Henry County, Illinois - The whole text, 1910 (part 11 of 32)

Robinson G. Jones

The educational interests of Henry county find one of their most prominent representatives in Professor Robinson G. Jones, superintendent of the city schools, He was born in Kansas City, Kansas, December 14, 1871, a son of Rev. John G. and Rovilla (Robinson) Jones, the former a minister of the Methodist church. Professor Jones pursued his education in the schools of Columbus, Ohio, from which he was graduated, and in the Ohio Central Normal School and the Ohio Northern University, the last named conferring upon him the degree of Master of Arts in 1894. He also studied law in the Ohio University and pursued a special history course in the University of Chicago and a special course in Columbia University in New York city in 1907. His entire life has been devoted to educational work and to the further promotion of his own education as he has found opportunity to resume his studies. For one year he was principal and for four years superintendent of the public schools at Gibson City, Illinois, was superintendent of the schools at Lexington, Illinois for two years and spent five years as superintendent at Harvard, Illinois. He then came to Kewanee as superintendent of schools of this city, where he has done excellent and effective work, placing the public-school system of Kewanee on a par with that of other schools of the state. He holds to high standards and works toward high ideals in his chosen profession, eagerly embracing every opportunity that will enhance the effectiveness of his labor in accomplishing results, in equipping the youth for the practical and responsible duties of life. He is a member of the National Educational Association and of the Department of Superintendents and belongs also to the State Teachers Association and to the Superintendents Round Table of Chicago. He is a member of the western division of the Northern Illinois Teachers Association and is vice president of the Superintendents and Principals Association of Northern Illinois. He is now acting as secretary of the superintendents division of the State Teachers Association, He has a wide acquaintance among leading educators of Illinois and has made continuous progress in his profession, being now accorded a position of distinction as a representative of public instruction in this state.

On the 27th of July, 1899, Mr. Jones married Miss Minnie L. Gish, of Rittman, Ohio, a daughter of John J. Gish, a tobacco broker, who is a native of Connecticut and is now connected with the tobacco industry of northern Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jones has been born a son, Robert Stanley. In his fraternal relations the father is a Mason, devoted to the interests of the order, and in religious belief is a Presbyterian.

Louis R. Harms

Few men have more intimate or accurate knowledge concerning the history of Geneseo's growth and development than Louis R. Harms, who for more than a half century has here resided. His birth occurred in Geneseo, February 12, 1857, and as the years have advanced he has worked his way upward until he is now numbered among the successful business men of the city, being at the present time in the city department of the firm of Harms & Glawe, buyers and shippers of poultry, butter and eggs. His youthful days were passed in the home of his parents, Henry and Sophia (Gueldenzoph) Harms, both of whom were natives of Holstein, Germany. The former was a son of Claus Harms, who was a laborer in Germany and died there at an old age. He was married twice and had seven children. The maternal grandfather, Christopher Gueldenzoph, passed away in Germany in the '90s. He had reached a venerable age. He, too, was a laborer. Unto him and his wife were born a number of children, but only one is now living - Christopher Gueldenzoph.

Henry Harms devoted the greater part of his life to general farming. Emigrating to America, he spent one year in Davenport, Iowa, and about 1856 came to Geneseo, where he lived for a number of years and worked in an elevator. In 1868 he turned his attention to farming and afterward purchased a tract of land of eighty acres a mile east of the town, making his home thereon from 1875 imtil his death. During that period he made many substantial improvements upon his place. He had served as a soldier in Germany in the war of 1848 with Denmark. Both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church and have now passed away. They had but two children, and the other, Emma, died in infancy.

Louis R. Harms was reared in Geneseo and attended the public and parochial schools. He afterward worked on the farm with his father for many years, being first employed for wages, while later he became a partner in the business. Eventually he inherited the old homestead, which he afterward sold, and for the past twenty years he has made his home in Geneseo. For three years he was employed in the poultry business by H. W. Moses, his duties taking him at times to Chicago, while the remainder of that period was spent in Geneseo. Finally he returned to the latter city to take charge of the bookkeeping for Mr. Moses. About 1892, however, he formed a partnership with his brothers-in-law, F. A. and L. F. Glawe and they established branches at many points in Illinois and Iowa. The firm name from the beginning has been Harms & Glawe, but about seven years ago F. A. Glawe withdrew and took the western end of the business, while the other two partners retained the eastern end. The present firm has branch houses at Wilton Junction, Atkinson and Woodhull, Illinois. Their business is now very extensive and their sales amount to thousands of dollars annually. The undertaking furnishes an excellent market to the producers of poultry, butter and eggs and in the purchase and sale of these commodities the partners are meeting with gratifying success.

On the I2th of January, 1882, Mr. Harms was united in marriage to Miss Wilhelmina Glawe, who was born in Pomeren, Germany, and is a daughter of Johan and Fredericka (Reusch) Glawe, both of whom were natives of Germany and on coming to America settled in Henry county about 1866. They are now deceased, but five of their children are still living: Wilhelmina, Louis, Frederick, Friedericka and Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Harms have become the parents of three sons and a daughter: Herbert, who wedded Miss Mary Schuetzler; Raymond; Robert; and Meta. The parents hold membership in the Lutheran church, and Mr. Harms politically is a democrat. He is now serving for the second term as alderman of the third ward and exercises his official prerogatives in support of measures for the public good. He is widely known in Geneseo and throughout this part of the state, where his extensive business interests have brought him a large acquaintance, while his substantial qualities have gained for him the merited regard of those with whom he has come in contact.

Percy Clifton Hayes

Percy C. Hayes is the treasurer of the Hayes Pump & Planter Company of Galva. He was born on the home farm near Kewanee, June 6, 1881, and spent his youthful days under the parental roof. The family removed to Galva during his early boyhood and at the usual age he entered the public schools, therein continuing his studies until he was graduated from the high school with the class of 1899. He afterward received training for the commercial world as a pupil in the Gem City Busines College of Quincy, Illinois, while later he attended the University of Illinois at Champaign for one year. He then entered the service of the Hayes Pump & Planter Company and after spending several years as an employe was elected treasurer of the company in January, 1908, and has since been in control of its financial interests. He belongs to the Sigma Alpha Epsilon, a college fraternity, and to Galva Lodge, No. 243, A. F. & A. M. Like the other members of the family he is a stanch advocate of republican principles, giving to the party unswerving support since attaining his majority.

The agriculturists of Clover township are noted for their fine farms, high grade stock and comfortable homes and Thomas H. McConnell is no exception to this rule. He was born on his present farm February 4, 1876, being a son of Thomas S. and Margaret (Miller) McConnell. The McConnell family came from Pennsylvania, in pioneer days, the grandparents of our subject, William and Catherine McConnell, emigrating with four sons and five daughters. Of these Thomas S. was the oldest. They came as far as Altona by rail and then by wagon to Qover township, Henry county, where William McConnell later purchased land which still remains in the family. He was a farmer and placed the two hundred acres he acquired in splendid condition, it now being some of tiie most valuable property in Henry county. He and his family were devout Presb)rterians. Thomas S. McConnell had seven children, as follows: Miller S., who is a resident of Harvey county, Kansas ; Horace and William, who died in infancy; Herbert, who passed away after reaching manhood; Anna, who is now Mrs. John Pennell, of Hutchinson, Kansas; Porter F., who is a farmer of Clover township; and Thomas H., of this review. The father of this family became a prosperous farmer and extensive cattle dealer, both feeding and shipping stock and doing a very large business annually. While a democrat, he was not an active partisan but was always interested in local affairs. His wife, Mrs. Margaret McConnell, died February 28, 1879, after a life of generous devotion to her family. On May 29, 1888, Mr. McConnell married Miss Belle McCuUough, of Franklin county, Pennsylvania. He died May 19, 1897, and is survived by his second wife. He was an adherent of the Presbyterian church and was prominent in it as he was in all the walks of life.

Thomas H. McConnell was reared on his father's three hundred and twenty acre farm and attended the district schools of the township. He was a student in the Woodhull high school when his father died so that he left his studies to undertake the management of the homestead. On May 30, 1902, he married Miss Harriet A. Richards, daughter of Henry and Mary L. (Phelon) Richards. Her family came from Vermont, Mr. Richards becoming a farmer of Knox county, Illinois, where he died in the winter of 1905. His widow survives, making her home in Galesburg. Since his marriage, Mr. McConnell has continued operations on the homestead, being engaged in general farming and in buying and selling stock. He is a democrat but like his father is not active in politics. Fraternally he is a member of Woodhull Lodge, No. 508, A. F. & A. M., and of Woodhull Lodge, No. 383, I. O. O. F., being noble grand of the latter organization at the present time, having filled all the subordinate

The McConnell homestead is one of the finest farms in Henry county and is beautifully located on a ridge of ground that commands an excellent view of the surrounding country. The house is a commodious one and supplied with modern conveniences. When the barn was built in 1876 it was the largest in the county and even today there are few with a greater capacity, it holding two hundred and fifty tons of hay, while below are accommodations for stock and farm machinery. There are other numerous buildings on the farm which are well adapted for their several purposes. Mr. McConnell is a model farmer, conducting his operations along scientific lines, and his broad acres and fine stock reflect his prosperity. >

Bernard Edward Sommers

Bernard Edward Sommers, whose business activity is a resultant factor in the attainment of success, is now conducting a profitable enterprise as an ice dealer of Geneseo. He was born in Loraine township, Henry county, July 13, 1878, and is descended from a family of German origin. His grandfather was John Sommers, a native of Pennsylvania, who followed farming as a life work. He was married twice and had the following children : Tillie, Edward, Peter and Reuben, by the first marriage and Mabel and John by the second.

Edward Sommers, the father of Bernard E. Sommers, was born in Pennsylvania and has devoted his entire life to general agricultural pursuits. He came to Henry county when a young man and was married at the age of twentyone years to Miss Nancy Bollen, who was born in Loraine township, this county. Her father, Thomas Bollen, was a native of the state of New York, whence he removed to Henry county. He had previously learned the gunsmith's trade and followed it in early life. Attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he crossed the plains to the Pacific coast and upon his return to the middle west located in Henry county, where he purchased one hundred and ninety acres of land in Loraine township. That property he afterward sold to Edward Sommers. His death occurred at the home of one of his daughters at Spring Hill, Whiteside county, Illinois. His wife, Mrs. Lydia (Potts) Bollen, died when more than eighty years of age. They were the parents of five children : Lydia, Eli, Washington, Mary and Nancy.

Following the marriage of Edward Sommers and Nancy Bollen they began their domestic life upon a farm in Henry county, living in Loraine township for more than thirty years, their place of abode being a rich tract of land of one hundred and ninety acres, which Mr. Sommers brought under a high state of cultivation. About 1904 he retired from active business cares and removed to Geneseo, now making his home in the north end of the town. He is serving as road commissioner and has been school director for some years. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted in the Union army and went as far south as Cairo, where he was held as a reserve but was not in active duty. His wife died in 1903 at the age of fifty-three years, in the faith of the Christian rehgion. She belonged to Grace Evangelical church, of which Mr. Sommers is also a member. Of their family the following children still survive: Cora; Fred; Frank; John; Bernard E., of this review; Lutetia, the wife of William Mozingo; Harriet, the wife of Frank Brokaw; and Edith and Elmer, at home.

Bernard E. Sommers was reared on the old home farm in Loraine township, and in retrospect one can see him as he trudged off to the district schools in his early youth, there to acquaint himself with the branches of learning that usually constitute the public-school curriculum. In the periods of vacation he was employed in the work of the fields and remained at home until his marriage. On the 30th of November, 1897, he wedded Miss Elsie Clapper, a daughter of John and Lydia (Wilt) Clapper. They began their domestic life upon a farm, which Mr. Sommers rented for three years. Later he spent a year in the grocery business at Spring Hill, Illinois, and then came to Geneseo on the ist of March, 1904. In 1905 he became a partner of John Bollen in the ice business and two years later purchased Mr. Bollen's interest and has continued in business alone to the present time. He has secured a liberal patronage, and the success which is his is well merited, for his business methods are at all times honorable and straightforward.

In 1900 Mr. Sommers was called upon to mourn the loss of his first wife, who died at the birth of their daughter Gladys. That year the elder daughter of that marriage, Merna, died at the age of sixteen months. On the 24th of October, 1906, Mr. Sommers was again married, his second union being with Miss Maude Pomeroy, a daughter of Lemont and Fannie (Echart) Pomeroy.

In his political views Mr. Sommers is a republican and in 1906-07 served as a member of the city council, representing the first ward. His official service was characterized by the support of various measures of reform, improvement and progress. He joined Bollen Lodge, No. 82, A. F. & A. M., in 1903, and two years later transferred his membership to Stewart Lodge, No. 92. He also belongs to Geneseo Chapter, No. 12, R. A. M. ; to the Mystic Workers of the World; to the Fraternal Reserves; and to the tribe of Ben Hur. He is likewise a member of Grace Evangelical church. He has always lived in Henry county, and the fact that many of his stanch friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time is an indication that his course in life has been that of honorable, upright manhood.

George R. Smith

George R. Smith, one of the native farmers and dairymen of Osco township, whose home is on section 27, was born March 9, 1870, and is a son of Jared H. and Mary E. (Knowles) Smith. Reared at home to agricultural pursuits, he attended the district schools and later the high school at Cambridge, for two winters ; supplemented by two winters' study at the Duncan Business College. On the completion of his education he went into partnership with his father under the firm title of T.. H. Smith & Son. They bought the stock of A.

A. Crane, who was engaged in the breeding of Hereford cattle, and for two years conducted a stock business. At the end of that period the partnership was dissolved and George R. Smith took up general farming, giving some attention to the feeding of cattle. He was successful beyond the average, for he spared no effort to keep abreast of the progress made in his line of work and in 1908 he purchased his first milking machine. It was at the time the first in Henry county and perhaps still enjoys the distinction. Mr. Smith has now bought three machines, with each of which he milks two cows, and is now able to milk his herd of thirty-five in about one and a quarter hours. This incident but serves as an indication of his attitude toward the advances that science has made in the agricultural world as in other fields, and when this frame of mind is joined with great industry and intelligence it is but natural that in the succeeding years Mr. Smith should attain to an enviable position among the farmers of his township.

In Munson township, December 30, 1894, were pronounced the words that made Mr. Smith and Miss Clara May Masch man and wife. She had been born in Henry county and is a daughter of Henry and Mary Masch. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but one, Willard H., died in infancy. Those living are : Mary E., Anna E., George R., and Leita Naomi. The family are being reared in the faith of the Episcopal church, that to which Mr. and Mrs. Smith give their religious allegiance, and they attend the services of Grace church of that denomination. Politically, Mr. Smith gives his support to the candidates of the republican party, but he has never sought public office, though he has served as township clerk and justice of the peace.

Hugh Baird

Hugh Baird, a successful grocery merchant of Galva, was born in Oneida, Knox county, Illinois, on the 28th of May, 1874, his parents being Hugh and Ellen (Moore) Baird, natives of Scotland. The paternal grandfather, Hugh Baird, passed away in that country at an advanced age. Hugh Baird, the father of our subject, crossed the Atlantic to the United States when about eighteen years of age and settled in Illinois, where he successfully followed general agricultural pursuits. He was accidentally killed in the year 1875, being kicked by a horse. His wife passed away in 1888, when thirty-six years of age. Both were consistent and faithful members of the Methodist church. They had two children : Hugh, of this review ; and John, who died at the age of nine years.

When a little lad of six years Hugh Baird was brought to Galva and has since made his home here. He supplemented his public school education by a course in a business college at Galva and after putting aside his text-books worked by the month as a farm hand for two years. Subsequently he was in the employ of the Standard Oil Company for almost eight years, at the end of which time he opened his present grocery establishment and has since enjoyed an extensive trade. His store is most neat and tasteful in arrangement, his prices are reasonable and his business methods honorable.

On the 20th of November, 1894, Mr. Baird was united in marriage to Miss Josie Guthrie, a native of Galva and a daughter of Thomas and Anna (McCulloch) Guthrie. Her father, a native of England, became an early settler of this county. Mrs. Baird has one sister, Dora, the wife of W. H. Johnson. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Baird has been born a daughter, Mynette.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Baird has given his political allegiance to the men and measures of the republican party. He is a member of Galva Lodge, No. 243, A. F. & A. M., and both he and his wife belong to the Eastern Star. They attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church and are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as people of genuine personal worth and upright lives.

Earl F. White

All the lines of business which are found in an enterprising progressive city are represented in Geneseo, and among the leading merchants of the town is numbered Earl F. White, now proprietor of a bakery and confectionery establishment and ice-cream parlor. He has a well equipped place and the excellent line of goods which he carries and manufactures assures him a liberal and continued patronage.

The tide of emigration has usually set toward the west and a great majority of Henry county's citizens have come from districts farther east. Earl F. White, however, is an exception to this rule for he was born in Fairfield, Clay county, Nebraska, March 10, 1875. His paternal grandfather, Daniel White, was one of the early settlers of La Salle county, Illinois, where he lived for many years. He acted as justice of the peace there and was connected with commercial interests as a hardware dealer and druggist in Earlville. His death occurred in that town when he was eighty-three years of age. Unto him and his wife, Mrs. Eleanor White, were born three children: George D., Jefferson, and Hamilton.

George D. White was born in Illinois, but seeking the opportunities of a district farther west became a farmer of Clay county, Nebraska, when it was still a pioneer region. Returning to Illinois, however, he became proprietor of a grocery store in Mendota. Afterward he returned to Nebraska, where he died. He wedded Sarah A. Avery, a native of New York and a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Avery, who were likewise born in the Empire state. The father became one of the pioneer settlers of La Salle county, Illinois, where he engaged in farming at an early day, hauling his wheat to Chicago with an ox team before the building of the railroads. He was closely associated with the early development of the county and aided in laying broad and deep the foundation upon which has been built the present prosperity and progress of this section. He died in Earlville in 1883 at the age of eighty-one years and his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Avery, also reached an advanced age. As stated, Sarah A. Avery became the wife of George D. White and, still surviving her husband, now lives in Earlville at the age of seventy-three years, her birth having occurred in 1836. She is a con- sistent member of the Baptist church. The death of Mr. White was caused by illness contracted while serving his country as a soldier in the Civil war. After the outbreak of hostilities between the north and the south he responded to the country's call and joined Company D, Fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, with which he served three years and seven months as a private. He never faltered in the performance of any military duty but loyally followed the old flag in battle or on the long, hard marches. Unto him and his wife were born two sons and three daughters, but only three are now living: Eleanor, the wife of William Prentice, of Earlville, Illinois ; Earl F., of Geneseo ; and George, also of Earlville.

The youthful days of Earl F. White were largely passed at Earlville and in attendance at the public school there he mastered the common branches of English learning, continuing his studies until he was graduated from the high school with the class of June, 1893. His first undertaking in the business world was made as a clerk in a general store and he has since been connected with commercial interests. In the spring of 1903 he established a bakery and restaurant business on his own account in Earlville and was building up a good trade when in the fall of that year his business was destroyed by fire. In 1904 he resumed business but in the succeeding fall sold out and removed to Kewanee where he acted as assistant foreman of the bread department of the West Side Bakery. On the 4th of May, 1909, he came to Geneseo and purchased the bakery and confectionery business of John L. Morrow, bringing to its conduct broad experience in this line of trade, as well as a firm determination to win success if it could be secured by honorable methods.

Mr. White belongs to Shabbona Lodge, No. 294, I. O. O. F. and to the Modern Woodmen Camp. In politics he is a stanch republican, believing firmly in the party platform. His social qualities and sterling worth make him a popular young man and he has gained in large measure the esteem and good will of his business colleagues and associates in Geneseo.

Harrison Miner

Harrison Miner is living retired in Kewanee, although retaining financial connection with business concerns of importance. He has lived in the city since 1898 and is one of Illinois' native sons, his birth having occurred in Stark county, June 22, 1840. His parents were Harris W. and Susanna (Smith) Miner, who were natives of Maine and Massachusetts, respectively. The grandfather, coming to Illinois in 1828, took up a claim of government land at Prince's Grove, settling in the midst of the forest. Harris W. Miner secured a claim near Toulon, Illinois, and burned the deserted Indian wigwams which were still standing on his place at that time. The father and grandfather were closely associated with the pioneer development of the respective sections in which they located. The former passed away in 1858 and iiis wife died in 1880.

In the public schools Harrison Miner pursued his education, while spending his youthful days on his father's farm. He early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist and after the father's death he bought out the interest of the other heirs and still retains the ownership of the old homestead. His life work has been that of a successful agriculturist, who has made a close study of the quality and needs of the soil, has practiced the rotation of crops and has carried on his work along progressive and effective lines, winning that success which is the result of intelligently directed effort. In 1898 he left the farm and removed to Kewanee, where he now lives a retired life but is still financially interested in the Savings Bank of Kewanee, of which he was one of the organizers and is now the vice president.

On the 14th of November, 1861, Mr. Miner was married to Miss Avice Parish, who was born in Stark county, Illinois, and is a daughter of Rudolph Parish, a pioneer resident of that county. The children of this marriage are as follows : Ida L,, the eldest, became the wife of L. D. Maxfield, a farmer of this county, but she is now deceased. Edgar S., residing in Kewanee, is a contractor and builder and has erected some of the most important structures of the city, including the Negel block, the hotel block on Main street, the Baptist church and many others. Ernest, now residing in Decatur, Illinois, is connected with a large manufacturing concern. Harrison E. operates the old homestead in Stark county. Carl R,, the youngest, is teller in the Savings Bank at Kewanee.

Mr. Miner has always manifested a public spirit, giving tangible evidence of his interest in the general welfare by hearty cooperation in many movements for the public good. The cause of education has always found in him a stalwart champion and for many years he was a school director in Stark county and also a trustee in Toulon Academy. He was likewise a director of the Stark County Agricultural Society and did much to stimulate ambition and interest along agricultural lines and thus promote the welfare of the farming class. Diligent and persevering in business and reliable at all times he has made a record which has gained him classification with the leading and most respected residents of Kewanee.

Ed BrinkhoflF, a well known and successful agriculturist residing on section 24, Cambridge township, is numbered among the worthy native sons of Henry county, having been born on the farm where he now lives on the 3d of September, 1861. His parents were Dedrich and Sarah (Stackhouse) Brinkhoff, the former a native of Hanover, Germany, while the latter's birth occurred near Ithaca, New York. The paternal grandfather, Frederick Brinkhoff, died in Germany in middle life. His wife lived to attain the ripe old age of ninety-two years. Their children were four in number, namely: Dedrich, Sophie, Henry and Fred. Robert Stackhouse, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of the state of New York and a farmer by occupation. He took up his abode in Cambridge township, Henry county, Illinois, prior to the Civil war and during that sanguinary conflict loyally defended the interests of the Union as a member of the One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Regiment. His son Henry also belonged to that regiment. Robert Stackhouse died immediately after the close of hostilities, but his wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary Bishop,

Dedrich Brinkhoff, the father of Ed Brinkhoff, learned the cabinet-maker's trade in his native land and when a young man of twenty years crossed the Atlantic to the United States. After working for a time at Schenectady, New York, he made his way to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, about 1847, and in 1849 crossed the plains to California with an ox team. He worked in the gold mines there for about three years and in 1852 returned to the west, taking up his abode in Illinois. In 1855 he purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 24, Cambridge township, this county, and, as his financial resources increased, extended the boundaries of the place from time to time by additional purchase until it embraced four hundred acres. During the last few years of his life he lived retired in Cambridge, where he passed away in 1900 at the age of seventy-four years. The period of his residence in this county covered almost a half century and he was widely and favorably known within its borders as a most successful agriculturist and substantial citizen. His wife was called to her final rest in 1878, when forty-six years of age. Their union was blessed with six children, two sons and four daughters, as follows : Sophia, the wife of J. Buckley, of Burns township ; Ada, the wife of T. B. Rogers, of Lincoln, Nebraska; Ed, of this review; Fred, who died in early life; Mary, the wife of John Rogers, of Palisades, Colorado; and Elizabeth, the wife of Samuel Blystone, of Denver, Colorado.

Ed Brinkhoff was reared on the farm where his birth occurred and which has remained his place of residence to the present time. He attended the district' schools in the acquirement of an education and, through the assistance which he rendered his father in the cultivation of the home farm, early became familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. The old homestead place is now in his possession and is a rich and productive tract of land comprising one hundred and sixty acres on section 24, Cambridge township. He has remodeled and greatly enlarged the residence, and the various other buildings on the property are kept in an excellent state of repair. He and his children were all born in the same room where his mother and grandmother died. He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and bends his energies toward raising the crops best adapted to soil and climate, so that he annually gathers and markets good harvests.

On the 14th of February, 1883. Mr. Brinkhoff was united in marriage to Miss Sadie Finley, whose birth occured in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, August 13, 1865. Her parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Hutchison) Finley, who were both natives of Ireland, came to the United States shortly after their marriage and settled in Pennsylvania. In 1877 they came to Henry county, Illinois, taking up their abode in Munson township. Samuel Finley passed away on the 14th of January, 1900, when seventy-four years of age, but is still survived by his widow, who has now attained the age of eighty-two years. Unto them were born eleven children, nine of whom are yet living, as follows : Joseph ; Charles ; Ida, the wife of John Bonn ; Annie, the wife of Andrew Hemmerle ; William ; Mrs. Brinkhoff ; Emma, the wife of Max Rosenstern ; and Mate and Elizabeth. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Brinkhoff, John Finley, was a farmer by occupation and spent his entire life in

Ireland, passing away in middle age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Sadie Hazlett, lived to a ripe old age. They had four children : Samuel, Robert, John and Elizabeth. William and Ann (Cochren) Hutchison, the maternal grandparents of Mrs. Brinkhoff, also died on the Emerald isle. They reared a family of six children, namely : William, Robert, Joseph, Cochran, Elizabeth and Hattie. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brinkhofif have been born three children, as follows : Pearl, who died at the age of ten years and eight months ; Bonn, a graduate of the Geneseo high school, who is now engaged in teaching ; and Finley, who is attending school.

Where national questions and issues are involved Mr. Brinkhoff gives his political allegiance to the republican party but at local elections casts an independent ballot. He held the office of school director for two terms and is a stanch friend of the cause of education. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Cambridge Lodge, No. 199. He has made his home in this county from his birth to the present time, and, owing to his upright and honorable career, the circle of his friends is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.

Edward Lenieus Swanson

Among the leading representatives of this the first generation of descendants of the sturdy pioneers of Bishop Hill is Edward Lenieus Swanson, the second son of Swan Swanson, one of the prominent men of the village. He was one of the founders of the colony, was a trustee and the manager of its mercantile department during its existence, and after its dissolution he was one of those active in the establishment of the village of Bishop Hill, a most prominent factor in its civic afifairs and its commercial development.

Edward Lenieus Swanson was born at Bishop Hill, February 4, 1862. He received a good common-school education in the village, finishing with a commercial course in Elliott's Business College at Burlington, Iowa. After leaving school he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits and in 1889 was appointed postmaster of Bishop Hill by Postmaster General Wannemaker, having conducted his general store and the village postoffice in conjunction for the past twenty years, for he has been reappointed for five successive terms as there was no opposition to him, and yet he had no other advantage in his favor save his record of efficient service. That, however, should be great enough to convince any that he was a most capable official for in the score of years of his administration the postal business has increased more than tenfold, a rural route has been established, a money order division secured, and many other improvements have been made.

Politically Mr. Swanson has always been a stanch republican and has ever taken an active part in the local afifairs of the party. Having inherited the characteristics of his father, whom nature had constituted a leader among men, he has followed closely in his footsteps, like him fully appreciating the duties and responsibilities of citizenship. In consequence he has proven himself a worthy successor of that esteemed man in public life as in business. He has held the office of township clerk for almost twenty years, has been a member of the village board for the greater part of the period since he attained his majority, serving as president of the body during several terms.

On the i8th of September, 1894, in Bishop Hill, Mr. Swanson was united in marriage to Miss Jennie V. Olson, a daughter of the late Olof Olson, a prominent farmer and one of the original members of the Bishop Hill colony, while her mother, who was Miss Mary Malmgren before her marriage, enjoyed the distinction of having been the first child born in the colony. Mrs. Swanson is a graduate of Burlington Commercial College and charming mistress of the pretty home they occupy on the south side of town. It was erected in 1895 and combines comfort and convenience with artistic excellence. They have one child, a daughter, Grace Evelyn, who was born November 23, 1897.

Mr. Swanson has ever taken a deep interest in fraternal organizations, being identified with the Masonic order. In this he has risen to the Knight Templar degree, and also holds membership in the Mohammed Temple of the Mystic Shrine of Peoria, Illinois. Mr. Swanson is a man of modest and retiring disposition, of a quiet and courteous manner, easy of approach and cordial in his intercourse with and reception of others. His calmness, however, conceals an ability possessed by few men, so that the esteem in which he is held as a citizen and a public servant is only excelled by that with which he is regarded by those who know him intimately through constant intercourse with him at his home and in the world of affairs.

Swan Swanson

With the death of Swan Swanson, which occurred March 24, 1907, the last of the trustees of the little colony of Bishop Hill, which was established in 1853, passed away. Not only was he numbered among the small band of men who set out from their native land to found a home in this country and make a settlement where they might find full exercise for their religious ideas, but throughout the life of the colony and later that of the town, he played a conspicuous part. Although he retired from active life for more than a quarter of a century before his death, his influence was still potent for advancement and his aid was ever ready where there was worthy need almost to the day of his death.

Swan Swanson was born in Walla, Soderale, Helsingland, Sweden, May 28, 1825. As the son of a farmer he spent the early years of his life in tilling the soil, and as he approached manhood became imbued with the ideas advocated by Eric Tansen. Finally he decided to cast his lot with the sturdy followers of that apostle and in company with other Jansenists left his native land August 21, 1846. The journey to America was protracted according to our present-day notions of ocean travel and it was the 13th of October before the party landed in New York. Thence they made the journey to Albany by steamboat, where they took a canalboat for Buffalo, and proceeded by propeller on the Great Lakes to Chicago. The remainder of the journey, from that city to Bishop Hill, the. final destination of the colony, Mr. Swanson accomplished on foot, and once having settled with his compatriots he became a prominent figure in public affairs and filled important offices. Upon the organization of the colony, in 1853, he was elected one of the seven trustees, a position he held continuously throughout the existence of the colony, and for the same length of time he superintended the mercantile department. In 1854 he was appointed postmaster and until 1872, when he retired from active life, he distributed the mail to the members of the colony and later to the inhabitants of the town. In i860, in partnership with Jacob Jacobson, Sr., he engaged in merchandising on his own account, conducting a general store with profit until 1872.

On the organization of the village of Bishop Hill in i860, as one of the trustees of the colony, Mr. Swanson assisted in laying out the town, and then served as president of the village board and as one of the trustees for a long period. His public efficiency reached even farther, for more than sixteen years he was township school treasurer, and for twelve years was township school trustee, fulfilling the duties of both offices with a care and fidelity to trust imposed upon him which marked the entire course of his life. The last years of his life he passed in the retirement of his home, but he was ever ready to give advice to those who sought it, and to give substantial aid where a worthy cause presented itself. For some time he had been in feeble health and had not left his house since the September before his death, when he attended the Old Settlers Reunion, and still when the apoplectic stroke came that put an end to his life it was a shock to all.

Mr. Swanson had been married twice. On the 2d of July, 1848, he wedded Miss Christiana Gabrielson, who bore him seven children. Two daughters and two of the sons died in infancy, but three sons survive - Walter, Linnie and John. Mrs. Swanson died October 2, 1877, and October 8, 1881, Mr. Swanson married Miss Kate Erickson, who with a daughter, Dorothy, survives him. His life, which had been a constant devotion to high ideals, has left its impress upon the men and women among whom he lived, and whose welfare was his deep concern. They are the better for the memory of his service in their midst and this surely is the sincerest praise which may be bestowed upon a good man.

Jacob Kroll

Among the foreign born residents of Galva who are figuring prominently in the business circles of this city is Jacob Kroll, to whom the consensus of public opinion accords a foremost place among the highly respected and honored citizens of the community. As the name indicates he is of German descent, his birth having occurred in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, on the 15th of March, 1856. He lost his father when a little child, too young to remember him, and the years of his boyhood and early youth were spent in the home of his widowed mother, where he remained until seventeen years of age. During that time he acquired his education in the common schools of his native land and after putting aside his text-books he appHed himself to mastering the cabinet-maker's trade with the intention of making that his hfe work. He had scarcely reached young manhood ere rumors reached him concerning the splendid advantages offered by the new world, and thinking to obtain better opportunity for advancement along business lines, in 1873, when but seventeen years of age, he left the fatherland and came to the United States, arriving here with but five cents in his pocket. He did not tarry on the eastern coast, however, but came direct to Illinois, locating in Pekin where he joined an uncle, Jacob Kroll, with whom he made his home for a short time. He then began working at his trade, which he followed for several years, and during this period was very successful. He was called upon, however, to suffer the loss of his furniture factory by fire, this catastrophe leaving him almost penniless, and as though to attest the truth of the old adage that "Misfortune never comes singly," he was immediately taken ill with chills and fever, and for some time was compelled to give up all work. Undaunted, however, by this double trouble, when again able to assume business activities he accepted a position in a furniture factory in Peoria, where he was engaged for several years. He was then identified with carpentering for a number of years and subsequently took up the millwright's business. He located in Davenport, where he was again burned out, losing all of his tools. He then took a trip through the west and after his return to Illinois accepted a position as foreman in the Peoria Oatmeal Mills, which he occupied for fifteen years. The year 1901 witnessed his arrival in Galva, where he purchased the cereal and feed mill of William McBride & Son, in the conduct of which he has since been actively engaged. Since becoming proprietor of the mill he has made many substantial improvements therein and has built up an excellent trade, the thorough and comprehensive experience previously obtained along this line well fitting him for carrying on an enterprise of this nature. He is directing his energies toward the successful control of the mill and his good business ability and close application are proving potent factors in the success which is now his.

In 1877, Mr. Kroll laid the foundation for a happy home life in his marriage to Miss Lena Weers, a daughter of Harry and Margaret Weers, and as the years passed five children came to bless that union. John, the eldest, makes his home in Chicago, where he is a bookkeeper in Marshall Field's store. He married Annie Reinhart and in their family are four daughters. Minnie, the second in order of birth, became the wife of John Zweifel, and with their two children, Harold and Ruth, they make their home in Peoria. George assists his father m the operation of the mill, while the other two, Carl and Harold, both passed away in early Hfe. After the death of the wife and mother Mr. Kroll was again married, his second union being with Miss Lena Mennett, who is also deceased, having been called to her final rest August 24, 1909. They became the parents of two children, Gussie and one who died in infancy,

Mr. Kroll is a member of the Lutheran church, the teachings of which form the guiding influence of his life, and he has always been deeply interested in church work, doing all in his power to further its influence throughout the commimity. He gives his support at the polls to the republican party but has never sought nor desired office for himself, preferring to devote his entire attention to the conduct of his personal affairs. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek his fortune in the new world, for in this country where individual effort is unhampered by caste or class he has won success which places him among the progressive and prosperous business men of the community in which he resides. His success, however, has been honorably won for the methods which he has pursued have at all times been honest and upright, while his integrity of purpose and the high principles which govern his life have gained him the unqualified respect and regard of his fellowmen.

David Wine

The upbuilding and developing of a community does not depend upon its machinery of government or even upon the men who control its municipal affairs, but upon those who are active in its commercial and professional circles, lending their aid and influence to progressive public measures and promoting through their individual interests not only their personal success but also the business progress of the community. To this class of men belongs David Wine, who in 1904 came to Kewanee and established the works of the Kewanee Iron and Metal Company, of which he is sole proprietor.

A native of Prussia, Mr. Wine was born on the 19th of May, 1874, and is a son of Mayor and Dora Wine, the former a farmer in Prussia, Germany. He has always devoted his life to agricultural pursuits and is now the owner of a large tract of land of twenty thousand acres.

David Wine began his education in the public schools near his father's home and also attended the colleges of that district. In one respect Germany has gone ahead of America in her educational institutions in that her colleges are supported by the state and thus the opportunity of a collegiate course is open to all. After completing his studies David Wine turned his attention to bookkeeping in Lodz, entering the employ of one of the largest cotton importers of that country. He spent two years there and then sought the opportunities of the new world.

In the meantime, however, Mr. Wine was united in marriage on the 5th of January, 1897, to Miss Rebecca Lavin, of Prussia, and in June, of the same year, crossed the broad Atlantic to the United States. They did not tarry on the eastern coast but made their way to Chicago, where they resided for two years, during which period Mr. Wine was employed as bookkepeer by the Cable Piano Company. He afterwards traveled for the Joseph Iron Company of Aurora, Illinois, buying and selling iron. This was a wholesale enterprise, which he represented for four years. In 1904 he came to Kewanee and established the Kewanee Iron and Metal Company. He is sole proprietor of the business, which has become one of the most important industries of the city. He handles about one thousand cars per year and buys and sells iron from New Orleans to Omaha, Arkansas and Oklahoma. His yards are well equipped with the most modern and important machinery and the plants which he has instituted for the control and expansion of his business are such as are producing excellent results.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wine have been born three children: Ruth, Erwin and Laura. The family attend the Orthodox Jewish church and Mr. Wine in his fraternal relations is connected with the Masons and the Elks. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world for he has here found the opportunities he sought and in his business life has made steady progress, placing his dependence upon the substantial qualities of energy, determination and progressiveness.

George Duff

Among Henry county's venerable citizens is numbered George Duff, who has now passed the eighty-eighth milestone on life's journey, and his record has at all times been so honorable, his actions so manly and his purpose so sincere that he now receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded one who has lived long and well. He was born near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, March 24, 1 82 1, his parents being William and Mary (Johnson) Duff, who were also natives of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. The former was a son of John Duff who was likewise born in the Keystone state and was a farmer by occupation. Unto him and his wife were born six sons and four daughters. The maternal grandfather of George Duff devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits. He wedded Martha Johnson and both lived to an old age. William Duff, the father of our subject, was a tanner by trade and conducted business of that character in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, near the place where his birth occurred. He died there when about fifty-seven or fifty-eight years of age, while his wife passed away at the age of forty-seven years.

In their family were twelve children, but George Duff is now the only survivor. He was reared in Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, pursued his education in the public schools and worked in a tan yard and ground bark. Later he engaged in teaming for a time and subsequently turned his attention to farming in Pennsylvania, but, rightly judging that the middle west offered better opportunities to the agriculturist, he came to Henry county in 1857 and here rented land. A few years later he purchased a farm of eighty acres to which he afterward added a tract of similar size. For some years he remained upon that place and at different times owned farms in the county but lived mostly in Penn township. At one time he was the owner of two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land but eventually sold his farm to his son and for fifteen or twenty years has made his home in Geneseo.

Mr. Duff was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Cyphers, who was born in Penn township, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of Philip and Nancy (Quinter) Cyphers, who were likewise natives of the Keystone state. Mr. and Mrs. Duff became the parents of six children, of whom four are now living: Nancy Ellen, the wife of Darwin R. Amsden; William, who wedded Rebecca E. Wilson; Anna, the wife of George H. Wilson; and Mary Frances, the wife of Charles Magee. Of the family John P. and Freddie died in childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Amsden have three living children : Cora B., Ina M., and Roscoe John, while Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have one son, Alden George. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Magee are Elsie M. and Elan C. Mrs. Mary Ann Duff died

November i, 1906, at he age of eighty-two years and one month. She was a number of the Christian church and a most estimable lady whose many good traits of heart and mind endeared her to all who knew her.

In his political views Mr. Duff has long been a stalwart democrat. He has resided in Henry county for fifty-two years and is one of the most highly respected citizens. He has always been an honest, hard-working, upright man and has made his way in the world unaided, since he started out for himself emptyhanded. His industrious habits and good management, however, have secured him a competency for his old age. In the early days he bought land when it was cheap, and his son now owns and operates the old homestead. The farm is now finely improved and is today worth one hundred and fifty dollars an acre. Mr. Duff owns a good and comfortable home on North State street close to the business part of the town. Though past eighty-eight years of age he is quite active for one who has traveled thus far on Hfe'e journey, and at all times he keeps informed on the current events of the day. He is very social and genial of nature and it is a pleasure to converse with him. He has a host of friends who hold him in the highest esteem for his life has ever been upright and honorable. Although he has now advanced far on the journey he still keeps a cheerful spirit and sheds around him the cheerful influence of a sunny disposition. His record is altogether most creditable and no history of the community would be complete were there failure to make prominent mention of George Duff.

Ira Couch Miller

ing this district for the uses of civilization. During the first sixteen years of his ' residence here Mr. Miller devoted most of his time to the carpenter trade, but in

1854 - the year in which the Rock Island Railroad reached Geneseo - he embarked in the hotel business and for forty years was well known as the popular host of a hotel, especially of the Geneseo House. He died July 8, 1893, at the age of seventy-seven years, while his wife passed away in 1902 at the age of eighty-two years. They were the parents of three sons and a daughter.

Ira Couch Miller was only six months old when his parents took up their abode in Geneseo, so that he was reared in Henry county. The public schools of the town afforded him his educational privileges, and when not busy with his textbooks and after he had completed his education he was his father's assistant in the hotel. After the outbreak of the Civil war he went to Springfield to enlist and was there made clerk of the commissary department. Subsequently he was transferred to Rock Island and then to Camp Douglas, where he remained until the camp was discontinued by reason of the cessation of hostilities and the inauguration of peace. After the war he continued in the hotel business with his father, and this brought him a wide acquaintance, while his genial manner and many substantial qualities gained for him the warm regard of those with whom he came in contact.

On the i6th September, 1866, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Josephine McFarlane, a daughter of Andrew and Keziah Ann (IMcCIoskey) Mc- Farlane. Mrs. Miller was born in Pulaski, Pennsylvania, June 19, 1847. Her father was born on a farm in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, September 23, 1804. and was a son of John McFarlane, who was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, but was born of Scotch parentage, belonging to the McFarlane brothers' clan, whose exploits and accomplishments constitute an important part in the Scotch history, the home of the family being on Loch Lomond. John McFarlane wedded Katharine McNickle and after coming to America, they resided at Lowellville, Ohio. Mr. McFarlane purchased fifteen hundred acres of land in Pennsylvania and gave to each of his children a farm. The family name was originally spelled McFarland. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Miller were Thomas and Rachel (Creighton) McCloskey and resided at East Palestine, Ohio, where both died, the former when more than sixty years of age while the latter had passed the seventieth milestone on life's journey when called to her final rest.

Andrew McFarlane, the father of Mrs. Miller, was married December 10, 1845, to Miss Keziah Ann McCloskey, who was born in East Palestine, Columbiana county, Ohio, September 22, 1826. On the 20th of October, 1851, they arrived in Henry county, Illinois, and took up their abode in Geneseo, where he engaged in the dry goods business, opening a little line of goods in Deacon Ward's woodshed where the Collegiate Institute now stands. In the east he had been engaged in merchandising, and at the time of the big Pittsburg fire, in 1847, his cotton mills were destroyed. He was a stanch advocate of abolition and was one of the committee of five in Geneseo who conducted the underground railroad. On retiring from the dry goods trade he looked after his landed and other property interests in Geneseo, for he had made extensive investments in real estate. He died January 27, 1885, at the age of eighty-one years and thus passed away one of the prominent and representative citizens. He was survived for some time by his wife, who died December 29, 1898, at the age of seventy-two years.

Their only child was Mrs. Miller, who by her marriage became the mother of two sons and a daughter: Andrew Abram, who married Jessie Frances Vilas and has been in the employ of the J. V. Farwell Dry Goods Company, of Chicago, from the age of eighteen years; Lulu Grace, at home; and Percy Burdette, who died in 1882 at the age of two years. The husband and father passed away April 8, 1901, when fifty-nine years of age. His many good qualities having gained him a large circle of warm friends his death was deeply regretted by many who knew him. Practically his entire life had been spent in Geneseo and few had a wider acquaintance. His social qualities were such as made him a genial landlord, while his business ability well prepared him for the duties which devolved upon him in connection with the management of a hotel. Mrs. Miller has also spent the greater part of her life in this county, and she, too, is widely and favorably known in the city where she has made her home for so many years.

Carl Frederick Johnson

A finely improved farm of eighty acres located in Weller township is the home of Carl Frederick Johnson, who was born in Collamerlane, Smoland, Sweden, September 10, 1840, a son of Jacob and Lena Johnson, who were likewise native of that country and there spent their entire lives, the former passing away in April, 1888. The mother is also deceased.

Carl Frederick Johnson was reared in his native country and was there educated in the public schools. After starting out upon an independent business venture he worked at farm labor and also for some time in a stone quarry. He remained in Sweden until twenty-nine years of age, when, foreseeing no future there and having heard favorable reports concerning the opportunities to be enjoyed in the new world, he accordingly set sail for America in 1869, arriving at his destination - Bishop Hill - on the ist of May of that year. A little later, however, he continued his journey to Iowa and for a year worked on the railroad. He then returned to Bishop Hill and for two years was employed at farm labor near this place. During these years he carefully saved his earnings for his one ambition was to engage in business on his own account. To this end he then rented sixty acres of land lying northeast of Bishop Hill and to its cultivation gave his attention for six years. Through this means he gained his real start in life. In 1878 he possessed a sum of money that justified his purchase of land and accordingly he became the owner of forty acres, which constitutes a portion of his present home place. The tract at that time bore little resemblance to its present condition. When he bought it it was covered with timber. Mr. Johnson in due time had this cleared off and he then erected a good house, barn and other outbuildings, divided his land into fields by building fences, and through modern methods of farming placed his land in a cultivable state. In a few years he was able to purchase forty acres more and he now owns eighty acres. He has added to his residence, which is now one of the fine country homes of his section of the county. For thirty-two years he was actively identified with farming interests, his main crops being corn and oats. He has been so successful that in the past year he purchased two lots and a nice residence in Bishop Hill, to which place he will remove in the spring of 1910. He still retains possession of his farm property and rents the same. . Mr. Johnson was married in this city to Miss Christine Soderburg, a daughter of Olof Soderburg, who came from Sweden to Bishop Hill in 1865, and rented a farm in Weller township for about three years and in Clover township for five years. He then removed to Kansas, where he purchased a farm near the town of Dwight. Mr. Soderburg passed away in January, 1906, but his wife is still living and remains on the farm with one of her sons. Mr. Johnson is a republican, stanch in his advocacy of its principles. His first presidential ballot was cast for James A. Garfield and he has supported every candidate of the party since that time. He takes a deep and active interest in local affairs and is most loyal to his adopted country.

Ezra S. Dean

Ezra S. Dean, who since 1900 has lived retired in Galva, was formerly successfully engaged in farming for many years and is still the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of rich and productive land in Cambridge township. His birth occurred in Chester, Vermont, on the 14th of February, 1841, his parents being Ezra and Eliza (Sargent) Dean, likewise natives of the Green Mountain state. The paternal grandfather, Darius Dean, was a native of Massachusetts and followed general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. He passed away at Chester, Vermont, when eighty-five years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Esther Fisher, also lived to attain a ripe old age. They reared a large family of children. Ezra Sargent, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was likewise a farmer by occupation and died at Chester, Vermont, when well advanced in years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Betsy Putnam, was more than ninety years of age when called to her final rest. They, too, had quite a large family of children.

Ezra Dean, the father of Mr. Dean of this review, was engaged in general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career. He was sixty-one yeare of age when called to his final rest, his demise occurring in Illinois in 1855, while he was on a visit to his older children. He was twice married and his second wife, the mother of our subject, passed away about 1875 when sixty-eight years of age. She was a Baptist in religious belief and Mr. Dean was a devoted member of the Congregational church. Their union was blessed with two children, namely: Ezra S., of this review; and Julia E., the deceased wife of Allen J. Davis. Mr. Dean first wedded Miss Phoebe Burgess, by whom he had three children, as follows : Rosanna, the deceased wife of James H. Hewitt ; Leverett B., a resident of Kansas; and Lucia M., the widow of S. B. Arnold, of Creston, Iowa. Mrs. Eliza (Sargent) Dean was also twice married and by her first husband, Abner Field, had a daughter named Zilia. She became wife of A. W. Davis, of Chester, Vermont, but is now deceased.

Ezra S. Dean was reared on his father's farm near Chester, Vermont, and there remained until the latter's death. He supplemented his preliminary education, obtained in the district schools, by a course in Chester Academy. In 1862 he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company H, Tenth Vermont Infantry, loyally defending the stars and stripes until honorably discharged on the 1st of December, 1865. He served as a private until 1864 and afterward acted as first lieutenant and adjutant of the Forty-third Regiment of United States Colored Troops. He participated in all the battles of the Richmond campaign and took part in most of the engagements under Grant, beginning with the battle of the Wilderness. When the country no longer needed his aid he returned to his home in Vermont and soon afterward removed westward to Logan county, Illinois, where he shipped cattle and handled stock for a year. In the fall of 1866 he came to Henry county and, in association with A. W. Davis, purchased a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Cambridge township. Subsequently he bought half of Mr. Davis' interest and his holdings now embrace four hundred and eighty acres of finely improved and highly productive land. For a third of a century he carried on the work of the fields with good success, his care and labor being annually rewarded by bounteous harvests. Since 1900, however, he has lived retired in Galva, making his home in a commodius and beautiful residence which he- erected on North street.

On the 5th of March, 1867, Mr. Dean was joined in wedlock to Miss Marian Hobley, a native of Brooklyn, New York, and daughter of Jesse and Elizabeth Hobley, both of whom were born in England. The father was a silk manufacturer and after coming to this country took up his abode in Brooklyn, New York. Unto him and his wife were born four children, namely: Arthur R., who is deceased ; Mrs. Dean ; Thomas H. ; and Ada, living in Galva.

At the polls Mr. Dean casts his ballot in support of the men and measures of the republican party, being convinced that its principles are most conducive to good government. He still maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in Galva Post, G. A. R., and while living in Cambridge township belonged to A. A. Dunn Post. Both he and his wife are devoted members of the Baptist church and are well known and highly esteemed throughout the community as people of genuine personal worth and upright, honorable lives. He has now made his home within the borders of this county for more than four decades and is well entitled to representation in this volume as one of its substantial, respected and enterprising citizens.

Leon Van Zele

Leon Van Zele is proprietor of the Red Mill at Geneseo, in which connection he does grinding and sells all kinds of feed and also flour and coal. He established business in March, 1907, and in the intervening period has developed a substantial and gratifying trade.

Mr. Van Zele was born in France, May 26, 1868. He deserves all the credit implied in the term "a. self made man." He was a youth of twelve years when in 1880 he came to America with two uncles. He was at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Warnock, four miles east of Atkinson, Henry county, from the time he was thirteen years of age and always called them father and mother. He found with them a most pleasant home and was carefully reared by them as a farm boy, the district schools affording him his educational privileges. When eighteen years of age he went to Colorado and took up a homested of one hundred and sixty acres, which he afterward sold, removing thence to Fillmore county, Nebraska. He conducted a feed mill at Strang, Nebraska, for sixteen years and on the ist of March, 1907, came to Geneseo, where he purchased the Red Mill. He here does grinding and sells flour and coal, together with all kinds of feed. His business has reached large and profitable proportions and his success is well merited.

In 1893 Mr. Van Zele was married to Miss Gertie King, a daughter of Charles P. and Melvina (Van Nice) King. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Van Zele have been born four children : Verlie ; Gladys, who died in May, 1908, at the age of thirteen years ; Howard ; and Ruth, who died March 8, 1908, at the age of two years.

Mrs. Van Zele is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Van Zele belongs to Geneseo lodge of Odd Fellows. Politically he is a stalwart republican and has been quite active in local political circles. While living in Strang, Nebraska, he served as mayor and was alderman of the city for several years, exercising his official prerogatives in support of many measures for the public good. He was also a school director for three years and the cause of education has ever found in him a stalwart champion. An orphan boy, he started out in life for himself at the age of thirteen years, acquired a good common-school education and has bravely fought the battle of life, coming off victor in the strife. He possessed a stout heart and willing hands, and his industry and energy succeeded in winning for him the confidence and good will of those with whom he lived, of his neighbors and of those who belong to the larger circle of acquaintances that is his since he actively entered business life. He has the good will of the entire community, possesses a genial, courteous nature that wins him friends, while his business enterprise has placed him in a substantial position as a representative of the trade interests of Geneseo.

Frederick Gunther

The name of Frederick Gunther is inseparably interwoven with the history of Kewanee in its material development, business activity and substantial improvement. He figures prominently in connection with many of the "first events" which have had to do with shaping the history of the city and in more recent years has taken an active part in promoting the manufacturing interests of Kewanee, being now a member of one of the most extensive and important productive industries which have made Kewanee a leading manufacturing center of Illinois.

A native of Germany, Frederick Gunther was born June 15, 1832, a son of Michael Gunther, who was a carpenter by trade. In his native land Frederick

Gunther was reared and educated and after leaving school was apprenticed to the brick mason's trade in which he became an expert workman, being employed in that line of labor until he came to Kewanee.

It was in the year 1855, when a young man of twenty-three years, that Frederick Gunther arrived in this city, having come to America as the result of enticing tales which he heard concerning the business opportunities of the new world. Here he took up the brick mason's trade and erected the present City Hall, also the building at the corner of Tremont and Second street, including four stores, one of which is now occupied by the Savings Bank, He was formerly the owner of this block. At length, abandoning building operations, he turned his attention to the manufacture of brick, established Gunther's Brick Yard, which became one of the early and important industries of the city. He manufactured brick and erected the first brick building for the Haxtun Heater Company. The product of his kilns was such as to secure him an excellent and growing patronage and he continued in the manufacture of brick until 1890, when he withdrew from that field of activity. His business had developed to large proportions and the plant covered ten acres. Prior to 1890 he made the brick for nearly all the brick blocks in the town, including the Savings Bank building, the Odd Fellows Hall, the Lyman building and the Pierce building. After he had ceased to engage in brick manufacture he devoted his time for a period to the erection of six brick houses. In 1890 he formed a partnership with his two sons, Frank and William Gunther, and with Peter Wistrand, for the manufacture of what is known as the Peters Pump. When the Gunthers bought into the pump works there were but two men employed and the growth of the business is indicated in the fact that employment is now furnished to between thirty-five and forty workmen. The trade gradually increased, and the scope of the business was extended to include the manufacture of Kewanee Planters and Gunther Hot- Water Heaters. Today the output includes a full line of pumps, planters and hot-water heaters and the company makes extensive shipments, finding a ready sale for its product on the market in both America and Canada. The company is a private concern, all of the stock being owned by the father and two sons. The factory is well equipped with all facilities needed for the successful conduct of the business, the machinery being of the latest improved patterns, while skilled workmen are employed in the manufacture of the various products turned out. In addition to his manufacturing interests, Mr. Gunther has financial connection with other important enterprises and is now a director in both the First National Bank and the Union National Bank.

In 1857 Mr. Gunther wedded Miss Fredericka Brandt and they became the parents of a daughter and two sons: Mary, now the wife of Emil Spiegel, of San Diego, California; and Frank and William, who are associated with their father in business. Mr. and Mrs. Gunther hold membership in the German Lutheran church, to the support of which they make liberal contribution. Mr. Gunther has been prominent in community afifairs, taking an active interest in all things that pertain to municipal affairs, and for five consecutive years he served as alderman of the village, doing everything in his power during his incumbency to advance the welfare and promote the growth of the town. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and in lodge as well as in business and social circles he has won the high regard of his associates. He is a man of sterling strength of character, and the steps in his business career are easily discernible. Progress has been his watchword and with a realization of the fact that in America labor is king, he has persistently applied his energies and so directed his labors that at any one point of his career he seems to have accomplished the full possibilities for success at that point.

Frank Gunther

Frank Gunther, a member of the Gunther family of Kewanee, needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for through more than a half century the name has figured prominently in connection with the business development of the city. Frank Gunther was here born on the 9th of January, 1859, and the public schools afforded him his educational privileges. After he had put aside his text-books he began the manufacture of brick in connection with his father and the business relations between them have since continued. On withdrawing from the field of brick making they established the Peters Pump Company, and with the development and extension of the business they are now actively engaged in the manufacture of pumps, planters and hot-water heaters, their product having extensive shipment not only in this country but also across the border in Canada. Frank Gunther has always given his attention to promoting the growth and development of the business interests in which he has been associated with his father and is today recognized as one of the leading and respresentative business men of the city.

In October, 1882, occurred the marriage of Frank Gunther and Miss Emma Zabel. They have two children: Louis, who is now a bookkeeper in the manufacturing plant; and Hazel, at home. The family is prominent socially and Mr. Gunther is a member of the Commercial Club.

William Gunther

William Gunther, a son of Frederick Gunther, was born in Kewanee, January 6, 1867, and his youthful days were passed in a manner similar to that of most lads of the period whose time was divided between the attainment of an education and the pleasures in which most boys indulge. He was educated in the public schools and in business college at Burlington, Iowa, and then entered business life in connection with his father's manufacturing interests. While he was fortunate in this respect, parental judgment was too wise to allow him liberties which other employes did not have and the demands made upon him in a business way were such as have developed his latent powers and energies, making him a forceful factor in the control of the Peters Company, now one of the leading manufacturing concerns of this section of the state.

William Gunther was married in 1893 to Miss Fannie Zabel of Faribault, Minnesota, and they have two children, Helen and Harold. William Gunther is also a member of the Commercial Club and occupies a similar prominent position to his father and brother in the social and manufacturing circles of the city.

John Ogden

In the years of his residence in Henry county John Ogden was known as a worthy citizen, and his name is now on the roll of Geneseo's honored dead. He was born in Pennsylvania, November 12, 1836, his parents being John and Remembrance (Evans) Ogden, who were early settlers of Phenix township, Henry county. His father secured a tract of land here and began farming but was not permited long to enjoy his new home, his death occurring soon after his arrival. Unto him and his wife were born six children, four sons and two daughters, four of whom married and had children, namely : Elizabeth, who became the wife of John Taylor; Samuel; Emeline, who married James Dawson; and John. The mother of these children continued a resident of the county until her demise, which occurred when she was in middle life.

John Ogden was only a small child when brought by his parents to Illinois, and upon the old home farm in Phenix township he was reared, experiencing the usual routine of the life of the agriculturist. He attended the district schools and also the Geneseo public schools and was thus well qualified by thorough mental discipHne to meet and solve life's problems. His education complete, he began working at farm labor by the month and his practical experience well qualified him to take charge of a farm of his own, when his industry and economy enabled him to purchase one hundred and ten acres of land. This he improved and added to the property from time to time until he was the owner of two hundred and forty acres, while his wife had two hundred and eighty acres received from her father's estate. Mr. Ogden had managed both properties and in so doing had displayed excellent business ability, knowing what crops were best adapted to soil and climate and understanding the methods which could be most successfully utilized in the cultivation of his fields.

On the 1st of January, 1867, Mr. Ogden was united in marriage to Miss Mary Elizabeth Graf, a daughter of Gustavus and Barbara (Artman) Graf. Her paternal grandparents were George and Elizabeth Graf. Her parents were both natives of Germany, her father coming to America when about twenty-nine years of age, while her mother was only' a little maiden of eight summers at the time of her arrival on this side the Atlantic. They were married in Maryland and afterward removed to Warren, Trumbull county, Ohio. In 1852 they made the long and arduous journey across the plains and through the mountain passes to California, and four years later they returned as far as Illinois, at which time they settled in Phenix township, Henry county, where Mr. Graf engaged in farming. In early manhood he had learned and followed the tailor's trade but here took up general agricultural pursuits and purchased a large tract of land, having at his death four hundred and eighty acres. He was born in Eisenach,

Saxe-Weimar, Germany, November lo, 1813, and died in Phenix township at the age of sixty-nine years, while his wife was born in Milhausen, Koenigreich Preussen, Germany, March 2j, 1825, and passed away in Sterling, Nebraska, in the spring of 1889 at the age of sixty-four years. Their daughter, Mrs. Ogden, was born in Maryland, January 2, 1846, and by her marriage has become the mother of nine children : Anna R., now the wife of A. K. Clark, of Geneseo, by whom she has two children - Mary Ethel and Grace Elizabeth; John Otis, who married Elizabeth Beck; Lucy E., who died December 22, 1874, at the age of twenty-six months; Louis G., who married Effie Caffal, and has five children - John, Louise, Henry, Robert and Effie; Nellie M., who died February 17, 1894, at the age of seventeen years and ten months; James E., who married Helen Walker and has four children - Stuart, Cheston, Florence and John ; Hulda, who for several terms was a teacher in the public schools and is now the wife of Charles W. Farber; Willis R., who married Hazel Limle; and Grace Elizabeth, who was also a teacher in the public schools.

The death of the husband and father occurred January 2, 1887, when he had reached the age of fifty years and two months. He was a member of the Methodist church and his wife, who survives him, is of the Presbyterian faith. Fraternally he was connected with the Odd Fellows, and his life embodied the sterling principles which underlie^ that order as well as the Christian teachings of the church. He endeavored to live peaceably with all men, sought success along honorable methods and made a record which at all times measured up to the highest standard of honorable manhood.

Robert Otley

Robert Otley follows farming on section 34, Kewanee township, and has contributed in substantial measure toward the agricultural development of the district. He has also taken active part in the substantial growth of Kewanee in that he has laid out three different additions to the city and has operated quite largely in real estate. His sound business judgment and enterprise are recognized as salient features in his life work, bringing to him the creditable success which is today his. He was born in Westow, Yorkshire, England, June 13, 1831.

His father, John Otley, was also a native of Yorkshire, where he engaged in farming until 1840, when he came to the United States and settled near Winchester, Scott county, Illinois, where he purchased a tract of unimproved land of three hundred acres. With characteristic energy he began its development and successfully carried on the work of the fields until his death, which occurred August 5, 1864, when he was seventy-eight years of age. He organized and built the first log schoolhouse of the district and also organized the first religious congregation, which held its services in the schoolhouse. It was through his instrumentality that the first circuit rider came to this district and in the early years the visiting ministers here were always entertained at his home. Thus, while carefully conducting his business interests, he also contributed to the intellectual and moral progress of the community and his labors were a valuable factor in the early progress of the county. He married Jane Chapman, also a native of Yorkshire, and her death occurred October 29, 1875, at the age of seventy-nine years, in the home which is now occupied by her son Robert. The children of the faimly were George, John, Robert, Thomas C, Richard, William, and four daughters who died in England. Only two are now living, Robert, and Thomas, the latter a retired farmer of Neponset, Illinois.

Robert Otley acquired his education in the old log schoolhouse which his father built near Winchester, mastering the branches of learning through the winter months, while with the return of spring he took his place in the fields toaid in the cultivation of the crops, and not until the harvests were gathered in the autumn did he again have the privilege of attending school. When twenty-four years of age, upon his father's retirement, he took charge of the home farm and conducted it until he purchased his present farm of two hundred and fifty-four acres on the south line of Kewanee township and just southeast of the village. The former owner of the property was Sullivan Howard. The purchase was made in March, 1865, and Mr. Otley removed to the farm on which he has since lived. Later he bought forty acres in the village, adjoining his original tract on the west. In 1874 he erected a fine house on the first tract to replace the old dwelling. He brought with him from Scott county to this farm in 1865 forty head of cattle, a part of which were thoroughbred shorthorns, and for fifteen years he engaged extensively in the breeding of fine cattle and also Berkshire and Chester White hogs and high grade horses. He was the first to introduce thoroughbred shorthorns in this and some of the neighboring counties. He became widely known as a breeder throughout this section of the state and on the lOth of June, 1874, he held a sale which brought him over sixteen thousand dollars. He also engaged extensively in buying and shipping stock and was recognized as one of the foremost live-stock dealers of central Illinois. Since 1874 he has confined his attention to fine stock raising and general farming. At different times during the past fourteen years, especially in 1895, 1900 and 1902, he has operated quite extensively in real estate, laying out three additions to the city, comprising in all forty acres of land. Mr. Otley also, at his own expense, laid out one-half mile of East Prospect street, which is considered one of the finest streets in the city. He has also been interested in other real estate and now owns other farm lands and city property.

On the 28th of January, 1858, in Scott county, Illinois, Mr. Otley was married to Miss Rebecca Gibbs, a daughter of Robert and Rebecca Gibbs, who also came from England and were early settlers of Scott county, Illinois. Mrs. Otley died April 21, 1863, at the age of twenty-seven years, leaving three children: Ellen Jane, who was born in 1858; Mrs. Mary May Bunton, who was born in 1861 and lives in Kewanee; and George Thomas, who was born in 1863 and follows farming near Kewanee. Alice Ann, who was born June 23, i860, passed away on the 15th of August, i860. Mr. Otley was married a second time in Canandaigua, New York, on the 30th of March, 1876, to Miss Mary A. Hayes, of that place. She died April 4, 1877, at the age of thirty-nine years, leaving one son, Robert Hayes Otley who was born February 23, 1877, and died on the i6th of August, of the same year.

Mr. Otley cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont in 1856, cheered for him in the parade at Jacksonville, Illinois, and in i860 supported Abraham Lincoln, with whom he had a personal acquaintance. He was in the grand rally and parade at Springfield, Illinois, cheering for Lincoln and against slavery. He has since been a stanch republican and in early life was an active worker in the ranks of the party. He served as highway commissioner for several years and assisted in laying out some of the roads here. He has always been interested in the work of public progress and his aid and influence have ever been given on the side of improvement and advancement. He is respcted by all because of his upright life, fidelity to duty and reliability in business affairs, and well deserves mention in this volume.

William Lorenzo Wickstrom

William Lorenzo Wickstrom, owning and operating a fine farm on section 19, Galva township, was born in the house where he now lives, his natal day being September 6, 1866. His parents, Peter Mathias and Ingrid (Johnston) Wickstrom, were both natives of Gefleborg, Sweden. The paternal grandfather, P. M. Wickstrom, came to America and passed away on the home farm of his son, Peter M., his demise occurring when he was eighty-six years of age. The death of his wife occurred in Sweden.

Peter M. Wickstrom, the father of William L. Wickstrom, was a miller in his native land. He came to the United States in 1846 and made his way direct to Henry county, locateing at Bishop Hill with the Bishop Hill colony. He farmed with the colony until i860, when it was disbanded. In 1861 he offered his services in defense of the Union, becoming a member of Company D, Fiftyseventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He first served as sergeant and was promoted from time to time until at the close of the war he was acting as captain. He participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh and a number of other hotly contested engagements and went with Sherman on the march to the sea. After taking part in the grand review he returned to Henry county and resumed agricultural pursuits, purchasing two hundred and ten acres of land in Galva township. As the years passed by he brought the fields under a high state of cultivation and improvement and continued to reside on this farm until the time of his death. The place is now in possession of his son, William L. He died on the 30th of October, 1890, when a little past sixty-three years of age, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 24th of August, 1899, being at that time seventy-three years of age. They were both devoted and faithful members of the Lutheran church. Peter M. Wickstrom held membership in the Grand Army of the Republic and in politics was a stanch democrat. He was one of the most worthy and respected pioneer settlers of the county and his labors proved an important factor in its early development and upbuilding. Unto him and his wife were born six children, as follows : Annie, the deceased wife of Valentine Newman ; Jacob ; John ; Lottie, the wife of E. R. L. Rudmann ; William L., of this review; and one who died in infancy.

William L. Wickstrom was reared on the farm which is now his place of residence and where he has Hved throughout his entire life with the exception of a period of four years, which he spent at Galva in the employ of the railroad. In the spring of 1897 he returned to the home farm and bought out the other heirs to the property, which has since remained in his possession and in the cultivation of which he has gained a gratifying measure of success. The farm now embraces one hundred and thirty acres of rich and productive land on section 19, Galva township, and in its neat and thrifty appearance indicates the supervision of a most practical and progressive owner.

On the 4th of February, 1897, Mr. Wickstrom was joined in wedlock to Miss Carrie S. Peterson, whose birth occurred in Kalmar, Sweden, March 26, 1866. Her parents, Charles M. and Emma (Johnston) Peterson, came to the United States in 1872 and took up their abode at Bishop Hill, Henry county, Illinois. In 1876 they located in Galva township, where they rented land for a year and then established their home in Weller township. There Charles M. Peterson was actively and successfully engaged in the operation of a rented farm for twentytwo years. He and his wife now reside at Bishop Hill and have attained the ages of seventy-three and seventy-one years respectively. They reared a family of ten children, six sons and four daughters, seven of whom still survive, namely : August J.; Gust F. ; Manfred; Alvin; Mrs. Wickstrom; Amanda C, the wife of W. J. Frye, of Chicago; and Hildor E., the wife of Waif red Okerstrom, of Weller township. The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Wickstrom, Carl and Maja Peterson, had quite a large family of children. The grandfather, who was a carpenter by trade, passed away in Sweden. The death of his wife occurred in Bishop Hill, this county, when she was more than seventy years of age. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Wickstrom were Johann and Greta Lizzie (Johnson) Johnson. The former, who was a miller by trade, was drowned in Sweden when about sixty-five years of age. He had six or seven children.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Wickstrom has given his political allegiance to the men and measures of the democracy. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, belonging to Galva Lodge, No. 417. He has an extensive circle of warm friends throughout the community in which his entire life has been spent and is widely recognized as one of the prosperous, progressive and enterprising citizens of his native county.