Henry County, Illinois - The whole text, 1885 (part 13 of 31)

The marriage of Mr. Crossley to Sarah F. Hamilton was solemnized in Osco Township, Feb. 13, 1867. She was a daughter of Levi and Mary (Walker) Hamilton, natives of New York and Massachusetts respectively. Her parents were married and resided in Massachusetts for a time, and in 1856 came to this county, locating in Osco Township, where her mother died April 7, 1876. Her father still survives, and is a resident of Osco Township. Mrs. Crossley was third in order of birth of a family of ten children, six of whom lived to attain the age of majority, namely : Sarah F., William O., Mary A., Emma W., Henry W. and Lucy J. Mrs. Crossley was born in Brookfield, Worcester Co., Mass., March it, 1839, and has borne her husband two children, - Hattie E. and Harry T.

lector, School Director, and Overseer of Highways in his township. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. Crossley always casts his vote with the Democratic party.

ohn N. Morgan, one of the self-made men of Henry County, and an extensive farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 15, Galva Township, is at present representing the township in the Board of Supervisors. He was born at Charidon, Geauga Co., Ohio, July 5, 1830, a descendant from English and Welsh ancestry. His grandfather was one of several brothers who settled in New England at an early day. His father, Gideon Morgan, was born in Massachusetts in 1788. He came West in an early day and in 1845 died in Exeter, Scott Co., 111. He was twice married, having one child by the first marriage, Seymore Morgan, who died on the Mississippi River on his way home from New Orleans. When a young man, Gideon served in the war of 18 12 and afterward settled in Geauga County, where for a time he worked at the shoemaker's trade. In 1837, he came to Morgan County, this State, and for a time lived at Jacksonville, and subsequently in a small village near that city. He finally removed to Scott Co., 111., where he died. He married Ruth Norris, who was born in Tolland, Conn., Jan. 24, 1790. She died at Farmington, 111., June 12, 1851. She was the mother of five children, - Ann E., Julianna, Hope, Helen and John N., the subject of the present sketch.

John N. had very limited school advantages, attending only the old-fashioned subscription school. Here he received a fair rudimentary education, upon which he has built what is termed a good practical business education. He was reared upon a farm and spent much of his younger days in working out as a farmer. He was brought to Illinois when only eight years of age and passed the years of his childhood and youth in Scott and Peoria Counties. When a young man of 20 years of age he came into Marshall County, where, near the village of Henry, he farmed until the spring of 1852. We next find him among the mountains in the northern part of California, where he had gone in search of gold. For three years he worked hard as a miner in the placer mines near Placerville, and among the Klamath Indians, who at the time were quite hostile. His mining operations were quite successful, and fortunately he left in due season for the States. The year following his departure all the settlers in that locality were either driven off by the Indians or killed. He came home via Panama in the spring of 1855, and after reaching Illinois and on looking for a desirable location, he selected one in Henry County. In the autumn of 1856, we find him locating in Burns Township, where he had purchased 160 acres of land. He subsequently traded this for land in Galva Township, where all of his real estate is now located, having 560 acres of good land. 4 He has proven himself to be a successful farmer and stock-raiser, and has won the respect and esteem of the people of the township. He has held the various offices of his township, and for the last 13 years has served it as Supervisor. He is at present one of the Directors of the Kewanee Mutual Insurance Company. Politically, he is a thorough Republican, although he took an active part in the late " farmers' movement." He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. Morgan was married, May 9, 1853, in Galva, to Miss Mary McKinney, daughter of John and Ann Currant) McKinney, both natives of New Jersey. The record of their eight children is as follows: Blanche J., born Nov. 18, 1864; Fannie E., Aug. 18, 1866; Norris E., Dec. 28, 1869; Jennie B., Nov. 3, 187 1; Lorenzo S., Aug. 15, 1875 ; John W., Dec. 6, 1877, and Harold L., deceased, an infant.

"ohn L. Piatt. The late John L. Piatt was for many years one of the leading spirits, *""* not only in Weller Township, but also was well known and highly respected throughout the county. His native place was in Butler Co., Ohio; and the date of his birth, Dec. 9, 1809. Here he was educated, and lived until 24 years of age, when he came West, and stopped in Indiana for about two years. In 1839 he came on to Knox Co., 111. He stopped one year there, and then pushed on northward into Henry County, and made a settlement in Weller Township, where he soon became largely identified with its interests, and until the day of his death, which occurred in 1881, where he was recognized as the leading citizen of the township. His influence was not confined to Weller Township, but it extended throughout Henry County, as well as into Knox. He was the owner of large tracts of land, and for about 18 years represented the township in the Board of Supervisors. Prior to the county being organized under the Township Organization Act, he served as one of the Associate Justices of the county. In political sentiments he was generally independent. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian Church.

In 1834, while living in Indiana, Mr. Piatt was first married. Hannah Hileman, who was a native of that State, was the lady he led to the altar, and three children - Wycoff, Esther and Jacob - were born of this marriage ; Esther is the wife of William Price, and all reside in Madison Co., Iowa. Mrs. Piatt died at her home in Weller Township, March, 1842. Mr. Piatt was subsequently married in 1844, in Knox County, to Martha McMurtry, a member of one of the prominent pioneer families of Knox County. She was born in Crawford Co., Ind., Jan. n, 1823. The record of the four children born of this union range as follows : Ellen, the eldest, is the wife of Joseph Fezler, a resident of Rock Island ; James resides in Colorado* Catherine is the wife of Anson W. Bruner; John T. is a prominent farmer of Weller Township, and a sketch of him is given elsewhere in this book. Mrs. Piatt makes her home with him.

Deerfield, Mass, and was reared to manhood in his native State, where he was married 1[T May 8, 1797, to Mary Edwards. Her father, \ Calvin Edwards, was a lineal descendant of Jonathan Edwards, of historic fame. The daughter was born at Deerfield, Mass., Feb. 9, 1878. Not long after their marriage Mr. Wells removed with his wife to Windham Co., Vt, and they were among the pioneer settlers of the Green Mountain State. A few years later they went to Buffalo, and were residents there at the time of the burning of that city during the progress of the second war with Great Britain. They suffered the common loss of home and household fixtures, and went from the ruined village, as it was then, to Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1818" they came thence to Illinois, and located at Shawneetown, Gallatin Co. In the same year the State was admitted into the Union. They were there resident until 1827, when they made another transfer of their relations, to Galena. They crossed the Illinois River at the point where the city of Peoria now stands, and where then (1827) stood a solitary log cabin. The party was taken across Rock River at the point where the city of Dixon is now located by an Indian ferryman. Their stay in Galena lasted but a year, and in 1828 they came to Moline. They were the first family to locate there permanently. Mr. Wells died there, Sept. 3, 1838. His wife died Dec. 4, 1847. Four sons and three daughters were living when the family settled in Moline.

.ndrew Calhoun, residing on section 5, Galva Township, was born May 1, 1824, near Lisford, County Donegal, Ireland, is of Scotch extraction, and a son of Robert and Mary (Galbraigth) Calhoun. His mother died in Ireland, and his father emigrated to the United States, locating in Galva, this county, where he died, aged 76 years, leaving a family of four children, three sons and one daughter.

Andrew Calhoun was married in Bellendrait Church, Ireland, May 3, 1848, to Miss Mary Galbraith, born near Londonderry, Ireland, Feb. 13, 1826. She was a daughter of Hugh and Susan (Weir) Galbraith, who were prominent people in that country, and of Scotch extraction, their great-grandparents having come from Scotland. Mrs. Calhoun had three brothers and five sisters, of whom two of the former and three of the latter are now living. The Calhoun and Galbraith families were Protestants, being members of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Three weeks after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Calhoun sailed for the United States. After a journey of 45 days on the ocean, they landed at Philadelphia, where they lived for nine years, he working at the business of draying, and having a considerable number of men employed. He came West in March, 1857, and settled in Galva Township, this county, first near Toulon, Stark County, and in 1864 purchasing 160 acres of land on section 5, Galva Township, where he at present resides. He is at present the proprietor of 400 acres of land, which he has succeeded in obtaining by his own indomitable energy, economy and good judgment, and the major portion of which is in an advanced state of cultivation. In 1885, in company with his daughter, Prudence, Mr. Calhoun went to the old country. He arrived in Ireland in June, of this year, visited his relatives and the old landmarks which he remembered in the days gone by, and, after passing a very pleasant vacation, again returned home to this country, arriving here in the latter part of August of the same year.

The children ofMr. and Mrs. Calhoun are as follows : Mary A., Margaret J., wife of Thomas W. Patterson; Andrew G., Prudence, Rebecca, wife of James A. Ayers ; Hugh A., William J., deceased; Susan E., William W., Henry C. and Frederick C. Mrs. Calhoun, together with her daughters, Mary A., Susan E. and Prudence, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Calhoun, politically, votes with the Greenback party. He has filled the minor township offices, and has held that of Road Commissioner for seven years.

ohn Taylor, one of the energetic and progressive farmers as well as respected and prominent citizens of Henry County, residing on section 23, Burns Township, was born ^ in Venango Co., Pa., Oct. 28, 1835. Mr. Taylor received a common-school education in the district schools of his native county and also attended the academy at Utica, his native State, one term, and likewise passed three terms at the Hillsdale Academy.

He resided on the parental homestead, assisting his father on the farm, until he attained the age of 2 1 years, when he engaged to learn the carpenter's trade. He mastered that trade under the instruction of his father, and after attaining his majority followed the same for several years. In the summer of 1857, Mr. Taylor went to Omaha, Neb., where he spent that season and again returned to his home in Pennsylvania. In 1859 he came to this State and was engaged in teaching school in Warren County one winter. He also taught school during winters from 1856 to t86i. We next find him in Venango Co., Pa., again, in the spring of 1861, where he remained until 1866, when he came to this county and located in Burns Township, and here he has continued to reside until the present time. He is the proprietor of 320 acres of good farm land, and has erected a nice residence thereon. In addition to his landed interests in this county, Mr. Taylor is the owner of 640 acres in Lancaster Co., Neb.

The marriage of Mr. Taylor occurred in Venango Co., Pa., Sept. 14, 1859, and the lady selected for his life partner was Miss Levina Deets, a native of that county, where she was born Dec. n, 1838. The issue of their union has been five children, - Alanson O., Robert E , Eldin E., Vadie and Neva. Mr. Taylor has held the office of Supervisor of his township three terms, also of Township Clerk, and several school offices. He and his wife are both members of the Free-Will Baptist Church. Politically, he is a believer in and a supporter of the principles advocated bp the Republican party.

The parents of Mr. Taylor were David and Sarah (Foster) Taylor, natives of Pennsylvania, where they resided until their death. The parents of Mrs. Taylor were Joseph and Sarah (Cousins) Deets, natives of the same State and residents therein until the time of their death. Alanson O. Taylor is a graduate of the State University of Lincoln, Neb., where he resides and is engaged in farming and teaching. He was married in Burns Township, this county, Sept. 4, 1883, to Josie Porter, a daughter of William Porter, of Atkinson Township, and they have one child. Robert E. Taylor is a graduate of Hillsdale College, Michigan.

When Mr. Taylor left home, the residence of his parents in Pennsylvania, he proposed attending school at Hillsdale College, Michigan, and did attend that institution for one term. He then went to Omaha, Neb., where he was taken sick with typhoid fever, and his illness was protracted for six weeks. At that time he was the possessor of only $7 in money and a thousand miles from home. As soon as he recovered he began to work at his trade, and saved sufficient to take deck passage to St. Louis. At that place he sold his watch, which enabled him to obtain means to get to Illinois. On his return he worked about six months at his trade, thereby procuring means to enable him to return to Pennsylvania, where, after arriving, on account of poor health and his limited means, he was compelled to abandon his hopes of passing the entire curriculum of college. During 1858-9, he worked his father's farm; and in the summer of the latter year a heavy frost came in the locality where he was engaged in agriculture, injuring his crops, and he turned over all he had raised to his father to pay expenses.

Mr. Taylor has made his own way in the world. In fact he is a self-made man, and is regarded as one of the enterprising and prosperous farmers of Henry County. He has a pleasant home, surrounded by a good acreage of well improved land, and his accumulations of this world's goods is attributable to his own indomitable energy, perseverance and good judgment, combined with the active co-operation of his good help-meet.

;ilas Crouch, one qf the prosperous and energetic farmers of Heryy County, residing on section 16, Osco Township, is a son of John and Margaret (Daly) Crouch, natives of New York and Pennsylvania respectively. Their family consisted of eight children - Nancy A., Lovilla, Maria, Amanda, Silas, John, Fred and Aaron.

Silas, our subject, was born in Crawford Co., Pa., Aug. 7, 1834, and continued to remain in the State of his nativity until the year i860, when he learned the cooper's trade and came to Henry County, and for one year lived in Cambridge, engaged in carpentering. He then worked a farm on shares for his uncle about a year, and continued to rent land until 1867, when he purchased 80 acres on section 24. He has since increased his landed interests until he has now in his possession 420 acres of good farming land, all tillable. When he came to Henry County, Mr. Crouch had nothing but his own resources to depend upon, and he is, at the present writing, one of the most successful farmers of Henry County.

Mr. Crouch was united in marriage in Cambridge, Aug. 10, 1861, the lady being Mary Carothers, daughter of James and Rachel (Skyhonk) Carothers, who are both natives of Ohio. She was their only child, born in Scott Co., Ohio, Feb. 26, 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Crouch were the parents of n children, nine of whom are living, as follows : Lovilla J.,

Frank, John, James, Benjamin, Lester, Frederick, George and Ella. Two died in infancy. Mr. Crouch has been honored by the position of School Director in his township, and in politics he is identified with the Republicans.

illiam Weimer, a pioneer of Henry County of 1853, was born May 29, 1837, in Westmoreland Co., Pa. He is the son of Jonathan and Susan (Burger) Weimer, and his parents were both natives of the same State, and were of German extraction. They removed in 1850 to Jefferson County, in the same State, and the family were there resident until 1853, when another removal was made to Henry County. Soon after the father was afflicted with rheumatism of a serious nature, which precluded his laboring any more. He died Nov. 2-6, 1871. The mother survives and lives with her son.

The family included nine children, of whom five are still living. Joseph is a resident in the township of Phenix; Mary married William Ellingworth, and they are living in Geneseo; that place is also the home of William, Samuel and Israel. When the family first came to the county they located in the township of Colona. After a residence of three years they went to Hanna Township.

Mr. Weimer commenced his career in the county as a farm laborer. For his first work he received a compensation of $14 a month, and as he grew familiar with the ways and customs and the value of his services increased, his wages swelled in proportion. About the year 1863 he rented some land in the township of Atkinson, and later he was similarly situated in the township of Loraine. In 1865 he made his first purchase of land by buying 160 acres in the township of Geneseo, situated on section 2. The tract was then in its original condition, and had never had a furrow turned on its acres. The quality of the prosperity of the owner may be inferred from the fact that he is now the proprietor of 705 acres. The place is stocked and fitted with farm fixtures of a character in keeping with the dimensions.

Mr. Weimer was married Oct. 30, 1862, to Susannah Heller. She died June 13, 1880, leaving seven children. They are named: Emma C, Albert W.,

Minnie C, Edith M., Frankie R., Bertha C. and Susie L. The mother was the daughter of David Heller, one of the earliest of" the pioneer settlers of the township of Loraine. She was 36 years and two months old at the time of her death. Mr. Weimer contracted a second marriage with Paulina A. Stenzel, in October, 1880. She was born in Germany. The children of the second marriage are Jessie H. and Nellie A.

Bjenry Poppy, farmer on section 6, Weller mt^ Township, was born near Hanover, Prussia, Feb. 5, 1831. Here he lived until about 1 6 years of age, when his parents decided to emigrate to America. He accompanied them, and in the spring of 1848 we find them preparing a home in Weller Township, this county. Here Henry Poppy has become one of the substantial and influential men of the community. He has an excellent farm of 240 acres of land, provided with good farm buildings and well equipped. Six years of this time he lived at Galva, where he was engaged in gardening.

On the 30th of June, 1858, Mr. Poppy and Lissettie Neuman were joined in the holy bonds of matrimony. » Mrs. P. was also a native of Prussia, and was born near Berlin. Six children she bore to her husband before her death, which occurred April 15, 1883. The names of the children are: Henry B., Volly J., Lucy E., Herman G., Julia C. and Clarence B. Henry, Lucy and Clarence are dead.

Mr. P. has been given positions of trust and responsibility by the people. He is a member of the German Lutheran Church, and in politics is identified with the Democratic party.

ohn T. Piatt, one of the leading agricul- '£ turists of Weller Township, and at present its Supervisor, resides on section 7. He is also a native of the township, having been born here May 9, 1848. Here he was reared and educated, with the exception of two years spent in Abingdon College, at Abingdon, 111., and has long since become one of the influential and representative men of the township. His father,

John L. Piatt, of whom a sketch is also given in this Album, was one of the early and most highly respected pioneers of Henry County. John T. owns a fine farm of 480 acres, 400 of which is tillable.

Our subject was married in Knox Co., 111., Oct. 4, r874, to Irena Keeler, who was a native of that county, having been born just 18 years prior to the day of her wedding. Her parents were Vincent and Elizabeth (Firkins) Keeler, natives of New York and Illinois respectively. Of their eight children, Irena was the second. Don V. and Roy L. are the names of their two children.

As above stated, Mr. Piatt has been prominent in the affairs of his township and has represented it in the Board of Supervisors. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and in politics is independent. Mrs. P. is connected with the Congregational Church.

rs. Jane McKibbons, the widow of Robert McKibbons, who is engaged in the management of her estate on section 5 in the township of Atkinson, was born in 1828 in Ayrshire, Scotland. Her father, William Mc- Clave, was born in the Highlands of Scotland, and he died in Scotland in 1865. The mother of Mrs. McKibbons is still living, and is 98.

The daughter was married to Mr. McKibbons, Sept. 14, 1846, in the town of Derry, in Scotland. He was a native of Lanarkshire, Scotland, and was born in 1827. In his native country he was a coal miner by vocation, and operated in that .line of business aoout 25 years. In 1851 they emigrated to the United States. After landing at the port of New York, they went thence to the summit of the Alleghany Mountains, where the husband was similarly occupied in coal mining.

They were there resident until their removal to Illinois, in 1856. They made their first location at Carbon Cliff, in the county of Rock Island, where they remained but two months. They went thence to Minersville, in the same county, and there Mr. McKibbons operated as a miner two years. Then they went to Mineral Creek, and lived there about three years, after which lapse of time they returned to Minersville and continued to live there two years. In 1865 they settled in the township of Atkinson.

Mr. McKibbons at first bought 40 acres of land, and by later purchase increased his property to 160 acres, on which his family are still resident. He died on his homestead in August, 1873. He was a Catholic in religious principle-, and in politics a Demociat, as are his sons.

Mrs. McKibbons has borne 1 1 children : Mary was born Jnly 5, 1847 ; Henry, Jan. 24, 1849; Margaret, Nov. 9, 185 1 ; Robert, May 2, 1854; William A., April n, 1856; Robert A. (second), March 2, 1858; Sophia, Nov. 22, i860; Sarah, May 7, 1863; Anne E., April 17, 1864; John, Nov. 30, 1867 ; Jennie, Dec. 9, 1870. The death of the first Robert occurred in the year in which he was born. Sophia died May 9, 1885. Sarah died in infancy. Mrs. McKibbons is giving considerable attention to the improvement of the stock on the place, and shows some fine samples of Durham cattle and Clydesdale and Norman horses. She was in her youth a Presbyterian in her religious connection.

E. Stoneberg, residing on section 2, Welfc ler Township, where he follows the occupation of a farmer, is a native of Sweden, having been born in that country, Oct. 31, IT 1835. In 1846, realizing that better inducements were offered in the United States for the accumulation of a competency, or at least to procure a home for himself and family, he concluded to emigrate here. Accordingly, the same year he set sail for this, the land of greatest promise, and arrived in this county in 1847, settling with the Swedish Colony at Bishop Hill.

In 1857, Mr. Stoneberg left the Colony at Bishop Hill and worked out on a farm by the month for a short time. In 1859 he went to Missouri and was there employed by the Hannibal & St. Jo Railroad for something over two years, and in 186 1 again returned to Bishop Hill and has continued to reside in the county since that date. Mr. Stoneberg, by good judgment, energetic effort, perseverance, and assisted by his good helpmeet, succeeded in securing a sufficiency to enable him to become the proprietor of 440 acres of land in this county, the major portion of which is tillable. He has erected a good residence on his farm, together with barn and necessary outbuildings, and his place presents the appearance of a well-to-do farmer, whose accumulations are the outgrowth of his own laborious toil and energy.

Dec. 22, 1864, Mr. Stoneberg formed a matrimonial alliance, in Knoxville, this State, with Miss Eleanor Swanson, who was born Sept. 3, 1834, a native of Sweden. Of their union six children have been born, - Emma M., Mary A., Carrie H. and Charles E. Amanda J. and John F. are deceased.

Mr. Stoneberg has held the office of School Director and Overseer of Highways, and in his political views is independent. His parents, John and Betsey Stoneberg, reside on the farm with their son, the subject of this notice.

zri Hellyer, a farmer on section 2, Geneseo Township, was born in Bucks Co., Pa., Jan. 7, 1817. He has lived in the county since 1865. John and Annie (Jones) Hellyer, his parents, were both of Pennsylvania origin. In T823 they moved with their family to Columbiana Co., Ohio. There their children grew to maturity, and the sons were trained in a complete knowledge of agriculture. In 1836 another transfer of the household was made, to Canada. A location was made in the part known as the Wellington District. Mr. Hellyer remained there two years before he married Elizabeth Clemens: She was born in the Dominion, and their union in marriage took place Jan. 9, 1838. After that event Mr. Hellyer bought a tract of timber on which he" made a clearing and built a log house. This was their home until two years later. In 1840 the husband bought a house in the village of New Hope, now known as Estelle. He sold his farm and engaged in teaming in the village, to which the family removed. They remained there until 1851, when they came to Illinois and located in Whiteside County, where Mr. Hellyer was a renter until 1865.

On coming to Henry County he at first rented land in Geneseo Township, and passed three years operating in that method. He went thence to the township of Yorktown, where he passed three years. In 1869 he bought a farm on section 11 in the township in which he has since labored as a farmer. He has made additional purchases until he is the owner

The children of the family are two in number. Amos is a citizen of Shelby Co., Iowa. Emeline is the wife of Elias Zimmer, of the same place.

illiam Seibel, confectioner and baker at Geneseo, was born in Hessen, Germany, April 22, 1830. His parents, Adam and Elizabeth (Seitz) Seibel, were natives of the same province in which he was born. He passed the years of his childhood and youth in the manner common in his country, where the laws dispose of the time of the youth, and on arriving at a suitable age he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a baker. He served three years and obtained a thorough understanding of the details of the business, and in 1849, at the age of 19, he came to the United States. He was on the ocean 40 days, the voyage being greatly lengthened by a storm. He landed at the port of New York and passed but one day in the great city. He went at once to Philadelphia, where he passed the entire summer. In the same fall he went to New Orleans. From that time he traveled through various States and also in Texas and the Territories. He finally located in Booneville, Mo. After a brief stay there he went to Paris in the same State and there established his business. While there, he was married to Anna E. Wade. She is the oldest daughter of L. B. Wade, a prominent citizen of Madison, Mo. Their marriage took place in the fall of 1854.

Mr. Seibel continued to conduct his affairs in Paris for another year, and in the fall of 1855 he removed to Glasgow, near Paris, in Missouri. He remained there until 1857, when he came to Geneseo to make a permanent settlement. Practically, he has since been a resident of that place, but has been temporarily located one year at Rock Island, where he managed a hotel for that length of time. This was during the late war.

On his arrival in Geneseo in 1865, he founded a bakery. He has also been interested in the grain trade and in the sale of liquor. He has been prosperous in all his investments and has accumulated a handsome property. He has erected four stores and several dwellings. He was the builder and is still half-owner of the building called the Keystone Block at Geneseo. He has been prominently identified with the growth and improvement of the place where he is a resident, and is recognized as one of its most enterprising citizens. He is the senior partner of the firm of Seibel & Limle, confectioners and bakers.

Mr. and Mrs. Seibel have had two daughters. Julia is the wife of Christian Limle, the business partner of her father. Alice Ruth, the younger daughter, died Dec. 7, 1857. Lena Wade is their adopted daughter. She was received into the family in childhood and is at present a young lady. She receives the regard of a member of the family in very truth. Mr. Seibel united with the Christian Church at the age of 15 and received the ordinance of baptism from Elder Henry Thomas, then located at Paris, Mo.

In 1875 Mr. Seibel revisited the land of his nativity and went to several of the most noted places in that country. He returned to the United States in the same year.

He is a Democrat in political connection. He has been active in the general and local interests of his party, and has been present at the National Democratic Conventions for the past 16 years. In 1872 he was a Delegate by proxy to the Convention at Baltimore.

He has taken a warm interest in educational matters and has been for a long term of years the presiding official in the Teutonia Society and of the German Schools. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., in which he has passed the chief official positions.

honias J. McHenry, a native of Phenix Township, resident on section 15, is the oldest surviving son of George and Lucinda (Council) McHenry. He is a native citizen of Illinois, having been born in White County, 1 Sept. 16, 1830. When he was seven years old his parents moved thence to Henry County and settled on a farm. He grew to manhood under the care and guidance of his parents, and was brought up to follow the calling to which his father and his other ancestors had devoted their lives.

two sections of this country, Mr. McHenry entered the military service. He enlisted, Aug. 20, 1862, in Co. K, 112th 111. Vol. Inf., under Capt. E. H. Colcord. He was discharged, June 20, 1 865 , at Greensboro, N. C. His discharge papers gave ample testimony of the quality of the service he rendered during the period in which he was soldier. He was in the East Tennessee campaign under General Burnside in the fall and winter of 1863, and in the following May his command was assigned to that of General Sherman, and the summer of 1864 he passed in the Georgia campaign. He was a participant in ten general engagements and 30 skirmishes. In the fall and winter of 1864 he was in the Tennessee campaign with General Thomas, and in the spring of 1865 was assigned to the command of Gen. T. M. Schofield. The battles inscribed on his papers are Knoxville, Bean's Station, Dandridge, Brandy Creek, Kelley's Ford, Columbia, Franklin, Nashville, Fort Anderson, Wilmington and Greensboro, N. C. He enjoyed the privilege of one furlough while his time of enlistment was unexpired. At Burnt Hickory he was taken ill and was granted a furlough. On his way he stopped at Nashville, where he found his brother Charles, who was in the hospital, suffering from the effects of a severe wound, and the two brothers returned to their homes together.

Mr. McHenry was joined in marriage, Aug. 30, i860, to Amanda Anderson. She was born Dec. 14, 1835, in La Salle Co., 111. She is the daughter of William and Ann (Stadden) Anderson. Their children are named Luella A., Virgil J., Ada N., Francis I. and J. Arthur.

Jacob Shively, who is engaged as a general farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 3, Andover Township, was born in West Virginia, June 9, 1837, and is the son of Jacob and Catherine (Pickenpoe) Shively, both of German ancestry. They were married in Monongalia Co., W. Va., and were prominent farmers in the community in which they resided, where they " took up " land which was entirely undeveloped and woods all around them, and by energy and industry put the same under excellent cultivation and mprovements. Here they resided until the demise of the father, which occurred March 4, 1869, at the advanced age of 82 years. The death of the mother occurred about 1875, on the home farm which her son Michael had taken charge of, she being 82 years of age.

Jacob, of whom we write, was the youngest of a family of nine children, three of whom were sons and six daughters, only five of the family surviving; he resided at home until he reached the age of 25 years, in the meantime receiving such educational training as the district schools afforded. At the above age, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Emily J., daughter of James C. and Mary (Shaver) Snider, on the 9th of January, 1862. Her parents were farmers, the father a native of West Virginia, of Irish descent, and the mother of Pennsylvania and of German ancestry. They were married in Monongalia County, that State, and afterward came West, locating in Mercer Co., 111., in the fall of 1869. Later they resided at Pre-emption, the same county, where they both died, at the residence of J. R. Snider, of that place, the father in the fall of 1883, and the mother one year later, both at an advanced age.

Mrs. Shively, of this notice, was reared on her parents' farm in West Virginia, Monongalia County, wriere she had resided until her marriage. She and her husband have become the parents of nine children, as follows: Effa D., Mary G., James R., Laura A., Fannie B., Thornton P., Lida M., William R. and Gertrude. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. S. resided on a farm in West Virginia until 1870, when m March of that year they came to Illinois, locating in Pre-emption, Mercer County, arid remained at that place for a period of three years. They next came to Western Township, where Mr. Shively purchased a well improved farm of r42 acres, and resided upon it until 1876, when he sold out, and in the autumn of that year came to Andover and purchased the E. S. Roberts farm. This place, which is located upon section 3, consists of 173 acres, in an excellent state of cultivation. He and his family have lived there since, and have purchased 93 acres adjoining on section 2. Mr. Shively is an extensive dealer in live stock, buying, feeding and selling large numbers of cattle and swine. He is looked upon in the community as one of its leading and representative agriculturists. The family are members of the

As one of the representative agriculturists of Henry County, the publishers of this Album take pleasure in presenting to their patrons a portrait of Mr. Shively accompanying this sketch.

,'ohn M. Houghton, station agent and Poster master at Nekoma, and one of the representative business men of that thriving little village, was born in Woodhull, this county, July 1, 1857. The education of Mr. Houghton was received in the district schools of his native county, where he has continued to reside all his life, excepting one year. He came to Nekoma in April, 1879, and took charge of the depot of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, and still continues to act in that capacity. In 1880 Mr. Houghton was appointed Postmaster of the village of Nekoma and yet holds that position.

His marriage took place in Kewanee, 111., April 23, 1884. The lady selected to accompany him through the pleasant and stormy trials of the future was Miss Carrie V. Weir, a native of Clover Township, this county, where she was born May 19, 18&5. Their union has been blessed by the birth of one child, - Blanche B. Houghton.

Politically, Mr. H. is a believer in and a supporter of the principles advocated by the Republican party. The parents of Mr. Houghton, Lewis C. and Mary F. (Monroe) Houghton, reside in Woodhull, this county. The parents of Mrs. Houghton are Joseph and Margaret (Davis) Weir, and reside in Clover Township.

obert Henderson, one of the prominent farmers of Osco Township, residing on section 13, is a son of William and Ann (Mc- Connell) Henderson, natives of Pennsylvania. Robert was the fifth in order of birth of a family of eight children, and was born in Butler Township, Dearborn Co., Ind., Dec. 19, 1829. He spent about ten years of his early life in his native county, and when quite young removed to

Robert lived at home until about 27 years of age. He then came to Henry County, in T863, where he bought 143 acres, located on section 13, Osco Township, where he has since resided. All his land is in good condition.

He was married in Adams Co., 111., March 20, 1869, to Rebecca Morton, daughter of Zelmunna and Clarissa Morton, natives of Ohio. She was the fifth child of a family of six children and was born in Ohio, Sept. 25, 1840. Mr. and Mrs. H. are the parents of nine children, - James E., Robert R., Laura R., Anna E., George M., Charles A, Albert B., Maud M. and Ralph J. Mr. Henderson has held the position of Commissioner of Highways and other minor offices in his township. He adheres 10 the Democratic party in politics, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

||terling Bennett has been a citizen of Henry County since 1856. He was born in Wilkesbarre, Luzerne Co., Pa., Oct. 24, 1830. He is the son of Thomas R. and Phebe (Smiley) Bennett, and in the paternal line of descent comes of patriotic stock, her grandfather, Rufus Bennett, having distinguished himself in the War of the Revolution, and was mentioned in the history of the times and period in which he took an active part.

Mr. Bennett attained to the age of manhood in his native town, and after arriving at suitable age was variously employed. When he was 23 years of age he entered the service of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Corporation as an engineer. He operated in that capacity one summer.

On coming to Henry County he made his first location in the town of Western, and was there occupied in farming. In 1863 he bought a tract of wild land, which included the southwest 40 acres on section 14. Directly after his purchase he entered with energy into the work of improvement and put it all under the plow. In August, 1865, he bought the southeast quarter of section 23, in the township of Colona, which was also in an entirely uncultivated condition. Mr. Bennett bought a small frame house which he moved to the new farm, and of which his household took possession and established a home. Mr. Bennett at once commenced the improvement of a second farm, and the place is now in the finest condition for profitable farming. He has set out the varieties of trees common to the locality, and built an excellent type of farm structures. He is the owner of 320 acres, all lying in a solid body.

Mr. Bennett was married in June, 1857, to Elizabeth Washburn, and they have had six children, as follows : Olive, who is now the wife of Porter Baker, of Smithfield, Jasper Co., Mo. ; Mary, who married F. J. Golden, and is a resident of Barstow, in the county of Rock Island; Winfield Scott, who lives in Arizona; and Nathan W., Francis S. and Herbert D. are the names of the others. Mrs. Bennett is the daughter of N. W. Washburn, of whom a sketch is given.

*^ years old. On arrival in this country he lived in Pennsylvania four years, after which he came to Warren County, this State, where he resided for about seven years.

In 1865 Mr. Kingdon came to this county and settled in Weller Township, where he has resided ever since. In 1875 he located at Nekoma, where he has been engaged in handling grain until the present time, meeting with success.

The marriage of Mr. Kingdon took place in Warren County, this State, Feb. 17, 1869. The lady chosen to accompany him through life's journey was Miss Fannie Bennett, a native of Columbia Co., N. Y. The issue of their union has been one child, - Howard J. Mrs. Kingdon died in Iowa, March n, 1872, and Mr. Kingdon was a second time married, at Moline, Rock Island County, Dec. 1, 1879, to Miss Josephine Westburg, who was born at Bishop Hill, this county. Of the latter union three children have been born, - Forest H, Claude and Fred W.

Mr. Kingdon, socially, is a member of the Masonic Order and the Order of United Workmen of America. Politically, his vote is always cast in the interest of the Republican party.

amuel Goembel, of Yorktown, was born March 12, 1850, in Tazewell Co., 111., and is the second son of Jacob and Louisa (Luther) Goembel. His father was born in Hessen, Germany, then a dukedom but now a Prussian province. His birth occurred May 1824, and the name of his parents were Sebastian and Annie (Schaeffer) Goembel.

He came to America with his father and mother in 1834. They made their location in Tazewell County, this State, where they owned a farm, on which their children were reared. The son Jacob was married April n, 1846, to Louisa Luther. She was born in Allegheny Co., Pa. They remained in Tazewell County until the fall of 185 1, when they removed to Henry County. They located on section 30, where the father is still the owner of 93 acres of land. In the spring of 1875 the senior Goembel removed to Geneseo.

To him and his wife .seven children were born : William S. married Laura Early, and they reside in Geneseo ; Samuel is the son whose sketch is incorporated with that of his father's ; Jacob E. married Emma Rapp, and is a citizen of Yorktown ; -Peter married Christina Rapp, and they are residents of Geneseo ; Annie is the wife of Henry Glave, of Tazewell County; he lives in Washington ; Lydia is the wife of Isaac Krimble, of Bureau County; John E. is the youngest. Wilhelmina, born Dec. 15, 1858, died March 18, 1866; Lissa, born May 1, 1864, died March 18, 1 866 ; their deaths took place on the same day. The parents are members of the Evangelical Association.

Samuel was less than two years of age when his parents came to Henry County. He had the training in labor and education common to farmers' children at that period of the county's progress, growing up on the farm and attending the district school. In 187 1 he was married to Rebecca Zinser. They have seven children. They are named Harry S., Franklin ]., Sylvia C, Lotta Mabel, Emery and Estella. In 1871; Mr. Goembel bought the homestead on which he grew up, and which is still his property. It contains 244 acres. It is devoted to the raising of stock and grain.

hristian G. Gierhart, of the township of Atkinson, is one of the citizens of Henry County who deserve that their names should be put on permanent record, on account of the manner in which they have discharged the entire list of duties and obligations incumbent upon them as the sustainers of good government and wholesome conditions of society.

He is a native of Ohio and was born in Ashland County, April 17, 1824. Jonas Gierhart, his father, was a native of the State of Maryland, where he was born in 1796. He was married in 1812, to Susan Stough, a native of Pennsylvania. They had five sons and six daughters. They were born in the order in which their names appear here: Henry, Katy, Daniel B., Elizabeth, Christian G., Mary Ann, John S., Samuel, Susan and Eliza Jane. The youngest daughter was born when the mother was 5 1 years of age, and was named for a little girl who was born 12 years before and who lost her life from a painful accident in her early childhood. She was moving about the house after the manner of little children interested in the operations of her mother, who was busy preparing the evening meal and anticipating no harm to her child. She had made and removed from the fire a kettle of mush, into which the little one fell, thrusting her arms and breast into the boiling-hot substance. S.he was so severely burned that she lived but ten days! Jonas Gierhart died in 1876. The death of his wife took place in the same year on her birthday.

Mr. Gierhart, of this sketch, was married in December, 1849, to Sarah A. Gray. Their children were born in the following order: Martha, Jane, Lovena, Susan, John, Ida, Joseph O. and Olive. The last named died in infancy. They are all married but the youngest son.

The farm of Mr. Gierhart contains 248 acres of first-class land situated on section 6. The place has two good dwellings, and a fine and valuable feature is an artificial fish-pond five feet in depth, It is supplied with water by the wind-mill which is on the farm, and it has been one year in stock with German carp. The barn which has been erected by the proprietor of the estate is 70 x 80 feet in dimensions. The farm stock is of excellent grades of both cattle and horses, and includes a good drove of swine.

In his political relations and faith, Mr. Gierhart is a Democrat. He has been Justice of the Peace eight years, and acted in the capacity of Road Commissioner 12 years continuously.* He has officiated 28 years as School Director.

Mr. Gierhart has the uncommon record of having twice served in the military history of his country. He enlisted in the Mexican War in June, 1846, and was in the service 13 months. He was enrolled in the Third Ohio Volunteers as a private, and was under fire at the battle of Buena Vista. He enlisted in Co. K, 112th 111. Vol. in the Civil War, and on the organization of the command was made First Lieutenant. He was commissioned Sept. 20, 1862. He went to the front with his regiment, but the disease which he had contracted in the former military experience disabled him for further duty as a soldier, and he received an honorable discharge in December following.

athan W. Washburn, deceased, was a pioneer of Henry County of 1836. In that year he came to Colona Township and located a claim on the northwest quarter of section 29. The county was not yet organized ( and the township was designated 17. He built ' a log house and returned to his home.

Mr. Washburn was born June 28, 1802, in Woodstock, Conn. His parents were among the respected class, but were not in circumstances of affluence, and he was obliged to maintain himself. He was variously employed in his native town until he was 19 years old, when he went to Springfield, Mass , and ( obtained a situation in the armory in the employ of the Government of the United States. He re-' mained there until he came in the spring of 1836 to Illinois. He passed the summer of that year in the i county and carried the chain for the surveyors of Henry County.

In the spring of 1837 he came back to his claim, accompanied by his family and his brother Abisha. The latter brought his household with him, and Luke C. Sheldon also.

Mr. Washburn and his family took possession of the abode he had built on his first visit to the county and they were its occupants 17 years. He then built a frame house in which they lived until the date of the death of the father. His decease occurred in 1875. After he settled in Colona Township he passed about four years in his native State.

He was married twice. The name of his first wife before her marriage was Olive Ashley. She was born in Massachusetts and died in 1832. She bore two children, one of whom is yet living. She is now Mrs. Elizabeth Bennett, and a sketch of her husband, Sterling Bennett, is presented elsewhere in this work.

Mr. Washburn was a second time married, to Elizabeth Sheldon, of Suffield, Conn. Their only child is Olive, wife of W. W. Warner, of Western Township. Her mother is living with her.

ermon G. Hier. A splendid illustration of what may be accomplished in this country by an honest, hard-working, energetic and enterprising man is given in the record of the life of Hermon G. Hier. To-day he is an extensive farmer on section 3, of Weller Township; but in his early manhood lie came from Hanover without means, position or friends to assist him, yet he has accumulated the vast property he now owns by his own exertions.

He was born March 25, 1822, near Hanover, Prussia, and in 1845 came to America, and for six months lived at St. Louis. In the summer of 1845 he came to Henry County, and lived nine months in Andover Township, and in 1846 came into Weller, and three years later pre-empted 40 acres of land on section 3, where he established his home and has since lived. He was thus one of the first pioneers to locate in that part of the county. To-day he is the possessor of about 800 acre3 of land, most of which is tillable and well improved. He has erected upon the home farm a fine set of farm buildings. Mr. Hier, before leaving Germany, was married to

Mary Adelaide Eltings, who was a native of that country. Their wedding occurred Dec. 5, 1843. They have had born to them ten children, most of whom they reared to manhood and womanhood, and who have become respected citizens in the communities where they reside. The following is the list of their names : George, Sophia, Lucinda, Gerherd W., Eliza, Henry, William, Ada, August, and Dina, the oldest child, who died in infancy. George fell from a load of hay, in 1875, and broke his neck ; he was at that time 29 years of age. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the German Lutheran Church, and Mr. H. usually votes the Democratic ticket.

ohn L. Gardiner, a resident on section 4, Munson Township, is a pioneer of Henry County of 1836. He was born May 13, 1817, on Long Island, and is the son of Matthew and Phebe (Bunce) Gardiner. His father was born on Gardiner's Island. Lyon Gardiner, the earliest known ancestor of the family in this country, was a native of England. In 1639 he became the owner by purchase of the island which bears the name of the family. The date of purchase was previous to the settlement of any part of the State of New York now included in the counties of Queens and Suffolk. Elizabeth, the danghter of Lyon Gardiner, was the first white child born of English parents within the entire province of New York. The property of the progenitor of the family still holds in their possession. The child referred to was born Sept. 14, 1641. /

Mr. Gardiner was a resident of his native town, Huntington, until he was in his 20th year, when he .resolved to try another locality to see if his health might not be improved. He came to this section of Illinois in company with a party who were expecting to form a colony, and they located in what is now the township of Andover. They journeyed hither on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and landed just below the present site of Rock Island. Coming at once to Henry County, Mr. Gardiner entered a claim of about 500 acres of land, lying chiefly in the township of Andover, or what is now included in that part of Henry County so designated. He reached the county in May. He was then unmarried, and was obliged to hire his board, while he entered with vigorous en- ergy upon the improvement of his land. A few months later, associated with Alfred Jagger, he built a frame house and the two entered upon the management of their own domestic affairs after the pattern known as keeping " bach." They continued together through the winter of 1836-7, and passed the time in getting out timber and drawing it to the saw -mill, for the purpose of supplying the necessities of the settlers. In 1839 Mr. Gardiner returned to Long Island to fulfill a matrimonial engagement with Adelia Whitman. He came back with his bride to the home in the West, where they remained two years. In 1841 they went back to the island where they were born and where they resided until 1844. In that year another transfer was made of their home to Andover, and they occupied the old place, two years. Then the estate was exchanged for a tract of land now included in the site of the city of Geneseo. Of this they took possession and were its occupants until 1853, when it was sold and the farm on which they have since lived, in the township of Munson, was purchased. The latter was still the property of the Government of the United States. Its appearance is now greatly modified and the good frame house pleasantly located on a rise of ground with a command of a sightly outlook extending to Geneseo. The beautiful hedges and the abundant trees speak for themselves of the quality of the energy that has been brought to bear on the place. There are on the farm two crystal mineral springs, both flowing from the side of a small hill.

ndrew Stoneberg, the owner of 200 acres I of land on section 23, Weller Township, * where he resides, was born in Sweden, Nov. 30, 1822. He crossed the briny waters and arrived in this country in 1846, seeking a new field for the accumulation of a competency. Soon after his arrival at an Eastern seaport, we may say almost immediately, he came to Bishop Hill, this county. He was one of the number who composed what was known as the Swedish Colony that located at Bishop Hill. On the dissolution of the Colony in 1863, Mr. Stoneberg located on land which at present comprises his farm and where he has resided ever since. He is the owner of 200 acres on section 23, most of which is tillable. On his farm he has erected a good residence, together with substantial outbuildings, and is meeting with success in his chosen vocation, agriculture.

The marriage of Mr. Stoneberg took place at Bishop Hill, in July, 1848. The lady selected to accompany him through the future trials of life was Miss Louisa Anderson, a native of Sweden, who emigrated to this country in 1847. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Stoneberg were four in number, namely: John, Andrew, Louisa and Peter. Louisa is de ceased.

,harles Smith is one of the citizens of Henry County, of foreign birth, who have, since their removal to a land of free institutions, made themselves the equal of its best native-born inhabitants, and who have placed themselves in circumstances of prosperity and even affluence.

Mr. Smith was born in Germany, May 22, 1833, and is the youngest son of Henry and Caroline Smith, both natives of "Das Faderland." In his earliest childhood he became a herder of cattle, rising for the purpose at four a. m., and taking care of his charge until the' hour for school, when he was obliged to attend some place of school, in order to satisfy the law, which, in his native country, disposes of the minority of all male children. He was at school from nine until one, when he resumed the business of watching the cattle. He passed the years of his life until he was fourteen in this method, and then was employed on the farm of his brother, as he must acquire a knowledge of some business. His brother was also a blacksmith, and had a shop on his farm, where they were in the habit of working after the duties of the farm were attended to. When he reached the age of 18, he determined to come to America, and he accordingly took.passage on a sailing vessel for Baltimore, where he landed after a stormy voyage of 63 days. He went immediately after debarkation to Cumberland, in Maryland, where he had a brother, who was an inn-keeper. He remained in his employ three years, and at the end of that time engaged in the business of buying cattle in Western Pennsylvania and Ohio, He had to cross the mountains to the city of Baltimore, and he pursued that line of traffic until 1862, when the rebellion of the South made it dangerous for a man of decided and well-known Union principles to linger on the border line between the two sections. He was obliged to relinquish the industry which he had found profitable. He then rented the hotel of his brother, and conducted its interests two years. He then acquired an interest in a mercantile business, and passed between two and three years in the sale of dry goods, and in the grocery and provision trade, in Cumberland.

In 1866, he came to Henry County, and bought 112 acres of land, on section 10, in Geneseo Township. On this he set himself to the work of placing his affairs in prosperous condition, and he is now the owner of 340 acres of excellent land, which is all enclosed with hedges, and is in good condition for profitable farming. The buildings are of good type, and suited for the purpose for which they were constructed. The farm is devoted to the rearing of stock.

Mr. Smith was married, in October, in 1853,10 Martha L. Warfield, and they are the parents of six children. Caroline L. is the wife of Gottlieb Ott, of Chicago. The other children are named Mary West Virginia, Charles Frederick . William, Harry, Lewis B. and Jesse Howard. Mrs. Smith was born in Carroll Co., Md. Mr. Smith is independent in political principles and connections.

Tohn D. Sundberg, a farmer of Weller Township, residing on section 27, was born in Sweden, Jan. 4, 1825. Mr. Sundberg continued to reside in his native country, where he was variously occupied until 1857, when, hoping to procure a home for himself and family, he emigrated to the United States. On his arrival in this country he located in Mercer County, and there resided until 1861." Soon after the news had flashed across the wires that rebel guns had thundered forth their shot and shell against Fort Sumter, and the President had called for brave hearts and strong arms to defend the country's honor, Mr. Sundberg was one of the first to respond. He enlisted in the 43d 111. Vol. Inf., and served three years and four months fighting for his country, which he had adopted. After the term of his enlistment had expired, he returned to Mercer County, and soon thereafter, in the spring of 1865, came to this county, and located in Weller Townsnip, and has continued to reside there until the writing of this work. He is the proprietor of 80 acres of land, located on section 27, Weller Township, and is meeting with success in his chosen vocation, that of agriculture.

The marriage of Mr. Sundberg took place in Weller Township, and the lady selected to accompany him through the trials of life was Miss Lena C. Johnson, a native of Sweden. Of ther union eight children have been born, - Frank A., Alfred L., John A., Victor E., Fred N., Emila, Joseph and Hannah M. A.

illiam Kelly, a successful farmer and respected citizen of this county, living on section 28, Weller Township, is a Manxman by birth, having been born on the Isle of Man, Aug. 19, 1844. On attaining his 2 2d year, in 1867, he emigrated to the United States, and soon thereafter came to Knox County, this State, where he resided for nine months. From Knox County, Mr. Kelly came to this county and located in Weller Township, where he has resided, with the exception of one year, in which he lived in Galva Township, until the present time. He is at present the proprietor of 290 acres of land, all of which is under an advanced state of cultivation. His farm presents the appearance of thrift and good management, and indicates that prosperity is the outgrowth of hard labor. The marriage of Mr. Kelly to Catherine R. Emery, was celebrated Jan. 12, 1870, in Henry County, this State. She was born Feb. 15, 1849, in Fulton Co., 111., and has borne her husband eight children - Laura V. E., W. Harry? Olive, Eugene O., Wilbur T., R Ann, Mary M., D. Emery, and one, Katie P., died in infancy.

His parents, William and Ann (Patty) Kelly, were natives of Ireland, and of the Isle of Man, respectively. His father died on his native isle, and his mother yet survives, and is residing in Weller Township. Her parents were Henry and Olive (Jacobs) Emery, natives of Pennsylvania and New York. They came to this county in 1 856, and her father died in Galva, Nov. 17, 1875, and her mother in Weller Township, Oct. 26, 1858.

He was born in Sweden, in 1824, and emigrated from his native land to America, in 1852. He came from New York, where he landed, to Rock Island, and remained there four years. He came thence to Henry County, in the year named. He settled on 80 acres of land on the section where he has since been a farmer. In 1868, he became the husband of Mary Hendrickson. She is a native of the same country as her husband, and was born in 1847. Annie M., Joseph H., Christina, John A., Emeline, Virginia and David are the names of the children who are now members of the household, and the entire number of whom they have become the parents are still spared to them. In religious views they are Lutherans. Mr. Swanson is an adherent of the Republican party.

ton. James H. Paddelford has been for a long term of years one of the most prominent citizens of Henry County. He has been a resident within its borders since the removal of his parents here, when he was a child of ten years. He has grown up with the country, which was in its primitive days and condition at the time he first made the acquaintance of the municipality in which he has reached the distinction of a good and useful citizen, and as a faithfu' servitor in the interests of his constituency.

He was born Nov. n, 1 817, in North Enfield, Grafton Co., N. H. William and Hannah (Hoit) Paddelford, his parents, removed to Henry County, in November, T837. His father was born May 9, 1787, in the same town in which his son was born. At the time of the removal of their family hither, it included six children. The journey from New Hampshire to Whitehall, N. Y., was made with private conveyance, and they went thence on the Champlain Canal to Troy, where they took passage on the Erie Canal for Buffalo. They embarked there on a steamer for Chicago, but were unable to make that port on account of stormy weather. Accordingly, they landed at Fairport, and proceeded from there overland to Steubenville, in Jefferson Co., Ohio, where they again embarked on a steamer on the Ohio River, and made their way to Rock Island. They passed a week there, and came thence to Henry County. They made their first stop in the township of Colona, where they passed the first year with a man named Brandenburg. The senior Paddelford had come to Henry County in 1836, one year before he brought his family, and had bought 160 acres of land on sections 32 and 33 in the township then designated as 18, in range 2. He built a house of the primitive pattern common in those days, and situated on section 32. The cabin was covered with clapboards, and the lumber of which the doors ar.d floor were made, was made with a" whip-saw." Of this the family took possession, and were its occupants for several years. Mr. Paddelford, of this sketch, some years after became the possessor of 80 acres of land on section 4, on which a frame house was standing, and into this the family moved. There the parents resided until their deaths. The mother died Feb. r4, 1881, in the 91st year of her age. She was born in Laconia, N. H. The father of Mr. Paddelford died Dec. ro, 1858. Mr. Paddelford was the constant companion of his parents, while their lives lasted, after his birth. He was sent to school in the town of his nativity, and was a bright scholar. After the removal of the family to Illinois, he was an attendant at the schools of Henry County. He was sent to those of Andover and Colona. Later he attended a winter term at Moline. On settling to a career in life, he chose that of farming, to which he has devoted himself without intermission. He is at present the most extensive agriculturist in the township in which he is a resident. His farm contains 532 acres of land, and he is largely interested in the raising of fine stock. His specialty is the Short-horn breed.

Mr. Paddelford has been prominent in official life, and has served in many important positions. He has filled the office of Supervisor ten terms, and has also acted in the capacity of Assessor, Clerk and Collector. In the fall of 1884 he was elected as Representative to the 34th Assembly of the State of Illinois, as a Democrat, receiving 13,912 votes.

During the ensuing session, in which he served, he was a member of the committees on Mines and Mining, Roads and Bridges, Banks and Banking, and Drainage.

Sept. 17, 1857, he was married to Rachel Hanna. Their children are named Mary C, Henry W., Fred L., Allie H. and Frank H. Mrs. Paddelford is the daughter of John P. and Nancy (Dockrey) Hanna. Her parents were early settlers in Henry County.

ohn L. Combs, a citizen of Geneseo, resident on section 29, has been in Henry County since 1868. He was born in Winchester, Cheshire Co., N. H., July 22, 1844, It and is the son of Calvin and Delia (Taylor) Combs. He was reared in the town where he was born and was taught to make brooms, as it was the custom to instruct boys in the details of a trade. In the second year of the war he went to Massachusetts to enter the military service of his country. He enlisted in July, 1862, at Winchendon, in Co. D, 36th Mass. Vol. Inf. After a service of two years and two months he received an honorable discharge for disability and returned to New Hampshire. He again gave his attention to the manufacture of brooms in the town where he learned the business, and in Ringe, N. H, going thence to Dedham, Mass. He remained there until the year in which he came to Illinois. On coming to this State he located in Henry County and rented a farm in the township of Geneseo. He operated in that capacity two years, and at the end of that time took possession of the place of which he is and has since been the owner. He gave his attention exclusively to farming until 1882, when he erected a shop for the manufacture of brooms and has since been engaged in the prosecution of the two callings. He finds ready market for the sale of his wares in the county.

His union in marriage to Marinda Breed took place in 1865, and they are the parents of six children: George C, born Nov. 10, 1866; Frederick B., Oct. 15, 1868; Arthur L., Aug. 25, 1870; Charles A., eorge Holzinger, of the township of Yorktown, has been a resident of the State of "* Illinois since he came to America from his native country in 1852. He has been a citizen of Henry County since the year in which he attained his majority. At that time he became the possessor of the property left him by his mother, who died in' his infancy.

He was born in Baden, Germany, Feb. 24, 1833, and is the son of John G. and Mary Holzinger, both of whom were natives of Baden. The senior Holzinger formed a second matrimonial connection soon after the decease of his son's mother, and when the latter was 19 years of age the family came to the United States. They came on a sailing vessel, and the trip consumed 44 days. They came to this State, locating in Du Page County, where the father rented land and engaged in farming.

Mr. Holzinger was sent to school in his native country, in compliance with the law which provides that all children be placed at school at the age of six years and be kept there until 14, which was in his case fulfilled. After coming to Du Page County he was .also sent to an English school, and acquired an excellent education. In 1854 he bought a tract of land on section 20 in the* township where he has since been engaged in the pursuit of his agricultural interests. It was wholly untilled and in a wild condition without fences. It is now in a state that ranks fairly with the surrounding farms. The buildings are of the class commonly constructed on farms in the country, and are in every way suited to the purpose for which they were designed.

Mr. Holzinger has been much interested in the progress of educational matters in his township, and has served several terms in the various school offices? He has also filled other local positions.

He was joined in marriage to Elizabeth Lehman, Feb. 21, i860. She was born in the township of Loraine, and is the daughter of Lawrence and Eliza- beth Lehman, who were pioneers of Henry County. The children of the Holzinger household are eight in number. Their names are William H., Anna M., Ella M., Daniel J., Emma C, Freddie C, George A. and Harvey E.

Mr. and Mrs. Holzinger are members of the Evangelical Association. Two of the ancestors of the former were engaged in the Thirty-Years War between the Catholics and Protestants, holding prominent positions as officers in the cause of the Protestants.

ohn E. Shere, of Yorktown Township, was born in Devonshire, England. He is a resident on section 13, and is engaged in the vocation of a market gardener, and is also raising small fruits. His birth occurred Sept. 20, 1 810. His father died when he was six years old, and he was afterwards brought up by his mother. He was the only child, and was wholly orphaned by the death of his surviving parent when he was 16. He was then apprenticed to learn the business in which he is now engaged, and also acquired a practical knowledge of the vocation of nurseryman and florist. He served five years in the shire in which he was born, and went then to London. He was there employed in the National Gardens until 1832, when he came to the United States. He made his way, soon after reaching his port of landing, to the city of Albany, and entered the service of Buell & Wilson, the celebrated nurserymen, one of whom is inseparably connected with the history of small fruits in this country. In his honor the " Wilson " strawberry, which at that time led the list in America, was named. Mr. Shere remained with them one season, and at its close he went to Albion, in Orleans Co., N. Y., and commenced to do business in the line of drayman. He bought the necessary equipments, consisting of horses and the variety of vehicles employed in that avenue of business, and conducted extensive relations in the public interests. He also erected ice-houses and supplied the city with ice. He remained there in the same occupation until 1854, when he came to Henry County. On his arrival here he entered a claim of Government land on section 13, in the township in which he has since lived. He built a frame house and entered upon the work of improvement, as the land was entirely in its natural condition. He passed some years in the employments common to general farming, and combined with them a few experiments in the way of gardening. He raised very fine melons, for which he found a market at Princeton, 30 miles distant. As the growth of civilization increased and towns sprang up near at hand, he increased his gardening relations, and for some years went to Sterling with his products. He is now extensively interested in the cultivation of all kinds of small fruits common to this section of country and in vegetables. He has made a complete success of the enterprise.

Mr. Shere was joined in marriage Dec. 18, 1831, to Maria E. Artlet, who was born in the County of Kent, England, in December, 181 2. Six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Shere are living: Thomas is a resident of Humboldt Co., Iowa ; Carrie is the wife of Alexander Brown, of Ottawa Co., Kan. ; Ann Eliza married Charles Branch, of the county last named ; William E. is a resident of Yorktown ; Emma married Fred Landwehr, and they live in Whiteside County; Ambrose A. is the manager of the home farm. He was born in the township where he lives Sept. 7, 1859, and has always lived with his parents. He was married Sept. 6, 1877, to Linda Swanson. She was born in Henry County, in June, 1859. They have two children, - Jessie L. and Bessie L. The parents have 27 grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren.

I ichard Floyd Everett, residing on section 25, Galva Township, where he is the proprietor of 240 acres of well improved land, was born Sept. 15, 1831, in Copake, Columbia Co., N. Y. He was reared on the farm, receiving the education given by the common schools, and developed into manhood.

Ebenezer Everett, great-grandfather of the subject of this notice, was born in Hebron, Windham Co., Conn., in 1745. He had three sons, - Isaiah, Ebenezer and Eliphalet. Ebenezer and Eliphalet were soldiers in the Revolutionary War,- and the latter was for several years Steward of General Washington's military family. He lived many years in

Ellsworth, where Everett Dunbar now lives, but spent the latter part of his life in Watertown, N. Y. Isaiah Everett, the grandfather of the subject of this notice, died Aug. 4, 1834, at the age of 82 years, leaving five sons, - Adolphus, Asa, Gamaliel, Russell and William. Ebe Everett died Jan. 5, 1840, at the age of 86 years, leaving four sons, - Samuel, Augustus, Elmer and John. Russell Everett, father of the subject of this notice, was born Nov. 22, 1792, in Sharon, Conn. ; was a physician by profession, and died there in October, 1865, aged 73 years. He married- Caroline R. Parsons, who was born April 15, 1801, and died April 13, 1854. She had two children, - Enoch P. and Richard Floyd.

The latter was educated in his native country, where he attended the district and normal schools. He was married to Catherine H. St. John, born Nov. 26, 1836, in Ellsworth, Conn. Her parents were Henry and Catherine (Wheeler) St. John, natives of Sharon and Dutchess Cos., N. Y., respectively. She has borne him four children, - Walton, born Feb. 11, 1859, died May 6, i860; Leland R., born July 19, 1861 ; Bertrand, born Aug. 4, 1869, died in Galva, April 4, 1863; and Walter B., born May 16, 1865.

Mr. Everett came West in 1865 and purchased 240 acres of land on section 25, Galva Township, on which he located with his family and entered at once upon its active cultivation, and on which he has constantly resided until the present time, meeting with success in his chosen vocation, agriculture. Religiously, he and his wife are members of the Congregational Church, and politically Mr. Everett is identified with the Republican party.

' homas M. Robertson, owner of 317 acres of land, located on section 8, Weller Township, where he resides, is one of. the progressive farmers and respected citizens of Henry County. He is a native of this State, having been born in Knox County, May 2, i835-

Mr. Robertson received a good education in the common schools of his native country, and there resided until 1867. During that year he came to Henry County, and settled in Weller Township, V where he has continued to reside until the present time, 1885. He is the proprietor of 317 acres of land, two-thirds of which is under an advanced state of cultivation. In 1862, Mr. Robertson went overland to the Pacific Coast. Arriving in the land of gold, he was variously occupied for two years and eight months, when he returned via the Nicaragua route to New York, his return being occasioned by indisposition in California.

Mr. Robertson married Miss Mary J. Bick, in Knox County, this State, Oct. 28, 1858. She was born in Ohio, May 17, 1840, and the issue of their union has been eight children, four living and four deceased. The living are Arthur, Fannie, Harry and Carrie. The deceased died in infancy, with the exception of Cora, who was three years old.

Mr. Robertson has held the office of School Trustee, and socially is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Religiously, he and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. Politically, Mr. Robertson is a believer in, and a supporter of, the principles advocated by the Democratic party.

eorge W. Buck, Supervisor of Western Township, and one of the energetic and progressive farmers of that township, as well as stock-raisers, residing on section 6, is a native of New York State, where, in Chautauqua County, he was born April 9, 1834. father, Roswell Buck, followed lumbering for sustenance, and was a native of Vermont and of New England parentage. He was united in marriage, in New York, with Miss Harriet Meach, who was born in Massachusetts, and died when the subject of this notice was but three months old. The father afterwards died in 1862, in the State of New York.

Left an orphan at the age of three months, and being the youngest in birth of a family of seven children, George W. was taken by Isaac and Nancy Stanbro, with whom he resided until their death. George W. resided with his foster parents on the farm, and when four years of age accompanied them to this county. At that time the country was new, and the hand of civilization was hardly visible in the locality in which they settled, and his foster father entered vigorously and energetically upon the improvement of the land on which he located. When

George was 16 years old his foster father died, and he set forth upon the road of adversity to fight life's battles single-handed and alone. He first engaged as a general laborer, which vocation he followed for some time, and until the date of his marriage. That event occurred in Henry County, July 8, 1863, and the lady chosen to share his sorrows and joys, his successes and reverses, through the storms and trials of the future, was Miss Mary A. Glenn. She was the accomplished daughter of James and Nancy (Kincaid) Glenn. Mrs. Buck was the eldest daughter and third child in the order of birth of a family of six children, and was born on her father's original homestead in Colona Township, this county, July 18, 1842. She was well educated in the district schools, and resided under the parental roof, assisting the mother in her household duties, until her marriage. She is a lady of remarkable ability, and socially is one of the most hospitable in this county, making the stay of a stranger while at her domicile as pleasant as that of the most intimate friend. Mr. and Mrs. Buck are the parents of four children, - James D., born April 22, 1866; George B., born July 31, 1868; Mary E., Dec. 7, 1874, and Charlie G., June 7, 1880, - all of whom have received a good education.

After marriage, Mr. Buck located on a farm of 66 acres on section 6, Western Township, where he entered upon the arduous task of improving his land. He has since made it his home. In addition to the property which he individually owns, he has leased for a term of years 669 acres in Rural Township, Rock Island County. He is one of the progressive and energetic farmers of the township and is meeting with success in his chosen vocation.

Aug. 15, 1862, Mr. Buck enlisted in the war for the Union, joining Co. C, 112th 111. Vol. Inf., Capt. Mitchell. He was made Fifth Sergeant, and afterward he was promoted to Fourth Sergeant, which position he filled until the close of the war, and was mustered out June 21, 1865, receiving his discharge July 7 of that year at Chicago. He participated in no particular battles, as he was engaged in the Quartermaster's Department ; but at one time during his enlistment he, in company with more than a hundred others, were in a very perilous situation, when Mr. Buck, through the aid of four good legs attached to the body of a mule, made good his escape. Mr. Buck is a member of the G. A. R. He has held the office of Justice of the Peace, Road Commissioner, Town Collector, etc., and is at present serving his fifth term as Supervisor. He is a gentleman who has always been largely interested in the public schools of his township and has done no little, to advance that cause. In politics he is identified with the Republican party.

rson H. Patterson, engaged as a farmer on section 21, Oxford Township, was born in Columbia Co., N. Y., in 1823, his parents having been Augustus A. and Philinda (Smith) Patterson, natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts respectively. They were farmers and their deaths occurred in 1870 and 1877.

The subject of this biographical notice received a fair education, and remained under the parental rooftree, assisting his father on the farm, until he attained the age of 22 years. After leaving home he engaged in a manufacturing establishment, where they manufactured carpenters' tools, and there remained for four years ; he next, in the fall of 1849, came West, to Galesburg, 111., and there remained for eighteen months, in the manufacture and peddling of chain pumps. Afterward he moved into Oxford Township, and "took up" Government land, at first 40 acres, where he is at present residing, and since which time he has added 160 acres. By his industry and energy he has put the same under splendid cultivation ; he has set out ornamental trees, erected a residence, outbuildings, fences, etc., and has to-day as finely an equipped farm as in the township.

Mr. Patterson has been quite a successful physician, making a specialty of cancers, which he has followed for 23 years, His first marriage was solemnized Nov. 16, 1848, the lady with whom he was united being Miss Cynthia Calkins, a native of New York, who died in 1857. Mr. Patterson formed a second matrimonial alliance with Miss Margaret Taze, a native of Pennsylvania. Of the latter union there has been one child, Philanda. She married W. O. Allison, and they have become the parents of three children, viz. : Ira D., Harry and Freddie.

religiously belongs to the Baptist Church. His wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Socially, Mr. P. is a member of the Order of Masons, and is one of the leading and representative men of Oxford Township.

ugh Eaton, residing at Cambridge, is a citizen of the United States by adoption, having been born in County Antrim, Ireland, May 4, 1826. He belongs in blood and birth to one of the best elements in the composite nationality of this country, his ancestors being among the refugees from the persecutions of James of Scotland in 1619. They settled in the North of Ireland, where they endured a persecution scarcely less irksome than that from which they had fled in their own country. They remained in the northern counties of the " Green Isle " 100 years, holding themselves aloof from the native people and in the main preserved their blood and their principles pure. In 17 19 their exodus from Ireland to America began, and the emigration of the Scotch-Irish to the New World has since been continuous. For the benefit of generations to come it is recorded that the term " Scotch :' refers to their true national origin. The term " Irish " simply means, " born in Ireland." Sandy Eaton, great-grandfather of Hugh Eaton, of this sketch, was born in Scotland. He was a farmer by inheritance and a weaver by trade. His son, Hugh Eaton, married Mary Ramsey, a lady of unmixed Scotch descent, and they had three sons and three daughters. James Eaton, their son, married Mary Moore. Their children numbered seven, Mr. Eaton, the central personage of this narration, being the second in order of birth and the oldest son. Eliza, his eldest sister, is deceased. The younger born are named Matilda (Mrs. Jingle), Margaret (Mrs. Hall), Alexander, John and Jemima (Mrs. Adrain).

Mr. Eaton finished his education in the schools of the city of Dublin, where he studied four years, and when he was 20, in July, 1846, he came to the United States. He passed the first year after his arrival in the city of New York, and he then located in Luzerne Co., Pa., where he continued to reside about 18 years. The first five years he was alternately occupied, winter and summer, in teaching and in farming. Subsequently he gave up the former vocation.

April 15, 1865, he settled on a farm in Bureau Co., III., and after conducting his affairs there one year he bought a farm in Burns Township, Henry County. The transfer of his interests resulted successfully, and after a busy and prosperous career in agricultural avenues, in March, r885, he removed to Cambridge to pass the evening of his life in the enjoyment of the fruits of a useful, well-spent manhood.

Mr. Eaton was married in January, 1850, in Luzerne Co., Pa., to Phebe Munson, and they are the parents of the following children : Mrs. Mary Rogers, Mrs. Susan Brown, Stephen W., James W., Robert A. (deceased), George M., Matilda, Maggie, Anna, Carrie, Willie and Oscar.

Mrs. Eaton was born in Luzerne Co., Pa., and is the daughter of Walter and Susan (Bodle) Munson. Her parents were born respectively in the States of Pennsylvania and New. York. The religious connections of Mr. and Mrs. Eaton are with the Christian Church.

came to the .United States in company with his parents. They settled in Brown Co., Ohio, where the subject of this sketch passed 24 years of his life. He came to this county at the expiration of that time, and settled in Weller Township, where he has continued to reside, following the occupation of a farmer, and meeting with success in that vocation until the present time. Mr. Weaver is the proprietor of 320 acres of land in this county, and 40 in Knox County. He has erected a fine residence on his farm, together with a good barn and substantial outbuildings, and his place presents the appearance of thrift, and is indicative of what laborious toil, coupled with good judgment and energetic effort, can produce.

native of Brown County, where she was born, April 24,1831. The issue of their union has been five children, namely: Lucinda W., Charles E., Henry L., George D. and Frank R.

Mr. Weaver has held the office of Road Commissioner, School Director and -School Trustee. Socially, he is a member of the Masonic Order, and politically, he is identified with the Democratic party.

The parents of Mr. Weaver, Lewis and Mary Weaver, are both deceased, their demise having occurred when the subject of this sketch was quite young. On the death of his parents Peter was "bound out," from the age of 15 until he attained his majority, to a farmer, and was therefore brought up in the farmer's vocation. The parents of Mrs. Weaver, wife of the subject of this biographical notice, Henry and Elizabeth (Nickerson) Mifford, died in Brown Co., Ohio.

. ohn Engdahl, senior member of the firm of Engdahl & Aldeen, merchant tailors and dealers in furnishing goods at Geneseo, is the founder of the business in which he has since been interested at that place, and which he established in 1865. He was at that time associated with Messrs. Ringquist & Smith, and in 1868 he became sole proprietor of the relations of the concern by purchase. He managed his affairs singly until 1878, when the present partnership was formed. The affairs of the house have prospered, and the relations of their trade require the assistance of five men.

Mr. Engdahl is a native of Sweden, and was born Nov. 27, 1834. He acquired a thorough knowledge of his business in his native country, as it is the custom there to make practical craftsmen of those who learn trades. He conducted his business there r2 years. In 1864 he emigrated to America, arriving in the United States in the month of August. He reached this city on the 16th day of the month, and 15 days later he was married to Anna Larson, who was a fellow traveler on the same ship with himself to the New World. They were acquaintances in their native land. Mrs. Engdahl was born in Sweden, Oct. 27, 1844. Their children number nine, - five sons and four daughters. Following is their record: Alfred, born Jan. 3r, 1865, died in infancy ; Emma Helen was born Oct. 20, 1866; Alexander, born Dec. 12, 1869, died in childhood ; Almina, born Jan. 27, 1872; Martin Nathaniel was born May 20, 1874; Victor Emanuel was born Dec. 31, 1876; Oscar Alexander was born Dec. 9, 1878; Esther Anna Elizabeth was born Nov. 5, 1882; Nellie Adelia was born June 14, 1844. The parents are members of the Swedish Lutheran Church. Mr. Engdahl is a Republican in political faith and action.

aniel L. Keleher, general farmer and IjL stock-raiser, residing on section 14, Western Township, was born in County Kerry, Ireland, Aug. 20, 1836 His father, Daniel Keleher, was a native of the same country and by occupation a shoemaker. He was married in Ireland, to Ann Linihan, who was born and reared in the same county in which our subject was born.

Arriving at the age of 15 years, Daniel L. set out so early in life all alone for America. He had secured a good common-school education, and knew how to get along for himself nicely, for one so young. He found his way to Bucks Co., Pa., where he engaged to work for Samuel Holcomb, a farmer. Two years later, he left the Keystone* State and came West to Illinois, and soon found himself in the services of the late M. B. Lloyd, of Western Township. Here for two years he worked faithfully.