisor, and has been on the school board for years. He belongs
to Union Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and Marengo Chapter, R. A. M.

On April 4, 1878, Mr. Stevens was married to Rose Barber of Riley
Township, a sister of Amory Barber, former supervisor of that township,
who also held that office for fifteen years. Mrs. Stevens was born in
New York about 1852, and taught school in McHenry County for several
years prior to her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens have had the
following children born to them: Lucia, who is Mrs. Roy J. DcMott
of Chicago, her husband being a physician of that city, and she was a
graduate of the State University and a teacher of some note; Ernest,
who attended the State University, is associated with his father in the
conduct of the farm, and is unmarried; Grace, who was graduated from
the State University, taught domestic science in the State Agricultural
College of Michigan, and later at the University of Illinois, until her
father compelled her to retire, and she is now at home, having been very
active in the war work of her neighborhood during the World War; and
Mary, who is at home.

WILLIAM P. STEVENS.

William P. Stevens, postmaster of Richmond, and one of the repre-
sentatives of the best interests of McHenry County, is a native son of
Lake County, 111., having been born there May 12, 1847. His father,
Peter Stevens, was born in Vermont, but came west to Illinois in 1844,
locating first in Lake County, but in 1856, came to McHenry County,
where he died in 1881. He married Elizabeth Dar, and she died in
1868, they having had eleven children.

William P. Stevens attended the local schools, and was reared on a
farm. When he was twenty-one years old, he began teaching school,
and continued in the educational field until 1872. In that year he went
west to Seattle, Wash., and spent two years, and upon his return to
McHenry County, resumed his farming operations. An active Demo-

HISTORY OF McTIENRY COUNTY 877

rr.it all his life, he was appointed postmaster of Richmond by President
Wilson, and continues to hold that important office, and under his wise
administration, its affairs are in excellent condition.

On April 7, 1881, Mr. Stevens was married to Miss Sarah Richardson,
a daughter of Robert Richardson, and they have three children, namely:
Vilctta M., Mildred R., and Lucy E. Mr. Stevens belongs to Richmond
Lodge No. 143, A. F. & A. M. A man of sterling character, he is held
in the highest esteem by all who know him.

THOMAS JOHN STEVENSON.

Thomas John Stevenson, who resides in Dunham Township, six
and one-half miles southwest of Harvard, has been associated with much
of the constructive work of this locality. He was born near Buffalo,
N. Y., May 1, 1845, a son of Anchrom and Jane (Lattimer) Stevenson,
both natives of County Armagh, Ireland, where they were married. On
May 1, 1840, they came to the United States, and spent some time in
New York state, coming to Illinois in 1845, by way of the Great Lakes
to Chicago. Hugh Marshall, an old friend in Ireland, had located in
1844 near Belvidere, 111., and Mr. Stevenson joined him. By his advice,
Mr. Stevenson secured government land, in the timber, upon which he
erected a log house, and began to clear off the trees, and soon was able
to put in enough of a crop to enable him to live. In time, he made of it
a valuable farm, and he died on it in April, 1897, aged eighty-seven
years, having spent fifty-two years on this farm. His wife had died
five years before, aged eighty-two years. There were 240 acres in all
in his farm, and he was the head of his household as long as he lived.
He devoted his life to his own business and never wanted to hold
office. His children were as follows: James, who died at the age of
seventy-five years, had served during the Civil War in the Ninety-fifth
Illinois Volunteer Infantry, one-half of his company having been raised
in Chemung Township; David, who lived for many years at Pittsburgh,
Pa., where he died, was chief clerk of the Pennsylvania Railroad in that
city; Thomas John, whose name heads this review; and Hugh, who is an
attorne}' at Capron, 111., took a legal course at Chicago.

Thomas John Stevenson has continued to live on the homestead.
He attended the Stone School, built about 1850, and still in use. He
assisted his father in clearing off the farm, and broke the land with four

878 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

or five yoke of oxen, and dug ditches for draining it, in fact more than
bore his part in putting it in its present high state of cultivation. By-
drainage, he has reclaimed forty acres of overflowed land, on which he
has since raised sixty bushels of barley per acre. Devoting considerable
attention to dairying, he keeps from twenty to twenty-five cows, but he
also does general farming. His residence, about three-quarters of a mile
off the road, is reached by a private road he built himself. This house was
erected in 1854, while the barn was built in 1866, and both are in good
condition. Both he and his father found in the Republican party their
political ideals.

When Mr. Stevenson was thirty-five years of age he was united in
marriage with Christina Bierlein of Chicago, and they became the
parents of the following children: Anchrom C; Lancing C; Anna B.,
who lives at Arlington Heights, 111., is a teacher; and Genevieve, who is
a teacher at St. Charles, 111. Both the daughters attended the DeKalb
Normal School, and Anna B. taught for a time in the old Stone School
of her home district, where she and her father before her, had attended.
Since she was graduated from the normal school, she has been connected
with the schools of Arlington Heights. The sons attended the Stone
School, and they are both at home. Both were in the first draft, but
were so classified that neither saw service. They are unmarried, and in
partnership with their father in working the farm. Like him they vote
the Republican ticket.

The Stevenson family is closely identified with the history of the
Presbyterian church at Harvard, the elder Anchrom Stevenson being
one of its founders, and all of the family belong to it. The three genera-
tions of Stevenson belong to the Masonic lodge at Harvard. It would
be difficult to find a finer or more representative family than this one
in McHenry or other counties of this part of the state, and the name
has long stood for integrity and uprightness of no mean order.

EDWARD M. STEWART.

Edward M. Stewart, sole proprietor of the Nippersink Garage, and
sole agent for the Ford cars at Richmond, also handles farm machinery,
and is one of the leading business men of his section of McHenry County.
He was born in Hebron Township, October 9, 1870, a son of John

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 879

Stewart, a native of New York, who came to McHenry County at an
early day, and became a prosperous farmer.

Edward M. Stewart attended the local schools and moving to
Richmond Township engaged in farming, being thus engaged for over
a quarter of a century. He then moved to Richmond, and started
his present business, and later took Mr. Richardson in as partner.
Later he bought Mr. Richardson's interest, and has since continued
alone. He owns his commodious garage, 48 x 162 feet, built of hollow
tile, and carries a stock of $20,000. He holds the agency of the Ford
cars for Richmond and Burton townships, and does a very large business
in them and farm machinery, as well as in the repairing of automobiles
and the handling of automobile accessories.

In 1895 Mr. Stewart was married to Miss Cora Cotting, a grand-
daughter of Richmond's pioneer settler, C. G. Cotting. Mr. and Mrs.
Stewart have one son, Charles C, who is attending school. Mr. Stewart
is a Mason. In politics he is a Republican. Both he and his wife
belong to the Congregational church. A man of high principles and
excellent business sense, he has been able to make a considerable material
advance, and win and hold the confidence and respect of his associates.

JOHN J. STEWART.

John J. Stewart, now living retired at Hebron, belongs to one of
the most important families of McHenry County, is himself a dis-
tinguished figure in the life of this section, having been associated with
extensive agricultural interests, and industries, and was instrumental,
with others, in organizing the drainage district of this region which
has done so much to reclaim land that would otherwise be still lying
useless, instead of yielding up magnificent crops. He is a son of Robert
W. and Susan Ann (Ross) Stewart, the former dying in March, 1876,
and the latter in 1896. They had the following children: Eunice Jane,
who married Prentis Bowman, died in young womanhood; Mary, who
married Thomas Charles, also died in young womanhood; Harry E.
Stewart, is a farmer of Elmore, Minn., who has just refused $300 per
acre for his land; and John J., whose name heads this review, who lived
to maturity; Nellie, who died at the age of sixteen; and Charles and
James, who died in infancy.

John J. Stewart owns 320 acres of land, a portion of the 900-acre

880 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

tract of his father, which is divided into two farms, now operated by his
sons. He was engaged in conducting these farms until 1913 when he
retired to Hebron, where he has a very pleasant home. After the
death of his father Mr. Stewart succeeded to the former's interest in
the Stewart cheese factory, he and William H. Stewart had organized,
and he conducted it for several years. There are now about 100 cows
on the two farms, of which about fifty are kept for dairy purposes.
While he has served on the village and school boards he is not very active
in politics, his father having taken much more interest in these affairs
than he. Mr. Stewart helped to organize the drainage district and
was one of the first commissioners, his associates being Charles Haw-
thorne and Theodore Hamer. The ditch was built at a cost of $50,000,
thus giving property owners an outlet which enables them to successfully
tile their land and cultivate thousands of acres that formerly were
covered with swamps. This project at first met with opposition from
the reactionaries on account of the initial cost, requiring some effort
on the part of the men broad-minded enough to see what the results
would be, but they overcame this and their work stands as a monument
to their public spirit and sound, common sense.

On September 22, 1880, Mr. Stewart was married to Frances E.
Nichols, and they became the parents of the following children : Mary N.,
who married George Mathison, a farmer of Walworth County, Wis.,
has four children, Elizabeth Jean, Alice, George Stewart, and Dorothy
May; Robert W., who married Beth Fellows, has the following chil-
dren: Robert John, Fred Fellows, Frances May, Elsie and Charlotte
Fellows; and Donald H., who married Dot Fellows, sister of Robert's
wife, and their children are: May Elizabeth, who is known as Bettie,
Ruth, Edith Georgia and John James. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart are both
members of the Presbyterian church.

ROY J. STEWART.

Roy J. Stewart, sheriff of McHenry County, and one of the men who
deserves more than passing mention on account of the valuable service
he has rendered his community in aiding in the preservation of order,
and the detection of criminal practices, is a native of the county, having
been born within its confines, January 18, 1881. He is a son of Judson
and Mary (Mayo) Stewart, who had nine children, of whom six survive.

HISTORY OF McIIEXRY COUNTY 88]

Judson Stewart was a farmer of MeHenry County, but now resides in
San Diego, Cal., and was one of its substantial men.

Roy J. Stewart was reared and educated in this county, and after
completing a common and high school course, he learned the trade of a
barber, which he followed for three years. He then became identified
with the Oliver Typewriter Company, and remained with that concern
until his appointment as chief deputy sheriff. So competent did he
prove that he was the logical candidate of the Republican party for
sheriff in 1918, and was elected to that office on November 4, and is
still serving.

Mr. Stewart was married to Miss Beulah E. Halderman, a daughter
of Marshall Halderman. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have one son, LeRoy
William. The family belong to the Congregational church. Mr.
Stewart is a member of the Odd Fellows, and of the Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose. An efficient
public official and upright man, MeHenry County is proud of him and
the record he is making for himself and his section of the state.

WILLIAM STILL.

William Still, one of the prosperous farmers of Dorr Township,
resides one mile south of Woodstock, and is a man widely and favorably
known. He was born in Lincolnshire, England, December 20, 1851,
a son of William and Hannah (Briggs) Still. In June, 1852, he was
brought to the United States by his parents who joined friends at Ring-
wood, this county, where the father obtained employment at $13 a
month. Later he bought an undeveloped farm in MeHenry Township,
and spent about fourteen years upon it. In 1869, he bought the Barber
farm east of Woodstock, where he died in 1900. The mother died
January 6, 1900.

William Still had scarcely any schooling, but grew up on the home-
stead where he remained until 1875, at which time he rented a farm
across the road from his old home, and remained on it for two years.
He then went on another farm and continued as a renter for seven years,
and has owned in all four farms, buying his present place of 120 acres,
in 1908.

On November 25, 1875, William Still was married to Mary Susan
Frame, who died four years later. On January 26, 1890, he was mar-

ssl> HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

ried second to Cynthia Frame, a younger sister of his first wife, and a
daughter of John and Rachael (Knight) Frame, natives of Virginia,
who settled in Dorr Township, where Cynthia Frame was born February
26, 1856. By his first marriage Mr. Still had one daughter: Zella, who
is Mrs. Arthur Ellis of Salem, Wis. By his second marriage Mr. Still
has the following children : Francis Roy, who married Lillian Coffman,
has one son, Kenneth William, and is associated with his father in farm-
ing; and belongs to the local school board; Lura Mae, who is at home.

William Still is a Republican, and has served as a tax collector, and
for thirty years has been a member of the school board. He is a director
of the Dunham-Chemung Farm Mutual Fire Insurance Company,
and has been instrumental in building up the volume of business of this
company now averaging .$3,000,000. The Methodist Episcopal church
has in him a faithful and influential member, and he is serving it as
trustee.

Mr. Still is a man who has always taken the stand that it pays to
develop land, and use improved and modern methods in operating it.
Whenever necessary he has put in tile and otherwise drained his farm,
put up the buildings he has needed, and bought and installed machinery
and appliances. His premises show that the one in charge not only
understands his work, but also takes a pride in keeping everything up
to standard. He stands well in his neighborhood, and many times his
experiments have resulted in an improvement in neighborhood farming.
Such men as he always do constructive work, and aid materially in
advancing the standards of their community. He can be counted upon
to give active support to all measures looking toward increasing the
welfare of Dorr Township and McHenry County.

GEORGE A. STILLING.

George A. Stilling, owner of the garage which bears his name, is one
of the substantial business men of McHenry. He was born in McHenry
County, May 20, 1892, one of the six children of Benjamin and Margaret
(Miller) Stilling. Benjamin Stilling is engaged in handling real estate
at McHenry, and is one of the leading men of his community.

George A. Stilling was reared in his native county, and after attending
the common and high schools, took a course at Notre Dame University,
from which he was graduated in 1912. Immediately thereafter, he

HISTORY OF McHENKV COCNTY 883

opened his garage, and is sole agent in his locality, for the Studebaker
automobile, having been appointed as such in 1916. He has three men
in his employ, and renders a most efficient service. His garage was
erected at a cost of $7,000, and is thoroughly equipped for the purposes for
which it was intended. He carries a stock valued at $5,000, and is
rightly numbered among the most alert of the city's young business men.
In 1916 he was married to Miss Grace L. Moehnann of Chicago, a
daughter of Dr. E. 0. Moelmann of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Stilling
belong to St. Patrick's Catholic church. In politics he is a Republican.

SIMON STOFFEL.

Simon Stoffel, district and special agent of the Fidelity-Phenix
Insurance Company, and representative of eleven other very strong
companies, is one of the leading business men of West McHenry, as well
as vice president of the McHenry State Bank. He was born in Lake
County, 111., January 13, 1856, one of the ten children of John and
Elizabeth (Weingart) Stoffel. John Stoffel was born in Germany, but
came to the United States at an early day, locating in Lake County,
111., where he was engaged very profitably in farming until his death,
which occurred in 1890. His widow survived him for many years,
dying March 29, 1913.

Simon Stoffel attended the common schools of his native county,
and remained on his father's farm until he was twenty years old, when
he embarked in a general merchandise business, continuing in it until
1902, when he established himself in his present line, and has built up
a valuable connection. In addition to handling insurance, Mr. Stoffel
deals in real estate and is a leader in both lines in McHenry County.
He was one of the chief organizers of the West McHenry State Bank,
of which he has continued vice president, his connection with this
institution giving it added prestige. A staunch Republican, he was
supervisor of his township, a member of the school board, and has
been mayor of McHenry, giving to all these offices the same efficienl
supervision that his business receives. Mr. Stoffel and his family belong
to St. Mary's Roman Catholic church, and he belongs to the Knights
of Columbus connected with that parish.

On December 18, 1883, Mr. Stoffel was united in marriage with
Miss Anna G. Bonslett, a daughter of Leonard Bonslett, and they have

88-4 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

the following children: Dorothy E., who is Mrs. C. C. Westfall of
Chicago, 111.; Helena M., who is employed by the Illinois Telephone
Company at Chicago; Clara V., who is bookkeeper for her father:
Julia L., who is the wife of C. J. Reihansperger, a hardware merchant
of West McHenry; and M. Esther, who is associated with the Fidelity-
Phenix Insurance Company in Chicago. Few men stand any higher in
public esteem than Mr. Stoffel, and his prosperity is deserved, for it is
self-acquired.

HENRY GILBERT STREET.

Henry Gilbert Street is a horticulturist living on the old farm of his
family in Hebron Township, one and one-half miles east of Hebron.
He was born on this farm May 10, 1865, a son of Selden G. and Mary D.
(Sanford) Street, and she was born in Orleans County, N. Y., in 1828.
They were married in New York state. Selden G. Street was a son
of Chapin Street, who was born in 1797, and in 1855 came to McHenry
County and bought a farm in Hebron Township for his son, Selden,
who located on it about 1855, and resided upon it until he died. Chapin
Street also came to Hebron Township and passed the remainder of his
life on the farm. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Dolly Brown,
died in 1880.

Selden G. Street and his wife had the following family: Sarah
Adelaide, who is Mrs. Porter C. Bliss, lives at Albion, N. Y. ; Carrie L..
who married Russell Holmes, a farmer of Hebron Township; Ella T.,
who married Edward P. Greeley of Richmond Township, a sketch of
whom appears elsewhere in this work; and Henry G., whose name
heads this review.

Henry G. Street has a portion of the original farm, and all of his build-
ings have been erected since 1900, his house being one of the most
modern in the township, and supplied with electric lights and other
conveniences. After buying out the other heirs, he disposed of some
of his property and now has but twenty-six acres, which is devoted to
fruit growing. He has apples, plums, grapes and strawberries, and has
made a great success along this line. Mr. Street grows five leading varie-
ties of apples, namely: Delicious, Jonathan, Grimes Golden, Mcintosh
Red and N. W. Greening. The local difficulty he encountered was
mainly in root killing, and the plan he adopted was grafting in hardy
crab appletree roots, thus producing strong trees, not likely to winter

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 885

kill, thai arc now in an excellent healthy condition. This plan is followed
in other regions, especially Minnesota. He belongs to various organiza-
tions in his line, and has been president of the Northern Illinois Horti-
cultural Society, and is oftentimes called upon to deliver addresses on
the fruits he raises and on the home marketing of fruit. Mr. Street
does his own grafting and grows his own stock, and exhibits his produce
at the state and other horticultural exhibits, taking first prize on Delicious
apples and second on Jonathans at the first Great Apple Show at Chicago
in 1918. He is a frequent contributor to various horticultural papers,
and conducts one of the trial stations for the state. Mr. Street's interest
is centered in his fruit and his music, and has had no time to give to
public office. A musician of more than average ability, he has been
conductor of the local band at Hebron.

In 1888 Mr. Street was married to Florence M. Crane, born at
Barre, Orleans County, N. Y., a daughter of Judson and Mary S.
(Brown) Crane, both of whom died in McHenry County. Mr. and
Mrs. Street became the parents of the following children: Hattie J.,
who married Robert E. Johnson, has four children, Florence M., Helen
S., Robert E. and Mary E. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson live at Evanston,
111. Mrs. Johnson is a highly educated lady, having been graduated
from the Hebron High School, and the Kenosha College, in 1908, two
years after completing her high school course. The second child of
Mr. and Mrs. Street is Miss Lola Belle, who was graduated from the
Hebron High School in 1919. Mrs. Street was a grade school teacher
prior to her marriage. For eleven years prior to 1919 Mr. Street was
secretary of the Alden Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, and its
business during that time extended over other townships, and the
amount of insurance carried increased from .$490,000 to about $1,500,000.
Adjustment of losses generally were made by the secretary. The
liberal policy followed by its board made this company many friends,
about ninety per cent of the farmers in its territory being protected by
it. Mr. Street is a Mason and he, his wife and daughter, Miss Lola
Belle, belong to the Eastern Star.

JAMES M. STRODE.
Page 135.

886 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

SULLIVAN BROS.

Sullivan Bros., breeders of Holstein cattle and Poland-China, Duroc-
Jersey and Red hogs, are enterprising young farmers located in Seneca
Township, six miles west of Woodstock, six miles northeast of Marengo,
and six miles north of Union. The firm is composed of William, Charles
and Joseph Sullivan, and they are operating the 360 acre homestead of
their father, William Sullivan. He was born at Cork, Ireland, May 20,
1846, and he died October 28, 1904. When he was two years old, his
parents Patrick and Margaret Sullivan brought him to America, they
coming direct to McHenry County and locating in Seneca Township
in 1848, on a farm one mile from the one now occupied by their grand-
sons. Patrick Sullivan died at the age of sixty years, his widow surviving
him until she was eighty-four years old, when she passed away at Har-
vard. William Sullivan then bought his father's homestead of 106 acres,
his brother John securing forty acres. This brother served for four years
in the Union army during the Civil War, after it, going into railroad
work at St. Louis, Missouri, rising until he was superintendent of con-
struction in various states including California, and he spent the last
ten years of his life at Los Angeles, Cal., where he died. In addition to
these two brothers, there were the following children in the family of
Patrick Sullivan: Ellen, who married John Brickley of Durham Town-
ship, where both died; Mary, who was a tailoress of Harvard, died un-
married at the age of fifty years; Nora, who married John Kelliher of
Rapids City, S. D.; Kittle, who married Alonzo Bennett of Greeley,
Col.; and Hannah E., who married Col. E. L. Daws of Chicago.

William Sullivan was reared on his father's farm, and at the age of
fifteen years began working out. He spent one year at St. Louis, Mo.,
as wiper in the roundhouse, and then coming back home was married
May 3, 1871, to Catherine Buckley, a daughter of William and Margaret
(Crowley) Buckley of Marengo Township. At the time of his marriage,
William Sullivan settled on forty acres of what became his homestead,
which was then heavily timbered, and he went into debt to secure it.
A famous wood chopper, he cleared off his land, and sold his wood for
$1 per cord, averaging two cords per day. For five years he worked at
chopping wood during the winter months, and at night he used to burn
charcoal. By making every moment count he was soon able to acquire
more land, and when he died owned 600 acres. Believing firmly in
protective tariff, he supported the Republican party. For many years
he was a devout member of St. Mary's Catholic Church at Woodstock.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 887

He and his wife had the following children: Henry, who is a fanner of
Marengo Township; Mary, who is Mrs. A. L. Corey of Iowa; John, who
has a farm near that, of Henry in Marengo Township; Agnes, who is
Mrs. John Fitzpatriek, lives at Chicago where her husband is a prac-
ticing physician; William; Charles: Eva, who is Mrs. F. J. McAdams of
Chicago; Minerva, who is Mrs. S. C. Grafft of Denver, Col.; and her
twin brother, Charles, who is an auctioneer of Marengo, a sketch of
whom appears elsewhere in this work; Joseph, who is a partner of
William E. and his twin, who died in infancy; Harrie, who is engaged in
office work at Chicago, a twin of Veronica, who is Mrs. David Padden
of ( 'hicago; Bessie, who is a teacher of Chicago; Philip, who is an attorney
of Chicago; George, who is also an attorney of Chicago; and Harold, who
is an attorney. The three youngest entered the United States service
during the Great War, and George received a lieutenant's commission.

In 1918 the present partnership was formed, the brothers buying
the interests of the other heirs, including that of their stepmother. She
bore the maiden name of Nellie Kelliker. There were no children of
the second marriage of William Sullivan. The brothers have bought
other farms now owning 620 acres, 360 of which is in the homestead,
the balance in two farms, twenty acres being in the village of Marengo.
They specialize on dairying, keeping 100 to 300 cows, and have over
seventy-five pure bred Holstein in their herd. They buy and sell all the
time, shipping to markets which cater to the needs of dairymen. They
are not exhibitors. Their residence was built in 1901, and their barn,
built in 1894, has a basement, and is 36x100 feet, with an ell 34x72 feet,
and a leanto 16x38 feet, all arranged for dairy purposes.

William Sullivan was married November 22, 1905, to Sarah Havent,
and their children are as follows: Velora, William, Donald, George,
Marie and Charles.

CHARLES B. SULLIVAN.

Charles B. Sullivan, auctioneer and stockman of Marengo, belongs
to one of the old and honored families of McHenry County, and is one
of the most aggressive young business men of this region. He was
born on a farm in Seneca Township, March 25, 1881, and his boyhood
was passed there. He is associated with his brothers in operating the
farm of 700 acres in the vicinity of Marengo, but lives in the city. The
brothers raise large amounts of stock, milk production being a secondary

nss HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

feature. They have two sales barns at the stock yards of Marengo,
with a capacity for seventy head of cattle, and employment is given to
thirty men. It was in 1901 they began holding their annual sales which
have increased in importance until at their last one, held in May, 1919,
the total of sales ran in excess of $27,000, some of the cows running as
high as $750, the buyers many of them coming from long distances. It
is claimed by some who had attended sales of pure-bred Holstein cattle
held in the east, that the animals sold by the Sullivan Brothers, were
superior, and represented the best production of Holstein breeding.
Charles B. Sullivan has specialized on selling Holstein cattle, and has
learned the best methods of handling these sales, as in 1910 he spent a
few months at the Stock Yards at Chicago. Mr. Sullivan is sent for to
conduct similar sales in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Michigan,
Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio and South Dakota. He does not use the title
''Colonel" usually adopted by auctioneers, but he is so designated by
the United States government in reporting his conduct of camp sales,
when upon six occasions he held them at Battle Creek, Mich., disposing
very successfully of stock mules and horses. From October 1 to March,
he holds sales almost every day, and he receives a very handsome recom-
pense for his work. He is very active in politics, and enjoys a political
rally. For eight years he served as assessor of Seneca Township.

On June 24, 1914, Mr. Sullivan was married to Mrs. Catherine
(Askins) Riley, widow of John Riley, who had died in 1910, at Marengo,
where he was carrying on a real estate business, having retired from
his farm. He had lived in McHenry County for twelve years. Mr. and
Mrs. Riley had one son, John Riley, who is twelve years old. Charles
B. Sullivan is a member of the Church of the Sacred Heart. He belongs
to the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters, and
the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. A man of genial nature
and broad sympathies, Mr. Sullivan makes friends wherever he goes,
and is known among stockmen the country over as an expert in his
particular line.

JOSEPH D. SULLIVAN.

Joseph D. Sullivan, junior member of the firm of Sullivan Bros.,
dealers in grain, live stock and feed, and proprietors of extensive feed
and sale stables, is one of the prosperous business men of Marengo.
He was born in McHenry County, December 11, 1882, one of the seven-

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 889

teen children of William and Catherine (Brickley) Sullivan, the former
of whom was horn in Ireland but came to the United States in 1858,
locating in Seneca Township, where he died October 28, 1904, having
been a farmer all his life.

Joseph D. Sullivan attended the common and high schools of
McHenry County, and the Rockford Business College, from which lie
was graduated. Immediately thereafter he commenced farming and
' dealing in stock, and owns 456 acres of land in Seneca Township, and
246 acres in Marengo Township. He built his present sales stables
at Marengo at a cost of $5,000, in 1916, and the building in the rear
cost $2,500. He and his 1 not her do a business of $200,000 annually.

On April 29, 1914, Mr. Sullivan was married to Miss Gertrude Riley,
a daughter of Timothy Riley of Marengo. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan belong-
to the Catholic church. In politics he is a Republican, and in 1918 he
was candidate in the primaries for nomination for county treasurer. He
belongs to the Knights of Columbus, of Harvard and the Elks, of Wood-
stock. Mr. Sullivan has known how to put his love of the soil to prac-
tical use, and has not only been successful in his business, but has also
given his hearty support to all big and wholesome movements in his
county.

ROBERT JOHN SUTTON.

Robert John Sutton, now deceased, was for many years one of the
prosperous fanners of McHenry County, and he is held in esteem by
those who knew him. He was born in McHenry Township, March 29,
184S, a son of Michael Sutton, a native of Ireland, who came to the
United States, and located in Illinois about seventy-five years ago. He
became a farmer of McHenry County, and a successful man of his
locality.

Robert John Sutton was married to Bridget Knox, and they had
the following children: Mary, Michael, Nellie, Alice, Margaret, Edward,
Robert, William, Lucy, John and Joseph. Mrs. Sutton was also a native
of Ireland. She died in 1907, aged fifty-eight years. Mr. Sutton died
in 1912, aged sixty-four years. During his lifetime he accumulated 314
acres of land and was very successful as a farmer. In politics he was
a Democrat, and served as a tax collector.

Michael Sutton, son of Robert John Sutton, was married to Mary
A. Logul, and they have two children, namely: Robert and Mary C.

890 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY'

Michael Sutton and his brother William have bought the homestead
in Nunda Township which they are operating, it comprising 200 acres
of very valuable land on section 1, which they devote to general farming
and dairying, milking eighteen cows. The family is one of the old and
highly esteemed ones in McHenry County, and the children of Robert J.
and Bridget Sutton are living up to the teachings of their parents, and
like them, are consistent members of the Catholic church.

LOTT SWAIN.

Lott Swain, formerly one of the leading farmers and stockmen of
McHenry County, is now living in retirement at Marengo, where he is
cnjo.ving the fruits of his years of toil. He was born September 15,
1848, in Chemung Township, seven and one-half miles northwest of
Marengo, a son of Isaac and Mary Swain, a sketch of whom appears
elsewhere in this work.

Lott Swain remained on the old homestead until he was twenty-
seven years old, at which time he was united in marriage with Emma
Jane Tanner, a sketch of whose family appears elsewhere. Having
lost his father when he was fifteen years of age, Lott Swain early learned
to be useful, and from the time he was twenty-one was a partner of his
brother,^ Willard Swain, whose sketch appears elsewhere, in operating
the homestead, and they made many improvements upon it, erecting
new buildings and installing modern machinery and appliances. In
1915 Lott Swain retired to Marengo, buying his present residence at
No. 211 W. Prairie Street, close to the business district. The house was
an old one, but he remodeled it and it is now one of the most convenient
modern homes in the city. His portion of the homestead is now oper-
ated by his son, Roy. While Mr. Swain has left the farm, he still gives
affairs there a general supervision, and keeps up the repairs and improve-
ments. This farm lies on the county line, along the River road, and is
very valuable. Mr. Swain has never held any offices, but has always
given a hearty support to the straight Republican ticket.

Mr. and Mrs. Swain have the following children: Earl, who is
engaged in farming near his father's homestead, married Emma Torge-
son, and they have three children, Myrtle, Fay B., and Lester Earl; Roy
J., who is operating the homestead, married Julia Torgeson, and they
have four children, Laverne, Glenn, Mildred Lucile and Roy J., Jr.;

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 891

Jessie Ella, who married George Woleben of Madison, Wis., has two
sons, George, •!)'. and Clarence Swain; and Blanche, who formerly was
a bookkeeper in an office at Madison, Wis., was a student of the Elgin
Academy during 1908-1910. For many years Mr. Swain has been a
consistent member and liberal supporter of the Marengo Presbyterian
Church. His interest has always been centered in his home and business
SO he has no time to devote to fraternities. He and his family are held
in the highest esteem in the township and county in which the Swains
have lived for so many years.

WILLARD SWAIN.

Willard Swain, one of the prominent men and successful agricul-
turalists of Chemung Township, belongs to an old and honored family.
He is a son of Isaac Swain, and grandson of Isaac Swain, who was born
at Loyalsock, Pa., May 7, 1797, and died October 26, 1866. The Swain
family came to the American colonies from England. In 1S35 Isaac
Swain was married to Mary Ann Burt, born January 7, 1808 at Lewiston,
N. Y., and in 1836 they moved to Youngstown, N. Y., and developed a
farm out of heavily timbered land.

Isaac Swain, the younger, when sixteen years old began hauling loads
along the Niagara River, and became so expert that he could cross the
liver from the American to the Canadian side. He served during the
War of 1S12 as a soldier, and for his services in this war, secured in 1861
a land warrant for a farm in Iowa. This land he sold forty years later
for $16,000. Subsequently Isaac Swain came to McHenry County,
and secured land in Chemung Township, on which in 1861 he built the
present residence, and in 1876, the barn. His children were as follows:
Edward, who died on the homestead twenty-four years of age; Sarah,
who married Henry Hovey; Mary A., who died in girlhood; Isaac, who
owned the farm adjoining his father's, died at Belvidere in 1918, aged
eighty-seven years; William, who lived at Osage, Iowa, for over fifty
years, died there when sixty-seven years of age; George W., who operated
a foundry at Stillwater, Minn., died there when sixty-seven years old;
Eliza, who married L. Watkins, lived in Boone County, 111., where both
died; David, who is mentioned below; Almira, who died in childhood;
Willard, whose name heads this review, lives on the old homstead six
miles west of Marengo on the River Road; Lott, who is a retired farmer

892 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

of Marengo, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Emily M
who married Charles Wicks, lived in Nevada, but died at Marengo;
and Eva E., who has remained at home with her brother, Willard, is
his housekeeper, neither of them having married.

David Swain, late proprietor of the Marine Engine Works at Still-
water, Minn., built 268 steamboats, or the larger number of those plying
on the upper Mississippi River. He had many patents on boats and
steamboat machinery from the United States and Canadian govern-
ments. He adopted the use of the compound condensing engines to
boats and saw-mills, etc., and was a natural mechanical genius. At the
time of his death, which occurred July 3, 1918, he was a resident of Still-
well, although he passed away at Pittsburgh, Pa. He had taken the
steamboat, Vernie Swain off the Illinois River from Peoria to Pittsburgh,
and chartered it to other parties at Pittsburgh. David Swain owned
three boats on the Illinois River, the Julia Belle Swain, the Vernie Swain
and the Kabekona. His sons, Percy Swain of Peoria, 111., Verne Swain,
also of Peoria, 111., and Fred Swain, of Ohio, 111., are all captains. Mrs.
David Swain survives and makes her home at Stillwater, Minn.

Willard Swain is still living on the old homestead, and has put in
fifty-three years of hard work upon it, now having one of the finest rural
properties in this part of the county. Although he has never been will-
ing to hold office, he is one of the well-known men here, and is held in
the greatest respect by those who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.

WILLIAM S. SWONGUER.

William S. Swonguer of Marengo, is engaged in handling furniture
and carrying on an undertaking business, and is numbered among the
leaders in both lines. He was born in Ohio, October 18, 1868, a son
of Marion S. and Martha L. (Fuson) Swonguer, who had seven children,
five of whom are now living. Marion S. Swonguer was born in Ohio,
and after being engaged for a number of years as a farmer, he retired
to Bellefontaine, Ohio, where he is now residing.

William S. Swonguer was reared in Ohio, and there attended the
common and high schools, and the Nelson Business College at Spring-
field, Ohio. Still later he attended the Whittenburg School, and the
Barnes Undertaking School and Sanitarium, being graduated from the
latter in June, 1915. He then established himself in business at Marengo,

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 893

where he has since continued, winning the confidence and respect of his
community. He carries a stock valued at $8,000, and lias a beautifully
equipped store for displaying it at the corner of State and Washington
streets.

Mr. Swonguer was married to Miss Annis L. Eddy, a daughter of
Henry Eddy of New York, and they have two living children, namely:
Charlotte H. and Wendell T., the third child, Wilfred E., having died
February 23, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Swonguer are consistent members
of the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally he belongs to the
Chapter Masons, and the Odd Fellows, and he and Mrs. Swonguer
belong to the Eastern Star. In politics he is an independent, preferring
to choose his own candidates. Thoroughly experienced in his business,
his services are called for whenever a dignified funeral is desired.

FRANK A. TANNER.

Frank A. Tanner, former president of the Federal Farm Loan Com-
pany, is one of the leading men of this locality, and one who has held the
confidence of his fellow citizens since the beginning of his career. In
addition to other interests, he has operated quite extensively in land.
He is now chairman of the board of appraisers, and resides at Harvard.
Hp was born in Marengo Township, on the line between McIIenry
and Boone counties, March 14, 1859, a son of Jonas C. and Jane A.
(Morris) Tanner, natives of New York and Pennsylvania, respectively.
Both were brought to Illinois by their parents in 1836, settling side In-
side. The paternal grandfather, Joseph Tanner, and the maternal
grandparents, Joseph and Betsy Morris, all lived and died in McIIenry
County at advanced ages. Jonas Tanner was born in 1823, and he died
in 1873, and his wife, eight years his junior, died in 1902, aged seventy-
one years, at the old homestead, which is still owned by her youngesl
son, Jonas C. Tanner, of Marengo. The children of Jonas Tanner and
his wife were as follows: Ella, who is Mrs. George Pond, of Clifton,
Colorado; Emma J., who married Lott Swain, a retired farmer of
Marengo, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Mary, who
is Mrs. Charles Porter, M. D., died in 1910 at the age of fifty-four years,
and Doctor Porter moved from Marengo Township to North Dakota:
Frank, whose name heads this review; George K., who is in a garage
business at St. Charles, 111.; Fred J., who was a farmer, furniture dealer

894 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

and undertaker of Marengo, died in 1918; and Jonas Charles, who is a
retired farmer and justice of the peace of Marengo.

Frank A. Tanner assumed his father's duties when the latter died,
and each son remained at home until he attained his majority. The
mother was an excellent business woman, and was able to give to all of
her children a start in life when they married. When he was twenty-one
years old, Frank A. Tanner rented a farm near that of his mother. On
October 6, 1880, he was married to Miss Nellie McDougall, of Garden
Prairie, Boone County, 111., a daughter of L. S. and Anna (Fox) McDou-
gall, both of whom are now deceased. When he was nine years old, L. S.
McDougall came to McHenry County with his parents from Canada,
and his wife was born in New York. After his marriage, Mr. Tanner
returned to his mother's farm for two years, but then bought land in
Boone County, selling it after about a year. In the spring of 1882 he
moved to Edmunds County, S. D., homesteaded, and spent three years
upon the land to prove it up, but had the misfortune to lose his crops
and returned to McHenry County empty of pocket. Mr. Tanner then
spent a year on a farm near Garden Prairie, Boone County, but sold it
and bought another tract of land comprising 215 acres in Boone County,
on which he lived for twenty-two years, going in debt to pay for all of it.
Not only did he clear off this debt, but he added to his farm until he
now owns 587 acres in one body. He is also a partner of the Rockton
Molding Sand Company; has a half interest in eighty acres in Boone
County, his son, Lorenzo C, owning the other half; a half interest in
181 acres in Walworth County, Wis., his son-in-law, E. B. Manley,
owning the other half, and Mr. Manley is his partner in the Rockton
Molding Sand Co., at Rockland, Winnebago County, 111., with thirty-
five acres of sand, of which Mr. Tanner is president, and Mr. Manley
manager, and it has been in operation for ten years. This company ships
about 600 cars of sand per year, selling it to foundries for molding
purposes. About ten men are employed by it.

In 1908 Mr. Tanner left the farm and moved to Harvard, and for
about four years conducted a real estate office, dealing in farm lands in
several states, but disposed of this business. His homestead has several
sets of buildings, although the property is in one body. He has a herd
of 130 Hereford cattle, is in the cattle business, and cattle and sheep are
fed, grain being raised on the farm for that purpose. This magnificent
property is known all over McHenry, Boone and surrounding counties
as the Tanner Stock Farm. When Mr. Tanner lived on it the herd was
much larger, and he was in the dairy business.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 895

Many Illinois settlers who wont to Dakota had a similar experience
to Mr. Tanner, but not all of them have been able to recover from the
disaster as he has. When he returned he not onlj- had no money, but he
was $1,000 in debt, but he was not discouraged, and, as his credit was
good, increased his obligations by going into debt to buy land, and made
it pay for itself. In 1887 Mr. Tanner organized a drainage district in
Boone County, and a large territory is now redeemed by means of a
five-mile dredged ditch, beginning with his farm, which was lowland.
So successful was he with the operation of this first district, that he
organized a second one in Dunham Township, this ditch being three
miles long, beginning at the McHenry County line, and thousands of
acres have been redeemed. At first he had difficulty in making people
realize how important it was for this land to be drained, but after he had
convinced them he made many warm friends by his public spirit. He
has put in some twenty-five miles of tile on his own farm, a portion of
which is in McHenry County, and the buildings on this side of the county
line are a credit to the community. His present residence, which is finely
located on Division street, Harvard, is a comfortable modern one.

Mr. and Mrs. Tanner have had three children born to them, namely:
May, who married E. B. Manley, of Rockton, 111.; Lorenzo C, who is
on the old homestead, married Ila Lambert, who is active in the work of
the Methodist Episcopal Church; and Jennie, who married C. M. Palmer.
Mr. Palmer is operating that portion of the big farm which is in Dunham
Township. While Mr. Tanner has always taken an active part in politics,
he has never cared for office. A Mason, Mr. Tanner belongs to the Blue
Lodge and Chapter of Harvard, the Commandery of Woodstock, and
the Shrine of Rockford, 111. He served as chairman of the building
committee of the Harvard Masonic Temple, and is now its financial
manager. In every respect Mr. Tanner measures up as one of the most
representative men of the county, and his fellow citizens are proud of
the record he has made.

FRANKLIN E. THAYER.

Franklin E. Thayer, who is living on the old farm on the township
line, in Hebron Township, four miles south of the village of Hebron,
and eight miles north of Woodstock, was born in his present house,
May 21, 1869, a son of Crandall H. and Mary Ann (Howley) Thayer,

896 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

both born at Rochester, N. Y., she August 12, 1836. The two families
were related. When she was two years old, her father, Roswell Howley
came to Illinois, and after first stopping at Bloomington for a year,
came on to McHenry County and located on Hebron Prairie, two miles
southwest of the village of Hebron, where both he and his wife died in
old age.

Crandall Thayer was twenty-one years old when he came to McHenry
County. A carpenter by trade, he worked at his calling all his life,
but also engaged in farming on eighty acres of land he secured in Hebron
Township, on the Nippersink, within two miles of the Howley farm,
and later he bought eighty acres of his son's present farm, increasing it
subsequently to 100 acres. It was covered with timber, and he began
the hard work of clearing his land, putting about seventy acres of it into
cultivation, and erected the present buildings. About fifteen years
prior to his death he retired, but continued to live on the farm where he
died in 1896. His widow moved to Hebron soon afterwards, and has
continued to reside there ever since. In politics he was a Republican,
and the Methodist Episcopal church held his membership, and during
his later life he was active in church affairs. He and his wife had three
children, namely: Elmer Ellsworth; Philena C, who married Robert J.
Beatty and lives at Woodstock, where Mr. Beatty is engaged in handling
stock and land; and Franklin Ellery, whose name heads this review.

Franklin Ellery spent his boyhood on the farm and attended the local
and Hebron high schools. When he was nineteen years old he began
teaching in Alden Township, and had other schools in the county,
remaining in the educational field for twelve years. On February 11,
1S91, he was married to Catherine Smith, a daughter of Dwight and
Mary (Cowdreg) Smith, born in Greenwood Township. Mr. Smith
died January 24, 1901, and she May 25, 1884. For the first three years
following his marriage, Mr. Thayer was on the Smith farm, and then
resumed his teaching. In 1902 he took charge of the home farm, which
had been rented, and later bought out the interests of the other heirs.
He rebuilt and enlarged the barn, erected a silo and other outbuildings,
and generally improved the place. Dairying is his main feature, and
he has about twenty cows of the Holstein strain. He also bred Chester-
White hogs for four or five years, and used to exhibit at the county
fairs. His product was in demand for breeding purposes, and he was
very successful until his drove was wiped out by hog cholera from which
he lost several very valuable brood sows. While he has not desired
office, he has been township committeeman, and a delegate to conven-
tions of his party. Believing in the county fair he has served as super-

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY Sit?

intendenf of different departments and borne his part in making; these
exhibitions a success, and he belongs to the Soil Improvement Associa-
tion and the Milk Producers Association. Mr. and Mrs. Thayer have
two children, namely: John Hoffman, who is on an adjoining farm;
and Harold Smith, who is at home. Mr. Thayer is a leader in the
Greenwood Methodist Episcopal church, which he serves as trustee and
class leader, and he is superintendent of the Sunday School. The
Masonic lodge at Hebron holds his membership.

DR. FRANK J. THEOBOLD.

Dr. Frank J. Theobold, one of the leading physicians and surgeons
of Cary Station, is conveniently located on Main street. He was born
July 30, 1882, one of the fourteen children of John and Mary (Emmerich)
Theobold. John Theobold was born in Germany, but after he came to
the United States, he became one of its citizens, and from 1850, when he
received his naturalization papers, until his death November 5, 1912,
he was a loyal American. His wife died October 22, 1912.

Doctor Theobold attended St. Joseph's College, from which he was
graduated in 1902. He then took a course in the medical department
of the University of Illinois, from which he was graduated in 1906,
and after two years spent in extensive travel and hospital work, he
entered upon a general practice at Cary Station in 1908. He belongs
to the McHenry County Medical Society, and the Illinois State Medical
Society. Fraternally he belongs to the Woodmen of the World. He is a
Republican.

Doctor Theobold was married to Miss Erene Hoffman, a daughter
of Jacob Hoffman, and they have two children, namely: Francis I.,
who was born January 2, 1910; and John C, who was born January 2,
1911. Dr. and Mrs. Theobold are members of the Catholic church.
A public-spirited man, Doctor Theobold takes a live and effective interest
in local matters, and he is a well known man not only in Cary and its
vicinity, but throughout a wide territory, where his services are in
demand, for his skill and knowledge are generally recognized.

CHARLES ALBERTUS THOMPSON.

Charles Albertus Thompson, one of the best known men of McHenry
County, is one of the extensive farmers of Coral Township. He was

898 HISTORY OF McIIEXKV COUNTY

born in his present house, December 1, 1850, a son of Ahira Thompson,
whose death occurred at Marengo, where he had been a resident since
1883, on March 12, 1907. Ahira Thompson came to Illinois at the age
of nineteen years, in company with other members of his family. In
addition to him, there were the following children in the family of his
parents: Fanny, who married a Mr. Brown, and moved to Knox County,
111.; Sarah, who married a Mr. Warner, and after he was lost on a trip
overland to California, she went with the rest to Knox County, and
died at Mendota, 111.; Mary, who married Walter Warner, died in
McHenry County as did her husband ; Lucy, who married a Mr. Vanvleet,
moved to Union, this county, at an early day; Leman, who went to Kan-
sas after the close of the Civil War, and died in that state; Clark, who
served in the Ninety-fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and died in the
service. The parents of these children lived to an advanced ago, he
passing away when eighty-three years of age.

In 1844 Ahira Thompson bought the farm now owned by his son,
and settled upon it. He was married in Coral Township, to Charlotte
Morris, a daughter of S. R. and Sallie (Bowley) Morris, who had come
to McHenry County from Bureau County, 111., where they had lived
for a short period. They both spent the remainder of their lives in
this county and died after reaching the age of eighty years. Mr. Morris
was a great Methodist and donated the land for the Harmony church
and cemetery of that denomination, and was class leader of the church
as well as its main supporter. His old home is still in the family, now
being owned by the widow of his son, Edwin Morris. Ahira Thompson
and his wife had the following children: William M., who served in the
same company as his father during the Civil War, after the termination
of hostilities, was married to Phebe Nutting, and later to Anna Schultz,
his death occurring in Coral Township, July 10, 1889; Esther N., who
died at the age of thirty-five years, unmarried, was one of the teachers
of the county, whose record shows that she taught thirty-six terms:
Charles Albertus, whose name appears at the head of this review; Laura
M., who married Lewis S. Brown a teacher, moved to Centerville. S.
Dak., where both died, she also having been a teacher in her youth:
and Herbert R., who also went to South Dakota, where he died on
July 22, 1883. The present house was built in 1856 or 1857, but included
in it is the original house, erected in 1844. Ahira Thompson also built
the first barn, which has since been rebuilt by his son. On his 200 acres
of land Ahira Thompson bred Durham cattle, and was so successful with
them that he exhibited them at the count v fairs. He was also interested

HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNTY 899

in the first milk and cheese factories in the county, and was noted for
his excellent butter, to the making of which he gave his personal atten-
tion. After he had retired from the farm and gone to Marengo to live,
lie dealt in feed and manufactured butter until his death.

Charles Albertus Thompson remained at home and attended the
Marengo schools. About 1880 he took charge of the farm, and the
following year, on May 24, 1881, he was married to Ruth Teeple, a
daughter of Pelham C. and Mary A. (Gleason) Teeple, born at Wood-
stock, Ontario, Canada, November 29, 1852. As a child she was brought
to Woodstock, McHenry County, 111., where her father worked as a
carpenter and had a farm near Woodstock, but when he retired he
went to Marengo to live. Mrs. Thompson attended school at Wood-
stock, Aurora and the Elgin Academy. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson spent-
two years not long after their marriage at Marengo, conducting a small
farm, and then returned to their present farm, which he bought from
the other heirs, adding to it until he now has 240 acres in his home
farm and also owns 120 acres on the north, having separate buildings
for each farm. Dairying is his specialty, and he milks from twenty
to thirty cows, all of them being of a high-grade Holstein strain. He
has a silo and his buildings have all been rebuilt and modernized. Several
windmills draw an ample supply of water for all purposes. Mr. Thomp-
son has concentrated his interests on his farm, and has never wanted
an office, but votes for the Republican candidates. The Harmony
Methodist church holds his membership, and receives his generous
support.

Mr. and Mrs. Thompson became the parents of the following chil-
dren: Mabel, who is a dressmaker and milliner, who lives at home;
Gleason M., who married Pearl Dorr, has two children, Lester Clement
and Ina Lucille, operates his father's second farm; Emory Ahira, who
lives at Marengo, married Rosanna Knapp, and they have no children;
Venelle A., who is at home, registered under the Selective Draft, but,
was not called into the service; and Grace, who is Mrs. John W. Rover
of Marengo, has no children.

FRANK O. THOMPSON.

Frank O. Thompson, mayor of Harvard, and one of the prominent
business men of McHenry County, is manager of the implement depart-

900 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

mcnt of Marshall Brothers. He was born in McHenry County, July 2,
1865, a son of Orlando H. and Elizabeth (Harwell) Thompson, who had
nine children, four of whom survive. Orlando H. Thompson was born
in Madison County, Ohio, but came to McHenry County in 1841.
locating at Cold Springs, from whence he moved to Harvard in 1873,
and lived there until his death, in 1906, all of his active years l>ein»
engaged in farming. His wife died in 1906.

Frank O. Thompson attended the common and high schools of his
native county, and his first business experience was gained in the electric
light plant at Harvard, where he proved himself so efficient that three
years later Marshall Brothers placed him in charge of the implement
department of their large establishment, and here he has since remained.
A staunch Republican, Mr. Thompson has often been called upon to
hold office, having been town clerk and collector from 1897 to 1898, and
alderman of Harvard for sixteen years. He was appointed mayor of
Harvard to fill out the unexpired term of the late C. J. Hendricks.

Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Marietta Blanchard Dexter, of
Wisconsin, and they have* the following children: Elmer B., who was
born in September, 1891; Ralph M., who was born in April, 1894; and
two daughters, Claretta S. and Emily E., both of whom served as nurses
in the United States hospital service. The family belong to the Methodist
Episcopal and Presbyterian churches. Mr. Thompson is a Mason.
His business experience, combined with his public spirit, especially fit
him for the office of mayor, and under his wise and able conduct of
affairs Harvard will no doubt prosper exceedingly.

HERBERT N. THOMPSON.

Herbert N. Thompson, one of the leading farmers and stockmen of
McHenry Count}', owns a large farm in Greenwood Township. He was
born in McHenry County, December 15, 1849, a son of A. C. Thompson,
a native of Vermont, and grandson of Paul Thompson, also a native of
Vermont. A. C. Thompson was married to Mary G. Neeley, born in
Massachusetts, coming of one of the Colonial families of the country.
A. C. Thompson was reared in Ohio, and came to Illinois at an early
clay, and was married in this state. For thirty years after locating in
McHenry County, he served as a justice of the peace. His children
were as follows: Edwin H., who lives at Woodstock; Dr. Merritt

HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 901

Thompson, who was a prominent physician of Chicago; Frank (!., who
lives in California; George and Eugene, who are ice cream manufacturers
of Chicago; Mary M., who is Mrs. Carr, of Idaho; and Herbert N.

Herbert N. Thompson attended the country schools of McHenry
County. On December 17, 1874, he was married to Cora B. Carr, born
in McHenry County, April 18, 1856, a daughter of Thomas Carr, a native
of England. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have five living children: Clifford,
who lives in Wisconsin; Lester H., who lives in Montana; Fred E., who
lives in Nebraska; Susie, who is the wife of Fred Charles, of Greenwood
Township; and George L., who lives on the homestead. Another, Clyde,
is deceased. Mr. Thompson's farm contains 240 acres, and he owns
another farm east of his homestead that contains 103 acres. He raises
full-blooded Hereford cattle and other fine stock, and carries on general
farming. In politics he is a Republican. All of his life has been spent
in McHenry County, and he naturally takes a deep interest in its
progress, and not only is a successful man, but one who is highly respected
as well.

HARRY C. THON, M. D.

Harry C. Thon, M. D., is one of the leading physicians and surgeons
of McHenry County, and is engaged in a general medical and surgical
practice at Woodstock, where his abilities receive the appreciation due
to a man of his skill and experience. He was born at Chicago, January
8, 1878, one of the three children born to Henry L. and Louisa (Glos)
Thon. Henry L. Thon was born in Germany, but was brought to the
United States at the age of three years. He was reared in this country,
and after living in various places where he worked at his trade of cabinet-
maker, he died at Lake Geneva, Wis., August 30, 1916.

Doctor Thon attended the public schools of Chicago, and completed
the high school course. Resolving upon a medical career, he obtained
his professional education at Bennett Medical College, from which lie
was graduated in 1899. Immediately thereafter he located at Wood-
stock, and here he has become very prominent. A strong Republican,
he was elected city physician on his party ticket in 1916, and served for
(me year in that office, or until May, 1917. Professionally he maintains
membership with the McHenry Medical Society, and the Illinois State
Medical Society. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of
( )dd Fellows. Both as a man and physician Doctor Thon is very popular,

902 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

and he deserves all the more credit in that lie ha? won his way in life
through his own efforts.

WILLIAM I. TORBOSS.

William I. Torboss, dealer in shelf and heavy hardware, automobiles,
automobile supplies, gasoline engines, pumps, buggies, wagons, farm
machinery, stoves and furnaces, carries a stock of about $5,000, and
has the leading hardware store at Hebron. He was born at Milwaukee,
Wis., March 28, 1859, a son of Isaac W. and Jane (Slocum) Torboss.
Isaac W. Torboss was born in New York, but later came to Freeport,
111., where he died in 1864, having been a manufacturer all his life.
His widow survived him many years, dying in 1912. She bore him two
children, but by a former marriage he had three children.

William I. Torboss was reared at Milwaukee, Wis., where he learned
the trade of a tinner, and worked at it from the age of seventeen years
until 1900, when he founded his present business. In addition to con-
ducting his hardware business, Mr. Torboss acts as superintendent of
the South Wisconsin electric plant.

On August 20, 1881, Mr. Torboss was married to Miss Elma V.
(Jould, a daughter of Dudley R. Gould and they have two children,
namely: Jennie M., who is the wife of Edgar B. Troudy of Kenosha,
Wis.; and William E., who also lives at Kenosha, Wis. In addition to
owning his store, Mr. Torboss has a beautiful home at Lake Geneva.
The family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Torboss
is a Mason. Politically he is a Republican. Aggressive, hard-working
and thrifty, Mr. Torboss has steadily advanced, and deserves the suc-
rrss which has attended his efforts.

FRANK N. TORRANCE.

Frank N. Torrance, secretary and treasurer of The Farmers' New-
Era Telephone Company of Hebron, is one of the aggressive business
men of McHenry County. He was born at Avon, Lake County, 111.,
June 18, 1865, a son of A. J. and Agnes (Thomson) Torrance. She was
born in Ohio but in 1838 when but three years old, was brought west
by her parents, George and Nancy Thomson, who settled in Lake

EISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 903

County, whore ho died at the age of seventy-seven years, and she at the
age of sixty-five years. A. J. Torrance was born at Watkins, N. Y.,
and came to Illinois about 1852, after spending a year in California
where lie was engaged in mining. He brought with him $5,000, and
bought a farm at Volo, Lake County, but about 1866 came to McHenry
County, and continued a resident of this region.

Frank N. Torrance was reared in McHenry County, and attended
its schools, and when sixteen years of age began learning the tinner's
trade, at which he worked for sixteen years, eight in McHenry County,
and eight years at Genoa Jet., Wis., in connection with a hardware
store. In 1897, he, G. W. Conn and G. W. Conn, Jr., organized the
Bank of Hebron as a private institution, of which Frank N. Torrance
was vice president. For the subsequent eleven years he devoted himself
to this bank, having charge of it for five years, or until its re-organization.
In 1908 he sold his interest, and became secretary and treasurer of
The Farmers' New Era Telephone Company, organized in 1904, which
now has 1,100 subscribers and four exchanges. Mr. Torrance has been
on the board of directors since its organization, and he has been instru-
mental in securing its present prosperity. In conjunction with others,
Mr. Torrance is interested in a syndicate farm at Rocktown, 111., and
owns a farm near Crookston, Minn., which is a grain and dairy property.
He owns a comfortable residence at Hebron.

On September 20, 1885, Mr. Torrance was married to Frances
Conn, a daughter of G. W. Conn, and they have two children, namely:
Hugh C, who is connected with the Moore Auto Company at Grand
Forks, N. Dak.; and Bornice E., who married Alfred Gill of Lake
Geneva, Wis. The service rendered by Mr. Torrance and his associates
in giving the people of his region adequate telephone service can scarcely
be over-estimated, and he holds the respect and confidence of all who
know him.

GEORGE L. TORRANCE.

George L. Torrance, one of the prosperous farmers located five
miles southwest of Woodstock in Seneca Township, was born at Volo,
Lake Count}', III., July 19, 1849, a son of Gabriel D. and Samantha M.
(Huson) Torrance, natives of New York state. George L. Torrance
was reared on his father's farm, remaining at home until ho was about

904 HISTORY OF McHBNRY COUNTY

twenty years of age, at which time he came to the vicinity of Crystal
Lake with his parents, and purchase was then made of a large tract of
land on which he lived for fourteen years. Later removal was made to
Ogle County, 111. In the meanwhile George L. Torrance clerked for a
year in a general store at Crystal Lake, and when his father bought
200 acres of land in Seneca Township, he went with him and spent a
year on the farm. The father then retired and lived at Woodstock for
five years, when he went into a drug business at Rochelle, 111., with his
son-in-law, and remained for three years. In the spring of 1891, he
returned to Woodstock, and his health failing, lived with his son, George
L., until his death, in August, 1899, when he was seventy-six years old.
His widow survived him until February, 1918, when she died at the
age of eighty-eight years. He had been assessor of Seneca Township,
and held other township offices. His children were as follows: Frances S.,
who married J. H. Payne, M. D., of Volo, Lake County, 111., they went
to Kansas in 1871 and she died there in 1913, and he retired from active
practice; George L., whose name heads this review; Floyd D., who
is deceased; and Genevive L., who is Mrs. Edwin Allaben of Rochelle, 111.
George L. Torrance changed about considerably during his younger
days, and was in Kansas, at Woodstock, Crystal Lake, and on the farm.
On January 20, 1891, he was married to Hettie D. Cox of Lawrence,
Kan., who was born in Indiana in 1877, but losing her parents in child-
hood she was reared in an American family, and later went to Kansas
where for several years she was a teacher in an Indian school at the
Osage Agency in Indian Territory, now Pohesha, Okla. Since his mar-
riage, Mr. Torrance has principally occupied himself with farming, a
portion of the time living on other farms which he owned, but returning
each time to his present one of 199 acres. His present residence has
been rebuilt and is very comfortable, and in 1902 he built an addition
to it. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Torrance are as follows:
Frank C. and Lizzie S., both of whom are at home, the son being a
partner with his father in the farming operations. The family is one
of the most highly respected ones in Seneca Township, and Mr. Tor-
rance deserves the success which has attended him.

HERMAN H. TREBES.

Herman H. Trebes, one of the leading farmers and stockmen of
Union, is a man well and favorably known throughout McHenry County.

BISTORT OP McHENRY COUNTY 905

He was born in Germany, June 5, 1875, one of the five children of God-
frey Trebes. He was only a baby, when his parents came to the United
States, and settled in Coral Township, where they became farmers upon
an extensive scale. The father survives, but the mother died August 28,
1915.

Herman H. Trebes was reared in Coral Township, and attended
its schools, and became a farmer from choice. His fine farm contains
120 acres of valuable land and is located in Seneca Township, and he
also owns forty acres in Coral Township. In 1903 he branched out and
began dealing in stock, and now does a business aggregating $100,000
annually.

On June 2(5, 1007, Mr. Trebes was married to Miss Minnie Karsten,
born December 11, 1885, a daughter of Frederick and Mary (Laatzi)
Karsten of Seneca Township. Mr. and Mrs. Trebes have the following
children: Harry E., who was born August 20, 1908; Esther A., who
was born August 2, 1912; Wayne H., who was born August 18, 1916;
and Bcrnice H., who was born August 6, 1918. Mr. Trebes is a Repub-
lican, he has been on the village board of Union since 1916, and a mem-
ber of the school board since May, 1918, and since 1916 he has been town-
ship assessor. He and his wife are consistent members of the Lutheran
church. Both as a private citizen and public official, Mr. Trebes has
proven his worth as a man and he is held in the highest esteem by all
who know him.

CAPT. CHARLES H. TRYON.

Capt. Charles H. Tryon, now deceased, was formerly one of the best
known men in McHenry County, and for twenty years was county
surveyor. His family is a pioneer one of this region. His death
occurred in May, 1916, at Woodstock, where he had lived for several
years. He was survived by his widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Tryon, and his
two children, Jessie and Bela, the latter being now deceased, having
passed away at the age of twenty-six years. Mrs. Tryon is a daughter
of Daniel and Clarissa Downs of Lake Geneva, Wis., both of whom are
now deceased.

Jessie Tryon was born on the old farm at Tryon Grove, March 13,
1849, and lived at home until her marriage, at the age of eighteen years,
to George Trow, who was born at Bloomfield, near Lake Geneva, Wis.,
September 2, 1842, a son of Benjamin and Amelia Trow of Massachusetts,
both of whom were graduated from Dartmouth College, and went on a

906 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

farm after their marriage. George Trow was employed on railroad work
until his marriage, after which he devoted himself to farming. He was
a very capable man and might have taken an active part in affairs had
he so desired, but he preferred to use his strength and energy for his
farm. He died on the old Downs farm about 1905, and his widow now
lives at Hebron.

Mr. and Mrs. Trow had the following family: Maud, who is Mrs.
Arthur Marrell, of Solon Mills; Nellie, who is the widow of Albert
Evans, of Hebron; Wilnah, who is Mrs. Lewis Schroeder, of Ringwood;
Clyde C, who operates a bakery at Hebron, owns the 160-acre farm
inherited from his grandfather, Captain Tryon; Pearl, who is engaged in
farming near Ringwood; Paul, who lives at Ringwood; Kirk Alfred, who
died at the age of sixteen years; Edith Mabel, who married Louis Burger,
died at the age of twenty-two and her husband when twenty-five; and
six who died in infancy. Mrs. Trow has been a resident of Hebron since
1915, and is enjoying her ease, being entitled to it after many years of
hard work. Having been so active for many years it is difficult for her
to relinquish a hold on affairs, and she is taking part in the aggressive
policy of the Congregational church, of which she is an efficient member.

The Tryon family is one of the best known ones in McHenry County,
and its representatives are to be found in many walks of life, not only here
but elsewhere in the state and country. The sound principles of life
advocated and upheld by Captain Tryon are perpetuated by his descend-
ants and connections, and his name is held in veneration by those who
recognize that to him and those associated with him and influenced by
him is due so much of the present prestige of McHenry County. He
was influential also in raising a high standard of morality, and was a
friend of the public schools and other improvements looking toward the
advancement of the locality in which he had centered his interests. He
was a county surveyor for twenty years.

CHARLES L. TRYON.

Charles L. Tryon, county superintendent of highways for McHenry
County, affords in his person a striking example that public honors are
not confined to one member of a family, for not only is he the efficient
incumbent of one of the county offices, but his brother, George L. Tryon,
is equally valuable to the county as county surveyor, and the paternal

HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY 907

greatuncle of these brothers, Captain Tryon, held the latter office for
many years, doing some of the most important work in this line for
McHenry County and its cities and villages. Charles L. Tryon was born
in Elba, Neb., November 30, 1885, one of the five children born to Ira B.
and Electra L. (Begun) Tryon, the former of whom for some years was a
valued employe of the Western Union Telegraph Company, but is now
associated with the Oliver Typewriter Company.

After attending 1he grammar and high schools of his native county,
Charles L. Tryon also studied civil engineering at the University of
Illinois, as did his brother, George L., and he followed his profession
until he was appointed to his present office in September, 1913.

In 1913 Mr. Tryon was married to Miss Charlotte M. Blank, and they
have one daughter, Charlotte T. Mr. and Mrs. Tryon belong to the
Presbyterian Church. They reside at No. 511 Benton Street. In
politics Mr. Tryon is a Republican. A conscientious and efficient man,
he is giving universal satisfaction in his office, and his work stands as a
monument to his skill and public spirit.

GEORGE L. TRYON.

George L. Tryon, county surveyor of McHenry County, is one of the
rising young men of Woodstock, and belongs to an old and honored
family of this locality. He was born in McHenry County, March 1,
1891, one of five children born to his parents, Ira B. and Electra L.
(Begun) Tryon. When he was a young man Ira B. Tryon learned the
trade of a telegrapher and followed it for some years, but he is now in
the employ of the Oliver Typewriter Company.

George L. Tryon attended the grammar and high schools of McHenry
County and studied civil engineering and surveying, and after com-
pleting his course and secured his degree, has followed his profession ever
since. In December, 1916, he was elected county surveyor of McHenry
County, following in the footsteps of his paternal greatuncle, Captain
Tryon, who for many years served McHenry County in the same office,
surveying and laying out many of the cities and villages of this locality.

In 1916 Mr. Tryon was married to Miss Vivian D. Howell, a daughter
of Hiram Howell, and they have one daughter, Vivian M. Mr. and Mrs.
Tryon belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. They reside at No.
201 Fremont Street, Woodstock. In politics he is a Republican.

908 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

EDWARD G. TURNER.

Edward G. Turner, proprietor of the Hazel Ridge Farm of Richmond
Township, is located one mile north of Spring Grove on a very valuable
property. He was born on his farm in a house that stood on the site
of his present residence, April 1, 1862, a son of George E. and Janette
(Adams) Turner, and grandson of William Turner, who died at Detroit,
Mich. The children of William Turner were as follows: George E.,
Robert, John, William and Leighton who all came to Illinois, and for
some time conducted a livery stable. Later William, Robert and George
E. Turner came to McHenry County, and all located in Richmond
Township, where they died. Another brother, Charles, remained at
Detroit, Mich., while the only sister, Mary, who is Mrs. Collins, lives
at Chicago, where Leighton Turner also continued to reside.

After 1840, George E. Turner continued to reside on his farm which
is now occupied by his son, Edward G. He built a portion of the present
house, that part of brick, about 1857 or 1858. George E. Turner was
married to Sarah A. Reed of Richmond Township, who died leaving
five children, namely: Sarah, who is the widow of James A. Robbins,
lives at Elgin, 111.; John, who died in middle life in Kansas where he had
gone after attaining his majority; Mary, who married Thomas Wright,
died in Kansas; Libbie, who is a Mrs. Smith, a widow, lives at Elgin,
111.; and Isadora, who is Mrs. D. W. Lichty of Woodstock. About
1860, Mr. Turner was married (second) to Janette Adams, a daughter
of Andrew Adams of Chicago, and she died February 12, 1904, in
Burton Township, having spent her last years with her children, who
are: James H., who is a retired farmer of Hebron; Clara E., who is the
widow of R. Johomott of Antioch, 111.; Edward G., whose name heads
this review; Cora B. who married J. B. Richardson of Richmond, a
sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; and Ida J., who married
Robert Wallace, died when about thirty.

Edward G. Turner remained at home until his marriage, having
had charge of the farm from the time he was seventeen. On January 6,
1887, he was united in marriage with Edith Moore, a daughter of
William and Eliza (Gawne) Moore, who died, March 1, 1910 and July
24, 1910, respectively. Mrs. Turner was born at Solon Mills and was
twenty-four years old at the time of her marriage. Four years after his
marriage Edward G. Turner bought the homestead, later adding eighty
acres, so that he now has 240 acres. Since owning it he has rebuilt
the house, erected a barn in 1911, which is a model one, 38x11 feet,

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 909

the finest in the county, and two silos. He has made dairying a specialty

and keeps twenty-five cows of thoroughbred Holstein strain, which he
has handled for the past fourteen years, breeding them himself. During
his mother's lifetime he bred full-blooded Merino sheep which were
exhibited at the county fairs, but of late years has confined himself to
cattle. Politically he is a Republican, and does not seek any office.
He and his wife have one daughter, Hazel May, who after being grad-
uated from the Richmond High School, is now taking a course at the
University of Illinois. Mr. Turner is a Woodman. The family belong-
to the Methodist church, and Mrs. Turner is active in the clubs con-
nected with her church and community. There are few people in this
region who are held in higher respect than Mr. and Mrs. Turner and
they deserve this appreciation from their community, for they have
earned it.

HENRY M. TURNER.

Henry M. Turner, supervisor of Hebron Township, and one of the
leading farmers of McHenry County, owns and operates a very valuable
farm in this township. He was born in Hebron Township, September 8,
1857, one of the three children of George and Helen (Ehle) Turner.
George Turner was born at Buffalo, N. Y., in 1823, and came to Geneva,
Wis., in 1842, and in 1851, to Hebron Township, becoming, in time, a
fanner. He died here in March, 1910. The mother was born in New
York, and came to McHenry County in 1829. She died April 13, 1896.

Henry M. Turner followed his father's footsteps and became a
farmer, and has found this calling so profitable that he has always
followed it. He now owns 143 acres of choice farm land in Hebron
Township, and forty acres of land in Wisconsin. In 1882 Mr. Turner
was united in marriage with Miss Marie Ledger of Wisconsin, who
died in 1886. Mr. Turner was married (second) to Miss Molly Rodawig,
a daughter of William Rodawig of Saybrook, 111. Mr. and Mrs. Turner
have two children: Jessie R. and Ruth Marie. Politically a strong
Republican, Mr. Turner has been very active in local matters, and for
nine years served as road commissioner. In 1898 he was elected super-
visor of Hebron Township, and is now chairman of the county board.
During the many years he has served on this board, he has seen some
of the best improvements put in, and the county owes niuch to his
untiring industry and public spirit in inaugurating and carrying them

910 HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY

to a successful completion. Mr. Turner and his family belong to the
Presbyterian church. A Mason, Mr. Turner belongs to Hebron Lodge,
A. F. & A. M., No. 604. Mr. and Mrs. Turner are both members of
the Eastern Star. Measured by the standards of good citizenship,
Air. Turner has proved to be a valuable man to his community.

JAMES HENRY TURNER.

James Henry Turner, proprietor of the Florentine Farm, is now
living retired at Hebron, after years of usefulness as an agriculturalist.
He was born on s farm in Richmond Township, March 16, 1857, eldest
son of his father's family by his second marriage. His father, George E.
Turner, was married (second) to Jeanette Adams, who induced him to
add a middle name in order to distinguish him from another George
Turner. A sketch of the Turner family is found elsewhere in this work.

James Henry Turner remained on the farm, and attended the local
schools. On April 26, 1881, he was married to Eva Ann Peacock, of
Burton Township, a neighbor and schoolmate, a daughter of William
and Mary Ann (Richardson) Peacock, both of whom are now deceased.
They were pioneers of Burton Township, and he served his country as a
soldier during the. Civil War.

At the time of his marriage James Henry Turner rented land near
his father's farm for five years, and then, in 1886, bought 260 acres four
miles southeast of Hebron, in Hebron Township, which was a part of the
Robert Stewart farm of 900 acres, on which were buildings that he
enlarged. In 1903 he sold that farm and bought 120 acres one and one-
half miles west of Hebron, which he still owns and which is operated by
his son-in-law, as the Florentine Farm. Mr. Turner retired to Hebron
in 1917. This is a dairy farm and has a modern barn 44 x 110 feet,
with 22 foot posts, all the stabling being done in the basement.

Mr. Turner belongs to the Odd Fellows and has represented the local
lodge at the Grand Lodge, and he is also a member of Hebron Camp,
M. W. A. His daughters belong to the Daughters of Rebecca. The
children of Mr. and Mrs. Turner are as follows: Ethel May Turner, is
the wife of Arthur D. Cornue, an extensive breeder of Holstein cattle.
Their son, James H. Cornue, although only eleven years old, is also
interested in cattle and has begun to invest in this line of business.
Clara Louise Turner, the second child in the Turner family, married G.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 911

A. Larson, who is with the Oliver Typewriter Company at Woodstock.
Evelyn Isabel Turner married Frank Rehorst of Hebron Township, and
lives on her father's farm. George Alvin Turner is with the Woodstock
Typewriter Company. Florence Irene Turner is at home. Mr. Turner
is well acquainted over Illinois and Wisconsin, and has traveled exten-
sively in these two states in behalf of the State and McHenry County
Farmers Associations. He took the short course in animal husbandry
in the University of Wisconsin, and he keeps himself well posted on such
matters. He has served on the executive committee of the county
fair and as superintendent of the horse and cattle departments and also
of the horticultural display, having missed scarcely any of the exhibi-
tions, to which he was an exhibitor along horticultural lines, and his wife
of her culinary skill. Mr. Turner has been very active in promoting the
Farm Bureau or Soil Improvement Association in the county, and has
been on its executive committee. In the absence of the farm advisor
he has been called upon to handle the affairs of the organization at the
county seat, and would be in the office for weeks at a time. Mr. Turner
and George Hunt have gathered together a collection of 102 samples of
the woods of McHenry County, together with hundreds of other samples
of the county's products, which they have exhibited at various fairs.
This movement now has the support of the board of supervisors, as it
should have, as it is a wonderful collection and demonstrates the remark-
able resources of McHenry County. Mr. Turner, with H. B. Begun,
established the Hebron Tribune in 1890 and was so associated for two
years, when he sold his interest to Mr. Begun. Mr. Turner is unques-
tionably one of the representative men of the county.

GEORGE L. TUTTLE.

George L. Tuttle, manager of the Borden Dairy Company at Wood-
stock, has long been recognized as one of the leading business men of
this part of McHenry County. He was born in Wisconsin, January 8,
1S77, one of the three children of his parents, Chester L. and Susan L.
(Rescr) Tuttle. Chester L. Tuttle was born in Wisconsin, where he
still resides, both he and his wife surviving. They were farming people,
but are now retired and live at Clinton Junction, Wis.

George L. Tuttle attended the local common and high schools, and
was engaged in school teaching in both Wisconsin and Illinois until 1S99,

912 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

when he wont into business for himself at Clinton, Wis., selling his
interests in 1905 to enter upon the duties of his present position. The
Woodstock plant has a capacity of 60,000 pounds of milk daily, and its
affairs are in a prosperous condition.

In 1900 Mr. Tuttle was married to Miss Eunice N. Ellsworth,
daughter of Jerome Ellsworth, of Boone County, 111. Mr. and Mrs.
Tuttle have three children, namely: Kenneth B., Winifield J. and
Catherine B. The family are Christian Scientists. Fraternally Mr.
Tuttle belongs to Hebron Lodge No. 604, A. F. & A. M., and he also
belongs to the Mystic Workers of the World. A man of unusual ability,
he has devoted himself to the expansion of his business and has fairly
earned his present prosperity.

ROBERT C. UECKE.

Robert C. Uecke, proprietor of the Harvard Evergreen Nursery,
and one of the highly esteemed men of McHenry County, has won his
place in his community through his own efforts. He is a man of unusual
capabilities, and deserves the credit for building up so excellent a reputa-
tion for service and reliability. He was born at Lake Mills, Wis.,
February 19, 1860, his parents having come to the United States from
Germany, and settled in Wisconsin about 1846.

In young manhood, Robert C. Uecke worked for his brother, a
nurseryman, and learned the growing of evergreens. He established a
business of growing evergreens at Seymour, Wis., and then, in 1892,
came to Harvard and bought twelve acres of land. Beginning his
business in a small way, he has built it up to large proportions, and
markets his product all over the United States, selling at wholesale to
other nurseries and at retail through the mail. He is a specialist at
starting plants and developing them into hardy specimens almost certain
to nourish. His reputation is well established with landscape architects,
with whom he does a large wholesale business. Growing about twenty-
five distinct varieties of evergreens, almost all of his stock comes from
imported seeds, gathered principally in Switzerland. Mr. Uecke devotes
his attention solely to the growing of evergreens, and is perhaps the best
known man in his line in the country. For some years he has been a
trustee of the Delos F. Diggins Library Board of Harvard, and is now
its president. For five years he was superintendent of the Sunday School

HISTORY OF McITENRY COUNT'S 913

of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Harvard, the largest Sunday
school in McHenry County. While always exercising his right as a
citizen, and giving his vote and support to the candidates of the Republi-
can party, Mr. Uecke is in no sense a politician.

In 1S9 7 Mr. Uecke was married to Mrs. Kate Thompson of Durham
Township. She died May 10, 1908.

FREEMAN VAN WINKLE.
Page 137.

LEON W. VIALL.

Leon W. Viall, D. D. S., one of the best-known and most skilled
dental surgeons of McHenry County, is carrying on a general practice
in his profession at Crystal Lake, with offices over the United States
Bank of that city. He was born in Wisconsin, December 10, 1878, a son
of William H. and Marie (Silvernail) Viall. William H. Viall, was
born in New York state, where he learned the trade of a painter. He is
still living, but his wife died in 1900. They had two children.

Doctor Viall attended the common and high schools of Chicago,
and then was graduated from the Chicago Dental College in 1905,
immediately afterwards locating at Stevens, 111., where he remained
until 1912, when he came to Crystal Lake. Here he has built up a
very desirable practice, and his offices are fitted with every modern
appliance for his work.

In 1907 Doctor Viall was married to Miss Mabel L. Wedge, a daughter
of Charles W'edge, and a member of a prominent Wisconsin family.
Doctor Viall belongs to the Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias
and Woodmen of the World. Although loyally giving his support to
the candidates and policies of the Republican party, he has never cared
to go upon the ticket, preferring to confine his activities to his pro-
fession. The family belong to the Methodist church. A skilled man
in his profession, Doctor Viall naturally has firmly established himself
in the confidence of the people of this section, but he has done more,
for whenever occasion demands, he has proven himself a very desirable
citizen in every respect.

914 HISTORY OF McTIENRY COUNTY

ESBON VANDERKARR.

Esbon Vanderkarr, one of the best farmers in McHenry County,
owns and operates a fine farm nine miles north of Woodstock, and four
miles south of Hebron, in Hebron Township. He was born near Newark,
in Wayne County, N. Y., July 22, 1850, a son of C. S. and Harriet Melissa
Vanderkarr. C. S. Vanderkarr was born- in the Mohawk Valley, N. Y.,
and traced his family back to Holland ancestry. In the spring of 1865,
he came to McHenry Count}-, and located on the farm now owned by
his son, securing 560 acres of land originally covered with timber, and
some low land, since drained and made very productive. It was formerly
owned by the Stewart family, and had on it the present barn and another
one used for sheep. At that time the Stewarts owned 2,000 acres of
land, so this was but a portion of their holdings. C. S. Vanderkarr
began dairying. His wife was a famous buttermaker and they shipped
to Chicago and points in Wisconsin. At the time of the Chicago fire in
1871, they lost a large quantity of their butter which wras held by
Chicago commission men. Until 1875, when he died, C. S. Vanderkarr
continued actively on the farm. He took a carload of hogs to Chicago
in March of that year. There he took cold, complications set in, and he
passed away on April 4, when about fifty-five years of age. His wTidow
survived him for ten 3-ears, being over sixty when she died. They had
only two children, namely: Esbon, whose name heads this review; and
Nettie, who married James E. Stewart, son of John Stewart, formerly
a farmer of McHenry County. James E. Stewart died at Hebron, having
lost his wife in 1880, while she was still a young woman.

Esbon Vanderkarr has continued to reside on the farm since he was
brought to it in boyhood. His house was built twenty years ago in a
grove of beautiful maple trees, and his premises show that the owner
takes great pride in them. The improvements are many, including a
silo, and he keeps fifty cows, and has had more in his herd in former
years. For some time he has been breeding imported Clydesdales and
Percheron horses and also a few fine driving horses. In politics he is a
Republican, and has served on the school board.

When he was forty years old, Mr. Vanderkarr was married to Anna
C. Slavin, a daughter of Mat hew Slavin, and a sister of Frank Slavin of
Hebron, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs.
Vanderkarr became the parents of the following children: Nettie, who is
Mrs. Irvin Burger of Woodstock; Lyle, who is manager of the Syndicate
Farm at Rockton, 111.; William, who is at home; Nell, who is at home;

HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNTY 915

and Alice, who is al tending high school. The children are well educated,
the older ones, after having graduated from high school, became students
at college. Mr. Yanderkarr has been active in securing the organization
of the drainage dist riet which has an open ditch with large tile extensions,
his own assessment being over $4,000, in addition to the large expense
incurred by him in putting in many carloads of tile.

CHRIS F. VICK.

Chris F. Vick, junior member of the well-known hardware and
plumbing firm of Fardy & Vick, is one of the progressive young men
of Hebron, and its vicinity. He was born in Wisconsin, December 7,
1S75, one of the eight children of John and Stamma (Price) Vick. John
Vick was born in Germany, but came to the United States when a lad
of twelve years, and located in Wisconsin where he still resides.

Chris F. Vick attended the common and high schools of his neigh-
borhood, and then learned the trade of a carpenter, which he followed
until 1916, when he 'and E. J. Fardy formed their present partnership.
The firm carries on a general hardware and plumbing business, and
their stock averages $6,000. Mr. Fardy is a practical hardware and
tin man, and the work of the repair department of this concern is
excellent.

On October 6, 1903, Mr. Vick was united in marriage with Miss
Jessie Schultz, a daughter of William Schultz. Mrs. Vick belongs to the
Congregational church. He is a Republican, but has never had the
leisure to take much part in politics. Fraternally he belongs to the
Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America. A live business man,
Mr. Vick has made a success of his undertakings, and is justly held
in high esteem by his associates.

HENRY VOGEL.

Henry Vogel, one of the prosperous farmers of Richmond Township,
lives five miles southwest of Richmond, and was born on a part of his
present farm, then in Hebron Township, August 24, 1872, a son of
Henry and Marie (Hohenstein) Vogel. She was born in Hesse Darm-

916 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

stadt, Germany, and he at Frankfort, Germany, but they were married
in this country, she being his second wife. His first wife was Mary
Yanderhclt, whom he married in 1851. After his first marriage Henry
Vogel, the elder, worked at Forksville, Lake County, 111., near the
present site of Volo, and then came to Richmond Township, and worked
by the month until he bought the Barnard farm at Barnards Mills.
There his wife died, and he was married in 1866 or 1867 to the mother
of Henry Vogel, then the widow of George Hohenstein, who had six
children, five of whom grew to maturity, namely: William, who lives in
Hebron Township; Fred, who lives at Elgin, 111.; George, who is at
Woodstock; and Mrs. William Small and Betty, who are of New York
city. Mr. and Mrs. Vogel had one son, Henry.

Henry Vogel remained on the farm until his father's death, although
for some years prior to that, he had conducted it. In 1894 he was
married to Sylvia Rehorst, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Kasken)
Rehorst, born and reared two miles east of Richmond. Her father is
deceased, but her mother survives and lives at Richmond. A sketch
of Henry Rehorst appears elsewhere in this work. Since acquiring his
farm Mr. Vogel has added 170 acres to it, forty acres of it lying in
Hebron Township. He has erected his present buildings, and is con-
stantly making improvements, his house being a cement veneer, which
is conceded to be the most modern type of rural residence, and it is
supplied with electric lights and all improvements of a city home.
Several wells provided with motor pumps furnish the house and barns
with an ample water supply. While he is quite extensively engaged
in dairying, Mr. Vogel also keeps a flock of sheep and a drove of swine,
and breeds from thoroughbred sires. His farm is well equipped with
silos, and other modern appliances, and is a model one of the county.

A stanch Republican, Mr. Vogel has always given his party an
earnest support, and has contributed toward the betterment of the
roads of his township by serving as commissioner of them. Mr. and
Mrs. Vogel became the parents of the following children: Evelyn M.,
who was graduated from the Richmond High School, is a student of
the DeKalb Normal School; Howard, who was also graduated from
the Richmond High School in 1919, was in the same class as his sister;
Nellie V., who is attending the Richmond High School; Henry R.;
Harold A.; Edith I. and William L., all of whom are at home.' Mr.
Vogel is a Mason, and his wife and daughter belong to the Eastern
Star, Mrs. Vogel having belonged to it prior to her marriage, being
eligible to membership because of her father's Masonic connections.

HISTORY OF McHBNR-Y COUNTY 917

The Vogel farm, one of the really valuable properties in McHcnry
County, is well improved and conducted with skill and ability.

JOHN A. WAITE.

John A. Waite, now deceased, was one of the pioneer figures in the
early days of Chemung Township, and a man of unusual high character
and public spirit. He was born at Ellisburg, Jefferson County, N. Y.,
September 10, 1819, and died May 26, 1914. He was married to Mary
Fitzjerald, born at Jay, N. Y., September 6, 1833, but reared in Pennsyl-
vania. She was brought to Illinois in 1844, by her parents who located
in Chemung Township, living there until claimed by death. Her father,
William Fitzjerald, lived to be eighty years of age, but the mother,
Harriet (Leach) Fitzjerald died of cholera about 1847. Mary Fitzjerald,
who was next to the youngest in her father's family, and the last to die,
passed away April 6, 1916. She and John A. Waite were married
November 11, 1854, and they lived together sixty years. Both the
Waites and Fitzjeralds came from Massachusetts, and representatives
of these families were active in the American Revolution. The Waites
are of English stock. John A. Waite and his brother came to Illinois
in 1845, and carried between them as they walked twenty miles to the
nearest station, a trunk containing their earthly possessions, which is
still cherished in the Waite family, as is a cedar chest made by William
Fitzjerald, who was a skilled cabinetmaker.

Some members of the Waite family have attained to distinction,
there having been one of the name on the Supreme Court Bench of the
United States. John A. Waite's brother William H., spent his life with
him, and died at the age of eighty-eight years. He was the elder, having
been born in 1812.

Soon after coming to McHenry County, the brothers formed a
partnership with Warren Kizer and kept a general store, two miles from
Sharon, before that place was founded. With the building of the rail-
road, business was drawn from the store and in 1860 John A. Waite came
to the farm, comprising 205 acres of land, now occupied by Charles E.
Waite. From then on John A. Waite devoted himself to developing his
farm, clearing off the land, doing; some ditching and building, and he
carried on general fanning and dairying, keeping from twenty to twenty-
five co\ys, and making his own butter which he sold to customers in

918 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

Chicago, whom he retained for years. During the latter part of his life
he was retired, as an accident disabled him. A strong Republican he
was a leader in his party and held the office of a justice of the peace.
While he did not belong to any religious organization, he used to attend
service with his wife, who was a member of thr Free Will Baptist
church of Roscoe, 111. These most excellent people lie side by side in
the cemetery at Sharon. It would be difficult to find better people
than they, earnest, upright and honorable, bringing up their children
to be a credit to them and their community, and rendering aid to their
neighbors when sickness or other misfortune came among them. So
kindly and self-sacrificing a life did they lead that their names are held
in loving remembrance by those who had the real honor of their friend-
ship, and their descendants are proud of the fact that they can claim
the distinction of springing from such worthy stock.

John A. Waite and his wife became the parents of the following
children: Lora O., who lives on the homestead; Wilmoth, who is a
grain dealer of Springfield, 111.; Lucian J., who went to Colorado Springs,
Colo., in search of health, returned home and died here when forty-two
years old; Judge Edwin H., who lives at Woodstock; Elmer N., who is
a buttermaker of Bangor, Wis.; Arthur G., who is an attorney at Big
Sandy, Mont., was engaged in a legal practice at Elgin, 111., for several
years; Charles E., who is mentioned below; and Franklin S., who is a
dental surgeon of Cumberland, Wis.

Charles E. Waite was born in the house he now occupies, November
23, 186S. For some years, like the other members of his family he
attended the schools of Marengo and Elkhorn. In 1899 he took
charge of the homestead, and since then has remodeled the buildings,
put in other improvements, and carries on a general cattle and stock
business, breeding and raising horses, hogs and Holstein cattle. Mr.
Waite has never married, his sister keeping house for him. Like his
father he is a Republican, and served as road commissioner for twelve
years.

MILO M. WAKELEY.

Milo M. Wakeley, one of the retired residents of Harvard, was born
in Chemung Township, two miles north of Harvard, January 1, 1858,
a son of William and Johanna (Hunt) Wakeley, he born in Albany, N. Y.
and she born in Erie County, N. Y., January 6, 1824, a daughter of

HISTORY OF McIIENRY ('oINTV 919

George A. and Elizabeth (Deming) Hunt, born September 8, 1791, and
October 15, 1809, respectively.

Milo M. Wakeley's boyhood was spent at home, but when he was
t went, v -two years old he went to South Dakota and bought a tree claim
in Brookings County, where he spent a year. He then returned to the
old homestead, but three years later returned to bis 320 acres in South
Dakota, ami remained seven years, building on his property a fine house,
and one of the first of his three good barns, making it one of the best
farms in the county. Once more he returned to McHenry County,
and bought 145 acres of land in Hartland Township, two miles southeast
of Harvard, and soon improved it into one of the best in the region, and
here he carried on dairying, having a herd of twelve pure-bred Ilolstein
cattle, all of which were registered. He used to hold annual sales and
received for some of his cows over $500. In 1919 he sold fifty head of
calves which averaged over $200 per head. Mr. Wakeley has exhibited
at all of the county fairs, and his son, Leslie M., formerly his partner,
is now continuing the business, Mr. Wakeley having retired to Harvard
in October, 1918, where he owns a very pleasant home. He is a staunch
Republican, and has been committeeman of his party.

On March 9, 1881, Mr. Wakeley was married to Lottie Smith, a
daughter of Amos and Emily (Hames) Smith, born in Kenosha County,
Wis., November 2, 1859. Her father, Amos Smith, was born in Madison
County, N. Y., but moved in young manhood to Wheatland, Wis., and
later to Kenosha County. His wife was the first white child born in
Warren, Lake County, 111., she coming into the world March 30, 1839.
She was a daughter of Gleason and Laura Hames, natives of Haverhill,
N. Y., who came to Lake County, 111., when young, and were there
married. Mrs. Wakeley's parents lived for years in Wisconsin, but
died in Lake County, 111. In 1861 the Smith family went overland with
four horses as a part of a train to protect them from the Indians, and
reached Sacramento, Cal., but returned to Illinois in 1865, and located
on a farm one-half mile east of Harvard. Still later they went to Har-
vard, where she died in 1900, he surviving her until October 7., 1911.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith had the following children: Lottie E.; Fred G,
who is a well known retired business man of Harvard, and a member
of the city council; Nettie L., who married Alexander E. Harper of Chi-
cago; and Laura M., who is Mrs. E. G. Diggins, lives near Harvard.
Mr. and Mis. Wakeley have a son and daughter. The son, Leslie M.,
was born August 22, 1891, and was graduated from the Harvard High
School, after which he attended the Illinois State University, and for

920 HISTORY OF McHENRT COUNTY

three years worked in the dairy and farm economics departments.
Returning to the homestead, he went into partnership with his father
and put to practical use the knowledge he had gained. He is a con-
sistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and his parents also
belong to this body. Fraternally the father belongs to the Modern
Woodmen and his wife is a member of the Royal Neighbors.

T. B. WAKEMAN.

Page 139.

LOWELL A. WALKUP.

Lowell A. Walkup, one of the substantial agriculturalists of McHenry
County, resides on his farm one mile west of Ridgefield, and he was
born December 4, 1849, a son of William P. Walkup, and grandson of
Christopher Walkup, the latter of whom was born in Greenbrier County,
W. Va., in 1794, coming of an old Virginia family of Irish descent.
William P. Walkup was born in the same county as his father, May 25,
1817, and accompanied his parents to McHenry County in 1835. On
November 23, 1848, he was married to Miss Esther Louisa White, a
daughter of Robert G. and Esther (Ormond) White, and they had
the following children: Lowell A., Adda and Dora, deceased. William
P. Walkup died January 28, 1906 and his wife died October 5, 1907,
both being buried in the Ridgefield Cemetery.

Lowell A. Walkup attended the common schools, Dodd's Academy
at Woodstock, and then for a year was a student at Beloit College,
Wis. After his marriage, Mr. Walkup located on the Walkup home-
stead of 200 acres, which is devoted to grain and stock growing, special
attention being paid to the production of milk. Mr. Walkup has one
of the most valuable farms in this section. His residence was built
in 1869 by his father, but has been all remodeled. The barn has a
full basement arranged for dairying, and a silo is attached to it. In 1906
Lowell A. Walkup succeeded his father as township trustee and has held
that office ever since, and he also succeeded his father as an elder of
the Presbyterian church at Ridgefield, but formerly located on the
Walkup farm.

HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNTY 921

On December 25, 1S89, Mr. Walkup was married to Annie L. Morse,
horn at Painted Post, Steuben County, N. Y., May 23, 1856, a daughter
of Dr. Floyd and Mary A. (Pierce) Morse. Doctor Morse was born
in Yates County, N. Y., coming of an old Connecticut family, and after
being very thoroughly trained in medicine, practiced at Bradford, and
later Painted Post, N. Y., dying at the latter place when only thirty-
three years old. His children were as follows: Emma, Benjamin R.,
Floyd H. and Annie L. Mr. and Mrs. Walkup became the parents of
the following children: William Ralph, who was born January 28, 1891,
married Ella Malahan, has a son, Lowell E.; Harold Morse, who was
born July 28, 1893, married Helen Cretchen, and they have a daughter,
Margaret J.; and Lowell Alfred, who was born August 31, 1895, died
July 10, 1901.

Politically Mr. Walkup is a stanch Republican, inheriting his faith
from his father who espoused the principles of that party when it was
founded, having formerly been a Whig. Mrs. Walkup belongs to the
Corning, N. Y. Chapter of the D. A. R., being eligible through her
mother's two grandfathers, Stephen Corbin and Benjamin Pierce, the
former of whom was present at the execution of Major Andre, the
English spy, who was hung during the American Revolution. It would
be difficult to find any family more representative of the best class of
McHenry County people than the Walkup one, and its members in-
dividually stand very high in public esteem.

L. W. WALKUP.

L. W. Walkup, one of the widely-known and prominent farmers of
McHenry County, belongs to a pioneer family of this region, and has
lived on his present farm, section 32, Nunda Township, all of his life.
He was born on this farm, which is just north of Crystal Lake, May 16,
1842, a son of John B. Walkup, who was born in Virginia in 1811, and a
grandson of Christopher Walkup, also born in Virginia, of Scotch-Irish
ancestry. Owing to the fact that he was not in sympathy with slavery,
John B. Walkup left Virginia, and came to Illinois in 1835, settling in
Dorr Township. He took up other lands and later gave them to his
father. John B. Walkup was married to Mary White, who was born in
North Carolina, a daughter of Robert White, and they hail three children,
namely: L. W., whose name heads this review; Emeline, who resides

922 HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY

with her brother; and Alfred, who was a missionary of the Congregational
church, lost his life from exposure occasioned by shipwreck. He and
several companions managed to escape in one of the ship's boats, but
were adrift for twenty-one days without food and without water other
than what they could catch when rain fell. He died soon after the
party reached land. The grandfathers on both sides of the house served
as justices of the peace.

L. W. Walkup has always been engaged in farming and has been
very successful, his 240 acres of land showing the result of his care. He
has always voted the Prohibition ticket, and several times has acted as
chairman of his local committee. A man of high principles, he has
always given his aid and support to uplift measures, and is much inter-
ested in the prospect of the ideals of his party being attained. Miss
Walkup is a member of the Congregational church.

JAMES WALSH.

James Walsh, now living retired from active participation in farm
work, is one of the substantial men and property owners of Hartland
Township. He was born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, in March, 1832,
and was there married to Ellen Weston, of the same county. As young
people, in the fall of 1865, they came to the United States to join a
brother at Chicago, three of the Walsh family having already come to
this country, one of whom had served in the Confederate Army. For
the first two years James Walsh worked as a laborer at Chicago, and
then came to McHenry County and after working for farmers, rented
land for some 3rears. He then bought his present farm of 200 acres,
three and one-half miles west of Woodstock, going heavily into debt to
do so, but, with the help of his sons, he has cleared off all obligations.
There was a house and barn upon it, but he has added to its improve-
ments, making it a first-class property. He has built a silo, done some
open ditching so that it is well drained. Indeed, the entire premises
show that one who takes an interest in the place has charge of it. Dairy-
ing and hog raising are carried on, the herd averaging from twenty-four
to thirty cows, and the milk is sold to the Hartland branch of the Bowman
Creamery Company.

Mr. and Mrs. Walsh have the following children: John, Thomas,
James, William, Edward; Ellen, who is Mrs. William Fleming, of Dorr

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 923

Township; and Mary, who is Mrs. Fred Ware, of Greenwood Township.
Three of the sons, Thomas, William and Edward, operate the farm, and
James owns a farm in the same vicinity. This is a great family to work
as one. The family arc all Democrats, and Thomas has been a member
of the school board for six or seven years, and they are all members of
St. Patrick's Catholic church at Hartland, which is three miles from their
farm. Neither Mr. or Mrs. Walsh had any special opportunities for
obtaining an education, but, being very intelligent, they have kept them-
selves wrell informed and are delightful people to meet. Mrs. Walsh is a
remarkable woman. She has made so comfortable and happy a home for
her family that her sons are loath to leave it, and she has ever proven
herself a kind and helpful neighbor. In their upright lives her children
reflect her teaching and example, and surely she is one whose offspring
"jise up and call her blessed." There are not many families as united
as this one, the sons working hard to clear off the indebtedness their
father had to incur when he secured the farm of which they are all now
so proud. Hard work, honest living up to all obligations, a conscientious
carrying out of an exacting religious faith, these are some of the char-
acteristics which mark the Walsh family, father and mother, sons and
daughters, and their influence in their neighborhood can scarcely be
overestimated.

MICHAEL F. WALSH.

Michael F. Walsh, editor of the Harvard Herald, and one of the
leading men of McHenry County, was born in Hartland Township,
McHenry County, January 17, 1867. He attended the common schools
of his native county, and before he attained his majority he established
the Harvard Herald, the first issue bearing the date of December 23,
1887. For the succeeding thirty-four years he has owned and edited
the journal and its circulation is 2,200.

For sixteen years Mr. Walsh was postmaster at Harvard, and through
that office and his paper has become known to probably every man,
woman and child in McHenry County. Since May, 1917, he has been
a member of the Illinois State Civil Service Commission, and during
1899 and 1900 he was president of the Illinois Press Association. For
over thirty years he has been a member of the Illinois Press Association.

The Herald is a live, newsy journal, editeil and conducted in the

924 HISTORY OP McHENEY COUNTY

interests of the people of McHenry County, and during the World War
its stand on public matters was sound and intensely loyal, and it gave
the administration's policies a generous support. In all of the drives
the Harvard Herald did its full share in arousing the people to then-
duty in subscribing to their limit.

THOMAS J. WALSH.

Thomas J. Walsh, postmaster of McHenry, is one of the best-known
men in McHenry County, and during the late war his patriotism was
variously and effectively demonstrated. He was born in McHenry
County, February 5, 1855, a son of William and Amelia (Payne) Walsh.
William Walsh was born in Ireland, and learned the trade of harness-
making. He came to the- United States in 1851, landing in New York
City, from whence he came to Chicago, and thence to McHenry County,
where he died in 1892. He and his wife had seven children, of whom
three survive.

Thomas J. Walsh attended the common and high schools of McHenry
County, and his first efforts towards self-support were at milling. Later
he was in an implement and carriage business, which he sold in 1904,
and then, until August, 1915, he was in a life insurance business. At
that time he was appointed postmaster of McHenry by President Wilson,
and his selection met with universal satisfaction. Prior to that he had
served as alderman and member of the school board, being elected on
the Democratic ticket.

On September 10, 1877, Mr. Walsh was married to Miss Lola D.
Bishop, a daughter of Richard Bishop, of McHenry County. Richard
B. Walsh is their only child.

The Walsh family are Universalists. During the Liberty Loan
drives Mr. Walsh and his son took an active part, and they and Mrs.
Walsh have been influential in promulgating all kinds of war work.

ELMER D. WALTER,

Elmer D. Walter, one of the enterprising farmers and public-spirited
residents of Chemung Township, is located four miles northwest of Har-

HISTORY OF McHENRV COUNTY 925

vard. He was born in Boone County, 111., two miles south of ('apron,
January 17, L865, a son of David and Jane (Eggleston) Walter, both
natives of Erie County, X. Y., where they wen1 married, anil located
on a farm near Lancaster. In 1863 they came direct to Boone County,
111., and in the spring of 1865 located on the present farm of Elmer
Walter. A brother, of David Walter, Jacob, had settled in McHenry
County about five years previously, on a tract of land south of the one
David later bought. Jacob Walter retired twenty-two years before his
death, moved to Chemung, and there lived until he passed away in 1913,
aged eighty-three years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Retina
Drudge, was also bora in Erie County, and she survives now, being
eighty-seven years old, although looking to be in the early sixties. She
and her husband had a daughter, Sarah, who died in young womanhood.

Upon coining to McHenry County, David Walter bought twenty
acres of land, all in the timber, and developed it into a farm, later
adding forty acres. He was compelled to begin in a small way owing
to the loss he sustained on the trip to McHenry County, which was
made by boat. The boiler exploded, and the boat sank, bearing with
it the household possessions and horses, so that they arrived in the
county with but little. At first David Walter worked out by the day so
as to earn sufficient money to get started. During the season he was with
a threshing outfit, and when he bought a team, he engaged in hauling.
On his farm he erected buildings and put in improvements, and had a
fine little farm when he died in the village of Chemung, June 21, 1909,
aged seventy-five years. His widow survived him only three weeks.
They had been married fifty years, and she could not sustain his loss.
David Walter was a member of the school, and highway commissioner
for a time, and during the time he held that office he had promoted
a movement to secure a road across the flat section between his birth-
place and the village of Lawrence, 'which is now a completed highway,
well built. He also inaugurated the grading of the roads in his township,
and was a very public spirited man. Politically he was a Democrat.

Elmer Walter bought, his uncle's farm of 165 acres, on which he
keeps a tenant, he living on his father's homestead, carrying on dairying
on both properties. He has erected a fine modern residence on the site
of his father's original home, and a big barn, 32x70 feet, adapted for
cows and horses. Of late years he has reduced his herd from thirty
to twelve cows. He is not a breeder, only a feeder of cattle. His whole
life has been spent on his farm, and he is very much interested in agri-
cultural progress.

On February 17, 1897, Mr. Walter was married to Mabel Alderman,

926 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

a daughter of Albert James and Sarah Elizabeth (Barrows) Alderman,
a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work, who occupy the
farm on the east of the Walter property. Mr. Alderman came to
McHenry Count}' in young manhood. Mr. and Mrs. Walter have the
following children: Gladys Elizabeth, who is Mrs. Benjamin Nash,
lives in the same neighborhood as her father; Harold Alderman, who is
attending the Harvard High School; and Russell David, who is attending
the local schools. Interested in the public schools, Mr. Walter has
served on the school board, but otherwise has not entered public life.
He is justly regarded as one of the leading farmers of his region, and
his prosperity is well merited.

CHARLES WANDRACK.

Charles Wandrack, ex-sheriff of McHenry County, and one of the
leading men of his locality, has given the people of this section a fearless
and efficient administration that resulted in the cleaning up of unde-
sirable conditions and the protection of the law abiding element. He
was born at Chicago, November 6, 1856, a son of Joseph and Mary
(Devort) Wandrack, who had four children. Joseph Wandrack was
born in Austria, but came to the United States in 1855, and after a
stay in Chicago, came to McHenry County in 1866, where he continued
to reside until his death which occurred in 1878. His wife survived
him many years, dying in 1914.

Charles Wandrack attended common school in Chicago and McHenry
County, and has been a resident of this county since he was nine years
old. As soon as old enough, he learned the trade of harness making
from his father, who was engaged in that line of business, and worked
at it until he was appointed deputy sheriff in 1902, under Sheriff M. W.
Lake, and succeeded him as sheriff. In 1914, Mr. Wandrack was again
elected to the office of sheriff, on the Republican ticket. On December
2, 1918, Roy Stewart was elected sheriff and Mr. Wandrack is now
a deputy. He also served as food inspector, and was constable for
sixteen years, and on the village board of Algonquin for many years,
being its president for four terms.

In 1883 Mr. Wandrack was married to Miss Alba T. Argard of
Eau Claire, Wis., a daughter of Martin Argard, and they have two
children, namely: Laura M., who is librarian of the public library of
Woodstock; and Martin J. The family all belong to the Congregational

HISTORY OP McHENRY COUNTY 927

church. Mr. Wandrack is a Mason and a member of the Woodmen
of the World. A conscientious official, ho is a terror to evil doers, for
they know thai lie will enforce the law to the very letter, and yet no
man can accuse him of injustice. During the many years he has been
before the public, Mr. Wandrack has proven his worth, and the con-
fidence that is felt in him is well founded.

SAMUEL READ WARD, M. D.

Samuel Read Ward, M. D., who is probably the most prominent,
and certainly the most beloved of the older physicians of McHenry
County, is living retired from active practice at Richmond. Doctor
Ward was born in Jaffna, Ceylon, August 7, 1842, one of the three
children of Dr. Nathan W. and Hannah Woodward (Clark) Ward. Dr.
Nathan W. Ward was born in New Hampshire, November 21, 1804.
After he entered upon his career as a physician, he went to India on a
mission, and upon his return to the United States he located in Vermont,
and continued in practice there for many years, but finally retired.
His death occurred in 1860.

Dr. Samuel Read Ward attended the local schools of his native place,
and was graduated from the University of Vermont in 18G4, and in
Medical Department of Georgetown University, Washington, D. C, in
1868, and visited for six months or more. In 1869 he went to Chicago,
remaining there until 1874, when he came to McHenry County, and
continued in active practice until 1916. He served as president of the
village board of Richmond for three years; was on the school board for
a period of twenty-two years, and was president of the board for several
years. He has always been staunch in his support of the doctrines of
the Republican party.

In 1871 Doctor Ward was married to Miss Anna Fisher, a daughter
of Lucius G. Fisher, prominent in business circles of Chicago, but formerly
of Beloit, Wis. Dr. and Mrs. Ward had six children, three of whom
survive, namely: Caroline F., who is Mrs. Thane M. Blackman, of
Whitewater, Wis.; Elizabeth C, who is at home; and Catherine, who is
the wife of F. H. Stowell, of Glencoe, 111. The family are all affiliated
with the Congregational church. Doctor Ward belongs to Richmond
Lodge No. 143, A. F. & A. M., and is connected with the county, state
and national societies of his profession. During the many years he

92S HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

ministered to the people of McHenry County, he endeared himself to
them through his fidelity and skill, and no man is held in higher esteem
than he.

WILLIAM H. WARD.

William H. Ward, one of the most extensive contractors of McHenry
County, and supervisor of Chemung Township, is numbered among the
representative residents of Harvard. He was born in Bradford County,
Pa., in January, 1854, one of seven children of his parents, Daniel and
Dimis M. (Allen) Ward. Daniel Ward was born in Massachusetts,
later going to Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in farming and char-
coal manufacture. On March 17, 1864, he came to McHenry County,
and was engaged in farming from then on until his death, which occurred
in April, 1882.

William H. Ward was reared principally in McHenry County, and
attended its schools. In 1876 he began learning the trade of a carpenter,
and gradually developed into a contractor. Among other important
contracts he has executed are the Diggins library building of Harvard,
and numerous city and country residences and the greater number of
the business blocks of Harvard, to the number in all of thirty-five.

Mr. Ward was married to Miss Christine Wienke, a daughter of
William Wienke, of McHenry County. They have two children, namely:
Frank B., who was born March 20, 1882; and Allen D., who was born
April 10, 1898. The family belong to the Presbyterian church. Mr.
Ward belongs to Harvard Lodge No. 309, A. F. & A. M.; Harvard
Chapter No. 91, R. A. M.; and Cavalry Commandery, K. T. He is also
a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically he is a
staunch Republican, and has been supervisor of Chemung Township
since 1907, and he served as alderman of Harvard from 1891 to 1S98.
An able business man, he has brought his knowledge of men and affairs
to bear upon his conduct of public matters, and that he has given a wise
administration is proven by his repeated re-elections to the same office.

ROY J. WARNER.

Roy J. Warner, who is engaged in a furniture and undertaking
business at Crystal Lake, is one of the leading and most experienced

HISTORY OP McHKNRY COl'NTY 929

men in his lint- in McHenry County. He was born in McHenry County,
May 11, 1869, one of the five children of Loring and Flora (Nicholson)
Warner. After the death of his first wife, Loring Warner was married
(second) to Emma Mueller. Loring Warner was also a native son of
McHenry County, the family being one of the pioneer ones in this
locality.

Roy J. Warner was reared in his native county, attending its schools,
and in 189S he was graduated from the Barnes Embalming School of
Chicago. In 1903, he took the required examination and passed the
requirements of the State Board of Health. In 1881, he had bought his
present business from J. L. Conover, and since then has branched out,
now having a fine establishment, and conducting funerals with proper
dignity and ceremony.

Mr. Warner was married to Miss Anna M. Berkley, and they have
two children, namely: Lottie R. and Leor C. The family belong to the
Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Warner is a Shriner Mason. In
politics he is a Republican.

FRANK H. WATTLES.

Frank H. Wattles, one of the most extensive shippers of stock in
McHenry County, has long been one of the leading business men of
West McHenry, and a director of The West McHenry State Bank. He
was born in McHenry County, June 6, 1862, a son of Homer and
Elizabeth (Sherman) Wattles, who had two children, but Frank H. is
the only survivor.

After attending the common and high schools of his native county,
Frank H. Wattles became a farmer and still owns 800 acres of choice
land in McHenry County. Gradually he developed into a shipper of
stock, and for some years has devoted himself to this line of business.
Since 1908 he has been associated with the West McHenry State Bank
as a member of its board of directors.

On February 27, 1889, Mr. Wattles was united in marriage with Miss
Etta Thomas, a daughter of Jules Thomas, and they have three children,
namely: Myrtle, Howard and Glenn. A staunch Republican, Mr.
Wattles has served West McHenry as mayor two terms, and his record
in that office is a fine one. He and his family belong to the Presbyterian
Church. As is but natural, Mr. Wattles is very well known throughout

930 HISTORY OF McIIENBY COUNTY

the county, and his name stands for sterling business principles and
fairness of dealing in every particular.

CARLTON WEBSTER.

Carlton Webster, a well-to-do farmer and prominent resident of
Greenwood Township, owns and operates his farm on Section 10, as
well as other farm land in the township. He was born in Winnebago
County, 111., in October, 1849, a son of Charles and Hannah (Austin)
Webster, natives of Vermont. They came to Illinois and located in
Winnebago County, where they were engaged in farming. Charles
Webster died at Rockford, 111., at the age of sixty-five years. He and
his wife had children as follows: Hiram, who served as a soldier in the
Union army during the Civil War; Isaac, who was also a Union soldier;
Carlton; Porter; Delia; Ellen and Edna.

Carlton Webster was reared on his father's farm, and has always,
himself, followed farming. After five years spent in the Dakotas and
one year in Lake County, 111., he located in McHenry County, and
for a year lived in Richmond Township. He then bought his farm
in Greenwood Township and has lived on it ever since.

On January 13, 1876, he was married to Emma 0. Comstock, born
in New York state, January 5, 1849. They have the following children:
Austin; Gordon; Everett, who enlisted for service in the World's War;
Paul; and Floy, who is the wife of J. B. Ellis of Roscoe, Wis. The
homestead contains sixty-two acres, and Mr. Webster owns eighty acres
additional, which he rents. He has always carried on general farming
and has prospered at it. In politics he is a Republican. A man of
wide experience, he knows how to do his work thoroughly and profitably,
and his example is followed by many who seek to make their land yield
the best there is in it.

HARRY WELBON.

Harry Welbon, manager of the Harry Welbon garage, and agent
for the Ford cars, is one of the enterprising business men of Hebron,
and one of the best known men in McHenry County. He was born
September 10, 1874, one of the four children of Peter J. and Lottie

IIISTOK'V OF McHENRY COUNT"? 931

(Householder) Welbon. Peter J. Welbon was born in the state of
New York, but later came to McHcnry County, where he died in Febru-
ary, 1917, having been a farmer all of his mature years.

Harry Welbon attended the common and high schools of McIIenry
County, and was reared on his father's farm, himself engaging in farm-
ing until he embarked in his present business, when eighteen years old,
although he still resides on the homestead farm of 145 acres of choice
land in Hebron Township. Since 1913 he has been sole agent for the
Ford cars in this neighborhood, and he also handles the Ford tractors.
In 1917 he built the present garage at a cost of $5,000, and his annual
business aggregates about $20,000.

On May 12, 1897, Mr. Welbon was married to Miss Katherine
Hackett, a daughter of Abraham Hackett of Wisconsin, and they became
the parents of six children, five of whom survive, namely: Verna, Leslie,
deceased; Leona, Florence, Edna and John. The family all belong to
the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a Republican. His
fraternal connections are with Hebron Lodge No. 604, A. F. & A. M.,
the Woodmen of the World, and Eastern Star, and Mrs. Welbon and
the elder daughter also belong to the latter order. An excellent business
man, Mr. Welbon has risen through his own efforts, and is justly re-
garded as one of the most representative men of this section.

WILLIAM J. WELCH.

William J. Welch, who has been serving as a justice of the peace, has
been a member of the board of education and a director of the Fox River
Valley State Bank of McHenry. He was born at McHenry in February,
1860, a son of John and Ellen (Quinn) Welch, both natives of County
Kilkenny, Ireland, who came to the United States in 1856, and settled
at McHenry. A farmer, John Welch obtained work as a farm hand for
several years, and then bought a farm near Griswold Lake, in Nunda
Township, five or sLx miles southeast of McHenry, where he lived and
died. His farm comprised 160 acres of land, covered with stuitfps, and
the house was an old and poor one. For some years much attention
was devoted to getting out the stumps so that the land could be suitably
cultivated, and in time a new house replaced the old one. John Welch
died in 1884 at the age of sixty-eight years, his widow surviving him
until 1900, when she died at the age of eighty-five years. Soon after

932 • HISTORY OF McHENBT COUNTY

coming to this country, John Welch took out his naturalization papers,
and thereafter supported the Democratic party. When St. Patrick's
Catholic church was established, Mr. Welch was one of the original
members and he continued a faithful member of it until his death.
Distance made little difference to him when attending church was in
question. If the weather permitted he went on foot, if not, he used his
oxen.

William J. Welch remained at the old home until his father's death,
at which time he bought out the other heirs. He enlarged the buildings,
put up a silo, and made it a fine farm, exclusively a dairy one, and kept a
herd of from thirty to thirty-five cows. Adding to his acreage, in 1912
he sold the old home farm on Griswold Lake. Later he bought the old
Cleary homestead of 120 acres, on which he made his home until he sold
it in 1918 for S250 per acre, although he had only paid $112 per acre for
it, the increase being on account of the improvements he had made,
including a silo and fine modern barn. This was one of the best farms
in the neighborhood, and very valuable.

On June 24, 1885, Mr. Welch was married to Ella G. Powers, a
daughter of Thomas and Mary (Foley) Powers, the former of whom was
born in Kilkenny, Ireland, but came to the United States, and was
married in Ohio soon after the close of the Civil War. Mr. Powers
volunteered and served four years, or to the close of the war. For many
years Mr. Powers was a resident of Richmond Township, but he and his
wife both died in Nunda. Mr. and Mrs. Welch became the parents of
the following children: May E., who married C. E. Martin, lives in
Montana; Harriet, who is Mrs. William Dewey, of Newark, N. J.;
Florence, who is Mrs. Glenn Robison of Crystal Lake; Frances, who
married Dr. A. I. Froehlich, of McHenry; Mildred, who was graduated
from the McHenry High School, attended Beloit College, and at present
is attending Athens Ohio College; and Helen C, who is attending the
McHenry High School. The family belong to St. Patrick's Catholic
church, and Mildred is one of the members of the choir.

FRED A. WELTZIEN.

Fred A. Weltzien, one of the prominent business men of Huntley, is
proprietor of a fine garage and repair and supply shop, and sole agent for
the Ford automobile in his neighborhood. He was born in McHenry

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 933

County, July 9, 1869, one of four children born to John and Mary
(Vogine) Weltzien. John Weltzien was born in Germany, but camp to
the United States and located in McHenry County, where he died.

Fred A. Weltzien attended the local schools and worked on his
father's farm until 1S98, when he engaged in the creamery business. In
1900 he went to Huntley and embarked in his present business, expanding
it to meet the requirements of his trade. At present he carries a stock
valued at $2,500, and his garage building is worth $8,000. In the
conduct of his business he employs two men.

In September, 1905, Mr. Weltzien was married to Miss Elizabeth
Garry, a daughter of Patrick Garry, and a member of a prominent
family of McHenry County. Mrs. Weltzien is a member of the Catholic
church. In politics he is a Republican, and for one term he served as
alderman of Huntley. He is a Chapter Mason, and belongs to the
Modern Woodmen of America. A first-class workman, he has known
how to give a satisfactory service, and his garage is popular with auto-
mobilists who appreciate expert attention.

JOHN WELTZIEN.

John Weltzien, now deceased, was formerly one of the leading business
men of Huntley, and one of the substantial residents of McHenry
County. He was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, December 4, 1847,
a son of^Charles and Frederica (Schroedcr) Weltzien. Charles Weltzien
was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, November 21, 1819, and his father
was a Russian soldier, who deserting from the army, located there.
The marriage of Charles Weltzien occurred at Mecklenburg, and he
and his wife continued to reside there until 1851, during which period
he was overseer of a large farm, but in that year he, with his wife and
son, John, came to the United States, and first settled at Barrington,
111., Mr. Weltzien engaging in farm labor near Dundee. In 1860 he
came to McHenry County, renting land near Huntley, but in 1867, he
bought 160 acres of land northeast of the village, living on it until late
in life, when he rented his farm, moved to Huntley, where he died on
August 19, 1901, being then eighty-two years of age. The German
Lutheran church of Huntley had his membership and generous support.
In politics he was a Democrat. The children of Charles Weltzien were
as follows: John, Mary, Charles, Fred, Sophia, Mina, Carrie and Frank.

934 HISTORY OF McHENKV COUNTY

John Wcltzien was not ten years old when his parents brought him
to the United States, and he completed his educational training, begun
in Germany, in the American schools. He alternated attendance at
the district schools with farm work until he was eighteen years old,
and then engaged with a creamery owned by D. E. Wood of Huntley,
two years later becoming a partner in the business, which he con-
ducted very successfully for twenty-one years. In 1881 Mr. Weltzien
bought 194 acres of land adjoining Huntley, which he later sold for city
lots, when the limits of the municipality were extended to include his
property. After selling his creamery in 1897, Mr. Weltzien erected a
feed-mill and also dealt extensively in brick, tile, wood and coal, and he
was very successful in all lines he entered. Mr. Weltzien died at his
residence, November 1, 1913.

On August 1, 1869, Mr. Weltzien was married (first) to Alice E.
Bowen, and they had the following children: Minnie, who is Mrs.
Ed Keating of Huntley; Lottie, who died in 1912; Myrtle, who is the
widow of Dr. William Markley of Belvidere, who died in 1918; Frank D.,
who resides at Elgin, 111.; Grace, who married Lee Templeton, a painter
of Woodstock; and Harriet, who is a court stenographer, lives at San
Francisco, Cal. Mr. Weltzien was a Republican, and he served Grafton
Township as supervisor for sixteen years, was on the village board for
many years, for six of them being its president. The first Mrs. Weltzien
was removed by death in 1902. On April 3, 1911, Mr. Weltzien was
married (second) to Amelia Schaffner, a daughter of Philip and Louisa
Schaffner, natives of Berlin, Germany, and England, who were married
at London, England. Both were highly connected with families of
importance. In 1857, soon after their marriage, they came to the
United States, and after a year spent in New York City, came west to
Chicago, where he conducted a bakery until the Chicago Fire in 1871,
in which he lost about $75,000. Soon afterwards Mr. Schaffner went
on a farm near Elgin, 111., and in 1871 bought a mill at Huntley. This
mill was destroyed through an explosion of the engine that killed the
engineer, William Benedict, and so shocked Mr. Schaffner that he
never really recovered. He rebuilt the mill, later adding a planing mill,
and while operating the latter suffered an injury which crippled his
hand to the extent that he lost the use of it. He had always retained
a love for his native land, making in all seven trips back to it prior to
his last one, which he undertook in order to visit his aged father, then
eighty years of age. While there he was taken so seriously ill, that death
resulted in 1S87, when he was only fifty-nine years old. His father

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNT! 935

survived trim although so ninny years his senior. Mr. Schaffner was a
very well-educated man, special attention having; been paid to his

musical training:, and his wife was also a musician. Fraternally he was
a Mason. Mrs. Schaffner died October 10, 1910, when eighty years
of age. They had two children, namely: Amelia, who is Mrs. Weltzien;
and Anna, who is the widow of William F. Mead of Marengo.

SPENCER C. WERNHAM.

Spencer C. Wernham, M. D., one of the leading physicians and sur-
geons of McHenry County, is engaged in a general practice at Marengo.
He was born in New York City September 21, 184G, one of the five
children of James and Marguerite (McKenzie) Wernham. James
Wernham was born in New York, and died in 1878.

Doctor Wernham attended the common and high schools and Cooper
Institute of New York City, and then took a course at Rush Medical
College, Chicago, from which he was graduated in the spring of 1874.
Immediately thereafter, he located at Marengo, where he has since
remained, building up a large and lucrative practice. He belongs to
the county, state and national medical societies, and also to the Amer-
ican Association of Railroad Surgeons. At one time he was coroner
of McHenry County, and he is now local surgeon for the Northwestern
Railroad, and the Elgin and Belvidere Electric Railroad, having been
with the former for twenty years, and the latter since its organization.

In 1872 Doctor Wernham was married to Miss Emma L. Titus, a
daughter of William Titus, a pioneer of McHenry County, and they
have the following children: Dr. James I., who is practicing in Wyoming;
George, who is a traveling salesman, lives in Wisconsin; Emma W., who
is the wife of Frank McCarthy, a lawyer of Elgin, 111., and Spencer C,
who lives at Marengo. Doctor Wernham and his family belong to the
Presbyterian church. In politics he is a Republican. Fraternally he
belongs to the Masons and Modern Woodmen of America. For some
years he has been on the school board and has also served in the city
council. A public-spirited man, he has given his community valuable
service, and is justly numbered among the most representative men
of this section.

936 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

HYDE WEST, M. D.

Hyde West, M. D., F. A. C. S., is numbered among the leading
phj^sicians and surgeons of McHcnry County, and is now engaged in an
active practice at Woodstock, his offices being in the State Bank Building.
Doctor West was born at Louisville, Ky., May 16, 1885, one of the two
children of his parents, Isaac and Bella (Marsh) West, natives of Penn-
sylvania and Mississippi.

Doctor West was reared in Virginia, and attended school, and was
graduated from the Richmond College at Richmond, Va. Going to
Iowa, he took up the study of medicine at the University of Iowa, and
later became a student of Hahnemann Medical College of Chicago,
from which he was graduated in 1911. Following his graduation he
did hospital work in several of the Chicago hospitals, and having thus
carefully prepared himself, he entered upon the practice of his profession,
spending a year in general practice at Taylorville, 111., and then settled
at Woodstock, buying the practice of Dr. J. E. Guy, and also the Wood-
stock Hospital, which he operated until 1914 when he sold it to the
Woodstock Public Hospital Association. Doctor West filled out the
unexpired term of Doctor Guy as city health official. Professionally
he belongs to the McHenry County Medical Society, the Illinois State
Medical Society, the American Medical Association, the Illinois State
Homeopathic Society, the American Institute of Homeopathy; and was
secretary of the McHenry County Medical Society in 1917 and 1918,
and its president in 1919. Doctor West was made a Fellow of the
American College of Surgeons in October, 1921. At the sixty-third
annual session of the Illinois Homeopathic Medical Association, held
during the week of May 8-14, 1921, Dr. Hyde West of Woodstock was
elected second vice president of the organization. Fraternally he main-
tains membership with St. Mark's Lodge No. 63, A. F. & A. M., Wood-
stock Chapter No. 36, R. A. M.; Calvary Commandery No. 25, K. T.;
Woodstock Chapter No. 63, 0. E. S. ; and Woodstock Lodge No. 1043,
B. P. O. E.

On September 9, 1912, Doctor West was married to Miss Ida May
Wobig, of Clinton, Wis. Doctor and Mis. West reside at No. 329
Dean Street, Woodstock. They belong to the First Baptist Church of
Woodstock. Politically he is a Democrat. Thoroughly abreast of the
times, Doctor West is generally recognized as an honor to his profession
and community, and one of the most representative men of McHenry
County.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 937

MAHLON E. WETER.

Mahlon E. Weter, one of the highly respected citizens and retired
fanners of Hebron, has long been recognized as being one of the repre-
sentative men of McHenry County. He was born in New York state,
January 14, 1S37, one of five children born to his parents, Palmer and
Jane (Palmer) Weter, natives of New York state, where the father was
born in 1811. He died in 1904, having been a farmer all of his active life.

Mahlon E. Weter was reared on his father's farm in New York state,
and attended the common schools of his neighborhood. In 1S46 he
came west to Wisconsin, and located in Hebron Township, on the line
between Wisconsin and Illinois, where until 1904, he was engaged in
farming. For fifteen years, he was also engaged in manufacturing butter,
his plant being located on his farm. In 1904, he retired, moved to
Hebron, anil has since made it his place of residence.

On March 30, 1859, Mr. Weter was married to Miss Cordelia
Mickle, a daughter of John and Polly (Nutt) Micklc. Mr. and Mrs.
Weter became the parents of three sons and three daughters, namely:
Emma, who married Howard Carneau; David, who married Minnie
Brandow; Eva, who married Edward Ledger; Albert, who married
Lottie Clawson; Palmer, who married Esther Swingle; and Alice, who is
at home. The family all belong to the Presbyterian church. In politics
Mr. Weter is a Republican, but he has not cared to enter public life.
While engaged in farming, he was recognized as an expert in his line,
and since living in retirement, he has proven his worth as a citizen by
the interest he has taken in local affairs.

HENRY F. WHARTON.

Henry F. Wharton, cashier of the Bank of Ringwood, is also inter-
ested in the firm of Bradley & Wharton, proprietors of the Ringwood
Garage and sole agents for the Crowelkart car. He was born at Edge-
wood, 111., January S, 1881, one of the eight children of Richard G. and
Anna (Durre) Wharton, the former of whom is a practical engineer, and
a resident of Woodstock, where he and his wife are held in high esteem.

Henry F. Wharton attended the common and high schools of Edge-
wood, and when he was seventeen years old, he began clerking for a
merchant of his home town. After two years, he found employment

938 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

in the counting room of the Bank of Ringwood, where he remained for
five years, going thence to Decatur, 111., as assistant cashier of the Rail-
way Exchange Bank. His next connection was with the Kleyemer
Lumber Company of Bridgeport, 111., as manager, and he continued there
for three years, when he went to Gary, Ind., and spent three years as
superintendent of the Illinois Lumber Company, leaving it to become
manager of the Watson Lumber Company. Mr. Wharton left the last
named concern to accept his present position in 1916. As before stated,
he is in the automobile business as well, and also acts as secretary of
the local Milk Association of Ringwood so that his time is pretty well
occupied, but he finds opportunity to take an interest in politics as a
loyal Democrat, serves the school board as clerk, and has been active
in securing a new school building. He is a Mason and Modern Wood-
man.

Mr. Wharton was married to Miss Myrtle T. Berry, a daughter of
Charles Berry, and they have one daughter, Doris, who was born May 9,
1909. Mr. and Mrs. Wharton belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
They are very popular socially, and have many friends all over the
county.

CHRISTY G. WHEELER.
Page 150.

HARRY E. WHISTON.

Harry E. Winston, proprietor of the modern garage and machins
shop at No. 126 Washington street, Woodstock, is recognized as one
of the responsible young business men of McHenry County. He was
born at Crystal Lake, 111., August 7, 18S9, a son of Frank E. and Lizzie
M. (Wheeler) Whiston, who had three children, Charley P. and Harry
E., of this county, and Myrtle A., of Dinuba, Cal. Frank E. Whiston
for many years was engaged in farming in McHenry County, 111., and
on their ranch in Nottoway County, Va. Returning to McHenry
County the latter part of 1905, he passed away here on January 31,
1916. His wife, Mrs. Lizzie M. Whiston, passed away at Dinuba,
Cal., on May 31, 1919.

Harry E. Whiston attended the public schools at Ridgefield, 111.,
and Blackstone, Va., and returned to McHenry County with his parents
in 1905. He learned the trade of a mechanic and followed it until he

HISTORY OF .MrliKXKY COUNTY 939

became an export. For the past fourteen years he has been connected
with his line of endeavor at Woodstock, and embarked in his present
undertaking in 1915, enlarging his business in response to the demands
of his patronage. He carries a large stock of supplies and tools, and
gives employment to two men.

On June 26, 1912, Mr. Winston was married to Miss Ida M. Giertz,
a daughter of Fred Giertz. Mr. and Mrs. Winston attend the Methodist-
Episcopal Church. His political convictions make him a Democrat,
but aside from voting for the candidates of his party, he has not taken
any part in public affairs. He belongs to the Loyal Order of Moose
and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

FRANK WHITE.

Frank White, one of the best-known and most successful Hoist ein-
cattle breeders of the country, is proprietor of the Groveland Stock
Farm of Dorr Township, located two miles southeast of Woodstock.
He was born in LaSalle County, 111., August 11, 1863, a son of John
White of Virginia, who came to Illinois by way of the Ohio and Illinois
rivers as far as Varney, and then settled on a farm in Marshall County,
on which there was a log cabin. Later he went to LaSalle County, where
he died at the age of eighty-eight years.

Frank White was reared on the farm and attended the country
schools. He naturally engaged in farming, having been brought up to
that work, and after experimenting with other strains concluded that
he obtained better results from the Holstein cattle, and buying his
herd, he continued to breed and exhibited at the state fairs of Iowa,
Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Ken-
tucky, and the National Stock Shows at Chicago, and followed this
business, taking many first class honors, and having over 750 ribbons
in the four years of showing, besides two silver cups. His exhibits
usually consisted of eighteen to twenty head. Although he disposed
of his magnificent herd recently, he still owns the old show cow, Lady
Ona Hildred, now nineteen years old, that was with every herd he
showed. Her son, Groveland Inka Hildred is another famous Holstein,
and with a sister, were first in thirty-two shows. The bull was finally,
sold in 1914, to Dickinson of Lake Geneva. In 1913 Mr. White ex-
hibited at North Randall, Ohio, and the State Fair at Columbus, Ohio;
the Indianapolis State Fair; the State Fair at Louisville, Ky.; the one
at Memphis, Tenn.; the Illinois State Fair; the one at Waterloo, Iowa;

940 II1STOKY OF McHENRY COUNTY

the Dairy Cattle Congress Show, and the National Dairy Show at
Chicago, winning honors at each exhibit. In the four year old he took
cash prizes amounting to $15,000, and one of his cows passed through
all these shows. Since 1913, he has continued his breeding and held
annual sales, the last one having been held January 28, 1919, when he
disposed of forty head, and this closed a partnership with his only son,
which had continued for eight years.

The Groveland Stock Farm, comprising 306^ acres was named
for Groveland Township, LaSalle County, 111. On it Mr. White erected
a new house on another portion of the farm in addition to the original
one. In addition to breeding his famous herd, Mr. White has also been
interested in the breeding of Poland-China hogs.

Mr. White was married to Dora E. Yohe, and they have one child,
Roy L. While Mr. White was occupied with showing his cattle, Mrs.
White managed the farm and raised cattle. Roy L. White was in
partnership with his father, but after the latter's retirement from the
1 needing of cattle, the young man went with the model farm known as
the Orange Judd farm, owned by the Prairie Farmer, operating its
dairy department. Still later he moved to Waterloo, Iowa, and is now
in the employ of the Lowden Company. He married Detha Wade,
and they have two children, Madeline and Robert L.

For three years Frank White served as a township supervisor while
living in Iowa, but aside from that office, has not entered public life,
preferring to work for his community as a private citizen. He holds
membership in the Christian church. Woodstock Camp, M. W. A.,
with which he is affiliated, gives him fraternal association. His reputa-
tion as a breeder of Holstein cattle is national, and although he now
purposes to lead a less active life, it is doubtful if he will ever lose interest
in the exhibitions of stock, at which in the past his product received
so many honors.

DELBERT A. WHITING.

Delbert A. Whiting, one of the prosperous agriculturalists of McHenry
County, owns a finely developed farm in McHenry Township, two and
one-half miles west of McHenry, and one and one-fourth miles south of
Ringwood. He was born on the old Whiting farm, one-half mile west
of his present property, October 30, 1850, a son of Freeman and Lucy
(Smith) Whiting. Freeman Whiting was born January 8, 1822, and he
died September 13, 1915, while his wife died September 26, 1912. Their
children were as follows: Delbert A., whose name heads this review;

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY nil

Laura L., who married Richard Thompson, lives in Nunda Township;
Lillian ('., who married C. W. Harrison, lives at North Crystal Lake;
and Aboie, who is Mrs. Frank E. Martin, lives on the Oak Wood Farm
of McHenry Township.

Delbert A. Whiting was reared on the homestead, and sent to the
district schools. When he was twenty-four years old, he was married
to Ellen Sutton, a daughter of Philip Sutton, also a native of McHenry
County. For thirty years after his marriage, Mr. Whiting operated
360 acres of his father's original farm, and then purchased his present
property, his sons assuming the operation of the Whiting place. When
Freeman Whiting died, Delbert A. Whiting bought 100 acres of the old
Smith farm at Smith's Corners, which is one of the finest in the county,
and was originally prairie land. There is still a nice body of timber
on the place. The home farm of Delbert A. Whiting comprises twenty
acres, and its buildings were erected by a Mr. Bishop to whom the land
was given by Freeman Whiting. All of them are large, modernized and
adapted for their several purposes. Mr. Whiting has added a silo, and
has everything in splendid condition. Since moving on this property
he has taken things easier, leaving the management of his large farm
to his son, Clarence. Mr. and Mrs. Whiting became the parents of the
following children: Wrilliam, who is at home; Edwin, who rents another
portion of the old Smith farm that originally comprised 700 acres, but
is now cut up into three farms, two of which are at Smith's Corners,
three-quarters of a mile from Ringwood; Louis, who is a farmer of Colo-
rado; Edith, who is Mrs. Edwin Hayes of Aberdeen, S. D.; Clarence,
who is operating his father's large farm; Harold, who is connected with
the Bowman Dairy Company at Ringwood; Annetta, who married
P. N. Musser, an insurance agent at Elgin, 111.; Raymond, who lives
at Lake Geneva, Wris. ; and Earl, who as a member of the infantry depart-
ment of the National Army, was prepared for active service at Camp
Gordon, but did not reach France on account of the signing of the
Armistice ; Mariana and Eleanor, both of whom are at home. A Repub-
lican in his political views, Delbert A. Whiting has never cared for public
preferment, but has exerted his influence as a private citizen. Mrs.
Whiting and the children are members of the Catholic church.

THOMAS WHITSON.

Thomas Whitson, who for a number of years was associated with
the business life of Woodstock, is remembered as one of the leading

942 HISTORY OK McHENRY COUNTY

merchants of McHenry County, and a man who always took a prom-
inent part in civic affairs. He was born on Long Island, N. Y., in 1S31,
and died at Woodstock, in October, 1884. He came of old American
stock, his ancestors having settled in New Amsterdam, N. Y. long
prior to the American Revolution, upon their arrival in this country to
which they had fled from the Old World to escape religious persecution.
The parents of Thomas Whitson, Joseph and Hannah (Smith) Whitson,
had eight children.

In 1833 Thomas Whitson was married at Boston, Mass. to Hannah
P. Boutelle, who died in January, 1882, leaving six children, namely:
Mrs. Julia Thompson, Edwin, Emily, William H., Ida and George.
Coming West in 1844, Mr. Whitson first located at Waukegan, but ten
years later came to Woodstock, and established himself as a hardware
merchant. This store was later conducted by his son Edwin, and be-
came one of the most reliable in the county. Mr. Whitson owned a fine
farm of eighty acres, and a beautiful home near the fair grounds. For
several years he served as a member of the Woodstock City Council,
and never lost his interest in local affairs.

WILLIAM H. WHITSON.

William H. Whitson, one of the oldest merchants of Woodstock,
handles a full and complete line of hardware, and controls a trade that
is very satisfactory. He was born at Woodstock, August 28, 1850, and
is one of fourteen children born to Thomas and Hannah P. (Bonyten)
Whitson. Thomas Whitson was born in the state of New York, and
there he was reared and learned the trade of a tinsmith. In 1850 he
came to McHenry County, locating at Woodstock, where he lived until
his death in 1887. His wife died in 1882.

William H. Whitson was reared at Woodstock, and attended its
excellent schools, being graduated from its high school. He learned the
trade of a tinsmith from his father, and worked at it until he established
his present business, which has been expanded until he carries a stock
valued at $8,000.

Mr. Whitson was married to Miss Mabel M. Richards, a daughter of
Rudolph Richards of Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Whitson have two children,
namely: Inez G., who is the wife of Edward Klam; and Edwin H., who
has been connected for many years with the lithograph company of
Murray & Co., although during the World War, he was in the service of

BISTORT OF McHENRY COUNTY 943

the United States government. A Republican, Mr. Whilson cast his
first presidential vote for U. S. Grant in 1872. He served in the city
council of Woodstock for six years, and has also been its fire marshal.
For forty years he has been a Mason. A man of the highest personal
integrity, Mr. Whitson is justly accounted one of the leading men of his
community and county.

JOHN P. WICKHAM.

John P. Wickham, for many years one of the leading farmers of
McHenry County and Wisconsin, is now living retired at Hebron. He
was born August 2, 1856, a son of George Stephen and Fanny Wickham,
the former of whom died in February, 1884, and the latter, March 18,
1919, at Rockford, 111., where she had resided for twenty years. George
Stephen Wickham entered a farm from the government in the extreme
northeastern part of Alden Township, which has been sold. He and
his wife were very active in the Methodist Episcopal church at Hebron,
he being a class leader, and much interested in the progress of his church.
It was his custom to take his family to church each Sunday and keep
them within the range of his eye and sometimes his hand, for he did not
tolerate any levity during religious services. His children were as
follows: Hiram, who died at Seattle, Wash., in June, 1915, having
been a resident of that city for several years; George Stephen, who
is living retired at Walworth, Wis.; John P., whose name heads this
review; Royal S., who is also living at Walworth, Wis.; Homer, who left
McHenry County many years ago, died in New York City; Addie, who is
the widow of F. B. Everett, lives at Columbus, Ohio; Charles A., who
for ten years has lived at Rockford, 111.; Fanny, who married R. W.
Pool of Rockford, 111., died in March, 1918; Joseph, who died at Wal-
worth, Wis., in June, 1916; and Clinton, who died at Woodstock, in
September, 1911.

John P. Wickham was married to Emma Ayers of Hebron, who died
in April, 1882, leaving two children, namely: Flora A., who married
Raymond F. Crane of Hebron, has one daughter, Cecil; and George,
who died at the age of eleven years. On September 1, 1S86, Mr. Wick-
ham was married (second) to Hattie Pierce, a daughter of Lyman
Pierce, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs.
Wickham became the parents of one son and two daughters, namely:
Clarence L., who died in 191S, aged twenty-nine years at Hebron, where
he was a dealer in farm machinery, leaving a widow, Viola (Woods)

944 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

Wickham; and Marie, who is the wife of Howard Billings of Woodstock,
an employe of the Oliver Typewriter Company; and Lulu A., who was
a teacher in Hebron Township and village prior to her marriage to
Thomas R. Silvius, in the city auditor's office at Los Angeles, Cal. Mr.
Wickham's son Clarence was a Mason, and was buried by the Hebron
Lodge with due ceremonies. John P. Wickham has followed farming
for many years, but has maintained his home in the village. For several
years he has been retired from the strenuous duties pertaining to agri-
cultural life. He is a man who holds the confidence and respect of his
associates. Fraternally he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of
America.

ALBERT WILBRANDT.

Albert Wilbrandt, director of the Algonquin State Bank, and one of
the most extensive shippers of live stock in McHenry County, owns
200 acres of choice land in Algonquin Township. He was born at
Algonquin, February 22, 1867, a son of Christ and Mary (Gister) Wil-
brandt. Christ Wilbrandt was born in Germany, but upon coming
to the United States, he became naturalized, receiving his papers in
1S65, and from then on, gave his adopted country a loyal service until
his death which occurred at Algonquin in 1894. His wife passed away
in 1890.

Albert Wilbrandt was reared on his father's farm, and attended the
local schools. He learned the trade of a butcher, and followed it for
many years, branching out into a stock dealer in later years. He does
an annual business of $50,000. Since 1915, he has been a director of the
State Bank of Algonquin.

In 1892 Mr. Wilbrandt was married to Miss Mary Calbow, a daughter
of John Calbow, prominent in the history of Algonquin, and they have
the following children: Arthur, Bcnnie, Albert, Louis, Anna and Louisa.
They belong to the Lutheran Church. In politics Mr. Wilbrandt is a
Republican and he served seven terms as alderman of Algonquin. His
lifelong residence in Algonquin Township makes him fully aware of the
standing of its people, and he is able to serve his bank and his community
very effectively because of this knowledge, and his own excellent business
judgment.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 945

WALTER H. WILBUR.

Walter II. Wilbur, president of the United State Bank of Crystal
Lake, is one of the very prominent financiers of McHenry County, and
a man who deserves the success which has been accorded him. He was
born at Rockford, Iowa, July 25, 1876, one of the six children born to
Dr. E. W. and Sarah D. (Hoy) Wilbur. Doctor Wilbur was a leading
physician and surgeon of Rockford, Iowa, and continued in practice
until his removal to the Southwest in 1892. His death occurred March
6, 1917, but his wife survives.

Walter H. Wilbur attended the schools of Rockford, Iowa, and went
from the high school to the state normal school of Arizona, from which
he was graduated. He then entered the financial field, and from the
time he was twenty years old to the present date, has been connected
with banks in an official capacity. In 1915, when the Citizens State
Bank of Crystal Lake was re-organized, he became its cashier, and the
year following, he was made vice president of United State Bank of
Crystal Lake. In January, 1919, he was elected its president. His
connection with this institution gives it added prominence and stability,
for his ability as a financier is well known and appreciated.

In 1915 Mr. Wilbur was married to Miss Kate (Griswold) Irish.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur belong to the Congregational church. Taking
as he does an intelligent interest in public matters, Mr. Wilbur prefers
to give his support to the men he deems best fitted for office, rather than
be influenced by party affiliations.

JOHN QUINCY WILCOX.

John Quincy Wilcox, one of the highly esteemed farmers of Seneca
Township, is now living on his homestead, retired from active partici-
pation in agricultural work. His farm, six miles west of Woodstock,
is one of the finest in the township, comprising 216 acres of fertile land,
and on it he has erected a new residence and a barn adapted for dairy
purposes, there being thirty cows in his herd. The farm is now being
operated by his sons, who follow the same line of work as their father.
In addition to his homestead Mr. Wilcox owns another farm of small
proportions, in Seneca Township, eighty acres of land in Wisconsin,
ten acres in Florida, a city lot at Palatka, Fla., and 160 acres near

946 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

Langdon, N. D. His sons Arthur and Earl own 200 acres on sections
9 and 16, and they work this in connection with his homestead. He
served as road commissioner for his township at a time when several
bridges were built, remaining in this office for two terms. With the
organization of the Progressive party, Mr. Wilcox supported its prin-
ciples, and was a delegate to the convention of that party at Chicago.
For the last quarter of a century he has affiliated with the Marengo
Lodge, I. O. O. F.

The children born to John Quincy Wilcox and his wife are as follows:
Jennie Arvilla, who is Mrs. Ira Adams of Belvidere, 111., has had nine
children, Bernice, Ernest, Floyd, Glenn, Aurilla, Alonzo, Wilson, and
two who died in infancy; Charles Elston, who died at the age of twenty-
three years and seventeen days; May Mertie, who died at the age of
twenty years, eleven months and twenty-three days, was engaged in
teaching school in Illinois; Mary Jeanette, who died in childhood;
Emma Ann, who is the wife of William Redpath, a sketch of whom
appears elsewhere in this work; Arthur John, who is engaged in operating
his father's homestead, married Mary Meyer, has no children; William,
who is a minister of the Baptist church, has a charge at Jackson, Tenn.,
married Nellie Markee and their children are: Alta, Gladys, Erbie,
John William, and Boise; Earl Warren, who is in partnership with his
brother, Arthur John, in operating the homestead, married Mabel
Riley, and their children are, Eleanor, Robert, and Eldridge; Alice
Aurilla, who is Mrs. Orvis Markey of Seneca Township, has the following
children, Lawrence, May, Melvin, Ivan, Lyle, Marian and Irwin;
Luhman Arlow, who is conducting a small farm owned by his father in
Seneca Township, married Abie Bebe, and they have three children,
Harold, Dorothy and Floyd; and John Leslie, who died in infancy.
Mrs. Wilcox died November 6, 1917, after over fifty years of married
life. She was a devoted wife and mother, a kind neighbor and good,
Christian woman, and her loss was felt by her community. Mr. and
Mrs. Wilcox brought up their children to be very desirable citizens,
and the name stands for integrity, uprightness and public-spirited
action.

MAXWELL C. WILCOX.

Maxwell C. Wilcox, one of the most progressive farmers of Coral
Township, owns 280 acres of finely improved land, a portion of which

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 047

was entered from the government by his grandfather, Chapin A. Wilcox,
formerly of. Coral Township. Chapin A. Wilcox was one of the pioneers

of McHenry County, and a man of considerable importance in his day.
He lived far into old age, dying January 16, 1904. His son, Emmett
S. Wilcox, father of Maxwell C. Wilcox, was born August 27, 1858, and
died March 15, 1902, having been a farmer of Coral Township and a
substantial man.

Maxwell C. Wilcox was born in his present house, May 30, 1884,
and has spent his entire life upon the farm he now owns, and after
taking the country school courses, he became a student of the Marengo
High School; and still later went through the Metropolitan Business
College of Chicago. When his father died, Mr. Wilcox took charge
of the farm, and buying out the other heirs, became its owner. This
farm of 280 acres is one of the best in the township, 160 acres of it being
his grandfather's original homestead. Since becoming its owner, Mr.
Wilcox has put in a large amount of tile, thus reclaiming 100 acres
originally low land and ponds. He has also cleared off the brush and
grubbed out the stumps, and has every reason to be proud of his prop-
erty. The house was built in 1882, and the barn in the seventies.
About the house he has put a fine porch, with nine concrete posts, and has
two driveways. The basement of the barn is all fitted up for stabling,
and he has erected two silos. Mr. Wilcox keeps about fifty cows in
his herd, all of a high-grade Holstein strain, and he also raises consider-
able grain.

CHARLES M. WILLARD.
Page 135.

JOHN E. WILLIAMS.

John E. Williams, vice president of the Dairy State Bank of Marengo,
is extensively interested in an insurance business at Huntley, and is
also owner of a choice farm in Coral Township. He was born February
14, 1865, one of eight children born to William and Mary (Evans)
Williams. William Williams was born September 30, 1833, and died
January 30, 1890, his widow surviving him until August 1, 1916.

John E. Williams attended the common and high schools of his com-

948 HISTORY OF McHENBY COUNTY

inanity, and completed his studies in an Aurora Business College. Hav-
ing been reared on a farm, he understands farming thoroughly and his
farm of 170 acres shows the results of his care and attention. For six
years he was supervisor of his township, having been elected on the
Republican ticket. In 1902, Mr. Williams was elected vice president
of the Dairy State Bank of Marengo. For a number of years he has
conducted an insurance business, representing four of the leading fire
and tornado companies.

In 1890 Mr. Williams was married to Miss Elva JRugh, a daughter
of Jesse Rugh of Coral Township. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have the
following children: Roger W. ; Ruth M., who is the wife of Harry Hilbert
of Huntley; Ethel G., who has attained the degree of Master of Arts
at the Northwestern University; Harold R., who is at home; Jennie E.,
who is engaged in teaching school; May M., who is attending the Huntley
High School; and Roy C, Lucille, James E. and Philius, all of whom
are at home. Mr. Williams and his family belong to the Congregational
Church. They are deservedly popular and are numbered among the
leading representatives of the best interests of McHenry County.

In January, 1920, Mr. Williams, together with his son and son-in-law,
incorporated "The William Works, Inc." of Huntley. 111.

CHARLES NEWCOMB WILLIS.

Charles Newcomb Willis, who was formerly one of the aggressive
agriculturalists of McHenry County, is now living in retirement on his
farm in Bull Yalley, four and one-half miles east of Woodstock. He
was born on the site of his present residence, October 25, 1846, a son of
William N. and Mary (Hinard) Willis, the former of whom was born
in Massachusetts, and was a school-teacher in the east. In 1845,
accompanied by his widowed mother, he came to Illinois, and in the spring
of 1846, was married in Ohio, bringing his bride to the farm he had
bought in Greenwood Township. In this same township were located
his sister, Eliza, wife of Orsamus Wilbur, their farm being two miles
north of the Willis property. William N. Willis taught the first school
of his vicinity, and his son, Charles N. received the greater part of hi^
early education under his tuition. He also became deputy surveyor

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 949

of McHenry County, always continuing to reside on his farm in Bull
Valley. This region derived its name from the fact that a Mr.
McCollins here broke to the yoke five or six pairs of bulls, and used
them as oxen. Becoming one of the best-known men in this part of tin-
county, William N. Willis was made assessor and held that office for
thirty years, and he was also a member of the school board, always
giving the Republican party his hearty support. While not a member
of any religious organization, he was a liberal supporter of several
churches. Well-known in Masonry, he belonged to the Blue Lodge and
Chapter, and was past master of the former when he died in 1S96, aged
seventy-five years, having been born November 18, 1819. His widow
survived him for a few years.

Charles N. Willis is the only one of the children of William N. Willis
left in McHenry County, and he has spent his entire life on his present
farm of ninety-seven acres. There were eight children in the family
of his parents, two dying in infancy, the others being: Mary A., who
married Alamon Miller; Eliza A., who married Dr. H. McDiamond;
Alice E., who married B. F. Ellsworth; Elmer J.; Frankie G., who mar-
ried L. E. Meger; Eva and Foneta, who are deceased; and Charles N.,
of whom we write. Charles N. Willis has in addition to his portion of
the homestead, a small farm of thirty-four acres, and all of his property
is devoted to general farming. He has also made numerous surveys,
served as tax collector, been a promoter of improvements in the town-
ship, and is a Republican. The house on the old homestead was built
by his father many years ago. Mr. Willis cherishes an old bible which
his father brought with him in 1845, but lost in an accident on the Ohio
River, in which the household goods were overturned and held in the
ice all winter, but in the spring some of them were recovered, the bible
among them.

In 1882 Mr. Willis was married to Hester Dufield, a daughter of
James G. Dufield, and she died in February, 1916, leaving one son,
Charles William, an employe of the Oliver Typewriter Company of
Woodstock.

During the years he was occupied with farming Mr. Willis gained a
knowledge of agricultural matters that is very valuable and those who
appreciate the extent of his knowledge come to him for expert advice.
Having always been connected with Greenwood Township he has had
its interests at heart, and can be depended upon to give an effective
support to all measures calculated to prove beneficial to it.

950 HISTORY OF McIIENRY COUNTY

PROF. SANFORD WILSON.

Prof. Sanford Wilson, superintendent of the public schools of Hebron,
and one of the leaders in the educational fields of this part of the state,
is a man whose scholarly attainments have won him appreciation that
is widespread. He was born in Wisconsin, November 13, 1885, one of
the three children of his parents, George M. and Alice (Vangtress)
Wilson. George M. Wilson was early in life an educator, and later
became a farmer of Wisconsin.

Professor Wilson attended the common and high schools of his
native place, and then took a four years' course at the Oshkosh State
Normal of Wisconsin, and one year at the University of Wisconsin.
In 1910 he began teaching school, and has been eminently successful,
both in Wisconsin and Illinois, he coming to this state in 1911. In
1917 he was offered the superintendency of the Hebron schools, and
accepting, has brought them up to a high standard of excellence, and his
labors have met with deserved recognition.

In 1914 Professor Wilson was united in marriage with Miss Ethel
Angus, a daughter of J. D. Angus, and a member of a prominent family
of Wisconsin. Professor Wilson and his wife belong to the Presbyterian
church. In politics he is a Democrat. His fraternal affiliations are
with the Masonic order.

JAMES W. WINGATE.

James W. Wingate, vice president of the Home State Bank of Crystal
Lake, owns a very fine farm of 550 acres in Nunda Township, McHenry
County. He was born in New York, May 2, 1860, a son of Robert J.
and Caroline (McDonald) Wingate, who had eight children, five of
whom survive. Robert J. Wingate was born in New York, and in 1839,
he came to McHenry County, locating in what was then Nunda but is
now Crystal Lake, where he died on November 29, 1914. He was a
fanner. His wife died on May 7, 1881.

James W. Wingate attended the public schools of New York and of
McHenry County, and has always been interested in farming and
dairying, but for some years has lived at Crystal Lake. Since 1916 he
has been connected with the Home State Bank of Crystal Lake.

IIISTOKV OF McIIENRY COUNTY 951

In 1880 Mr. Wingate was married to Miss Lillian A. Colby, who
was born April 27, 1858 and died April 6, 1919. She was a daughter of
Albert Colby of McHenry County. Mr. and Mrs. Wingate have five
children, namely: Clyde A., Bertha L., Clifton V., Bermi 0., and
Ralph A. Mr. Wingate and his family belong to the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. In politics he is a Republican. Both as a farmer and
banker Mr. Wingate has made his mark, and he is recognized as one of
the most influential men and desirable citizens in this part of the state.

WILLIAM E. WIRE.

William E. Wire, cashier of the Bank of Hebron, belongs to one of
the pioneer families of McHenry County, and is well known throughout
this section both as a man and financier. He was born in McHenry
County, March 27, 1858, one of the eight children of John and Bedelia
(Brady) Wire. John Wire was associated with railroad work in the
east. He died April 5, 1858, but his widow survived him many years,
passing away February 9, 1907.

William E. Wire was reared in his native county and attended its
common and high schools. For a number of years he was a teacher
in the public schools, and in 1890 he was elected superintendent of the
schools of McHenry County, being re-elected to that office until 1902,
when he was made cashier of Ijie Hebron Bank. This bank, established
in 1S97, has a capital stock of 825,000, a surplus of 850,000, and undi-
vided profits of $12,500.

In 1885 Mr. Wire was united in marriage with Miss Josephine
Craine, a daughter of John M. Craine. Mr. and Mrs. Wire have one
daughter, Winifred B. Mr. WTire is very prominent politically, and
is now chairman of the Republican Central County Committee, was
a member of the council for sixteen years, was city treasurer, and has
been on the school board for many years. Fraternally he belongs to
Hebron Lodge, A. F. & A. M., Harvard Chapter, R. A. M., Woodstock
Commandery, K. T., Hebron Lodge, I. O. 0. F., and is a member of
the W'oodmen and Mj'stic Workers of the World. His long connection
with the bank has given him an insight into financial matters, and he
is recognized as one of the leading men in his line in the county.

952 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

PLATT WINNE.

Piatt Winne, now deceased, a representative of one of the pioneer
families of Grafton Township, and one of its successful fanners, was
born on the farm he subsequently owned, on section 34, about one mile
southeast of Huntley, March 14, 1859. He was a son of James Winne,
who has born in Montgomery County, N. Y., January 23, 1839, a son
of James Winne, also a native of New York state. The Winne family
is of Holland descent. James Winne, the younger, was married to
Jane Conover, born in New York state. They had four children,
namely: James, who lives at Lyons, Wis.; Jacob, who is deceased; Piatt;
and Arnold, who lives at Elgin, 111. In 1843, James Winne came to
McHenry County, and located in Grafton Township on 343 acres of land.
For many years he was one of the leading farmers of his township. The
Congregational Church had in him an earnest member.

Piatt Winne attended the public schools of Grafton Township, and
those of Huntley, and grew up on the farm. He was married to Elizabeth
McNeeney, who was born at Huntley, a daughter of Patrick McNeeney.
Mr. and Mrs. Winne became the parents of twelve children, namely:
Jane, Florence, Marie, Irving, Ada, Harry, Mabel, Clarence and Piatt,
who are living, and Margaret who died at the age of seven years; and two,
who died in infancy. Mr. Winne spent his life in Grafton Township,
and was much interested in its development. He carried on general
farming and dairying, milking seventy-five cows. In politics he was a
Republican. The Congregational church had in him a member. A man
of natural ability, he showed what he cQuld do in the conduct of his
fine property and his devotion to his community was unquestioned.
His demise, which occurred at Waukegan, HI., August 12, 1921, removed
from his community one of its best citizens, and his passing was deeply
deplored.

CHARLES F. WOODBURY.

Charles F. Woodbury, now deceased, was long recognized as one of
the leading citizens of Hebron, and a director of the Bank of Hebron,
was extensively interested in agricultural pursuits, and left behind him
several choice farms in McHenry County. He was born in McHenry
County, November 30, 1861, and died at Hebron, December 20, 1912.
He was one of four children born to William H. and Allury (Barnes)

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 953

Woodbury, and the family is an old and honored one in this part of
the state, where its members have done much to develop the farming
interests. William H. Woodbury was a farmer for many years, and
he died at Hebron.

Charles F. Woodbury was reared on his father's farm, and attended
the local schools. As soon as he attained his majority, he began farm-
ing on his own account, and in time became the owner of 160 acres of
land in Hebron Township, on which he lived for many years, and
another farm of 100 acres in the same township, forty acres of land in
Alden Township, and also 190 acres in Hebron Township.

On December 25, 1883, Mr. Woodbury was married to Miss Ella L.
Fink, a daughter of Louis Fink, and one of the most prominent families
of Alden Township. Mr. and Mrs. Woodbury became the parents of
three children, namely: Walter H., who is operating the homestead,
married Loulla Paul, and their children are, Charles, Clarence, Leona,
Morris and Lurella; Nina M., who is Mrs. Frank C. Jones of St. Paul,
Minn., has two children, Elaine and Herbert; and Edward, who died
at the age of nine years. Mrs. Woodbury was made a director of the
Bank of Hebron upon the death of Mr. Woodbury, succeeding him in
that body. Mr. Woodbury was active in the Republican party in Hebron
Township, but he never sought or would accept of office, preferring to
work in its behalf, as a private citizen. Although some years have
passed since his demise, Mr. Woodbury is still remembered as an upright,
honorable gentleman and good citizen, and his community could ill
spare one of his character.

WILLIAM CHAPIN WOODARD.

William Chapin Woodard, mayor of Marengo, is one of the sub-
stantial business men of his part of the county. Not only does he con-
trol The L. Woodard Pickle Company of Marengo, of which an extended
mention is made in the chapter entitled Railroads and Industrial Enter-
prises, but he is a director of the Dairyman's State Bank of Marengo,
and owns an 800-aere ranch at Sedgewick, Alberta, Canada, which is
managed by his son, Allen B. Woodard.

Mr. Woodard was born at Marengo, April 30, 1867, a son of John
S., and Julia S. Woodard, and grandson of E. G. Wood, who came to
McHenry County at an early day and pre-empted the farm now owned

954 HISTORY OF McIIKXRY COUNTY

by George Bates. An uncle of Mayor Woodard, Loren Woodard,

established the pickle business now owned by the Mayor, over forty
years ago, and for twenty-two years the latter has been in this line of
business, now having six pickle factories in Michigan and Illinois. In
this connection he is chairman of the Growers' and Salters' Committee
of the National Pickle Packers' Association, and is closely connected
with the research work of Professor Doolittle, government plant path-
ologist .

During the first sixteen years of his life Mayor Woodard continued
to reside at Marengo, where his father worked at his trade of a stone
and brick mason. At the time he was sixteen, his uncle took him to
Grand Traverse, Mieh., and for two years he worked on a farm. Finding
that he did not make enough at farming, the determined lad went into
a lumber camp and worked there for two and one-half years for -S26 per
month, and out of it saved enough to discharge the mortgage on the
home farm. He then came back to Illinois and for a period of several
years held a managerial position at Elgin. In March, 1899, he returned
to Marengo and entered upon what was to be his life work, and since
then has been connected with the pickle industry. He, his wife and son,
Allen B., own the large business which has been principally developed
by them from the initial factory established by Loren Woodard.

In September, 1892, Mayor Woodard was married at Elgin, 111.,
to Man- Roden, of Elgin, 111. Mayor and Mrs. Woodard have one son,
Allen B. Woodard, who was born September 10, 1894. They own their
handsome residence at 405 Prairie Street, Marengo, and other vacant
property in the city.

Always a strong Republican, Mayor Woodard has long been one
of the party leaders in city and county affairs, and was elected mayor
of Marengo in 1921 by a gratifying majority. He is a member of the
Community Club of Marengo. He has now served as president of the
club five years. The Methodist Episcopal church has had him on its
membership rolls, since 1903, and he belongs to its official board. High
in Masomy, he was made a Mason at Elgin in 1882, and passed through
the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery in that same year, and he
also belongs to the Eastern Star, of which he has been worthy patron.
He has served the Blue Lodge as worshipful master, and the Chapter
as high priest, and is very active in the Masonic bodies at Marengo.
A practical man of large affairs, Mayor Woodard is capable of managing
those of his home city efficiently and satisfactorily, while his deep sense

HISTORY OF Mt'IIKXKY COUNTY 955

of civic responsibility urges him to secure for it further improvements
and advantages. II is such men as Mayor Woodard who give prestige
to their communities and acl as a spin- to others for whole-souled en-
deavor along all lines of progress.

DELOS M. WRIGHT.

Delos M. Wright, supervisor of Marengo Township, is one of the
leading agriculturalists of his township, owning and operating a valuable
farm of 163 acres. He was born in Jo Davies County, 111., in March,
1866, a son of Columbus P. and Mary (Lyons) Wright. Columbus P.
Wright was born at Columbus, Ohio, and in young manhood moved to
Jo Davies County, 111., and from thence in 1886 to McHenry County.
He bought the Rogers farm of 323 acres, later the Burke farm of 120
acres, and still later another Rogers farm of 120 acres, and finally bought
seventy-three acres known as the Vicker farm. Since 1914, he has
lived with his son.

Delos M. Wright attended the common and high schools of his
locality, and Valparaiso University. After some years spent in farming,
he went to Elgin, and for three years was engaged in handling pianos,
but then returned to his farm.

On September 22, 1897, Mr. Wright was married to Miss Melvina
E. Anderson, a daughter of Edward Anderson. In politics Mr. Wright
is a Republican, and he has served as supervisor of his township since
1907, and for thirteen years he has been on the school board, and during
that period has been its chairman a portion of the time. For three
years he was superintendent of the poor farm of the county. Mr.
Wright is a Knight Templar Mason, and he also belongs to the Knights
of Pythias. Mr. and Mrs. Wright are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church. They are very well and favorably known throughout
McHenry County, and deserve the popularity they enjoy.

GLENN E. WRIGHT, M. D.

Glenn E. Wright, M. D., one of the leading physicians and surgeons
of Woodstock, is conveniently located in the Murphy Block. He was

956 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

born at Chicago, one of three children of James L. and Clara (Field)
Wright. James L. Wright was a successful real-estate operator of
Chicago.

Doctor Wright attended the grammar and high schools of Chicago.
He then took a medical course at the Loyola University from which he
was graduated in 1910. Following this, he studied medicine for two
and one-half years in New York City hospitals, and returned to Chicago
in 1913 where he became physician to the City of Chicago Contagious
Disease Hospital and engaged in the practice of his profession there
until 1917, when he came to Woodstock, where he has already won his
place among the distinguished men of his calling in McHenry County.
Professionally, he belongs to the McHenry County Medical Society, the
Illinois State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association.
His fraternal connections are with the Elks, Moose and Woodmen.

In 1912 Doctor Wright was married to Miss Anna V. Kelly, a daughter
of William C. Kelly of New York City. Doctor and Mrs. Wright have
two children, namely: Gilbert L. and Laura E. Doctor Wright is a
Republican. A scholarly man, he has always increased his store of
knowledge by reading and study, and is very well informed, not only
on matters pertaining to his profession, but those relating to outside
affairs, and his advice is often sought by those who appreciate his good
judgment and range of information.

OMAR CLEMENT WRIGHT.

Omar Clement Wright, one of the aggressive and successful farmers
of McHenry County, owns and operates a fine farm of well-cultivated
land in Chemung Township, five miles west of Marengo. He was born
at Morseville, Jo Davies County, 111., January 4, 1874, the youngest
son born in his father's family. He is a son of C. P. Wright, one of the
pioneers of Marengo, and one of the best-known men of that region.

Omar C. Wright was reared on his father's homestead, and as soon
as he was old enough to do so, he took charge of it, his father removing
to another farm, and later going to Marengo, where he still lives. Omar
C. Wright has been closely associated with his father in a number of
agricultural ventures, and for a time lived on another of his father's
farms, but in 1911 returned to the original one, that had been owned
by the Poyer family. Here he owns and operates 315 acres, which

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 957

extends from the south side of the Kiswaukee River for a mile and a
half to north of the River Road, eighty rods fronting on the River Road.
In addition to farming, Mr. Wright buys and ships stock for the Chicago
market, succeeding his father in this line of business. He feeds 150
hogs and keeps 100 head, and generally about 100 steers. The territory
covered by him in his stock operations is a wide one, but he buys through
Marengo, which is his principal shipping point. It is a practice of his
to buy a large number of feeders at St. Paul, Minn., bring them to his
farm, where he keeps them until they are thoroughly rested, and then
ships them to Chicago. For the past eight years Mr. Wright has served
on the school board.

On April 5, 1899, Mr. Wright was married to Agnes Anderson, a
daughter of Edward and Florence (Olcott) Anderson. Mrs. Wright
was reared in Chemung Township. Mr. and Mrs. Wright have four
children, namely: Clark, June, DeLos and Florence. The family
belong to the Presbyterian church at Marengo. Mr. Wright does not
belong to any fraternities. His farm is a model one, and he keeps on
making improvements. In addition to his own set of buildings, which
were erected by the former owner, he has a nice tenant house and build-
ings, and keeps two tenants. As a farmer and citizen Mr. Wright
measures up to the best standards and is doing his part to maintain the
prestige of McHenry County as an agricultural center.

WILLIAM WRIGHT.

William Wright, one of the self-made men of McHenry County, has
succeeded in accumulating some valuable acreage in Nunda Township,
and also in firmly establishing himself in the confidence and respect of
his neighborhood. He was born in Sheffield, England, July 30, 1868, a
son of John and Mary (Green) Wright, natives of Yorkshire, England.
John Wright, a brickmaker by trade, came to the United States in 1872,
and lived at Lake View, Chicago, until 1877, during that period following
his profession. Then he moved to McHenry County, and engaged in
farming in Nunda Township, later buying a farm there. He and his
wife had the following children: Thomas, John, William, George,
Anna E., Eliza, Minnie, deceased and Mary E. The father of this
family lived to be seventy-eight years old, but the mother died at the
age of sixty years.

958 HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY

William Wright attended the schools of Chicago, and those of Nunda
Township for a short period after coming to McHenry County. Early
cast upon his own resources, he learned to be self-reliant, and has earned
all he now possesses. After spending nine months in Nebraska, in
1892 and 1893, Mr. Wright returned to Nunda Township, and bought
his present farm of ninety acres of land in 1909. Here he carries on
general farming, and has made his property a very valuable one.

On June 23, 1897, Mr. Wright was married to Mary A. Neil, born in
Indiana, August 25, 1870. They have four children, namely: William
R., Marie E., George E. and Edwin C, who lives in Elgin. In politics
Mr. Wright is a Republican. He belongs to the Odd Fellows and Mystic
Workers of the World. A man of kindly impulses, he has always been
a good neighbor, and his interest in the betterment of his community,
makes him a desirable citizen.

WILLIAM C. ZANDER.

William C. Zander, one of the younger farmers of Nunda Township,
owns his farm of forty acres, and is conducting it according to approved
scientific methods. He was born at Elgin, 111., August 1, 1878, and has
always resided in Northern Illinois. He is a son of Charles and Minnie
(Ernst) Zander, both of whom were born in Germany, but came to the
United States when young, and became loyal Americans. Charles
Zander is now deceased, but his widow still resides at the family home,
No. 456 Addison street, Elgin, 111. For many years he was connected
with the Haiger Brick Company of Elgin. He and his wife had six
children, three of whom survive, namely: Minnie, William C„ and Mary.

William C. Zander attended the Elgin schools and worked in the
Elgin National Watch factory until 1912, when he bought his present
farm of forty acres, which was part of the M. V. Miller farm in Nunda
Township. Since coming here, Mr. Zander has made many improve-
ments, and is very successful in his work. He milks thirteen cows in
his dairy.

Mr. Zander was married June 23, 1904, to Josephine Hunt, born
at Ridgefield, 111., January 24, 1884, a daughter of Riley Hunt, a farmer
of McHenry County. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs.
Zander are both members of the English Lutheran church at Elgin, 111.

HISTORY OF McHENRY COUNTY 959

ANTONIO J. ZOIA.

Antonio J. Zoia, senior member of the firm of Antonio ,J. Zoia and
Sons, dealers in Scotch and American granite and Italian and American
marble, is a well known artist in monuments and headstones, his work
being ranked among the best in the country. He was born in Italy,
July 18, 1857, one of the seven children, three of whom survive, born
to his parents, Dominick and Mary (Banc) Zoia. Dominick Zoia was
horn in Switzerland, but went to Italy when a young man. He was
a building contractor, and a prosperous man, who died in 1898, aged
eighty-five years, and his wife died in 1895.

Antonio J. Zoia attended the public schools of his native land and
learned the trade of a stone cutter prior to coming to the United States.
After landing in New York City, he came west to La Crosse, Wis., and
thence to Delavan Lake, where he remained for seven and one-half
years. In 1897, he came to Woodstock, and the following year he
embarked in business with J. J. Stafford, soon thereafter buying his
interest, and continuing alone until he took his sons into the firm.
This firm does a business ranging from $15,000.00 to $20,000.00 annually.
On March 23, 1909, the people of McHenry County dedicated a monu-
ment to its soldiers and sailors, erected in the courthouse square at
Woodstock, which was designed, and made by Mr. Zoia, and it is one
of the best examples of his art and skill.

In 1892 Mr. Zoia was married to Miss Mary Spezia, a daughter
of Antonio Spezia, also of Italy, who came to the United States some
years after Mr. Zoia's arrival. Mr. and Mrs. Zoia have the following
children: Charles D., who is associated with his father in business, is
a veteran of the World War; Clyde J., who is in the law department
of Notre Dame University; Eugene P., who is associated with his father
in business; and Mary I., who is at home. Mr. Zoia belongs to the
Knights of Columbus, Elks and Woodmen of the World. In politics
he is a Republican. He and his family belong to St. Mary's Catholic
church of Woodstock.

>

y^_

2&?#3S;