Henry County, Illinois - The whole text, 1885 (part 7 of 31)

Mr. Henney is an adherent of the Republican party in political faith and acts. He has been conspicuous in his interest in educational matters, and has been the incumbent of the various school offices. He has also served in other local positions. He and Mrs. Henney are members of the Evangelical Association.

F. Bell, a member of the firm of Bell, Derby & Lagergren, merchants of Woodhull, was born in New Albany, Ind., Nov. 23, 1844. His parents were John and Sarah C \ (Durnell) Bell, natives respectively of England and Tennessee. He remained at home until he attained the age of legal majority, receiving 1 a common-school education. In 1864 he came to Illinois, and became a clerk and salesman in a gen- ' eral store for his brother, at Swedona, Mercer Co., 1 111., remaining there two years. He then engaged ,in mercantile business for himself in Blairstown, Iowa. Seven years afterward he sold out his interests there, and in March, 1874, he came to Woodhull and clerked for a brother, J. D. Bell, four years; then, in company with J. F. Derby and A. Lagergren, he bought out his brother, and the firm above mentioned conducted the business until the death of A. Lagergren, which occurred July 13, 1885. The business then passed into the hands of Bell & Derby. Besides his residence in Woodhull, Mr. Bell is the owner of 160 acres of land in Kansas. He is a Republican in his political views, and has held the office of Town Councilman. He is one of the leading business men of Woodhull and a representative man of this cpunty.

He was married Nov. 9, 187 1, to Miss Eunice E. Mayhew, a native of Iowa. Their two children are Fred H., born Aug. 4, 1876, and Isola, born Dec. 22, i88r.

aalvin S. Graves, druggist at Geneseo, was born June 28, 1824, in Herkimer Co., N. Y., and is the son of Ora and Polly (Fenr) Graves. ' All his immediate ancestors in both lines of descent were natives of the State of New York. His paternal grandfather was a soldier of the Revolution and served through the entire course of the struggle.. He was married while it was in^ progress.

The parents of Mr. Graves removed to Penfield, Monroe Co., N. Y., when he was but two "years of age. They remained there until he was seven, when they made another transfer of their home to Chautauqua-County, in the same State. He there passed the remaining years of his minority, and was married in May, 1845,10 Miss Martha Kingsley. They have a daughter and a son. Grace is the wife of J. -M. Sweeney, of whom an account is given elsewhere in this work ; Emery C. is the present City Attorney of Geneseo. Mrs. Graves was born in Ellington, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of Orrin Kingsley.

In April, 1853, Mr. Graves came to Illinois, and to Henry County in November of the same year. He took possession of a farm in Yorktown and was interested in agriculture until 1866, when he sold out his farming relations and removed to Geneseo. He passed his time in various business connections until

In the days when he commenced his interest in and connection with political issues, he was a Whig; but on the formation of the Republican party he fell into line with its adherents and has honored his colors with consistency.

1 illiam C. Stickney, engaged as a farmer in Clover Township, where he resides on section 27, was born Sept. 6, 1846, in Cambridgeport, Mass. His parents were Henry and Mary A. (Wood) Stickney, natives respectively of Vermont and New Hampshire, and settled with their family - Henry, Jr., Alfred and William C. - in April, T853, on the place now occupied by William C, whose father was accidentally killed Nov. 16, 1866. His mother still survives.

The subject of this sketch received a commonschool education in his early boyhood, and on the 13th day of April, 1870, was married to Miss Ida A. Clark, a native of Connecticut. Of their union have been born two children, viz. : William W. and M. Grace. Mr. Stickney is one of the prosperous and energetic men of Henry County, owning a farm of 260 acres, which is all improved and under excellent cultivation. He is also a member of the firm of Howell, Woods & Co., bankers, at Woodhull.

ohn McDermott. One of the energetic, industrious and prosperous men of Oxford Township, is Mr. John McDermott. He is engaged in farming on section 26, and was born in Ireland in 1831. Having enjoyed the educational advantages of the schools of that early day, besides assisting his parents in the farm duties, in the year 1853 he emigrated to America, and in New York city located and worked for some months. From there he went into Monroe County, same State, and engaged working there for about two years, when he rented a farm and began work for himself. He followed the latter for about a year ; and, thinking that he could ameliorate his condition by operating further West, he finally concluded to try, which he did by coming into Illinois, where he located in Oxford Township, and worked a year by the month. In the year 1864 he made a purchase of a team, then rented the land he is now residing upon, being 80 acres, and remained as a renter of the same for about six years. Buying the place at the expiration of that time, he has since added to it, until he now owns 320 acres in this township, and \\d acres in Knox County. On his farm in Henry County he carries on general farming and stockraising, doing a successful and constantly increasing business. The land he has under excellent cultivation and improvement, which is all attributable to his own hard labor and the assistance of his good helpmeet.

In 1853 Mr. McDermott was married to Miss Mary A. Paul, also a native of Ireland, and they «; have become the parents of four children, - Peter, /» Mary A., Ellen and John ; the eldest married Miss « Nora Moran ; Mary A. has become the wife of John #fc Murphy, and John is deceased. =

In political opinions Mr. McDermott affiliates with the Democratic party, and, with his wife, be longs to the Catholic Church of Woodhull. He is considered one of the solid and representative men of Henry County.

klias Curtiss Gilbert, a farmer on section 31, Geneseo Township, was born in the town of Richmond, Ontario Co., N. Y., Jan. 27, 1836. His father, Horace Gilbert, was the son of Deacon Elias Gilbert, who settled in Richmond, in Ontario County, in 1803. The latter was a farmer, a tanner and a shoemaker. He made each of his business interests successful, and was a resident on his farm for a period of 50 years. About fp) 1853, he went to Iowa and located at Gilbertstown, situated three miles from Davenport. He died « there at the age of 95 years, and was, at the time of his death, the senior member of the Order of Masonry in the United States. Horace Gilbert was born in Richmond, in March, 1802, and was all his J life a farmer. In his youth he connected himself in membership with the Congregational Church, and was for many years a Deacon. He married Ann E. Carpenter. He died on the homestead in Richmond, May 4, 1862. His widow still survives and resides with her daughter in the State of New York.

Mr. Gilbert was brought up on the homestead of the Gilbert family in Richmond, and was sent in his boyhood to the common schools. He afterwards went to the Genesee Wesleyan Collegiate Institute at Lima, Livingston Co., N. Y., one year. He engaged in teaching in the winter seasons and worked on the farm alternately until 1857, when he started for the West. He made his first settlement on the farm which he now owns, and on which he has been a continuous resident, in Henry County. At the time of his purchase of the place, a few acres had been broken and a small frame house built. The entire place, containing 240 acres, is in a high state of cultivation and is supplied with excellent frame buildings. Mr. Gilbert has planted a variety of all kinds of trees common to the locality. He is the owner of valuable live stock, including horses, cattle and swine: also makes a specialty of raising fullblood Merino sheep, from the celebrated flocks of Bissel; also the flock of Atwood, of Vermont.

He was married Feb. 23, 1857, to Florinda Beach, and they have had six children. Four are living, who are named Elon B., Horace S., Anna E. and Laura C. The oldest son married Cora M. Thomas and is a resident of Geneseo. Horace married Candace Powell, and is a citizen of the same place. A pair of twin daughters died at the age of six months. They were named Mory and Mary. Mrs. Gilbert was born in Bristol, Ontario Co., N. Y. and is the daughter of Stephen and Sally (Clark) Beach.

F. Derby, of the firm of Bell, Derby & Lagergren, merchants, of VVoodhull, was born in Cambridge, Henry Co., 111., Jan. 13, 1854. His parents were Benjamin and Lydia J. (Pinckney) Derby, who were natives of the State of New York, and came to the Prairie State in pioneer times, settling at Cambridge, this county. Mr. J. F. Derby, our subject, received a fair education, having attended Hedding College, at Abingdon, 111., for three years. In 1867 he commenced to make his home with J. D. Bell, his brother-in-law, at Woodhull, and remained with him until he was of age; then entered his employ as a clerk, which position he filled until 1878, when he became a partner in the business and the firm named Bell, Derby & Lagergren. This relation he now sustains. He is one of the leading business men of Woodhull, a representative man of Henry County, and is prosperous in his business. He owns a half section of land in Kansas, besides his residence here. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, one of the Village Trustees, and in politics is a Republican.

Mr. Derby and Miss F. E. Black, a native of Indiana, were joined in matrimony Sept. 2, 1877, and they have two children, - Frances L., born Nov. 7, 1878, and Ernest F., born Nov. 25, 1880.

i,romwell K. Bartlett, deceased, was a member of the Geneseo colony who set- H?»u tied in Henry County in 1836. The col- $ fo ony was organized in Western New York and ^* consisted of seven members. Mr. Bartlett, with Jghn C. Ward and Roderick R. Stewart, came to Henry County on behalf of the association to select land. They accomplished the duty and secured that now included in the site of the city of Geneseo. They returned to New York, and on making their report the members of the organization formed a resolution to come to Illinois the same fall ; and five families did so. The party set out in their own wagons, and, traveling across Canada, Southern Michigan and Northern Indiana, arrived, after a journey of seven weeks, at their destination. The incidents of the route were such as might be expected at that season of the year, over a country which was itself in the earliest days of settlement, and when the thoroughfares were in the same condition.

Mr. Bartlett was the builder of the first hou%e that was erected on the site where Geneseo now stands. It was constructed of logs, and stood a little north and east of the brewery, and across the creek. He also built a saw-mill and a grist-mill. The date of the arrival of the party, of which he and his family were a part, was Nov. 4, 1836.

He was married Sept. 28, 1 817, to Miss Catherine Hess. The name of her father was George Hess, and she was born in the township of Rush, in Montgomery Co., N. Y., July 14, 1799. She bore nine children, - four sons and five daughters : The firstborn was a son and died in childhood, as did Norman, the second] in order' "of birth; William was drowned in the Fraser River, in British America; Hiram lives in Iowa; George died in 1854, in Geneseo; Mary E. is the wife of Hiram J. Cady, of Geneseo; Amanda married C. M. Taylor, of Nevada; Lucinda was the wife of William Austin, of Edford Township : she died in 1868 ; Julia married Silas M. Cady, of Brooklyn, Iowa; Martha A. is Mrs. L. Hicks, of Janesville, Cal.

Mr. Bartlett passed his life in the occupations of of a miller and farmer. He operated in both these lines of business from the date of his removal to Henry County, and in 1837 and 1838 he was the owner of an extensive dairy for that period, as it comprised 30 cows. The herd was bought in Knox County, and the milk was utilized in the manufacture of butter and cheese. The former sold readily at 38^ cents per pound, and the latter at 25 cents. Mr. Bartlett died at Palestine, 111., March 4, 1844. His widow still survives him, and for ten years has been a member of the family of Mrs. Cady, at Geneseo. She is 86 years of age.

eorge Brown, merchant in the township of Colona, is the present Treasurer of the ? K township, in which he has been a resident since 1856. He was born in Durham, England, and is the son of George and Ann (Teasdale) Brown, who were both natives of the shire of Durham, in the same country. He was sent in his earliest childhood to the public schools, and at the age of nine years was put to work in the mines. Those who have investigated the manner of conducting the English collieries can understand what is required of the children who perform a species of labor which cannot be done by those who have attained to the size of adults. But it is, perhaps, a wise regulation, as it enables the heads of families to support their children in much greater comfort than would otherwise be possible. The place in which Mr. Brown worked necessitated his rising at four o'clock in the morning, and he passed 12 hours daily in a mine which was hundreds of feet below the surface of the earth. With the exception of about r8 months, which he passed at school, Mr. Brown worked in the colliery until he was 2r years of age. He had meanwhile obtained a fair education in the evening schools, which were established for the benefit of the children who were obliged to pass their days in labor. He had a natural liking for books, and he availed himself of the privilege the schools afforded to indulge his tastes.

On attaining his majority he commenced the full work of a miner, and continued the pursuit as a vocation until 1854. In that year he left his native land to test the promise of the New World. He came to America in a sail vessel and landed at the port of New York after a voyage of six weeks. He went to Johnstown, Penn., and there sought employment at the business to which he had been trained in his native land. He operated as a miner there for the space of six weeks, and then went thence to West Columbia, on the Ohio River, in West Virginia. He passed six months in the mines at that place, and in August, 1855, he made his way to Coaltown,in Rock Island County. He was occupied in mining there a year and came to Henry County. He again engaged in mining at Minersville, in the township of Colona, and was engaged in that business about six months. At the end of that time he went to the city of Pittsburg, Pa. ; entered the mines at that place and soon afterward sustained severe injuries from being burned while at work in them. He was disabled until the month of November, in the same year, and as soon as he had sufficiently recovered he returned to Coaltown, whither he had come in 1854. He there resumed mining and operated until 1858, when he came again to Minersville, and was employed in the capacity of a miner three and a half years. At that time he obtained the position of check weighman and officiated therein three years. In 1865 he formed a partnership with a man named Jacob Smith, and opened a store for the sale of general merchandise in Colona. They conducted their business jointly n years, and since their dissolution in 1876 Mr. Brown built a store and commenced in business himself,

Mr. Brown has been elected to fill various official positions in the local affairs of the township, among which are those ,of Justice of the Peace and Clerk.

His marriage to Margaret Bell took place Sept. 20, 187 1. She was born in Durham, England, and died at her home in Co'ona, July 3, 1881. She left no children. An adopted daughter married John Allen, and they live at Angus, Boone Co., Iowa.

ustaf Lindquist, who is engaged i»> farming upon section n, Lynn Township, is an illustration of what many men of his nativity have accomplished in a few short years in this country, and especially in Henry County, which contains a large and respectable Swede element. Mr. Lindquist was born in Kalmar Lan, Sweden, Oct. 11,1832. His father, Jonas P. Jonson, was a farmer in the same section of Sweden, and there met and married Christina Johanson, who was also born in Kalmar Lan. The elder Jonson was an active, hard-working man, and died in his native land in 1876, at about the age of 76 years. His widow, now 81 years of age, lives in Sweden with one of her children. Accompanying Gustaf to this country was a sister, Louisa, and the two located in Jamestown, N. Y., where his sister remained for about 14 years, when she was married and with her husband moved to Minnesota. His brother, Charles J., came to the land of freedom in i860 ; and, ere he had been under the flag of the stars and stripes a year, a herculean effort was made by rebel hands to trail it in the dust. The love for his adopted country so early enkindled in his breast prompted him to go to its defense. While at Vicksburg he died from exposure, as many of the brave boys in blue also did.

In 1854, our subject came to Andover, this county, where he engaged as a general laborer. On his arrival here he had but $1 in his pocket. In 1857, he embarked in a farming enterprise for himstlf. He rented a farm, but owing to the bad crop he was left in a worse condition financially than when he first began. He was not, however, to be baffled, or to abandon agricultural pursuits. He secured 20 acres of wild land, and began its improvement, determining to make a home for himself. When one looks upon the well improved and cultivated farm where he now lives, the story of his success is told.

About the time he began farming for himself, he and Miss Caroline Morse determined to unite their fortunes and fight the battle of life together. This union was consummated Dec. 28, 1857. The wife was born July 8, 1840, in Sweden, and was brought to America by her mother, who settled in the city of Chicago, where the mother shortly afterward died. Her father, who was a soldier, did not come across the Atlantic to America until the following year. He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. L., in 1870, aged 57 years. After the death of her mother, Mrs. L. came further West and lived with a stranger until her father came, with whom she lived until her marriage. The record of the children, who number six, that have been born to Mr. and Mrs. L., is as follows: Thomas T.,^born Sept. 23, 1867 ; Edward, Feb. 23, 1870; Amanda, June 23, 1873, and three who are dead. The three former are living at home and attending the district school. The family are connected with the Lutheran Church. Politically, Mr. L. is a Republican, and has for many years served as School Director.

ohn Wight, a citizen of Cambridge, has been a resident of Henry County since 1854, a * period of over 30 years. He was born July 14, 1809, near Montreal, Canada, of American parentage, they being natives of Massachusetts, is the son of William W. and Polly (Griswold) Wight. They were the parents of nine children, and came to Henry County to spend the closing years of their lives. Both are now deceased. Mr. Wight was brought up and educated in Ohio. He acquired a knowledge of the business of carpenter and millwright in Lake County, in that State, and followed it there 18 years, or from 1836 to 1854.

He was married March 1, 1832, in Lake County, to Sarah A. Ballard, and they had five children - William K., Lucien T., Charles Day (deceased) and Reuben E. The mother died Feb. 5, 1875, in Cambridge. The second marriage of Mr. Wight, to Mrs.

Mr. Wight reached Cambridge with his family April ir, 1854. He spent the season ensuing in breaking prairie, and then turned his attention to the business in which he spent ij2 years, and which he prosecuted with success. In the course of the time named he moved 1,033 buildings and raised 147 others.

In early life Mr. Wight was actively interested in political affairs. On becoming a voter he adopted the principles of the Whig party. Succeeding events, including the agitation of the slavery question, made him an adherent of the Free-Soil element, and since the organization of the Republican party he has been its unswerving adherent. He has been a life-long abstainer from the use of intoxicants, and has been consistent in his advocacy of temperance principles. Although he is 76 years of age, he is in firm, sound health, and able to work if necessity required. He reads without the aid of glasses.

He has spent three winters in Natchez, Miss., and New Orleans, La., to avoid a pulmonary difficulty which threatened. Mrs. Wight is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

acob W. Winana, general farmer of Andover Township, residing on section 13, was born in Union Co., N. J., July 16, 1857 . His father, Nathan Winans, was the grandson of one of three brothers who came to America from Holland prior to the American Revolution. His grandfather, Aaron, as well as his own father, was a farmer. Mr. Winans' parents are still residents of New Jersey, in Union County.

Mr. Winans, the youngest of a family of seven children, was brought up and educated in his native State, residing at home until about 1881, when he came to this State, and commenced working for his uncle, E. M. Crane After his marriage, in 1884, he purchased 127 acres of land on section 13, Andover Township, where he is now resident. He is a breeder of thoroughbred cattle, making a specialty of . Herefords. The bull is registered and called " Peace

Feb. T3, 1884, is the date of Mr. Winans' marriage to Sally M. Williamson (see sketch of R. Williamson). Mrs. W. was born in Mercer Co., N. J., Dec. 1, 1856, and was five months old when her parents came to this county, settling in Munson Township, where she was reared and educated in the public schools.

rank G. Welton, County Clerk of Henry County (1885), resident at Cambridge, was born April 14, 1843, near Waterbury, New Haven Co., Conn. His earliest progenitors in America were John and Mary (Upson) Welton, who emigrated hither from England about the year r667- Twelve years later, in 1679, they settled in Waterbury. Mr. Welton belongs to the seventh generation of their descendants, and the following is the line of his succession : Richard, Eliakim, Richard (2d), Noah, Miles and Albert. Albert married Susan E. Bidwell and their children were Frank G, Mary E., George W. and Clarence W. In early life Mr. Albert Welton acquired a knowledge of wood-turning and passed many years in the pursuit of that vocation. He became a citizen of Cambridge in r85r, and was principally engaged in farming until 1879, when he removed to Lancaster Co., Neb.

Frank G. Welton was eight years of age when his parents removed to Illinois, and he has been since 1 85 1 a resident of the place where he is now discharging the duties pertaining to the position of a prominent county official. Two months after he reached the age of 18 years, he entered the military service of his cauntry, enlisting in July, 186 1, in Co. B, 42d 111. Vol. Inf. His regiment was first commanded by Col. Wm. A. Webb, and was attached to the Western Army. After the evacuation of Columbus, Ky., the " 42d " was assigned to service connected with the United States Squadron under the command of Commodore Foote, and participated in the siege of Island No. 10. After the capture of that rebel stronghold, the regiment again became an auxiliary of the army, in front of Corinth. Mr. Wei- ton was a participant in the campaign under Sherman until the battle of New Hope Church, Ga., on May 29, 1864, m which he received five bullet wounds. One struck the knee of his right leg, and he afterwards underwent amputation. Jan. 1, 1865, he was made Sergeant, and March 4 of the same year he was honorably discharged.

He returned to Cambridge and obtained employment for a time in a drug-store. In 1868, he established the same business in his own interest, at Swedona, Mercer Co., 111. He was obliged to bring his business to a close on account of the difficulties attendant upon the loss of his leg, and he returned to Cambiidge. He obtained a situation in the office of the Circuit Clerk, which position he held a little over one year. In November, 1 869, he was elected County Clerk of Henry County as a Republican, and has been his own successor at every recurring election since.

April 30, 1866, Mr. Welton was married to Ella M., daughter of Dr. Dexter G. Clark. Their marriage occurred at Wheaton, Du Page Co., 111. Mrs. Welton was born Dec. 13, 1849, in Rockford, 111. The children now included in the household are five in number : Albert D., Clarence W., Kate C, Mabel E. and Susan B.

-Silliam A. Mussey, a grain dealer at Atkinson, was born in Rutland, Vt., Jan. 22, 1839. He was brought up in his native county, and had just passed his minority when the Civil War made its unwelcome appearance, and in September, 1862, he enlisted in the 12th Regt. Vt. Vol. Inf. He was in the service but nine months, when his term of enrollment expired.

He returned to Rutland, and was there engaged in business until his removal to Illinois, which occurred in the fall of 1868. He located at Atkinson, where he entered upon the prosecution of the enterprise in which he has since been engaged. He is rated as among the most reliable and responsible business men of ,the gounty. He is the owner of

160 acres of excellent land on section 23, in the township of Atkinson, and he is considered one of the model farmers, as is commonly the case when the principles of the agriculture of the New England States are put into practice on the fruitful acres of the prairie. The grain business of the Brothers Mussey is of extensive relations, and the elevator which they own and operate has a capacity of 50,- 000 bushels.

Mr. Mussey was married to Louisa Nowers, March 31, 1868. She is a native of Oneida Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of Thomas and Decima (Foster) Nowers, who are natives of England and are residents of Atkinson! An extended sketch of the parents of Mrs. Mussey is to be found elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Mussey was born May 2, 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Mussey have two children : Clara F. was born Nov. 6, 1874. The birth of Henry-R. occurred Dec. 7, 1875.

illiam Whitney, engaged as a farmer on section 26, Clover Township, was born May r3, 1823, in Washington Co., Ohio. His parents, John and Sarah (Chapman) Whitney, natives of Massachusetts, came to Ohio in a very early day, where they engaged in farming. The father died in 1849.

The subject of this sketch remained at home until he attained the age of legal majority, receiving a district-school education. He then worked as a common laborer, and rented a farm for a time, and in 1847 he purchased 40 acres of timber land, and occupied it for six years, improving it and bending all his energies toward making a good home. He then sold out and came to DeKalb County, this State ; and, after spending a winter there, he resided two years in Winnebago Co., 111., upon a rented farm ; likewise for three years he was a renter in Boone Co., 111.; and in i860 he removed into this county and purchased 40 acres on section 16, Clover Township; after remaining on the same for five years, he sold it and bought 80 acres on section 17, and lived there until 1882, when he purchased 120 acres on sections 26 and 27, Clover Township, where he now resides. Mr. W. is a successful agriculturist, is a Greenbacker, a member of the Christian Church and of the Masonic Order, and has served one term as School Director, and one as Path Master.

Feb. 15, 1844, is the date of Mr. Whitney's marriage to Miss Jane Cheffy, a native of Virginia. They have had six children, as follows : George W., who married Hattie Osborn, has five children - Anna J., William S., Luella, Harvey S. and John ; Sarah who married James Woodworth, has three children - William H., Flora B. and Sarah M.; Charles E., united in marriage to Lura Mosher; the other three are deceased. Mrs. Whitney died* Aug. 28, 1885.

eorge Washington Bowe, a farmer in Phenix Township, has been a resident of Henry County since 1851. He was born May 20, T825, in Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y., and is the son of John Smith and Rachel (Shearer) Rowe. In 1836 the family started from Steuben County for Illinois. They traveled with their own teams to Erie, Pa., where they took passage on a steamboat on Lake Erie for Detroit. At the time, the family included the father, mother and five children. They started with three horses and a wagon, and after leaving the boat at Detroit they resumed their journey with their team. They were on the road six weeks and settled in Whiteside County, to which place the father had come the previous year and had made a claim in the township of Portland. He had stayed long enough to build a log house, and the househould found it a welcome retreat after the tedious journey in the wagon. The stay of the father at the time he secured his claim extended from the fall of 1835 until June, 1836. In addition to the erection of a shelter for his family, he broke a considerable portion of prairie and put in a crop.

The house was covered with clapboards, which were retained in their places by poles. The structure was 16 x 16 feet in dimensions. A barn of logs was also built on the place, both of which were destroyed in the tornado of June 5, 1844. The buildings were entirely demolished and the family were the severest sufferers in the county. Two sons were killed, and a daughter was so seriously injured that she suffered all her after life from the consequences. The father was also badly inured. A large number of cattle belonging to the farm were destroyed, and one cow was transported a half-mile and set down on the top of a hot cook-stove ! The animal had sufficient vitality left to administer a severe kick to a son of the owner of the cook-stove. The senior Rowe died in Portland, Dec. 9, 1852. The mother is also now deceased. The names of the sons who lost their lives in the tornado were Delanson and William. The whole number of the children were seven. George W., of this sketch, is the oldest. Lavinia is the wife of La Fayette Crandall, of Erie, Whiteside County. Eliza Ann married Henry Kempster, of Portland Township, in the same county. Mary is the wife of James Corkings, of Whiteside Co., 111.

Mr. Rowe passed the remaining years of his minority in the township of Portland, working on the farm and attending the public schools, which were of the pioneer variety. At the age of 25 years he became the head of a family of his own. In 1850 he was married to Julia, daughter of John and Lydia (Hall) Kempster. Her parents were among the pioneer settlers of Whiteside County. She was born Aug. 25, 1826, in Oneida Co., N. Y. About the time of his marriage, Mr. Rowe bought 40 acres of land, and also made a Government claim of a similar amount in addition. He built a frame house and improved his place in the best manner, fencing it in good shape and setting out fruit, shade and other trees, and small fruit in considerable variety. He continued to own the place until 1851, when he sold it preparatory to a removal to Henry County. He here again set out in life in pioneer style, building a log house on 160 acres of land, which he secured in Phenix Township. After erecting the cabin of the pioneer he set about the work of making improvements, and soon after he built a good frame house. He reaped the reward of the faithful and diligent husbandman, and made further purchases until he was the possessor of an aggregate of 700 acres. He has since deeded a portion of the estate to his children. Mr. and Mrs. Rowe have been the parents of four children. The oldest and youngest, Ann Eliza and Arthur, are deceased. The daughter died at the age of three years, and the demise of the son took place when he was three years and eight months old.

Viola, the second in order of birth, is the wife of John Guild, and lives in Gage Co., Neb. Edith, the third in order of birth, is the wife of John Walker, of Phenix.

enry L. Kiner, editor and proprietor of the Henry County News, published at Geneseo, was born Feb. i, 1851, in Perry Co., Pa., at the foot of the celebrated Mt. Nemo, in Shafer's Valley. He comes of German stock in the paternal line of descent, and is a member of a'family who have been known in the literary circles of the continent for many generations. The well known German poet, Theodore Koerner, came of the same race-tree, and the original orthography of the patronymic, and that still preserved in Germany, is what is made familiar by the distinguished relative of Mr. Kiner. The latter is the son of William Kiner. The father's ancestors came to the Western Continent in the early days of its history, and they came with the purpose of founding a permanent home, which they fulfilled in every particular. They helped bear the burden of the Revolutionary period, and in that contest the grandfather of Mr. Kiner served as a Captain. He was also a commissioned officer of the War of 181 2. The mother of Mr. Kiner, whose name before her marriage was Margaret A. Calhoun, is a member of the same family to which John C. Calhoun belonged.

While he was in early childhood, the parents of Mr. Kiner removed their family and interests to Illinois. »They settled in Ottawa, La Salle County, and he there passed the days of later boyhood and early youth. The greater part of his education he obtained at Farm-Ridge Seminary in La Salle County. He completed a full course of study, and was graduated at the age of 17.

He came to Geneseo in the fall of 1869, and entered the drug-store of Moderwell & Co. He remained in that position one year, and on the termination of his relations with that firm he went to Prophetstown, in Whiteside County, and bought a drug-store there, in company with Dr. R. E. Barnes. They continued its management jointly about a year. The proclivities and tastes of Mr. Kiner were of an entirely different character from those required by the routine of business drudgery, and at the expiratien of the time named he relinquished his project of winning fame and fortune in mercantile avenues, and returned to Geneseo.

He at once entered upon the fulfillment of a long cherished project to pass his life in a journalistic pursuit, and established the newspaper to which he is still devoting his energies and abilities. The initial number of the News was issued in January, 1874, and was received from the outset with general favor, which has never abated. On the contrary, the journal has continued to increase in favor and popularity, and has won a substantial recognition in journalistic circles as a reliable, enterprising, wideawake sample of the modern newspaper. The literary style of Mr. Kiner is such as to ensure the approval of the general class of readers, being of the breezy, cheery character that should mark the paper designed to meet the requirements of the classes who are generally its patrons in a rural district, and who depend almost wholly on the weekly paper for their connection with the world at large. The News has been in existence about 12 years, and during that time has never missed an issue. In political tendency it is independent. In size it is attractive and seems to promise the subscriber a full return for his investment, being a nine-column folio.

Mr. Kiner has won a modest fame as a poet, and is the possessor of an autograph letter of Henry W. Longfellow, expressing the kindest and heartiest appreciation of the efforts of his namesake. The latter was a contributor to the public prints before he had reached the age of 17. In addition to his abilities, he possesses the pluck and energy to push a project to a successful issue. When he started the News at Geneseo, he did so under the most discouraging circumstances and with the prestige of assured failure. He was still a very young man, and there were already on record the failures of a half-dozen of similar enterprises. But he has made a different showing, and has achieved a substantial success. At the date of starting his paper he was in possession of a cash capital of $1,500, which has swelled through his industry and perseverance to a property of respectable dimensions.

The marriage of Mr. Kiner to June Howard took place at St. Louis, Mo., June 7, 1882. She was born in Mendota, 111., and is the daughter of A. and illiam S. Woolsey, a pioneer of Henry County of 1835, living a retired life at Cambridge, was born Feb. 4, 1807, at Half Hollow Hills, Suffolk Co., L. I., N. Y. The earliest recorded ancestor in the paternal line came from England to the New World and ^ located in Connecticut. He reared five children, all of whom became heads of families in the States, with one exception, in the case of a daughter who went to St. Johns, Nova Scotia, as the wife of a British officer. John Woolsey, one of the sons, father of Mr. Woolsey of this personal narration, became a soldier of the Revolution. He removed to Long Island, in company with his brother Israel. He there married Phebe Rogers, who was born on the island, of English parentage. She died there, after having given birth to 12 sons: Gilbert, John, Jesse, Woodhull, Zebulon, Daniel, Jarvis, Henry, Abel, Israel, Moses and William S. ;

The latter is the only survivor. He came to Illinois in company with his brothers, Jesse and Abel, and the trio were the. only ones of the brotherhood who came to the State. Mr. Woolsey made a short stay at St. Louis, while Jesse Woolsey, with three others, representing the interests of an incorporated company styled the " New York Association," came in June, 1835, to Henry County, to select a site for the location of a colony. They had expected to settle near the present site of the city of Galesburg, but earlier prospectors had been there and they sought another location. The names- of the committee were Pillsbury, Slaughter and Pike, and they founded a city on sections 8 and 17, of town 15 north, ranges 1 and 2 east, and named it Andover, that it might have the prestige of the scholarly culture and learn- ^ ing that had made the name prominent in the East. Jesse and William S. Woolsey settled on land now included in the site of Andover village. They were stockholders in the association, and each was the owner of 20 acres of timber, a village lot of two and a half acres and a quarter section of farming land. Jesse Woolsey was the first hotel-keeper at Andover, and his brother worked at his trade as carpenter. About the year 1842 he sold the land he held by virtue of hk connection with the stock company, and bought a quarter of section 15, which he placed in profitable agricultural condition. In 1881 he removed to Cambridge, where he has since been a resident. He sold his farm in Andover, after his removal thence. He is now the owner of 80 acres in the same township.

After a residence of two years in Henry County, he returned to Huntington, L. I., where, March 13, 1838, he was married to Sarah C. Piatt. She was born at Huntington, Aug. 25, 1814, and is the daughter of Gilbert and Maria (Conklin) Piatt. Both her parents were natives of Long Island. Following is the record of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Woolsey: William H. resides in Webster Co., Iowa. The others who are living are : John Piatt, Sarah M. and Ida N. Three older children died while young. The parents and children are all, except one, members of the Congregational Church. Mr. Woolsey is a dyed-in-the-wool Republican.

John Piatt Woolsey was born June 29, 1839, in the township of Andover, and he obtained his education in the common schools. He engaged in farming on arriving at independent manhood, in which he was interested until November, 1883, when he sold his farm and engaged in the sale of hardware and agricultural implements at Cambridge, associated with A. B. Lafferty.

He was married Dec. 30, r87S, t0 Eliza Hammar, a native of Westmoreland Co., Pa. Three of their children are living - Sarah F., Carrie and Edward.

Pliny and Lavina (Mann) Pomeroy, and his parents were born respectively in Northampton, Conn., and in Fairfield, where the son was born. In 1829 they removed to Leyden Hill, Lewis Co., N. Y. The son was brought up to the business of a farmer, and he obtained a fair education in the common schools. When Mr. Pomeroy, of this sketch, attained the age of legal freedom he entered into a partnership with a man named Henry Winslow, and they conducted a joint business in the manufacture

In 1857 Mr. Pomeroy removed to Henry County and bought a farm in Western Township, «It was all wild land, and he gave his entire attention td the labor of improving a homestead, erecting a good class of buildings and planting an orchard. He was the occupant of the place until his removal 14 years later to Iowa, where he settled two miles from Kellogg, in Jasper County. He bought an improved farm, and also invested in wild land. Between three and four years later he sold out there and came, in 1870, to the township in which he has since resided. He built the residence his family occupies in Colon a. In 1842, Mr. Pomeroy was married to Nellie Sherman, a native of Brockville, Canada, and they have six children - Lavina, wife of T. W. Beese; Ella, wife of Perry Hanna; Amasa, Emery, Colonel Edward and Charles A.

trank E. Kemmis, a farmer on section 10, Loraine Township, was born on the same section on which he is now living, June 9, 1862. He is the only son now living of Cornelius and Adeline (Adams) Kemmis. His father, of whom a portrait is presented on the opposite page, was a pioneer settler of the county in 1836, and made his claim in Loraine Township before the land came into market.

The latter was born in the town of Cambridge, Washington Co., N. Y., Feb. 15, 1808. He was reared on the farm of his father, who died when he was 18. He had two older brothers, who .were away from home, and he remained with his mother and sister and devoted himself to their care and support. He had obtained his education as he could in the intervals of farm labor, in which he was obliged to assist while his father was still living, and he made a business of studying evenings until he was the possessor of a fair education.

He was 28 when, in 1836, he came West to seek a better opportunity to get on in the world, as the East was already too full of hangers-on, and he was hot of a temperament that could sit down tamely to a life of small effort and results of corresponding size.

In the fall ensuing he came to Henry County, secured his claim on section 10, Loraine Township, and prepared for the reception of his mother and sister, who joined him as soon as he was ready for them. They took possession of a small log cabin, and Mr. Kemmis proceeded with the work of putting his property in profitable condition. As soon as the land sales came on he purchased his claim, obtaining the deed from the Government. In 1839 he built a more suitable log house, which was 16 x 30 feet on the ground and a story and a half in height. 1 his constituted the family residence until 1868, when he built a convenient and commodious frame house. He pushed his business plans with success, and improved 200 acres of land. At the time of his death he was the owner of about 400 acres.

His marriage to Adeline Adams took place Nov. 27, 1854. She was a native of the township of Aurora, in Erie Co., N. Y., and her parents, Luther and Ruby Adams, were born respectively in Massachusetts and Vermont. They were members of the pioneer class in the western part of the State of New York. The son whose name leads this personal narration is the youngest child and only son now living; Addie E. is the wife of Harry Roberts, a farmer of Sumner Co., Kan.; Quincy A., the oldest son, was born in Loraine Township, Oct. 31, 1855, and died in the same place Feb. 9, 1880. He was a finely educated man, and was a popular teacher in the public schools. He also served in the capacity of Justice of the Peace. Sarah, the third child, was born Dec. 12, 1858, and died April 23, 1862.

Cornelius H. Kemmis was a man in whom dwelt the proper spirit for a genuine pioneer. He had the sagacity to understand that the public weal was the true foundation of the welfare of the individual, and he had the generous nature that felt its best reward in the well-being of those around him. He was never unmindful of the relations he occupied to the development of the municipality of which he was one of the earliest founders, and he was ever ready to lend the hand of assistance to promote the general good. He donated land for the building of the school-house and for the cemetery. He was a model man in his personal habits, and in all his life was never addicted to ihe use of spirituous liquors or tobacco. He was the stanch friend of morality and good order in society. He served several years in various township offices, among which were those of Assessor, Collector of Taxes and Justice of the Peace. He died Jan. 26, 1876, after having been for many years a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Frank E. Kemmis was brought up on the homestead in Loraine Township, and acquired a fair knowledge of the fundamental branches of an English education at the district school. He is the owner and occupant of the farm on which his father and mother settled and expended the best energies of their lives. His mother is passing a calm and serene old age under his care.

Mr. Kemmis was married July 16, 1884, to Emma Reynolds. She was born July 8, 1866, in the township where she has passed the entiie course of her life thus far. Mr. Kemmis is engaged in the prosecution of mixed husbandry.

^dward Anderson, Postmaster at Lynn Center and dealer in general merchandise, was born in Andover Township, this county, Mj*. June 3, 1852. His parents were E. P. and j. Catherine (Munson) Anderson, natives of Sweden and farmers, who came from their native country to the United States with their first five children in 1846, resided in Buffalo, N. Y., two years, and then settled in Lynn Township, this county, after a short residence at Andover. The senior Anderson died in Andover, July 20, 1854, during the cholera epidemic, leaving a widow with five children, some of whom were old enough to help support her and the remaining chddren. She died at her home in Lynn Township, Sept. 2, 1879.

After her death Mr. Anderson and his two sisters, Laura and Louisa, came into possession of the homestead, and have since resided there. Their home adjoins the village of Lynn Center. In 1880, Mr- Anderson established a general merchandise store, with stock of first quality, and the same time received the appointment as Postmaster at that place. March 1, 1884, he formed a partnership with Aug. Anderson, of Andover, 111., and the firm are now carrying on a prosperous trade.

"ion. Bradbury H. Thomas, of the township of Munson, came to Henry County in 1870. He was born in Mt. Vernon, Kennebec Co., Me., Oct. 17, 1812. His father, Nathan Thomas, was born in Marshfield, Mass., Aug. 2, 1787. The latter was the son of Nathan Thomas, who was a native of the State of Massachusetts, and was of English descent. The family settled in that part of the Bay State which was afterward called Maine, and were among the pioneer element of Kennebec County. The grandfather referred to bought and improved a farm in the township of Mt. Vernon.

The Pine-Tree State was in its most primitive condition, and of the experiences and hardships to which the pioneers were subjected through the natu-

Methodist Church at Andover, and is a reliable Re- V[> publican. Neither he nor any of his sisters men- fk tioned is yet married except one sister, who is married to A. Butgeson.

> lisha Cone, deceased, was one of the original members of the Geneseo Colony, one of the five who brought their families to the county in 1836. A full account of the operations of the little band are given in an- 3 other department of this work, and so far as has been possible personal sketches of the other members have been obtained and appear elsewhere. Mr. Cone was born Jan. 1, 1803, in Wallingford, Conn. In his early manhood he removed to Western New York, and there, on the 1st of January, 1826, he was married to Eliza A. Hill. She was born in West Bloomfield, Ontario County. Their family included five children : Harriet M. married William Miller ; Clarissa P. is the wife of E. M. Stewart, of Kansas; Francis F. married Gabriella Gilmore, and they live in Florida ; Ellen A. is the wife of Peter Hill, M. D., of Florida ; Charles E. was a soldier of the Eighth Kan. Vol. Inf., and died in the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., March 29, 1863. The death of Mr. Cone transpired in 1846. His widow still survives.

ral conditions of things, the first settlers in a prairie country have no means of forming anything like an adequate idea. Supplies were remote, and it was necessary to traverse long distances on horseback through a forest so dense that their darkness and the difficulty of making way through them has become typical of hardship. The closing days of the ancestor of Mr. Thomas were passed in the city of Augusta. He was a preacher in the Baptist Church, and did pioneer duty in his profession in the State in which he first located. The mother of Mr. Thomas, of this narration, was born in Litchfield, Kennebec Co., Jan. 3, 1789. Her parentage and descent were of the same locality and nationality as those of her husband, and they were also pioneers of the county in which she was born. Nathan Thomas (2d) was born and reared to manhood in Kennebec County, on the farm of his father. He passed his entire life in argicultural pursuits. Late in life he went to New Portland in his native State, where his earthly career terminated, Aug. 1, 1849. His wife died Jan. 24, 1871. They were the parents of ten children, eight of whom are yet living : Seth is a resident of Manchester, Me. ; Sarah is the widow of Rawson Soper, and lives in the East with her children ; William lives in Manchester, in the same State where be was born; Hannah is the widow of Benjamin Morton, and is a resident of Phillips, Franklin Co., Me. ; Martha survives her husband, Orrin Pitts, and lives in Portland, Me. ; Mahala is the wife of Abraham Morton, of the town of Phillips, already mentioned; Mary J. lives in Manchester, where the other members of the family have located.

Mr. Thomas was brought up on the farm of his father in Maine, and was a member of the household until he was 18. At that age he became an apprentice to the trade of tanner, and also learned boot and shoe making, as in those days both went together. He remained in service until he was 21, when he began to operate as a journeyman. May 29, 1838, he was married to Sophia, daughter of Benjamin and Eliza (Sargent) Melvin. She was born in Readfield, Me., Feb. 13, 1813. Her parents were from the State of New Hampshire. On preparing to settle in life Mr. Thomas bought a farm in the township of New Portland, in Somerset Co., Me., and carried on farming operations there for a period of six years. He then sold out and took possession of the homestead estate of the father of his wife. They lived there until the death of the old people transpired, when Mr. Thomas became by purchase the proprietor of the well-known property of ex-Governor Hubbard, in Readfield Township, which he owned and occupied 12 years. He sold it in the year in which he removed to Henry County. On removal to this county he bought the farm on section 4 on which he has since prosecuted the business of general farmer. The place is pleasantly located three miles south of the city of Geneseo, and is in good condition for profitable farming. The residence is finely located on a slight rise of ground and commands a pleasant view.

Mr. Thomas was prominent in his connection with public affairs in the State of which he is a native, and represented his township in the State Assembly in 1868. He has been a valuable citizen in the township in which he has been a resident for 15 years, and is much respected. Both himself and his wife are members of the Methodist Church, and have been a long time connected with that communion.

They have had six children, as follows: Charles died in infancy; Henry C. lives in Minneapolis; Helen married Gustavus Sanborn ; she and her husband are both deceased, and left three children; Augusta is the wife of William Rideout, who is a citizen of Ottumwa, Iowa ; Eva J. married Frank Melvin, and they live on the Thomas homestead; and Melvin died in Maine, at the age of seven years.

Tj*V the fall of that year and settled in Annawan Township, where he vigorously prosecuted the duties ot his profession for a period of 17 years without intermission, coming, at the expiration of that time, to Geneseo, where he has established his business and reputation.

He was born in Greensburg, Westmoreland Co., Pa., Jan. 10, 1827, and is the son of Andrew and Mary (Henderson) Machesney. He obtained a thorough elementary education and later became a student at Jefferson College at Canonsburg, Washington Co., Pa., where h'e was graduated in 1850. He attended medical lectures at the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, and afterward matriculated at the medical college at Castleton, Vt., and was graduated from that institution in 1852. He began the practice of his profession at Middlebury, Summit Co., Ohio, and was in business at that place one year.

He came thence to Annawan Township, as has been stated, and in 187 1 he removed to Geneseo. Dr. Machesney is one of the leading physicians of Henry County in point of culture and also in experience. He is a thorough student of human nature and is adapted by nature for the responsible position he occupies. His course as a man and in his business relations have been such as to secure the confidence and esteem of the communities where he has lived, and he is the possessor of a corresponding degree of influence. He has kept pace'with the progress in the medical profession, and in i860 the degree of M. A. was conferred upon him by his alma mater, Jefferson College.

He was united in marriage at Geneseo, 111., May 28, 1862, to Martha E., daughter of Alfred Taylor. Mrs. Machesney was born in Wardsboro, Windham Co., Vt. Dr. and Mrs. Machesney have had two sons : Andrew Grant has just arrived at man's estate ; he was 21 years of age in 1885 ; Elmer D. died when he was between four and five years old. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Doctor is. an inflexible Republican.

1 IE rank F. Johnson, a general farmer, residp ing on section ir, Lynn Township, is a Y» son of John F. and Margaret (Hermanson) Johnson, having been born in Lynn -^, Township, Feb. 14, 1859. His father was a native of Sweden, where he was born on the 31st of August, 1 82 1, and a son of a farmer of that country, in which place his father died. In the year 1853 our subject's father emigrated to America, and located in Ontario, Knox Co., 111., where the year following he was united in the bonds of matrimony with Miss Margaret Helmanson. She was born in Sweden in 1828, and emigrated to the New World in 1849 with a sister, locating in Knox County, where she remained until her marriage. Some few years after their marriage they came to Andover, Henry County, where they remained for a while, afterward, in 1858, moving to Lynn Township, where the father was the owner of 240 acres of well improved land at the time of his death, which occurred at his home in Lynn Township June 11,1876. Since then Frank F., our subject, has had the superintendency of the homestead.

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson had a family consisting of six children: Ida, who is married and resides in Nebraska ; Louisa, also married, and a resident of Osco Township; our -subject; Andrew J., Emma, and Amanda, who lives at home with her mother. The family are members of the Swedish Lutheran Church in Andover, and in politics the gentlemen of the family are stanch Republicans, as was their father.

,enry A. White is the junior member of the firm of Duncan & White at Geneseo. He was bora in the city of New York, March l^ 18, 1853. His parents, Henry and Jemima (Barnhart) White, removed to Geneseo in 1856, when he was but little more than an infant. After he had passed the period of extreme youth and obtained a fair education, he learned the trade of tinner, and in April, 1882, he entered into his present business relation with Mr. Duncan. (A full account of their affairs as a business house may be found in connection with the biographical sketch of Mr. Duncan on other pages.)

Mr. White was married Jan. 21, 1875, to M. Frances Foster. She is a native of Henry County, and is the daughter of John P. Foster. The political connections of Mr. White are with the Republican party.

onas Westerlund, engaged as a general farmer and stock-grower, on section 3, Lynn Township, where is also his residence, was born in Gefleborg Lan, Sweden, March 31, 1830. His father was Eric A. Westerlund. (See sketch of Peter Westerlund.)

Jonas, whose name heads this notice, was the eldest but two of a family of nine children. He lived at home and had but very little time to acquire an education, assisting in the maintenance of the family. At the age of 2 1 years, he came with his parents to the United States, and located at Andover. Here our subject at once endeavored to earn his own livelihood, by which he secured a position to work in saw-mills up in the State of Minnesota, after having remained for about eight or nine months in Henry County. For about seven years he was engaged in the lumber business and mills in the regions of Minnesota.

He was married Aug. 29, 1 85 6, in Taylor Falls, Minn., to Miss Ellen Nelson, daughter of Nelson Oleson and Mary (Mangasson), both natives of Sweden. Mrs. Westerlund was born in Sweden, Dec. 23, 1835, and came with her brother when 18 years of age to America. They located at Stillwater, Minn., and after a short period she began to earn her own livelihood. She lost her parents in the old country, their deaths occurring there some time ago. Mr. and Mrs. Westerlund have become the parents of nine children, two having died in infancy. Lizzie married J. W. Anderson, and resides in Osco Township; N. Henning, John E., Charlie E., Jonas N., Joseph E. and Gilbert L. reside at home.

In the fall of 1856 Mr. W. came to Illinois, locating on an 80-acre farm in Lynn Township, on section 2, which was his first purchase. By subsequent purchases he is now the owner and proprietor of 382 acres of well improved land, all in one large farm. Mr. Westerlund is one of the heaviest stock-breeders in his township, besides being a .progressive and respected farmer. Religiously, the family are connected with the Swedish Lutheran Church, of which Mr. W. has been both Trustee and Deacon. Of his township he has held the position of Road Commissioner. Politically, he affiliates with the Republican party.

fob Gibson, a farmer of Atkinson Township, ||- operating on section 15, was born in the State of New York, Feb. 6, 1826. He was a resident of the State of his nativity until 1856, when he came to Davenport, Iowa. He passed three years there operating as a carpenter, and in i860 he removed to Morristown in Henry County, where he pursued the vocation of a farmer six years ; he then went to Colona and operated as a

Mr. Gibson was united in marriage with Margery Kelley, in 1849. She was born in the State of New York, June 24, 1828. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Gibson, Amanda H., was born June 3, 1854, in the State of New York, and married L. D. Mankins, and died at Villisca, Iowa, May 25, 1882, leaving two children: Allyn Lester was born in 1875, and Mabel Clare was born in March, 1881.

evi Waterman, President of the Farmers' National Bank atGeneseo, has been a business man at that place since 1857, when the firm of Herman and Waterman was established. The house has conducted its transactions under the same style 28 consecutive years, and is the oldest mercantile firm in Henry County. They maintain a fine trade in clothing and in furnishing goods, and their business requires an investment of about $10,000.

Mr. Waterman was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, March 5, 1836, and is the son of Felix and Sarah (Neuberger) Waterman. He came to the United States in 1853, when he was 17 years of age, and joined his brother in Charlesville, Ky. He remained there until the spring of 1857, when he came toGeneseo, and Mr. Herman founded their business as already stated.

He was one of the founders of the Farmers' National Bank in 1876, and was its first President. He has held the position of chief official of the institution without intermission since.

In 1866 Messrs. Waterman and Herman bought a third interest in the Geneseo Brewing Company, and are now the owners of two-thirds of the stock. The concern was incorporated in 1884, and Mr. Waterman was elected its President. Since the beginning of their operations the firm have been extensive dealers in wool.

Mr. Waterman has officiated six years as Supervisor of the township of Geneseo, and as to political affairs he advocates Democratic principles.

city of New York to Matilda, daughter of Solomon Dreyfus. She was bom in Wurtemberg, ahd came from her native land to the United States in 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Waterman have three children living. They have lost two by death. The record is as follows: Felix, born Jan. 7, r86<j; Jennie, born Nov. 9, 1870, died July 12, 1876; Henry, born Sept. 1, 1872; Samuel, bom Sept. 29, 1875 ; and Sydney, born April 1, 1877, died July 29 following.

fany knowledge. Ulysses Kinsey, grandfather of Jared C, moved from Bucks County to Coshocton Co., Ohio, about the year 1820. Uriah Kinsey, son of Ulysses and father of Jared C, established a woolen mill on Paddy's Fork of Lomica shortly after moving to Ohio, the motive power of which was a tread-wheel propelled by oxen.

He was married Aug. 17, 1824, to Margaret Chalfant, daughter of Mordecai and Mary Chalfant, the latter being a sister of Jacob Strawn, for years the famous Illinois cattle king. By this union seven children were born, - four sons and three daughters. Three of the children died in their infancy. Phoebe died at the age of 82, unmarried. Lydia was married twice. Her first husband ]was Wm. Smith, by whom she had two children, named Phebe Francis and George F. Her second husband was Isaac Camp, by whom she had one child, Andrew D. She died Dec. 27, r86r, aged 33 years. Jacob S. Kinsey studied medicine under Dr. Benj. F. Lemert, of Dresden, Ohio; graduated at the Ohio Medical College in r8s9~6o; entered the volunteer service as Surgeon of the gun-boat " Cincinnati ; " was in their first engagement at Fort Donelson ; resigned on account of sickness in 1862 ; came to Cambridge and commenced the practice of medicine in March, 1863. He so continued filling a prominent place in the medical fraternity till the time of his death, which occurred May 3, T874, when he was 37 years of age. The subject of this sketch, Jared C. Kinsey, was born July T2, T834; was educated after leaving the district school at West Bedford Academy, in Coshocton Co., Ohio. He read law with Judge Simmons, of Coshocton, and was admitted to the Bar in June, 1859; removed with the family to Henry Co., 111., in March, 1863. The war demoralizing the values of almost everything, he tried his hand at farming for three years, two and one-half miles west of Cambridge. In December, 1866, he opened up a drug and book store in Cambridge, which he continued till July 17, T882, when he disposed of his stock and entered upon a new field of labor, that of selling goods on the road for a Chicago firm. Tiring of this, he opened a grocery store in January, 1885, in which he is now prosperously engaged.

Oct. 2, 1855, he was married to Miss Catherine E. Keefer, of West Carlisle, Ohio, by whom he has had six children, named respectively Addie H., Osman Leigh, Alice May, Florence, Carroll B. and Effie. His wife, Catherine E., having died in January, 1869, he married Miss Sarah A. Hawley, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, Oct. 18, 1869, by whom he has had five children, viz. : Infant, dead-born; Kate, Earl S., Emma Louise and Edith Clare, all of whom, by both wives, are living at this writing (1885) except the infant above noted.

Mr. Kinsey has been a believer in the Jefferson school of politics, - that all powers not expressly delegated to the general Government are reserved to the States.

rof. Norbury W. Thornton, A. M., Principal of the Collegiate Institute at Geneseo, , E3^ became the incumbent of the position ' |~J which he is still occupying (1885) at the openly ing of the institution. He was born Nov. 20, 1852, in Mercer Co., 111., and is the son of Hiram W. and Elizabeth (Norbury) Thornton. His father is of English lineage and a native of the State of Pennsylvania. He was a pioneer of Mercer County of 1838. His mother was born in the same State and was of the same nationality.

Prof. Thornton obtained his literary education at Monmouth College, in his native State, and was graduated in the classical course in 1876, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He prepared for the ministry at the Presbyterian Theological Seminary at

Princeton, N. J., where he was graduated in 1879. He entered upon his first pastorate in West Liberty, Iowa, and officiated there five years. On the completion of the arrangements for the establishment of the educational institution with which he is connected he was called to take the chief position, and assumed its charge, entering upon his duties Aug. 7, 1884. The initiatory term opened Sept. 16 following.

Prof. Thornton was married in Monmouth, Aug. 14, 1879, to Elizabeth Garvin, who was born in Wheeling, W. Va., and is the daughter of James Garvin. She is the mother of two children - Elizabeth and Willett.

',.wan P. Johnson, residing on section 12, Lynn Township, where he follows the occupation of farmer and stock-raiser, is one of the progressive and energetic farmers as well as respected citizens of Lynn Township. He was born in Kalmar Lan, Sweden, March 24, 1832. His father, Jonas Swanson Johnson, was a native of the same country in which our subject was born, and a farmer by occupation. He married the daughter of a Swedish farmer, Mary Peterson," and they were the parents of four children. Swan P. was the eldest; Martha C. resides in Sweden; Charles C. is a fanner in Lynn Township, this County ; Anna S. (Olson) resides in Andover.

Swan P. Johnson, whose name heads this biographical notice, was not quite eight years of age when his father died. He then resided with his mother in his native country until her death, which occurred about 1848. From the time he was ten years of age, he worked as- a laborer in his native country until he had attained the age of 21 years, when, hoping to better his financial condition in life, he emigrated to this, the land of progress. Soon after his arrival in this country, he came to Andover, this county, which place he reached on Sept. 8, 1853, with the exceedingly large capital of 50 cents in cash ! After spending the night at Andover, he was compelled to pay the last cent he had in the world for his lodging, and was left entirely penniless. That same day he succeeded in getting work from a Mr. Graham of that place, at a salary of $10 per month, which to him at that time and under the circumstances seemed a blessing. He had worked for Mr. Graham only about 20 days when he was taken sick, and after convalescing he worked at threshing for- 35 cents per day. His next labor was for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, with whom he remained for some time, when he again took sick. After recovery he went to Galesburg, where he worked on the railroad for a while, when he for a third time became ill, and spent all the savings of his former labor, and placed his trust in Providence. Friends came to his aid and gave, him credit, which enabled him to receive good medical attention, and recover from his illness. He afterwards procured work, and' paid back the last dollar advanced to him in his time of need.

Mr. Johnson was united in marriage Dec. 14, 1856, at Andover, with Miss Christina Peterson. She was born in Jonkoping Lan, Sweden, March 25, 1832, and was the daughter of a Swedish farmer. Her parents both died when she was but a few months old, and she afterward lived with relatives until her marriage to Mr. Johnson,, having emigrated with them to this country in 1854, and resided with them in Geneseo and Andover. Mrs. Johnson has become the mother of eight children, three of whom are deceased: George W. has a biographical sketch in this book; John A; was united in marriage to Ida Johnson and resides on a farm in Andover Township; Ida M. married Frank Bankston, who resides in Andover; Frank L. is living with his parents, as likewise is Herbert J. The deceased all died in infancy.

After marriage, Mr. Johnson settled oh a farm of 30 acres in Andover Township, located on section 33, which he had purchased in March, 1855, and a few years later increased his farm to rto acres, but which he sold in the year 1863. He then made a purchase of 80 acres on section 12, Lynn Township, which was partly improved, and since has put it under excellent cultivation, being his permanent home. Mr. Johnson is now the possessor and owner of 776 acres of land in this county, all under the plow. He has it separated into six well improved and well planned farms. He is one of the most extensive broom-corn growers in the county and State, besides being one of the most successful and progressive stock-growers.

of which Mr. J. is Trustee; and he has also held several minor offices in his township. Mr. Johnson is identified with the Republican party, being a firstclass and enthusiastic Republican.

Smith, a farmer on section 4, Munson Township, is a pioneer of Henry County of 1851. Mr. Smith is a descendant of^ families that were connected with the Colonial history of this country, and his grandsires on both sides were in the wars in the earliest period of the nation's existence. The father of his father was a native of Beverly, Essex Co., Mass., and was a pioneer of New Gloucester, in the same State. He was a soldier in the French and Indian War, and died in Paris, Me. The father of the mother of Mr. Smith was a Captain of a company of militia under the command of General Washington in the War of the Revolution. He was a native of the State of Maine.

Mr. Smith of this personal account was born in Paris, Oxford Co., Me., Aug. 2, 1806, and is the son of Josiah and Deborah (Haskell) Smith. He was reared on the farm of his father and was educated in the public schools. He had for a classmate the distinguished Hannibal Hamlin. He remained in the place of his nativity until the age of 22. He went then to Penobscot County, and there became by purchase the owner of a tract of timber land in the township of Lincoln. He lived there to clear the farm in part of the dense growth of timber with which it was covered, and a few years later sold it. He took up his abode in the place known as Lincoln Center, and was there variously occupied until the spring of 1845. He went next to Dexter, Me., where he was the manager of the farm of his father-in-law until 1851. That was the year in which he came to Illinois. He entered a claim of land on section 4 in the township of Munson, and bought a house which he moved to his farm. In the spring of 1852 the family removed to Geneseo, and were there resident until the month of November following, when the house on the farm was ready for their use. Mr. Smith had secured a quarter section ; but, being without money to stock the place profitably, he sold 80 acres, and with the proceeds bought a team and stock. He did the first breaking on the place in the spring of 1853. The farm is all under the best class of improvements, and the good frame buildings, the trim hedges and the trees speak volumes for the thrift and enterprise of the owner. There are on the place 50 black-walnut trees. In 1868, Mr. Smith bought a residence in Geneseo Township, on which his family resided four years. At the end of that time they returned to the homestead, where they have since continued to reside.

The first marriage of Mr. Smith occurred in 1837, when Ellice F. Adams became his wife. She was the daughter of Joseph Adams, who was a drummer in the immediate command of General Washington, and afterwards became a Baptist clergyman. She died June 6, 1840, leaving one child - Charles E. June 26, 1848, Mr. Smith was again married to Annah Jordan. She was born Feb. 17, 181 1, at Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland Co.^Me., and was the daughter of Nathaniel and Catherine Jordan. Both her grandsires were in the War of the Revolution. Her paternal grandfather was a Lieutenant, and the father of her mother was the Captain under whom he served. They were both from Cape Ann, Mass. Of the second marriage one child was the issue, who is named Eveline C. She is still an inmate of the paternal home. The son was born at Lincoln Center, Me., Aug. 2, 1838. He married Emma Peters, and resides in Ida Co., Iowa, where he is engaged in farming.

-esarroll A. Shinn. Of the few active business men one meets in Henry County, ""** who are natives of the county, one is Mr. C. A. Shinn. He is a prominent young farmer residing on section 22, of Oxford Township. Here he was born, Sept. 23, 1859, and is a son of Moses H. and Paulina H. (Pease) Shinn, the former a native of West Virginia and the latter of Vermont. Moses H. Shinn came West and located in Illinois as early as 1 834, and the lady who was destined to be his wife came two years later. On Jan. 9, 1848, they were united in marriage, and settled in Knbx County. For 14 years the elder Shinn followed the trade of blacksmithing, when he moved into Henry County and purchased 240 acres of land on section 22 of Oxford Township. Here, in the quiet pursuit of a farmer's life, he remained until his death, which occurred May 15, 1883. The result of his marriage to Miss Pease was a family of six children, four of whom are still living, - Sylvia A., Jennette _E., Carroll A. and Bertha P.

Carroll A., after he had arrived at the age of 2 1 years, went further West and began life as a farmer. Prior to that time, however, his parents had given him excellent advantages for an education, closing with sending him to a college located at Abingdon, 111. The farm referred to as a place of his first labors after arriving at man's estate, was located in Kansas, and consisted of 80 acres. His father also presented him with 160 acres. He remained on this place for three and a half years, but on the demise of his father he came back to take charge of the old homestead in Oxford Township. Here his mother still resides.

Mr. Shinn is engaged in general farming and^ stock-raising, making a specialty of Duroc or Jersey Red hogs, and is one of the prominent, representative young men of Henry County, and is a strong - advocate of reform in all the departments of social, religious and political life.

Mr. Shinn and Miss Retta Kennedy were married Nov. 2, 1881. Mrs. Shinn was born in Pike Co., 111. Edith M., Theodore A. and Grace comprise their family of children.

ff son of Henry and Mary (VVarnock) Pritchard, who removed with their family to the United States in 1865. He passed the period of his minority in the manner common to the sons of farmers and obtained a fair education and a full and comprehensive knowledge of the arts of farming. He was married to Eliza Irvin, Dec. 25, 1868, and they had five children - Sarah, Henry, John, Mary and

William. The mother died in February, 1878. Mr. Pritchard was again married, Nov. 23, 1880, to Catherine Moore. Their children are as follows : Hugh, Samuel and Walter.

Mr. Pritchard is a successful farmer and is the owner of a fine estate, including 520 acres of well cultivated land. He is giving much attention to the improvement of his stock, and owns a fine herd of valuable grades, of which he is raising the standard every year. He owns one thoroughbred Hereford, and a full-blooded English Draft horse, for which he paid $2,000.

sa Crook, of the township of Atkinson, is a pioneer of the section of the State of Illinois in which Henry County is located. He settled in the county of Whiteside in 1854. He was there a resident until the date of his removal to the township where he has since been a citizen.

He was born Jan. 27, 1827, in the town of Holland, Erie Co., N. Y. His father, Asa Crook, was born in the State of Vermont, in the year 1799. The latter emigrated from the Green Mountain State when he was 19 and settled in Erie County. He was a resident there 24 years, and became prominent in the local affairs. He served many years as Justice of the Peace, and was elected Supervisor in the same year and held the offices while he continued a resident there. The family removed to Whiteside County in 1834 and settled in Prophetstown Township. The father died Oct. 22, 1853. The mother, whose maiden name was Mary L. Dustin, was born April 23, 1791, and died July 5, i88r. She was 90 years old, and lived to see the fourth generation of her descendants. She bore 1 1 children. They were born in the order given : Lydia, Mary, Theron W., Timothy D., Charles, Cynthia, Lucy, Sarah, Asa, James and Caroline. The mother saw before her death 7 1 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren !

in Whiteside County, tc Lucy Cole. She was born in the town of Wales, in Erie Co., N. Y., and is the daughter of John Cole. Her father was a. native of New Hampshire, and was born July 12, 1783, in the town of Alexander. He was married in 18 13 to Hannah Fones, and they became the parents of ten children, named Harry, Nelson H, William, Malinda, Lucy A., Sarah, Dorcas, May, Cordelia and Almon. The two oldest sons were soldiers in the Union service during the Civil War, and the second died in the stockade prison at Andersonville.

Mr. Crook is a prosperous farmer and owns 215 acres of excellent land in advanced cultivation. He is engaged in the branches of farming common to the locality. In his political relations he is an unmistakable Republican. Mrs. Crook is a member of the United Brethren Church.

,-ij He was married in Pennsylvania, to Christina jj^ Strayer, and in T817 moved to Ashland County, and subsequently to Wayne Co., Ohio. He made a claim on the Muddy Fork Creek, the tract being in the midst of the dense, uncut wilderness, and inhabited only by Indians and wild animals. The location was six miles from a settlement and Mr. Henney made a clearing and built a log cabin. He owned 240 acres and he cleared 140 acres and placed that acreage under the best quality of cultivation. In the work of reclamation he had only the assistance of his sons. Being desirous to secure plenty of land for his children he removed, in 1853, to Henry County. He purchased an estate in the township of Phenix. His family then included his wife and three youngest sons. Daniel married Catherine Butzer and is a resident of the city of Geneseo. Joseph married Hannah Fuller, and is a prominent farmer and stockman of Brown Co., Kan.

Jesse married Matilda Clouse. He is "a citizen of the portion of Kansas last named. He is engaged in the same occupation 'as his brother, and is wealthy and influential.

Mr. Henney officiated in various local offices while a resident of Ohio, and was for many years acting Justice of the Peace, and is a member of the School Board. He was a man of upright character, devoted to his family, and was generally held in high esteem by a large circle of friends. He and his family were all members of the Evangelical Association. All the male members of the family were Republicans of decided type.

j u ODan ss . iiaima is a j£ Township, and is the son of the pioneer whose name and his own is perpetuated in that of the township of which he has been a resident since his birth. John P. Hanna, his. father, was born Nov. 12, 1800, in Kentucky) and he married Nancy Dockrey, who was a native of North Carolina. The senior Hanna came to Henry County in 1835 and entered a claim of land in what, is now Hanna Township. He then returned to White Co., 111., where he was a resident, and whence he brought his family to Knox County. They passed the winter there, and in the spring of 1836 made a final removal to the land which Mr. Hanna had entered on his first coming to the county. The father was a participant in all the details of the organization of the township, which was called after the name he bore, and was a leader in the first religious society that was instituted within the limits of Henry County. He died Jan. 13, 1858.

To him and his wife 12 children were born; four are now living: Elizabeth is the wife of James Southvvorth and they are living in Todd Co., Kan.; Rachel D. married J. H. Paddelford, a citizen of Hanna Township ; Hobart N. is the next in order of birth of those who are living; Harriet is the wife of R. A. Smith and they live in Moline.

received his education in the common schools of the town in which he was botn. He was married Oct. 24, 1861, to Miss E. J. Hill, who was born in Williams Co., Ohio, and is the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Bender) Hill. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Hanna is Lillian, wife of Lloyd Kirkland, of Chicago.

After his marriage Mr. Hanna settled on the homestead of his father and there began farming. Not long after he engaged, to a considerable extent, in the purchase and shipment of stock to the Chicago market, and placed his farm in the hands of parties hired to attend to that business.

April 17, 1883, the farm-house on the estate was destroyed by fire, and in the year following the owner erected one of the most beautiful and valuable residences in the county. His farm contains 160 acres of finely improved land. Mr. Hanna is a Republican of most decided type.

He was joined in marriage to Mrs. Amelia Howard, at Rock Island, March 27, 1862. She was born in Mercer Co., Pa., and is the daughter of John Mc- Cord. She was the widow of L. P. Howard. Mr. and Mrs. Garnett have three sons : Eugene A. married Emma Young, and they live in the State of Kansas ; Edwin L. married Stella Harrington, and is the manager of the homestead estate ; and Albert is still living with his parents. Mrs. Garnett is connected with the Presbyterian Church in membership.

obert Garnett, a retired farmer, living at Geneseo, has been a citizen of the State of Illinois since 1838. He came to Henry County in 1866. Mr. G. was born in Castlemoor, Lincolnshire, England, April 1, 1814. He is the son of Joseph and Alice (Fitten) Garnett. The father emigrated to America with his family in 18 18. They made a location in Chester Co., Pa., where the son remained until 1838, when he came to Illinois. He located in Quincy, where he formed a business connection with James Blythe in the manufacture of carriages. Their connection was in existence until 1841. On its dissolution Mr. Blythe came to Rock Island, where he is still in business, and the subject of this sketch went to Wisconsin, and passed eight years in the prosecution of his lumber interest in that State.

In 1849 he came to Illinois and became interested in farming in Rock Island County. In 1866 he bought 225 acres of land in the vicinity of Geneseo, and was there occupied in the prosecution of his agricultural relations until 1884, when he removed to the city, and where it is his intention to pass his remaining years in the quiet enjoyment of the results of his years of effort. Mr. Garnett is a Democrat in his political connection.

braham Countryman, a farmer on section i 19, Yorktown Township, has owned the farm on which he is a resident since 1854. In that year he came to the county to prospect, but did not take possession of the property until 1867. He was born in Little Falls, Herkimer Co., N. Y., Nov. 30, 1830, and he is the eldest son of Henry and Catherine (Doxtater) Countryman. His father was a native of Montgomery Co., in the Empire State, and his mother was a native of the same county in which he was born. When the latter was 14 his parents removed to the State of Illinois. They came via the Erie Canal to Buffalo, and from there by the lake route to Chicago. From that city they went to Wheeling in Cook County. They were among the pioneers of that region, and there the father rented land and engaged in farming. The son operated as the assistant of his father until he was 19, when he entered upon an apprenticeship to learn the business of a carpenter and joiner. He served but three months as an apprentice, and then commenced to operate as a " jour." He passed six months in that capacity, and then began to take contracts and carry on the business of a builder. He continued to operate in that manner until 1865, when he rented land in the township of Wheeling, and passed the time until 1867. In that year he took possession of 80 acres of land in the township where he has since lived, and of which he became the owner in 1854. The place had no improvements of any character, and Mr. Countryman built a smMl frame house and at once began to push the work of placing the farm in a good and comfortable agricultural condition. He has bought land on section 20, adjoining his original purchase, and his estate now includes 160 acres, all inclosed and in excellent condition. He has erected good farm buildings and set out a great number of trees of several varieties.

Mr. Countryman has been a Republican since the formation of the party. He was married May 25, 1855, to Magdalena Miller, who is a native of Bavaria, Germany, and she is now the mother of five children, - Mary A., Frank W., Edwin, William, Adlaid and George. The eldest daughter is the wife of William Landwehr, of Yorktown Township.

genjamin I. Stafford, Supervisor of Colona Township, was born in Wallingford, Vt., Dec. 6, 1822. He is the son of Palmer and Betsey (Paddock) Stafford, and the parents were natives of the same State. The family are of Puritan origin and date their coming to America to the Mayflower period.

Mr. Stafford was raised on his father's farm in his native State, and was educated in the district schools. The knowledge he acquired of methods of farming under the direction of his father has been of the utmost value to him on the prairies, and Mr. Stafford has the repute of being one of the leading agriculturists in the county. After he attained to a suitable age, he was,employed in the winter seasons in Vermont, in teaming to Boston, a distance of 144 miles. There were then no railroads, and the trips consumed about ten days on an average.

He was joined in marriage March 4, 1844, to Cornelia, daughter of Jonas and Olive (Lee) Holden. Her parents were born in Vermont. She was born in Crown Point, Essex Co., N. Y. After his marriage, Mr. Stafford settled on his father's farm and was its manager eight years. He then went to Franklin Co., N. Y., and bought a small farm in the town of Dickinson. At that time he gave little attention to farming, but devoted himself to the purchase of cattle for the Massachusetts markets, principally that of the city of Worcester.

In 1859, Mr. Stafford sold his interests in the State of New York and came to Illinois. He came to Henry County and at first rented land in Munson Township. After operating in that method three years he removed to the township in which he now lives, and after a stay there of a year he went to