Henry County, Illinois - The whole text, 1885 (part 17 of 31)

^ bner O. Warner, proprietor of the New Kewanee House, Kewanee, 111., was born in Oneida Co., N. Y., Feb. 8, 1845, and is the youngest of four sons born to Amos and Polly (Parmalee) Warner, natives of Connecticut, and descended from the English. The elder Mr. Warner, who was a farmer by occupation in his life-time, died in Oneida County when Abner was about six years of age.

When about ten years old, the subject of our sketch began clerking in a general store at Higginsville, N. Y., and from that time on until about 18 years of age, he was a professional "counter jumper," interspersing the service, however, with attendance at the Oneida Seminary. Before he had arrived at the age of 19, he was engaged in a mercantile business in the city of Buffalo, where he remained for probably six years, closing up his establishment during the non-navigation period, and clerked for various other concerns. Among the many, he spent two winters as clerk at the Drovers' Hotel, Hudson City, N. J. It was probably at the latter place he imbibed his first ideas of hotel-keeping, though, as will be seen, it was many years before he became

"mine host of ye hotel." From Hudson City, we next find him in the flour and feed business at Springfield, Mass., and from there to Elyria, Ohio, as book-keeper, etc., in a mercantile house, where he remained about six years. He was evidently heading for the great West by slow and easy stages, for the next time we meet him he is clerking in a grocery store in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1879 he struck Kewanee, and engaged at once in the produce business, which he followed with considerable success for about three years.

In 1882 his opportunity came, and we find him smilingly welcoming "ye guests" to the old Kewanee House as its landlord. The " New Kewanee" was completed in 1884, and Mr. Warner, who, by the way, is a bachelor, at once fitted it up, and at this writing we find him deservedly the popular man, and running the best kept and equipped hotel on the line of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, between Chicago and Galesburg.

Of the many prominent well-to-do farmers of Wethersfield Township who are of Scotch nativity, Mr. Roderick Murehison is one of the best known. His farm is located on section 13, and consists of 348 acres of fine, tillable land. He is a son of Finley and Catherine (McLean) Murehison, who were formerly of Scotland, but in 185 1 became residents of Henry County. The elder Murehison died in Wethersfield Township July 15, 1872. Mrs. Murehison is now living, in good health, at over 80 years of age. She is grandmother to about 50 children, also great-grandmother to 15 more. They had a family of 12 children, of whom Roderick was the youngest. He was born before his parents left Scotland, the date of his birth being July r7, 1849. He was reared and educated n Henry County, being brought here when only two years of age, and has spent his life upon the farm.

Mr. Murehison was married in Galva Township, this county, on New Year's day, 1873. Miss Bessie, daughter of John and Flora (McRae) Cameron, was the bride. Her parents came to America in 1849, and three years later located in Stark Co., 111. They subsequently moved to Henry County, but in 1883 went to Iowa.

Mrs. M. was the second of a family of five children and was born in Stark Co., 111., Sept. 20, ^54. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Murehison, to whom they have given the following names : Finley A., John C, Flora A. C, Nora L. and Nettie J. Mrs. M. is a membe* of the Presbyterian Church.

(avid Patty, deceased, formerly residing in jk Walnut Grove Township, Ki.ox County, this State, was born Aug. 12, 1827, in County Down, Ireland. The Patty family were of Scotch extraction, the ancestors of the same having emigrated to Ireland during the religious persecutions in Scotland, and settling in the northern portion of that country. David Patty was a son of Thomas and Mary (Watson) Patty, whose parents were natives of Scotland. Thomas Patty, father of the subject of this notice, together with his wife and eight children, moved from" the Green Isle to the Isle of Man, where the father and mother both died. The parents of the mother were Protestants in Ireland, and were persecuted by the Catholics, and, to avoid persecution, also emigrated to the Isle of Man.

David Patty, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood on the Isle of Man. His younger years, prior to the age of 1 8, were passed on the farm. On arriving at that age in life, he went to Liverpool, Eng., where he became a member of the Liverpool Police, and was occupied in that vocation for four years. He was united in marriage, at that metropolis, to Miss Margaret Kermode, who was born Feb. 16, 1824, on the Isle of Man. She went to Liverpool with her father, seven years before her marriage. Her father died in 1868, in Knox County, this State. Her mother's name was Ann Kione, who died on the Isle of Man, in r833, having been born there in 1796. She had three children, two of whom are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Patty, soon after their marriage, emigrated to the United States, and located at Brimfield, this State, where he was foreman for J. M. Wiley, who conducted a large farm for four years. Mr. Wiley came to Lynn Township, Knox County, and farmed there one year. He then removed to teller Towhship, and after seven years' farming, he went to Walnut Grove Township, Knox County, and lived there four years, until his death, which occurred in

November, 1868. The year before his death he had purchased 80 acres of land on section 35, Galva Township, this county, where his family now reside, and to which they removed the spring after his death. He was the father of five children, - Mary E., deceased; Mrs. Eliza A. Riner; Wesley D., now residing on the old homestead ; Frank A., deceased, aged seven years ; Julia E., deceased, aged 20 years, and the wife of Arthur Aby.

Mrs. Patty is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Wesley D. is engaged in conducting the old homestead, on section 35, Galva Township, with whom his mother is at present residing. He is meeting with success in his chosen vocation, agriculture, and politically is identified with the Prohibition party.

oseph Bobb. It was not until about 1854 i that some of the best land in Illinois was made accessible to the settlers.- At that time the old Military Tract Railroad was completed from Mendota to Galesburg, which, with its extensions north to Chicago and in all directions to Quincy, Burlington and Peoria, opened up the magnificent district known as the Military Tract. Among those to come in and take advantage of the situation was Joseph Robb, who now resides upon an excellent farm of 240 acres of land on section 27, of Wethersfield Township.

He was born in Ireland, March 5, 1825, and came to America with his parents, Nathan and Eleanor (Monteith) Robb, in 1832. They first settled in Franklin Co., N. Y., where they lived until 1853, when they came to Stark Co., 111. They subsequently moved to Little Rock, Ark., where they died. Joseph lived at home until 26 years of age, when for two years longer he lived in Stark County, and the following year he passed in Marshall Co., 111. He then, in 1855, came to Henry County and made a permanent settlement, and has been successful in his calling. He has taken great interest in the local affairs of his township, and has served as Assessor, Commissioner of Highways, Constable and School Director. Politically, he is a Republican. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Robb was married in Marshall Co., 111., May

20, 1853, to Martha J., daughter of Samuel B. and Rachel (Hornmett) McLaughlin. Mrs. Robb was born in Peoria Co., 111., March 9, 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Robb have seven children living, viz. : Clara J., Samuel I., Rachel E., Mary L., Eva J., Ethel A. and Joseph M. The deceased are Lewis A., Elmer L. and Mabel B.

eorge Winters. One of Henry County's prosperous, energetic and respected citi- K zens is Mr. George Winters, who is engaged in agricultural pursuits on section 24 of Cornwall Township. He was born in Lincolnshire, England, in the year 1832, and remained in his native country until he attained the age of 25 years, when he concluded to emigrate to the New World, the land of possibilities, and on the 16th of July, 1858, Mr. Winters arrived in Annawan, this county. In 1867 he made a purchase of 280 acres of land on his present site, where he and his family have since resided. Mr. Winters entered vigorously and actively upon the improvement of his land and it is now under a high state of cultivation. He has erected upon his farm a frame house and all necessary outbuildings, and has quite a desirable home, with all modern conveniences.

He was married before his emigration to the United States, on the 13th of May, 1858, the lady chosen for his companion being Miss Mary Gash. Of their union one son, William R., was born March 1, i860. Religiously, Mr. W. is liberal in his opinions, and politically is a Republican.

ty. He is located oh section 10, where he is the owner of 156 acres of land, on which he has been occupied in the pursuit of mixed husbandry. He was born in Yorkshire, England, and came to the United States in his infancy with with his parents. His father, Steven Moon, settled in the township of Annawan in 1853, and reared his

Mr. Moon married Margaret A. McNeely Feb. 23, 1876. She was born in Henry County Aug. 4, 1852. To their household have been added three children, whose births occurred in the following order : Arthur C, Jan. 25, 1877 ; Iva D.,Sept. 30, 1878; Raymond C, April 8, t88t.

The farm of Mr. Moon is desirably located, adjoining the town plat of the village of Annawan, and has on it an excellent dwelling with other suitable and necessary farm buildings. He is a Republican in his political connections and opinions. He has served the township in which he resides in the capacity of Highway Commissioner for eight years past, and has also held the office of School Director. He has been Assessor of Annawan Township three years and has filled the position of Postmaster two years.

:lazy Schmitt, a farmer on section 4, Alba Township, came to Henry County in 1853. He bought 40 acres of land, on which he proceeded to apply the habits he had formed in his native country, and with such good judgment and industrious application that he is now the owner of 311 acres, which is in excellent condition for prosperous farming. He is a native of Alsace, France, one of the provinces that have been recovered from the French by the German armies within a few years past and where the people were in the habit of using the German language, which is still spoken by the members of the Schmitt family.

Mr. Schmitt was born Feb. 7, 1822, and came to the United States in 1849. He landed at New York and located in Pennsylvania, where he was a resident three years. He came thence, as has been stated, and has since been one of the best and most respected of the citizens of his township. He was married in February, T852, to Mary Schorter, and they have four children. William is the husband of Eliza Smith. John, George and Josephine are unmarried. Mrs. Schmitt was born in the same jpart of the country as her husband, March r6, 1830. She had a brother, a half-sister and a half brother. Joseph Schorter is deceased, as is her half-brother, Lourin Metz. Josephine Metz is still living.

Mr. Schmitt is a fine sample of the best grade of his countrymen and represents the courtesy and high-bred civility of the race to which he belongs. The family are Catholics.

551 \enry Scott, a resident of section 14, Wethersfield Township, and one of. the energetic and prosperous farmers of Henry County, is a son of Andrew and Ellen (Mitchell) Scott natives of Scotland, where they remained all their lives, their death occurring in the old country. *

Henry, our subject, was born in Scotland, Sept. r9, 1 8 14, and was the second in order of birth in a family of five children. In 1840 he emigrated to the United States, being then 25 years of age, and for ten years engaged in working at the shoemaker's trade, in New York City, which he had learned in the country of his nativity. About the year 1849, he went to California in search of gold, but, not meeting with satisfactory success, remained only about two years and again returned to New York city, where he lived for one year. His health having been impaired while in California, he returned to Scotland for the purpose of recuperating, and also to visit the scenes of his boyhood. In the summer of 1855 we find him tilling a farm in Elmira Township, Stark Co., 111., which he had purchased and where he lived for about six years. At the end of that time, finding better facilities for farming in this county, he made a change of his location to section 14 of Wethersfield Township. Here he erected good farm buildings, and brought his place to a high state of cultivation. He owns 160 acres of good tillable land here.

Mr. Scott and Miss Catherine Rutherford were married in Wethersfield Township, in February, 1869. Mrs. Scott was born Dec. 5, 1829, and is a daughter of George and Jane (Rutherford) Rutherford, who were born, lived and died in Scotland. Mrs. Scott had previously been the wife of Thomas Trumbull, who died in Wethersfield Township, April 20, 1853. Thomas Trumbull, her only child by this marriage, now lives in Nebraska. Mrs. Scott came to America when 22 years of age, and by her present marriage is the mother of two children, - Jane R. and Ella M-

Jane - is the wife of Thomas F. Oliver, a farmer of Wethersfield Township; and Ella, the wife of Wm. E. Scott, of Kansas. Mr." and Mrs. Scott are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he affiliates with the Republican party.

hristopher G. Taylor, Secretary of the Kewanee Wagon Company, was born in Yorkshire, Eng., Jan. 16, 1840, and came $fi to America in 1852. His parents, George j ^ and Esther (Grundell) Taylor, also of York- { shire, reared four sons and one daughter, Christopher being the eldest of the five. Arriving in the United States, the family repaired at once to Newark, N. J., and there lived up to 1854, removing thence to Janesville, Wis., and in 1856 to Kewanee. Here the two old people died, Mr. Taylor in December, 1884, at the age of 73, and his relict in June, 1883, aged about 75 years.

The subject of this sketch began the wagon-maker's trade when about 20 years of age, and with the exception of a year or two milling has followed it ever since. He was with the O'Brien Manufacturing Company, and at the organization of the Kewanee Wagon Company was made its secretary.

=H=£tobert P. Booth, a farmer located on section 24, in the township of Annawan, was born in Yorkshire, England, March 21, 1846. He came with his parents to America when but a lad, and they settled in Henry County, 111. He became a resident of Henry County in 1854 and in 1879 he bought the farm on which he is now prosecuting the business which he chooses as a life occupation. He was married to Helen Moon Feb. 26, 1870, by Rev. Charles Dawson, of the Primitive Methodist Church. They have had five children, of whom one is deceased. Mrs. Booth was born Nov. 3, 1853, in Henry County. Their children were born in the order in which their names are here given: Ida, Jan. 1, 187 1 (died Sept. 11, 1876); Martha D., March 21, 1873 ; Minerva M., Feb. 17, 1875; Lawrence E., July 6, 1878; Robert Ray, Nov. 6, 1884. Mr. Booth is one of the industrious and frugal members of the community of the township in which he lives and is managing his property according to the most approved methods of modern farming. His cattle is of the Short-horn graded variety, and the swine on the place are of Poland-China blood. His horses are principally three-fourths Normans. The value of his estate is increased by a stream of living water which traverses the fields. The farm includes 240 acres, all being under excellent cultivation The fruit on the place comprises apples, cherries and a variety of small fruit.

mzi A. Crane, owner of 360 acres of land, located on section 22, Osco Township, is a son of Elias and Esther (Maxwell) Crane natives of New Tersey, where they married, settled and lived until their deaths. They were the parents of six children, John, Mary A., Phebe, Susan M., Elias M. and Amzi A.

The subject of this sketch was born in Union Co., N. J., Nov. 6, 1829, and his early life, until the age of 21 years, was passed on his father's farm and in attending school. He then obtained a position in New York city in a grocery and provision store, in which he remained about eight months, when, on account of ill health, he came on a visit to the West, and being pleased with the country determined to make his home here. He then returned East and in a few months again came West, this time for a permanent settlement. In the spring of 1853 he came to Henry County, where he has since lived. He first purchased 160 acres on section 22, Osco Township, where he has erected fine buildings and is now the proprietor of 360 acres, most of which is under a high state of cultivation. He keeps from 100 to 200 head of Hereford cattle, six horses, and fattens about 25 head of hogs annually.

Amzi A. Crane was married in Trivoli, Peoria Co., 111., Sept. 13, 1854, to Emeline C. Potter, daughter of Elias and Ann (Crane) Potter, natives of New Jersey, where they married and settled; in 183 1 they removed to Peoria Co., 111., where they lived until about 1867 ; then they removed to Farmington, Fulton Co., 111., where they now reside. Mr. and Mrs. Potter are the parents of four children, - Susan E.,

Emeline C, Mary C, Louisa A. Emeline C. (Mrs. Crane, wife of our subject) was born in New Jersey, July 24, 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Crane are the parents of three children, - Franklin P., born July 9, 1855 ; Hattie M., born March 1, 1859; and Anna E., born August 1, 1 86 1. Franklin P. resides in Kansas City, engaged in the stock business, is the husband of Nettie May, a native of Mercer Co., 111., and Minnie B., their daughter. Hattie M. is the wife of Howard H. Smith and resides in Osco Township and is the mother of one child, Clarence C, born June 2, 1885 ; and Anna E. resides with her parents in Osco Township.

Mr. Crane has held the office of Supervisor three terms, Township Treasurer 15 years, Township Assessor and other minor offices. Mr. and Mrs. C. are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is identified with the Republican party.

Rule. This gentleman, though i born across the ocean, was one of the early pioneers of Henry County. He has given "Iff n's ''fe's en<orts t0 agricultural pursuits, and has a fine farm on section 24, of Wethersfield Township. He was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, Oct. 2r, 1820, and passed most of his time in that country, until 1845, when he emigrated to America.

In that early day he found his way to Henry County, where he located when but few of the sturdy pioneers had arrived within its borders. He has since made this his home. His parents were Alexander and Jane (Reed) Rule, and of their eight children the subject of this sketch was the youngest. Alexander enjoyed only limited advantages for an education, but made good use of them. Mr. Rule experienced the hardships that fall to the lot of all settlers in a new country. He went to work with a will, however, and has not only been successful from a business point, but has also exerted a good influence in the community ; and has not only done considerable towards developing the material re- Sources of the county, but also much toward elevating the moral status of the community. He owns a farm of 240 acres, most of which is tillable. Upon this he has a fine large residence and splendid farm buildings. He also owns 40 acres in Stark County. In politics he is identified with the Republican party, and his wife and two daughters are members of the United Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Rule was married in Elmira Township, Stark Co., 111., May 30, 1848, to Beatrice Oliver, who was born in Scotland, March 13, 1818. Her parents were Thomas and Margaret (Fife) Oliver. She was the third of a family of ten children. Maggie and Eliza J. are the names of the two children reared by Mr. and Mrs. Rule. The latter is the wife of Peter Hyer.

'ohn Nightingale, merchant and Post- |r master at Morristown, this county, is a native of England, in which country he was born Aug. 7, 1830, and there resided until he reached his 20th year, following the occupation of* a tailor, which trade he had learned after an apprenticeship of seven years.

In 185 1 Mr. Nigtingale emigrated to the United States, and lived near Rome, N. Y., where he followed his trade for some eight years. Leaving the latter place, he moved to Davenport, Iowa, and worked at his trade in that city for two years. In January, 1861, Mr. Nightingale came to Morristown, this county, where he has since resided. He has been Postmaster at that place for four years, receiving his last appointment during the administration of President Arthur. In connection with his office he has a general stock of merchandise, and by fair and honest dealings has established a good and paying business.

The marriage of Mr. Nightingale took place in the land of his nativity, May 15, 1849, when Miss Elizabeth Monkman became his wife. She was a native of England. Five children were born of their union, namely : George H, born in England ; Frank, Charles W., Bessie aad Thomas; the last four, born in this country, and died in their infahey, all of whom have been placed beneath the sod, their souls returning to God who gave them.

School Director at Morristown. He is the owner of two houses and several lots in the village. Politically, he is a believer in and a supporter of the principles of the Democratic party.

illiam G. Howland, Vice-President of the Kewanee Wagon Company, is a Manxman, being born on the Isle of Man, June 20, 1845, and was the eldestof two sons and three daughters, born to Hewey and Elizabeth Howland. His father was a farmer. William began to learn the trade of blacksmith when he was about sixteen years of age. He came to America in 1 866, and to Kewanee the same year. He was an employee of the O'Brien Manufacturing Co., when that concern sold out to the company of which he is now Vice-President. Before leaving the Isle of Man, he was. married to Miss Mary Skinner, who died in Kewanee in 1871, leaving three children: Jennie, Ann and Alice. In 1873 he married his second wife, Mary Miles, who died in 187 6, leaving one child, George, and in 1880 he found his third wife, in the person of Miss Laura Price, by whom he had two children born to him : Thomas and W. May.

!,harles F. Sultzer, a resident on section 17, of Wethersfield Township, was born in Peoria Co., 111., Aug. 15, 1841, and is a son of Frederick C. and Fredericka (Fritz) Sultzer, natives of Germany. Their family comprised four children, of whom Charles, our subject, was the second in order of birth. He remained at home, assisting in the labors on the farm and alternating them with attendance at the district schools, until he attained the age of 22 years, when he engaged in threshing and farming. With his father, he came into Henry County, locating upon a tract of land of 160 acres, which he purchased and entered vigorously and actively upon the task of its improvement and cultivation. This land is located in Wethersfield Township, his present place of residence, where he has remained since that early period. Mr. Sultzer was united in marriage, in Wethersfield Township, on the 1st of January, 1868, choosing for his companion and helpmeet Miss Mary Wiley, daughter of James and Nancy (Holmes) Wiley, natives of Ireland. She was the eldest of her parents' family, consisting of eight children, and was born in Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 1, T845. Mr. and Mrs. Sultzer have become the parents of two children, as follows : Laura E. and Lillie F. ; the former was but five years of age when she died.

Mr. Sultzer has held the office of School Director of his township, and politically is identified with the Republican party. Mrs. Sultzer is a member of the Congregational Church.

homas Brady, wholesale and retail dealer in malt liquors, Kewanee, 111., is a native of County Cavan, Ireland, and son of Patrick and Catherine (McCabe) Brady, who reared to man and womanhood eight children and buried four in infancy. Thomas Brady was born May 3, 1845, and came to America in 1863. Two older sisters had preceded him to this country by a few years, and with th3m,in New York, he spent his first three weeks in the " new country." From New York he went to Chicago, where he got employment of the Michigan Central Railway Company as check clerk, a position he filled about 13 months. From that time oh, for six months, he was a railroad man ; with the Illinois Central a few months at Cairo, III., as check clerk; then back to Chicago where, in different departments, he was with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Company 1 1 years. It was with this company, in the capacity of car repairer, that he came to Kewanee in 1865 and filled the position seven years. His next employment was with the Haxtun Steam Heater Company, and in 1873 he engaged in the liquor business, which, with the exception of a year or two, he has since followed. He owns a farm of 160 acres in Kewanee and Burns Townships; some three or four houses and lots in Kewanee village; carries on his liquor business, and is an extensive bottler of malt liquors and soda water. All Mr. B. has he has acquired by his individual industry, for he came to this country as poor as pioneers generally were.

consistent member of the Catholic Church and a highly respected citizen. He was married at Kewanee, April 5, 1866, to Miss Rose Ann Traynor, a native of Ireland, and has had born to him nine ^a. children, - Katie Ann, John P., Thomas, Frank, Mamie, Martha, Willie, Rose and James, who died in infancy.

P*< early day, and here laid the foundation of a fortune. He was born March 23, 181 9, in Rockingham Township, Windham Co., Vt. His grandfather was Robert Wiley, whose biography, together with a genealogy of the Wiley family, appears in another sketch. Our subject's parents were John and Randilla (Weaver) Wiley, both natives of Vermont. The former, John Wiley, was born March 5, 1795, in Rockingham, Windham Co., Vt., and died Feb. 10, 1866, in Saxton River, Vt. By occupation he was a farmer, and a quiet, unassuming man, moderate in all his views and actions, and early in life instilled the value of good principle, industry and frugality into his son, D. L. Wiley, our subject, for which the latter became so well known in this community. He generally voted the Democratic ticket, differing in that respect from his son, who early became imbued with the principles of the Republican party, with which he has been identified all his life, yet being perfectly independent, voting for the best man.

John Wiley, the father, was united in marriage April 22, 1817, in Rockingham, Vt., to Randilla Weaver, who was a daughter of Daniel Weaver She was born Sept. 3, 1793, in Windham County, and became the mother of nine children, viz. : Lucius S., Daniel Leveret, Edward, Mary F., William, Robert, Hascall, Myron and Milton. Mary F. was the former wife of Charles B. Day, of Peoria. Of the above children, only our subject, Hascall, Robert and Milton are living. Hascall resides on the old homestead in Rockingham, Milton in Saxton River, Vt., and Robert in Brimfield, Peoria Co., 111.

also attended about two years at the neighboring academy. He is self-educated as far as business is concerned. In early life he worked on a farm, but for several years was also engaged in mercantile business. In the summer of 1844 he came to Brimfield, 111., where he first engaged in farming, and then merchandised one year. He next came to Galva, 111., in the spring of 1855, where he engaged in farming, doing considerable hard manual work. Later, he resided in Galva, but continued the superintending of his farm in the meantime. He has been fairly successful, and his success can be attributed to his indomitable perseverance, frugality and energy.

Inheriting these sterling qualities, no doubt, from his native Green Mountain State, which has furnished so many of our foremost men in social, business or political circles, in January, 1865, he, in partnership with others, started the First National Bank in Galva; and when the charter expired the banking business was continued under the name of L. M. Yocum & Co., our subject being President of the bank. Within the last decade Mr. Wiley has largely engaged in the real-estate business in Monona County, Iowa, where he has 1,000 acres of land, all of which is in a high state of cultivation. This land he has principally improved, and since he made the purchase it has risen in value until he now has a very valuable possession.

Mr. Wiley was joined in matrimony Aug. 5, 1846, in his native State, with Miss Mary Billings, who was born July 30, 181 8, in Rockingham, Windham Co., Vt., where she died, June 1, 1851. She was a daughter of Samuel and Susannah (Divoll) Billings, natives of Massachusetts. They died in Windham County, where they Yiere highly respected citizens. Mrs. Mary Wiley became the mother of two children, Flora B. and William F. The former is the wife of W. L. Wiley, and is the mother of four children, namely : Mary, Everett, Stella and Fred. William F. married Florence Munger, who is the mother of three children, viz. : lone B., Agnes and Florence. The two children of Mr. Wiley, whose name heads this notice, reside in Monona County, where W. F. is one of the first Short-horn breeders in the State of Iowa, on the farms formerly owned by their enterprising sire. Daniel L. was rnarried a second time, Feb. 27, r854, to Miss Sarah F. Davis, who was born Sept. 26, 1832, in Rockingham, Vt. She is a daughter of John H. Davis, and is the

Thus we have related the biography of Daniel Leveret Wiley, and to-day, in the evening of life, while the darkening shadows are gently and silently approaching, he can cast a retrospective glance on his career in life and be contented with the view.

':. oyal Franklin Bailey was born in the town of Rockingham, Windham County, ?E5p^' State of "Vermont, in November, 1831. ffe| Came to Galva, Henry Co., 111., in 1857, where he has since resided and " paid his taxes like the average law-abiding citizen." In politics he is an " Abraham Lincoln Republican;" in religion, a "Bob Ingersoll Baptist;" in morals, a " George Washington : " " he can't tell a lie." Hence this history. " Sic transit gloria mundi! "

1 illiam Oliver, resident on section 23, of Wethersfield Township, is a progressive and well-to-do farmer, and a son of Thomas and Margaret (Fife) Oliver, who came to America with their family in 1837, and located in Stark County the following year, at which place they remained and died.

William Oliver, subject of this biographical notice, was the sixth in order of birth in his parents' family, consisting of ten children, and on his emigration to America with his parents was but ten years old. He received an education such as the common schools of that early period afforded, and remained at home until 27 years of age, meanwhile engaging in agricultural pursuits in the vicinity. Since his location in this county he has become the possessor and owner of 470 acres of good, tillable land, on which he is at present residing. Upon his farm he has erected a splendid residence, and all other necessary buildings, besides having put the land in a good state of cultivation.

Miss Elizabeth Turnbull, who was born in Scotland, Nov. 18, 1828, was the lady with whom Mr. Oliver was united in marriage, in Elmira Township,

Stark County, April 3, 1853. Her parents, William and Mary (Horning) Turnbull, emigrated to the United States in 1849, and settled in Stark County, where they died. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver have had their home circle blessed by the birth of ten children, - Mary E., Thomas F., William P., Adson R., George, Andrew, Annie, John H., Ellen and Jennie. Mary E. is the wife of Archibald Turner, and they reside in Iowa. Mr. Oliver has served his township in the minor offices, and is at present one of the School Commissioners, and he, with his wife, are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, he affiliates with the Republican party.

ohn S. Wilson, residing at Orion, and engaged in general farming, is a native of Sparta, 111., where he was born Jan. 3, 1844. The father, David E., formerly from South Carolina, and a farmer, was united in marriage after he had come to Illinois with his parents, who were Americans, and who settled in the southwestern part of this State. The lady of his choice was Miss Margaret A. Stewart. After marriage they went to Wisconsin, in the year 1846, Mr. David E. having visited it as a volunteer soldier in 1840. The mother died there when her son John S. was only about 1 1 years of age.

After the mother's death he resided with his father until he attained the age of 17 years, when he came to Illinois and learned the trade of carpenter and joiner. He afterward worked for a time as a " jour,'' and started then on his own account. He settled in Edford Township, this county, for a while, and in 1875 purchased 80 acres of good farming land. On the latter he has since made his home, erecting a good residence.

John S., our subject, formed a matrimonial alliance, in Grant Co., Wis., Sept. 16, 1863, with Mary Gee, who was born in Ohio, near Salem. She came West with her parents, who settled in Wisconsin, in Grant County, when she was but a mere child, and died at her home in Edford Township, this county, in 1869. She had become the mother of one child, Maggie B.

born in Cook Co., this State, Sept. 12, 1844, a daughter of Alvin and Louisa Scott, natives of Connecticut and New Hampshire respectively. They were farmers, and came to Cook County, where they were married. Mrs. Wilson was the eldest daughter and eldest child but one of a family of seven children. The father died at an advanced age, in t868, in Cook County, but the mother is still living in Edford Township. Mrs. Wilson began teaching when she was 19 years of age, having received an excellent education, and followed the same for several years. She has become the mother of three children, one deceased. The living are Evalyn E., who was born Feb. 19, r876, and Lawrence O., born March 9, 1879.

Mr. W. affiliates with the Republican party in political sentiment. As to religious matters both himself and wife are tolerant ; that is, they do not believe any one will be sent into endless torment because of difference in religious belief.

l^harles H. Thompson, the only gentleman who is engaged exclusively in the livery rifP><V business at Kewanee, 111., was born in Monmouth Co., N. J., Aug. 9, 1854, and was the third child of Samuel and Ellen (Hendrickson) Thompson, natives of the same county. Mr. Thompson was educated at Trenton, N. J., in the Model School, at which institution he lacked, on account of sickness, eight weeks of graduating. He began his studies with a view to adopting the legal profession, but, finding it incompatible, abandoned the idea at an early age. He developed a " weakness " for horses when a mere youth, - in fact, he was but 13 years of age when he drove a " speeder '' at the county races. From New Jersey he removed to Peoria Co., 111., in 1877, and there, at the town of Princeville, carried on a livery stable about three years.

After farming four years, he came to Kewanee, where, in November, 1883, he engaged in his present business, that of keeping a livery, sale and feed stable. In the spring of r88s, he was elected Constable, an office he is filling at this writing (August, 1885).

Peoria Co., 111., and daughter of Dr. Henry E. Calhoun, of that place. Pearl H., Paul (who died in June, r883, at the age of three months) and Zora, are the names of their two sons and one daughter.

jpl! eorge H. Loomis, resident on section 33, !^^^|| in the township of Geneseo, was born in Ksj - K the State of Maine. His birth occurred in ^ > that part of the town of Milburn now included in the village of Skowhegan, in the county of Somerset. The date was July 10, 1821. Samuel Loomis, his father, was a native of Massachusetts, and he married Lydia Hutchins. She was born in Maine. The father went, after he had passed some time in the city near where he was born in the employ of a baker, to Maine, whither his parents had preceded him, and where they were among the pioneer settlers. He bought a considerable tract of timber land in the place now occupied as the site of Skowhegan, and there he cleared a farm from the heavy timber, which covered the entire State before it was settled to any extent. In 1835 he went thence to the township of Madison, and there bought a farm on which he was the resident owner six years. At the end of that time he rented the place and went to the village of Skowhegan, where he bought the homestead of his father, and lived on the place where he was born until his death.

Mr. Loomis of this sketch was reared on the farm of his father, and obtained his education in the public schools. He remained at home in order to assist on the farm until he was 25, when the death of his father occurred, and he continued to live with his mother on the place until 1863. In that year he sold it, and in the year succeeding he came to Henry County. He at once bought 80 acres in the township of Munson, located on section 4. He built a house, a stable and a corn-crib, and dug a well and a cistern and made other improvements. This place was in his possession until 1869, when he bought the farm he now owns and occupies on section 33 in the township of Geneseo. He is the proprietor of 116 acres, all of which is in a finely improved condition.

St Mr. Loomis was married in February, 1848, to *& Elizabeth McClure, and they have had five children, i » four of whom are' living : Samuel J. is a business ' ' man of Walnut, Iowa ; John M. is a resident of Pitts- A. burg, Kan. ; Henry lives in Geneseo ; Walter L. is still with his parents. Scott was born Jan. 23, 1861, and died March 13, 1866. Mrs. Loomis was born July 13, 1826, in Somerset Co., Me.

eorge Day, one of the prosperous and energetic farmers of Wethersfield Township, where he is a resident on section 20, was born in Richland Co., Ohio, March 23, 1818. His parents, Lewis and Mary (Hull) Day, were natives of New Jersey. They were united in marriage and settled in Pennsylvania, where they lived several years, when they removed into Rich- ^ land Co., Ohio, in which county they died.

George was the fifth in order of birth of his parents' family of 1 1 children. He received a common-school education, and lived at home under the parents' influence until he attained the age of 21 years, when he came to what is now Richland Co., 111., where he made a purchase of 160 acres of land, and another of 40 acres in Crawford County, when he again returned to Richland County, Ohio. About four years later he exchanged his Illinois land for a farm near Mansfield, Ohio, where he located and lived about six years, when he again sold, and this time came West into Illinois. Locating in the spring of r8si in Henry County, he soon made a purchase of 160 acres of land in Wethersfield Township, on section 20, his present homestead, where he settled and has lived with the exception of three years, most of which time he lived in Pennsylvania. To his first purchase of 160 acres here, he has added until he now owns 240 acres, which by his industry and hard labor he has under excellent cultivation and improvement, with a fine substantial residence thereon, barns and necessary outbuildings.

Mr. Day was first married in Richland Co., Ohio, Aug. 28, 1845, to Miss Elizabeth Ferguson, who was a native of Ohio. She died in Wethersfield Township, Sept. 1, 1852. He then formed a second matrimonial alliance in Peoria, 111., the lady chosen for his wife being Miss Elizabeth Gaskill, who was born in McLean Co., 111. By this second marriage have been born seven children, namely: Losson L., Frances, Erna, Lewis L., Abby, Nora and Elzey H. The eldest, Losson L., is deceased. In politics Mr. Day is independent.

After about four years of association with his brother, he engaged in farming and has since followed it, and for ten or a dozen years of the time he also carried on market and butchering business. His parents, Daniel and Mary (Merz) Bauer, reared three sons and two daughters, the subject of this sketch being next to the eldest of the five. He was educated in Germany, in his native language, and after coming to America learned to read and write fJ5> English. sb

He was married at Kewanee in 1865, to Miss ^ Katherine Zeang, a native of Germany, and has had ^ . born to him five children, - Augest, John, Willie, Came and Katie.

Mr. Bauer owns one of the finest farms in the county. It contains about 300 acres, all in a high state of cultivation, stocked and fully equipped with the newest improved agricultural implements and machinery. Though eminently able to live without work, he prefers to keep in the harness, and every day finds him at his post.

|» rman R. Warner. In 1846, when only a boy of 1 1 years, Orman R. Warner, who is to-day living upon a fine farm on section 10, of Burns Township, accompanied his parents to Henry County. Here he was reared, received a good common-school education, embarked upon his business career, in which he has been very successful, and has become one of the prominent men of the community. The confidence in his business judgment by the people of

Mr. Warner was born in Leeds Co., Upper Canada, March 22, 1835. His parents, Ralph and Clara (Keeler) Warner, were natives of New York State. They were married, moved to Canada, and remained in the Dominion until 1846, when they came into Henry County, and made their home in Burns Township, where they lived until they died, Mr. Warner's death occurring Oct. 22, 1851, and that of Mrs. Warner, Aug. 12, 1880. Orman was the ninth of a family of 1 1 children born to them. He remained at home until 23 years of age, working on his father's farm, and attending the district schools. He was married on New Year's Day, 1858, to Miss Ruth, daughter of Henry and Annie (Breese) Cofner. who were also early settlers of Henry County, and natives of Ohio. In 1854 they came to Burns Township, where they remained until 1868, when they removed to Union Co., Iowa. Ruth was the third of a family of ten children, and waft born in Knox Co., Ohio, Oct. 3, 1837.

Mr. and Mrs. Warner have three children, to whom they have given the following names : Lartie M., Samuel C. and Morton K. Lartie is the wife of Hilbert C. Doty, of Nebraska; Samuel was married to Margaret J. Anderson, and resides in Burns Township.

Mr. Warner has been prominent in the political affairs of his township, and has served for two years as Collector, and for T4 years as Assessor, besides filling other positions. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he is identified with the Democratic party.

^ohn Laird, a gentleman who has devoted 30 years of active, earnest labor to farming, 1 |V but is now living in retirement on section 24, of Oxford Township, is a native of the Keystone State. He was born in Franklin Co., Pa., June 5, 1817. His parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Campbell) Laird, were natives of Ireland and Virginia respectively. The elder Laird followed tailoring for a business, and also instructed his son, John, in the art of the trade, which he not only followed until he left the parental roof, which he did at the age of 22 years, but also for. many years afterward. In Concord, Franklin Co., Pa., he handled the goose, and used the shears and needle for 16 years. In 1855, in order to better his condition in life, finding very meager opportunities to do so at the old home, he came West, and located in the Prairie State. He purchased 75 acres of land in Oxford Township, this county, upon which he settled ; since then he has added 106 acres, and has now a fine, well equipped and improved farm of 181 acres. During the meantime he has bought other farms and sold them.

Mr. Laird was married to Miss Mary Ragan, a native of Pennsylvania. To them have been born two children, - Allen and Alfred. The former was married to Miss Priscilla Hiller. Mrs. Laird died at her home Nov. n, 1884. She was well known and respected throughout the neighborhood.

Politically, Mr. Laird is a Democrat, and is connected with the Presbyterian Church at Woodhull. He is looked upon as one of the solid and representative men of Oxford Township.

ahum H. Flagg, Edford Township, came to Henry County in 187 1. He was born in Boylston, Worcester Co., Mass., Jan. 9, T821. He is the oldest son of Levi and 1(5 Alothina (Houghton) Flagg, both of whom were born in the same town where the son first saw the light. They were of English descent. Mr. Flagg attained to the estate of manhood in his native town and was trained to farming, which had been the business of his ancestors for many generations. He received his education in the public schools and was afterward sent one term to the High School at Leicester, in his native State. After arriving at the period of his legal freedom he passed two seasons with a carpenter and joiner, and then went to Worcester, where he operated independently as a builder until the year in which he removed to Illinois.

Shortly after his arrival in Henry County, associated with a man named Dennis, living on section 23, they bought 80 acres on section 16, in Edford Township, and they continued to manage their farming relations jointly until 1874, when they made

He was married, Nov. 17, 1842, to Eunice S. Maynard. She was born in the same town as her husband, Aug. 20, 1824, and died April 12, 1870. She became the mother of three children, only one of whom is now living. His name is George H. Flagg, and he is a resident of Worcester, Mass.

:- eter Johnson, engaged by Culver & King, ; in the farm implement business at Galva &'$ was born Oct. 3, 1840, in Malung, Sweden. He is a son of John and Martha Johnson, natives of the same country. His father died shortly after he came to the United States, in 1847, in Victoria, Knox Co., 111. The Johnson family originated in the Province of Dalanar, Sweden. The parents joined the colony and came to this country, and John Johnson, the father of the subject of this notice, was the man who carried Eric Jansen, the founder of the colony, from Sweden to Christianstadt in Norway, while Eric was fleeing from Sweden, pursued by the authorities and a religious mob. The parents came here in 1846, in the fall, and settled at B shop Hill, this county. Soon after, John Johnson and wife left the colony and settled in Victoria, where he followed his trade, that of a carpenter, and where he died soon after. His wife bore him eight children, - John, Christine, Martha, Kate, Peter, Betsey, by her first husband ; and Fred Gloom by her second hu band, P. J. Gloom, deceased. She is still living in Bishop Hill, aged 7 6 years.

Peter Johnson received only a limited education, the same being acquired at Bishop Hill during the time .his parents were members of the colony, the major portion of his early life having been passed on the farm. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. D, 57th 111. Vol. Inf., as private, and was promoted Sergeant. He was all through the war, participating in the battles of Eort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, siege and battle of Corinth, Atlanta Gap, and was also with Sherman in his famous march to the sea, and participated in many minor engagements and skirmishes, and was at the Grand Review at Washington. He received an honorable discharge in July, 1865, and returned to Bishop Hill, where, doffing his uniform and laying aside his accoutrements of war, he once more entered upon the civil pursuits of life, and for one year was occupied in farming. He then abandoned the farm and learned the wagon-maker's trade, which he followed for a number of years.

Mr. Johnson has held several township offices, such as Collector, etc., and in 1876 was elected Sheriff of Henry County, which he filled one term, and for the next two years was Deputy Sheriff under William Van Nice. After that he engaged in house carpenter work, and followed it for several, years. In the spring of 1882 he removed to Galva, where he has been employed by Carver & King in the sale of farm implements. Mr. Johnson was married in July, 1870, to Miss Christine Nordstadt, daughter of Olof D. Nordstadt, a native of Sweden, and in which Mrs. Johnson was born. She is the mother of four children by Mr. Johnson, only one of whom, Fred William, is living, the others having died in infancy. Mrs. Johnson is a member of-the Swedish Methodist Church, and politically Mr. J. is a Republican. Socially, he is a member of the A. O. U. W.

lisha R. Woleott. The subject of this narrative is one of the oldest settlers of Henry County, and one of the first to locate in Wethersfield Township, where he now In the spring of 1837, in company with, or as a member of, the Wethersfield Colony, he came into Henry County. He had one share in the colony, which comprised 182^ acres of land, 160 of which lay on section 7 of what is now Wethersfield Township. Upon this Mr. Woleott settled and began its improvement, and here for well-nigh half a century he has lived. He owns upward of 240 acres of good tillable land and 130 acres of timber land. His stock comprises about 50 head of cattle, 18 horses and colts and 100 head of sheep.

Mr. Woleott was born in Wethersfield, Conn., Dec, 30, 1816. Her parents, Elisha and Mary Robbins) Woleott, were also natives of Connecticut, where they lived, labored and died. Elisha was the third of a family of ten children, and lived with his parents until 20 years of age, when we find him locating upon the wild prairie of Henry County

His long residence here justly entitles him to be looked upon as one of the fathers of the county. Many hard experiences that he has met during this half century would require a large volume to recount. The lot of a pioneer at its best is one of hardship, inconvenience and suffering ; but he has accomplished a great work in assisting to open up one of the fairest garden spots in the Prairie State. The memory of such men should be held dear to posterity. Politically, Mr. W. is identified with the Republican party, but in temperance principles he is a Prohibitionist.

As a man eminently worthy to represent the old pioneers of Henry County in the gallery of portraits in this Album, we place Mr. Wolcott's portrait on the page preceding this sketch.

erman Herbner, farmer, Galva, was born . Jan. 29, i83i,in Holtehousen, Cur Hessen, Germany, where his ancestors lived many years. Henry Herbner, the grandfather of our subject, was a farmer at the above place, dying there, aged 96, as did his wife, Elizabeth Bender, and their six children. Of these, Herman, who had followed in the same occupation as his father, died, aged 66 years and 9 months. He had formed a matrimonial alliance with Miss Elizabeth, and she died at the same place, aged 58 years. Of their union were ten children, namely: Conrad, Henry, Cort, Valentine, Harry, Lewis, Herman, Peter, Heinrich and Catherine. Three are deceased : Harry was killed in Pennsylvania ; Peter served his country as a soldier, and after returning home died ; and Valentine. Five emigrated to America, Henry coming in 1840, locating near Philadelphia, Pa. In 1856 he came to this county, but not until a year later did he come to Galva Township ; Harry emigrated to the United States in 1846, our subject in 1850, his brother Valentine in 1853, and Peter, his brother, in 1854.

Herman Herbner, whose name heads this biographical notice, was educated in his native country. After arriving in America he worked from 1850 to 1856 by the month, in Montgomery Co., Pa. He next came to Belvidere, Boone Co., 111., where he went to farming, engaging in the same until the spring of 1857, when he emigrated to Galva Township, this county, and has resided here ever since. Mr. Herbner is the proprietor of 40 acres of land in Galva Township, and 80 acres in Burns Township.

Mr. Herbner, who commenced in life with but little if anything, and has accumulated some of this world's goods, is a man well liked and respected by all in his community, and an energetic, persevering and industrious gentleman.

illiam L. Barnes, of Geneseo, is one of the most prominent citizens of Henry County as an agriculturist. He is a man who enjoys the esteem of the community, of which he has been a member for 30 years, to an uncommon degree. His traits of character are such as to render him a popular and reliable citizen, and he is prized for his geniality of temperament, his large-hearted generosity and the characteristic that is comprised in the term " wholesouled." He is the owner of an extensive acreage in the townships of Munson and Cornwall.

Mr. Barnes was born in East Hampton, Long Island, N. Y., Sept. 2, 1823, and is the son of Joseph and Phebe (Miller) Barnes. He was brought up in the town of his nativity and there took the first important step of his life. On the 23d day of November, 1853, he was married to Betsey Miller. She was a native of the same town in which her husband was born, and there her youth and earlier years were passed. She was the daughter of Uriah Miller. After their marriage they remained resident on the historic island three years, and there their first child was born. His birth took place May 3, 1855. His name is William K. Barnes and he is a citizen of Kansas.

In April, 1856, Mr. Barnes removed his family and interests to Henry County. He purchased land in the township of Munson, in the vicinity of Genesep, and is still a heavy land-holder there. His estate contains nearly 700 acres 'and is considered one of the most valuable farms in the whole county. Mr. Barnes is still interested in the personal supervision of his property. He is a Republican in his political preferences, but has never taken an aggressive position in the arena of politics and has never been an aspirant for office. Some of those of a quiet char-

Four children were added to the household while they were still residents of Munson. Joseph married Mary Upson and is a resident of Douglas Co., Minn. Fannie is the wife of C. B. Miller, one of the genial hosts of the Geneseo House. Henry is operating with his brother Joseph in the banking business in Minnesota. Nathan, the youngest, is now a student in Knox College at Galesburg. The mother and daughters are members of the Congregational Church at Geneseo. Mr. Barnes was brought up in the faith of his forefathers, - the Presbyterian creed - but is disposed to regard with a liberal spirit the opinions of those who differ from the tenets of that religious organization.

illiam Ours, a resident of sectio'n 29, Wethersfield Township, where "he is en- 'O gaged in agricultural pursuits, is a son of Jacob and Nancy (Crislip) Ours, both natives of Virginia, who lived and died there. William was the eldest of their family, which consisted of three children, - William, Mary A. and Rebecca - and was born in Virginia, April 26, 1822. He left the State of his nativity when about 24 years of age, going to Kosciusko Co., Ind., where he made a purchase of a farm and settled, remaining until the year 1864. He then came into Henry County and bought 160 acres in Wethersfield Township, on section 29, his present place of residence, and began the task of its improvement and cultivation. He has erected a substantial residence and other necessary farm buildings, and, besides this property, he is the owner and proprietor of 1 60 acres of land in Stark County, this State.

In Kosciusko Co., Ind., he formed a matrimonial alliance with Eliza A. Goodale, the event occurring on the 2d of December, 1849. She is the daughter of Joel D. and Eliza B. (Kimball) Goodale, who were natives of New Hampshire. Her parents settled in Livingston Co., N. Y., where her mother died. Her father, Mr. Goodale, died Aug. 21, 1885. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, as follows: Joel H., Artemus K., Udolphus C, Gideon

G., Frederick X., Eliza A. (Mrs. Ours), Gustavus L. and Enos J. ; Eliza was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., Oct. 15, 1826. Mr. and Mrs. Ours' family comprised the following named children : Eliza A., Emma G, William G. G., Samantha M., Charles F., Eliza A. and Mary L. Eliza A., the first child, is deceased ; Samantha M. is the wife of John Lindstrom, and they reside in Kewanee. Politically speaking, Mr. Ours is a Republican.

larwel B. Whitney. In 1854, when Thomas Whitney, with his family, came into Henry County, Jarwel B. Whitney, his son, was a lad of 13 years of age. The elder Whitney ^u settled on a farm in Burns Township, where Jarwel B. was reared and educated, and grew to manhood, and, with the exception of two years spent in Knox County, and three yeara' service in the war, he has made his residence.

He was born in Ripley Co., Ind., Nov. 17, 1841. His mother, Lydia (Tufts) Whitney, was a native of Maine, which State was also the birthplace of his. father. They both died in Burns Township. J. B. owned a good farm, comprising a quarter of section 22, upon which he has good farm buildings. In 1862, when the President of the United States was calling for more troops to suppress the rebellion, on the 9th day of August of that year, Mr. Whitney enlisted in 112th 111. Vol. Inf. He did three years of good service, and during Sanders' raid in East Tennessee he was taken prisoner, and remained in confinement in the rebel prisons for about six months. During this period he experienced prison life at Knoxville, and at the well-known and infamous Libby Prison pen.

Mr. Whitney was married in Henry Co., 111., Dec. 31, 1872, to Carrie Henderson. This lady was born in Logan Co., Ohio, Sept. 12, 185 r. Of the four children born to them, Ida M. and George H. are the only ones living: the other two died in infancy. Mrs. Whitney's parents, Robert and Margaret (Mc- Davitt) Henderson, were natives of the Buckeye State, where the former died, and the latter is a resident of this county.

rtephen Moon, residing on section 34, Annawan Township, is a farmer by occupation, and was born in Yorkshire, Eng., Feb. 2, 182 1. In 185 1 he emigrated to America, locating at New York for a short time, when he came further West, into the State of Illinois, and worked by the month for about a year, in this county. He then purchased 80 acres in Annawan Township, which he endeavored to put under excellent cultivation, and later made other purchases, until he now has 320 acres, on which he is now residing. Mr. Moon is engaged quite extensively in general farming, keeping some of the highest grade of cattle. He has a herd of Short-horn, and one or two thoroughbreds. His horses are English Draft. Upon his farm he has several springs, and also 100 * acres of timber land outside of his large farm, which is well stocked.

Mr. Moon entered the married state November, 1849, in Yorkshire, England, the lady of his choice being Miss Sarah Petch, a native of that place. She was born Feb. 6, 1831, and of their union have been born six children, as follows : Seth H., born Nov. 11, 1850; Ellen, Nov. 3, 1852; Thomas P., Oct. 17, 1854; Mary, Sept. 10, 1856; Elizabeth, Nov. 5, 1858; Hannah M., July 19, 1864.

ohn K. Warner. One of the prominent and leading farmers of Burns Township is f John K. Warner. He is engaged in general agriculture on section 15. Here he owns an excellent farm of 216 acres, most of which is tillable, and upon which he has erected a fine residence and good farm buildings. He was born in Upper Canada, Oct. 24, 1830, and when about 15 years old came with his parents to Henry County, since which time he has made this his home and has grown up to be one of the well-to-do farmers of Burns. His parents, Ralph and Clara (Keeler)

One of the greatest events in the life of Mr. Warner occurred on New Year's Day in the year 1857. Upon that day he and Miss Almina W Ladd were united in marriage. The ceremony was celebrated at Cambridge. Mrs. Warner is a native of New York, having been born in Oneida County, May 25, 1837. Her parents, Andrew and Mary (Robinson) Ladd, were also natives of the Empire State. Mrs. Warner was the eldest of their family of five children, and she is the mother of a family of four, as follows: Ella R., Fred B., Ralph B. and John R. Ella is the wife of Ezra Brasel, a farmer of Burns Township, and the mother of four children,--Blanche, born Nov. 9, 1876; Lora, March 13, 1881; Maud, July 5, 1883; and Lenora, deceased.

M. McClanahan, A. M.,M. D., practicing physician at Woodhull since March, 1882, was born in Mercer County, this State. His parents were Dr. John P. and Margaret (Jones) McClanahan, who were natives respectively of Ohio and Kentucky, and settled at Norwood, this State, in 1856, where his father practiced his profession for several years and then moved to Alexis, Mercer County, where he is still engaged in the practice of his profession. He was a surgeon in the army two years, when he resigned on account of ill health.

Dr. McClanahan, whose name heads this biographical sketch, had received a collegiate education in his youth, and at the age of 18 he commenced the study of medicine with his father ; and at the age of 21 he graduated at the Jefferson Medical College, in Philadelphia, receiving a gold medal for his proficiency in surgery. He received the degree of Master of Arts from Monmouth College in 1882, and accepted an appointment as Hospital Resident Physician at Philadelphia upon a competitive examination. He was a Resident Physician of the Jefferson Medical College Hospital for one year, and then, in partnership with his father, he was a practitioner in Mercer Co., 111. He was then appointed by the general Government as physician at Fort Belknap, Montana. At the end of a year's service there, he resigned and came to Woodhull, this county, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his chosen calling, with satisfactory success. He is a member in high standing, of the " regular " school.

The Doctor is a Republican in his political views, and, with his wife, belongs to the Presbyterian Church. He has been President of the Village Board of Trustees. He is also the proprietor of a drug store in Woodhull, which he purchased in 1882. He is yet comparatively a young man, and is rising in his profession, and is highly esteemed by the community which he has selected for his home.

The Doctor was married Sept. 6, 1883, to Miss Nellie Holloway, a native of Illinois and the daughter of Robert Holloway. They have one daughter, named Kate.

wide as a reputable, well-to-do farmer. His residence is located on section 20, and upon the home farm he has good, comfortable buildings of all kinds. The number of his a. res has increased until to-day he is the possessor of 400 acres of excellent farming land. Mr. Rogers was born in Belmont, Ohio, Aug. 14, 1820. When he was three years old his parents moved to Tuscarawas County, the same State, where they resided for 19 years. They subsequently moved to Harrison Co., Ohio, where they lived for nine years. His father, Joseph Rogers, was a native of Maryland, as was also his wife, Mary Gilchell. As early as 1802 they came into Ohio, where they spent the remainder of their lives.

Mr. Rogers was married while living in Harrison Co., Ohio, May 20, 1850, to Catherine Huston. That was the county of her nativity, and the date of her birth was Aug. 20, 1831. Her parents, Edward and Catherine (Lamb) Huston, had long been residents of that section of Ohio. Mrs. Rogers died at her home in Burns Township, Jan. 29, 1864, She had, however, become the mother of eight children, - three sons and five daughters, as follows: Joseph, Edward, Jacob, Christina E. and Edith, who are living; and Mary C, Harriet J and Carrie E., who are deceased.

Mr. Rogers has held some of the minor offices of the township, and casts his hallot with the Republicans. The family are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church.

ohn J. Corkill, residing on section 25, Galva Township, is a native of the Isle of Man, having been born on that island, Sept. 7, 185 r. He is a son of John and Margaret (Kermode) Corkill, natives of the same island, and where his mother died, aged 42 years, leaving to the care of her husband four children, namely: Mrs. Ellen Lewen, who died in Ford County, this State; Mrs. Margaret Anderson, who also died in Ford County; John J., the subject of this notice; and Mary, who died in her 15th year. The father emigrated to this country in 1866, landing at Portland, Me., and coming direct to Galva, this county, where he engaged in the occupation of farming. He was again married and is at present residing in Ford County, this State.

John J. Corkill, whose biography we write, was 15 years of age when he emigrated to the United States. After arriving in this county he was occupied for five years in farming, then went into the coal business, in which he was engaged for ten years, working a shaft for himself. He was one of a company of three who conducted three shafts near Galva, and finally sold out to the Herdien Coal Company. He met with financial success in that business, and in 1870 purchased 160 acres of land, located on section 25, in Galva Township, on which he located and entered energetically and vigorously upon its improvement and on which he is at present residing, meeting with success in his chosen vocation.

The marriage of Mr. Corkill occurred Jan. 25, 1872, the lady of his choice being Miss Isabella Lewen, a native of the Isle of Man, where she was born in 1848. She is the daughter of Robert Lewen, and has borne her husband three children, - Pearl Idella, Merrick J. and Ella May.

son of Hans Hanson, whose military name was Herdelin, acquired while five years in the National Guards. His son Peter took his military name when he came to Aperica. His mother was Catherine Johnson, and is in Sweden. She was the mother of three children, viz. : Hans Hansen, deceased, his death occurring a year ago, aged 47 years; Christine, residing in Sweden ; and our subject. The father died in his native country in 1865, aged 55 years.

Peter acquired his education, which was but a limited one, in his native country, coming to America in August, 1864, landing in Oneida, Knox Co., and the first fall after his arrival there worked by the month. That winter he went into Knoxville, where he engaged to work in a cabinet-shop, and then learned carpentering, which occupation he followed for five years in Knox County. He went next to Woodhull, and engaged in a furniture store, remaining there a year, and in 1870 came to Galva. Here, in partnership with O. L. Peterson, he bought out L. Heddstrom, and has since conducted the business successfully. He and his partner started a branch store in Cambridge, which they ran for one year, then selling out to J. C. Runstrum. In 1876 he became interested in the mining business to some extent, selling coal.

Next he went to Kearney, Neb., at which place he started another branch furniture store, continuing the same for a year. Selling out, he and his partner engaged in the coal business, by forming a company of seven, and under the name of the " Galva Mining Company ;" they then bought out the other coal firm, and changed the name of the "Galva Mining Company " to the " Herdien Coal Company." In r88o they bought out Lewen, Corkill & Co., dividing their stock into 100 shares, which are all sold. The

Mr. Herdien was married Nov. 6, 1870, in Victoria, to Margaret Johnson, daughter of Louis Johnson, who came here in 1867, and settled in Center Prairiei Knox County. She was born July 9, 1848, in Sweden, and has become the mother of three children, viz. : Jennie M., born Oct. 17, 1871; Hebron Walter L, born Aug. 8, 1874; and Elmer Forest S., born May 22, 1876.

As a man who started in life with nothing, he has accumulated some of this world's goods, and through his industry, perseverance and energy has done exceedingly well. He is a respected and representative citizen.

ra Parker. There are a number of prominent and well-to-do farmers in Burns Township, of whom Mr. Ira Parker is one of the best known. His home farm is located upon section 9, where he has 340 acres of excellent land. His farm is well equipped, and he has one of the most pleasant residences in Henry County.

Our subject is a native of Delaware Co., N. Y., where he was born April 12, 1809. Joshua Parker, his father, and Susanna (Ransom) Parker, his mother, were also natives of New York State, and both died in Wayne County, of that State. They had 1 1 children, of whom Ira was the ninth. When 18 years of age he left home and began to make his own living. For a time he worked at the painter's trade and again during the winter taught school. We find him in the States of Louisiana and Mississippi during the next five years, where he also engaged in teaching. In 1853, about the time the railroad was built through the southeastern part of the county, many new settlers came into Henry County ; among these was Mr. Ira Parker. He soon found a fine location and made a settlement, which was at the very place where he is now living.

a wedding ceremony, Miss Mary L. Woodruff being a necessary second party. Their pilgrimage together, however, was very short, as the following year, 1855, Mrs. Parker died. One child was born of this union, Laura A., who is now the wife of Marion T. Whitney, of Lynn Co., Ore. Upon the 16th of September, 1858, Mr. Parker was a second time married. Mary L. Coul, a lady who was born in Putnam Co., N. Y., joined him in the holy bonds of matrimony. Mrs. Parker is the daughter of Elijah T. and Caroline (Hinman) Coul, both of whom were natives of the Empire State. They came to Henry County, however, in 1855, and are now residents of Kewanee. Mary L. was the elder of two children, and was born Oct. 12, 1835. Mr. and Mrs. Parker have four children, only two of whom are living, - Perry C. and Schuyler R. Ira V. and Carrie L. are deceased. Mr. Parker has been prominent in the public affairs of his township, and for four years has served it as Supervisor and also filled other official positions. Politically, he is a Republican.

A. Grove, physician, Galva, was bom Dec. 26, 1840, in Highland Co., Ohio. Si^-, The family is of English extraction. The progenitor of the family in America was - Rev. Richard Grove, born in Liverpool, where many prominent families by that name reside. He was a minister of the old High Church, and was educated in England ; emigrated to America, and located at Richmond, Va. It is supposed that he was sent over prior to the Revolution, about the year 1760. Here he labored until his death, which occurred shortly after the Revolution. He was united in marriage in England, and became the father of four children. Of these George Grove was the great-grandfather, and he was engaged as a farmer in Virginia, and also owned a large tobacco plantation in Loudoun Co., Va. He was also a slave-holder, and his demise occurred in Virginia. Several children were born to Mr. and Mrs. George Grove, namely : Thomas, who went to Highland Co., Ohio, when quite a boy, and there engaged in farming; while there he was united in marriage with Miss

Woods; they both died, leaving a family of 14 children, of whom 10 reached maturity; seven are now living, one of whom is a physician at Tipton, Tipton Co., Ind., and another brother is in Carthage, 111., engaged as a merchant; James M. is the father of our subject. He was born May 17, 1818, in Highland Co., Ohio. He was reared on the old homestead, assisting in farming. In the winter of 1838 he was married to Sarah Hamwick, who was born in Highland Co., Ohio. She became the mother of our subject, and died the day of his birth. Her parents were Rev. and Rebecca (Thurman) Hamrick. Her mother was an aunt of Allen G. Thurman, of Ohio; they both died there. James Grove was married a second time, to Elizabeth Faris, who was born in 1828, in Maysville, Ky., the. daughter of Joseph Faris, farmer in Kentucky. She and her husband became the parents of a family of six children, viz. : Thomas B., a miner in Idaho; Mrs. Emma Beeson, of Red Oak, Iowa ; Ida and Minerva, who is the wife of Charles Cook, a teacher in Nebraska ; James M. entered upon a mercantile career soon after he was married; in 1863 he entered the drug business, in Maquon, Knox County, to which place he came in 1858; when in Ohio he was a prominent local politician.

W. A. Grove, whose name heads this sketch, was educated in the Greenfield High School, where he graduated in the spring of T856, His medical education was received in Cincinnati, Ohio, at the Miami Medical College, at which place he graduated March 6, 1865. He located first in Maquon, practiced there successfully, for a young man, for five years, then went to Victoria, Knox Co., and in June, 1875, he located in Galva. He has been a successful physician, having built up a remunerative practice, and enjoying the esteem and confidence of the people to an enviable degree.

Mr. Grove formed a matrimonial alliance April 9, 1873, in Victoria, with Lizzie Jarnagin, born April 14, 1854, in Victoria. She is the daughter of J. L. Jarnagin, a wealthy retired farmer of that place. Of their union have been born two children, - Pearl, born March 14, 1875, and Grace, March 19, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Grove are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. G. is also a member of the Order of A. F. & A. M. Politically, he is a believer in the principles of the Democratic party.

£"ohn E. Norling, engaged in the drug busier ness at Galva, was born Jan. 13, 1859, in ^* Bishop Hill, this county, and is a son of Andrew and Elizabeth Norling, natives of Stalba Nora Socken, Sweden. They came to America four years after the Colony which settled in this county, arriving in New York Dec. 15, 1854, and in Galva, this county, Dec. 28, of the same year. On their arrival here they settled at Bishop Hill and connected themselves with the Colony, but left the same on its breaking up and settled in Galva Township, four miles north of Galva village, on section 17, where they are at present residing and have a farm of 122 acres. Their children were seven, viz. : Peter O., Andrew D., John E., our subject, Amanda, Matilda, Lillie and Alfred. The eldest is married to Amanda Nordstadt, daughter of Olaf Nordstadt, who has borne him two children, - Milford P. and LeRoy Arthur. Peter O. now has a grocery in Peoria, where he resides, and is also in partnership with John E., subject of this notice.

The latter received a good English education in the district schools of his native county. His parents being poor, he was unable to acquire a collegiate education, but commenced the study of pharmacy under Malcom Berg, a graduate of a famous institution of learning in Sweden. He studied under Mr. Berg about nine months, after which he engaged in clerking for L. P. Ek, whom he accompanied 'to Kearney, Neb., and where he remained four months, when he returned with Mr. Ek to Galva, this county, and worked for him here a short time. He then, in partnership with his brothers, Peter O. and Andrew D., purchased the interest of Mr. Ek in the business. This was Feb. 20, 1880, and the firm was known as Norling Bros. At that time the firm did a large business, having a brahch store at Nekoma and Bishop Hill, and also at the same time had a dry-goods and grocery store at Nekoma, besides being interested in a sheep ranch in Sherman County, Neb. In February, 1883, they sold the dry-goods and grocery store and in January sold their drug store. Mr. Norling of this sketch was at that time running the Galva store. May 9, r883, they dissolved partnership, Andrew and John E.

taking the sheep ranch and the store at Bishop Hill and Peter O. the Galva store. The former, Andrew, was engaged in running the Bishop Hill store, and Jan. 20, 1884, John E., subject of this notice, bought a branch store in Sutton, Neb., which he conducted until Sept. 25, of that year, when he sold it and invested more capital in the cattle and land business, having in the meantime also disposed of his interest in the Bishop Hill store. April 15, John E. and his brother Andrew bought out the Galva store, Peter 0. going to Peoria, and John E. is at present conducting the same at that place, the business being that of drugs, paints, oils, etc.

Mr. Norling, politically, is a believer in the tenets of the Democratic party. Socially, he is a member of the A. F. & A. M. His brother, with whom he has been engaged in business so long, is also a member of the A. F. & A. M., of the I. 0.0. F. and the A. O. U. W., and of which society Peter O. is likewise a member.

J 9, 1 840, in New Jersey, and is a son of John and Margaret (Hackett) Hoppoek, who died in Henry County, this township, the father Aug. 16, 1868, the mother July 1, 1884.

Wesley Hoppoek, of this sketch, was the 10th in order of birth of a family of 13 children, and his education was received principally in the district schools of Henry County. Remaining at home with his parents until he was 21 years of age, he assisted considerably on the farm and in the maintenance of the family, and at the age mentioned above he began farming for himself in Wethersfield Township, and has to-day a fine farm of 210 acres, all of which is under the finest improvements and cultivation, whichis attributable to his steady and hard labor. Upon his farm he has erected a fine residence, which is heated throughout with steam, and also has all necessary out-buildings, besides having all the land fenced mostly with hedge.

daughter of Moses and Catherine (Taylor) Jones, both natives of England, who came to Henry County in 1863. Mrs. Jones died in January, 1869, but Mr. Jones still survives. Of a family of five children, Mrs. Hoppock was the eldest, and was born in Pennsylvania, Oct. 4, 1849; the names of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Hoppock are as follows : Alice M.,born Jan. 26, 1874; Bertha E., Feb. 15, 1877; Lettie M. and Nellie M. (twins), Feb. 10, 1879; and Ernest E., Feb. 1, 1881. Mrs. Hoppock died in Wethersfield Township, Feb. 28, 1881, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, Mr. H. is identified with the Republican party.

imeon Mathews is one of an increasing class of well-to-do farmers who are retiring from active labors. They have spent the better part of their lives at hard, unceasing labor, and now in their old age have wisely determined to live at ease and in the enjoyment of the fruits of their earnest efforts.

In 1848 Mr. Mathews made his advent into Henry county and soon found a desirable location on section 9 of Burns Towriship. Here he began to improve a farm and since then has made his home here. Long years ago Mr. Mathews was regarded as one of the leading spirits in the community, and has ever been held in high esteem by his fellow pioneers. He was born in Connecticut, April 17, 1812. His parents were also natives of that State, where they passed their lives. Simeon, his father, and Rhoda (Rice) Mathews, his mother, were prominent New Englanders and reared a family of ten children, of whom our subject was the sixth.

Simeon passed the early years of his life in Connecticut, attending the common schools, and learned the trade of carpenter and cabinet-maker. In 1834, he left Connecticut and came to Ohio, where at different places he worked at his trade. After spending 14 years in that State and feeling that his best move was to locate on some land, he came West and in the fertile Military Tract of Illinois made a location.

born in that State and became the mother of three children, - Thomas L., David J. and Chauncy. All of the children, with their mother, have been laid at rest. Thomas L. was a member of the 112th 111. Vol. Inf., and died in the hospital at Knoxville, Tenn., from injuries received in the head from falling off a rock about three feet high. David J. and Chauncy died in Ohio. Mrs. Mathews died in Burns Township, March 27, 1868. Mr. Mathews was subsequently married to Mrs. Minerva Andrew, daughter of Jacob S. and Polly (Hinman) Hemingway, Sept. 13, 1870. She was the widow of Ojrin Andrew, who died in Osco Township, this county. By her former marriage she was the mother of five children, viz.: Watson L., Wallace W., Lucy A., Willis and Charles. Watson was a member of the 112th 111. Vol. Inf., and was killed at the battle of Resaca, Ga. Lucy A. was the wife of William Simonton and died in Iowa in August, 1878, leaving three children, - Frank, Minnie and Orrin. Willis was married to Sarah A. Hill, who bore him three children, - Ida M. Emma F. and Cora J. Wallace W. and Charles reside in Cass Co., Iowa. Mrs. Mathews was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., Feb. 27, 1816. Mr. Mathews is a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church, while Mrs. M. is connected with the Congregational Church.

esse R. Heath, Jr., of Annawan Township, has been a resident of Henry County since the first of January, 1855. He located on section 14, on which he lived one year, and at ]C the expiration of that time he settled on sec- I tion 1 6, where he has since carried on his business as a farmer. He 'owns 80 acres of land and it is all under cultivation. He is a native of the State of New Hampshire and was born in Merrimac County, Oct. 9, 1822. When he was 14, he accompanied his parents to the State of New- York. His father, Jesse Heath, Sr.,was born in the same county in which his son first saw the light, Jan. 12, 1787. The mother of Mr. Heath, Abigail Robbins, before her marriage, was born Oct. 16, 1788. She was married Feb. 4, 1808, and was a native of the State of New Hampshire. She bore six children, who were born as follows : Thomas J., Nov. 6, 1808 ; Hannah

Mr. Heath is a Republican in his political views. He has officiated in several local offices, among which are those of Commissioner of Highways, School Trustee and School Director. His farm is one of the most valuable for its size in Henry County and it is arranged for the rearing of a large amount of stock. His barn, which is the largest in the county, is 1O0 feet by 84 feet in dimensions. He is engaged in raising thoroughbred Short-horn Durham cattle; has 108 head of full-blood registered stock.

alker Espey. Just after the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad had been been built, land all along its line was rapidly taken up by settlers. Among those who located near that portion of it which runs through Henry County, was Mr. Walker Espey, who lives on section 32 of Wethersfield Township. He was born in Fayette Co., Pa., Aug. 4, 1814. There he passed his early life and lived until 1857. He was employed in farming and other occupations there, where he was also married and settled down in a home of his own. In June of the year named he came West and made his home in Stark Co., 111. For seven years he lived there, engaged in farming, .when he came over into Henry County and located on 80 acres of land on section 32 of Wethersfield Township. Besides this farm here, he owns 100 acfes in Stark County. He takes an active interest in public matters and is a well known and highly respected citizen. Politically, he

As above stated, Mr. Espey was married in Fayette Co., Pa., the date of this event being Dec. 14, 1836. The lady who then joined her fortunes with his and has been a helpmeet for well-nigh half a century, was Elizabeth S. Torrence, daughter of Hugh Torrence, a well known citizen of Fayette County. She was born Nov. 3, 1808, and became the mother of five children, - James, Margaret W., Mary J., Richard G. and Isabella C. James is deceased.

J. D. Dickinson, physician at Galva, is ^ a son °f Richard and Edna (Needham) JraV" Dickinson, and was born Jan. 13, r846, at j^ft Oberlin, Lorain Co., Ohio. Mr. Richard Dickinson, the father of our subject, was born Aug. 2r, i8r8, in Randolph, Portage Co., Ohio. He is still living, his place of residence being Grinnell, Poweshiek Co., Iowa, to which he removed in March, r884, and while there was engaged in farming. Jesse Dickinson, the grandfather, was born in Massachusetts. His occupation was that of a farmer, and in the War of 18 12 he was one of the brave soldiers. At the age of r4 he came as far West as Randolph, Portage Co., Ohio, and there lived. After marrying at the latter place, they went to Hudson, Summit Co., Ohio, and from there to Henry County, where he died, Feb. - , 1878, aged 87 years. He was married twice and had a family of six children, and he was of English extraction.

Mrs. Edna (Needham) Dickinson was born March, 1 814, in Massachusetts. Shortly after her birth she was taken to Coventry, Tolland Co., Conn., by her parents,, atwhich place she was educated and reared. At the age of T9 years she came to New York State and then to Oberlin, where she attended the Ladies' Seminary. She died in Wethersfield, this county, in March, 1868, and was the mother of three children, viz.: Jesse D., Oliver W., of Grinnell, Iowa, and George A., a teacher of Kewanee.

Our subject was educated in Kewanee, having come to Wethersfield in June, 1850, with his parents. He was a student at Wheaton College and then attended the Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, at which he graduated March 19, 1874, and in the spring of 1875 located at Wataga, Knox Co., 111., where he followed his profession, having practiced during the intervening time at Kewanee with Dr. Parsons, who had been his preceptor for a period of nearly three years. He remained at Wataga for nearly three years, when he came to Galva, where he built up a fine and lucrative practice, and one quite as satisfactory to himself as to his patrons.

Dr. Dickinson was married in this county Oct. 13, 1875, to Miss Eva Ray, who was born Aug. 27, 1854, in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of O. L. Ray, now of Pierson, Mich. Both himself and wife are members of the Congregational Church. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W., is a member of the Homeopathic Medical Association, and politically he is a Republican.

oseph Durmann. This gentleman, although beginning his active career under unfavorable circumstances, is to-day one the leading agriculturists of Henry County. He resides on section 33, Colona Township, and is engaged in general farming. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, Dec. 15, 1813. His father, Mike Durmann, was a German farmer, and died in his native country when Joseph was 17 years of age. In 1839, in order to secure better advantages for accumulating a competency, young Joseph Durmann left his native land and sailed for the United States. After a time we find him located in Ohio, and later on in the city of Rock Island. While living here he was married, on the 21st of April, 1845, in the city of Davenport, to Miss Amanda Killing. His wife was also of German nativity, but had come to America with her parents, who located at Davenport, when she was quite young.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Durmann settled in Rock Island city, where for several years Mr. Durmann followed the trade of cooper. This he had learned when a young man in his native country. He was a successful and skillful workman, and by perseverance and economy had accumulated a little means, so that by the year 1867 he was ready to assume the quiet, peaceful life of a farmer. At that time he came into Colona Township, where he pur- chased 320 acres of land. This he has brought to an excellent -state of cultivation and made upon it splendid improvements. He has also been enabled to increase his landed estate to 540 acres, and now has one of the best improved and most profitable farms in Henry County. He is one of the honest but shrewd and hard-working farmers we find scattered throughout the Northwest, who came here with the honest and worthy purpose of securing a home. He is a highly respected citizen of the community in which he resides, and has served it in some of the minor official positions. Politically, he is a Democrat. He has visited his native country since living in Henry County, but much prefers, as a place to live, the home offered by his adopted country.